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
- Elevated COVID Transmission Risk
- Free At-Home COVID tests
- Recording of April 12 AAPA Meeting
- Lower School Family Fun Day & Admissions Open House
- Middle School Declamations
- Cum Laude Society Inductions
- World Languages Honor Society Inductions
- 8th Grade Honors Project Presentations
- AP Exams Information
- Key Club News
- Yearbooks
- A Glimpse Into Our Classrooms
- Summer Camps
- Hannaford Helps Schools
- Week at a Glance
- Looking Ahead
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Dear Friends,
What a week! On top of the usual excellent classroom activities, we celebrated literacy with Willy Wonka day, the Spring Festival of the Arts, and scholar inductions into the Cum Laude Society. In addition, we enter the weekend celebrating our seniors as they complete their last academic day on campus before they begin their senior projects and are anticipating the fun to be had on Saturday night at Spring Gathering.
Sincerely,
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Elevated COVID Transmission Risk
This week, the community transmission risk level in Albany County moved from “Medium” to “HIGH.”
As we have since the beginning of the pandemic, The Albany Academies follows the guidance of the state and local health departments in determining school-based mitigations.
With this in mind, the Centers for Disease Control and the Albany County Department of Health recommend the following:
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Free At-Home COVID tests
To facilitate testing individuals who may have been exposed to a confirmed positive case or COVID-like symptoms, yesterday, we provided additional test kits for students to bring home. Please check their backpacks for these tests. We also have a surplus of at-home tests available for pick up. Please visit our main offices at AA or AAG and ask staff to assist you.
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Recording of April 12 AAPA Meeting |
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A video recording of the April 12 AAPA meeting is available on our Website for those unable to attend. The topic was an overview of the State of the School and our exploration of coordinating the school by divisions in 2023-2024. More informational sessions about this exploration are being scheduled for all stakeholders (students, families, alumni, and alumnae) over the next few months and into the fall. albanyacademies.org/aapa-meeting-recording-42022
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Don’t miss the fun!! The Albany Academies will be hosting a Lower School Family Fun Day and Open House on Saturday, May 14th at 11 a.m. at Albany Academy for Girls. We hope Lower School families will join us for a great day of music, games and prizes! Bring a friend to learn more about our Lower School program and share in the fun. Questions, call the Office of Admissions at 518-429-2348 or email Admissions@albanyacademies.org.
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Middle School Declamations
On Tuesday, Mr. Collett announced the winners of the 2022 Middle School Declamations.
Middle School Declamation Winner: Harmaan S. '26
Grade Level Winners:
Grade 5: Ethan A.
Grade 6: Christopher M.
Form II: Nicholas V.
Congratulations to all of the winners and all of the Middle School students on a job well done!
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Cum Laude Society Inductions
The Cum Laude Society honors superior scholastic achievement and community engagement. We are proud of this year's inductees and congratulate them on this outstanding achievement!
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On Wednesday, April 27, the following The Albany Academy Seniors were inducted into The Cum Laude Society: Peter B., Nate B., Nicholas D., Jake F., Harry H., Benjamin H., William L., Connor M., Colton P., and Abrar Z. |
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On Tuesday, April 26, the following Albany Academy for Girls Seniors were inducted into The Cum Laude Society: Alina B., Yuri N., Kendall O., Sia S., Angie J., Milly L., and Megan P. |
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World Languages Honor Society Inductions |
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The 2022 French Honor Society Induction Ceremony was held on April 21.
This year's inductees are: James G. '23, Junavia J.. '23, Natalie M. '23, Amitai D. '24, Canaan L. '24, Riley V. '24, Aleksander K. '25, William K. '25, Sofie L. '25, and Chloe S. '25.
In addition, the following seniors were recognized: Pia D., Campbell F., Nicholas F., and Kendall O.
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The 2022 Spanish Honor Society Induction Ceremony was held on April 20.
This year's inductees are: Jakob D. '23,
Lucie F. '24, Evan H. '24, David C. '24, Gregory N. '24, Leah H. '24, Chloe P. '24, Rocco V. '24, Marianna B. '24, Elena R. '24, Grace S. '24, Courtney P. '24, Darcy Y. '24, Sophia M. '24, James J. '24, and Arjun N. '24.
