FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023
EXTENDED EASTER BREAK EDITION
In This Issue
·        Spring Gala Preview
·        Student Surveys
·        High School Career Day
·        Middle School Service Day
·        Students Crochet Hats for Babies
·        Ladies of Charity Host MoonBee
·        "You are Beautiful" Day
·        Stations of the Cross
·        Seniors Visit Ohav Shalom
·        ACB Team Notches Victories
·        Student Art Recognized by Gallery
·        NYS Assembly Honors Mackey
·        Alumna Wins at Nationals
·        Reality TV Star Comes to Town
·        French Classes Dive into History
·        Middle School Fundraiser
·        Dinner-Dance Tickets
·        AHN is Hiring
·        Bring a Friend to School
·        New Admissions Exam Dates
·        New Event for Prospective Families
·        Summer Camp Sign-Ups
·        Shadow Visits on the Rise
·        School Calendar
Special Spring Gala Preview
Celebrating Dr. Ron and Michele Musto
It’s a family affair for Dr. Ron and Michele Musto, who have been fixtures at Academy of the Holy Names since their first daughter attended Pre-K in the mid-80s.

It’s been a bit of a whirlwind since. Read more of their story here.
Celebrating Cindy Haselsteiner Pettit '78
For Cindy Haselsteiner Pettit ’78, Academy of the Holy Names is about tradition, one she was proudly able to pass down to her daughter, Taylor, a member of the class of 2008. Read her story here.
It's your last call to purchase your tickets for this year's Spring Gala, which will be held on Friday, April 28 at 6 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Albany - Desmond Hotel in Albany.
There will be live entertainment, silent and live auctions, and a super cash raffle. Karen Tararache of Spectrum News will serve as MC.
Surveys to be Administered to Students
As part of our effort to ensure the highest quality experience for our students, we will be administering a Student Experience Survey to them in school on April 19. The survey is anonymous and will take about 15 minutes to complete.  
High School Career Day Gives Students Vision of Future
Thank you to all who helped make our High School Career Day a success for our students, including keynote speaker Miranda VonFricken and our special guest panelists: Kristen Hans Curran ‘04, New York State Catholic Conference, Yvonne Hennessey P’28, Barclay Damon LLP, Courtney Astemborski ‘10, Regeneron, Laura Hans Uhlig ‘10, MathWorks, Lauren King, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Jennifer Snyder-Cappione ‘92 PhD, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Maura Tuffey ‘10, Saratoga Hospital, Zainab Magdon-Ismail P’29, Moving Analytics, Rachel Dubay P’26, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Tara Byrne P’25, WellNow Urgent Care, Katie Hogan, MD ‘95, Albany Medical College, Karen McKenna P’25 Albany Med, Ann Marie Lizzi ‘87, Majestic Media Group LLC. Mary Rizzo, The Cheese Traveler, Erika Anderson ‘91, Unified Beerworks, Christine Teta Foster ‘91 Penchant for Petals, Lissa McNaughton ’77, P’22, Atlas Private Wealth Management, LLC, Toni Lynn Community Resource Federal Credit Union, Gretchen Meyer, Gretchen Meyer Financial, Linda Lorusso P’27, SAGE Publishing, Brittany Lawton, Highly Caffeinated Marketing LLC, LLC, Beth Robertson, Encoura, Katie O'Loughlin, POSTMKTG, Maureen Wendell, Clockwell Strategy, LLC, Amy Ellis, Honest Weight Food Co-op.
Middle School Service Day
While our high schoolers were learning about future career options, our middle schoolers were busy working on service projects under the direction of Ms. Moran. Among them: building Little Free Libraries with help from John O'Sullivan P '12, writing cards and creating bookmarks for Grassroot Givers, and assembling Easter Baskets filled with candy, supplies, handmade bunny washcloths, and painted rocks for Sidewalk Warriors Troy and StreetSoldiers - Schenectady. A special thanks to our high school helpers!
Hooked on Crocheting
A group of students also took time to crochet hats for babies! 10th grader Elizabeth Lawlor has made more than 100 for newborns in Ellis Medicine's Bellevue Woman's Center. Mrs. Taranto was able to join the fun and get her first lesson.
Ladies of Charity Host MoonBee
Members of the Ladies of Charity and Junior Ladies of Charity held a MoonBee Thursday afternoon. Together they crafted MoonCatcher Kits for The MoonCatcher Project.

Since 2011, the project has been making reusable, washable menstrual management kits for distribution to girls around the world.  
"You are Beautiful" Day
On Wednesday, the community came together for "You are Beautiful" day here at Holy Names! A brief assembly began the day, and there were activities throughout the day as a reminder to celebrate the beauty in all of us!

Students also wrote uplifting messages to each other on the windows.
Stations of the Cross
Under the direction of Mrs. McSparron and Mrs. Eller, the sixth, seventh, and 11th grade classes joined together this week in Our Lady's Chapel to participate in Stations of the Cross, the 14-step devotion commemorating Jesus's last day on Earth as a human.

Each student took turns reading passages and reflections as they continued their Lenten journeys.
Seniors Visit Ohav Shalom
To enrich the curriculum of their Theology course, ‘World Religions,’ the Senior class went on a field trip to Ohav Shalom, a Jewish congregation on Krumkill Road.

Rabbi Dan Ornstein led them on a tour of their sanctuary and a discussion on what it means to be Jewish. As a result, students gained a much better understanding of Judaism.

