The APHS Look AHEAD- November 2023
Dear APHS students and families,
Welcome to the month of November! We are now a full two months deep into the 2023-2024 school year, and there is a lot of positive momentum building in a wide variety of places around the high school.
Earlier this month, I shared my annual report with the APCSD Board of Education, highlighting our student outcomes from last year, our goals for this year, and our plans and action steps to achieve those goals. We have a lot to be proud of in terms of outcomes, and a lot of exciting work ahead of us. A link to the presentation is here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16DgCsrgE9WhXXiQp_9x-AMpyRRlcmIQBz1orRvdgizs/edit?usp=sharing
You will note that one area we are working on is helping our students to make better choices, maintain positive peer relationships, and regulate their behaviors in ways which are socially appropriate. So far, we are seeing major improvements in these student behaviors. Last year, a this time, we had addressed over 275 disciplinary referrals. So far, this year, we have addressed just under 145 referrals. Not only is this a nice statistic, but you can palpably feel the difference as you move through the building.
The first quarter will also come to an end in less than two weeks. This is wonderful time to take stock in how you are doing in each class, connect with teachers proactively about missing work, and make sure that you are on track to meet with success. On our end, we have implemented structured study halls for students who were projected to fail two or more classes at the five-week, and leveraged supported advisories for students who can benefit from a point-person to check in with each day. Once we see our results for the first quarter, each academic team of teachers will be implementing common formative assessments to identify students who have attained proficiency in the most critical skills within each class, and then develop DO NOW actions to proactively assist students who are not meeting with success.
Of course, our students have been busy on a number of other fronts, as well. A team of 10 students have launched their participation in a region-wide Elevating Student Voices Workgroup at QUESTAR III. These students will be working with students from 9 other school districts to build and implement programming within each of schools to help ensure that our buildings are welcoming environments for all students. Another team of 35 students have been actively planning to launch a series of stakeholder communications and processes to guide us through determining who we will be after "the Warriors". We also have another team of 20 students serving on the WE Make AP a GREAT Place to BE Wellness Team. These students are developing upcoming advisory programs to address student wellness, while also planning our annual Wellness Day in March.
Finally, please know that I send all the best to each and every one of our students and families as we head quickly into the holiday season. There is always a lot to do, but please be sure to take good care of yourselves, try to keep balance in work and fun, and reach out if there is anything that we can do on our end to help. That is what we are here for!
Be well,
Serving every student every day,
Heath C. Quiles
Principal, Averill Park High School
The APHS Building Leadership Team
-Mr. Heath Quiles, High School Principal (quilesh@apcsd.org)
-Mrs. Christina Mein, Assistant Principal, Grades 9 and 11 (meinc@apcsd.org)
-Mrs. Rebecca Leach, Assistant Principal, Grades 10 and 12 (leachr@apcsd.org)
#AP_EveryStudentEveryDay
"Creating passionate learners who contribute positively to their community and the world."
Free Breakfast and Lunch for All Students Resumes on November 1st
We are pleased to announce that all students enrolled in the Averill Park Central School District will be able to receive a free breakfast and a free lunch at school beginning on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. No further action is required of you.
This implementation is a result of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) expanding access to the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). CEP allows eligible schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs to offer school meals at no charge to all students.
Please note:
- A free breakfast or lunch consists of a full meal. This includes the monthly menu entrée and/or an alternate choice. Each building serves a variety of alternate menu items including deli sandwiches, salads and more. Please refer to the menus listed on the Food Services page of the District website.
- If a student has a balance on their LINQ Connect account, you can choose to leave it in place for the remainder of the school year. There will still be opportunities to purchase snacks, second portions or a la carte items. These items will still have a cost. There is also still a cost to any meals purchased between now and November 1.
- Pre-K programs are unfortunately not included in this program. The Free Breakfast and Lunch will be applicable to district students in grades K-12 at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels.
If you have any further questions, please contact Jennifer Radigan, Shared Food Services Program Specialist at 518-464-5106 or Jennifer.radigan@neric.org.