In addition, the following seniors were honored: Jake F., Jewels G., Ben H., Sanjana K., Colton P., Megan P., and Sia S.
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8th Grade Honors Project Presentations
The Eighth Grade Honors Project is an optional, independent, year-long endeavor during which students delve into any topic they choose. They have the option to investigate a brand-new area or to pursue an already existing passion about which they feel compelled to learn more. This project is student-designed and carried out with the guidance of a faculty member. This is an opportunity for students to learn more about a subject, while also learning about themselves. The students have been working diligently all year and are now finally ready to present to the Middle School throughout the month of May! This year, there are thirteen 8th graders who have completed work on a plethora of topics.
Monday May 2, 2022
Will M.- “Let them Bee” Will’s project is about bees, which are currently an endangered species. Will polled students to better understand their perspectives on these insects. He aims to educate us about how essential bees are and to show us how we can prevent the collapse of bee populations. He hopes to inspire people to join his cause, so that together, we can save the bees!
Danny G.- “The Knuckleball” Danny shares his journey of learning how to kick a knuckleball in soccer and the physics behind the technique. The knuckleball is a very effective way to score goals on the soccer field because of the unpredictable movements the ball makes, but it’s a difficult technique to learn. This shot is mysterious to most players, but Danny shows us how he mastered this skill by studying the physics involved and how important practicing the skill is to success.
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Cora K.- “Cemetery Celebrities” Cora’s project is about the Albany Rural Cemetery. She helps us see the history, people, and symbolism in the design and structures of this very beautiful, park-like cemetery. Interestingly, President Chester Arthur, the 21st president of the United States (1881-1885), as well as many relatives of one of the founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton, are buried just a few miles from our school!
Margaret L.- “Authors’ Advice” Margaret is a writer. For her inspiring project, she interviewed three authors to explore how they come up with new ideas and transform those ideas into books. She’ll tell us how she applied their techniques to her own writing in this informative and inspiring presentation.
Monday, May 9, 2022
Thor S.- “Cadet Care Project” Thor built his project to help kids in the local community. His process started by looking around at possible places to collaborate with and their desired items. After researching, he partnered with the Boys and Girls Club in Albany. By upcycling some materials from his father’s office and selling some old ski equipment, he was able to donate four PC computers, a webcam and wifi adapter to aid the offices and students to complete their school studies while at the club after school hours.
Harmaan S.- “Benefits of Playing Sports” Harmaan will discuss the history, benefits, and challenges of team sports. Many people play sports, but many others are on the fence, so he hopes to inspire us all by showing us why sports are so essential. Using historical examples as well as current neuroscience, he will demonstrate that athletics benefit the teenage brain. There are all kinds of teams in life, and Harmaan seeks to prove that when young people play team sports, they are preparing for future success on any team they join.
Chase C.-”Space Unity” Chase’s project discusses the benefits of the space program and how it has united many nations with a common goal. Examples will be provided in the presentation such as projects and space agencies involved in space exploration. The project will also address future goals such as Mars settlements and more advanced explorations which could be options for habitation due to climate on earth.
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Gracie Q.- “Weathering the Storm, and Finding the Rainbow” Gracie focused her project on Mental Health throughout the pandemic. Using a survey, she polled the MS student body to learn about their experiences and feelings over the course of the past 2 years. From 118 results, she learned that 96% of the middle schools didn’t like quarantine and felt isolated from the world. Using the results, she will increase awareness of the importance of mental health and help students learn more about improving their own mental health.
Lucy K.- “Colorful Chameleons” Ever wonder why chameleons change their colors? And how? Lucy has always been interested in chameleons and color changing is one of their most known but also misunderstood features. She has a chameleon at home and was fascinated by how it could almost effortlessly change its colors. In short, chameleons use nanocrystals to reflect light creating colorful combinations!
Monday, May 16, 2022
Chad S.- “The Rescues” Chad’s project was inspired by his dog Brewster. Brewster is a rescue dog from Texas who was treated very poorly before he was a member of Chad’s family. To raise awareness and help the community, he completed an animal toy drive for the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society Shelter in Menands. He hopes the donated toys will give these rescue dogs a little bit of fun in their lives. And his presentation will encourage others to adopt!
