APHS Look AHEAD - June 2023
Dear APHS Students and Families,
We have reached the month of June! This is always an exciting time in schools, as we begin to wind down, take stock in all that we have learned and achieved, and celebrate those accomplishments together as a community. As we do that, with about 9 days of instruction left, and then many days of Regents Exams, it is important to keep a solid focus on finishing strong. We have to work hard, right until the very end.
This is also a month that can be very stressful for students, their families, and our staff. As we "rush" to get to the finish line, there is always an elevation in anxiety, stress, and pressure. This is a great time to remember to take one thing at a time, be present in the moment, and leave enough time for balance in life. We can't all work 24/7, and if we do, we often are too thinly stretched to do what we are doing with any level of quality.
With all of this in mind, I share this calendar of daily activity that you can do to make June and JOYFUL JUNE! https://actionforhappiness.org/calendar#download-block-anchor
My congratulation to everyone as we finish up what has been a very successful year at APHS. It is always a pleasure to work with such a positive, invested, and caring community. I look forward to seeing many of you at some of our well-deserved student celebrations in the weeks to come, culminating of course with the Commencement Ceremony for the APHS Class of 2023 on Thursday, June 22nd at 6:30 pm at the MVP Arena in Albany.
If there is anything that you need in the upcoming weeks, please do not hesitate to connect with us.
Stay healthy, and be well!
Serving every student every day,
Mr. Heath Quiles
High School Principal (quilesh@apcsd.org)
The HS Leadership Team:
-Mrs. Christina Mein, Assistant Principal, Grades 10 and 12 (meinc@apcsd.org)
-Mrs. Rebecca Leach, Assistant Principal, Grades 9 and 11 (leachr@apcsd.org)
#AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
"Creating passionate learners who contribute positively to their community and the world."
June Regents Exam Schedule- JUNE 2023
Regents Week Information:
The 2023 June Regents Exams are upon us.
The last day of classes is Tuesday, June 13th. 'Regents Week' will begin on Wednesday, June 14th and will go through Thursday, June 22nd.
Check the June 2023 Regents Exam Schedule for the dates and times that each exam will take place. The Regents Exams will begin promptly at 8 am or at noon. Upon arrival to take an exam, students should report directly to the Student Union (cafeteria). There, students will turn in all electronic devices, as they are prohibited to be in testing area(s).
"Grab and Go" breakfast and lunch will be available as indicated on the APHS Transportation and Food Services Schedules.
The APCSD Transportation Department will be running regular morning and afternoon runs. On some dates, there will be a mid-day bus run and/or a late bus available as indicated on the APHS Transportation and Food Services Schedules. Students will need to sign up each day to utilize a mid-day or late bus run. The Google Form students must use to sign up for one of these custom-built runs will be shared with students on the last day of school. Students will need to use their school issued email account in order to sign up to use a mid-day bus or late bus.
Class of 2023 Commencement
We will be honoring the APHS Class of 2023 at their Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 6:30pm at the MVP Arena in Albany, NY.
This venue is a large one, which provides plenty of space for everyone, so tickets will not be necessary, and there will be no limit on the number of guests that students may bring.
A mandatory graduation rehearsal will be held on Thursday, June 22nd in the APHS gym at 12:30pm. All members of the graduating class should report to the ELA wing of the HS no later than 12:10pm to line up for the procession.
LIVE STREAMING: Our commencement ceremony will be professionally live streamed by the MVP Arena on the following landing page: https://www.youtube.com/@aphsevents2765/streams
This link will go live on the day of the event.
A letter has been mailed home to all Class of 2023 candidates for graduation with detailed information. If you have any questions, please contact the high school main office at 518-674-7002.
Board of Education approves 2023-2024 Calendar
The school calendar for the 2023-2024 school year is now available!
Please see the link below:
2023 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED
The Commencement Ceremony for the APHS Class of 2023 is coming up!
We are looking forward to celebrating this event with you, and your family and loved ones, on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 6:30 pm at the MVP Arena in Albany.
