The APHS Look AHEAD-February 2022
The Monthly Newsletter for APHS Students and Parents- v.31
The APHS Look AHEAD- 21-22
Dear APHS Students and Families,
We have reached the half way point of the 21-22 school year, and with the second semester having begun on January 31st, we are already seeing trends in a positive direction.
At various points over the past two months, our latest COVID surge again brought slight interruptions to instruction, lower attendance rates, and a bit of a dip in our students' academic performance. We are happy to see that attendance is back up to around 94% each day, and approximately 80% of our students are passing all of their classes. This is a significant improvement from last year at this time. We certainly have more work to do, but we are moving in the right direction.
Believe it or not, we are beginning course selection for the 22-23 school year this week. This process will continue until the first week of April. Keep an eye out for communication from our School Counselors on this topic, and also be sure to use our 22-23 Course Catalog as a resource when selecting courses. Here is a fresh link to this document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MMGPaxdI0p439PN4VI9oUAr2tjF69J_i2vhHB0zoWog/edit?usp=sharing
The past couple of years have truly been about learning, and growth. One lesson which remains at the forefront of our minds each day at APHS is the importance of working together, taking good care of one another, and staying strongly united as a community. Despite diverse perspectives and differences in opinion, doing well by our students requires us to keep the focus, stay connected, and work together. This month, we share a calendar of actions we can all take each day to be kind to others in this Friendly February: https://www.actionforhappiness.org/media/1086456/feb_2022.jpg
Please take good care of yourselves, stay healthy, and be well. Reach out if there is anything you need.
Serving every student every day,
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."
Complementary Guest Wifi Available After Hours at APHS
Have you ever found yourself in a zone with no coverage while on the APHS campus? It's not as uncommon as you may think!
APHS has a complementary, non-password secured "AP Guest Wifi'' which activates each afternoon at 3 pm, and stays on throughout the evening!
Next time you are out in the parking lot waiting for your child, or even if you are attending an event, search for this account on your device and try joining it.
Once you are on this account, your text messages should work well, and previous connectivity issues should be resolved, regardless of weak cell service.
Come to the Cabaret!
This week the Off Broadway Players will be performing their annual musical review featuring songs from Hammerstein to Hamilton!
Performances are this Thursday and Friday at 7 pm in the APHS Auditorium. Tickets are $5/ Students and $10/ Adults.
We can't wait to see you there!
School Climate Survey for Students
On Thursday, February 3rd, APHS Students will be taking a brief survey on school climate during advisory. The survey will focus on their experience as a student. The information collected will be used by a committee of teachers, counselors and principals as well as student leadership to choose speakers, activities and materials to share with students and families on topics such as growth mindset, emotions and relationships. We truly feel this will be a valuable tool to plan meaningful programming for our students.
National Honor Society - Changes to Application Timeline
National Honor Society – Changes to Application Timeline
National Honor Society (NHS) is a nationwide organization for high school students in the United States and outlying territories, which consists of many chapters in high schools. Selection for this honor is based on four criteria: scholarship (academic achievement), leadership, service, and character. By the time students are eligible to apply they should already exemplify the previously mentioned pillars and should be respected as role models in the school community. NHS gives our highest achieving students a place to hone their leadership skills while getting the recognition they’ve earned.
Each chapter of NHS has different requirements and timelines for applications. At Averill Park High School, students have typically applied for and been inducted into NHS in the fall of their senior year. For reasons I will list shortly, we will be allowing seniors and juniors to submit applications this fall and moving forward. For this year only, to make the number of applications in the fall of 2022 more manageable, we will allow our currently eligible juniors to submit applications early - this spring. Students will be notified of their academic eligibility and invited to apply after second quarter grades are finalized. In the fall, juniors will be invited to apply along with any seniors who have not already done so, or maybe were not eligible or accepted in the spring. Moving forward, there will be only one application period in the fall for both juniors and seniors.
Reasons to accept applications in the fall of junior year rather than fall of senior year:
- Students will have a longer time to participate in NHS.
- Seniors will know of their acceptance status before applying early decision to colleges.
- Seniors can focus on applying to colleges and scholarships in the fall if they are already accepted to NHS relieving stress.
- Students will be held accountable for grades and behaviors by NHS standards for a longer period of time.
- The NHS Peer Tutoring program will be able to include tutors during the first quarter – which is currently not possible.
