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The following is an important message from Principal Andrea Piper:

Welcome to the 2026–27 school year! A new year brings fresh energy, new opportunities, and countless possibilities for every scholar who walks through our doors. Whether your family is returning to North Â鶹ӰÒô or joining our Falcon community for the first time, we are genuinely excited to welcome you.

We believe this can be an extraordinary year - one filled with joyful learning, meaningful relationships, courageous growth, and moments that help our scholars discover just how capable they are. Middle school is a powerful season of becoming, and our team is ready to challenge, encourage, and support each child as they develop their voice, deepen their thinking, and take ownership of their future.

Our commitment reaches beyond academic achievement. We will continue building a safe, equitable, child-centered community where every scholar feels known, valued, connected, and empowered. We will work to ensure that every student has access to what they need to thrive through engaging instruction, cognitively demanding learning experiences, differentiated support, social-emotional learning, and strong relationships.

Families are Essential Partners

We know that our greatest impact happens when school and home work together. Your insight, encouragement, questions, and advocacy matter deeply. We invite you to remain connected, communicate openly, attend school events, celebrate progress, and partner with us when challenges arise. We are committed to listening, responding, and working alongside you throughout the year.

Strive for Five

Our five schoolwide expectations help create the welcoming, focused, and respectful community our scholars deserve. Please review and reinforce them at home:

• Engage in learning
• Respect staff and peers
• Take pride in school spaces
• Come to class on time or with a pass
• Have a safe body

These expectations are more than rules - they are daily habits that help every Falcon learn, contribute, and belong.

First Day of School

The first day of school is Friday, Sept. 4. All students are expected to attend for a full day. We will focus on welcoming scholars, distributing schedules, helping students become comfortable with their lockers and routines, and reviewing safety procedures and schoolwide expectations. Attendance will be taken.

Schedules will be distributed at Door 13 (bus loop) upon arrival. Locker assignments, student IDs, and other opening-day materials will be handed out during first period. Back-to-school events in the classroom will include small-group experiences designed to build relationships, practice transitions, and learn cafeteria, study hall, and classroom routines.

Arrival and Dismissal

• Breakfast is available beginning at 7:40 a.m.
• The school day begins promptly at 8:03 a.m. and ends at 2:52 p.m.
• Dismissal is staggered through approximately 3:00 p.m. to support a safe and orderly transition.

Entrances and Exits

• Students in grades 6 and 8 enter through Door 13 at the Bus Loop.
• Students in grade 7 enter through Door 9, across from Hackett Park.
• Walkers and students being picked up exit through the main entrance on North Pearl Street.
• CDTA riders exit through Door 13 at the Bus Loop.
• Routine security scans are conducted upon entry. For everyone’s safety, sharp objects and glass bottles are not permitted in school.

Transportation

Eligible students will travel by CDTA or First Student yellow bus based on their address and transportation needs. Student IDs serve as CDTA bus passes and should be carried each day. Families should review transportation information as soon as it becomes available and contact the school with any questions.

Lunch

Lunch is served daily in the cafeteria. Scholars may bring lunch from home or choose from available hot and cold meal options. Lunches brought from home should remain in lockers until the assigned lunch period. Meal-delivery services are not permitted during the school day.

Supplies and Personal Devices

Updated supply lists are available at albanyschools.org/northalbany. To remain in compliance with New York State’s Phone Free Schools Law, cell phones and personal electronic devices must remain in the assigned NuKase cases (phone pouches). Additional procedures will be reviewed with students and families at the beginning of the year. We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing focused and responsible technology use.

Important Opening Events

• Grade 6 Transition Camp: Aug. 25-27, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
• New Student and Family Orientation: Thursday, August 27, 5:30-7 p.m. in the auditorium (please use Door 13 entrance at the back of the building).
• Additional upcoming events - including Open House on Sept. 16 - will be shared through our school’s calendar on the district website and our weekly electronic newsletter via SchoolMessenger.

Stay Connected

Please visit our building's and follow us on  for school news and updates. Families should also ensure that contact information is current by reaching out to our main office so that SchoolMessenger and Infinite Campus communications reach you promptly. Emergency contact and media-release information can also be accessed through district resources.

The year ahead is full of promise

Together, we will celebrate growth, navigate challenges, create new memories, and open doors to possibilities our scholars may not yet be able to imagine. Thank you for trusting us with your children and for continuing to walk beside us as valued partners. Let’s make 2026–27 a year of connection, achievement, joy, and Falcon pride!