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Friday, February 05, 2010
The Albany Academies e-newsletter
Week of February 1
State of the School -- February 10
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Please join us for our Annual State of the School meeting on Wednesday, February 10 at 7 p.m. in Caird Chapel.
The program will run from 7-7:30 p.m. with a reception taking place from 7:30-8 p.m.
This is an opportunity to hear from Head of School Dr. Douglas North about his vision for the Academies; meet and interact with other parents; and ask questions of Dr. North, Board of Trustees President Bert Trombly P'10 and AAPA President Deb Nelson P'10, '13. Reservations are not required; hope to see you! |
Dr. North takes part in panel discussion
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Head of School Dr. Douglas North visited Tech Valley High School in Rensselaer on February 5 as part of the Leadership Tech Valley Education Program -- a shared initiative of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce & The Chamber of Schenectady County that offers individuals the opportunity to meet key leaders in the Capital Region through a variety of activities.
Dr. North took part in a panel discussion about the future of education and the types of programs in place to educate students in math, science, technology and other key areas. The panel discussion also included Dr. James Baldwin, District Superintendent for Questar III BOCES; Cheryl Dudley, Superintendent for the Greenville Central School District; and Rodney Smith, Dean of Students for Green Tech High School.
Pictured at left (left to right) are Dr. North & Dr. Baldwin during the panel discussion. |
AAG MS students impress at Talent Show!
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Our Middle School girls did an outstanding job during a special Talent Show held on February 5 in the AAG Auditorium. The show opened with a humorous skit and was followed by some entertaining singing and dancing performances. Congratulations to our young ladies on a job well done!
Special thanks to AAG Preschool through Grade 8 Director Susan Rimkunas and faculty member Ann Morris for their work in coordinating the event.
Pictured at left are some of the Middle School girls during the Talent Show. |
Guitar Hero maker visits the Academies
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Vicarious Visions Group Design Manager Adrian Earle visited the Academies on February 5 to give a presentation to our Upper School students in Caird Chapel.
He has been working in the video game industry for more than 20 years and has worked on the hit game series Guitar Hero, Shrek and Call of Duty.
During his presentation, Mr. Earle described the long hours that are involved but also the excitement that comes from being part of a team project!
Menands-based Vicarious Visions -- creator of Guitar Hero -- is owned by Activision, the second largest video game company in the world. |
MS & US students selected for music festival
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Please come out in support of our Academies students participating in the Colonial Council Music Festival on Saturday, February 6 at 2:30 p.m. at Waterford-Halfmoon High School.
This year's festival will feature a high school band, middle school band and middle school chorus; each ensemble is made up of select students from throughout the Capital Region. |
Congratulations to the following students: Macy Anetzberger '16, Vincent Birch (Form VI), Youjin Chung '11, Levi Freinberg-Trufas '17, Precious King '16, Safouane Lachgar (Form V), Arka Rao (Form II), Angelia Scallero '17, Rebecca Smith '13 & Katharine Stasior '16.
'Mathletes' represent Academies proudly
Eight Academies "mathletes" proudly represented our school in the national MathCOUNTS Competition on January 30 at the GE Global Research Center in Niskayuna.
Courtney Breiner '15, Andy Wu (Form II), Ankit Baghel (Form I) and Keun Young Ma '14 were members of our first team and came in 9th out of 40 teams. The following students placed in the individual competition: Andy Wu, 39th place; Courtney Breiner, 58th place; Keun Young Ma, 62nd place; Ankit Baghel, 64th place; Sohil Patel (Form II), 78th place; Daniel Mahoney (Form II), 117th place; Alexandra Iankoulska '15, 121st place; and Gordon O'Brien (Form I), 136th place.
More than 150 middle school students representing 20 local schools took part in the event that is intended to identify the top middle school math talent in the nation.
Theatre students go on tour...
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Arts Chair Greg Cummings' Upper School Theatre students went on "tour" to the AAG campus on February 4 to visit Liz Koonz's English class.
The students (pictured at left) presented a humorous lecture-demonstration on "The Art and Craft of Theatrical Improvisation for Performance," focusing on the use of improvisation and theatre to enrich the study of Shakespeare.
Matt Streifert's Chorus class was also in attendance for the performance. |
Shakespeare comes to life!
Shakespeare came to life recently as Caird Chapel was converted into a makeshift theater. 10th grade girls took part in a week-long "Shakespearean Theater" workshop that combined textual analysis and dramatic practice.
Adam Collett ran the week-long workshop for the students; Adam is a classically trained Shakespearean actor whose master's thesis is on Othello's Iago.
Exploring such ideas as the desires of the Elizabethan theatre audience, how to make a "Groundling" laugh, and the real motives of Lady Macbeth, the girls worked through a series of exercises that gave them an alternative approach to the text -- providing a valuable resource to them in their upcoming studies and Shakespeare competition.
