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Friday, May 08, 2009
The Albany Academies e-newsletter
Week of May 4
AROUND THE ACADEMIES
Grandparents & Special Friends Day lights up the Academies!
The hallways of the East & West Campuses were buzzing with excitement today as Grandparents & Special Friends Day was held for Lower School students and their families.
Hundreds of guests were present for the opportunity to see firsthand the education that their young relatives and friends are receiving at the Academies.
The Lower School students showed off their artistic talent with a musical performance and had their artwork on display for everyone to view. In addition, the students had their photos taken with their grandparents and special friends during the event -- creating memories that will last a lifetime!
Strides for a Cure a great success!
The Albany Academies raised more than $6,000 to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society during its annual Strides for a Cure and Kids Fun Run held this past Sunday.
The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of more than 200 attendees in memory of Sol Kahn '06, who passed away from a very aggressive form of leukemia in September 2006. We have raised over $40,000 in Sol's name since January 2006.
Update on college acceptances
The Class of 2009 continues to be accepted at some of the finest colleges and universities in the nation. Congratulations to all of our seniors for their hard work!
CLICK HERE FOR THE LIST OF COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES AS OF MAY 7.
The power of positive psychology
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Dr. Martin P. Seligman '60, a distinguished practitioner and proponent of science, served as the featured speaker of the Class of ’57 Lecture Series on April 30 in Caird Chapel on the West Campus.
He shared his findings in positive psychology and authentic happiness as they apply to adolescents and in school settings, and advised the students to become engaged in what they do. He stressed the importance of using positive emotion and positive character to lead a meaningful life.
Dr. Seligman also spoke about how positive education can teach you to be happier and how it can be taught in schools.
Pictured at left (left to right) are Dalton Marks '57 and Dr. Seligman.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DR. SELIGMAN. |
The heart of the matter...
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7th grade girls received a special visit on April 29 from Dr. Ferdinand Venditti (father of Micheala Venditti '14), a cardiologist at Albany Medical Center.
Dr. Venditti discussed the heart with the girls, who have been studying the cardiovascular system in class recently.
He serves as the Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs at Albany Medical College. He has also acted as President of Albany Med's Faculty Practice Plan for the past five years and Chair of the Department of Medicine for the past nine years. |
Upper School students celebrate Law Day
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In celebration of Law Day 2009, Constantine F. DeStefano, Esq. -- who handles the appellate division of Tully Rinckey P.L.L.C. -- served as a guest speaker to 11th grade students on the West Campus on May 1.
Mr. DeStefano discussed the importance of knowing the law and your rights, including those relating to free speech, Internet privacy, and search and seizure.
He is the primary appeals attorney at Tully Rinckey. He also works within the criminal defense division and the family law department. |
Fire up the grill...
The Senior Barbeque was held on May 1 on the West Campus for the Class of 2009.
The boys and girls enjoyed some delicious food, cooked and served by Upper School Director Scott Milliken and Academic Dean Stacey Giordano, and had the chance to interact with each other before heading off to May Projects this week.
We will have updates on May Projects in the next few weeks!
The art of combat!
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Tim O'Leary (pictured at left with Middle School students), a graduate of University at Albany and New York-based actor/director/playwright who specializes in stage combat, visited the Academies this past week for the second time this school year as part of the Kermani Visiting Artist series.
He worked with both Middle & Upper School students on basic stage combat elements such as punching, kicking, sequence fighting with a partner, and basic falls. O'Leary had the students doing flips and incorporating everything into a fight sequence. |
Spreading tolerance through theater
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The Kids Project's "Making Friends" program was presented to Lower School students this past Monday. Through the use of storied, puppets, dolls and multisensory activities, trained educators explore what it might be like to be developmentally disabled.
The program helps young children look past the disability to see the wonderful qualities and abilities of the person inside.
It teaches students that children with disabilities are just like them: playing games, having dreams and inspirations and living full lives. |
A love of reading
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The Scholastic Book Fair was held this week on the West Campus and brought many reading fans in to explore the vast amount of books for sale.
The display was outstanding and included a wide variety of outstanding books.
The Book Fair has been extended until this Monday, May 11 at 4 p.m. There is still time for your child to stop in and pick up some of his or her favorites! |
A feast fit for a king!
Members of the 6th grade class on the West Campus celebrated a Medieval Feast this past Wednesday in Caird Chapel on the West Campus in front of an audience of family and friends.
Each boy selected a person from the time period to research and then composed a script that reflected elements of their character’s life. Musicians, a thief, artists, apprentices, a falconer, a mud-slinger, and many more that enjoyed the feast at Lady (Sandra) Nelson's table.
The event was a celebration of study, writing, acting, and overall hard work from the class. Thank you to all of the parents who were involved with the event.
Academies to host Forensics Tournament
Our school will serve as the host for the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament from May 22-24 for all students who have qualified nationally.
We are happy to announce that Alex Habiby (Form IV) will be competing in Student Congress debate at the event. The Albany Academies will be hosting many of the debate events during the tournament.
KUDOS
Four inducted into AAG Cum Laude Chapter
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The AAG Cum Laude Induction Ceremony, coordinated by Head Librarian Audrey Koester, saw four students get inducted into the prestigious society at an April 21 ceremony in the East Campus Auditorium.
Cum Laude is an academic honor society that annually recognizes the accomplishments of a small number of seniors who have attended the Academies for at least three years.
Elected into Cum Laude from the East Campus were Valerie Altounian '09, Hannah Kuhar '09, Marie Moltzen '09 and Drue Sokol '09. Lauren Rustowicz '09 was also recognized for her outstanding performance during the two years that she has attended the Academies.
