The Albany Academies coordinate single-sex and coeducational learning environments to develop diligent students of high character who become curious, critical thinkers. |
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The Skim
- A Framework for Reopening in 2021
- End of Year Events - Save the Dates!
- Safety Reminder
- Adding COVID Vaccinations to your Child’s Medical Record
- Voluntary Student COVID-Surveillance Testing, Week of April 4
- Virtual Open House
- A Glimpse Into Our Classrooms
- News from the College Counseling Department
- Don't Forget to Order Lunch!
- Athletic Awards
- Spring Gathering
- Summer Camp Registration
- Hannaford Helps Schools
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Dear Friends,
We started this week focused on the future and are ending it the same way.
On Monday, we spent some of our professional development day exploring lessons learned from COVID and the opportunities they presented for refining our practices next year. We also returned to some of the goals laid out in our strategic plan, that are designed to strengthen the School even more over the next few years.
Today, we share draft Frameworks for Reopening in 2021 and dates for end-of-year activities, which we plan to hold in-person whenever practicable. This was also the first week of vaccine eligibility for individuals 16 years of age and above, which is a critical component of returning to stable in-person operations.
All of this aligns beautifully with the sense of renewal inherent in spring, which returned in full force this week.
Unfortunately, I need to end with the now-familiar note of caution that we’re not quite done with COVID. Over the last two weeks, we have experienced a rise of positive cases in our student body as we all returned from spring break.
These rising cases are aligned with relatively high regional positivity rates, with a significant percentage of these cases attributable to more transmissible variants. We’re in a race between increased infections and vaccinations, which I imagine we all hope to win.
But hope is not a strategy.
What is? Staying masked, staying physically distanced, and giving full consideration to getting yourself and your loved ones vaccinated as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
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A Framework for Reopening in 2021
As we did last year, we have drafted a framework of COVID-responsive operating modes for next year. These modes are designed to respond to a range of potential scenarios, keyed to the potential risk of virus transmission at school.
Based on current data and trends, we anticipate returning to stable in-person operations by September 2021 with the other modes available as contingencies if necessary.
Families are encouraged to download and review the framework document, as it provides considerable detail regarding our reopening planning. Parent webinars regarding 2021 reopening will be scheduled later in the spring.
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End of Year Events. Save the Dates!
The end of the school year is a busy and joyful time. Administrators, faculty, and staff are hard at work planning end-of-year events. They are following NYSDOH guidelines to create COVID-aware, in-person events whenever possible. Their planning prioritizes creating a meaningful student experience first, and then trying to meet the anticipated needs of families, if possible. For most events they are cautiously optimistic that they will be able to do both.
APRIL
4/12/2021, 7:00 pm, French Honor Society Induction, Chapel
4/29/2021, 4:00 pm, Honors Project Presentations, Zoom
4/13/2021, 7:00 pm, Latin Honor Society Induction, Chapel
4/16/2021, All Day, Bacon Bat/House Day, Campus
4/21/2021, 7:00 pm, Chinese Honor Society Induction, Chapel
4/23/2021, All Day, Community Service Day, Campus
4/27/2021, 6:30 pm, AA Cum Laude Inductions, Chapel
4/22/2021, 6:30 pm, AAG Cum Laude Inductions, Auditorium
4/28/2021, 6:30 pm, US Fine Arts Performance, Zoom
4/29/201, 6:00 pm, AA Honors Projects Presentations, Zoom or TBD
MAY
5/19/2021, 6:30 pm, MS Fine Arts Performance, Zoom
5/28/2021, 6:30 pm, LS Fine Arts Performance, Zoom
JUNE
6/7/2021, TBD, AA MS Closing, Zoom
6/7/2021, TBD, AAG MS Moving Up Ceremony, Zoom
6/8/202, TBD, AA LS Closing, Zoom
6/8/2021, TBD, AA LS Moving Up Ceremony, Zoom
6/9/2021, 1:00 pm, AA Last Chapel, Tent on Campus
6/9/2021, 10:00 am, AAG Final Assembly, Tent on Campus
6/9/2021, 5:00 pm, Senior-Faculty Dinner, AA Buttery
6/9/2021, 6:00 pm, May Project Fair, Rink - Gym
6/10/2021, 1:00 pm, AAG Kindergarten Graduation, AAG Auditorium
6/10/2021, 1:45 pm, AA Kindergarten Graduation, AA Chapel
6/10/2021, 8:30 am, AA Grade 8 Graduation, Tent on Campus
6/10/2021, 10:30 am, AAG Grade 8 Graduation, Tent on Campus
6/10/2021, TBD, AA/AAG Grade 8 Celebration, Tent on Campus
6/11/2021, 8:30 am, AAG Grade 4 Graduation, Tent on Campus
6/11/2021, 10:30 am, AA Grade 4 Graduation, Tent on Campus
6/11/2021, 3:00 pm, AAG Senior Tea, Tent on Campus
6/12/2021, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Prom, Tent on Campus
6/14/2021, 10:00 am, AAG Commencement, Tent on Campus
6/15/2021, 10:00 am, AA Commencement, Tent on Campus
More details will follow in Dr. Milliken’s weekly updates.
