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Thursday, April 23, 2009
The Albany Academies e-newsletter
Week of April 20
We would like to extend special recognition to our parents, faculty and students. Your volunteer efforts, pursuit of excellence and support are recognized and appreciated!
Children's Book Festival a great success!
Pictured (left to right) at the Children's Book Festival at the Academies on April 17 are children's author Tim Magner; student volunteers that assisted with the festival; and children's author Colleen Paratore P'12 interacting with engaged listeners.
More than 350 parents, children, faculty and guests gathered on April 17 for the first-ever Children's Book Festival at the Academies.
The energy on campus was contagious -- from the enjoyment of a child getting his or her book signed by their favorite author, to the gathering of more than 20 authors in the Board of Trustees room for a lavish feast put on by our parents, to adults and children listening to authors share their special writing experiences, the event had something for everyone!
"It's always a thrill to meet new readers and authors, and it makes us hungry for the opportunity to get together more often," said children's author Suzanne Bloom. "I hope that you are encouraged to put on the Children's Book Festival again next year so that it becomes established as an Albany Academies event!"
"Everyone did a wonderful job with the Children's Book Festival at the Academies," said children's author Nancy Castaldo. "Please pass along my kudos to everyone involved. The food was delicious, the parade adorable, the layout perfect and students wonderful."
Plans are already underway to make next year’s festival even bigger! Special recognition goes to West Campus Lower School Librarian Karen Schimmer for her extraordinary efforts with the coordination of the event.
Academies celebrates National Library Week!
Our school held a number of exciting activities and events last week to celebrate National Library Week. Pictured above are just a sampling of events!
A great night for a great cause!
Pictured (left to right) at the 2009 Spring Gathering are student performers Julia Randall '15, Christina Lau '18 and Nicholas Lau '15; Kathleen McNamee P'10, '16 and Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hennes from Johnson Illington Advisors; and students performing an Indian Dance.
There was music and magic in the air at this year's Spring Gathering held on April 18 at Franklin Terrace in Troy.
Nearly 300 alumni/ae, parents, faculty and friends were amazed by a magician's tricks, startled by a mime's sudden moves and wowed by the musical and artistic dancing talents of our student performers. There were silent and live auction items that ranged from gift baskets and yo-yo lessons to spectacular vacation homes and artwork.
The event raised more than $75,000 in support of our scholarship and financial aid programs. Special thanks go to the Co-Chairs and Planning Committee as well as so many organizations and individuals for donating auction items for their dedicated work and generosity with this event.
Academies students recognized for excellence
A number of students at the Academies were recently recognized for excellence in academics, the arts, athletics and leadership. Congratulations!
Six members of the Class of 2010 -- Caroline Calhoun '10, Isabelle Heukensfeldt-Jansen '10, Josh Hoh (Form V), Sarah Mahar '10, Ankur Patel (Form V) & Charles (Buddy) White (Form V) -- have qualified for the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Program based on their PSAT results.
Josh Hoh has also been recognized as a National Achievement Scholarship Program qualifier. The program is part of the National Merit Corporation and is open to African-American high school students.
Hope Wilk '12, Principal Harp for the Saratoga Springs Youth Orchestra (SSYO), was selected as the winner of the 2009 Concerto Competition sponsored by SSYO. She will perform with the SSYO symphony orchestra at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall this Sunday, April 26 alongside the World Premiere Hilary Tann composition.
Elizabeth Robinson '11 and Christian Miller '11 have been nominated to participate in the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference – which seeks to inspire and develop a global community of youth and volunteers dedicated to leadership, service and innovation – from May 29-31 at RPI in Troy.
Roma Lutra '10 and Samantha Miorin '10 have been nominated for the Society of Women Engineers, Certificate of Merit Award – an honor based on academic achievements in math, science, character and desire for a future career in engineering, math or science. The two will be recognized along with other students at the New York State Capital District SWE Section Professional Honors and Awards Banquet on May 14.
Sydney Gross '11 and Tessa Palladino '12 have been selected to participate in the Eleanor Roosevelt Girls Leadership Workshop, which delivers programs each summer to educate, empower and activate adolescent girls to become the next generation of social justice leaders.
Distinguished Authors Series a hit!
The Distinguished Authors Series brought two very distinguished authors to the Academies recently.
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Robert San Souci (pictured at left with Lower School students), whose works draw on folktales from many cultures, shared several of his stories -- some of which have been illustrated by his brother, Daniel San Souci -- with Lower School students on April 15.
He discussed the process of writing books, weaving in wonderful stories of growing up and always knowing that he wanted to be an author.
Robert also emphasized that in order to be a great writer you need to read extensively, write everyday and persevere. |
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Meanwhile, Chris Crutcher (pictured at left) mesmerized 7th, 8th & 9th grade students this past Monday with tales of his life and work.
As he does in his books, Mr. Crutcher created a seamless blend of poignancy and hilarity.
Students and faculty who were fortunate enough to hear his presentations absolutely loved him, and East Campus Middle/Upper School Librarian Audrey Koester has observed that the Crutcher section of the fiction shelves is nearly empty as students have beaten a path to the Library to check out his books. |
Senior boys reign supreme!
Pictured (left to right) at the Senior Boys vs. Faculty Basketball Game are the seniors and faculty battling on the court; parent volunteers Marie Campbell P'09 and Lena Hart P'09, '10, '13; and the senior boys coming up with a game plan.
The senior boys upset the faculty 66-65 in the annual Senior Boys vs. Faculty Basketball Game on April 16 in the West Campus Gym.
Jimmer Bennett (Form VI) made a 3-point, half-court shot to give the boys the thrilling victory! As a result of the win, the boys claimed bragging rights and gained a dress down day for the Upper School this past Friday. Special thanks go to Roxanne Delarge P'09, '13 for coordinating the food and refreshments sold at the game.
