The Albany Academies coordinate single-sex and coeducational learning environments to develop diligent students of high character who become curious, critical thinkers.
|
|
The Skim
- Coronavirus Communication
- Sports Teams Practices Cancelled
- Bender Summer Writing Program
- Women's History Month
- Around Campus
- News From the AAG Dean of Students
- Wax Museum
- AAG Grade 4 Play
- Learning on Broadway
- Featured Student Artwork
- AAG Hockey
- NYSPHSAA Swimming & Diving Championships
- Athletic Awards
- College Counseling
- AAG Key Club Book Drive
- Summer Camp Spotlight: LEAP entering grades 3-8
- One Family Referral Campaign
- Spring Gathering
|
|
Dear Friends,
In the ancient words of the Sufi poets, “This too shall pass.”
From my seat, we are living through a time when we might feel like the systems that we rely on for an orderly and safe society don’t seem to be working the way we hope they would. This sense of unease is as contagious as any virus and has been part of the zeitgeist this last week. In my life, this feeling seems to come around every ten years or so, usually around a significant personal or world event.
In the modern words of the great philosopher Lilo, “Ohana means family. And family means no one is left behind.”
When we are challenged in this way, we come to understand – and really feel – the strength of our families and the communities that support them.
With this in mind, we are determined to be calm, informed, and supportive as we work together to figure out the next steps we need to take in order to meet whatever challenges await us over the next few weeks. We’ll just keep moving forward until we bridge back to a sense of normalcy.
If you’re craving some normalcy right now, read on to see what happened on campus this week that didn’t begin with the phrase, “Out of an abundance of caution.”
Best wishes for restorative break.
|
|
We have moved our communication about COVID-19 to a
Coronavirus Webpage
on our Website. On this page you will find:
- An updated FAQ with our responses to date
- Memos from our external partners about their responses and policies
- Our continuity of operations plan
- Resources for parents
|
|
Sports Teams Practices Cancelled
Out of an abundance of caution, all sports teams practices are cancelled during Spring Break.
|
|
Bender Summer Writing Program
Through the generosity of the Bender family, the school is able to offer a free summer writing program for any upper school student who wants to improve his / her writing skills.
The focus of this course is on academic, expository writing. The course is designed to be a workshop experience in which students work on particular skills and receive feedback every day from the teacher and their peers.
The second week for 11th and 12th graders includes some time spent on the college application essay.
There will be two two-week sessions: first session, weeks of June 15 and 22; second session, weeks of August 10 and August 17. Students may sign up for only one of these sessions.
The class will run for 90 minutes each day:
9-10:30 for rising ninth and tenth graders.
11-12:30 for rising eleventh and twelfth graders.
Enrollment for each section is capped at 12 students. If you are interested in enrolling your son or daughter, please contact Mr. Pascone at pasconed@albanyacademies.org.
|
|
Women's History Month
AAG students, faculty, and staff celebrated Women's History Month with some fun learning events around campus:
- An interactive inspirational display was created where girls were welcome to write the name of a woman who inspires them, an achievement by a woman, or what being a woman means to them on a post it note and put it up in the window.
- A Rosie the Riveter photo booth opportunity was available in the AAG front lobby.
- Quotes by or about famous women and pictures of women were posted around the school.
- There is a women artist display outside of the art room.
- Archives Club talked about a different AAG alumna each morning during morning meeting. They also shared information about the alumnae with Lower School and Middle School.
- Lessons about historic women and their achievements were integrated into the curriculum.
|
|
The Upper School Science Bowl team competed at the regional Science Bowl Competition at GE Global Research Center in Niskayuna on Saturday, March 7. Students competed in many areas of science including: biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, energy and mathematics. The team were successful in advancing to the quarter finals of that competition!
Congratulations
to our team!
Pictured: Jay M. '21, Ali N. '20, Renee P. '21, Shriya S. '21, Alex L. '21, and Zain J. '21
|
|
Senior English V: Race and Gender in Art, Music, and Literature students video conference with Smithsonian American Art Museum presenters to create connections between American art and curriculum. This conference focuses on the lives of African American artists and lends insight into the context of their works. Students learn about the diverse body of artwork created by African American artists and the historical, social, and cultural events, as well as the life experiences, that inspired their work (SAAM).
|
|
The Chinese II class welcomed guest speaker Jafar Johnson, who came to talk about living and running a company in China. He gave the class an insight of what it's like to work as an athletic trainer with Chinese celebrities and NBA players, like LeBron James, Allen Iverson, and Vince Carter. He also spoke about the importance of language learning and broadening your perspective through travel and study abroad programs, as well as the value of learning the most spoken language in the world: Mandarin Chinese.
|
|
Mock Trial won its first two trials this season , defeating CBA and Cohoes. The team qualified for the semi-finals of the Albany County Tournament.
|
|
7th Grade American History wrapped up their study on the American Revolution by creating board games that integrated key content from the unit. They had a great time playing each others’ games!
|
|
Mrs. Dempsey's Second Grade class has been learning about endangered species in reading, writing and phonics. They celebrated the end of the unit by wearing shirts they wrote inspiring messages on, carrying signs they created, and writing and mailing letters to our New York State senators asking them to support laws that protect endangered species.
|
|
News From the AAG Dean of Students
Ring Dares and Ring Dinner took place on Thursday, March 12. The dares were a laugh for all and enjoyed by all of the Upper School. The ring dinner was expertly organized by the Senior class and seniors and sophomores had a great time.