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Safety Reminder
When bringing your child to school or picking them up from school please utilize the designated drop off/pick up areas in the AAG parking lot. We have experienced an increase of cars dropping students off and parking in the front circle. We need to keep the front circle clear for pedestrian safety, bus safety, and any emergency vehicles.
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Adding COVID Vaccinations to your Child’s Medical Record
This week, COVID vaccination eligibility was extended to individuals sixteen years of age and older. We are aligned with New York State Department of Health guidance that strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination. In addition to the health implications of doing so, there is an added benefit of ensuring that fully vaccinated individuals will no longer need to quarantine should they be designated a close contact of a positive individual. This would keep disruptions to a minimum for students as they plan for end-of-year exams and events.
To verify that students are fully vaccinated, please use the Magnus Health portal to update an image of your child’s vaccination card to their medical record. This is a secure portal for confidential student health records portal that is only available to our school nurses. Please see the visual guide, below for step-by-step directions to do this.
If you have any questions regarding uploading images of vaccination cards, please contact:
Phone: 518-429-2302
Phone: 518-429-2403
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Visual Guide to Uploading a Vaccination Card to Magnus Health |
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Voluntary Student COVID-Surveillance Testing, Week of April 11
Voluntary Surveillance COVID testing will be offered for the next two weeks and then discontinued unless needed as an additional mitigation strategy.
Due to the relatively small number of participants, we are transitioning to the Abbott BinaxNOW rapid antigen test. This test requires sampling with a nasal swab administered by trained personnel. The test must be completed on-site.
- Testing for girls will be on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, from noon - 4 p.m. in the AAG Nurses Office.
- Testing for boys will be on Thursday, April 15, 2021, from noon- 4 p.m. in the AA Nurses Office.
- If you would like to participate in you must sign up at:
- The sign-up deadline is Monday, April 12, at 5 p.m.
- The cost is $15 per student.
- A revised consent form will be emailed to those who sign up, which must be returned prior to testing.
- Results will be available on the day of testing
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Tell your friends and neighbors, The Albany Academies is hosting a Virtual Open House this weekend. Access credentials will be posted on our website.
The Virtual Open House offers prospective families the opportunity to:
LEARN about all of the unique programs the Academies offer. From arts and athletics to amazing leadership opportunities, The Albany Academies provide a robust curriculum to its students.
MEET some of our students to learn more about the Academies' experience. There's no better way to understand what it's like to be a part of this community than by attending our admissions events!
For questions please contact our Office of Admissions at 518.429.2348 or email Shellie Carr.
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A Glimpse Into Our Classrooms |
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Poetry is celebrated in the joyful month of April!
The AA 4th graders produced musing poems after being inspired by Robert Frost's quote, “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.”
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AAG Third and Fourth Graders completed their own colorful puzzle pieces that will be included in a bigger art installation. They drew inspiration from early1900's abstract artist Hilma af Klint, mimicking her use of spirals, contrasting colors, and symbols found in nature within her futuristic and dreamlike paintings. |
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AAG Grade 5 students in Mrs. Mitchell's English class are celebrating National Poetry Month. Pictured is Elen J. reading various poems from the book One Hundred Years of Poetry for Children.
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Ella G. '21, Owen R. '21, Coco T. '21, and Carol W. '21 are all being directed by screenplay writer Isabella L. '21 in Mr. Johnson's Advanced Theatre and Advanced Filmmaking Classes.
