The APHS Look AHEAD- December 2023
The Opening Newsletter for APHS Students and Parents- v.49
The APHS Look AHEAD- December 2023
Dear APHS students and families,
Welcome to the holidays! I hope that the next few weeks are ones which are full of joy, peace, and a great deal of celebration for each and every one of you, and your families.
December is a busy month, both inside of school and outside of school. This year, we have a full four weeks of solid instruction between Thanksgiving and the holiday break. This represents an outstanding opportunity to grow, learn, develop, and continue to build on our academic success. It also is a chance to fix any issues which might be occurring. Remember to stay on top of work, connect frequently with teachers if you need support, and put yourself in a position such that when you leave for the break, everything is in good shape!
As we wrapped up the first quarter, we were pleased to find that 78% of our students were on track to pass every single one of their classes. Student attendance has been better than ever, with just under 2% of our students missing five or more days of instruction. 56% of our students were engaged in one or more extracurricular activities, with enrollment in fall athletics also up by 52 students, when compared to last year. We were also happy to see that student behavior, particularly behaviors related to self-regulation and peer interactions, were markedly improved, with 172 fewer referrals being processed in the first quarter this year, as compared to last year.
We also have successfully implemented a number of proactive programs to support student success, both inside and outside of the classroom. Student who were at risk of failing two or more classes have been provided structured study halls to receive targeted support after the first five weeks. Just about half of those students ended the first quarter on track once again. Our supported advisories have allowed students access to peer tutoring. This week, our Assistant Principals also launched the first WE Make AP a GREAT Place to BE Quarterly Class Assemblies. These sessions provided students with updates on how they were doing as a class, and recognized students who were meeting with success academically, behaviorally, and in terms of attendance.
As you can see, it IS a busy time at APHS. As we head into the holiday season, be sure to reach out if there is anything that you need. Our goal is to find a pathway to success for every one of our students, and takes communication and teamwork on everyone's end. We are here to help!
Please enjoy a peaceful holiday season with family, friends, and loved ones.
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."
APHS Launches December 2023 Wellness Week!
After a great deal of work this fall, the APHS Wellness Team, made up of students, faculty, and administrators, has released their program offerings for the first ever APHS December Wellness Week!
Throughout the course of the week, students will have access to some optional, and some required, advisory program opportunities. Take a look at what they have put in place, here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lYyqR3q5DMbHbN1KnslXDc_Ir7tR1gy8sKHkYa-dTrQ/edit?usp=sharing
Students interested in signing up for an optional program should do so my completing the Google sign up link in the above document. All registrations are due by Tuesday, December 5th, and students will receive an ehallpass to attend their selected options a few days before the actual event.
Student Drop off and Pick up
As we head quickly towards winter months, we wanted to send out a few reminders about morning drop off. By design, we have separate zones for student and parent traffic. Parents who are picking up or dropping off students should only use the parent drop-off loop, as outlined in the map attached below.
To ensure the safety of our student drivers, parents should NOT drop off or pick-up students in the front lot.
Parent Pick UP and Drop Off Map
For those who use the parent drop-off loop, we would like to make a few suggestions in order to expedite student drop off and make this process more efficient:
Parents should pull around the drop off loop and stop at our new sandwich board sign. (See below) This will allow more cars to fit into the loop, reduce back-up on to Gettle Road and increase the speed of drop off.
When pulling in, students should be ready with their belongings to quickly exit the car.
If students have sports equipment, projects, or other large items that require more time to get out of the car, please feel free to park in a parking spot in the parent loop. This will allow them time to get their belongings without feeling rushed.
Students are required to be in their class at 7:30am; therefore, students should aim to be in the building by the warning bell at 7:23 am. This will allow students to have plenty of time to get to their first class of the day on time.
The parent pick up line will take between five and ten minutes to navigate each morning, so please plan accordingly, or arrive early!
The high school's front doors open daily at 7am, and we have supervision and breakfast in the Student Union starting at that time. Feel free to take advantage of this and avoid the traffic!
Again, our many thanks for your help in keeping our campus parking lots safe!
