Albany School District Newsletter
February 24, 2023
Doing something BIG in a special little place
ACADEMICS * ARTS * ATHLETICS
A Message from Mr. Soderberg, Superintendent
February 2023
It’s always a great day to be a Comet!
As we continue to enjoy the final weeks of the winter sports season, we celebrate the success of our solo and ensemble participants and of course FFA week! We also look forward to our production of “Clue” and hosting the math league competition.
Recently, our school board approved the 2023-2024 district calendar (see highlights below). We will begin our school year with 2 optional "jumpstart days". Several schools in our area begin the school year in this manner. These days will be designed to help students get off to a great start. Our focus will be on organization, enrichment activities, and transition. While these days are optional, all students are encouraged to attend.
We have also developed a marketing plan designed to promote our district throughout the local area. In the near future, you may notice billboards in the area promoting our great district! In addition, we are making a strong effort to regularly reach out to all Albany residents via postcard mailers. These mailers will be used to highlight the philosophy, successes, and highlights of our district. We are truly doing big things in a special little place.
I want to thank the community for their exceptional support of our students and staff. Together, we are truly doing something BIG in a special little place.
It's a great day to be a Comet!
Go Comets!
Mr. Soderberg
A Message from Mr. Ritzert, 4K-12 Principal
Happy February, Comet Nation,
February was a busy month, we have much to celebrate. We celebrated National School Counselor Appreciation week on February 6th-10th. Thank you Mrs. Liggett & Ms. Schulz for your dedication to our district. Bus Driver Appreciation Week was February 13th-17th. Thank you to all of our route drivers and also Kobussen for your commitment to serving our district. Finally, we are celebrating National FFA week on February 20-24th. Thank you to Ms. Hala Ryan and the FFA members for planning such a great week, even though it was hampered by 2 snow days.
Our Lady Comets are currently 24-0 and are back-to-back Six Rivers Conference Champions! In the latest Division 5 ranking, the team has moved from #3 to #1. I can’t wait to see how the postseason unfolds!
In addition to winning their first conference title since 1982, the Parkview-Albany have 3 wrestlers, Sam Schwengels (182), Wyatt Egan (195), and Wesley Egan (220) representing the team at the WIAA Individual State Tournament on February 23rd-25th. Good Luck, wrestlers!
On February 18th our students competed at the District Solo Ensemble competition at Monticello. Thank you to Mrs. Cohen-Wichner and Mrs. Ritchie for their work preparing our students for their performance.
Congratulations to Albany Sophomore Lancelot Lacy, he has qualified for the State FBLA competition on April 17th and 18th in Green Bay. Good luck in your preparation for this competition Lancelot, I know you will represent our school with pride.
I wanted to provide an update about scheduling for next year. We will be moving forward with our proposal of 60-minute classes. Our school day during the 2023-24 school year will include 6 periods of instruction, lasting 60 minutes each. I truly believe this will provide an incredible opportunity for all of our students and our staff. If you still have questions or concerns about how this schedule may affect your child, I encourage setting up a meeting with myself and Ms. Schulz. We are happy to sit down and discuss your concerns.
As always, any questions or concerns that you may have, please feel free to contact me.
Go Comets!
Mr. Ritzert
A Message from Ms. Becher, Spec. Ed Director/Speech Pathologist
4 Year Old Kindergarten
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Albany offering a Full Day 4K Program?
We are excited to offer full day 4 Year Old Kindergarten for students and families in the Albany School District. This will provide our youngest learners with more opportunities for learning, playing, and growing. This will also provide them with additional time for exploring content and locations within our school that are not available when they are only here for a half day. By providing full-day programming, five days per week, students and families will have a consistent, reliable schedule that aligns with the Albany School District calendar.
What will a full-day schedule look like?
Our 4K program is built upon developmentally appropriate, best practices for our youngest learners. This means that students will have extended time for play - both in the classroom and at recess - for developing their skills. Teachers will use engaging, hands-on activities to target early learning, including literacy, math, communication, fine motor, and social skills. The majority of this core instruction will take place in the morning. Students will have snack times, lunchtime, and rest time. In the afternoon, students will get to experience our ‘specials’ classes, including art, music, gym, and library.
Does my student need to attend for the full day?
No. All students are welcome to attend our full day program. If a family wants their student to attend half days, the student can attend the morning half from 7:45 until 11:00 when the majority of our core, early learning instruction occurs. If eligible, bus transportation will be provided to bring students to school in the morning. If families choose the half day option, they are required to provide transportation at 11:00. Students only attending in the morning will not eat lunch at school.