Each year, we collect proposed speeches from any Senior who would like to be considered as one of the two student speakers at the Commencement Ceremony. Students submit speeches with no identifying information, except for a phone number. Speeches are reviewed by a committee, who determines which two speeches will be featured. We then contact the phone number to inform each person who was selected, and thus find out who it is.
We are pleased to inform you that this year our student Commencement Speakers will be:
- Hayley Clark
- David Mooradian
Our many thanks to each student who submitted a speech. We had many great ones this year! And, of course, congratulations to both David and Hayley for their ultimate selection.
Additionally, please know that the APHS Class of 2023 Officers selected Dr. Greg Panazano, retiring Science teacher at APHS, to be the guest speaker at this year's ceremony. Dr. P. has gladly accepted this offer, and is excited to join us.
Continue to make good decisions each day, and we look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming events for the APHS Class of 2023, and at your Commencement on June 22nd!
Year-end Information for Seniors
Senior Picnic - Tuesday, June 13th. Cost is $10 and permission slips should be turned in to Ms. Freeman as soon as possible. We hope everyone joins us so if money is a concern, please reach out to your guidance counselor or contact Nicole Freeman directly. Lunch, snacks, and drinks will be provided for students. Students may not bring drinks of any kind to the event. All students attending must ride the bus to and from the school. Students with a late arrival situation should be at the high school by 8:45 ready to load the buses at about 9:00. We will return to the school before the end of the school day.
Senior Dinner Dance - Friday, June 16th from 6-10pm at Birch Hill in Castleton. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased from Ms. Freeman. Guest forms are available in the main office and in room 601 and must be filled out for any guest who is not a current APHS student. All guests must arrive before 7:00pm and there is a no re-entry policy. There will be fireworks at 9:45pm to end the night.
Graduation - Thursday, June 22nd 6:30pm at MVP Arena in Albany. In the past The Commencement Group has set up a flower & t-shirt (Class of 2023 names listed on back) table at the MVP arena for families to purchase last minute flowers and gifts for their graduates. The Commencement Group will be at the arena again this year, but you can also order items in advance and simply pick them up at their booth. They do not accept cash so make sure you bring a credit card. The new senior class receives 15% of any purchase made at the arena and 25% of anything ordered online in advance. There is no pressure to purchase anything but if you are interested, here is the link: https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/averillpark/
APHS Staff Breakfast - Thank you!
WARRIOR WEDNESDAY THEME FOR JUNE: RESPONSIBLE DECISION-MAKING
Whether in school, work or social relationships, the ability to critically analyze a problem, map out all its elements and prepare a workable solution is an exceptionally valuable skill set. Problem-solving skills are necessary in all areas of life, and classroom problem solving activities can be a great way to give students good practice.
Additional information about how Averill Park will be addressing this theme and how you can support your child at home can be found here.
Yearbook Distribution
APHS Yearbook Distribution:
Seniors: June 5 and 6 in the library after school
All other grades: June 7, 8, 9 in the library during Advisory
We will be selling out again this year!
Questions: Ms. Bailey baileya@apcsd.org
Car Show at APHS - June 3rd
The second annual APCSD World Languages Department and APHS International Club’s Import & Domestic Car Show will take place on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Averill Park High School from 9:00am to 2:00pm.
Show car registration is $10 on the day of the show.
Our volunteer student judges (coached by Hemmings Motor News professionals) will be selecting the winning vehicles in the 21 different trophy categories. Imported and domestic cars, motorcycles, and trucks are all welcome.
Registration proceeds will benefit senior scholarships for the World Languages Department. Car wash and food proceeds will benefit the International Club. The rain date is June 10th.
