Dear Friends,

It was another amazing week at The Albany Academies!

From Lower Schoolers' first skate to soil sampling in AP Environment Science, there was awesome learning happening in each division (scroll down to learn more!).

We continued to celebrate our scholar-athletes as they round out their fall seasons and our younger learners as they enjoy after-school enrichment activities.

This week we also hosted a world-renowned dance troupe, who were in residence with our dance students and had one of the all-time leading scorers in NCAA women's lacrosse working with our scholar-athletes on Thursday evening. (Check out our Facebook Page to learn more!)

And, of course, we ended the week on a high note with Bacon Bat and House Day!

These are just a few of the things that make the Albany Academies such a dynamic and joyful learning community.

I wish you all a great weekend and a happy Diwali to those who celebrate!

Chris Lauricella

Head of School

What is Bacon Bat?

Bacon Bat is one of our most important traditions and cultural touchstones, inspiring joy, laughter, and friendly competition. It began in 1911 to "build school spirit and esprit de corps among the upper school students."

The first-ever Bacon Bat was a full-day competition held off campus. It involved games, laughter, and a cookout featuring bacon, which inspired the name of this treasured tradition. (At the time, a "bat" was slang for a party or gathering.)

The modern version includes song competitions between classes, themed dress and activities, field games, friendly competition between classes, and cooperation among sister classes. Not only is Bacon Bat a day of fun for all involved, but it also serves as a bonding experience that endures in the memory of all alumnae.

What is the House System?

The House System is a leadership structure at Albany Academy involving all Kindergarten students through Form VI. The progressive leadership structure of the system provides many opportunities to lead and follow through formal and informal group interactions.

Students are placed in one of four houses named after distinguished alumni: Olcott, Gates, Henry, or Beck. Each year, two prefects are elected for each House out of a pool of junior candidates deemed eligible to serve by the Dean of Students.

Prefects oversee and direct the affairs of their individual Houses and supervise all-school projects. Each House is assigned a certain aspect of a school project, and students are judged based on their involvement and performance within their House. The Houses are awarded points according to how well students executed these two goals; these points constitute the House Competition.

A House Competition occurs over the school year. Students in all three divisions participate in academic and athletic events to earn points for their particular House. At the end of the school year, the House that has received the most points wins the Meislahn Cup, named after esteemed former Headmaster Harry P. Meislahn.

Each House is also responsible for various on- and off-campus community events. Along with weekly contributions, there is an annual community service event where each House works to raise money for a local charity.

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

Test Notification Text

As part of our emergency response planning, we employ a mass notification system that would be used to inform and update our community in the case of a campus crisis, emergency, or unplanned school closing.

Today, we sent a test text from this system using the parent mobile numbers in our Blackbaud system. These numbers were provided during the application process.

If they have changed, they can be updated in Blackbaud. If you need assistance with this, kindly email Ali Alusi at alusia@albanyacademies.org.

If you are new to the school, you likely also received a request to opt into the notification system.

Kindly note that you will only be able to receive text alerts if you provide a mobile number and opt into the notification system.

AAG Drop-Off

This week’s drop-off at AAG has had some challenging moments. Parents who would like to enter the building MUST park in a designated parking space (not at the curb) and then walk in. The lanes in the parking lot are used to keep cars in continuous circulation as parents drop students off  at the curb and then keep going. Finally, should you find yourself in a challenging situation, we ask that you model civility as you work with fellow parents to sort things out. We will have members of our staff help guide this process over the next few weeks.

Parents Giving Week for The Academies Fund

We are just a few days away from our Parents Giving Week for The Academies Fund - October 24 - 28. In the spirit of community, our goal is for at least 200 Families to make a gift to The Academies Fund next week. Together we can do it! There will be many exciting competitions and incentives to celebrate the generosity of our Parent community, including:

• Highest Participation Class Pizza Parties
• Donor Challenges
• Academies Spirit Package giveaways

Every gift at any level makes a difference. From all of our students, thank you for your support!  “We are Academies Strong!”

New York State English Council Conference

Ms. Charlene Ellis, Dr. Anna Bean, and Ms. Cristi Marchetti attended the New Your State English Council 71st Annual Conference, where the theme was "Writing Home." Sessions included:

• "Fictioning as Literary Analysis"
• Rethinking the Writing Process"
• "Building Middle School Community through Writing"
• "The Power of Stories"
• "Unbound: Exploring the Untethered Home and the Coverless Book"
• "The Reader Response Notebook: Teaching Towards Joy, Expression, and Creativity"
• "Teaching Black Feminism in the English Classroom."