Who can attend the Albany School District 4K program?
The program is open to students who are four years of age as of September 1, 2023. Students will reside within the Albany School District, or have been approved for open enrollment.
Who will teach 4K?
Our 4K classes, and ‘specials’ classes, will be taught by Albany School District teachers with Wisconsin licenses for teaching early childhood students.
How do I register my child for 4K?
The forms to enroll a new student in the Albany School District are available on the district website and at the district office located at 309 Vinton Street. In order to enroll your child in school, you must provide the
following documentation: the completed registration forms, your child’s original birth certificate, your child’s
immunization record, and proof of residency. Registration forms will also be available at the 4K Open House.
RSVP for our 4K Open House on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Students and families can meet teachers, explore the school, participate in fun, developmentally appropriate screening activities, and enjoy pizza for dinner. Staff will be available to answer additional questions at this event. You can also contact Amber Becher, Director of Special Education and Student Services with additional questions at amber.becher@albany.k12.wi.us.
2023-2024 District Calendar Highlights
Back to School Night - Tuesday, August 29, 2023
"Jumpstart Days" - Thursday, August 30 & Friday, August 31, 2023
**We will begin our school year with 2 optional "jumpstart days". Several schools in our area begin the school year in this manner. These days will be designed to help students get off to a great start. Our focus will be on organization, enrichment activities, and transition. While these days are optional, all students are encouraged to attend.**
1st Day of School - Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Parent Teacher Conferences - Thursday, November 8, 2023 (4:00-7:00 PM)
Christmas Break - Saturday, December 23, 2023, through January 2, 2024
Parent Teacher Conferences - Wednesday, February 15, 2024 (4:00-7:00 PM)
Spring Break - March 21, 2024, through April 1, 2024
Last Day for SENIORS - Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Graduation Ceremony - Friday, May 24, 2024
First Day of Summer School - Monday, June 3, 2024

******FOCUS ON STUDENTS******
*****THE COMET CALENDAR*****
March 6 - PTO Meeting - School Library 4:30pm | March 8 - Regular School Board Meeting 6:00pm 6:00pm in the Albany School District Board Room or virtually at: http://meet.google.com/vrs-gfka-yrr | March 13-17 NO SCHOOL - SPRING BREAK Classes Resume March 20, 2023 |
March 8 - Regular School Board Meeting 6:00pm
***DOING SOMETHING BIG IN A SPECIAL LITTLE PLACE***
Gracie Freitag & McKenna Broughton Thank you for your dedication!! | Skating Fun in Mrs. Schott's P.E. Class! | Thank you Mrs. Freitag and Her 3rd Grade Class! Thank you for organizing a toy drive for the American Family Children's Hospital around the holidays! The items are used to support of children in the Pediatric Specialty clinics, Diagnostic and Therapy Center, surgery area, and emergency department! |
*****COMET ATHLETICS*****
Albany HS Girls Basketball
**WIAA REGIONAL SEMI-FINAL @ ALBANY - 7:00PM**
WIAA Regionals ~ February 21, 24, 25
WIAA Sectionals ~ March 2nd & March 4th
WIAA State ~ March 9, 10, 11
Albany HS Boys Basketball
WIAA Regionals ~ February 28 & March 3, March 4
WIAA Sectionals ~ March 9th & 11th
WIAA State ~ March 16, 17, 18
Parkview-Albany HS Wrestling
Individual State: February 23-24-25, 2023
Team State: March 3-4, 2023
Albany HS Track & Field Schedule
Saturday, March 18th @ UW Platteville University (9:30am)
Thursday, March 30th @ UW Platteville University (5:30pm)
Juda-Albany HS Softball Schedule
Tuesday, March 21st (HOME) Albany vs. Brodhead (5:00pm)
Thursday, March 30th @ Durand, IL. (4:30pm)
Monticello-Albany HS Baseball Schedule
Thursday, March 30th (HOME) Monticello vs. New Glarus HS 4:30 PM
Albany MS Boys Basketball Schedule
Tuesday, March 7th (HOME) vs. Argyle
Tuesday, March 21st @ Barneveld
Thursday, March 23rd @ Juda
Monday, March 27th (HOME) vs. Black Hawk
Tuesday, March 28th @ Pecatonica
Thursday, March 30th (HOME) vs. Monticello
The School District of Albany does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability or handicap in its education programs or activities.