Successful Seal of Biliteracy Presentations
Three APHS French 5 students recently earned the Seal of Biliteracy, a NYS Department of Education graduation distinction that recognizes high school seniors who have attained a high level of proficiency in a world language. The students chose the topics of their presentations that were given entirely in French to a panel of fluent French speakers. Sam Bonesteel discussed the characters Jean Valjean, Javert, Marius, and Fantine of Les Misérables and the challenges they face in the story. Emma Hanlon examined the lucky circumstances in the difficult lives of artists Théodore Géricault, Gustave Courbet, and Paul Cézanne. Cooper Smith explored the Cajun and Creole history and culture of Louisiana through the life experiences of Victor Séjour, Joseph “Beausoleil” Broussard, and Clifton Chenier. APCSD French teachers Ms. Dawn Lantry, and Ms. Amy Miller as well as 2004 APHS graduate and RPI senior lecturer Dr. Christopher Tozzi and 2010 APHS graduate and Guilderland School District ENL teacher Ms. Beverly Beaudette generously served on the panel. Félicitations aux lauréats!!
NICOLE WING PLACES 1ST AT ART EXHIBIT
On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, Questar III BOCES hosted its 34th Annual Juried High School Art Exhibit at the Questar central office in Castleton. A total of 36 pieces created by students in grades 9-12 were submitted from 13 schools across the region.
Averill Park High School had three students earn a spot in the Exhibition, including Nicole Wing, Hazel Miller and Brady Battista.
This year, Susan Grybas was the art show juror. She named Nicole Wing as the first-place finisher! Hazel Miller received an Honorable Mention.
More information, including a Digital Art Exhibit, can be found here.
SAM HART PERFORMS AT SUNY SCHENECTADY
On May 5, APHS student Sam Hart performed with the SUNY Schenectady wind ensemble in a challenging program, performing alongside current college students and community members.
This was the culmination of a semester-long commitment of two rehearsals each week, each two hours long, throughout the entire semester. This is in addition to active participation in multiple school music ensembles, several clubs, outside of school activities and four different AP courses - three of which have their exams during this same week.
There were a total of 5 Averill Park performers on the stage that night, including Katy Svatek (Class of 2002), Anthony Pastizzo (Class of 2021 - current SCCC student heading to The Hart School in August for Music Education), Miller Hill-Sand Lake teacher Betsy Baker and APHS teacher Mike Blostein.
KIWANIS CLUB ELECTS NEW OFFICERS
The Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake recently held an induction dinner for the incoming 2023-2024 Key Club officers and this year's outgoing officers.
For next year, Kayla Bradley and Rachael Strickland are co-presidents and Paula DeAndres is vice president. Delphine Williams-Mitchel is the secretary and Kath Gaboury will remain as the treasurer. In addition to elected officers, Tommy Biette is webmaster, Ryan Russo will serve as snack master, Mady McIntire is fundraiser chair, and Ellen Antolik will be the blood drive coordinator. Outgoing president Emma Hanlon and secretary Giovanna Dooley are graduating this year.
Pictured, from left, among Kiwanis representatives are Tommy Biette, Delphine Williams-Mitchell, Kayla Bradley, Paula DeAndres, Giovanna Dooley, Mady McIntire, and Ryann Russo.
Pre Prom Week activities
In Health classes a few weeks back, Ms. Favro and Mrs. Ashline addressed risks of vaping nicotine and THC, and also misusing prescription drugs, with the use of interactive games and class discussion. The SADD students in partnership with NOpiates Committee, tabled during lunches and also focused on vaping risks as well as having safe plans for after prom.
The Pre-Prom Assembly took place on May 18th, and students were able to hear from District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly and Karen Torres, a Distracted Driving Awareness Advocate. They both focused on the dangers of impaired and distracted driving, with powerful messages to our young drivers.
Our Stop DWI Coordinator, Michael Dinardo, was also available all day to offer the impaired/distracted driving simulator to the student body. Deputy Nikles and Ms. Favro worked with Mr. Dinardo, to educate students using impairment goggles, while also taking part in the simulator.
College in High School program at CGCC this summer
The College in the High School program at C-GCC provides area students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. Summer session offerings include business, economics, English, psychology, marketing, sociology, and more!
