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Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Albany Academies e-newsletter
Week of September 14
Remembering those who lost their lives
The Cadet Corps joined with the Conservative Club on September 11 to place 2,977 flags -- one for each American that died on 9/11 -- on the AA front lawn. The moving remembrance included a moment of silence, the lowering of the American flag to half mast and the playing of "Taps" by faculty member Joe Jacobs in honor of those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks.
The efforts of the Cadet Corps did not go unnoticed by our parents. We received the following email from an Academies parent.
"The Cadet Corps couldn't make me any prouder! Your creative act of placing those little flags on the front lawn will touch more people than you will ever know. Our lives are busy, and many act like they are coping just fine, but don't be surprised if you see someone stop and wipe a tear away as they look at what you have done. Your attitudes represent maturity, diligence, service, patriotism as well as concern and compassion for others."
The memorial also received a great deal of media attention, with a photo and caption appearing on the front page of the September 11 edition of the Times Union; an article in the September 11 edition of The Daily Gazette; and stories on WRGB CBS 6, WTEN NewsChannel 10, WNYT NewsChannel 13 and Fox 23 News.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
A day for Grandparents & Special Friends
Grandparents & Special Friends Day will be held on Thursday, October 8 from 9-11:30 a.m. at both AAG & AA.
In preparation for this special day when our grandparents and friends come to visit, a slide show is being developed to highlight and celebrate those "Kodak" moments between our students and their grandparents and/or friends. We are requesting your assistance with this project. Please send us a favorite photograph (no larger than 8 x 10) of your child with their grandparent(s) or special friend(s) that we can use in this presentation no later than Friday, September 18.
Invitations will be sent home tomorrow with your children. Please RSVP to Director of Annual Giving Susan K. Tobin at (518) 429-2448 or tobins@albanyacademies.org with the name of Grandparent(s) or Special Friend(s), address, email preference and student's name and grade. This event is for grandparents and special friends only.
Please note that Lower School students will be dismissed at the conclusion of the event at 11:30 a.m.
An AAG tradition of sisterhood
Pictured (left to right) are AAG Grade 9 girls joined by faculty members Audrey Koester and Dr. Stephen Brown.
Grade 9 girls had the chance to develop strong bonds with their Grade 11 "Big Sisters" during the annual AAG Grade 9 Retreat held on September 11.
In addition to taking part in relationship building activities and a scavenger hunt, the "Little Sisters" joined their older counterparts for a dinner in the AAG Cafeteria.
The two classes will work together in the future on a variety of activities, including Ring Dare activites and the Ring Dinner -- the time when the senior girls give their sophomore sisters their class rings.
Helpful college admissions tips
Dr. Paul Marthers, Vice President of Enrollment & Dean of Undergraduate/Graduate Admissions at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, addressed Upper School students and their families during a College Evening presentation this past Monday. Dr. Marthers discussed six factors that play an important role in admissions decisions:
1. Academic Record 2. Standardized Testing (if required) 3. Extracurricular Activities 4. College Essay 5. College Interview 6. The "X Factor" -- geographic diversity, cultural diversity, athletics, etc.
For more information about the college admissions process, please contact Directors of College Counseling Lauren Carter (AAG) and Jak Bestle (AA) at carterl@albanyacademies.org and bestlej@albanyacademies.org, respectively.
The college selection process
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We have had a number of prestigious colleges and universities visit the Academies since the start of the 2009-2010 school year to meet with students about the college selection process.
Pictured at left are Elon University admissions representative Gavin Sands, AA Director of College Counseling Jak Bestle and George Featherstonhaugh '10 meeting this past Monday. We also had visits this week from Albany College of Pharmacy, American University, Boston University, Dickinson College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges and SUNY College at Geneseo.
Please note that there will be a University of Notre Dame Informational Evening held today at 7 p.m. at the Hampton Inn in Clifton Park. |
Presentation on Bullying featuring New York Times best-selling author Rachel Simmons
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The Women's Fund of the Capital Region presents New York Times best-selling author Rachel Simmons on Tuesday, October 6 beginning at 7 p.m. at The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.
Ms. Simmons will discuss the topic of bullying among girls. Ms. Simmons is the author of Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls and The Curse of the Good Girl.
The event is open to the public and strongly recommended for middle and high school parents and girls. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for girls under 19 years old. |
The Albany Academies is proud to serve as one of the sponsors of the event. Our Upper School girls will participate in a workshop by Ms. Simmons at The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall during the morning of October 6.
For more information or to order your tickets, call (518) 273-0038 or visit www.womensfundcr.org.
CLICK HERE FOR THE EVENT FLYER.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Amanda Morrison Endowed Lectureship
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Please join us on Friday, October 16 at 4 p.m. as the Academies presents the Amanda Jill Morrison '02 Endowed Lectureship in Caird Chapel -- featuring a special presentation from environmentalist and renowned author Bill McKibben.
