The APHS Look AHEAD-September 2021
The Opening Newsletter for APHS Students and Parents- v.26
The APHS Look AHEAD- Opening Edition 21-22
Dear APHS Students and Families,
It is with a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm that we prepare to welcome our APHS students and families back to the 21-22 school year! Our reopening represents an opportunity to finally, after far too long, bring all of our students and staff back together at one time; the way we truly belong! We know that learning best happens when our students are here with us each day, and we are thrilled to soon have you back!
The summer threw us a couple of curveballs, with flooding affecting the high school building in significant ways. That said, our Building and Grounds crew has done an amazing job of making sure that we are ready for the arrival of our students on September 8th.
As we enter into the 21-22 school year, we will be doing so as a fully 100% in-person program. It will be our goal, to greatest extent possible, to restore a sense of normalcy to the high school experience, while building forward, having learned from our collective experiences over the past couple of years. Of course, the health and well-being of our students and staff is always important, so we will monitor and adjust as we need to.
This opening newsletter contains everything you need to know as we open the school year. Please be sure to take the time to review it carefully and reach out to us if you have any questions. As a follow-up to the recent District communication related to our reopening, be sure to review the Updates on General Operations at APHS for 21-22 in Consideration of COVID section found below.
Finally, as we move into this new year, I'd like to remind us all of the importance of taking care of ourselves. This is not only good for us as individuals, but makes us all able to do better by those around us, as well. As we face the many new challenges ahead of us in the upcoming year, this will be even more important! Here is a calendar of daily activities we can engage in to make sure that we are taking care of ourselves during the upcoming "Self-Care September":
https://www.actionforhappiness.org/media/1037138/sept_2021.jpg
Enjoy these final days before we begin the 21-22 school year, and please reach out if you have any questions. The main line at the high school is 674-7002!
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."
APHS Welcomes New Faculty and Staff as We Open the 2021-2022 School Year!
We are excited to share many updates with regards to our faculty and staff at Averill Park High School for the upcoming year. Please join us in welcoming, and welcoming back in some cases, the following professionals:
Mrs. Emily Caboot joins our APHS Science Team.
Ms. Carly Desiderio joins our APHS SpED Team.
Mrs. Megan DeConno joins us as the new APHS Speech Therapist.
Mrs. Kelly Fink will now join us as a Typist in the APHS Guidance Office.
Mrs. Kelly Wenhau returns to a permanent APHS Aide position.
Ms. Krista Seeberger returns to a permanent APHS Aide position.
Ms. Kelly Olsiewski joins us as a new APHS SpED Aide.
Mrs. Tanya Quick comes to APHS as a new HS Monitor.
Mrs. Tracy Hacker returns in a new role, now as the Psychologist for SEL.
Mrs. Elizabeth Young joins the district as the new Social Worker for SEL.
Mrs. Elizabeth Malone joins the district as our new 6-12 CSE Chair.
WSL starts the year with a new principal. Welcome to Mrs. Keri Rosher!
With the retirement of Mr. Michael Ouimet in just a couple months, we will soon also welcome a new Assistant Superintendent for School Business, Mrs. Carrie Nyc-Chevrier.
Contact Information Faculty and Staff at 2021-2022
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. THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, SEPTEMBER 8th, IS AN A-DAY!
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 will be sent to all students and families as we get closer to opening!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MpANeVyIwf2eg8euaMAPCQjt3pOYDVaiVz5e6oM2dLo/edit#gid=0
Updates on General Operations at APHS for 21-22 in Consideration of COVID
As we open 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 will continue to be monitored directly by staff. Students will continue to sign-in and sign out of these spaces.
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. Bathrooms will not be available during transitions.
Here is a link to the recent district-level communication regarding our re-opening: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iA_8ZkX-7a4Ux1U1yK2-hSpZ_3SdWpP5DzoL9jB7hTw/edit?usp=sharing
We will continue to monitor conditions in the weeks and months to come, and will stay in touch should we need to make adjustments to our operations.
