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Friday, October 16, 2009
The Albany Academies e-newsletter
Week of October 12
Amanda Morrison Endowed Lectureship -- Today
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Please join us today 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.
The title of Mr. McKibben's lecture is "The Most Important Number On Earth -- The Global Fight For A Stable Economy."
Due to the timing of dismissal of school and student pick-up, we ask that you arrive no earlier than 3:45 p.m. to ensure parking availability. |
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.
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.
Bacon Bat & House Competitions held today
Pictured (left to right) are scenes from Bacon Bat.
Today marks the celebration of the annual Bacon Bat, an AAG tradition that has roots that go back to the first decade of the 1900s. The girls will be taking part in a number of activities throughout the day, including a Relay Race, Quiz Bowl, song competition and much more.
Pictured (left to right) are scenes from the House Competitions.
Meanwhile, the boys are taking part in a variety of House Competitions throughout the day. Students from all three divisions are joining together for events to determine House superiority.
Academies community joins together for great cause!
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A number of Academies students, parents, faculty and alumni/ae -- including members of the AA Varsity Hockey Team and Cadet Corps -- participated in the Third Annual Walk for Frankie 5K Run/Walk held at the Corning Preserve in Albany on October 10.
The event is held in memory of Frank O'Brien III '84, a well-loved student during his time at The Albany Academy and member of the 1983 New York State Section II Championship Hockey Team.
The Cadet Corps (pictured at left) raised $1,500 for the Moyer Foundation in Frank O'Brien's name to fund Camp Erin. The Hockey Team raised $500 for the Moyer Foundation as well. |
Community Service Day -- October 23
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Our Fall Community Service Day will be held next Friday, October 23, and Academies students will be actively working with a number of Capital Region nonprofit organizations to learn about service to others and making their community a better place.
Our 1st grade girls and boys (pictured at left) are currently working with Mr. Gallucci and Ms. Burns' advisee groups to collect donations for the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society.
"We are collecting donations for animals that don't have a home. We have to let them feel like they have a home and are hoping to give them great stuff. It feels good to help the animals!" -- Gage Nelson '19
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Among the many other activities that our students are involved in, a shoe drive for the families of Appalachia will continue until October 23. Senior girls will be working with their sister classes in the 8th and 4th grades in conjunction with Delmar Bootery. Please bring in flat shoes or boots in good condition; no heels or sandals.
Henry House will be holding a Coats for Kids Drive until October 23 to supply underprivileged children with gently used winter outerwear. Our school has partnered with Best Cleaners for this initiative and they will be dry cleaning all coats before they are delivered to local children. If you would like to help, please send in coats that your children have outgrown so that someone less fortunate may stay warm this winter.
Leadership in the community
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The 8th grade girls Leadership/Community Class (pictured at left) -- working in conjunction with AAG Preschool through Grade 8 Director Susan Rimkunas and AAG Director of College Counseling Lauren Carter -- presented their projects on leaders in the Academies community on Wednesday in the AAG Activities Room.
The girls' projects focused on leadership traits such as empathy, compassion, ingenuity and flexibility. Presenters will be coming in throughout the school year that are leaders in the community and have a story to share.
The students selected a variety of faculty and staff to interview -- incorporating public speaking skills and the use of technology as well as interviewing techniques for the project. |
Learning from the best
The editors of Classic Columns and the Fish and Pumpkin will be heading to Columbia University on Monday, November 2 to attend a conference held by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.
The students -- Jin Yeon Kim '10, Emily Bruce '10, Katie Lukas '11, Victoria Waldron '11, Alex Zacharczenko (Form VI), Frankie Anetzberger (Form VI) and Tom Alston (Form V) -- will be joined by faculty advisers Audrey Koester, Bob Bischoff and Dave Pascone for the conference, a day-long event that covers all aspects of student publishing and allows student editors and faculty advisers to share common issues and discover new solutions.
"I look forward to representing our school at the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Fall Conference. Not only will it be an excellent opportunity to converse with other high school editors, but the workshops should also help us hone a variety of skills necessary to enhance our newspaper. I'm tremendously grateful to have this opportunity to attend this conference." -- Jin Yeon Kim '10
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Selecting the right college
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Outstanding colleges and universities continue to visit the Academies on a daily basis to assist students with the college selection process.