We have completed our selection process for the 2020-2021 Peer Leaders. Thank you to our 15 applicants and congratulations to the 8 rising juniors who were chosen and notified this afternoon.
|
|
Wax Museum
The third grade girls brought many important people from American history to life at the annual Colonial Wax Museum. Because history hasn't always told the stories of women or people who had been enslaved, many of our figures were little known or have been underrepresented in the history books. Through diligent research and hard work, the third graders were able to share these compelling stories with visitors to the museum.
|
|
AAG Grade 4 Play
On Wednesday, March 11, the fourth grade performed the fractured fairytale play, "Goldilocks and the Three Pigs". The actors had a great grasp on their characters and amazing comedic timing. Like many fairytales, though there was plenty of humor and mischief, there were also deeper meaning about what it means to be loyal, truthful, and brave. Great job, fourth grade!!
|
|
Learning on Broadway
The Upper School Chamber Singers, Theatre Class, and students from both theatre productions took a field trip to NYC this week. The group attended a private Broadway workshop, with an associate conductor and an actress from the show “Come From Away,” followed by attending a matinee performance. Being able to take our students to work with these professionals in the place where it all happens is a wonderful and unique experience that cannot be duplicated anywhere else.
|
|
Featured Student Artwork
Congratulations to Photography II student Casey F. ’22 and Advanced Art student Anna W. ’21 for having artwork selected to be featured at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists. Their work will be on display at SPAC Sunday, May 31, from 2-6:00 p.m.
Congratulations to Johanna D. '22, Sam F. '21, Bill S. '24, Jenny Y. '20, Victoria B. '20, Morgen I. '20, and Epiphany D. '22 for having their artwork selected to represent The Albany Academies for the 2020, 21
st
Juried High School Regional Art Show, held at the Opalka Gallery at Sage College. The show will be on display from March 17- April 18, 2020
.
Congratulations to Alex F. '23 for recently exhibiting her digital art pieces at the Art Association Gallery on March 6. The exhibit honored women artists in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of their right to vote.
|
|
Alex F. '23 framing a piece of artwork.
|
|
Anna W. '21 with a piece of her artwork.
|
|
Casey F. '22 with a piece of her artwork.
|
|
AAG Hockey
This past weekend six members of The Albany Academies Girls Hockey Team competed in the NYS Hockey Championship (Girls Under 19) in Buffalo, New York. Four of the girls, Katie P. '22, Jordan G. '22, Maddie R. '20 and Sadie R. '21, playing for the Troy/Albany Ice Cats, reached the quarterfinals. Two girls, Maddie Z. '20 and Giulietta N. '20, playing for the St. Lawrence Steel, won the New York State Championship and the right to compete in the National Championship in Philadelphia.
Pictured: Giulietta N. '20 and Maddie Z. '20
|
|
 |
|
|
|
NYSPHSAA Swimming & Diving Championships
The AA Varsity Swim team competed in the NYSPHSAA State Championships this past weekend finishing with an team standing of 3rd in the State and 7th in the Federation. This is Academy's best finish EVER at the NYSPHSAA Championships!
The Medley Relay of Ian Y. '21, Brayden H. '23, Bryce H. '21, and Silas S. '21 placed 2nd in the State and 4th in the Federation with a new school record time of 1:36.03. The 200 Freestlye Relay of Brayden, Silas, Aron C. '20, and Bryce finished 10th in both the State and Federation. Brayden placed 10th in the State for the 100 Breaststroke. The 400 Freestyle Relay of Aron, Ivan Y. '21, Jack S.'21, and Jake O. '20. also competed in the Championships with two members of the relay team posting lifetime best swims.
In the 100 Butterfly, Bryce became Albany Academy's FIRST State and Federation Champion with his time of 49.43; his time broke both his school record and the Section 2 record and earned All American Consideration status. Bryce place 2nd in the State and 3rd in Federation in the 200 Freestyle, breaking his own school record with an All American Consideration time of 1:40.14.
Jake O.'20 represented The Albany Academy and Section 2 as a State Level Scholar Athlete finalist.
Congratulations to the entire team, Coach Young, and Coach Headwell for a great season!
|
|
|
|
The OLCOTT AWARD, given in honor of Robert Olcott II ‘44, is presented by the Athletic Council to that member of the wrestling team who has been deemed the Most Outstanding Wrestler and who exemplifies hard work, dedication and success.