Students agree being exposed to worlds outside of their own builds cultural understanding and tolerance. 
ACB Team Finishes Strong
Congratulations to the Academic Challenge Bowl team, which in its final competition of its inaugural season, won three of its four matchups (the fourth came down to the final question). Way to go, girls!
Student Art Recognized at Local Gallery
Congratulations to Makayla Mackey (Staff Choice Award), Caroline Brown (Certificate of Achievement) and Maggie Seymour (Certificate of Achievement) for having their works officially unveiled at the Albany Center Gallery.

The selections are part of the 24th Annual High School Regional Juried Exhibition, featuring the work of regional high school students. They are on display through April 22.
NYS Assembly Honors Mackey
Image Courtesy: Office of Assm. Patricia Fahy
Congratulations to Denyse Mackey P '22 '23, who was honored by NYS Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy as a "Woman of Distinction" for her work with the Warren and Denyse Mackey Foundation. The foundation, named in honor of her late husband (father to Madison and Makayla), helps to fund youth scholarships, mentoring, academic and social success, and more.

It also advances awareness on the importance of prioritizing wellness and cancer screenings, emphasizing bridging the health care gap in the black community and drawing attention to genetically predisposed risk identification.
Alumna Runner Wins National Championship
Photo Courtesy: University of Rochester
Congratulations, Megan Bell '21, part of The University of Rochester women's 4x400 meter relay team which took home the 2023 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field National Championship over the weekend.
Spring Sports Underway
The spring sports season is officially underway.

Here is a look at upcoming home games where you'll have the chance to come cheer on the Panthers:

·  Tuesday, 4/4 vs S. Glens Falls (Varsity Lax)
·   Wednesday, 4/5 vs Cobleskill (JV Softball at NYS Correctional Services Training Center)
·   Wednesday, 4/5 vs Glens Falls (JV Lax)

Follow the link for the complete athletics schedule.
Reality TV Star Visits Alma Mater
Photo Courtesy: College of St. Rose
Paige DeSorbo '10 paid a visit to her alma mater, The College of Saint Rose this week to speak to students about her rise from journalism student to star of Bravo's "Summer House."

She's seen here with Saint Rose President Marcia White and Dr. Kilbridge.

ICYMI, check out the latest alumnae updates in our most recent issue of Connections by following the link below!
French Classes Dive into History
Our French 4 and 5 classes are helping us wrap up Womens History Month with a look at some well-known French-speaking women throughout history.

Excellent travail tout le monde!
Freaky Friday in Math Class
The roles were reversed today in Mrs. Taranto's math classes on Friday, when the students became the teacher for the day.

Each was given a surface area and volume project to complete and present to the class. Mrs. T says not only did the students do a fantastic job of teaching, but cheering and supporting each other throughout the process as well!
Middle School Fundraiser Tuesday
Our 8th graders need your help to get to Boston! They're raising funds for a field trip and in return all you have to do is order some pizza!

This coming TUESDAY, APRIL 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Blaze Pizza in Stuyvesant Plaza, show THIS flyer on your phone to donate 20% of proceeds from your meal. To order online or the Blaze Pizza app, use Promo Code 1116A.
Reservations Still Available for Father-Daughter Dinner Dance
The Annual Father-Daughter Dinner Dance hosted by the Home School Association (HSA) will be held on Friday, April 21 at Wolferts Roost Country Club in Albany.

All students and their fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and/or special friends are invited to this celebration. There will special recognition of seniors and their fathers.

Online registration will be open until April 3.
Join Our Team!
Come join our team! Our Athletics department has two openings: Golf Coach and Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach. Help us build upon a winning tradition and show your Panther pride!

We are also looking to fill TWO math positions.
Bring a Friend to School Day
Thursday, April 20 is "Bring a Friend to School Day" at Holy Names.

Students in grades 6 and 9 can bring along a friend for the day to experience what AHN has to offer.

Contact Admissions Director Ann Rento for more information and/or to schedule.
New Admissions Exam Dates Available
Due to increased demand, more admissions testing opportunities have been made available for prospective students.

The exam serves as a scholarship qualifying exam as well as assists with student placement. High scoring students can earn between 1/4 and 1/2 tuition awards.

Upcoming exam dates include:

Saturday, April 22, and
Saturday, May 13.

Arrival time for both is 8:15 a.m. For parents, there will also be coffee, conversation and tours available with school administrators.
Information Session for Prospective Students and families
Prospective students are invited to a special information session on Sunday, April 23 at noon. This is a chance for AHN administration and faculty to get to know you and your daughter during the admissions process and answer any questions you may have about our school.
Summer Camp Sign-Ups Available
Have you signed up for summer camp yet? Registration is now available! We're offering four programs, all led by educational experts with a focus on fun and learning.

We will also soon be offering sports clinics for soccer, volleyball, and tennis.  

Follow the registration link for detailed information on each of the camps.
Shadow Visits on the Rise
Thanks in large part to referrals from current families, shadow visits are up more than 40% from this time last year!

Do you know a family interested in learning more about the Holy Names experience? Have them reach out to Admissions Director Ann Rento at extension x202.
School Calendar
The Week Ahead

Monday, April 3
Report Card Conferences
Noon Dismissal

Thursday April 6 - Friday April 14
Easter Vacation, School Closed
Looking Ahead
Thursday, April 20
Grade 11 Retreat
Bring a Friend to School Day (Grades 6 and 9)

Friday, April 21
Earth Day Prayer Service, 8 a.m.
High School Pep Rally

Saturday, April 22

Sunday, April 23
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Publication Note:
The Weekly Watch will take a brief hiatus for Easter break and return on Friday, April 21!
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