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
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Lessons from Summer Camp
- Remote Learning and Physical Education Program
- Face Covering Specifications
- Plan Revisions
- Academies in the News
- Message from the Health Office
- Student Supply Lists
- AAPA Uniform Exchange
- Admissions Office Asked & Answered Session
- Host Families for Hockey Players Needed
- Legacy of Dreams
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Dear Friends,
It was another busy week at school as we dove further into the details of our reopening plan, developing or refining new practices and procedures.
A particular highlight of the week was the constructive dialogues between our academic leaders (Hilary, Michelle, and Scott) and our teachers, who so generously volunteered their time to explore each element of reopening at a granular level. This experience left me very thankful to be leading such a thoughtful, competent, and collaborative professional community.
I am also grateful to everyone in our family community for such a high level of engagement in the reopening process. Your questions, comments, support, and concerns allow us to continuously refine our thinking and improve our practice as we work together to figure out the best ways to serve our students safely.
Thank you, and keep them coming!
Warmly,
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Lessons from Summer Camp
Summer camp ended today after an abbreviated three-week season. The camp enrolled 80 campers per week, providing us with valuable experience in enacting new health and hygiene protocols. Here are a few take-aways:
- We had no COVID cases reported during the three weeks.
- Families who experienced symptoms on the CDC exclusion list were diligent about self-screening, communicating with us, and voluntarily keeping their campers home until a health evaluation could be conducted.
- All campers wore masks at all times with minimal breaks and only when appropriately physically distanced.
- Our youngest campers (Pre K and K) quickly adapted to wearing masks all the time, were highly compliant, and remained generally cheerful.
It was wonderful to get children back together in an in-person setting, even with intensive safety precautions. In the words of one parent, “The counselors are amazing, and my daughter is so happy. It has truly been a lifesaver for my daughter, after months and months without any social interaction with kids her own age. We feel totally comfortable with all of the protective measures you put into place.”
We also received unsolicited praise during our Department of Health inspection for our precautions and procedures, which reflects both excellent leadership and plain old hard work. I want to publicly acknowledge Karin Epstein (Director), Angela Sears (Nurse), Pam MacAffer (Operations), and our entire maintenance staff for their tireless efforts in making camp safe and fun during this surrealistic summer.
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Remote Learning and Physical Education Program
We have posted information and an FAQ about remote learning and information regarding our PE program to our reopening page. These links are included with the links from last week about honor code and health and safety guidelines.
Families who would like to enroll in remote learning should contact Dr. Scott Milliken by August 31, 2020 at so we can properly support your student.
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Face Covering Specifications
Some community members have inquired about face covering specifications after the release of a study last week that reviewed the efficacy of different types of masks. All of the face coverings provided by the School or our vendors are 100% cotton, which, in this study, correlated to the efficacy of surgical masks. We are also updating the language in our reopening plan to remove reference to face coverings that may be less effective.
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Plan Revisions
Thanks to all of you who are reading the working drafts of our reopening plan so closely. Some readers have pointed out sections containing contradictory information, which is not surprising given the continuously evolving nature of its development. We continue to edit the plan document to make sure it is consistent and will post revisions to the reopening page as they are available.
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Academies in the News
The Albany Academies have been in the news over the last 2 weeks to discuss our reopening plan and increased interest in private schools. Links to the news stories can be found on our reopening page of our website.
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Message from the Health Office
Please remember to submit your child's health information to the Health Office prior to the start of the school year. Physicals need to be completed within a year of the start of school for new students, PreK, K, 1st, 3rd, 5th, & 7th-12th. Please let the Health Office know if you are having trouble scheduling your child's appointment. Up-to-date immunization records also need to be submitted.
NYS requires up-to-date immunization records for all students, including students that have opted to participate in remote learning. Medication drop-off needs to be by appointment. Please contact your campus nurse via email to schedule an appointment for medication drop-off or if you have any questions.
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Student Supply Lists
Upper School
Because of the change in the first day of school, supply lists for Upper School courses will be posted on individual teacher Blackbaud course pages by September 10. If you have specific questions about supplies, please contact Hilary King at kingh@albanyacademies.org.
Middle School
Grades 5 & 6 - Organizational tools were purchased for each student and will be delivered directly to their advisor. Student accounts are charged for the organizational tools. Students are responsible for purchasing and bringing in the items listed on the supply list.
AA Grades 7 & 8 - Organizational tools and a Scholastic subscription were purchased for each student and will be delivered directly to their advisor. Student accounts are charged for the organizational tools. Students are responsible for purchasing and bringing in to school the items listed on the supply list.
AAG Grades 7 & 8 - Organizational tools and books were purchased for each student and will be delivered directly to their advisor. Student accounts are charged for the organizational tools. Students are responsible for purchasing and bringing in to school the items listed on the supply list.
Lower School
Supplies for each student were purchased and will be delivered directly to the classroom. Student accounts are charged for the supplies. No additional supplies are needed.
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AAPA Uniform Exchange
Due to the current COVID situation we are not accepting donations at this time and apologize for any inconveniences. However, if you are in need of an item, below is the process:
- Parents complete request/order form.
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Click here for the AAG Uniform request form
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Click here for the AA Uniform request form
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Completed forms should be emailed to uniform@albanyacademies.org
- Request /order is received.
- Items are picked from inventory.
- Academies personnel will confirm availability of items.
- Pick-up scheduled from the front offices on either campus.
- Checks should be made payable to: The Albany Academies, attn: AAPA Uniform Sale.
Schedule for pick-up and drop off of payments:
- Requests received by Sunday at midnight will be processed on Monday and ready for pick-up on Tuesday between 8:30 a.m and 3:30 p.m.
- Requests received by Tuesday at midnight will be processed on Wednesday and ready for pick-up on Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
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Admissions Office Asked & Answered Session
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If you know of a family considering The Albany Academies, please encourage them to attend the next Asked & Answered session on August 19. Families are also welcome to contact Director of Admissions Nicholas Forcier forciern@albanyacademies.org
for more information.
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Host Families for Hockey Players Needed
As we approach the new academic year, we are seeking host families for our hockey players in the prep league. New hockey coach Steven Mallaro has done a wonderful job encouraging exceptional student-athletes to join our community and the program, and housing is needed for some of the players.
A host family provides a safe, caring, and friendly home atmosphere and serves as a role model and extended family to the players. If you are interested in learning more about how to participate, please contact Director of Admissions Nicholas Forcier at forciern@albanyacademies.org.
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We have made the decision to move Legacy of Dreams to Saturday, September 26. We hope you will consider joining us to support the athletics programs at The Albany Academies. Even in these uncertain times, our student-athletes and coaches rely on this event to fund their teams and programs. If you would like to join our Honorary Committee and/or become a sponsor, please visit the event page on our website here, or contact Special Events Coordinator Sarah Adamowski at adamowskis@albanyacademies.org.
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Next Update: August 21, 2020
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