Dear Friends,

Goodbye, September. Hello, October!

It’s been a short but busy week on campus as we settle further into the routines and habits that will serve us well throughout the year. 

This said, I have noticed that we might benefit from being a little more mindful of how we can best care for one another. This is not surprising, given that our civic habits and social skills have been significantly challenged over the past few years. In this vein, I want to pass along an excellent reminder from Morning Meeting this week:

Before one speaks (or texts or posts), it is helpful to ask if what is being shared is true. Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it helpful? If the answer is no, maybe it should be left unsaid.

If this speaks to you, it would be very helpful if you could reinforce this sentiment.

We’ll have the opportunity to continue to build our community and social skills next week at homecoming, and I hope you will come out to cheer our scholar-athletes on and enjoy a great day of fellowship.

Finally, as we look forward to Spirt Week next week, below you will find a schedule of the other dress-down days we plan to have over the coming year. You may wish to make a note of these on your calendar.

Have a lovely weekend!

Chris Lauricella

Head of School

The Risk of COVID Transmission is now HIGH

As of this morning, 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

Symptomatic Students Must Test for COVID-19

Per our 2022-2023 COVID Mitigation Plan, all individuals with symptoms consistent with a possible COVID-19 infection MUST take a COVID test. Individuals with a positive result must isolate for five days. Individuals with a negative result may return to school once symptoms improve. A second COVID test or doctor's visit may be requested if symptoms persist.

Parking Only in the Temple Lot, Please

We are fortunate to have a partnership with Temple Beth Emet that allows us to use their parking lot for faculty and student parking at AAG. 

This year, we are no longer using the lot for drop-off or pick-up, as it interfers with these same functions at the Hebrew Academy.

Thank you to all who have made this adjustment this year. If you are still using the lot to drop students off, kindly refrain from doing so in the interest of student safety and preserving our partnership.

Speed Mentoring Program

The Speed Mentoring Program, sponsored by the Alumni and Alumnae Association, is an opportunity for Seniors to learn about the wide range of careers available. Alumni and Alumnae join us for an evening to share their experiences and answer questions in brief tabletop discussions. This event is a great way for students to not only learn about potential careers, but also meet accomplished Alumni/ae and think about internships, mentorships, and May Projects.

Our Fall Speed Mentoring Program will be held in the Stevens Center at AAG at 6 p.m. on October 6. It is open to AA and AAG Seniors.  Please RSVP through the link here! 

No Place for Hate Peer Leader Training

Upper School students worked with No Place for Hate facilitators for the Peer Training program, which takes place over three days. It "provides students with the opportunity to facilitate and sustain positive social change in their schools. Each group of students is trained to lead developmentally appropriate activities and discussions with their peers on bias-related issues such as bullying and cyberbullying. Participants also develop safe and practical prevention and response strategies to these and other prejudicial behaviors, including the ways in which young people can become allies for their peers who are targeted" (adl.org). Participating students were Andrew B. '23, Ava B., '23, Bella V., 24, Bobby C., '23, Charlotte D., 24, Chloe P., '24, Delaney W., 25, Katherine Y., 24, Madilyn B., '25, Marianna B., '24, Nyla B., '24, Riley V., '24, Zooey H., '24.

House Prefects Announced

Grade 8 House Prefects were announced during Middle School Chapel this week.  Prefects are one of the leadership opportunities offered at the Middle School level.  They assist with House competitions, weekly assemblies, and serve as role models for Middle School students.

Gates House: Henry B. & Sid V.

Beck House: Nick V. & Gavin Q.

Henry House: John R. & Soren J.

Olcott House: David F. & Princeton

Chili Cookoff

The Albany Academies Homecoming Chili Cookoff is BACK! Do you have a family favorite chili recipe that gets rave reviews?! Please enter your chili into The Albany Academies Homecoming Chili Cookoff to see if your chili has what it takes to be crowned the best! You can register by emailing the Admissions team at Admissions@albanyacademies.org and bring your chili to The Albany Academies on Saturday, October 8^th at noon for the big competition.

Spirit Week

Next week is Spirit Week culminating in a weekend of great activities on both campuses. There will be a daily dress-down theme as chosen by the Student Council. The themes are as follows:

Monday: USA Day (wear red, white and blue)

Tuesday: Favorite Color Day (wear your favorite color head to toe!)

Thursday: PJ Day (get cozy in school-appropriate pjs!)

Friday: School Colors Day (wear red, black, blue and/or gold!)

Homecoming 2022!

Join us for a fun day cheering on our Varisty teams! Starting with AAG Varsity soccer at 11:00 am where breakfast sandwiches, cookies, and spirit wear will be sold, and complimentary apple cider donuts are available courtesy of the Alumnae Association.

Stay to taste amazing chilis at the Chili Cookoff, visit our food trucks (cash preferred), top it off at the ice cream truck (complimentary, courtesy of the AAPA), cheer on the Varsity Football team at 2:00, and celebrate the Alumni/ae at halftime.

We can't wait to see you all there! Click here to view the schedule of events.

Admissions Open House - Save the Date!

The Office of Admissions will be hosting an Open House for prospective families on Saturday, November 19 at 11 a.m. We are gearing up for a fun and informative experience for families researching schools for the 2023-2024 school year. Would you like to volunteer? Click here to sign up!

Attendance Reminder

Families should make sure they are communicating all late arrivals, early dismissals, and absences to attendance@albanyacademies.org

Haunted Hayride

Students in grades 7 and 8 have the opportunity to attend the traditional Haunted Hayride at Double M Ranch in Ballston Spa. The scary good time will include the tractor pulled Haunted Hayride, Walking Undead Maze, Brutality Dangerous Compound, The Last Inn, plus a visit to the gift shop filled with goodies!  