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.
Morning Arrival Procedures for 21-22
Our procedures for morning arrival have been slightly adjusted for the upcoming year, as follows:
- Students who take the bus will unload from their buses at 7:10 am at the HS. Bus students will enter the HS through the Athletic Lobby Entrances and will report directly to the HS Gym. A mobile breakfast cart will be available for anyone who would like to take advantage of free breakfast! Bus students will remain in the HS Gym until the bell rings at 7:25 am, at which time they will report to their first block class. BE SURE TO WATCH FOR THE DRY BUS RUN ON THE MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 2nd!
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 should report to the HS Cafeteria upon arrival. Breakfast will be available! At 7:25 am, when the bell rings, students will report to their first block class. We ask that students not be dropped off any earlier than 7:15 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 7:25 am, with first block beginning at 7:30 am. Be on time!
Student Parking in 2021-2022
Attention APHS Juniors and Seniors:
The 2021-2022 Parking Permit is ready for you to apply!
Here's a link to the 2021-2022 APHS Parking Permit application.
Please note that parking is a privilege for Juniors and Seniors who are in good academic and behavioral standing. Eligible students can submit their application starting on the first day of school, Wednesday, September 8th. All students who would like a permit should request one by the end of the day on Friday, September 24th.
For the 21-22 school year, students may park in any spot in the parking lot directly in front of the building.
After September 24th staff will check the parking lots for permits. Please reach out to Mrs. Mein if you have any questions.
Lockers are Back!
After a 20-21 break in the use of lockers, all students will once again be assigned lockers for the upcoming school year. Once lockers have been assigned, you will receive an email notification and will be able to see the assigned locker information at the top of your schedule in Schooltool.
School Issued Chromebooks; Charge Them Up and Be Ready to Learn!
This is an important reminder that all students should power on their Chromebooks before school starts and bring their Chromebooks to school fully charged on the first day of school.
All Grade 9 Students and New Entrants will receive a new Chromebook at 9th Grade and New Entrant Orientation on September 2nd at 6:30pm.
For students who cannot attend the Orientation, a Chromebook can be picked up from the Apps Suite during the Advisory period on the first day of school.
This year, we will be offering parents the option of purchasing an "Extended Care Plan" for their child's assigned Chromebook. This plan costs $35 and will cover the cost of up to two repairs.
This is a great deal since one single repair would cost more money than the plan itself!
Here is a link.
https://averillpark.k12.ny.us/images/techfaq/CBExtendedCare.pdf
In September we will survey parents to assess who would like to participate. If you do, you will get an invoice via My School Bucks.
Dismissal, End-of-Day Routines, and Extracurricular Activities
Our dismissal and end-of-day routines have been updated for the 21-22 school year. Here is an overview of some important information:
- Dismissal for all students will occur at one time, 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 21-22 school year, we will offer late buses for students who would like to stay after school for extra help and/or to participate in extracurricular activities. These buses will run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, leaving the HS at 3:25 pm, and beginning on Sept 14th.
Due to driver shortages, 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 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
OPENING CLASS MEETINGS- Friday, September 10th
On Friday September 10th, the APHS Assistant Principals will be running their annual class meetings!
Students will be dismissed by announcement to the auditorium following the schedule below. Once there, students will be seated to accommodate the three-foot spacing guidelines.
During this time we will review with students the bell and A/B schedule, student norms & expectations, the eligibility guidelines, clubs and activities, and much much more!
9th Grade - 8:15 (Block 1)
11th Grade - 9:45 (Block 2)
10th Grade- 12:55 (Block 3)
12th Grade - 1:35 (Block 4)
We look forward to seeing you all then!
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.
The APCSD Code of Conduct 21-22
A review of the Code of Conduct will occur in Class Meetings, scheduled to occur on Friday, September 10th.
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.
