AP Highlights

APHS proudly recognizes seniors Madelynn Collins, Ethan Colwill, William Cumming, and Maya Love as Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. Principal Heath Quiles presented letters of commendation from APHS and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to honor their scholastic achievements.

These four students are among approximately 34,000 nationwide being recognized for exceptional academic promise. While they will not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT places them among the top 50,000 students in the country. This recognition highlights their potential for future academic success and celebrates the important role APHS plays in nurturing student excellence.

Algonquin Middle School held Second Step Week from Sept. 15-19, with each grade level engaging in lessons designed to build social-emotional skills and address bullying. Throughout the week, classes explored topics such as What Makes a Conflict Escalate?, Conflicts and Perspectives, Resolving Conflict, and Taking Responsibility for Your Actions. Eighth-grade lessons focused on understanding the social and environmental factors that contribute to bullying and encouraged students to speak up, start movements, and be inclusive.

Congratulations to Bryce Gaydushek (Boys Golf) and Gianna Pietrafesa (Girls Soccer) for being named the Golden Knights of the Week for the week of September 22, 2025.

• Gaydushek Shot a 1-over 37 to help AP defeat Bethlehem 152-158. He also shot a 2-under 35 at Saratoga.
• Pietrafesa Recorded 13 saves in goal and added an assist in a 2-0 road win at Bethlehem.

On this episode of the Every Student Every Day Podcast, Dr. Franchini sits down with elementary principals Joshua Gela, Keri Rosher, and Denis Sibson to discuss summer capital project improvements, the impact of New York State’s new cell phone ban, and the launch of co-teaching in their schools. They also share what excites them about the year ahead and highlight upcoming events for families.

Students in Mrs. Costello and Conroy's classes created fantasy maps using rice and paper templates. Each map included seven geographical features, with five required: a continent, an island, a peninsula, a mountain and a river. Students then selected two additional features from a list that included an archipelago, bay, beach, delta, escarpment, plateau, shore and strait.

Each year, Averill Park Central School District appoints a Student Board Member to provide perspective during Board of Education meetings. For the 2025-26 school year, senior Alexis Smith will serve in the role. Smith, who is also a co-president of the senior class, was encouraged to apply by APHS Principal Mr. Quiles.

Earth and Space Science students at APHS marked the Autumnal Equinox this week by measuring shadows and recording phenological observations in their lab journals. The hands-on activities helped students connect classroom concepts to real-world seasonal changes.

The Friends of the Miller Hill Playground will host a Boosterthon Fun Run on October 1 at Miller Hill–Sand Lake Elementary School to raise funds for a brand-new playground. Students will collect pledges per lap, with 100% of proceeds going toward equipment, construction, safety surfacing, and landscaping.

The fundraising goal is $200,000. Sponsorships range from $500 to $10,000 and include recognition on event shirts, plaques, and playground signage. Donations can be made online or by mail.

Learn more at friendsofmhsl.org/boosterthon.

The AMS Club Fair was buzzing with energy. While some dove into the excitement of discovering clubs, others took advantage of the gorgeous sunny weather with a scenic lunch outdoors. A perfect mix of community and campus life!

Students and families can always check out the AMS Club Hub link, which outlines the various clubs they can join at Algonquin.

OBP has begun rehearsals for its fall production, This Murder Was Staged by Patrick Greene and Jason Pizzarello. This fast-paced, backstage comedy follows a chaotic opening night when the play’s director suddenly falls “dead” on stage, turning the theater into a real-life crime scene. Everyone from cast to crew — and even audience members — becomes a suspect in this hilarious whodunit. Don’t miss this suspenseful, laugh-out-loud performance!

• Show dates: Friday, November 7 and Saturday, November 8 at 7:00 p.m.
• Tickets: $10 for adults and $8 for students. Tickets will soon be available online through www.gofan.co (Search APHS OBP) and at the door on performance nights.

In September, APCSD recognized #TeachAG Day, IT Professionals Day and Arts in Education Week.

#TeachAG Day honored educators who inspire and guide students in agricultural education. IT Professionals Day acknowledged the vital work of the district’s technology staff, who keep systems running smoothly and support teaching and learning every day. Arts in Education Week highlighted the role of the arts in fostering creativity and learning across all grade levels.

The District celebrated the dedication of teachers, staff and the impact of arts and technology programs in enriching the student experience.

On Sept. 26, the varsity football team, marching band, and a packed student section were featured on WNYT NewsChannel 13 during the station's new, Friday Morning Lights segment. The segment showcases the excitement and energy on campus ahead of a big game day.

West Sand Lake Elementary held its first assembly of the school year, focusing on the WSL community, the WSL Way, and this year’s character education book, My Path by Jana Curll. Mr. Riccomini and kindergarten students led a song titled “All a Family Under One Sky,” and attendees received an update on another member of the school community, Tori, the WSL therapy dog. Mrs. Beauchamp shared how even Tori is getting back into the school routine.

Poestenkill Elementary also held its first Pride Assembly. This month’s character education focus word is “respect.” PES is proud to celebrate the Pillars of Pride — Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Respectful — and to see students demonstrating these values each day.

Congratulations to Theo Tichy (Boy's Soccer) and Sophie Perrotta (Girls Tennis) for being named the Golden Knights of the Week for the week of September 22, 2025.

• Tichy helped the boys soccer team earn a 0-0 tie against CBA. He recorded seven saves in goal to preserve the shutout and secure the draw.
• Perrotta, competing at No. 1 doubles with partner Tessa Keeler, turned in a stellar performance during the week. The duo posted victories over Burnt Hills (6-4, 6-1) and Shaker (6-2, 6-3), helping the team improve its overall record to 8-1.

The APO's Spooktacular Fall Festival is on Wednesday, October 8th from 2:40-4:00 at AMS. Tickets will be sold for $5 on Mon 10/6, Tue 10/7, and Wed 10/8 during student lunch times. No tickets will be sold at the door.

• Each ticket includes a cup of apple cider and apple cider donut with admission.
• Snacks will be sold at the event for $1 a piece (please bring small bills if possible).

The APO is requesting volunteers for the festival, and for donations, to make this event a success, Please click here to sign up.

What an amazing night at Averill Park High School’s “Freestyle” Open House on Sept. 18, 2025!

Students, parents and guardians met with APHS faculty and staff with no bells or schedules in front of the main entrance of the high school.

Thank you to Cakes and Catering by Sarah for providing dinner options for purchase.

Third graders at WSL observed mealworms to learn about their life cycle, habitat, diet, and body structures. They also collaborated in groups during a butterfly science experiment, practicing teamwork and cooperation while exploring the natural world.

APHS’s Homecoming Week, held September 22–27, was filled with school spirit and community pride. Students & staff participated in themed Spirit Week days, enjoyed a lively pep rally, cheered on the Golden Knights at the Homecoming football game, and capped the week with the Homecoming dance.

The District thanks its dedicated staff and faculty for organizing and supervising the week’s events, the AP Booster Club, Averill Park Education Foundation, Nopiates organization, vendors, and the entire community for supporting our students—and to our students for celebrating with pride and safety.

Gallery: APHS Pep Rally ’25

Gallery: APHS Homecoming Game ’25

Gallery: APHS Homecoming Dance ’25

Check out the upcoming offerings from AP Community Education.

Learn more here.

Have something you would like to see covered on the website/social media? Email Communications at belld@apcsd.org.

Website: averillpark.k12.ny.us
Location: 146 Gettle Road, Averill Park, NY, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AverillParkCentralSchoolDistrict/
Twitter: @AverillParkCSD

Instagram: @averillparkcsd