Kiwanis Holiday and Food Distribution Program
See information and application here: https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Kiwanis-Holiday-and-Food-Distribution-Program-1.pdf
These forms are due to the School Nurse by November 13 if you wish to participate in this program.
Mark your calendar for the APHS Fall Production on November 3rd & 4th
Averill Park Fall Production is "The Scariest Play--Ever!" by Craig Sodero, and will be performed on November 3rd and 4th at 7:00 on the APHS stage.
Join producer C.C. Bellows as she meets five directors whose movie pitches come alive onstage.
The show has over 40 students involved in acting and technical roles and we would love to pack the house for the upcoming shows! Tickets will be 8$ for students, 10$ for adults.
Empty Bowls are Returning to APHS on November 17th
Yes, there will be an opportunity on Friday, November 17, 2023 to purchase a ceramic bowl designed by APHS Ceramic class.
The bowls will be on display and ready to purchase on November 17th in the LGI from 9-3. Cost is $10. When the bowl is purchased, a coupon to enjoy a free cup of soup at area restaurants will be given redeemable at the restaurants until May 15, 2024! This will be open to the community to purchase bowls that day.
All proceeds from the sale of the bowls will be donated to the Regional Food Bank in the efforts of supporting the Averill Park community. It will be exciting to see all the unique bowls available for sale.
Sponsored by Key Club and APHS art students
Averill Park Education Foundation Annual Gala - November 17th
The Averill Park Education Foundation invites you to their 17th Annual Gala on Friday, November 17th at Old Daley on Crooked Lake.
The Gala is the largest fundraising event of the year for the Ed Foundation and with the money raised at the event, is able to support the school district through grants awarded throughout the year.
To learn more about how the Ed Foundation is helping and for registration information, please read this letter and visit their website.
Averill Park and WSL Fire Companies Share Information on Fire Safety and Becoming a Volunteer
On Monday, October 23, 2023, Averill Park and West Sand Lake Fire Companies came to APHS during advisory period and presented on fire safety as well as how to become a volunteer. Several students signed up to attend the presentation and went outside to see the fire trucks. Thank you to our community volunteers for this opportunity and for your service!
Below are two pictures of the volunteer firefighters and the two company fire trucks. One of the pictures includes recent APHS graduates that are now volunteer firefighters. Here's the slideshow from their presentation as well:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1GZksqO-VRvutpPVedcp9pJxv3UHblH7q1oPVTtbxfyY/edit#slide=id.p
Music Photojournalist Visits APHS Rock and Roll Class
Jim Gilbert from Nippertown / The Daily Gazette visited Mrs. Monroe's Rock and Roll class! Mr. Gilbert has photographed hundreds of bands and artists, from Metallica to B.B. King, and spoke about his career, website and the music industry. He wrote a story on the class, which can be found here!
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE HUDSON
Mrs. Oldendorf’s Biology classes visited the Hudson River and participated in the Day in the Life of the Hudson!
They seined for fish and identified them, collected water quality data, and took core samples and turbidity measurements. The data collected will be sent back to the DEC. APHS students were part of the 5,000 students along the Hudson River, from Manhattan to Peebles Island, that participated in the event.
It was a great day to be by the water!
APHS Yearbook 2024
APHS 2024 Yearbook
Buy your Yearbook Online: jostensyearbooks.com
Senior Parent Ads: jostensadservice.com
Questions? baileya@apcsd.org
Attention Seniors!!
Our 2024 Yearbook needs Your Baby Picture!
Photos may be baby to toddler; Whatever photo you choose!
Email Senior Baby Pictures to: baileya@apcsd.org
Baby Pics Due By: November 15th!
News 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. Students can log on and complete career interest inventories, take a strengths assessment to learn about their skills and which careers align with those skills. The program also provides information on available scholarships and what colleges are visiting the high school to meet with interested students. Students are asked to have a signed permission slip from a parent in order to miss class to meet with visiting college representatives.
Instant Admissions days
Columbia Greene Community College, Hudson Valley Community College and The College of Saint Rose will be here in November to host their Instant Admission days. If you are interested in applying to one of these colleges for Fall 2024, stop in the Counseling Center for an Instant admissions application and to reserve a spot to meet with a representative from the College. All applications must be turned back into the Counseling Center to receive an appointment time.