- The club will run continuously and older students will be role models for younger students as they take leadership roles.
Thank you for your support. Please email Ms. Freeman, NHS Advisor -- freemann@apcsd.org with any questions about NHS.
Civic Ecology Club Initiates Composting Program
The Civic Ecology Club is excited to announce it is ready to initiate its composting program at the high school beginning on Monday, January 31!
As a means of introducing the compost program to the students and adults in the building, Isabelle Relyea, with the help of Mrs. Sector, the APPS desk crew and others, has produced a video that will be shown in advisory on Monday. Ms. Caboot's Horticulture classes, Mrs. Sorriento's Environmental Science students and the CEC will be coordinating to maintain and remove the bins.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PctrxRaASlDAeMo_Qw-jZUaZMcvWVV3q/view
Regional Biologist and AP Grad are guest speakers at the High School
On January 12th, Scott Wells, a Warmwater Fisheries Biologist with the Department of Environmental Conservation and Josh Foust, a Warmwater Fisheries Biologist Technician and 2015 Graduate of Averill Park School District, spoke with the Internship and Careers class taught by Kaitlyn Rosemarino at the High School and the Student Angler Club advised by Darlene Hunter and Bernice Gawron.
Averill Park School District is fortunate to have many lakes and streams that are great habitat for a variety of fish. Wells and Foust explained that while our waters are clean, climate change and invasive species are a continuous threat to them.
The guest speakers also highlighted their education and career paths. Wells' advice was “Do what you love.” He said he rarely has a bad day at work. Josh shared his moment in high school when he decided that he wanted to work in natural resources. Josh received an 89 on a Science Regents and needed a score of 90 in order to enrolled in the Honors Science Course. It was also a requirement for admissions into the College that he was applying to. Although he was devastated, he decided to not give up on his dream. He wrote letters to the principal, teachers, and Board of Education. He was allowed to attend the class and from there, he never looked back.
Eligibility Guidelines to Attend/Participate in Extracurricular Activities
As we are ending the second marking period, please take this opportunity to review with your child(ren) the high school Eligibility Guidelines to attend extra-curricular activities.
Please note that only unexcused absences and/or tardies will be counted towards ineligibility. Any absence related to COVID will be considered excused.
As always should you have any questions, please reach out to your child's counselor or assistant principal.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sX7DYNUNSp6tq8OKJUThjOJxml03DwCZl9AoFyl0UTM/edit?usp=drive_web
Late Bus Runs are NOW Available for Students
Reminder: After school late buses at APHS have returned!
Late bus runs will be offered each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon that school is in session. Late buses will leave APHS at approximately 4:30 pm each Tuesday/Thursday. Students that need to use the late bus will still need to sign up using this form no later than 9 am on the day that the late bus is scheduled for.
For those that would prefer, cut and paste this link to access the Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FroRO6nfwP3j831FiLrsZupxscuKk90iZwW0_OEMl14/edit
After students are done meeting with their teacher(s), students will report to the cafeteria where we will have supervision while they wait for the late bus.
Grade 8 Parent Orientation Video
Do you have a student coming into grade 9 next year?
If you missed our virtual Parent Information Night on January 13, we have prepared a video of the evening event.
https://averillpark.k12.ny.us/news-archive-2021-2022/5463-8th-grade-parent-orientation-videoNews from the Counseling Center
Columbia-Greene Community College will be here on Wednesday, February 9th for an Instant Admission day. If you are interested in learning what Columbia-Greene has to offer, stop in the Counseling Center for an early admissions application and to reserve a spot to meet with the Representative for the College.
Seniors should continue to check Naviance to see what scholarships are available and apply for ones that are applicable to them.
College Entrance Tests:
SAT I & II:
March 12, 2022 (Registration deadline is February 11)
May 7, 2022 (Registration deadline is April 8)
June 4, 2022 (Registration deadline is May 5)
ACT:
February 12, 2022 (Registration deadline is January 7)
April 2, 2022 (Registration deadline is February 25)
June 11, 2022 (Registration deadline is May 6)
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.
Please use this link for information about accommodations:
https://accommodations.collegeboard.org/how-accommodations-work
Working Papers:
If you are considering applying for a job, you will need working papers. The application can be found on https://averillpark.k12.ny.us/working-papers. There is a physical form that must be completed by your family doctor, or the school nurse if there is a current one on file. We cannot accept a faxed or emailed copy from your physician. The form must have an original signature of the signing professional. Also, your physical must have been within the last twelve months.