Battle on the gridiron
The inaugural Powder Puff football game took place on April 18 on the football field on the West Campus.
The Upper School girls battled each other in an exciting contest with the underclasswomen emerging victories and being crowned the 2009 Powder Puff Champions!
A (big) step back in time...
What was the earth like 150 million years ago? How big were the dinosaurs that roamed the earth at that time? How did they become fossils?
These were just some of the questions 1st & 2nd grade students asked presenter Peggy Labrie from the Scotia-Glenville Children's Museum when she visited the McNamee Library in the West Campus for a presentation this past Wednesday.
The students -- who are studying dinosaurs as part of an integrated unit -- were able to explore fossilized tyrannosaurus teeth, casts of fossilized footprints and create timelines illustrating the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous eras and the creatures who lived in them.
Spirit Sale underway!
The East Campus Class of 2010 is once again offering a special line of spirit wear items to raise money for Commencement Dance, Senior Class Gift '10 and the 2010 Prom. Please note when ordering that you must indicate the color along with style number in the first column of the flyer.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SPIRIT SALE FLYER.
Healthy choices for life
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Students from Albany Medical College presented a special "Apple Wars" presentation this past Wednesday in the McNamee Library on the West Campus.
During the presentation, the students emphasized eating healthy and exercising to keep your body and mind strong.
They discussed the food pyramid and how to eat balanced meals while wisely selecting food choices that are good for your growth as well as your health. Make sure you ask your son about what he learned! |
UPCOMING EVENTS
Spring Community Service Day
April 24
More than 500 Academies students and faculty will take part in our Spring Community Service Day this Friday, April 24 in an effort to improve the lives of others in the community.
As part of this year's program, students and faculty will work with individuals from organizations such as Albany County Nursing, Albany Food Pantry, Delmar Place assisted living center, Five Rivers, Gilda's Club, Habitat for Humanity, National Little League, St. Peter's Rehabilitation Center, The Langan School of the Center for Disability Services, Trinity Institution and Westland Hills Little League.
Middle School Semi-Formal for Grades 7 & 8
April 24, 6:30-9 p.m., Standish Pool Lobby, West Campus
2009 Prom
April 25, 5:30 p.m., The State Room, 142 State Street, Albany
Tickets are $65 each; open to all Upper School students
Evening of the Arts
April 28, 5:30 p.m.
The annual "Evening of the Arts" celebration will be held on Tuesday, April 28 beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the East Campus Auditorium.
The event will feature a beautiful art exhibition along with performances from the Middle & Upper School Dance group and Upper School Mixed Chorus. Please make plans to attend this event. A postcard was recently mailed out with additional details about the evening as well as other events coming up to showcase the arts at the Academies.
Class of '57 Lecture Series
April 30, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
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Dr. Martin Seligman '60 (pictured at left), a distinguished practitioner and contributor to science, will address the Academies community on Thursday, April 30 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Caird Chapel on the West Campus as part of the Class of '57 Lecture Series.
Dr. Seligman is the Director of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania. He will be sharing findings in positive psychology and authentic happiness as they apply to adolescents and in school settings.
Seating will be limited so please contact Director of Alumni/ae Relations Marna Redding at (518) 429-2425 or reddingm@albanyacademies.org to confirm a reservation. You should have received a postcard at your home with more details about the event. |
Strides for a Cure
May 3, 10 a.m.
The Annual Strides for a Cure event in memory of Solomon Jochnowitz-Kahn '06 will be held on Sunday, May 3 beginning at 10 a.m. at Robison Track on the West Campus.
Strides for a Cure is a 3-mile walk beginning and ending at Robison Track. All proceeds benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
CLICK HERE FOR THE STRIDES FOR A CURE REGISTRATION FORM.
Order your flowers now
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The deadline to order flowers for the 2009 Spring Flower Sale is this Friday, April 27. Order your flowers now and help support the Visiting Artists Series!
Flower pickup will be on Friday, May 8 from 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. in the Standish Pool Lobby on the West Campus.
CLICK HERE FOR THE 2009 SPRING FLOWER SALE FLYER AND ORDER FORM. |
Summer Camp 2009 information out!
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Summer is right around the corner, so please make sure to check out our 2009 Summer Camp brochure!
This year, we have several new programs and camps, including a swim camp, SAT Prep Course, Red Cross programs and a science camp in partnership with the Children's Museum of Science and Technology in Troy. Of course, our LEAP program will be offered again with more courses than ever before.
You can register online or contact us for a brochure; we would be happy to mail you one. Many of the camps begin on June 8! |
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE FOR SUMMER CAMP 2009.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SUMMER CAMP 2009 BROCHURE.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
AAPA volunteer forms due this Friday
Help us find a missing bracelet!
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A Pandora Bracelet comprised of silver and pink beads was recently lost or stolen that has yet to be recovered. The student left it on a table in an empty room and when she went back to find it three hours later it was gone. This item is very meaningful to the family and they are hoping it will be returned.
Please remember that our school community is not immune from items being lost or stolen; we recommend that students not bring items of value, excessive amounts of cash, or non-school related electronic items to school. |
We have many visitors and guest throughout the building and items should not be left overnight or on top of lockers. If a student does/must bring an item of value to school, it should be locked in their personal locker for security reasons. Middle & Upper School students are assigned two lockers: one for general clothing and personal belongings and one for athletic apparel.
If you have any information about this item, please contact Director of Operations Pam MacAffer at (518) 429-2439 or macafferp@albanyacademies.org. Items found should be turned in to the Main Offices on the East or West Campuses. Thank you.
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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