Dear Academies Families,
Happy August! I hope this finds you enjoying the lovely weather we have been having.
We are busy on campus with summer camp and preparing for the upcoming 2023-2024 Academic Year. This email provides some information useful for transitioning from summer vacation to the start of the new school year. It is the first of several updates you will receive this month, which will also be archived on the resource board of My Academy (Blackbaud) and the parents’ page of the website.
Please take a moment to read through this information and complete those items that pertain to your family. You may notice that some items below are time-sensitive, such as bus transportation, next week's uniform exchange hours, and submitting medical forms.
If you have any questions this communication hasn’t answered, please don’t hesitate to email Shelly Reid at reidm@albanyacademies.org, who will route your question to the appropriate person for a quick reply.
Warmly,
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Christopher J. Lauricella
Head of School
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Summer Reading
Please click the links below to view the summer reading list for Grades 4, Middle School & Upper School, the summer assignments for Grades 5 & 6 (AAG), and the Lower School Summer Reading Letter.
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School Calendar for 2023-2024
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2023-2024 Student and Parent Handbook
The 2023-2024 Handbook is available for download and is also hosted on the Parent Page of our Website. Please review this handbook to understand the philosophy of The Albany Academies and all the guidelines, expectations, and rules shaping our learning community.
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Save the Date- AAPA Family Barbecue, September 8, 2023
The Albany Academies Parents Association is hosting a family Barbecue on Friday, September 8. This is an excellent opportunity for families to connect as we begin another school year.
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2023-2024 School District Transportation
If you haven't already done so, please register with your school district if you require bus transportation for the 2023-2024 school year. For more information, contact Andrea Faragon at faragona@albanyacademies.org
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2023-2024 Private Bussing from Saratoga
If you haven't already done so, please contact Katie Conroy, conroyk@albanyacademiess.org, for information about private bussing from the Saratoga region.
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Host Families Needed
We have an immediate need for international student host families. Please contact Dr. Jessica Chen, Director of International Programs, at chenj@albanyacademies.org to learn more about hosting, including information about the $1200 monthly stipend.
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A Message from the Health Office
Magnus Health is our school’s student electronic medical records system. You can submit a student’s health records via the parent/guardian My Academy portal link on the school’s website or the Magnus Health app. Please make sure you have the current Magnus Health app downloaded. You can continue to use the same password you previously created. If you need to reset your password or create one for the first time, that needs to be done through the My Academy portal online. Click here for directions on how to set up the Magnus Health application.
This application makes updating health history information, allergies, and submitting forms easier. Please use Magnus Health to submit all your child's information to the health office. This is secure, saves time, and limits paper use.
The following Health information needs to be uploaded or completed in Magnus at least two weeks before the first day of school or the start of Fall sports preseason:
- A physical examination performed within the past year. The physical examination must be done by a NYS-licensed healthcare provider (MD, PA, NP)
- A current physical is required for all students participating in a sport.
- NYS requires a current physical for all new students and students entering PreSchool, PreKindergarten, Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 3, Grade 5, Grade 7, Grade 9, and Grade 10.
- For students in 7th-PG, the Interval Health form must be completed within Magnus Health before the start of every sports season. If your child is not participating in a Fall sport, please indicate that on the form.
- A complete immunization record. All immunizations should be completed as per NYS requirements for school attendance. Completed health history (Vital Health Record). This form must be updated yearly for all students.
- Complete medication orders signed by the treating physician and signed by a parent for any prescription or over-the-counter medication that needs to be administered by the nurse or student during the school day. New medication orders are needed for every school year.
- Updated Vital Health Record within Magnus Health
Click the links below to view the Health Office letter and download the Health forms. These forms are available on our school website.
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Fall Pre-Season & Physicals
Mark your calendars for the start of Fall Pre-season sports practices!
Section II sports begin the week of August 21. NEPSAC sports begin on August 28. Please look for an upcoming email from the Athletic Directors with specific team's start dates and times.
Section II
Boys Varsity & JV Golf
Girls Varsity Golf
Boys Varsity & JV Soccer
Girls Varsity Soccer
Boys & Girls Varsity Cross Country
Girls Varsity Tennis
Girls Varsity Swimming & Diving
Girls Varsity & JV Volleyball
NEPSAC
Boys Varsity Football
If your son or daughter plans to participate in the fall season, please be sure he/she has an up-to-date (within 12 months) physical examination before pre-season practices begin.
Please bring the Health Examination form and Medication Permission form with you to your child's appointment for the doctor to complete.
If your child will be in Grades 7 or 8 and plan on trying out for a JV or Varsity sport, please contact the Athletic Director to set up testing for the NYS Athletic Placement Process.
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Student Orientation Day
Middle and Upper School student orientation will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2023. The dress code is a full uniform without blazers. New AA students will receive their House ties at orientation.
Who attends orientation?
- All Middle School and Upper School Faculty, Staff, and Administration
- Middle School: All students, new and returning
- Upper School: All Grade 9 students, new students entering Grades 10-12 and Post Graduate, student leaders, and student ambassadors.
When and where is Middle School orientation?
- Students should arrive on campus between 7:45 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Entrances will be clearly marked, and a welcome crew will be on campus. Please arrive no later than 8:00 a.m. so that students can check in, receive their schedule for the day, and pick up their nametag so they are ready for the orientation program.
- Boys will begin orientation at 8:00 a.m. in the Caird Chapel
- Girls will begin orientation at 8:00 a.m. in the Stevens Center
- The student orientation program will conclude with an ice cream social starting at 2:20 p.m. in the Class of 1970 Pavilion. Parents are welcome to attend. All students should be collected by 3:00 p.m.