Scheduling for 2022-23 school year begins
Starting the week of January 31st, the high school counselors will begin the scheduling process for all freshmen. We will be going into Social Studies classrooms and presenting information as it pertains to courses for the upcoming academic school year 2022-2023. Freshmen will be able to learn about graduation requirements, required courses needed for graduation as well as learn about the electives offered. We will be completing the google form with students on that day.
Prior to our classroom meetings, please review the Guide to Program Planning (course catalog), which can be found on the Averill Park High School section of the District web page. Please look for the yellow icon titled Course Catalog which will allow you to research all of our electives and course offerings for the upcoming academic year and will allow you to be prepared for our classroom presentations.
Any student who would like to make a separate appointment with their counselor will be able to do so. Feel free to reach out to your individual counselor via email for this. We would be happy to set up a google meet.
Wishing you a wonderful second half of the year. Please don't hesitate to reach out to the counselors with questions.
News from the Health Office
NON-COVID NEWS:
One way that we provide care for your student is by performing the health screenings as mandated by the State of New York. In high school, this is done for new entrants, 9th, and 11th graders.
Vision and hearing screenings for new entrant students and 11th graders will start in February
Scoliosis screening for new entrant students and 9th graders will start in February
A letter will be sent home if your student needs a follow-up with your health care provider.
COVID update:
If your child is sick or is displaying any COVID symptoms that may cross over with other illnesses you still need to provide a doctor's clearance note or a negative test result. Home tests are accepted. Please send a picture of the home test to Mrs. Miller at millerv@apcsd.org.
Notify Mrs. Miller if your child is awaiting COVID test results.
If your child is positive on any type of test please contact Mrs. Miller with that information. She will provide you with the requirements for the 5 day quarantine period and your child will be eligible for virtual instruction.
Indoor Winter Events Notice
The Averill Park Central School District is excited to have the opportunity to bring our community members back into our buildings for in-person, indoor events this winter.
The COVID-19 pandemic remains active in our area and there are health and safety protocols that we must adhere to. See below for guidelines related to indoor events this year.
- All indoor events will have capacity limits, including concerts, interscholastic athletics, and more.
- Spectators must wear masks at all times while on school grounds, regardless of vaccination status.
The maximum spectator/audience capacity for indoor events is:
- APHS Auditorium - 225 (approximately 25% of capacity)
- APHS Gymnasium - 500 (approximately 25% of capacity)
- AMS Auditorium - 200 (approximately 25% of capacity)
- AMS Gymnasium - 4 people per participant
If you have questions about these protocols, please reach out to Principal Quiles (APHS), Principal Messia (AMS) or Athletic Director Mr. Bubniak. Please note, these guidelines are for APCSD events and interscholastic sports only. Parents with children in community sports should contact their league regarding the spectator limits for non-APCSD teams.
The APHS Yearbook for 21-22
APHS Yearbook
Order your 2022 Yearbook at: jostensyearbooks.com
Don't miss the opportunity to hold on to this school year's book of memories!
Yearbooks will arrive early June!
Questions? blosteinm@apcsd.org / baileya@apcsd.org
Breakfast and Lunch - No Charge to Students this Year! FREE!! FREE!!
The Averill Park Central School District Food Services Department will be operating under a waiver from the USDA during the 2021-2022 school year. This waiver will allow all students to be served breakfast and lunch at no charge during the 2021-2022 school year.
Families are encouraged to complete a 2021-2022 Application for Free & Reduced Price Meals, as there are many additional benefits associated with an approved application for students and families including Pandemic EBT.
https://averillpark.k12.ny.us/services/food-services
Our Food Services Director, Colleen Wise can be reached at 518-674-7004 with any questions you may have.
IMPORTANT LINKS TO CALENDARS AND SCHEDULES FOR 21-22
The APCSD District Calendar for 21-22:
https://averillpark.k12.ny.us/images/District/2021-2022SCHOOLCALENDAR.pdf
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sJNKmfAEuqWuYyhVWt5eNgLhR9GC1lVm/view
This is a fixed schedule, and will not change based on snow days.
