The APHS Look AHEAD- May 2023
Newsletter for APHS Students and Parents- v.44
APHS Look AHEAD - May 2023
Dear APHS Students and Families,
It is May, and we have less than 40 days of instruction before we solidly wrap up the 22-23 school year! There is no question that we have a great deal to celebrate in the weeks to come. The amazing accomplishments of our students at APHS, on so many different fronts, never ceases to amaze me!
As we celebrate, I also remind both students and parents to make sure that we are focused on finishing the year strong in terms of academics. The longer days and nice weather can sometimes make this challenging! It is important, however, that we all remember to finish the job well, right up until the very end. Every credit and every exam is important, and doing well now will clear the way for a summer without the stress and worry associated having to re-take anything needed to graduate on time.
With so much going on, May is a wonderful month to focus on making each day meaningful. This means thinking about what we are doing, aligning our actions with our priorities, and staying focused on the right work; all while being sure to good care of ourselves, and those around us. Here is a link to activities you can do in a May to help give purpose and meaning to your days: https://actionforhappiness.org/calendar
I'm looking forward to seeing many of you at the numerous events and celebrations coming up in the weeks and months ahead. In the meantime, please stay connected with anything that you need. Let's all work together to finish the year strong!
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 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."
Board of Education approves 2023-2024 Calendar
The school calendar for the 2023-2024 school year is now available!
Please see the link below:
June Regents Exam Schedule- JUNE 2023
While it seems like a long time from now, it will come quickly! Please see the below link with information related to the June Regents Exam schedule.
Please note that this year there will be NO INSTRUCTION on Thursday, June 1st so that we can administer the first iteration of the US History and Government (Framework) Regents Exam.
Again, here is a link to the detailed schedule of exams. More information will be forwarded as we get closer to June:
https://averillpark.k12.ny.us/news-archive-2022-2023/5957-aphs-june-2023-regents-exams-schedule
APHS Transportation and Food Service Schedule for Regents Weeks in June
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.
We will share more details as we get closer to the date, but if you have any questions, please contact the high school main office at 518-674-7002.
WARRIOR WEDNESDAY THEME FOR MAY: SELF MANAGEMENT
WARRIOR WEDNESDAY THEME: SELF-MANAGEMENT
Additional information about how Averill Park will be addressing this theme and how you can support your child at home can be found here.
APHS Students Explore Programs at SUNY Albany
Students in Mrs. Park's College Readiness and Library Research course through HVCC's College in the High School program, took a trip to SUNY Albany on Friday to tour their campus and facilities. Students learned more about prominent programs available, as well as how they can make the most out of continuing on with their higher educational goals.
Town of Sand Lake Lifeguard positions available
The Town of Sand Lake is looking for seasonal lifeguards at the town beach of Reichards Lake. Perspective candidates must be at least 16.
TOWN OF SAND LAKE TOWN BEACH LIFEGUARD POSITIONS – The Town of Sand Lake is accepting applications for Lifeguard and Beach Aide positions. Applications can be found on the Town’s website: townofsandlake.us, at the Town Clerk’s Office 8428 Miller Hill Road, Averill Park, NY or contact Deputy Supervisor Clemens: sclemens@sand-lake.us.
Active Parenting Classes April-May
Attention Parents: The Student Assistance Program will be offering a free, virtual parenting program starting April 25th~Please see the registration form for more details and to register for Active Parenting of Teens and Tweens:
https://forms.gle/zWQwygMqamhTAXX68
Here's a link: https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/news-archive-2022-2023/5998-register-now-active-parenting-of-teens-program
APHS HONORS CITIZENSHIP STUDENTS for Quarter 3
APHS honored 35 students at the Quarter 3 Citizenship Celebration. Students chosen were identified by faculty as those who promote or embody what it means to be a positive contributor to our school community. Congratulations to all recipients!
DAVID MOORADIAN NAMED 2023 MR. AP
Congratulations to David Mooradian for winning this year's Mr. AP! To view a video of the event, click here.
Mr. Quiles gets taped to the wall
Averill Park High School Principal, Mr. Quiles, was taped to the wall as part of a fundraiser put on by the Young Activist Club.