HVCC: 11/2/23
CGCC: 11/8/23
St. Rose: 11/16/23
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:
December 9, 2023 - -Registration Deadline: November 3, 2023
February 10, 2023 - - Registration Deadline: January 5, 2024
April 13, 2024 - - Registration Deadline: March 8, 2024
June 8, 2024 - - Registration Deadline: May 3, 2024
July 13, 2024 - - Registration Deadline: June 7, 2024
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
November 4, 2023 - - Registration Deadline: October 5, 2023
December 2, 2023 - - Registration Deadline: November 2, 2023
March 9, 2024 - - Registration Deadline: February 23, 2024
May 4, 2024 - - Registration Deadline: April 19, 2024
June 1, 2024 - - Registration Deadline: May 16, 2024
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.
Report Cards:
Report cards will continue to be mailed home at the end of each marking period. They will be mailed AND made available to view via School Tool on the following dates:
Quarter I report cards posted on Schooltool/Mailed: Friday, November 17th
Quarter II report cards posted on Schooltool/Mailed; Friday, February 2nd
Quarter III report cards posted on Schooltool/Mailed: Friday, April 26th
Quarter IV report cards posted on Schooltool/Mailed: Monday, July 1st
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.
A physical exam is required by New York State Education law for children in 9th &11th grade and those who are new entrants in our school district. A certificate of dental health is also requested.
A report of the physical exam and the dental health certificate is kept as part of the child’s cumulative health record. The physical exam information is due to school no later than 30 calendar days after the start of the school year. The physical exam requirement will be filled by a report of the most recent physical from your child’s health care provider, licensed to practice in New York State and dated no earlier than 9/2/2022. The report must be provided on the NYS approved Student Health Examination Form for Schools. The dental health requirement will be filled by a signed and dated certificate of the most recent dental visit by a dentist or dental hygienist licensed to practice in New York State. Both documents are on the school web page and can be printed.
Per NYS, school districts are not allowed to accept the physical on any other physical form.
Link here:
https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/3312023_health-exam-form.pdf
If your child needs any type of medication at school, a doctor’s order needs to be provided to the health office and the parent/guardian needs to bring the medication into school. Students are not allowed to carry ANY medication unless there is a doctor's order stating as such, this also includes ANY over the counter medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. You may sign a parental consent form stating that you give the school nurse permission to administer these medications. Verbal consent will no longer be accepted per the school medical director. Here is a link to that form:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kTE50qvPaZBP3vhnQm7VcHLvt4A2k8sW/view?usp=sharing
Doctor's notes for any illness, surgery or procedure:
A doctor's note is required for any illness, surgery or procedure. This information, when provided, will help your child to continue to receive P.E. credit if they are able to participate in some way. This will also allow accommodations, if needed, for your child during the school day. For athletics, the more specific information provided will improve the coordinated care between the athletic trainer and nurses, as well as improve the transition in returning to play.
IMPORTANT LINKS TO CALENDARS AND SCHEDULES FOR 2023-2024
The APCSD District Calendar for 23-24:
https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2023-2024_School_Calendar.pdf
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bpTcpmloky4djmThIrMafrFMM4G6RBES/view?usp=drive_link
This is a fixed schedule, and will not change based on snow days.
Our Daily Bell Schedule for 23-24 has changed slightly.
Announcements will occur during advisory, which is now six minutes longer.
Please note that this document includes schedules for one- and two-hour delays, as well as half days.
Marking Periods/Grade Reporting at the HS for the 23-24 School Year:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iO85vW95uSLDKDJLAf8ctZhwTEhwvWfhVxRxQPofwqY/edit?usp=drive_link
APHS Morning Arrival Procedures for Students- 2023-2024 School Year
Our procedures for morning arrival as we open the 2023-2024 school year will be as follows:
- Students who take the bus will be let off of their buses at 7:23 am outside the high school. Bus students will enter the HS through the Atrium and Athletic Lobby Entrances and may get breakfast and/or report directly to their first block class, which begins promptly at 7:30 am. BE SURE TO WATCH FOR THE DRY BUS RUN ON THE MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 5th!