Join us for a 'memorable' production on February 26 & 27
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Don't miss our Upper School Winter Musical production of "Memorable" on Friday, February 26 from 7-9 p.m. and Saturday, February 27 from 2-4 p.m. in the AAG Auditorium.
Our Upper School Mixed Chorus will be presenting a montage of the "Best of Broadway hits" from 1956 to 1960. Our alumnae and alumni from the mid 1950s to early 1960s provided memories of Broadway shows to introduce our Upper School students to Broadway and the perspective of those that came before them. This special musical production honors the 50th reunion classes and celebrates our new Head of School Dr. Douglas North. |
For more information, contact Arts Chair Greg Cummings at (518) 429-2300 or cummingsg@albanyacademies.org.
CLICK HERE FOR THE "MEMORABLE" FLYER.
Spots remaining for 'Old West' trip
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There are just a few spots left for the custom-planned trip to Jackson, WY being offered to Upper School students at the Academies from June 21-29.
The cost of the trip is $2,900 per person and includes air fare, hotel accommodations, food, mountain guides, all admission fees and activities, and all transportation during the trip.
Credit card payments can now be accepted through Condor Adventures, a travel agency owned by former Arts Chair Dana DeYoung -- who is serving as the coordinator of the trip.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION. |
AAPA meeting educates parents on important issues
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This month's Albany Academies Parents Association meeting focused on issues that all parents want to learn more about -- underage drinking, peer pressure, substance abuse and how to talk to their children about challenging situations that face teenagers.
Patricia Zuber-Wilson '76, Director of Legislative and Community Relations for the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, joined us February 2 for an informative discussion and shared some alarming statistics about these issues. Ms. Zuber-Wilson’s main message to all of us was to talk, talk and talk to our children!
Pictured at left (left to right) are Upper School Counselor Patricia DeVost, Ms. Zuber-Wilson, Lower & Middle School Counselor McKenzie Nicholson and AAPA Vice President Mary O'Connor P'11. |
If you would like more information about the presentation and/or pick up materials distributed at the meeting, please contact Ms. DeVost at devostp@albanyacademies.org.
Deadline to join Spring Gathering Honorary Committee approaching
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Today, February 5 is the final day to join the Spring Gathering 2010 Honorary Committee.
Spring Gathering 2010 will be held on Saturday, April 17 at The Franklin Plaza in downtown Troy. This year's theme is "Creating Opportunities, Changing Lives," and event proceeds support our scholarship and financial aid programs. |
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE SPRING GATHERING HONORARY COMMITTEE.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SPRING GATHERING HONORARY COMMITTEE FORM.
For more information, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at (518) 429-2432 or collins-schroedera@albanyacademies.org.
Health & wellness promoted at Academies
Pictured (left to right) are Upper School students learning proper workout technique during Wellness Day 2010; Upper School Counselor Patricia DeVost, Lower & Middle School Counselor McKenzie Nicholson & guest speaker WNYT NewsChannel 13 Anchor & Health Reporter Benita Zahn; and Upper School girls in a self defense seminar.
"In order to be proud of who you are, you have to know who you are," said documentary photographer Nancy Bruno in Caird Chapel on February 3 to kick off Wellness Day 2010. Ms. Bruno discussed what it means to be beautiful from the inside out; her "Beautiful Women" and "Genuine Men" project consists of finding men and women of all ages who have made decisions in their life that have led them to shine as individuals. Be sure to check out her photography and artwork on both campuses!
While Bruno came to discuss the concept of wellness that exceeds mind and body, Benita Zahn, WNYT NewsChannel 13 Anchor & Health Reporter, discussed the importance of taking care of the car that was given to you -- your body. She stressed the need to take the time to think before you decide to do something.
The day included a variety of seminars and activities for students such as "Flex and Stretch," an introduction to Pilates, and "Quick Tips for Self Defense," a class instructed by a self defense trainer and member of the Albany County Sheriff’s Department.
Special thanks to Upper School Counselor Patricia DeVost for coordinating the day.
New opportunity to order Spirit Wear
Would you or your child like to show your school spirit and wear a sweatshirt to the next athletic event? Now is the chance to order spirit wear; items can be ordered through Friday, February 12.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AAG SPIRIT WEAR ORDER FORM.
CLICK HERE FOR THE AA SPIRIT WEAR ORDER FORM.
If you have any questions, please contact Tammie Jones at tammielj@aol.com or Tracy Freed at freeds@berk.com.
Coaches vs. Cancer raises $17,000!
Pictured (left to right) are student volunteers Frankie Anetzberger (Form VI), Nick Cardona (Form V), Kevin Butler (Form IV) & Ilia Karp (Form V); Bradan Liberty (Form VI) of the AA Varsity Basketball Team, Kate Dooley, Manager of the American Cancer Society & Coaches vs. Cancer Coordinator, and AA Head Varsity Baskeball Coach & AA Dean of Students Brian Fruscio; and the AA Varsity Basketball Team looking for a rebound.
