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Friday, October 30, 2009
The Albany Academies e-newsletter
Week of October 26
Ghouls & goblins take over the Academies!
Our school has become overrun with a variety of scary ghosts, ghouls & goblins as we approach Halloween tomorrow!
The Annual Lower School Halloween Parade & Performance was held today on both campuses. Parents were "treated" to a special parade and the opportunity to enjoy musical performances from the students.
In addition, the 5th & 6th grade Halloween Party held yesterday offered a "howling" good time for the boys and girls as they took part in a mummy wrap, ate donuts off a string and enjoyed other frightful activities. The 7th & 8th grade Halloween Dance & Upper School Halloween Dance are both scheduled for this evening.
Have a happy and safe Halloween!
ACADEMICS AT THE ACADEMIES
Academies takes part in science program
Students from the Academies participated in a variety of hands-on Science Halloween demonstrations led by Science Chair Bo Buran on October 24 at the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium.
Our school partnered with the museum as part of its "Adventures in Science" program. The activities provided visitors with an opportunity to meet our talented students and learn more about our science program and our school. Many thanks to Mr. Buran and Director of Admissions Bramble Buran for their participation in this initiative.
Spanish National Honor Society
Nine Academies students have been selected for induction into the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica (Spanish National Honor Society) in recognition of their high achievement in the Spanish language.
Congratulations to the following students: James Puleo (Form IV), Nicholas Bette (Form V), Sara Berry '12, Grayson Ullman (Form IV), Peter Schmitz-Morfe (Form IV), Matt Dziekan (Form IV), Sasmith Menakuru (Form IV), Elizabeth Robinson '11 and Youjin Chung '11.
The students will be recognized as part of the National Language Honors Society Initiation Ceremony on Tuesday, November 10 from 6-8 p.m. in the AAG Auditorium.
GLOBAL INITIATIVES
Update on global efforts
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In an effort to strengthen our program for international students (pictured at left outside Madame Keegan's classroom), Director of Admissions Bramble Buran, Upper School Counselor Patty DeVost & World Languages Chair Madame Keegan held a support meeting on Wednesday for our students who are residing in host families.
The group discussed ways to improve the students' experience while at the Academies and the various opportunities for these students to take part in community service efforts by sharing their culture with Lower, Middle & Upper School classes.
They also talked about ways for the students to share their backgrounds during one of our upcoming International Student Assemblies and the International Taste of the World Festival in March. Students also completed a survey to help us better serve their needs. |
Please note that the French Studies Trip has been postponed until further notice.
There are only five spots remaining for the 10-day trip to China that we will be offering in collaboration with Ben Kahn P'02, '05 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. The deadline to register and pay the deposit is Monday, November 2.
For more information, contact Madame Keegan at keegand@albanyacademies.org.
International students & host families come together
Pictured (left to right) are Head of School Dr. Douglas North, David Limoges (Form V) & Maury Gueye (Form IV); international students with their host families; and Hang (Celine) Zhao '11, her host parent Jun Gu & Director of Admissions Bramble Buran.
Host families at the Academies and our international students joined us for a special reception yesterday in The Buttery.
The event was part of our efforts to bring the students and families together to learn more about how we can partner most effectively, and to promote some of our upcoming events.
For more information about becoming a host family, contact Associate Director of Admissions Drew Lentz at (518) 429-2300 or lentza@albanyacademies.org.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Making a difference
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Our school's Red Cross Club joined with the Shaker High School Key Club to volunteer at the Make a Difference Day event held on October 24 at the local American Red Cross Chapter.
Academies students (pictured left to right) Stuart Curtis (Form V), Nadine Rotundo '12, Darby Covert '12, Tom Alston (Form V) & Alydaar Rangwala (Form V) cleaned mannequins used in courses offered by the Red Cross; created "Get Ready, Be Safe" and emergency preparedness packets; and participated in an introduction to a International Humanitarian Law course that the Red Cross is offering.
The Red Cross Club is also participating in the Heroes Campaign -- a fundraising and awareness initiative. Please help them reach their goal of raising $1,000. For more information, contact Alydaar at rangwala@albanyacademies.org. |
350.org promotes global awareness
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On the heels of environmentalist & renowned author Bill McKibben addressing Upper School students and the general community on October 16, a climate action campaign involving hundreds of climate change rallies across the world was held on October 24.
Locally, hundreds of people gathered at the Empire State Plaza in downtown Albany to show their support for the 350.org movement.
Pictured are the 3-5-0 signs created by faculty member Diana Westbrook. |
'The Tempest' -- November 13 & 14
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Please 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.
Make sure to check out our "Tempest" artwork created by Daniella Zeman '10 on both campuses.
This event is open to all Academies families. Admission is free for both performances and refreshments will be served in the Foyer prior to the start of the play.
For more information, contact Arts Chair Greg Cummings at (518) 429-2300 or cummingsg@albanyacademies.org. |
HEALTH NEWS
Update on H1N1 flu virus
An email was sent yesterday regarding an update on the serious concerns about the presence and spread of flu-like illness at the Academies. As a school community, we are concerned about this situation and looking to mitigate the impact as much as possible.
We will continue to provide updates to our families but do not hesitate to 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, with any questions or concerns.
News from the AAPA
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You should have received an invitation 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 -- chaired by Colleen Breiner P'11, '15 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 FLYER.
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 help spread the word to friends and colleagues about our upcoming Open House on Sunday, November 8 from 1-3 p.m.
This will be a great 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.
Don't miss our Halloween display
Don't forget that 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.
Turfer offering hoodie deal
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Remember that Turfer Athletics 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 MORE INFORMATION.
Order custom pieces for the holidays
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Would you like to order custom pieces for your loved ones in time for the holidays?
We are offering both ties and toes in a variety of AA & AAG logos as well as colors. Ties are being offered for $55 and totes are offered for $70.
All orders are due 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.
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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SPRING/SUMMER 2010 ISSUE OF A2 ACADEMIES MAGAZINE
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