Schedule Changes for 21-22
As you look at your schedule, please know that our Counseling Team has made every effort to reduce student conflicts, and maximize student enrollment in the courses which most students selected. I can state without question that our overall outcomes this year are statistically better than we have ever seen. Of course, there will always be conflicts in a complex schedule and a school of our size. Some students have, or may still, need to make some choices.
Please note that as a general rule student schedules will not be changed between now and the opening of the school year. We will have an Add/Drop Period for schedule changes between the dates of September 20th and September 29th. Of course, the exceptions to this include:
- a student has failed the prerequisite course and needs the next course in the sequence.
- a student went to summer school and no longer needs the assigned course.
- a student is repeating a course with the same teacher.
- a clerical error has occurred or two courses assigned to one time slot.
- there are special medical considerations (requires medical verification from a physician).
If you have any questions related to scheduling, please contact our Counseling Center at (518) 674-7025. Our Counseling Staff returned to the offices starting on Monday, August 23rd to help out.
News from the Health Office
A physical exam is required by New York State Education law for children in grade, 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 9/1/2020. 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: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/documents/health-exam-form.pdf
https://averillpark.k12.ny.us/images/District/DentalCertificate.pdf
A child who is 16 years of age and over is required to have a second Meningococcal vaccine before the start of their senior year. This is state mandated and is required to have documentation by the 14th day of school. Families that need this have already received a notification letter at the end of the previous school year.
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.
Doctor's notes for any illness, surgery or procedure
The requested information found here should be included in all doctor's notes. 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.
AP Courses and AP Examinations 2021-22
This school year, AP Examinations will be held during the first two weeks of May 2022. If you are taking an AP Course, you will soon be receiving information from the AP Coordinators regarding the $96 exam fee (fee is per course). This fee will be due to the AP Coordinators at APHS by October 4, 2021. Students that complete the free/reduced lunch application and are eligible for free/reduced lunch will receive a fee waiver. Please watch for more information.
School Pictures!
Senior Pictures: Class of 2022!
Prestige Portraits has begun to schedule dates and appointments for Senior photos. They are sending out all information by email and scheduling all appointments. Photos have begun and are taking place here at the HS in the Auxiliary Gym. Be sure to keep an eye on your school email account for important information!
Our final Senior portrait dates are September 20th through the 22nd.
Senior portraits need to be taken by Prestige in order for them to be printed in our yearbook.
Prestige provides the drape / tux / shirt / bowtie and cap & gown for the photos. All clothing is disinfected between appointments.
All proofs will be available together for viewing and ordering. Seniors will be choosing online their choice of photo for the APHS Yearbook.
Underclass Student Pictures:
Underclassmen pictures for the 2022 yearbook will be taken on September 20th and 21st during Physical Education classes.
Picture packets will be sent and also handed out in PE classes. If you are buying school pictures, you may order online or bring payment on picture day. Our re-take / absentee photo date is scheduled for November 3, 2021.
Watch for more information in the weeks to come!
Questions? baileya@apcsd.org / blosteinm@apcsd.org
The APHS Yearbook for 21-22
The APHS 2022 Yearbook will cost $65 if purchased before December 31, 2021. In
January the cost will increase to $75. Personalization is also available early in the
school year.
Yearbooks can be ordered online at: www.jostensyearbooks.com
Questions? baileya@apcsd.org / blosteinm@apcsd.org
Open House: Please Join Us on September 23rd!
Our annual Open House will be held on Thursday, September 23rd from 5:45 pm- 7:15 pm.
This year's event will be a "Freestyle Open House", or an informal, open-format opportunity to connect with each of your child's teachers in a relaxed environment.
Each Academic Department Team will be set up at tables outside (weather-permitting). Families may stop by to see who they would like to at any time during the evening. Stay for as long as you'd like, or just stop by. Refreshments will be available, as well!
Look for a specific communication from Mr. Quiles in the weeks to come, but mark the calendar today, and we hope to see you there!
Reminders Related to Grade-Level Promotion
In general, promotion from one grade to the next remains contingent upon the passing of all required subjects and the accumulation of the number of credits shown in the chart below.