We have had visits in the past week from George Washington University, Nazareth College of Rochester, New England College, New York University, Saint Anselm College, Salve Regina University, Simmons College, Swarthmore College, Union College and University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Pictured (left to right) are Upper School students listening to George Washington University representative Charlie Leizear. |
Highlights of the week in athletics
Pictured (left to right) are the AAG Varsity Field Hockey Team going for the goal; members of the AA Varsity Golf Team; and members of the AAG Varsity Field Hockey Team working together.
ALBANY ACADEMY FOR GIRLS
The AAG Varsity Field Hockey Team stood proud as it landed its first win of the season on October 8 with a 1-0 victory over Coxsachie-Athens. Adah Keegan '10 scored the winning goal in the tightly contested contest. Congratulations to the girls for their great improvement throughout the season!
The Section II Individual Sectional Tennis Tournaments (singles and doubles) began on Wednesday. Representing AAG in singles were Monica Parikh '10 and Grace Smith '14. Monica won a convincing 8-2 over Chatham’s #1 player to advance to the second round before losing to #4 seed Academy of the Holy Names. Grace lost a tough first round match vs. Emma Willard.
Representing our school for doubles was Katherine Cattini '10 partnered with Chloe Mahoney '10, and Eliza Meigher '12 partnered with Ashley Becker '13. Chloe and Katherine won a decisive victory in round one over Ravena. With a most unfortunate draw, they lost in the second round to the powerhouse team of Shenendehowa's #1 and #2. Eliza and Ashley constructed an impressive comeback from down triple match point (7-5, love-40) to bring their match against a team of Schenectady's singles players to a tie: 7-7, game point. Schenectady edged out our girls in a very close 9-7 match. Congratulations to all of the girls for their #2 finish in the league this season.
The AAG Varsity Swim Team defeated Amsterdam 92 to 82 yesterday to improve its record to 4-4. The AAG Varsity Soccer Team defeated Cohoes 4-1 yesterday. The AAG Varsity Volleyball Team lost 3-0 to Cohoes on Saturday.
THE ALBANY ACADEMY
47 of the best golfers from Classes A, B, C & D converged on Orchard Creek Golf Course on Tuesday with one of the 16 spots in the second round of the Section II State Team qualifier in their sights. Among the competitors were captain Tim DiStefano (Form VI), Matt DeVito (Form V) and Justin Brock (Form IV). The Cadets went 3 for 3 on the day!
With the cut line at 79, Brock was the first of the Cadets to come in and secure a spot. DiStefano & DeVito came in with 74s to share medalist honors with two-time state team member Mark Sabitino from Stillwater. The 16 finalists will carry over their scores from Tuesday and play at Orchard Creek again this Monday for one of 9 spots on the Section II team.
"After missing out on making the Section II Team for the past few years, it feels good to be in the position we're in going into Monday's. I'm excited that we have three members of the team going into the round of 16 and know that we'll represent the Academies well." -- Tim DiStefano (Form VI), captain of AA Varsity Golf Team
Meanwhile, the AA Varsity Soccer Team had a strong 2-0 victory over Mechanicville yesterday. The AA Varsity Cross-Country Team defeated Schalmont 19-41 and lost to Voorheesville 21-34 on Tuesday to finish with a 7-1 league record. The AA Varsity Football Team lost to Cohoes 33-26 last Thursday.
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.
Recognized for artistic excellence
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Special recognition goes out to Daniella Zeman '10 for having one of her paintings selected for a permanent installation on the waterfront in Catskill sponsored by the Greene County Council for the Arts.
A dedication ceremony was held this past Sunday that was attended by Daniella, her mother and faculty member Jane Chasin.
The arts council solicited designs for historical paintings from local professional artists for its "Wall of History" exhibit.
Daniella was one of 10 artists selected and was commissioned to complete her 4 X 8 foot painting featuring the Half Moon and the underwater life of the Hudson.
