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Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Albany Academies e-newsletter
Week of October 19
Academies welcomes renowned author Bill McKibben
Pictured (left to right) are environmentalist and renowned author Bill McKibben signing a book after his presentation to the general public; Mr. McKibben & Lew Morrison (father of Amanda Morrison '02); and faculty member Scott Young with his two children, Darcy Young (Preschool) and Ian Young '21, with Mr. McKibben.
Environmentalist and renowned author Bill McKibben spoke to Upper School students and the general community on October 16 as part of the Amanda Morrison '02 Endowed Lectureship about the importance of the future of our environment, how we can get involved to make a difference and an upcoming climate action campaign involving hundreds of climate change rallies across the world on October 24.
McKibben is the author of numerous books and publications, including The End of Nature (1989) -- one of the first best-selling general-interest books on global warming.
The endowed lectureship was established in loving memory of Amanda Morrison by her devoted family and friends. Special thanks to the Morrison family for their efforts in putting this special event together and helping to bring such a distinguished speaker to our school.
Community Service Day -- October 23
More than 500 Academies students and faculty will participate in our Fall Community Service Day this Friday, October 23 to learn about service to others and making their community a better place.
As part of this year's program, students and faculty will work with individuals from organizations such as Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Delmar Place, Food Pantries for the Capital Region, Habitat for Humanity, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeastern New York, Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society, Parsons Child and Family Center, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, Ronald McDonald House, St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and The Langan School of The Center for Disability Services.
This event is part of an ongoing community outreach program at the Academies. Students maintain contact with a number of the organizations throughout the year through additional volunteering and other fundraising activities.
Academies selected to host college students
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We are pleased to have the opportunity to help educate students from The College of Saint Rose in our Lower School classrooms as they complete observational hours.
Our school was selected by Saint Rose for its model learning environment. The Saint Rose students are in the Early Childhood program at the college and will participate in 15 hours of observation in our classrooms in preparation for their remaining classes and ultimately full-time student teaching.
"We are proud to be selected as a host school for a college with such high standards for its program and field placement of its students." -- Susan Rimkunas, AAG Preschool through Grade 8 Director
Pictured (left to right) are Saint Rose students Ashley Henry, Sara Soltysiak and Leslie Rockafellow with Mrs. Stevens and the Pre-K girls. |
The democratic practice
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Our Middle School boys (Grades 5-8) presented their candidate speeches for student government this week in Caird Chapel.
The students did an excellent job speaking about leadership and what they would do if they are elected to student government.
Pictured (left to right) are Joey Aiello '16, Nick Fruscio '16, Jacob Lohmiller '16 & James Connolly '16 after delivering their speeches. |
Make-A-Wish Foundation
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Middle School girls were treated to a special presentation from the Make-A-Wish Foundation this past Monday during Middle School Assembly.
CEO Bill Trigg, Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator Steve Schaeffer and the Doemel family spoke to the students about the organization, including how many families are assisted each year and how to get involved.
Our 8th grade girls are looking to create a long-term partnership with Make-A-Wish that will allow our students to become actively involved in the organization and learn about service to others and making their community a better place. Tomorrow, as part of Community Service Day, the girls will be making memory books for the children that get a wish granted.
Pictured (left to right) are Mr. Trigg; AAG Preschool through Grade 8 Director Susan Rimkunas; faculty member Jane Conway; Rainbow Doemel with her daughters, Kolby (7) and Mackenzie (14); and members of the 8th grade class. Make-A-Wish worked with both Kolby and Mackenzie to grant wishes for them recently. |
Making the world a smaller place
AP & Advanced French students were able to connect with students in Vannes, France on Wednesday morning using Skype technology. The students from France, who study English with M. Olivier Berthou, were able to practice their English while Madame Keegan's students practiced their French.
Our students prepared several questions for their new friends, such as what was a typical day like at their school, what stereotypes do they have of Americans, what they thought of French and American politics, and other probing questions. In turn, the French students asked about life at the Academies in Albany. The students were able to speak for more than 30 minutes.
In all, 10 Academies students and 12 French students were able to share their thoughts. M. Berthou and Madame Keegan are looking forward to matching up individual students and promoting more exchange and dialog.
Academies goes to trial
Pictured (left to right) are Hannah O'Connor '12; Jillian Callahan '12, Catherine Dudek '12 & Emily Downie '12; and Kiley Hinkle '12.
The 10th grade World History II class participated in a mock trial this week of religious revolutionary Martin Luther.
Each student was assigned to a role, including witness, attorney, judge or newscaster. The girls each had to complete extensive research to prepare for their part in the trial. Witnesses and attorneys from the prosecution and defense collaborated to create the best possible dialogue during the trial.
The students did an amazing job questioning witnesses, deliberating about objections and answering intense questions while on the witness stand.
Global community project
Faculty members Martha Houghton and Diana Westbrook have been reaching out to their art classes to put together a fundraiser to clean lead-infested soil in New Orleans.
The students have been very excited about getting involved in this global community project.
Visit www.fundred.org for more information.
Custom pieces available for holidays
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Our school has partnered with Vineyard Vines to bring you custom pieces just in time for the holidays!
We are offering both ties and totes in a variety of AA & AAG logos as well as colors. Ties are being offered for $55 and totes are offered for $70.
Orders must be received by Friday, November 6. |
CLICK HERE FOR THE AA ORDER FORM.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AAG ORDER FORM.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER ONLINE.