All proceeds will benefit an organization that helps girls escape areas of Afghanistan occupied by the Taliban and receive an education in Rwanda, Africa.
APHS ODYSSEY OF THE MIND TEAM QUALIFIES FOR WORLD FINALS
Averill Park High School’s Odyssey of the Mind team is heading back to the World Finals after securing second place in the New York State competition over the weekend.
The APHS team took second in the Division III: Where’s the Structure category. A team from Averill Park has advanced to Worlds 13 out of the last 16 years.
Two teams from Algonquin Middle School also competed over the weekend and fared well, though they did not qualify for the World Finals, which will be held at Michigan State University from May 24-27.
2023 APHS Trip to Washington, DC
APHS Student Government sponsored a trip to Washington, DC from Friday, April 21st to Sunday, April 23rd.
Forty-six students and 6 chaperones traveled by bus to DC where they spent two nights and visited Mt. Vernon Estate (George Washington’s home), Arlington Cemetery where they saw the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington House (home of Robert E. Lee) and JFK’s eternal flame on his gravesite. They also took a tour of the Capitol Building and visited a selection of Smithsonian museums including the Air and Space Museum and the Museum of African American History. Some visited the National Archives, others visited The National Gallery or the Museum of Natural History or the Museum of American History.
The group enjoyed a pizza party one night and a BBQ dinner at the Federalist Pig the second night. On the return trip the group stopped in Baltimore with half the group attending the Orioles vs. Detroit Tigers baseball game at Camden Yards and the other half went to the National Aquarium at the Inner Harbor.
The trip was entirely paid for by the students, with financial aid offered by Catholic Charities.
APHS hopes to offer the trip again next April (2024) so watch this newsletter for further information in the Fall.
Questar 3 Regional Exhibition
Please congratulate the following three art students for being selected to exhibit their work in this year’s Questar 3 Regional Exhibition:
Brady Battista
Grade 11
Title: 'FrostBite' - Twist on Louise
Material: Mixed
Hazel Miller
Grade: 9
Title: "Please Hold"
Media: Black and White Digital Photograph
Nicole Wing
Grade: 12
Title: "Incomplete Pieces"
Media: Charcoal
The Reception & Awards Ceremony is free and open to the public:
Tuesday May 2 at 5pm.
10 Empire State Boulevard
Castleton NY 12033
APHS CIVIC ECOLOGY CLUB HOLDS IN-HOUSE STEM FIELD TRIP
The Civic Ecology Club at Averill Park High School held an in-house STEM field trip on Monday, April 17, to kick-off Earth Week! Guest presenter Jodi Smits Anderson provided a presentation that engaged students to explore what can be learned from nature so that we understand and work to achieve opportunities to thrive in our local communities, as well as planet-wide.
FIVE Students SELECTED FOR BOYS/GIRLS STATE
Each year, American Legion Post 1021 sponsors students in their Junior year to attend the Boys/Girls State educational programs. At the week-long workshop, participants focus on Americanism and the political process as they conduct campaigns and create a legislature, mirroring our own governmental process. This year, our local American Legion Posts sponsored five Averill Park students! Congratulations to Ceclia Colton, Anna Nichols, Paula Deandres, Aiden Bailey, and Caeden Troeger, who were selected by the committee to attend!
APHS STUDENT PARTICIPATES IN CULINARY COMPETITION
Congratulations to Averill Park's own Ben Riston, who competed at the New York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundation ProStart Culinary Competition and placed third in the Team Competition with two other Questar III BOCES students.
NHS and KEY CLUB CREATE CARDS FOR THE ELDERLY
Members of the National Honor Society and the Key Club created greeting cards for residents of local nursing homes. Both APHS groups hope to bring some Spring cheer to those who may not be able to get outside to enjoy the change of season!
National Honor Society Informational Meeting
National Honor Society Informational Meeting – On Friday May 26th, during advisory there will be a meeting for all sophomores and juniors who are interested in applying to National Honor Society in the fall. The meeting will take place in the auditorium where the advisor and club officers will walk interested students through the requirements and application process. Letters will be mailed home in July to eligible students and applications will be due in September.