Congratulations, Daniella... you make us proud! |
Musical comedy opens this Friday
Academies faculty member Mr. Streifert will be starring as "Lieutenant Frank Cioffi" in the regional premier of "Curtains" -- opening this Friday, October 16 at 8:15 p.m. at the Spa Little Theater in Saratoga State Park.
Tickets are $27/$24. Eight shows will be held over the next three weeks. The show is a murder mystery so parental discretion is advised.
Visit www.homemadetheater.org for more information.
A "tempting" production set for November 13 & 14
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We hope that you can join us for the fall production of William Shakespeare's "The Tempest" on Friday, November 13 & Saturday, November 14 beginning at 7 p.m. each evening in Caird Chapel, AA.
The production will be staged in the round and accompanied by an original sound score performed live. |
The play's protagonist is the banished sorcerer Prospero, who initially uses his magical powers to punish his enemies when he raises a tempest that drives them ashore. The entire play takes place on an island under his control whose native inhabitants, Ariel and Caliban, respectively aid or hinder his work.
This event is open to all Academies families.
Peru exchange update
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As we mentioned last week in our global initiatives update, our school has an exchange with a school in Cusco, Peru this school year.
"Fifth grade students have begun to create works of art and writing to send to Aldea Yanapay in Cusco, Peru. This will be the beginning of a cultural exchange between our two communities.
In art, the boys and girls have made self portrait drawings and collages to demonstrate the importance of telling a visual story of self expression. In Spanish, students have been writing letters describing themselves and their interests." -- Faculty member Martha Houghton |
Don't forget that we will be offering a 10-day trip to China -- in collaboration with Ben Kahn P'02, '06 -- from March 10-20, 2010 as part of an Albany Academies/Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts travel course. Students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of Chinese cities such as Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. For more information, contact Madame Keegan at keegand@albanyacademies.org.
News from the AAPA
Invitations are being mailed out today for the Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon set for Sunday, November 8 at Wolfert's Roost Country Club in Menands. This year's event -- co-chaired by Maureen Bennett P'09, '13 & Lena Hart P'09, '10, '13 -- will feature fashions from Saratoga Trunk, a special presentation by plastic surgeon Dr. Edwin Williams and a variety of boutique vendors.
The 2009 Barnes and Noble Book Fair will take place on Friday, December 4 at Barnes and Noble in Colonie Center. We are once again offering a special voucher to present at check-out; a percentage of the net sale will be donated to the Academies. Curious George will be the character for the event, and Middle School English teachers will be offering poetry readings and oral reports on Native American & Dutch legends.
CLICK HERE FOR THE VOUCHER.
We will also be offering cheesecakes for sale through The Cheesecake Factory. All orders are due by November 25.
CLICK HERE FOR THE CHEESECAKE ORDER FORM.
The AAPA has been gracious in its financial support of the International Festival and Children's Book Festival set for March 27, 2010 and May 15, 2010, respectively. There are many volunteer opportunities available with both events so please get involved. For more information, contact Madame Keegan at keegand@albanyacademies.org regarding the International Festival or Karen Schimmer at schimmek@albanyacademies.org about the Book Festival.
Special thanks to those individuals who have volunteered to be Room Parents for the 2009-2010 school year. Room Parents have a variety of responsibilities such as organizing classroom events, contacting new parents and establishing communication between teachers and parents.
CLICK HERE FOR THE LIST OF 2009-2010 ROOM PARENTS.
Please join us for the next AAPA meeting on Wednesday, November 4 at 8 a.m. in the Drawing Room, AAG.
Academies in the News
Our school was recently featured in an article in the Spotlight Newspapers about enrollment at private schools in the Capital Region.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ARTICLE.
There will also be a feature on Head of School Dr. Douglas North in today's edition of The Business Review.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS
International Student & Host Family Reception -- October 29
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We will be hosting an International Student & Host Family Reception on Thursday, October 29 beginning at 5:30 p.m. in The Buttery, AA. This event is for all international students and their host families. The greater community is welcome to attend.