More than 750 people came out to Siena College's ARC on January 31 in support of the American Cancer Society for the 2010 Coaches vs. Cancer High School Challenge. The Albany Academies were proud to serve as the host of this event for the third consecutive year.
Approximately $17,000 was raised to benefit the American Cancer Society's mission of fighting cancer through research, education, advocacy and local patient service programs. AA Head Varsity Basketball Coach Brian Fruscio and Bradan Liberty presented the check at the American Cancer Society's Board of Advisors meeting on February 3.
The AA Varsity Basketball Team lost a competitive game 65-43 to Nichols School of Buffalo at the event. Special recognition to Nolan Hart '10 and David Benocs '11 for being named to the All-Tournament Team.
CLICK HERE FOR THE COACHES VS. CANCER PHOTO GALLERY.
MS students take part in Ronald McDonald House Radiothon
Members of the 6th & 7th grades volunteered for the Ronald McDonald House Radiothon on January 30 at Crossgates Mall.
The students helped to set up, worked at various stations and sold hearts during the event. In addition, the Academy Yo-Yo Team dazzled the crowd with an impressive yo-yo performance.
The 6th & 7th grade classes are planning to kick off their heart sale for the Ronald McDonald House next week.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
Pre-Super Bowl Party
February 7
All divisions; Lower School students must have a parent with them
2-5 p.m.
Drop-off is at Standish Pool Lobby
Professional Development Day & Lower School Parent-Teacher Conferences
No School
February 8
Visiting Week
February 16-19
Middle School Parent Coffees
February 25
8:30 a.m.
Board of Trustees Room, AA & AAG Cafeteria
Head of School Dr. Douglas North & AAG Associate Head of School Wendy Muhlfelder '67 will be in attendance to meet Middle School parents and answer questions.
CLICK HERE FOR OUR ONLINE CALENDAR.
ATHLETICS
Student-athletes recognized for excellence
Pictured (left to right) are Nolan Hart (Form VI) of the AA Varsity Basketball Team; AAG Head Varsity Basketball Coach Anthony Cioffi, Amanda Cioffi '10 of the AAG Varsity Basketball Team, Head of School Dr. Douglas North & Director of Athletics Paul Gallucci; and Zach Nelson (Form VI).
Amanda Cioffi of the AAG Varsity Basketball Team was presented with a basketball with her name and career points engraved on it before the February 2 game. Amanda scored 15 points on January 19 vs. Ravena to put her over the 1,000 point mark, one of very few AAG student-athletes to reach this milestone. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!
Congratulations to Nolan Hart (Form VI) for being nominated for the McDonald's All American Boys Basketball Team. There are currently 1,000 nominees competing to fill positions in the final game of the 2010 All American Boys Basketball Team on March 31 in Columbus, OH. A presentation will be made to Nolan prior to the start of the final AA Boys Varsity Basketball home game on Saturday, February 13 at 1:30 p.m. in the AA Gym.
Zach Nelson (Form VI) was selected to receive the Sean Patrick French Section II Cross-Country Good Sport Scholarship, an award that may be used towards college tuition that is paid from the Sean Patrick French Memorial Award. Zach will be recognized as part of a special ceremony at Sean's Run on April 25 at Chatham High School. Sean Patrick was an outstanding student-athlete who was killed during his junior year while riding as a passenger with an intoxicated teammate.
The Albany Academies host Ski Invitational
Pictured (left to right) are Madison Daly '10 of the AAG Varsity Ski Team; members of the AAG Varsity Ski Team; and Jake Centofranchi (Form VI) of the AA Varsity Ski Team.
The Albany Academies hosted our first ever Invitational Ski Race at West Mountain on February 3.
The AAG Varsity Ski Team came in sixth place among 18 teams at the event with Ellie Daly coming in 12th place and Madison Daly coming in 15th place.
The AA Varsity Ski Team came in fourth place among 18 teams at the event with Xavier Salvador coming in 10th place and Jake Centofranchi coming in 11th place.
The Albany Academies is committed to developing the potential of the whole individual by building a community that fosters scholarship, leadership, character, service, and creativity. Our Compass of Core Values includes responsibility, self-discipline, compassion, ingenuity, respect, service, integrity and perseverance.
If you have any questions or comments about this electronic newsletter, please contact Ann Wendth, Director of External Affairs, at (518) 429-2385 or wendtha@albanyacademies.org, or Adam Doling, Communications Associate, at (518) 429-2344 or dolinga@albanyacademies.org.
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2010-2011 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
SPRING/SUMMER 2010 ISSUE OF A2 ACADEMIES MAGAZINE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Stay up to date with our Online Calendar
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