Will S.- “Lincoln’s Vision” Will’s project will explain how Lincoln's vision helped America change its future. He explains that people should realize how Lincoln's vision helped create what America looks like now. Lincoln’s speeches address inequality within society and Will wants to inspire others to follow his lead.
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Rynn B.- “Languages and your Brain” Rynn’s project is about the connection between learning a language and the growth of the brain long-term. Languages create new pathways in the brain and lead to improved memory, as well as being a very practical and functional lifelong skill!
Angie H.- “The ABC’s of Art” This project is about how learning the fundamentals of art will help improve the skill level of any artist regardless of their art style. The audience will learn about the fundamentals of art and how to incorporate some of the fundamentals into their own creations. Newcomers might be inspired to start making their own art! Angie will demonstrate how each fundamental part of art can be broken down into simple shapes that are easy to sketch.
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AP Exams Information
AP Exam Policies and Procedures
- All exams are administered in the Old Gym on the AA Campus.
- All students enrolled in an AP class will sit for the exam
- Students have already registered for exams.
- Morning exams will begin at 8:00 am. Students should arrive by 7:45am.
- Students taking a morning exam are excused from afternoon classes on the day prior to their morning exam. Students who elect not to attend classes in order to study for their APs are permitted to participate in scheduled after school activities (i.e. athletic contests, performances, practices) on that day.
- Afternoon exams will begin at 12:00 pm. Students should arrive by 11:45am.
- Students taking an afternoon exam are excused from morning classes on the day of their afternoon exam.
- Students will adhere to school dress code for all AP exams.
- Students with accommodations approved by the College Board please check in with Ms. McDonald, Mrs. Poole or Mr. Bestle for your testing location.
- Students who have a morning and an afternoon exam on the same day please see Mrs. McDonald, Mrs. Poole or Mr. Bestle to discuss lunch options.
AP Exam Schedule
Monday, May 2
8:00 a.m. US Government
12:00 p.m. Chemistry
Tuesday, May 3
8:00 a.m. Environmental Science
Wednesday, May 4
8:00 a.m. English Literature
12:00 p.m. Comparative Government
Thursday, May 5
8:00 a.m. Macroeconomics
12:00 p.m. Statistics
Friday, May 6
8:00 a.m. European History
8:00 a.m. US History
12:00 p.m. Microeconomics
Monday, May 9
8:00 a.m. Calculus AB
8:00 a.m. Calculus BC
12:00 p.m. Computer Science Principles
Tuesday, May 10
12:00 p.m. Physics C
Wednesday, May 11
8:00 a.m. Spanish
12:00 p.m. Biology
Thursday, May 12
12:00 p.m. Physics 1
Friday, May 13
12:00 p.m. Latin
12:00 p.m. Physics
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Key Club News
On Community Service Day, the AAG Key Club officers inducted our eleven newest members. These Key Clubbers have done a great job contributing to our many service events and projects throughout the year. Congratulations for a job well done!
On Sunday, the Key Club got up early and sorted frozen foods at the Regional Food Bank. The Food Bank collects large donations of food from the food industry and distributes it to charitable agencies serving hungry and disadvantaged people in 23 counties in the northeast.
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Yearbooks
It is time to place your yearbook order! Click here to order a yearbook for your child.
The deadline to place your order is May 9, 2022.
- To order a yearbook for AA enter passcode: 10131170417192
- To order a yearbook for AAG enter passcode: 101411068383919
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A Glimpse Into Our Classrooms |
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April is Poetry Month. First Grade was inspired by Amanda Gordon to write haikus about Earth Day. Each line has a certain number of syllables. Think of a change that you would like to see in the world and write your own haiku. |
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AAG 8th Graders are using the engineering design process to build passive solar houses while exploring the electromagnetic spectrum, electricity, thermal energy, heat transfer, and renewable energy sources.
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5th Graders enjoyed a QR code Scavenger Hunt to learn more about the 12 Tables of the Roman Republic in Mrs. Mitsios’ History class.