Pictured (left to right) at the induction ceremony are Lauren, Marie, Hannah, Valerie and Drue. |
Six inducted into AA Cum Laude Chapter
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Six students were inducted into the AA Cum Laude Society at an April 23 ceremony held in Caird Chapel on the West Campus.
Cum Laude is an academic honor society that annually recognizes the accomplishments of a small number of seniors who have attended the Academies for at least three years.
The event, coordinated by faculty members Dave Pascone and Jamie Howard, saw Jake Gao (Form VI), Nathan Hofgesang (Form VI), Matt Kandath (Form VI), Stephen Meigher (Form VI), Rajiv Raghavan (Form VI) and Sam Spitalny (Form VI) inducted into the group.
Pictured (left to right) at the induction ceremony are Matt, Sam, Stephen, Nathan and Rajiv. |
The joy of helping others...
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Middle School Learning Specialist Beverly Carter received an Unsung Hero Award from the Miracle Prayer Tabernacle at a special ceremony held on April 18 in Queens.
Ms. Carter was recognized for the extensive work that she has done with the organization as a Minister of Dance and in various other roles. She has been a Liturgical Dance Minister for the past 12 years and is the Director of a Liturgical Dance Team called "Garments of Praise" at Good Ground Family Church in Cohoes.
She has taught many others and served as a Minister of Dance at numerous churches in New York, New Jersey and Texas. Congratulations to Ms. Carter for receiving this prestigious honor. |
ATHLETICS
Rewind: A look back at the sports week that was
This week, we bring you a sampling of varsity, junior varsity, freshman and modified spring sports at the Academies.
The Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team improved to 11-0 on the season with a 17-4 victory over Cohoes this past Wednesday. The team has had an outstanding season so far! In addition, Caroline Gersuk '10 has been selected as this week's My4/U.S. Army Student-Athlete of the Week.
The Girls Varsity Track & Field Team is having one of its finest seasons in it history. The team has recorded 5 wins so far in its first year in the Colonial Council. The girls are looking forward to battling for the Colonial Council Championship and competing in the Class B Sectionals.
The Girls JV Softball Team has a record of 6-3. The team has played very well so far this season. The pitching of Becca Smith '13 and the catching of Sarah Connolly '11 have helped carry the team.
The Coed Modified Tennis Team has switched from strokes and match play recently to court courtesy and the fundamentals of tennis. The team Co-Captains are Nathan Wei '14 and Kelsey Burhans '13. The team is looking to reschedule its match vs. Scotia.
The Boys Varsity Baseball Team has a record of 4-6. The team defeated Lansingburgh 8-6 this past Monday, handling the team its first loss in league play this season. Nick Cardona (Form IV) had two hits and made a spectacular game saving catch to end the game and seal the victory for AA.
The Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team lost a tough battle against La Salle Institute this past Tuesday.
The Boys Varsity Tennis Team finished an undefeated regular season with a record of 11-0 (8-0 league). The top seven players on the team did not lose a match during the regular season.
The Boys Varsity Track & Field Team defeated Ravena 84-57 and Voorheesville 101 1/2-39 1/2 this past Monday to finish 9-0 in the Colonial Council dual meet schedule. Individual winners were Jamel Fields (Form VI) in the 100 and the long jump, Amadou Gueye (Form VI) in the high hurdles, Connor Ferris (Form V) in the 200 and the high jump, Rajiv Raghavan(Form VI) in the 1,600, and Chris Pelcher (Form VI) in the shot put and the discus. The league championship meet will be held on Tuesday, May 12 beginning at 3 p.m. at Ravena.
The Boys Modified Baseball Team has a record of 4-1. Solid pitching by Ian Bennett (Form II), Darrien White (Form II), Jordan Newton (Form II), Charlie Janeway (Form II), Pierce Reilly (Form I) and Jon Peatfield (Form II) has propelled the team to a successful start. The team's top of the lineup hitters -- Darrien, John Moutopoulos (Form II) and Tom Cassidy (Form II) -- have been getting on base at an amazing rate, and have been driven in by Ian and Jordan. Brian Bussey (Form II), Jon, Hugh Fisher (Form II) and Josh Nelson (Form II) have made important supportive contributions. Wyatt Pritchard (Form III), Jelani Hoyte-King (Form I), Pierce, Jeffrey Gritsavage (Form I) and Charlie are chipping in with key at bats and defensive plays.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Summer Camp 2009 just weeks away!
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If you have not registered your child for Summer Camp 2009 at the Academies yet, now is the time to do so! This year's Summer Camp begins in less than four weeks. We will be offering crucial lifesaving courses in First Aid, CPR, AED training and Babysitting through our new Red Cross programs.
Meanwhile, your son or daughter can get a leg up on the competition with our SAT Prep Course taught by our own Upper School Director Scott Milliken & Upper School faculty member Jim Poole '68.
In addition, we will once again be offering our popular LEAP Camp with exciting courses such as Cooking, CSI Academy, Band Camp and Outdoor Skills & Thrills. 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.
Legacy of Dreams
June 20, 6 p.m.
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The 2009 Legacy of Dreams will be held on Saturday, June 20 at the Fort Orange Club in Albany. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with cocktails and a light buffet.
Proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the athletic programs at the Academies. |
Click here for the Legacy of Dreams sponsorship benefits ($5,000).
Click here for the Legacy of Dreams sponsorship benefits ($150-$1,500).
Click here for the Legacy of Dreams Honorary Committee membership form.
Click here for the Legacy of Dreams Auction Donation form.
For more information, contact Director of Annual Giving Susan K. Tobin at (518) 429-2448 or tobins@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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2010-2011 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
SPRING/SUMMER 2010 ISSUE OF A2 ACADEMIES MAGAZINE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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