For more information, contact Director of Admissions Bramble Buran at (518) 429-2300 or buranb@albanyacademies.org. |
Middle School Halloween activities -- October 29 & 30
The Grades 5 & 6 Halloween Party will be held on Thursday, October 29 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the AAG Lower School Gym. The Grades 7 & 8 Halloween Dance will be held on Friday, October 30 from 7-9 p.m. in Caird Chapel, AA.
Students should bring their costumes to school for both events. Room parents will be contacting all parents to assist with setting up the events.
Science gets scary...
The Albany Academies has partnered with the Schenectady Museum & Suites-Bueche Planetarium as part of its "Adventures in Science" program.
Students from the Academies will participate in hands-on Science Halloween demonstrations led by Science Chair Mr. Buran on Saturday, October 24 from 1-3 p.m. The activities will engage the visitors at the museum and showcase our science program and talented students.
All Academies families will enjoy a 50% discount on admission to the museum. Buy one pass to the museum and the second is free. We look forward to seeing you there!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE "ADVENTURES IN SCIENCE" PROGRAM FLYER.
For more information, contact Director of External Affairs Ann Wendth at wendtha@albanyacademies.org.
Halloween display
The Albany Academies will have a display booth at Siena College on Saturday, October 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. as part of the Children's Guide Halloween event for families of the Capital Region.
There will be trick or treating for children, a scavenger hunt, games and much more. The cost per family for admission is $5.
Visit www.thechildrensguide.com for more information.
Health Careers Exploration Day -- November 21
All Academies families are invited to attend Health Careers Exploration Day on Saturday, November 21 at Albany Medical Center. The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Huyck Auditorium.
The goal of the program is to provide middle and high school students with an opportunity to explore careers in health care areas such as cardio respiratory services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, communication disorders and more.
Registration is due by November 15. There is no cost to attend but pre-registration is required.
For more information, contact The Center for Learning and Development at (518) 262-3705 or LearningandDevelopment@mail.amc.edu.
Annual Fund Campaign underway
The 2009-2010 Annual Fund Drive kicked off on October 5 and is going strong! So, how can you help? We ask that you make a gift to the fund, which supports current operations by providing 8% of the Academies' yearly operating budget. You should have received a letter and pledge/gift form in the mail.
CLICK HERE TO MAKE A GIFT ONLINE.
Our goal this year is to reach 65% participation, the NAIS average for independent schools.
Special thanks to John ’87 and Jennifer Hayes P'16, '18 for agreeing to chair this year's effort and the Parents Annual Fund Committee.
This year's Parents Fund Committee includes Charles & Patricia Argoff P'10, '19; David G. Ashton & Kathleen Moser P'17, '21, '21 (twins); Paul & Ellen Bargstedt P'16, '16 (twins); Richard & Kathleen Casagrande P'11; Michael & Jessica Dailey P'20, '23; Vincent & Carol Filanova P'10, '11, '12, '15; Corey & Kimberly Ingerson P'16, '20; Gregory & Monica Oberting '91 P'19, '21; Michael Sullivan & Mary O'Connor P'11; James & Elizabeth Rossi P'10, '12; Douglas & Elizabeth Rutnik P'15, '18; and Anders '85 & MaryEllen Tomson P'14, '19.
We hope that you will consider participating in this year's Parents Annual Fund.
Student/Parent Directories coming home
The Student/Parent Directories have been printed and will be sent home on Monday, October 19. Please contact Director of External Affairs Ann Wendth at wendtha@albanyacademies.org if you do not receive one.
Important health information
Beginning on September 21, all school nurses in public and non public schools began daily reporting of staff and student absences to the Department of Health. When you call in to report an absence, please leave the following information:
1. Name of student
2. Grade
3. Parent Name and Contact Number
4. Whether the illness includes the following symptoms: fever, cough, congestion, sore throat, rash or GI symptoms.
A nurse may follow up with you to get additional information if necessary. As a reminder, please keep your child home if he/she has a fever more than 100 degrees F. Your child should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
For more information, contact AAG School Nurse Nancy Lozman or AA School Nurse Lenore Palladino at (518) 429-2300 or lozmann@albanyacademies.org or palladinol@albanyacademies.org, respectively.
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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