Please use this link for more details: https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/images/Summer_2023_CIHS_Program.pdf
Peer Tutoring at APHS
The APHS Chapter of National Honor Society is sponsoring two forms of peer tutoring which will be available for any high school student.
Drop-in tutoring sessions are available every Tuesday and Thursday after school in the library. NHS students will be available to tutor from 2:15 - 3:15. You do not need to sign up in advance, but make sure you are there before 2:30! Students looking for assistance should bring homework assignments, tests that need correcting, or notes if they need help studying.
If students need more consistent help in a particular subject, they may sign up on the linked google form for one-on-one tutoring in a specific subject area. Tutors are limited and will be filled based on availability and strength in subjects. It is expected that students will meet with their personal tutors once or twice a week depending on need and availability. Students who miss multiple tutoring sessions may have their tutor connection removed to be reassigned to another student in need of assistance.
Request for one-on-one tutoring: Peer Tutor Request Form
Late buses are available Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students needing a late bus must sign up for one and will need to sign up prior to 9 am on the day they plan to stay. Students can find the link to late buses on their Launch and on the website.
If you have any questions, please contact National Honor Society Advisor: Nicole Freeman at freemann@apcsd.org
Reminder for Parents and Guardians Regarding Morning Drop-Off at APHS
As we head quickly towards the end of the year, we have noted that students attempting to park in the lot designated for student parking, and traffic, have run into issues with parents dropping off other students in this location. This has resulted in numerous safety issues.
Please be reminded that, by design, we have separate zones for student and parent traffic. Parents who are dropping off students should only use the parent drop-off loop, as outlined in this map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10HfRVkvS-58ROF22A-0_eXXkEOqjIwTy/view?usp=sharing Please do not drop off your child in the student parking lot area.
Beginning on Monday, we will have staff stationed at each entrance to the student lot. They will be working to make sure that only student traffic enters this area. Again, this is important in order to maintain a safe environment for all of our students as they attempt to park and then walk through this area to get into the building each morning.
We know that the size of our campus is tight for our morning arrival each day, but we appreciate everyone's patience and flexibility. In the end, keeping our students safe is all of our first priority. If you have any questions, the number for the Main Office at the high school is 518-674-7002.
After School and Late Bus information
The late buses are now running!
Please remember that ALL students staying after school must sign up each day. To do so, you can click on the 'After School Sign Up' button on your Launch Pad or click on the yellow 'After School Sign Up' button that is located on the APHS webpage.
After school expectations:
- Students who are staying after school are expected to either be with a teacher or other staff member/advisor, or be signed up to stay in the library.
- After students are done working with a teacher or attending a club meeting, students are to report to the supervised location as follows:
- On TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS students will wait in the cafeteria until their ride and late bus arrive at 4:15 pm. We have supervision in the cafeteria until that time.
- On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays students will go to the library after working with teachers or attending clubs to wait until their ride gets here. Students should be picked up by 3:15 pm on M/W/F. We have supervision in the library until 3:15 pm on those days.
News from the Counseling Center
FROM THE COUNSELING CENTER:
College Planning:
The Counseling Center receives information regarding financial aid, invitations to events on campuses, scholarships, etc. This information can be found in the Counseling Center or on Naviance. Naviance is a College & Career software program available that the students have been introduced to and encouraged to use.
The Excelsior Scholarship, in combination with other student financial aid programs, allows students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free. The program covers tuition for eligible SUNY and CUNY students. For the 2023-24 academic year, families who earned $125,000 or less in the tax year 2021 are eligible to apply.
The Excelsior Scholarship covers any remaining gap in tuition expenses, after other federal and state grants and scholarships are applied, up to $5,500.
Application deadline - August 31st, 2023 at midnight.
College Entrance Exams:
Please check the College Board website for any updates and cancellations concerning upcoming exams.