Ms. Marchetti led a roundtable on global education and Fulbright Teacher Exchanges.

Storybook Pumpkin Patch

Getting to Know Our Community

The AA Lower School students in Mrs. Russell's Library class have been welcoming guest readers in an effort to get to know community members.

Upper School History teacher and Soccer coach, Mr. Kauth, visited the Third Grade class and brought one of his favorite childhood books, Curious George and the Firefighters. They talked about other noble professions and the importance of showing kindness and bravery each day.

The wonderful Mrs. Russ who works in the Business Office visited the PreK and Kindergarten classes and shared one of her favorite books to read to her children. The book We Don't Eat Our Classmates was a big hit!

Head Baseball Coach Penrose visited the First Grade class and brought some photos of his baseball team to show the boys. They loved that! Coach read Lion vs. Rabbit and then was asked by his audience to read more! He read a fun Captain Hook story. 

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!

Academy Pride. Can you display an Open House Lawn Sign?

We have lawn signs ready to help advertise the details of our Open House on Saturday, November 19^th. 

We would be super grateful for any and all community members who can post signs for the Open House! 

Please email Shellie Carr to volunteer for this important community effort.

From the AAPA

The libraries are still looking for parent volunteers to help out occasionally throughout the year. If you are interested in volunteering please reach out to us at albanyacademiesaapa@gmail.com and we will get you in contact with the librarians.

Thank you!

A Glimpse Into Our Classrooms

STEM: AAG Grade 7 students worked on a group project to build a giant ruler in the Measuring Matters unit of Project Lead the Way.

STEM: AA Grade 6 students Technology class worked on projects using coding in JavaScript.

STEM: Students in the Afterschool Enrichment Computer Class learned new computer skills utilizing Blockly.

STEM: AA Grade 8 STEM students completed a scavenger hunt to find simple machines in use in and around our school.

Mr. Russell's English 10 - World Literature classes created their own "blackout" poems based on selected passages from Gabriel Garcia Marquez's Chronicle of a Death Foretold. Students then participated in a "gallery walk" to view and discuss the poems of their peers.

AAG Second Grade hit the ice for the start of their P.E. Skating unit!

On their last day of Theater class, the AA students in section 6-1 performed a staged reading of E.M. Bell’s “10 Reasons You Should Have Stayed Home Sick Today.” The students played to an audience of third, fourth, and fifth graders as well as many parents and family members. Their hard work paid off with a wonderfully hilarious presentation! 

The Albany Academies had a very special visit from the world-renowned Limón Dance Company this week.  Middle School and Upper School dancers participated in a modern dance master class taught by Dante Puleio, the Artistic Director of the Limón Dance Company.

Students in AP Environmental Science class brought in their own soil samples from home, and carried out both qualitative and quantitative soil analyses. This information provides valuable information on soil characteristics. 

Columbia-Green Humane Society Donations

Mrs. Bemis' AAG Grade 10 advising group is collecting items for the Columbia-Green Humane Society as part of their Community Service Day Project. They are looking for the following items and any donation would be greatly appreciated:  

• Cat & Dog Canned Food
• Cat & Dog Dry Food
• Cat & Dog Toys
• Cat Litter
• Blankets/Towels
• Laundry Detergent
• Paper Towels
• Newspaper
• Postage Stamps
• Sponges & Rubber gloves
• Photo Paper

There is a bin in Mrs. Bemis's classroom (AAG 50-07) for donations. October 27, is the last day to donate.

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 24, 2022

Day 6

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

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

10:30 a.m. Dickinson College (College Counseling Office)

12:30 p.m. Furman University (College Counseling Office)

October 25, 2022

Day 1

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

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

9:00 a.m. University of St. Andrews (College Counseling Office)

October 26, 2022

Day 2

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

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

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

October 27, 2022

Day 3

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

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

8:15 a.m. Fairfield University (College Counseling Office)

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

9:30 a.m. Lehigh University (College Counseling Office)

Haunted Hayride

• Bus leaves the Academies at 6:15 p.m.
• Haunted Hayride at Double M Ranch at 6:45 p.m.
• Bus arrives at the Academies at approximately 8:45 p.m.

October 28, 2022

Community Service Day

2:00 p.m. Grades 5 & 6 Social (AAG Stevens Center)

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 2 - Upper School Advising Lunch

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 17 - Red Cross Blood Drive

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 - Winter Arts Festival for Middle & Upper School

December 9 - Winter Arts Festival for ECA & Lower School

December 9 - 11 - Rider Cup Hockey Tournament

December 19 - January 2 - Winter Break

January 3 - Classes resume