Date: Thursday, October 27

Bus leaves the Academies: 6:15 p.m.

Event time: 6:45 p.m.

Approximate arrival at the Academies: 8:45 p.m.

The total price of this optional event is $50.00 and includes all attractions at the Double M Ranch, the cost of transportation to/from the Academies/Double M Ranch, and dinner at the Academies including pizza, tossed salad and beverage. If you opt to bring your student directly to Double M Ranch to meet the group at 6:45 p.m. the cost for the student will be the $35.00 entry fee only. Please contact Andrea Faragon at faragona@albanyacademies.org with any questions or to sign up for this event.  

Spain, Italy, Greece Trip

Good news! The deadline to enroll in the Spring Break trip to Europe has been extended until October 6. After that, the price will go up, and the discount voucher will no longer be in effect, but students can continue to enroll, provided there are still spots available.  

For information or to enroll, you can visit this website: explorica.com/Brower-7469

If you missed the informational meeting but would like to watch it, please email Dr. Brower at browers@albanyacademies.org for a copy of the recording, or if you have any other questions.

Legacy of Dreams

Thank you to all the parents, coaches, teachers, and friends who supported Legacy of Dreams. It was a wonderful evening held at Crowne Plaza, The Desmond Hotel, in support of athletic programs at the Academies. Thank you to our chair Andy Safranko ’91, P’23, ‘26, our sponsors, honorary committee, and all those that supported the event! There is still time to support the athletic programs, click here to donate. Visit albanyacademies.org/legacy-of-dreams to see the video and photos from the night.

2022-2023 Dress Down Days

Please mark your calendars for the following dress-down days:

• October 3 - 7 Spirit Week
• October 21 Bacon Bat & House Day
• October 28 Community Service Day
• October 31 Halloween Dress-Up Day
• November 18, World Toilet Day (Blue or White)
• December 16 Holiday Dress Down (Festive Attire)
• January 20 Winter Dress Down
• February 14 Valentine's Day (Pink or Red)
• March 8, International Women's Day (Purple)
• March 17, St. Patrick's Day (Green)
• April 21, Earth Day (Blue or Green)
• April 28 Community Service Day
• May 19 Spring Dress Down Day

A Glimpse Into Our Classrooms

During Lower School Chapel, the 4^th Grade Boys assisted Mrs. King with the presentation of the School Compass and its Core Values.  

Integrity, Responsibility, Compassion, Ingenuity, Respect, Perseverance, Service, Self-Discipline.

Dr. Brower's AA Grade 9 advisees and Ms. Catlett's AAG Grade 9 advisees participated in their first advising lunches on Thursday.  

The kindergarten girls made applesauce this week. This fall favorite included math and a follow-up writing activity, in addition to a yummy snack!

Our Upper School athletes took time out of their sports practice to help our first and second grade athletes in the Aftershool Enrichment Program.  AAG first and second grade soccer players were excited to play alongside members of our AAG Varsity Soccer team this week. 

A is for Apples! Preschoolers have been busy investigating apples and how they grow. They have learned the parts of an apple, words that begin with A and have been making apple pies at the apple market in dramatic play!

Kindergarten students enjoy the new tricycles on the ECA pedal path!

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.

October 3, 2022

Day 2

Spirit Week - USA Dress Down Day

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

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

8:15 a.m. St. John Fisher College (College Counseling Office)

9:00 a.m. Colgate University (College Counseling Office)

12:45 p.m. SUNY Potsdam (College Counseling Office)

October 4, 2022

Day 3

Spirit Week - Favorite Color Dress Down Day

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

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

8:20 a.m. Lower School Assembly (AAG Auditorium)

9:00 a.m. Boston University (College Counseling Office)

11:30 a.m. International Program 3-in-1 Celebration (Class of 1970 Pavilion)

1:30 p.m. American University (College Counseling Office)

October 5, 2022

Yom Kippur - School Closed

October 6, 2022

Day 4

Spirit Week - PJ's Dress Down Day

8:00 a.m. AAPA Meeting (Schellenberger Alumni/ae Center)

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

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

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

10:30 a.m. Union College (NY) (College Counseling Office)

12:45 p.m. University of Southern California (College Counseling Office)

1:30 p.m. Queens University of Charlotte (College Counseling Office)

6:00 p.m. Speed Mentoring Program for Seniors (Stevens Center)

October 7, 2022

Modified Schedule (Day 2 Rotation for Specials)

Spirit Week - School Colors Dress Down Day

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

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

2:20 p.m. All School Pep Rally (Caird Field)

5:30 p.m. Upper School Flag Football Game

October 8 - Homecoming Tailgate and Athletic Competitions

October 10 - Columbus Day & Indigenous People Day (School Closed)

October 11 - Professional Development Day (No Classes)

October 12 - PSAT Test

October 12 - Lunch on Us Admissions Event

October 17 - Fall Pictures Make-Up Day

October 18 - Lower School Coffee Break (Zoom)

October 21 - Bacon Bat & House Day

October 27 - Grades 7 & 8 Haunted Hayride

October 28 - Grades 5 & 6 Social

October 28 - Fall Community Service Day

October 30 - November 2 - NYSAIS Accreditation Visiting Committee on Campus

October 31 - Track or Treat (AA Track)

November 3 - AAPA Meeting

November 4 - 5 - Upper School Play

November 8 - Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences (No Classes)

November 11 - Veterans Day (School Closed)

November 14 - Professional Development Day (No Classes)

November 19 - Admissions Open House

November 23 - 25 - Thanksgiving Break (School Closed)