Marking Periods/Grade Reporting at the HS for the 21-22 School Year:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MLP4E1wY-7zeKL6GuG_DQtsAJLhFYhL5-DNjtAtivlA
Our Daily Bell Schedule for 21-22:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vxwV7mATanOY6bX72_i-14QNHud7FduiWzrr41Dr4uY/edit#gid=0
Please note that this includes schedules for one- and two-hour delays.
The HS Lunch Schedule for 21-22
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MpANeVyIwf2eg8euaMAPCQjt3pOYDVaiVz5e6oM2dLo/edit#gid=0
Updates on General Operations at APHS for 21-22 in Consideration of COVID
During the 21-22 school year, we are aiming to create the greatest sense of normalcy within our school environment which is possible. Of course, we must at the same time follow the guidelines which have been set forth by the Governor's Office, as well as the NYS Department of Education and Department of Health.
Operations at the HS will look essentially like they did as we opened the pre-pandemic, 2019 school year, with a few exceptions based on relevant guidance:
Masks will be worn by all students and staff, vaccinated or not, at all times while indoors.
Masks will be optional when students and staff are outdoors.
We will maintain a social distance of 3-feet throughout our time in the building, including in the cafeteria and LGI for lunches. Outdoor options will be available for students as they eat.
Student transitions will be short in duration, at 4 minutes, and students will move stay to the right as they move.
Morning health screenings and temperature checks will NO LONGER occur.
Student bathrooms are no longer monitored. Students may use restrooms, as needed.
We will continue to maintain fixed seating charts for all classes, study halls, and the cafeteria.
Students must sign-in and sign-out of all spaces. One student may leave a given classroom or space at a time.
Hallway transitions will be used for students to go from one class to the next. Masks will be worn at all times, and students will stay to the right in their travels.
We will continue to monitor conditions and will stay in touch should we need to make adjustments to our operations.
Student and Parent Access to Instructional Resources and Information:
While we will open the 21-22 school year as a 100% In-Person Instructional Program, we will continue to be a Google Classroom School. All HS faculty will be using 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.
A link to our Instructional Resources Site on the HS Webpage is here:
https://sites.google.com/apcsd.org/aphsfamilyresources20-21/instructional-resources
Reporting Absences Related to COVID- Maintaining Instructional Continuity.
Anytime that your child is absent from school, it is important that you report this absence to the HS Attendance Office at 518-674-7024. Conversely, you may report absences via our dedicated attendance email address, at aphsattendance@apcsd.org
FOR ABSENCES RELATED TO A LONGER-TERM QUARANTINE, OR A RECOVERY FROM COVID:
- Please be sure to report the absence to our Attendance Office AND School Nurse. This will initiate a specific protocol to provide your child with ongoing access to instruction for COVID-related reasons.
- Your child's Guidance Counselor will work with you and your child's teachers to make sure that s/he has access to work while absent. This will include ongoing access to Google Classroom. Teachers may provide students with access to virtual support while they are out.
- All students who are absent for a longer-term, COVID-related reason, will receive at least one period of live virtual support per day with Mrs. Wood, the High School In-School Support Teacher.
If you have any questions, please contact your child's counselor, or the HS Attendance Office.
APHS Building-Wide Norms 21-22
With our day-to-day school life looking a bit different than it did last year, 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.
Hallway Norms:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BR-6YovqShBt26q1ca62NF5bAoxUg9cAB5dpxc1WJtc/edit?usp=sharing
Bathroom Norms:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xs2Ei584GEnz_WOYDD_qCm1BEScEf_t4qQIsPNqtrbE/edit?usp=sharing
Classroom Norms:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pcCZb1h1rJGE0T-3ehV0bJDRoVX7eYRBOhz-Ij35Ayc/edit?usp=sharing
Cafeteria/Lunch Norms:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TWTuEnTURKUXW1oL257AQGkphuN69UIDy4wMU1WZmQE/edit?usp=sharing
Norms for Digital Citizenship:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tTm8O35Cu-Bv7zwbB_pO1-X4UhPraUS-owdIBH6m4nE/edit?usp=sharing
Our Assistant Principals, Mrs. Mein and Mrs. Leach, will review these norms with all students at their scheduled class meetings on Friday, September 10th.
Upcoming Events/Important Dates
15 K-12 Half Day Conference Day
21-25 Winter Recess - School
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