Dear Friends,

Happy Veterans Day. Today, we had a visual reminder of the solemnity of the occasion - courtesy of Cadet Corps - who decorated The Albany Academy circle with a flag tribute. Tomorrow, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, I hope you will also consider honoring any veterans you may have in your lives.

If you missed the upper school fall play Passage, you can watch it via streaming service tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. (scroll down to learn more). I highly recommend that you do so, as the play is thought-provoking, well-directed, and wonderfully acted by our upper school students.

I would also like to give you a final, general reminder to complete the survey emailed about the Organizing by Division concept. You should have received a series of follow-up emails from John Pryor at the Gowan Group reminding you to complete it if you haven’t already done so. The family survey closes on November 12, and the professional community survey closes on November 14 at noon.

Finally, we look forward to another robust Professional Development Day on Monday. These days allow us to reflect on and continuously improve our practice. We are always so grateful that our community supports these opportunities for professional growth.

Sincerely,

Chris Lauricella

Head of School

The Risk of COVID Transmission remains HIGH

The community level of COVID-19 infection in Albany County is High, per CDC standards. The CDC recommends the following precautions during periods of high transmission:

• Wear a mask indoors in public
• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
• Get tested if you have symptoms
• Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness

Grade 8 Parent Meeting

Class of 2027 Parents and Students are invited to an 8^th Grade Parent Meeting on Wednesday, December 7^th at 3 p.m. in the Stevens Center. This meeting is scheduled to follow the Middle School winter performances and will include information about the transition into the Upper School program and the 8^th Grade Scholarship application process.

Questions can be referred to Shellie Carr in the Office of Admissions at carrs@albanyacademies.org.

Admissions Open House

The Office of Admissions will be hosting an Open House on Saturday, November 19! There are many ways you can help to ensure our Open House is a huge success:

1. We welcome parent volunteers, please complete this form to sign up!
2. Spread the word! Tell your friends and neighbors about the Open House and encourage them to attend. Your referrals could lead to a shout out in Head Lines or some Academy swag!
3. Post flyers and post cards in your community – ask your child to pick up a stack of post cards or flyers in the Main Office or reception desk. 

Questions? Contact the Office of Admissions at Admissions@albanyacademies.org or call 518-429-2348.

From the AAPA

The AAPA Wreath & Poinsettia sale starts today! All funds raised will go to support programs for the students and faculty. Flyers were sent home with all students, but you are welcome to buy online with the link or QR code below (which can also be found on the AAPA page of the school’s website). Orders must be placed by December 12. The vouchers to be redeemed at any Hewitts will be sent home with the students as orders are received. Any questions please reach out to Cara Milde at carasofia@yahoo.com. CLICK HERE to order online.

Faculty & Staff Appreciation Luncheon - Please be on the lookout for a sign-up in the next few weeks for the Faculty & Staff appreciation luncheon on December 14. This is a wonderful tradition at The Albany Academies and a great way to thank our amazing educators & staff. 

Join Our Planning Committees for Upcoming Events

The Institutional Advancement office is looking for parent volunteers to assist with some of our upcoming events. Please plan to join us for the Spring Gathering committee meeting on Friday, November 18 at 8:00 a.m. and/or the Golf Outing committee meeting on Monday, November 21 at 9:00 a.m. Both will be held in-person but there will also be a Zoom option.

If anyone is interested in joining our committees, please contact Layne Avveduti at Avvedutil@albanyacadmies.org or 518-429-2397. These committees are a great way to get involved and meet other parents.

Upper School Fall Play

If you missed the Fall Play of Passage by Christopher Chen this past weekend, it will be streaming this Friday for free at 7:00 p.m.

Please click here to get your free tickets:

https://www.stellartickets.com/o/the-albany-academies/events/passage

Please contact Visual and Performing Arts Chair, Rich Johnson, if you have any questions.

A Glimpse Into Our Classrooms

Grade 5 student, Leo L., has been working with Ms. Kessler on soldering LEDs into an art canvas of a circuit board.

Grade 7 students in Ms. Kessler's class are finishing up their Orthosis Project.

The Pre-K girls practiced voting in the classroom. They voted for their favorite kind of cookie- Chocolate Chip or Oreos by checking a box on a piece of paper and placing it into a container. In the afternoon, they counted the votes and enjoyed a special snack to celebrate the winner- " Chocolate Chip Cookies" The girls also received a voting sticker!

The AA Movement 7 class performed their summative assessments this week. Students used movement skills learned in class and put together as a coordinated movement phrase that they performed for the class. Great job!

During a joined Lower School Chapel, the AA 4^th Graders honored our Veterans.

They expressed the importance of Veterans Day and showed their gratitude and thankfulness through poems and writing thoughts.

Happy Veterans Day!

AAG Grade 5 and Grade 7 students welcomed visitors from HPA/LiveWell to their Health classes today. Presenters, Kristin Caridi, LMHC and Albany Academy for Girls Alumna Carli Voellm, LMSW '16, had open and meaningful discussions regarding Body Image and the Media. The conversations were positive and impactful.

Spirit Store

Looking for new spirit wear? The Sideline Store hosted by BSN Sports is now live. Customize the design on apparel and gear and show your school spirit! Check out the selection of t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more!

Click here to visit our the Sideline Store.

November 14, 2022

Professional Development Day (No Classes)

Winter Sports Begin

November 15, 2022

Day 6

8:00 a.m. Upper School Chapel (Caird Chapel)

8:00 a.m. Upper School Morning Meeting (Auditorium)

9:00 a.m. Lower School Coffee Break with Hilary King (Zoom)

11:30 a.m. Upper School Advising

November 16, 2022

Day 1

8:00 a.m. Upper School Chapel (Caird Chapel)

8:00 a.m. Upper School Morning Meeting (Auditorium)

November 17, 2022

Day 2

Red Cross Blood Drive

8:00 a.m. Upper School Chapel (Caird Chapel)

8:00 a.m. Upper School Morning Meeting (Auditorium)

8:20 a.m. AA Lower School Chapel (Caird Chapel)

November 18, 2022

Day 3

World Toilet Day (Blue or White Dress Down Day)

8:00 a.m. Upper School Chapel (Caird Chapel)

8:00 a.m. Upper School Morning Meeting (Auditorium)

8:00 a.m. Spring Gathering Committee Meeting (Schellenberger Alumni/ae Center)

3:05 a.m. AAG Upper School Senior Speeches (Auditorium)

November 19 - Admissions Open House

November 22 - Athletics D1 Signing Day (Assembly)

November 22 - Thanksgiving Feast

November 23 - 25 - Thanksgiving Break (School Closed)

December 1 - AAPA Meeting

December 2 - Fall Trimester Ends

December 7 - Admissions Lunch on Us Information Session

December 7 - Grade 8 Parent Meeting

December 7 - Winter Arts Festival for Middle & Upper School

December 9 - Winter Arts Festival for ECA & Lower School

December 9 - 11 - Rider Cup Hockey Tournament

December 14 - Faculty & Staff Appreciation Luncheon

December 16 - Festive Sweaters Day

December 16 - Senior Breakfast

December 19 - January 2 - Winter Break

January 3 - Classes resume