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Thursday, February 26, 2009
The Albany Academies e-newsletter
Week of February 23
LOWER SCHOOL
Kindergarten students engage in meet & greet
Pictured (left to right) are Lower School Learning Specialist Janet Harris with a Kindergarten student; students interacting with one another; and faculty member Maryanne Harper with the students.
Our Kindergarten students on the East & West Campuses had the opportunity to meet together this past Monday in a celebration of Kindergarten Literacy Learning Centers, a common practice in our Lower School classrooms.
The children practiced and demonstrated many skills through fun activities. Matching letters and their sounds, letter formation, writing words, building sentences, and writing dictated sentences were some skills worked on through the activities.
The Kindergarten boys and girls enjoyed this experience and did some great work together!
Thank you to Lower School Learning Specialist Janet Harris for her work in facilitating this event.
The art of building bridges
Pictured (left to right) are Noreen Mian '19; Regan Oberting '19, Mia Milliken '19 & Nina Fiore '19; and Kaili Ebert '19.
Our 2nd grade scientists have been exploring shapes and how different ones affect strength in Mrs. Daniels' Science class.
During their recent lab on bridges, the students were able to plan and conduct investigations on shape strength and record their data. An extended learning activity involved the students designing and building their own bridge using the materials available in the Science Room. They also learned about the role of an architect in the process.
Importance of proper dental health
Pictured (left to right) are Dr. Cristi Freinberg-Trufas, D.D.S.; Kindergarten & 1st grade students taking part in a flossing demonstration; and Amy Freinberg-Trufas demonstrating proper dental care with a student.
Our Lower School boys and girls took part in a Dental Health Presentation this past Wednesday in which the students learned the importance of proper dental hygiene and how to care for their teeth.
Special thanks to Dr. Cristi Freinberg-Trufas, D.D.S. and Amy Freinberg-Trufas (parents of Levi Freinberg-Trufas '17) for taking the time to work with the children on this important activity.
The children even received dental "goodie bags" as a special treat!
LOWER SCHOOL LOOK AHEAD CALENDAR
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Heart Sale an overwhelming success
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The 6th grade boys (pictured at left) ran the Middle School Heart Sale to benefit Ronald McDonald House during the first two weeks of February.
The entire West Campus Middle School supported the effort and raised almost $1,500. This works out to almost $16 per student -- smashing the previous record of $8.50 per student. Will Pausley '15 reported the total amount raised during a special Chapel this past Monday attended by Deb Ross of Ronald McDonald House.
Congratulations to all of the boys for their dedication to such a worthy cause!
Next week, we will give you an update on the East Campus Middle School & Upper School Heart Sale efforts. |
Academies students prepare for math competition
Our school has had a Math Club since the first trimester of this school year, and a final spirit round was recently held to determine participants in the 2009 Mathcounts Capital District Chapter Competition this Saturday, February 28 at the GE Global Research Center in Niskayuna.
We will have two teams of Academies students -- four 8th grade girls and four 8th grade boys -- competing in the competition: Mackenzie Moore '13, Maya Raghavan '13, Rachel Park '13 & Sue Lee '13 and Nathan Wei (Form II), Joshua Nelson (Form II), William Kelly (Form II) & Nison Mikhaylov (Form II).
Best of luck to our students as they compete in this prestigious math enrichment, coaching and competition program designed to stimulate math interest in middle school students.
Bringing history to life
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The East Campus 5th grade History class (pictured at left) visited the Albany Institute of History and Art this past Wednesday to view the institute's collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and two mummies!
The students had a private tour of the Egyptian gallery, learned about the practice of mummification, and viewed ancient hieroglyphs, funerary objects and objects from Egyptian daily life. Students also worked in the institute's art studio to create an Egyptian cartouche using a modified ancient process.
The girls were engaged, enthusiastic and fascinated the entire morning! |
MIDDLE SCHOOL LOOK AHEAD CALENDAR
UPPER SCHOOL
Musical set for March 5-7
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Spend an evening experiencing a fantastic theatrical performance at the Academies. Tickets are currently available for the Upper School Musical production of "Into the Woods" set for Thursday, March 5 through Saturday, March 7. The performances begin at 7 p.m. each night.
Tickets are just $5 each, cash or check only (checks should be made payable to The Albany Academies).
For more information, contact Megan DiNicola at dinicolam@albanyacademies.org. |
Commencement ceremonies to feature distinguished speakers
We have selected two well-known individuals with long histories with the Academies for the Albany Academy for Girls & The Albany Academy Commencement ceremonies on Monday, June 8 & Tuesday, June 9, respectively.
Claudia Lewis -- a 1974 graduate of Albany Academy for Girls celebrating her 35th reunion this year and the aunt of Hannah Maloy '09, Peter Maloy '08, Betsy Lewis Totten '96 and Steve Lewis '94 --will address our senior girls about her well-respected career working in the geological and geophysical fields and the challenges that lie ahead for the girls on June 8.