Students who are dropped off by parents, or who drive themselves to school, will enter the building through the Main Entrance in the front of the HS. These students will report to the HS Cafeteria upon arrival, where breakfast will also be available! At 7:23 am, when the bell rings, students will report to their first block class. We ask that students not be dropped off any earlier than 7:00 am.
- For parents who are dropping students off, please use the drop-off loop, and follow the traffic patterns outlined here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10HfRVkvS-58ROF22A-0_eXXkEOqjIwTy/view?usp=sharing
Student drivers are reminded that our morning warning bell rings at 7:23 am, with first block beginning at promptly at 7:30 am. Be on time!
Dismissal, End-of-Day Routines, and Extracurricular Activities
Our dismissal procedures, at the end of the school day, are as follows as we open the 2023-2024 school year:
- Dismissal for all students at APHS will occur at 2:10 pm.
- Students who take the bus home should exit the building directly through either the Atrium or Athletic Wing doors.
- Students who drive themselves or get picked up by parents/guardians, should exit the building through any doors facing the front portion of the high school.
- Parents/Guardians who are picking up students should wait in the parent drop-off/pick-up loop.
If students are staying after school for academic support, athletics, or extracurricular activities it is important that they report to the location in which they are staying by 2:20 pm. When students have finished up, they may wait in the HS cafeteria for a late bus or a ride.
During the 23-24 school year, we will offer late buses for students who would like to stay after school. These buses will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays only, leaving the HS at 4:15 pm, beginning the week of Sept 18th.
ALL students that are staying after must sign up by 9 am the day that they plan to stay after. ALL students that are staying after must be signed up to stay with a faulty or staff member. Please note that Wynantskill will not be providing late buses this year.
Due to a continued shortage of drivers, we encourage students, to the greatest extent possible, to arrange their own transportation for after-school activities.
Student and Parent Access to Instructional Resources and Class Information
Transparency and parent/family access to instructional materials is important to maintaining a partnership in the learning endeavors of our students.
All APHS faculty use Google Classroom as the consistent platform for sharing instructional materials with students, and their parents/guardians.
We will continue to maintain a singular digital location for students and parents to access these Google Classrooms, as well as a syllabus for each course.
At the top of the District website, hover over "Our Schools"
then "Averill Park High School"
then "Academics"
you will see a list of departments in the dropdown menu. Simply click on the desired Department and then click on GOOGLE DRIVE. This will take you to the above materials for each teacher.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hwz2PRd5-C-8_z91N-gRmGKwzZXmNfl5?usp=drive_link
All faculty will have their materials posted and updated for the year.
If you have any questions about a specific course, never hesitate to contact the teacher directly.
APHS Building-Wide Norms 2023-2024
One important part of being a positive and contributing member of the school community is understanding, and adhering to, the guidelines, norms and expectations for how we all behave, and treat one another, when at Averill Park High School.
At it's most basic level, as part of our "WE Make AP a GREAT Place to BE" project, we expect that at Averill Park High School, all students will:
- Be Safe
- Be Respectful, and
- Be Responsible.
This looks different in different environments. Here is a link to what sorts of actions and behaviors align with these characteristics within specific areas at the high school:
Student Expectations 2023-2024 DRIVE
Our Assistant Principals, Mrs. Mein and Mrs. Leach, will review these expectations and norms with all students at their first scheduled class meetings on Monday, September 11th and Tuesday, September 12th.
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.
After an adjustment period at the opening of the school year, beginning on Monday, September 25th, 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.
Please note that in 23-24, students who do not attend their assigned advisory detention will be subject to further progressive discipline, as well as other interventions.
The APCSD Code of Conduct 23-24
A plain language review of the Code of Conduct will occur in our annual class assemblies, scheduled to occur on Monday, September 11th and Tuesday, September 12th.
Reminder Related to Eligibility Guidelines for the 2023-2024 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.
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