JAZZ COFFEEHOUSE HELD AT APHS
The APHS Music Program hosted its first-ever Jazz Coffeehouse, a well-attended event that allowed high school jazz students (with some middle school guests) an opportunity to perform in a different setting, and demonstrate some of the learning taking place in our Jazz curriculum. A wonderful way to welcome Jazz Appreciation Month!
Spaces still available to Ausable Chasm Sunday June 11th
Spaces still available to Ausable Chasm Sunday June 11th – The Unique Opportunities Club encourages you to take a break from technology and join us as we visit the Adirondack State Park. Ausable Chasm is known as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks. Students will have the opportunity to explore the amazing landscape and impressive gorge while hiking and passing through a ropes course. The ropes course is not one that gets progressively harder where students are expected to fail. Rather, this course is set up to add a little adventure to the trail and to make some of the otherwise impassable sections of the upper chasm available. Students will have the opportunity to leisurely raft back through the gorge. If time allows we will visit Lake Placid Olympic Village on the way home. The cost is $100 per student due by May 5th. Financial assistance is available. Please contact Ms. Freeman at freeman@apcsd.org with any questions.
Flower Power Fundraiser
Flower Power Fundraiser – It’s your last chance!
The senior class is hosting a flower bulb and vegetable seed online fundraiser until Monday May 15th. 50% of sales come back to the class of 2023 and items are mailed directly to you so it’s very easy to participate. Thank you for your support! Please share the following link to the online catalog with all of the gardeners in your family.
Senior Class Dine to Donate Fundraiser at Recovery Room
Senior Class Dine to Donate Fundraiser at Recovery Room in East Greenbush Wednesday, May 3rd. Please print or show the coupon at the beginning of dine in service to make sure your server knows to contribute 15% of your check to the Class of 2023.
The fundraiser runs from 4 – 8pm, however there is also a virtual/take out option that is available all day on May 3rd.
Place your order using the link: https://tinyurl.com/APSENIORS23, and at check out, under the box for when you want your order to be ready, click “Have a coupon code?” use the coupon code: APSENIORS23. You will see $0.01 removed from your order, which confirms the group code was accepted.
Funds raised will go towards lowering the cost of Senior Dinner Dance Tickets making it affordable for all family during these crazy economic times.
Senior Dinner Dance Tickets
Senior Dinner Dance Tickets will be on sale May 15th through 19th after school in room 601. Ticket price will be determined after our last 2 fundraisers but the price is expected to be in the $50-$60 range. As always we strive to make sure activities are affordable for all students if money is a concern, please contact Ms. Freeman, the Senior Class advisor at freemann@apcsd.org, or email the student’s counselor. There are funds set aside and organizations willing to help in this situation. Please do not let money get in the way of students participating in this last senior event. Any seniors planning to bring a guest from outside of APHS must fill out a guest form and turn it in when purchasing tickets. Guest forms are available in the main office and in room 601. These forms must be signed by both the guests and AP student’s parents as well as administrators from both schools so do not wait until the last minute! The dance is scheduled for Friday, June 16th from 6-10pm at Birch Hill in Castleton.
Senior Picnic
Senior Picnic – On the last day of classes, Tuesday June 13th, the senior class hopes to go in entirety to celebrate being the Averill Park High School Class of 2023. Senior are expected to be in classes this day or come and enjoy Grafton Lakes State Park with us. Students are not permitted to drive themselves to the picnic. Permission slips and $10 are due to Ms. Freeman in room 601 by Friday May 19th so we can plan ahead to order lunch, snacks, and beverages.
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:
Attention Seniors:
If you have not filled out your senior questionnaire, please do so as soon as possible. The senior questionnaire is used to nominate deserving students for awards. The link is located in the senior classroom google page.
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 and Career software program available that the students have been introduced to and encouraged to use.
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
May 6, 2023 - - Registration Deadline: April 7, 2023
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 (ex. 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
Upcoming Events/Important Dates
May 2023:
May 1st- May 11th: AP Examinations at APHS
May 16th: Budget Vote
May 16th: Underclass Student Award Ceremony, 6:30 pm, HS Auditorium.
May 19th: Quarter 4 Progress Grades Posted
May 20th: Junior Prom, 6pm - 10pm, Albany Desmond
May 23rd: APHS Spring Concert, 6:30 pm, HS Auditorium
May 29th: Memorial Day - No 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