We truly appreciate your cooperation.
Students are Achieving and Succeeding in Quarter 1
The Leadership team at Averill Park High School would like to recognize and congratulate the following students for "Achieving and Succeeding" with their grades, attendance and discipline during the first quarter.
The students on the lists below met the following parameters; they have passed all their classes, missed school on less than five occasions, and were not the subject of any disciplinary referrals in the first quarter.
Each quarter, the high school will recognize students who met these parameters and publish their accomplishments on our "AP Achieves and Succeeds" list. At the conclusion of the third quarter, students who remained on the list for all three quarters, will be invited to a special acknowledgement in their honor.
Here's a link to the list: https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/2023/11/27/aphs-students-recognized-for-achieving-and-succeeding/
If you know any of the students on this please, please congratulate them!
WE Make AP a GREAT Place to BE Awards!
For the first time, APHS launched it's series its new Quarterly Class Meetings! These meetings are designed to give students in each grade-level updates on how the class is doing academically, behaviorally, and in terms of attendance! Additionally, the class learns about upcoming activities and events, and celebrates the students who have achieved good things!
At the meetings, students who have been nominated by teachers as making a difference, are awarded the We Make AP a GREAT Place to BE Award. Recipients receive a certificate, a WE Make AP a GREAT Place to BE t-shirt, and are entered in a raffle to win a gift basket valued at $300.00.
Congratulations, this quarter, to the following WE Make AP a GREAT Place to BE award recipients:
CLASS OF 2027:
Emily Bello-O’Donnel
Jordan Bernstein
Johnathan Hale
Emelia Sala
CLASS OF 2026:
MacKenzie Diamond
Abigail Duff
Cody Morgans
Jacob Morgans
Amaia Williams
CLASS OF 2025:
Samantha Alberino
Mason Barber
Madisyn Bulson
Cooper Cox
Katharina Gaboury
Rory McCue
Sophie Miller
Lilly Molitor
Evelyn Mostaccio
Ryann Russo
Rachael Strickland
Crow Wagner
Jeremy Wing
Lillian Wohlleber
CLASS OF 2024:
Paula DeAndres
Violet DuPuis
Gabriela Geise
Tessa Milks
Top 5 Students and Honor Roll for Quarter 1 at APHS
APHS is also pleased to announce our Top 5 students and Honor Roll students for Quarter 1. Be sure to congratulate these students, who have not only met the basic requirements in all of their classes, but have truly exceeded, and gone above and beyond! Congratulations to each of these students for this amazing achievement.
Here is a list of these students:
https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/2023/11/20/aphs-releases-q1-honor-rolls-for-2023-24/
Update on Schedule for January Regents Week
For those who like to plan ahead, instruction during our January Regents Week will be a bit irregular. Here is how our instructional schedule at the high school will work during the January 2024 Regents Week:
- Monday, January 22nd: Regular Instruction
- Tuesday, January 23rd: No Instruction for students. Students taking the ELA exam will report for 7:45 am.
- Wednesday, January 24th: Regular Instruction in the morning, with a 10:40 AM DISMISSAL.
- Thursday, January 25th: Regular Instruction
- Friday, January 26th: No Instruction- Superintendent's Conference Day
A full exam schedule, with more details, will be released immediately after the holidays. If you have any questions, please contact the HS Main Office at 518-674-7002.
Engineering Students Explore Emerging Technologies
APHS looks towards the future!
Mrs. Park took Mrs. Lambright's engineering students to UAlbany's brand new ETEC building to explore new and emerging technologies, as well as the abundance of career opportunities in cybersecurity, nanotechnology, engineering, and more!
Unique Opportunities fundraisers and upcoming Trips
Pancake Breakfast Saturday December 9th from 8-10am - APHS Unique Opportunities is hosting a Pancake Breakfast at Applebee's in North Greenbush to raise money to make this year's trips more affordable. This year's trips include: 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Back to the Future on Broadway, Yankees vs Rays Baseball game, and White Water Rafting. Tickets cost $10 each & students from the club will be serving breakfast. Please see a member of the club or contact Ms. Freeman at freemann@apcsd.org with questions and to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets will also be sold at the door! Thank you for your support, without it, these experiences would not be possible for our students.