Freshman 0-5.25 credits
Sophomore 5.50—10.75 credits
Junior 11.0—16.25 credits
Senior 16.50 and above credits
News from the Counseling Center
We have updated our Counselor Assignments for the 21-22 school year:
Counselor Assignments
Ms. Stone
A-C (grade 9-10)
A-E (grades 11-12)
Mr. Gildersleeve
D-K (grade 9-10)
F-K (grades 11-12)
Ms. Arsenault
L-P (Grades 9-12)
Mr. Plantz
Q-Z (grades 9-12)
REPORT CARDS:
Report Cards are no longer mailed home. They will be available to view via School Tool on the following dates:
-Wednesday, November 17, 2021— 1st Quarter Report Card
-Wednesday, February 2, 2022—2nd Quarter Report Card
-Wednesday, April 12, 2022—3rd Quarter Report Card
-Wednesday, June 29, 2022—Final Report Card
Please contact the Counseling Center at (518) 674-7025 if you do not have access to School Tool to make arrangements to receive report cards.
APHS Financial Aid Night:
A representative from Siena College will conduct a College Financial Aid Workshop virtually on Thursday, September 30th at 6:00pm. The workshop will provide an overview of the entire financial aid process. Details with further information will be provided as we get closer to the date.
Parents of students in all grades are welcome to attend.
College Entrance Exams:
Please check the college board website for any updates and cancellations concerning upcoming exams.
COLLEGE ENTRANCE TESTS:
ACT TEST DATES REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
September 11, 2021 August 6, 2021
October 23, 2021 September 17, 2021
December 11, 2021 November 5, 2021
February 12, 2022 January 7, 2022
April 2, 2022 February 25, 2022
June 11, 2022 May 6, 2022
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
August 28, 2021 July 30, 2021
October 2, 2021 September 3, 2021
November 6, 2021 October 8, 2021
December 4, 2021 November 4, 2021
March 12, 2022 February 11, 2022
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.
PSAT:
APHS will be hosting the PSAT/NMSQT on Wednesday, October 13th this year. Enough tests are available for all interested Juniors. An email will be sent to all Juniors soon to assess interest. Tests not being used by the Junior class will be made available to interested Sophomores. An email will go out to the Sophomore class once we know how many Juniors will take the test. Please be watching your email for more details. All COVID-19 safety guidelines will be followed to provide a safe testing environment for our students.
National Honor Society
The Averill Park Chapter of National Honor Society (NHS) is a select group of seniors who demonstrate good character, high academic achievement (90% or above cumulative average), leadership and community service.
Students can apply during the beginning of their senior year. All NHS student applications must be completed and returned to Mrs. Rees in Room 206 no later than September 27th to be considered for induction in the 2021-2022 school year.
If you need an application packet you can email Mrs. Rees or pick one up in the Counseling Center. Elections for NHS officers will be conducted on October 13th by Google Form. Selected NHS inductees will be notified via US mail letter by October 9th.
The induction ceremony will be held in the APHS auditorium on Thursday, October 21st at 6:30 pm. Once students are notified of their acceptance we will let you know when rehearsals will take [place. All eligible applicants will receive their academic eligibility letter by mid July and can then proceed with their application. If you don’t receive an academic eligibility letter and feel you should have, contact the counseling center to verify your average. Please direct any questions to Mrs. Rees at: reesk@apcsd.org
Upcoming Events/Important Dates
Sept 2nd - Grade 9 and New Entrant Orientation Program- 6:30pm
Sept 6th - Labor Day - NO SCHOOL
Sept 7th - Rosh Hashanah - NO SCHOOL
Sept 8th- First day of Classes- It's an A-Day
Sept 16th- Yom Kippur- NO SCHOOL
Sept 20th - Sept 21st: School Picture Days in all PE Classes.
Sept 23rd - APHS Open House - 5:45pm
Sept 25th - Class of 2022 Prom at the Marriot- 6pm
Sept 30th - Financial Aid Night - 6pm - Virtual
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