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On Willy Wonka, Day Mr. Neudel’s Science classes worked on gum drop structures. |
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AA Grade 7 students in Ms. Frei's Spanish Class wrote their own Spanish stories and volunteered to read them to the 2nd graders! |
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In social studies, the third grade girls are learning about the History of AAG. This week, the girls placed important events from school history on our large interactive timeline alongside important events from US history. |
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Camp Spotlight
Science Academy
Entering Grades 5-6 & 7-9
One Week Sessions:
June 27 - July 1 (Grades 7-9)
July 5 - July 8 (Grades 5-6)
*Camp is closed on July 4
Directors: Lisa Foster & Brianna Lydon
For those who wonder, Science Academy is for you! Campers will be divided into two groups. Each group will spend half the day with Ms. Foster, and the other half of the day with Ms. Lydon. Each day, all day, campers will be exploring either chemistry, biology, physics, ecology, or physiology. Utilizing Albany Academy for Girls newly constructed Borisenok Family Science Center Lab facilities you will learn how to safely and effectively use scientific equipment, create and observe brilliant (and sometimes fiery) chemical reactions, investigate human and animal physiology, learn about and maintain local ecosystems, explore how to use Science in the wilderness and understand what causes earthquakes and how waves travel through the earth. Each day is a different type of science, a different problem to be solved. Each day is a different adventure, and an opportunity to better understand the world around us!
Camp registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis and many camps, Little Leap weeks and LEAP blocks are at capacity or filling quickly. Please click here for more details and to register.
Refer a family and receive $25 toward your summer 2022 registration fee!
Registration is now open for virtual MS/US English and Math Skills, and in person Upper School Math for credit classes.
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Hannaford Helps Schools
The Albany Academies can earn money from the Hannaford Helps Schools program from March 13 - May 28 by shopping at the Hannaford store at 183 Delaware Avenue in Delmar. If you purchase four participating Hannaford Helps Schools items, you will receive a receipt for three School Dollars at the register. Please place that printout in 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 place them in.
Hannaford is in the process of launching an app and website to redeem school dollars, so as more information comes out we'll add that to the information in Head Lines.
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Monday, May 2
Day 2
8:00 a.m. Lower School Morning Webinar
8:00 a.m. Upper School Morning Chapel (AA)
8:00 a.m. Upper School Morning Meeting (AAG)
8:00 a.m. US Government AP Exam
12:00 p.m. AA Middle School Chapel (Caird Chapel)
12:00 p.m. Chemistry AP Exam
3:30 p.m. Grades 1-6 After-school Enrichment Programs
Tuesday, May 3
Day 3
7:20 a.m. AA Middle School Deans Meeting (AA Room 3-16)
8:00 a.m. Upper School Morning Chapel (AA)
8:00 a.m. Upper School Morning Meeting (AAG)
8:00 a.m. Environmental Science AP Exam
11:30 a.m. AAG Middle School Deans Meeting (Drawing Room)
2:20 p.m. Upper School Assembly
3:30 p.m. Grades 1-6 After-school Enrichment Programs
Wednesday, May 4
Day 4
8:00 a.m. Upper School Morning Chapel (AA)
8:00 a.m. Upper School Morning Meeting (AAG)
8:00 a.m. English Literature AP Exam
12:00 p.m. AAG Middle School Meeting
12:00 p.m. Comparative Government AP Exam
12:15 p.m. AAG Upper School Deans Lunch (Drawing Room)
3:30 p.m. Grades 1-6 After-school Enrichment Programs
Thursday, May 5
Day 5
8:00 a.m. Upper School Morning Chapel (AA)
8:00 a.m. Upper School Morning Meeting (AAG)
8:00 a.m. Macroeconomics AP Exam
12:00 p.m. Statistics AP Exam
3:30 p.m. Grades 1-6 After-school Enrichment Programs
Friday, May 6
Day 6
8:00 a.m. Upper School Morning Chapel (AA)
8:00 a.m. Upper School Morning Meeting (AAG)
8:00 a.m. European History AP Exam
8:00 a.m. US History AP Exam
11:30 a.m. Upper School Advising
12:00 p.m. Microeconomics AP Exam
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May 11 The Arts Spring Music Recital
May 12 AAPA Faculty & Staff Appreciation Luncheon
May 13 AA Grade 4 Tie Ceremony & Breakfast
May 14 Admissions Lower School Open House
May 19 - 21 Reunion Weekend
May 19 The Arts Spring Festival
- Middle School: Choral, Band, & Dance
May 20 The Arts Spring Festival
- ECA, AAG LS, & AA Lower School
May 24 AAPA Meeting
May 25 AAG Grade 8 Play
May 30 School Closed (Memorial Day Observed)
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