- An optional New Parent Orientation begins at 4:30 pm in the Auditorium.
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Please contact Adam Collett, colletta@albanyacademies.org, with any questions you may have.
When and where is Upper School orientation?
- Students should arrive on campus between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Entrances will be clearly marked, and a welcome crew will be on campus. Please arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. so that students can check in, receive their schedule for the day, and pick up their nametag so they are ready for the orientation program.
- Boys will begin orientation at 8:30 a.m. in the Caird Chapel
- Girls will begin orientation at 8:30 a.m. in the Auditorium
- The student orientation program will conclude at 3:15 p.m.
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Please contact Lauren Catlett, catlettl@albanyacademies.org, with any questions you may have.
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Parent Nights and Orientations
Please mark your calendars for the following parent events:
September 6, 2023
5:00 p.m. ECA & Lower School Back-to-School Night (Auditorium)
September 7, 2023
4:30 p.m. Middle School New Parent Orientation (Auditorium)
September 20, 2023
5:30 p.m. Girls Middle School Parent Night (Auditorium)
6:00 p.m. Boys Middle School Parent Night (Caird Chapel)
7:00 p.m. Upper School New Parent Orientation (Zoom)
September 27, 2023
5:30 p.m. Upper School Parent Night (Caird Chapel)
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Student Devices
We highly recommend that upper school students come to school with a laptop. Students in grades 7 and 8 are also welcome to do so. Specifications for appropriate devices are below. Should you need additional information, you are encouraged to contact our Technology Specialist, Ali Alusi, at alusia@albanyacademies.org
Minimum Student Device Requirements: PC/Windows and Apple MacBook Specifications:
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Suggested accessories:
Protective case/cover for device and screen, mouse, headphones or earbuds, adaptor for your device to accept USB type A.
Responsibility for Device:
- Students are responsible for the device they bring to campus. This includes setup, maintenance, and security. Antivirus software must be installed and consistently updated.
- Students should clearly label their devices with their names.
- Students are responsible for properly securing their devices throughout the day and during school-sanctioned activities.
Internet/Internet Access Warning:
The Albany Academies provides managed and filtered wireless throughout the buildings on campus. Access to the internet is only allowed through the school's network. Cellular networks or hot spots, as well as VPN, are not permitted to be used to access outside internet sources at any time. The school makes every effort to limit access to objectionable material; however, controlling all such materials on the computer/network/internet is impossible, even with filtering in place. With global access to computers and people, a risk exists that students may access material that may not be of educational value in the school setting.
Computer Repair/Damages:
Be aware: The Albany Academies cannot fix student computers or mobile devices. However, the technology department will assist with wireless network access, and we can make computer repair shop recommendations. We recommend a maintenance warranty on any computer.
The Albany Academies is not liable for any device stolen or damaged on campus. If a device is stolen or damaged, it will be handled like other personal effects that are impacted in similar situations.
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Early Bird & Extended Day
Early Bird and Extended Day program registration information will be sent out by August 15.
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After-School Enrichment Program
We are delighted to announce the return of the after-school Enrichment program for Grades 1-6 for this academic year. We will continue to provide students with some of their favorite classes and will have new options added to the rotation. Programs will begin the week of September 25 and run for six weeks. An email with course information and sign-up forms will be sent on September 15.
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School Uniform Ordering
Girls' School Uniforms will be available for purchase this year through Flynn & O'Hara or Lands' End. Please click here to visit the Flynn & O'Hara website to place your order.
Boys' School Uniforms will be available through Lands' End. Please click here to visit the Lands' End website and use school code 900046012
School uniforms may also be purchased through the Uniform Exchange. The Uniform Exchange will be open on both campuses on August 8 and August 10 from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Girls' uniforms are at 140 Academy Road, and boys' are at 135 Academy Road.
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Student Textbooks Provided by Capital Region BOCES Pick Up Information
Books for districts served by Capital Region BOCES will be delivered to school before September. Lower School books will be in classrooms and Middle and Upper School students will pick up their books during Orientation Day or on the first day of school.
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Student Textbooks Provided by Lansingburgh, Troy, or Kingston City School Districts Pick Up Information
Lansingburgh City Schools Residents
Please contact Donna Welcome to make arrangements to pick up your child's textbooks.
Contact: Donna Welcome
(518) 233-6850 ext. 33402
Kingston City Schools Residents
Please contact Casey Leghorn to make arrangements to pick up your child's textbooks.
Contact: Casey Leghorn
21 Wynkoop Place
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 943-3033
Troy City Schools Residents
Please contact MaryLee Nichols or Giovona Driscoll to make arrangements to pick up your child's textbooks.
475 1st Street
Troy, NY 12180
(518)-328-5052
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College Counseling Events
Please mark your calendars for the following college counseling events:
Applications Bootcamp for the Class of 2024
August 28, 2023, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
August 29, 2023, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
August 30, 2023, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
August 31, 2023, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
September 6, 2023, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Junior College Kick-Off
January 11, 2024 at 7:15 p.m. on Zoom.
Sophomore College Night
February 8, 2024 at 7:15 p.m. on Zoom.
An email will be sent from the College Counseling Office with more information about these events.
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Spirit Wear
Start the 2023-2024 school year by showing your school spirit! The Sideline Store hosted by BSN Sports is now live for all your spirit wear needs. Check out the selection of t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more! Order over the summer so you are ready for Homecoming and Spirit Week.
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Yearbooks Are In!
The 2022-2023 yearbooks are available! If you ordered a yearbook for your child they can be picked up from Mrs. Motley (AA) and Ms. Conroy (AAG). The front offices hours over the summer are:
- Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 4 pm
- Friday 8:00 am - 1 pm
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