This endowed lectureship was established in loving memory of Amanda Morrison by her devoted family and friends, and will continue in perpetuity to honor her spirit and intellect.
Amanda was an avid reader and talented writer who shared her talents with so many of her classmates and faculty while attending Albany Academy for Girls. |
Upper School students will gather for an assembly in the afternoon to hear Mr. McKibben; the program for parents and the public will be held from 4-5 p.m. A reception will immediately follow in the AA Foyer.
Registration is required and will be limited. Please RSVP to Allison Collins-Schroeder at (518) 429-2432 or
collins-schroedera@albanyacademies.org.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AMANDA MORRISON ENDOWED LECTURESHIP INVITATION.
The importance of athletics
Pictured (left to right) at the "Meet the Coaches Night" are AAG student-athletes enjoying a light dinner before the event; RPI Director of Athletics Col. (Ret) James A. Knowlton & Director of Athletics Paul Gallucci; and AA student-athletes before the event.
Parents and students had a chance to get to know the fall athletic coaches at the Academies during a special "Meet the Coaches Night" held on September 10.
In addition, Col. (Ret) James A. Knowlton, Director of Athletics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, addressed the audience about the importance of making good leadership decisions and the right choices. He also discussed the crucial role that athletics play in developing strong leaders.
Col. Knowlton served in the U.S. military for 26 years before assuming his new role at RPI in March 2008.
Athletics at the Academies
The AAG Varsity Volleyball Team defeated Watervliet 3-1 yesterday. The AAG Varsity Tennis Team defeated Schoharie 6-1 yesterday. The AAG Varsity Swim Team lost to Troy 95-80 yesterday and defeated Schenectady 95-85 on Monday. The AAG Varsity Soccer Team lost a close game 3-1 to Lansingburgh on Tuesday. The AAG Varsity Field Hockey Team lost 5-0 to Ichabod Crane on Tuesday. The AAG Varsity Cross-Country Team finished in third place in the Blackbird Invitational in Voorheesville this past Saturday.
The AA Varsity Golf Team defeated Waterford 168-229 yesterday. The AA Varsity Football Team defeated Hudson Falls 20-13 this past Saturday. The AA Varsity Soccer Team tied Langinsburgh 2-2 yesterday. The AA JV Soccer Team lost 6-0 to Lansingburgh yesterday. The AA Varsity Cross-Country Team finished in fifth place in the Blackbird Invitational in Voorheesville this past Saturday.
All athletic schedules -- Varsity, JV, Freshman and Modified -- for the fall season are available in the Athletics section of our Academies website.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
AROUND THE ACADEMIES
Faculty & Staff Art Show "Sneak Preview"
Pictured (left to right) is a "sneak peek" at art work from faculty members Diana Westbrook, Peggy Goold and Jane Chasin.
We will be holding a Faculty & Staff Art Show from September 21 to October 31 on the second floor of AA, across from the Library.
There will be a number of participants in the show, including Derrick Bates, Kate Bernardi, Jane Chasin, Ken Ebert, Peggy Goold, Martha Houghton, Drew Lentz, Bob Neudel, Diana Westbrook and Mark Wimmer.
Please take the time to view their impressive art work!
AAG Library seeking volunteers
Serving as a volunteer at the Academies is a great way to meet other parents and faculty and become involved with your child's school in a meaningful way.
We are seeking parents to commit at least one hour each week in the AAG Library to shelve books, process new publications and check books in and out on the computer for scheduled library classes.
CLICK HERE FOR THE VOLUNTEER FORM.
For more information, contact AAG Lower School Librarian Stephanie Donnaruma at (518) 429-2300 or donnarumas@albanyacademies.org.
Sign-up deadline approaching for 2009 Race for the Cure
The Albany Academy for Girls Alumnae Council will be participating in the 2009 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Saturday, October 3. If you would like to join the AAG team for the race, please register online or contact Team Captain Margaret Lamar King '65 at mlking70@nycap.rr.com by Wednesday, September 23.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "register now." You'll need to select Team AAG to be a part of it. Hard copy registration forms are available in the AAG Main Lobby.
T-shirts will be available for sale at $10 each. Please contact Director of Alumni/ae Relations Marna Redding at (518) 429-2425 or reddingm@albanyacademies.org with any questions.
Take a trip to our nation's capital
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Would you like your child to experience the history of Washington, D.C. firsthand? World Languages Chair Madame Keegan will be offering an excursion to our nation's capital from February 12-15, 2010 for all Academies students, their families and friends.
The trip costs $650 each and there are several payment options available. Payments are due by December 2. A $100 discount is being offered for all students who sign up before September 30.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Contact Madame Keegan at keegand@albanyacademies.org with additional questions. |
Academies to sponsor Women Who Mean Business Luncheon
The Albany Academies is proud to serve as the sponsor of The Business Review's 2009 Women Who Mean Business Luncheon on Friday, October 2 at the Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia.