Holiday Shopping to support Unique Opportunities - Unique Opportunities has partnered with multiple fundraisers/consultants to provide online shopping opportunities prior to the holidays where a percentage of money spent will come back to the club. Companies involved include: Thirty One - Totes and personalized bags, Flower Power - Indoor Amaryllis Kits, Princess House - Kitchen & Entertaining products, Yankee Candles & other holiday treats. Links to all of these catalogs where your purchases will support the club can be found at http://tinyurl.com/APHS-Unique. Thank you for your support, without it, these experiences would not be possible for our students.
Unique Opportunities Upcoming Trips - Unique Opportunities was founded last year as a club where interested students would propose event based experiences and fundraise to make them a reality for any high school student interested regardless of financial situation. As the advisor, I am thrilled with the variety of trips that students proposed and the number of students this club reaches. They are really excited to share their passions and try new things with their peers. We have spaces left on all trips. Please email Ms. Freeman at freemann@apcsd.org with questions or for more information. This year's trips and deadline for signing up are:
- 12/10 - 9/11 Memorial and Museum - technically past due - but we might have room.
- 2/11 - Back to the Future on Broadway - due 12/4
- Yankees vs Rays Baseball game - Due 1/10
- White Water Rafting - Due 12/12
Please don't let finances stand in the way of providing an opportunity like these. The club does fundraisers to make sure all interested students can afford it. Please reach out to Ms. Freeman if you need help with trip costs.
APHS Yearbook 2024
APHS Yearbook 2024
Attention Seniors: Senior Quotes for the Yearbook are due to Ms. Bailey by December 15th
Buy your Yearbook Online: jostensyearbooks.com
Senior Parent Ads: jostensadservice.com
Questions? baileya@apcsd.org
Class of 2024 Cap & Gown information
Class of 2024, if you have not placed your order for a cap and gown for graduation, there is still time to do it.
You can place your order online at www.northwaygrad.com . Packets with the forms and flyers you’ll need were passed out at school. If you need another one, just stop by the main office to see Mrs. Perez. Feel free to contact us with any questions: oberkrieser.office@jostens.com or (518)581-1468.
Senior Apparel orders due by December 5th
See the link for the order form for the senior apparel fundraiser. The shirts and hoodies have the AP logo that is signed by all the seniors. These would make a great gift for the holiday season! Orders are due December 5, and items will be in before the holiday break.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Hu5j8XVWhXIw616gGfzY28WYWBfHzyIQEl0RDxZC57I/edit
Any questions, please reach out to Mr. Kozlowski (kozlowskik@apcsd.org) or Mr. Engel (engelb@apcsd.org).
National Honor Society to offer Peer Tutoring
The Averill Park National Honor Society will offer 1:1 peer tutoring this school year. Peer tutoring requests can now be made by completing the Google Form found here. Once a request has been received, NHS officers will work to match students with a tutor. 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.
For any questions about the peer tutoring program, please email NHS advisor Rian Colbert at colbertr@apcsd.org
News from the Counseling Center
Attention Seniors:
Please review your college applications carefully for specific deadline dates. Please fill out your Counselors google form (2) weeks prior to the deadline date. If the deadline is January 1st, make sure to fill out the form no later than December 8th due to the holiday recess.
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.
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
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 II report cards posted on Schooltool/Mailed; Wednesday, January 31st
Quarter III report cards posted on Schooltool/Mailed: Wednesday, April 24th
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
NYS-mandated vision/hearing and scoliosis screenings will begin the week of November 27 for grades 9 and 11, and new entrant students.
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.
Winter Weather Information
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.
Upcoming Events/Important Dates
December 2023:
9 -OBP Holly Ball, 7pm
12- Winter Concert 6:30pm
13- Snow date for Winter Concert (if needed)
25-Jan 2 - Holiday Recess - 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