COLLEGE ENTRANCE TESTS:
ACT TEST DATES - REGISTRATION DEADLINES:
June 10, 2023 - - Registration Deadline: May 5, 2023
ACT ASSESSMENT and ACT ASSESSMENT PLUS WRITING:
(Choose either of two test options — the ACT Assessment or the ACT Assessment Plus Writing, which includes a 30-minute Writing Test. Not all colleges and universities require a Writing Test. Check with the colleges you are considering — or go to www.actstudent.org for a list of institutions that require or recommend the Writing Test.)
SAT I & II
TEST DATES - - REGISTRATION DEADLINE
June 3, 2023 - - Registration Deadline: May 5, 2023
Students with disabilities who wish to apply for accommodations on college placement testing should pick up an information sheet in the counseling center or refer to the website for the test they wish to take. Decisions regarding accommodations for College Board and ACT testing rest with the testing company.
Working Papers:
Nice weather is coming and many of you will be thinking of a Summer Job which means you will need to obtain working papers. If you need your working papers, please print out the application at https://averillpark.k12.ny.us/working-papers or stop by the Counseling Center. Once all forms are completed and the physical form, AT-16, is signed by a medical professional, you will need to bring all originals, and a form of ID (ie. Birth certificate, NYS ID) to the Counseling Center for processing.
News from the Health Office
SUMMER REMINDER FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE
A reminder for physicals over the summer.
All students entering grades 9 and 11 for the 2023/2024 school year will need a physical on file which was completed by the student's primary care physician after 9/1/2022.
Over the summer please email physicals to millerv@apcsd.org. If you need to have it faxed over the summer the fax number is 518-674-7046 for the main office and 518-674-7052 for the nurse's office.
If you are having the physical faxed, please email Mrs. Miller so that she can confirm with you that the fax was received.
FALL ATHLETES:
Fall athletes will need a physical that is less than one year old before their sign-up will be approved by the nurse. If you need to check when your child last had a physical please contact Mrs. Miller before the end of the school year.
If your child has an allergy that requires an Epi-pen/Benadryl, inhaler for asthma, or any other medication required during the school day/practice- A 2023/2024 school year self-carry order MUST be sent to the health office prior to their sign-up being approved.
ALL INCOMING SENIORS FOR THE 2023/2024 SCHOOL YEAR:
All incoming 2023/2024 Seniors are required by NYS to have their second dose of the Meningococcal A immunization. This must be done and submitted by September 20th, 2023 to meet immunization compliance per NYS requirements to not be excluded from school. Letters will be sent home at the end of the school year if your child will need this.
MEDICATION PICK UP:
If your child has any medication in the nurse's office please schedule a time with Mrs. Miller between June 13th through the 21st to pick it up.
Any medication left after June 21st with be destroyed per NYS medication disposal requirements. This includes any pills, epi-pens, inhalers, or emergency seizure medication.
IMPORTANT LINKS TO CALENDARS AND SCHEDULES FOR 2022-2023
The APCSD District Calendar for 22-23:
https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/images/2022-2023_District_Calendar.pdf
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hYmkNpCz8VeXZLC7xfrcwugS1jyDgo3h/view?usp=sharing
This is a fixed schedule, and will not change based on snow days.
Our Daily Bell Schedule for 22-23:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lcPp84ngqBMdb_zIdS__uFIYRBn0XRQbKettmfZ2tgk/edit?usp=sharing
Please note that this includes schedules for one- and two-hour delays, as well as half days.
Marking Periods/Grade Reporting at the HS for the 22-23 School Year:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xgsWJUMocNNgA3PROdA-ZRPPWw9Yl_2BX8Cl-t9F25s/edit?usp=sharing
The HS Lunch Schedule for 22-23 will be sent to all students and families as we get closer to opening!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MYU8Pt28QuFZm7FejZklyNaLr7q_842Y/view?usp=sharing
Attendance, On-Time Arrivals, and Reporting Absences
Regular attendance in school is a precursor to academic success, and being on time, and present in instruction, is a life skill that reflects a high level of responsibility, organization, and college/workplace readiness.