Meanwhile, E. Stewart Jones, Jr. -- a 1959 graduate of The Albany Academy and father of Christopher Jones '90, Brady Jones '93 and Erin Jones '97 -- will impart wisdom and advice to our senior boys on June 9.
Click here for more information about the Commencement speakers.
Please stay tuned for more information regarding the Commencement ceremonies in the coming months.
New dance company to perform this Saturday
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Five Academies students -- Julie Anne Kamath '12 (pictured top center), Kristina Militar '10 (pictured bottom left), Zoey Patack '11 (pictured bottom right), Arielle Steele '12 (pictured top right) and Michaila Stevens '10 (pictured top left) -- will represent our school proudly as they perform for the new Modern Dance company Nacre this Saturday, February 28 at 2 & 8 p.m. at The Egg in Albany.
Nacre features works inspired by the Modern Dance pioneers Doris Humphrey, Isadora Duncan, Ted Shawn, Anna Sokolow, Donald McKayle, David Parsons, Danny Buraczeski, and 2008-2009 guest artist Vanessa Paige Swanson.
For tickets, call (518) 473-1845. |
UPPER SCHOOL LOOK AHEAD CALENDAR
OTHER NEWS
Important information regarding transportation to private schools
Transportation to private schools within 16 miles of a student's home is provided by his/her home district. Parents must request transportation in writing by April 1 preceding the school year in which the transportation is needed or within 30 days of moving into the school district. Parents must submit for transportation each year that their child(ren) is/are enrolled at a private school.
Forms will be posted by the end of today in the Lunch/Books/Transportation page of the Parents section of our website.
If you are requesting transportation for the 2009-2010 school year, please fill out your school district's form and submit the paperwork by April 1.
If you have any questions, please contact Director of Operations Pam MacAffer at macafferp@albanyacademies.org.
Academies marketing materials recognized for excellence
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We are pleased to announce that all three of our marketing materials submitted for the 24th Annual Admissions Marketing Advertising Awards of the Higher Education Marketing Report have been recognized for excellence.
Our "A" branding campaign, A2 Academies magazine and our weekly electronic newsletter (which you are reading now) were selected as being the best of the best in this prestigious advertising awards competition -- with more than 3,500 entries submitted last year from every state in the U.S. and multiple foreign countries.
Your feedback is greatly appreciated as we continue to expand our marketing efforts. |
Black History Assembly set for February 27
Middle School students at the Academies will take part in a Black History Celebration this Friday, February 27 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the East Campus Auditorium.
The assembly, led by faculty member Beverly Carter, will feature a variety of songs, poems, skits and speeches that celebrate the achievements of African-Americans in this country.
All parents are welcome to attend this special event!
Join us for a celebration of our diversity
    
Walking through the halls of the Academies, the cultural diversity of the student and faculty communities is wonderfully evident. We hope you will join us to celebrate this diversity on Saturday, February 28 from 3-5:30 p.m. on the East Campus as we host our first-ever International Taste of the World Festival.
There will be 25 food stations from Academies families, providing samples from their countries and cultures. There will also be dance demonstrations and ongoing crafts such as quilting, calligraphy and Mardi Gras mask making. This is a great way to come together as a community and celebrate so many different cultures!
Please stop by with your family and friends -- even if just for a short time -- to enjoy the food and festivities. Pre-registration is NOT required for this event.
Click here for the International Taste of the World Festival flyer.
For more information about the festival, contact Madame Keegan at keegand@albanyacademies.org.
Spread the word about upcoming Admissions events
After a record-setting Visiting Week that brought almost 50 prospective students to the Academies in just three days, our Admissions Office is back in full gear planning events for the spring. Our next "Lunch On Us" session will be held on Thursday, March 12 from noon to 1 p.m. in the West Campus Lower School Library.
In addition, we will be offering a Lower School Open House on Tuesday, April 7 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. This will be a great opportunity for families to learn more about our Preschool through Grade 4 program at the Academies.
Click here for the Lower School Open House flyer.
Please help spread the word to your family, friends and colleagues about these upcoming dates.
For more information, contact Director of Admissions Bramble Buran at (518) 429-2300 or buranb@albanyacademies.org, or Associate Director of Admissions Drew Lentz at (518) 429-2300 or lentza@albanyacademies.org.
Your participation is encouraged for Spring Gathering!
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Your support of our Spring Gathering -- An Evening of Music & Magic on Saturday, April 18 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at The Franklin Terrace in Troy will go a long way towards ensuring that deserving students have the chance to flourish at the Academies.
Please join us for an evening of elegance and enchantment featuring a Silent and Live Auction as well as the artistic and musical talents of Academies students throughout the evening.
