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COMMUNITY UPDATE

FEBRUARY 2026

Historic partnership with UAlbany

We were thrilled in February to announce a new partnership with the University at Albany that guarantees eligible Albany High students admission to the university upon high school graduation!

The assured admission program is designed to support students as they transition from high school to college, connecting students with campus resources and giving them the security of preparing for college well before graduation.

Under the agreement, students who meet the program requirements — which include earning a 90 GPA and completing Algebra II or a higher-level math course with a grade of C or better — will be guaranteed admission to the university as first-year students.

Celebrating Black History Month

This February commemorated a century of Black history celebrations, from the first weekly recognition led by the scholarship and advocacy of Carter G. Woodson in 1926 to the Black History Month observances we now honor today.

While February provides an opportunity to more deeply explore and lift up the fact that Black history is American history, learning about the triumphs and understanding the tragedies of Black Americans past and present is part of our schools’ curriculum and communities year-round.

We also acknowledge that the struggle for equity continues, and we remain dedicated to protecting the fundamental rights of all our students and employees.

You can  to take a look at some of the many celebrations and workshops throughout the district, and a huge thank you to all our families, employees and community partners who helped contribute to these incredible events. 

Falcon artists featured in juried exhibition

Congratulations to Albany High students Annabelle DiStefano, Alexis Martir, Mohima Nus and Audrey VanAmburg for being selected to showcase their artwork in the 2026 “Art in 3 Dimensions” show! 

This year’s juried exhibition features 79 pieces created by student-artists from 16 schools from the Capital Region.

The artwork was on display through Feb. 26 at the W.B. Haessig Art Gallery at Mohonason High School in Rotterdam.

We are so proud of our Falcons and their guiding teachers, Thea Beauchamp and Ashleigh Harris Johns.

Levi chosen for athletic leadership conference

Congratulations to Albany High junior Yehudah “Hudah” Levi for being selected as the Section 2 representative to attend the 4th Annual New York State Public High School Athletic Association Student (NYSPHSAA) Leadership Conference, which will take place April 15-16!

Levi is a talented three-season student-athlete who competes in football, wrestling and outdoor track and field.

We are proud of this amazing Falcon and wish him the best as he continues to represent our school community with integrity and pride!

Albany High hosts statewide NYSLOC4ED workshop

We were excited to host the New York State Leaders of Color for Education (NYSLOC4ED) workshop at Albany High for the second year in a row in partnership with the New York State Council of School Superintendents. 

New Mayor Dr. Dorcey Applyrs, Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter and Albany High students from the cast of "Mean Girls" helped welcome and inspire the participants on the morning of Feb. 28 to kick off the workshop. 

NYSLOC4ED creates empowering professional development spaces for education leaders of color and their allies across New York, and we are honored to continue to partner with them in this important work.

Music Teacher Concert 2026

Along with being an outstanding showcase of the musical and comedic talents of district staff, the concert raises money to benefit Albany Friends of Music, a nonprofit group of parents, teachers and music lovers who support music programs and initiatives in our schools.

A big thank you to everyone who helped make the night a success, especially music teacher Jimmy Affatigato who organized the event!

Lawson sets new Albany High coaching mark

Join us in congratulating to Albany High girls’ basketball coach Decky Lawson for setting a new program record for coaching wins!

Lawson earned his school-record 215th career victory with the Falcons’ win at Schenectady on Jan. 27. That moved him past City School District of Albany Hall of Famer Leslie Bogucki, who won 214 games during her stellar coaching career.

Lawson recently completed his 13th season as Albany High’s head coach and now has 220 career victories. He has led the Falcons to three Section 2 titles, and to the championship game five times overall.

Fun at school during winter break!

Thanks to the Albany Fund for Education, our community schools program and some amazing community partners, students at three of our elementary schools had a blast going to school during winter break!

The AFE Empower Up! Enrichment Camps provided opportunities for students at Delaware ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø School, Giffen Memorial Elementary School and Roots Academy at West Hill to take part in a range of fun hands-on activities throughout the week.

Students selected for Suburban Council Music Festival

Sixteen of our outstanding students have been chosen to perform in the 2026 Suburban Council Music Festival in April.

The musicians – representing the three middle schools and Albany High School – will perform alongside their peers from area schools in the middle school band, middle school orchestra and high school chorus.

The festival will be held Apr. 18 at 2 p.m. at Ballston Spa High School.

Bizer earns another trip to states!

Another athletic season, another trip to the state championships for Noah Bizer! 

The Albany High senior qualified for the state indoor track and field championships in both the 600 meters and the 1,000 meters. He won the 1,000 at the Section 2 state qualifiers at Hudson Valley ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø College on Feb. 14 with a time of 2 minutes, 34.40 seconds, and placed second in a photo finish in the 600 with a time of 1:25.95.

It is Bizer’s fourth consecutive trip to states, following the indoor and outdoor seasons during his junior year, and the cross country season last fall. 

Congratulations on these exceptional achievements!