The Albany Academies coordinate single-sex and coeducational learning environments to develop diligent students of high character who become curious, critical thinkers.
September 10, 2021
The Skim

  • COVID Screening
  • September 10 CDC Risk Assessment for Schools in Albany County
  • Morning Drop Off
  • Legacy of Dreams
  • New Family Gathering
  • Fall Picture Days
  • AAPA - Spirit Wear Store
  • New Professional Community Members
  • A Glimpse Around Campus
  • Amazon Smile Benefits the Academies
  • Week at a Glance
  • Looking Ahead
Dear Friends,

And...we’re off! It was lovely to have everyone back on campus today and to be able to return to some of our traditions as we started school.

Part of this tradition is to introduce the theme for the coming year: Thriving through structure, standards, and strategy.

I am excited by the idea of “thriving” because, after two years of school being affected by this pandemic, it feels like it is time to move beyond survival and resilience and begin to focus on prospering and flourishing. In a practical sense, this means delivering as much of our program as we can this year while doing everything in our power to keep each other safe. 

It also means refocusing on foundational habits, like taking pride in how we look and dress, being disciplined and diligent about what we do in and out of the classroom, and reframing disruptions as an opportunity for reflection and fresh starts. 

We don’t thrive alone, and this morning we also emphasized to students the importance of taking care of their well-being and the well-being of others. Part of learning to thrive is addressing whatever struggles we may be facing, which have probably only gotten more intense over the last two years. 

We don’t need to do this work alone, either. So as you talk to your children about the first days of school, I hope you will emphasize that there are times when we all need the support and perspective of a trusted friend, a mentor, or a trained professional, depending on our worry. We are fortunate to have all of these people right here at school, and if we don’t have the appropriate resources on staff we know where to find them.

I hope you will also reinforce that attending to personal well-being or asking for help is not showing weakness or burdening others. On the contrary, for many of us, it's our life’s purpose and helps us thrive, too.

I look forward to working together to make the 2021-2022 Academic Year the best one yet!

Warmly,
COVID Screening

Earlier today, we sent notifications regarding the results of our September 8 return-to-school COVID screening. Thank you to all who participated. This screening aims to detect infected individuals before there is an opportunity for extended community spread of the virus. We anticipate that we will continue to provide screening opportunities while the CDC risk transmission remains moderate or above.
September 10 CDC Risk Assessment for Schools in Albany County.
The Centers for Disease Control uses several indicators and thresholds for the risk of introduction and transmission of COVID-19 in schools. We assess this risk weekly using county data and adjust our mitigation strategies accordingly.
Morning Drop-Off

When bringing your child to school please utilize the following designated drop-off areas:

  • AAG Lower School - AAG parking lot in front of the school.
  • AAG Middle & Upper School - Beth Emeth Temple Parking lot. (Please drive cautiously in the Temple lot).
  • AA Lower School - AA upper parking lot.
  • AA Middle & Upper School - AA lower parking lot.
  • If you have a child being dropped off in Lower School and a child being dropped off in another division in the same building, you may drop off both children at the Lower School designated drop off area.

Cars dropping off students are not allowed in the front circles at AA or AAG. We need to keep the front circle clear for pedestrian safety, bus safety, and any emergency vehicles.
Legacy of Dreams Next Week
Please plan to join us on September 17 at 7:00 p.m. on the outdoor patio of Frog Alley for Legacy of Dreams, our annual fundraising event to benefit athletic programs and the more than 50 athletic teams at the Academies. There are many ways to participate including: joining the honorary committee, becoming a sponsor, assisting with a team basket, or simply attending the event.

New Family Gathering

The Albany Academies Parents Association (AAPA) will be hosting an informal new family gathering at 5:00 p.m. at the Leonard House, 91 Academy Road (home of Head of School Chris Lauricella and his family). This is an opportunity to welcome you into our community, briefly talk about how to get involved in the AAPA and address any questions you may have. If you would like to attend, please contact Special Events Coordinator Sarah Adamowski at adamowskis@albanyacademies.org.
AAPA - Spirit Wear Store

The Albany Academies spirit wear store -- in partnership with Clearly Yours -- will open beginning on Monday, September 13 through September 20 for screen printed items only. Click here or use this link: https://clearlyyoursgifts.com/collections/academy-apparel to place an order. Items that require embroidery will be available throughout the year, so please watch for additions to the store.
New Professional Community Members
Charlene Ellis P'25, English Faculty. Charlene brings 30 years of experience teaching English and History. She also coached many Odyssey of The Mind teams in New York State competitions. She organized student reading clubs and assisted Chinese students in developing their English language skills. Charlene received an M.A. M.Ed. in English Literature Psychopedagogy and M.A. M.Ed. English Literature, Education, Psychopedagogy, from St. Lawrence University.
Kari Hamric, Computer Science Faculty. Kari has 10 years of teaching experience, with students from Grade 7 to adults, with a focus on math. Outside the classroom, she has mentored a Lego League robotics team and has coached volleyball. Kari received BA degrees in Math and English from Glenville State College.
A Glimpse Around Campus
The Albany Academies Parents Association (AAPA) recently hosted a gathering at the Leonard House for members of the Diverse AAPA Affinity Group (chaired by George Timmons P'23), the Alumni and Alumnae of Color Affinity Groups. The three groups met informally to discuss initiatives for the new school year.
The AAG Class of 2025 participated in the traditional Blazer Ceremony during Opening Assembly.
Congratulations to the following members of the AA Class of 2022 that received their Cum Laude pins during First Chapel: Peter B., Jake F., Benjamin H., and Colton P.
AA students, professional community members, and alumni attended a hybrid in-person and virtual First Chapel to begin The Albany Academy 209th school year! Pictured here are several alumni from a wide array of class years who attended this morning's ceremony from the balcony.
AAG students and professional community members attended a hybrid in-person and virtual Opening Assembly to begin the Albany Academy for Girls 208th school year!
Students in Ms. Hanifin's Kindergarten Class enjoyed having fun outside during recess today!
Amazon Smile Benefits the Academies
 
Did you know The Albany Academies are set up as a charity at Amazon Smile?

Join AmazonSmile
If you are not already an AmazonSmile member, simply sign up at smile.amazon.com and select your favorite charity to start generating donations, at no cost to you.

Turn on AmazonSmile in the Amazon app on your Smartphone
Open the app and find ’Settings’ in the main menu (☰). Tap on ‘AmazonSmile’ and follow the on-screen instructions to turn on AmazonSmile on your phone.
Week at a Glance
Monday, September 13
Day 1
5:00pm - 6:00pm New Parent Gathering (Leonard House)

Tuesday, September 14
Day 2
AA School Picture Day
5:30pm Virtual Upper School Parent Night
*Please see the upcoming Weekly Update for Parent Night details

Wednesday, September 15
Day 3
AAG School Picture Day

Thursday, September 16
Yom Kippur Observed - School Closed

Friday, September 17
Day 4
7:00pm Legacy of Dreams (Frog Alley Brewing Co., 108 State St., Schenectady)
Looking Ahead
September 21 Virtual Middle School Parent Night
October 2 Alumni/ae Weekend
October 4 - 7 Spirit Week
October 6 Admissions Asked & Answered Information Session
October 8 Bacon Bat & House Day
October 9 Homecoming Weekend
October 11 Indigenous Peoples Day (School Closed)
October 13 PSATs
October 22 Fall Community Service Day
October 29 Lower School Halloween Celebration