There are a number of ways to participate in the event. Tickets are $85 per person. |
Click here for the Spring Gathering flyer.
Click here to join the Spring Gathering Honorary Committee.
Click here to advertise in the Spring Gathering program.
Click here to become a Spring Gathering corporate sponsor.
Click here to donate a Spring Gathering auction item.
For more information, contact Director of Annual Giving Susan K. Tobin at (518) 429-2448 or tobins@albanyacademies.org.
No school on April 9 & 10
Please note that the Academies will be closed on Thursday, April 9 in observance of Passover and on Friday, April 10 for Good Friday. Classes will resume on Monday, April 13.
Winters sports recap
The Boys Varsity Basketball Team crushed Catholic Central High School 93-42 in a first round Sectional playoff game held yesterday at The College of Saint Rose.
The boys will now face Albany High School this Saturday, February 28 at 3 p.m. at Hudson Valley Community College.
Meanwhile, the Girls Varsity Basketball Team lost a tough battle to Cambridge 51-35 yesterday.
Below is our recap of the JV, Freshman and Modified sports season.
The Coed Modified Swim Team came a long way this year after beginning the season two weeks late due to an emergency pool closure. Even with the short time to prepare, the team finished with a 4-1 record. Notable performances included Arka Rao (Form I): 100 IM, 200 free, breast stroke, fly and back; Robert Jones (Form II): 200 free event; Becca Smith '13: IM, 50 free and backstroke events; Dillon Flood (Form II): 50 free and breast stroke events; Logan DeVost (Form II): fly event and 100 IM; Nate Wei (Form II): 100 and 200 free events; Claire Karle '13: backstroke and sprint free events; Lauren Lohmiller '14: 100 free, 50 free and breast stroke events; Chris Poole (Form I): 100 IM, 200 free and breast stroke events. Rounding out the team and garnering important team points were butterfly specialist Rachel Park '13, sprint freestyle specialist Su-Min Lee '13, Csaba Sperry (Form I) in freestyle, Milan Saitia (Form II) in both free and back events, and Will McClain (Form II) and Jacob Choi (Form I) in spring freestyle events.
The Girls Modified Basketball Team ended the season with a 2-11 record. Five of the team's losses were by 3 points or less. Its two wins were over Cohoes and Lansingburgh. Even though the girls didn't finished with a winning record, each one of them improved in skill and ability with every game.
The Boys JV Basketball Team finished the season with an impressive 15-3 record thanks to great teamwork, dedication and a commitment to excellence. Opening the season with wins against La Salle and Catholic Central at the CCHS Tournament in late November -- which garnered the tournament championship for the Cadets -- the boys never looked back. The team put together a string of wins that showed determination and maturity. The boys were an entertaining blend of personalities, athleticism and talent that provided many memories for the entire Academies community.
The Boys Freshman Basketball Team had a successful campaign that included a 9-6 overall record and 9-2 league record. Floor leadership was spearheaded by Captain Jake Miorin (Form III) and guards Austin Teal (Form III), Stefan Kuhar (Form III), Ted Smallwood (Form III), Matt Glazier (Form III), Dylan Paratore (Form III) and Kevin Butler (Form III). The inside attack was led by Nate Robinson (Form II) and forwards Bob Lasch (Form III), Anthony Cioffi (Form III), Nick Nasseby (Form III), Changa Diop (Form III) and Ryan Butler (Form III).
The Boys Modified Basketball Team enjoyed a 10-4 record and very successful season. The team was led by Ian Bennett (Form II), John Moutoupoulos (Form II) and Brian Bussey (Form II). Thomas Cassidy (Form II), Jordan Newton (Form II), Jon Peatfield (Form II), Billy Kelly (Form II) and Thomas Featherstonehaugh (Form II) made positive contributions to the success of the team by way of key rebounds, defensive play and scoring. Alex Buchanan (Form II) made great progress and became a regular contributor as the season went on. Nison Mikhaylov (Form II) progressed and was able to get in quality minutes. Rounding out the team were Jelani Hoyte-King (Form I), Evan Russum (Form I), Andrew Liang (Form I) and Zafar Saifi (Form I).
The Boys Modified Wrestling Team finished the season by winning a tournament -- going 14-9 on the day -- held in the AA Wrestling Room that included Cohoes and Lansingburgh. Team points were: AA - 67 points, Lansingburgh - 53 points and Cohoes - 35 points. Every AA wrestler had at least one pin, with Trey Parson (Form II) and Austin Zeh (Form I) coming in first place; Cameron Milliken (Form I) and Connor Flood (Form I), second place; Jacob Cushing (Form I), third place; Michael Druker (Form II) and Pierce Reilly (Form I), fourth place; and Sam Delarge (Form I), fifth place. All of the boys made impressive strides this year and helped each other to improve. The boys also learned the importance of respect for yourself and others during the season.
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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