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Students in honors chemistry classes carried out qualitative analyses on over-the-counter drugs during laboratory practical time. They used their data to identify unknown drugs. |
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Students in Mr. Neudel's Grade 5 Science Class added to the aquariums today. |
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News from the College Counseling Department
April is PreACT month! We will be administering the PreACT exam on Wednesday, April 28. All sophomores will be taking the exam on this day - regular classes will not be held the morning of April 28.
The PreACT is the Preliminary ACT. The importance of taking the exam is to practice and gain familiarity with standardized tests. Detailed information has been sent to sophomores and their parents.
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Don't Forget to Order Lunch!
In-person learners should order lunch ASAP using the FLIK Dining App. This will give Chef Derek and Chef Adam time to order the proper amount of food to prepare. Unfortunately, when student lunch orders are not placed on time, it can cause a shortage of food options and a delay in lunch service.
Orders should be placed by parents of students in Lower School and Middle School. Parents of Upper School students: please remind your child to place their order.
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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 a 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: JAKE F. '22
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The annual FREDERICK A. PLUNKETT ’68 AWARD is given by his friends in Fred's memory to a 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: THOMAS M. '21
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The GREGORY V. McQUIDE ’87 AWARD is given by friends, in his memory, to the member of the swimming team who has participated for a minimum of three years and has demonstrated a desire to improve himself and help others to do the same while promoting the ideals of The Albany Academy swimming program through his effort and leadership.
Awarded to: SILAS S. '21
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The T. VAN ANTWERP WALDRON ’32 PRIZE is given to a member of Form VI who distinguishes himself both as a basketball player and as a student for integrity, commitment, and achievement.
Awarded to: MARCUS J. '21
Marcus was also named Athlete of the Year on the Times Union Large-School Boys' Basketball all-star team.
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The HELENE M. DISTEFANO MEMORIAL GOLF AWARD, given in memory of Helene M. DiStefano, Board Member and President of the Mothers’ Association from 1973-74, shall be awarded annually to a Form IV, V, or VI varsity golfer, who, in the opinion of the Director of Athletics and the Varsity Golf Coach, most exemplifies team spirit, dedication, and skill in golf.
Awarded to: Chris H. '21 & Nick L. '21
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Tickets for the virtual Spring Gathering are on sale now! With every ticket purchased, you receive a special edition Spring Gathering 2021 t-shirt mailed right to your home (Thank you to Kaari Stannard P' 20, '23 for underwriting these shirts). You should have already received an invitation in your mailbox. Thank you to the many parents who have supported this important event as a sponsor or Honorary Committee member. We are very grateful!
Spring Gathering directly benefits merit scholarships and financial aid at The Albany Academies, and we need your help to continue to support these crucial programs. To buy your tickets or join the Honorary Committee, please visit https://SG2021.givesmart.com.
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Virtual Summer Program Registration
Virtual Middle School & Upper School Summer Classes
Registration opens Monday, April 12 at 9:00am
Classes for Credit
July 5-August 13, 8:30am-11:00am
- Algebra 1
- Geometry
- Pre-Calculus
- Env. Geology
Skills Classes (Non-credit)
July 5-23, 8:30am - 9:30am
- 5/6 Math Skills
- Adv Algebra
- 7/8 English
- 11/12 English
July 5-23, 9:45am-10:45am
- 7/8 Math
- Int Algebra
- 5/6 English
- 9/10 English
July 26-August 13, 8:30-9:30
- 7/8 Math
- Int Algebra
- 5/6 English
July 26-August 13, 9:45-10:45
- 5/6 Math
- Adv Algebra
- 7/8 English
For registration questions, please contact Karin Epstein, Director of Summer Programs.
For math specific questions, please contact Robert Bischoff, Math Department Chair.
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Hannaford Helps Schools
Through May 29, The Albany Academies can earn money from the Hannaford Helps Schools program by shopping at the Hannaford store at 183 Delaware Ave in Delmar. If you purchase 4 participating Hannaford Helps Schools items, you will receive a receipt for 3 School Dollars at the register. Please place that printout into our school's slot in the Hannaford Helps Schools collection tower at the front of the store. Customers who shop with Hannaford To Go can give their School Dollar printouts to the associate handling their groceries and let them know which school slot to put them in.
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