Anytime that your child is absent from school, it is important that you report this absence to the HS Attendance Office, on the same day, at 518-674-7024. Conversely, you may report absences via our dedicated attendance email address:
Each morning, the school day begins promptly at 7:30 am. Students should plan to be in their first block classroom, and ready to learn, at that time.
Students who arrive to school after 7:30 am will be considered tardy to school, and will need to receive a pass from the Attendance Office prior to reporting to their first block class.
Students who arrive to school late without a written excuse from a parent/guardian in hand will be assigned a detention during their Advisory period for the same day.
Updated Eligibility Guidelines for the 2022-2023 School Year
At Averill Park High School, student participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege. Students earn these privileges through maintaining good standing in their attendance, behavior, and academic performance.
Ineligibility is defined as restriction from participation in extracurricular activities and events for a 5-week period. The following criteria are used to determine that a student is ineligible:
Attendance:
Students who have acquired 5 or more unexcused absences to school within any five week marking period are not eligible to participate in extracurricular activities for the following five weeks.
Behavior:
Students who have been involved in any disciplinary infraction which results in an ESD, ISS, Out-of-School Suspension, or who have 3 or more referrals within a five week marking period, are not eligible to participate in extracurricular activities for the following five weeks.
Achievement:
Students who are failing 2 or more classes during any five week marking period are not eligible to participate in extracurricular activities for the following five weeks.
All students who are ineligible, except those who have received an Out-of-School Suspension, will be offered the opportunity to earn back eligibility through a variety of means, including but not limited to:
Students who have acquired 5 or more unexcused absences from school in a five week marking period will be referred to a restorative attendance circle. If a student actively participates in, and regularly attends, scheduled circle meetings, the student may earn back eligibility.
Students who are ineligible as a result of discipline referral(s) may request to work with their assigned Assistant Principal to develop a community service plan. At the completion of the plan, the student may earn back eligibility. Students who have received an Out-of School Suspension will not be offered this opportunity.
Students who are ineligible as a result of failing 2 or more classes may work with their teachers/counselor to develop and implement an Academic Recovery Plan. Upon successful completion of the plan, the student will provide their assigned Assistant Principal with documentation from their teacher(s) that he/she is passing their class prior to the date of the scheduled event. At that time, the student may earn back eligibility.
APHS Building-Wide Norms 22-23
With our day-to-day school life finally returning to a more normal routine, we will be working this year to rebuild the common, building-wide expectations for how we conduct ourselves, and treat others, while engaging as a member of the APHS school community.
We have developed guiding norms for all students at APHS. Please take a few minutes to take a look, as these are the basis of our collective expectations for students at the high school. We will go back to these often throughout the upcoming year:
Hallway Norms:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y-pKKvtfvH0LZz5-viMNei2rTV-vfQ05/view?usp=sharing
Bathroom Norms:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1muMNet_0jPMtQWn-VHHp11w7wiRywa2N/view?usp=sharing
Classroom Norms:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y-pNRXBs0nqzR-quwCs_u9gLNPYg2lzH/view?usp=sharing
Cafeteria/Lunch Norms:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s7neyDaiuhpe-FErk7zQj-8loPrT45Gp/view?usp=sharing
Courtyard Norms:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M-MB1yOn8bl_7C-XU9XpTn34orYb1ugV/view?usp=sharing
Norms for Digital Citizenship:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dqB2t1_FrQA3Wp7iDN2DYyLBR79GGZ5T/view?usp=sharing
Diversity and Equity Norms:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qp8awk2_bsHZOQLWdAr0c44NjSSc_hkr/view?usp=sharing
Alcohol and Drug Free Norms:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1blKPY643qw4zIptZUKmU2ttYH5Yo42IG/view?usp=sharing
Senior Courtyard/Atrium Norms:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PzOa7LOqIiVQKk2zEK5HEokP0kPbLZAf/view?usp=sharing
Averill Park High School
Email: quilesh@apcsd.org
Website: https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/
Location: 146 Gettle Road, Averill Park, NY, USA
Phone: 518-674-7000
Twitter: @APHS_Leaders