Women from around the Capital Region's work force are recognized and honored during a luncheon and awards program. AAG Dean of Students Wendy Muhlfelder '67 will provide a welcome and two of our Upper School girls will have the opportunity to ask questions of the honorees on stage.
For more information or to register, visit www.albanybizjournals.com.
Figure Skating lessons available
The Albany Figure Skating Club's Learn-to-Skate/Basic Skills Program begins on Sunday, September 27 in the Hockey Rink in the AA Field House. Beginner skating lessons for all ages and levels will be provided by highly-qualifed coaches.
Learn to skate sessions will be held for children of all ages as well as adults. Sessions consist of a half hour of lesson time and half hour of practice.
Open registration will be held on Sunday, September 20 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the AA Field House. There will also be ice evaluations by professional coaches from 1-1:30 p.m.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Swimming lessons available
Aquatics Director Bonnie Morse-Gillham will be offering a Stroke Technique Clinic for Competitive Swimmers every Sunday from October 4-December 13 in the Pool in the AA Field House.
The program is open to all Academies students as well as the public and will be held from 10-11 a.m. for swimmers 8 years old through Grade 6 and from 11 a.m.-noon for swimmers in Grades 7-12. The cost is $150 for the full session or $20 per session. Registration is due by Thursday, October 1.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mark your calendars for upcoming events
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We encourage you to visit The Albany Academies Online Calendar on a regular basis to help plan your schedule for the 2009-2010 school year. The calendar serves as an excellent one-stop resource for all upcoming events through June 2010.
The calendar is located on the homepage of our website and in the Academics, Parents and Events & News sections. Also, you should have received a printed calendar at your home. If you did not receive one, please contact the Marketing & Communications Department at wendtha@albanyacademies.org. |
Changes to The Albany Academies Print Calendar -- the 2010 Children's Book Festival will now be held on Saturday, May 1 and the 2009-2010 Alumni/ae Speaker Series featuring John Scicchitano '88 will now be held on Friday, January 15.
Changes to The Albany Academies Online Calendar -- we are currently in the process of finalizing the day and time for the weekly Lower School Chapel & Lower School Assembly events (parents are welcome at these events); the weekly Middle School Chapel & Middle School Assembly events will be held on Mondays from 12:15-12:45 p.m. in Caird Chapel, AA and the AAG Auditorium, respectively (these events are for students only).
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CALENDAR.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
Homecoming 2009 -- including 2009 Golf & Tennis Outing, Board of Trustees Reception to Welcome Head of School Dr. North, Tailgate & Carnival Games, Athletic Events and more
September 25 & 26
Please note that the Board of Trustees Reception to Welcome Head of School Dr. North will be held in the Silipigno Athletic Facility. We will also be showing "Remember the Titans" at 7 p.m. on the AA Football Field for all students with popcorn and refreshments provided (rain location is Caird Chapel, AA).
Don't miss the unveiling of a new AAG Swimming Record Board (that includes both school and all-time pool records) before the AAG Girls Varsity Swim meet vs. Amsterdam at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 25. All are welcome at this event.
The 2009 Homecoming Dance will take place on Saturday, September 26 from 7-10 p.m. in the Standish Pool Lobby, AA. This event is for Upper School students. The cost of the dance is $5 per ticket and dress is casual.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Yom Kippur
Monday, September 28
No School
New & Current Parent Reception
Tuesday, September 29
5:30-6:30 p.m.
This event is co-sponsored by the Albany Academies Parents Association (AAPA). Learn about the AAPA and how to get involved as well as meet other new and current families at the Academies. No RSVP necessary.
ALBANY ACADEMIES PARENTS ASSOCIATON
Interesting in serving as a Room Parent?
The Albany Academies Parents Association (AAPA) is assisting the Academies in identifying individuals to serve as Room Parents for the 2009-2010 school year. If you are interested in serving as one, please contact John MacAffer at john.macaffer@cbre-albany.com. Once we receive names, parents will be notified in the next few weeks.
CLICK HERE FOR THE ROOM PARENT DESCRIPTION.
The first AAPA meeting will be held on October 6 at 8 a.m. in the Board of Trustees Room, AA.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LIST OF MEETINGS.
The Albany Academies is committed to developing the potential of the whole individual by building a community that fosters scholarship, leadership, character, service, and creativity. Our Compass of Core Values includes responsibility, self-discipline, compassion, ingenuity, respect, service, integrity and perseverance.
If you have any questions or comments about this electronic newsletter, please contact Ann Wendth, Director of External Affairs, at (518) 429-2385 or wendtha@albanyacademies.org, or Adam Doling, Communications Associate, at (518) 429-2344 or dolinga@albanyacademies.org.
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2010-2011 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
SPRING/SUMMER 2010 ISSUE OF A2 ACADEMIES MAGAZINE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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