If you are printing out the form rather than ordering online, please mail to: Marna Redding, Director of Alumni/ae Relations, The Albany Academies, 135 Academy Road, Albany, NY 12208.
For more information, contact Ms. Redding at (518) 429-2425 or reddingm@albanyacademies.org.
ATHLETICS
Highlights of the week in athletics
Pictured (left to right) are senior members of the AAG Varsity Volleyball Team; members of the AA Varsity Golf Team; and the AAG Varsity Soccer Team.
ALBANY ACADEMY FOR GIRLS
The AAG Varsity Swim Team defeated Ravena 95-83 on October 16 to improve its record to 5-4. Special recognition goes to Fran Yanover '12 for breaking our school diving record with a score of 215.10! She also dove on October 17 at Shenendehowa against the best divers in the section and came in third place -- missing State Qualifying by just 20 points.
The AAG Varsity Soccer Team held its Senior Recognition Night on Wednesday, defeating Watervliet 6-1. The AAG Varsity Volleyball Team held its Senior Recognition Night on Tuesday, losing to Ravena 3-0. The AAG Varsity Field Hockey Team lost to Ichabod Crane 3-0 on Tuesday.
THE ALBANY ACADEMY
The AA Varsity Soccer Team defeated Cohoes 1-0 on Tuesday in an outstanding game. Sam Choi (Form VI) converted a 40-yard direct kick from Joe Naparstek (Form VI) midway through the first half. The AA defense -- anchored by Chris Breiner (Form V) and Joe Naparstek -- was extremely strong during the game. George Featherstonhaugh (Form VI) demonstrated some excellent goal keeping and Hugh Fisher (Form III) made the one goal stand.
Captain Tim DiStefano (Form VI) of the AA Varsity Golf Team tamed the Orchard Creek golf course on Monday to win medalist honors at the Section II state qualifier. DiStefano, one of three players who shot 74 last Tuesday to share the opening-round lead, fired a 1-over-par 72 to head the list of nine qualifiers to the New York state championships, to be held June 6-7 at Ithaca.
Matt DeVito (Form V) is one of the two alternatives; Justin Brock (Form IV) narrowly missed the cut.
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.
Fruscio named to Hall of Fame
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AA Dean of Students & AA Head Varsity Basketball Coach Brian Fruscio was recognized for athletic excellence on October 18 as he was inducted into the Watervliet High School Athletic Hall of Fame at a special Induction Ceremony & Dinner at Michael's Banquet House in Cohoes.
Mr. Fruscio was a three sport athlete at Watervliet in football, basketball and baseball. Congratulations on this great achievement!
"It's always a great honor to be recognized for your achievements by the people that you grew up with and influenced you. I'm both excited and humbled to be inducted into the Watervliet High School Athletic Hall of Fame. It was a great night to share with my family and the members of the Academies community in attendance." -- Brian Fruscio |
No horsing around...
This past week, Kelsey Hart '10 came in second place out of 250 competitors at the New England Equitation Medal Finals.
She also recently placed 5th out of the top 90 equitation riders from Region 2 (New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) at the Maclay Regionals, ranked as the most competitive region nationally; her finish qualified her to compete at the Syracuse International Horse Show in the Maclay National Finals later this month. Kelsey will be competing this weekend at the Washington International Horse Show Equitation Finals, which accepts only the top 30 junior equitation riders in the country.
Two weekends ago, she competed at the USET Finals, where she finished 8th out of 95 of the top nation riders in the Flat Phase. She will soon be officially visiting the University of South Carolina -- ranked #1 in the nation this year for NCAA Equestrian Teams -- and the University of Georgia -- ranked #2.
Turfer offering hoodie deal
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Turfer Athletic is currently offering a special deal at its online store where all hoodie sweatshirts for boys and girls are available for $29.95, $20 off the regular price!
Use code "HOODIE" at checkout. This offer expires on November 10.
Visit the Turfer Athletic website for more information.
CLICK HERE FOR KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 6.
CLICK HERE FOR GRADES 7-12. |
News from the AAPA
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Invitations have been mailed for the Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon -- scheduled for Sunday, November 8 at Wolferts 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.
Mark your calendars for the 2009 Barnes and Noble Book Fair on Friday, December 4 at Barnes and Noble in Colonie Center. We will once again be 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.
Please join us for the next AAPA meeting on Wednesday, November 4 at 8 a.m. in the Drawing Room, AAG.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS
Open House -- November 8
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Please spread the word to your neighbors and friends about our upcoming Open House on Sunday, November 8 from 1-3 p.m.
This is an opportunity for families to speak with our faculty, tour our academic and athletic facilities, and discover how the Academies can benefit their child. |
For more information, contact Director of Admissions Bramble Buran or Associate Director of Admissions Drew Lentz at (518) 429-2300 or buranb@albanyacademies.org or lentza@albanyacademies.org, respectively.
Adventures in science
The Albany Academies has partnered with the Schenectady Museum & Suits-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.
International Student & Host Family Reception -- October 29
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Our school 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 and learn more about hosting a student.
For more information, contact Associate Director of Admissions Drew Lentz at (518) 429-2300 or lentza@albanyacademies.org. |
Don't miss our 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.
Student/Parent Directories now out!
The Student/Parent Directories were sent home with students this week.
Please contact us at wendtha@albanyacademies.org if you did not receive one or have any corrections.
We have a new format for the directory so please provide your feedback.
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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