Awarded to Alex O. '21
|
|
The MARY ANN SMITH
MEMORIAL AWARD given by her family and friends, is awarded annually by a committee including the Director of Athletics, Head Hockey Coach, and the hockey staff, to that student in FORM V, VI, or PG who shall be judged to best exemplify the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
Awarded to Matthew C. '20
The annual FREDERICK A. PLUNKETT ’68 AWARD is given by his friends in his memory to th hockey player, who, in the opinion of the committee, has best shown by his sacrifice the most improvement in team play and dedication to the development of hockey skills.
Awarded to Sam B. '20
|
|
The GREGORY V.
McQUIDE ’87 AWARD is given by friends, in his memory, to that member of the swimming team who has participated for a minimum of three years and has demonstrated a desire to improve himself and help other to do the same while promoting the ideals of The Albany Academy swimming program through his effort and leadership.
Awarded to Jake O. '20
|
|
The J.A.M. ’81 Alpine Ski Award, Given to a top varsity skier who exemplifies the qualities that define an Academy student; Academics, Athletics, Sportsmanship, Teamwork, and Integrity.
Awarded to Matthew B. '20
|
|
|
College Counseling
In light of evolving information about COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) and out of an abundance of caution, many college campuses will be suspending upcoming spring events for campus visitors, including admitted student programming, campus tours, and information sessions. We strongly encourage you to visit each college website
or call the undergraduate admissions office
, prior to any planned trips, for up-to-date information.
|
|
AAG Key Club Book Drive
Are you doing any Spring Cleaning over March Break? The AAG Key Club will be running a Book Drive to collect gently used children’s books. We are looking for board books, picture books, readers, early chapter and young adult books. No Textbooks/adult fiction/adult nonfiction, please!
The Key Club has partnered with the RED (Read Every Day) Bookshelf
www.theredbookshelf.org
, an Albany non-profit that collects, cleans and mends used books to be placed back in the community for under-served children to select in order to build a home library. The books can be dropped off at the collection box in the AAG Lobby from March 30--April 8.
Pictured are Alexis S., Erin H. and Ellena C. mending books at a RED Bookshelf Workshop.
|
|
Summer Camp Spotlight:
LEAP (entering Grades 3-8)
June 29 - July 10
July 13 - July 24
July 27 - August 7
In this unique camp, students design their own daily schedule and participate in five classes of their interest. Choices include areas of academics, world language, visual and performing arts, sports, technology, games and adventure.
|
|
Click here
for more details (there's an
incentive
for this!) and the referral form. Thank you to the many parents who have already referred families to our Admissions Office. We are very grateful.
|
|
Spring Gathering coming in late April
You should have received your Spring Gathering invitation and we hope you will consider joining us!
This annual event - to be held on April 25, 2020 at Franklin Plaza - supports the financial aid and merit scholarship programs at the Academies.
Registration is now available:
|
|
How Should I Speak With My Child About The COVID-19 Pandemic?
The following links are excellent resources to help engage students in constructive conversations about this issue.
All Ages
Lower School
Middle School
Upper School
|
|
Week at a Glance
March 30 - April 3, 2020
|
|
Monday, March 16 - Friday, March 27
Spring Break (No Classes)
|
|
Monday, March 30
Day 1
Classes Resume
3:05 p.m. Upper School Clubs
|
|
Tuesday, March 31
Day 2
11:00 a.m. Tuesday Talks for Faculty and Staff (Caird Chapel)
12:00 p.m. Form II National Spanish Exam
|
|
Wednesday, April 1
Day 3
7:45 a.m. AAG Upper School Coffee
8:15 a.m. AA Lower School Coffee
9:00 a.m. Form I National Spanish Exam
12:15 p.m. AA Upper School Deans Meeting (Room 1-21)
12:15 p.m. AA Middle School Advising
2:20 p.m. AAG Upper School Assembly (Auditorium)
2:20 p.m. AA Upper School Assembly (Caird Chapel)
|
|
Thursday, April 2
Day 4
8:20 a.m. AA Lower School Chapel (Caird Chapel)
12:00 p.m. Admissions Lunch On Us (Trustees Room)
6:00 p.m. Spanish Honor Society Induction (Caird Chapel)
|
|
Friday, April 3
Day 5
8:15 a.m. AAG Lower School Assembly (Auditorium)
12:15 p.m. AA Middle School Clubs
12:15 p.m. AA Middle School Deans Meeting (Trustees Room)
3:30 p.m. AAG Grade 4 Movie Party (AAG Music Room)
|
|
Looking Ahead
4/7/20 AA Middle School Coffee
4/7/20 Pre-ACT Exams
4/7/20 Summer Camp Informational Session
4/8/20 AAPA Board Meeting
4/8/20 French Honor Society Induction Ceremony
4/9/20 Passover Observed (School Closed)
4/10/20 Good Friday Observed (School Closed)
4/13/20 Professional Development Day (No Classes)
4/14/20 - 4/17/20 Admissions Visiting Week
4/15/20 AAPA Open Parent Meeting
4/16/20 Latin Honor Society Induction Ceremony
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
