The APHS Look AHEAD-October 2020
News and Notes from the High School Leadership Team- v.18
The APHS Look AHEAD
Dear APHS Students, Parents and Guardians,
A month ago we certainly had more questions than answers. As we head into the month of October, I am pleased to be able to share that our first month has been a successful one on all fronts. Most of those pressing questions from a month ago have been answered, and the outcomes have been impressive. The high school is running and operating smoothly, our students and staff are safe, and we continue to grow each day in our capacity to deliver high quality instruction in an environment which looks like nothing we've encountered before. Obviously, this has not been an easy task for anyone involved, including our students and families.
In the upcoming month, I will be reaching out to collect feedback about how we're doing. Our goal is to make sure that we are continuing to intentionally grow forward. It's fair to say that we should no longer be working in a perpetual crisis mode, but instead we must be building sustainable, long-term practices which set us up for today, and for the potential of many different types of tomorrows. This is hard, but extremely important, work.
As we continue along this journey together, I want to share the importance of self-preservation, balance and resilience. This is a great topic to explore individually, but also discuss within our families. In order to get out of crisis mode, it's extremely important that we take good care of ourselves. Resilience is a key trait required, especially during times like these, if we are going to sustain. Resilient people effectively and regularly engage in 12 habits and demonstrate 12 dispositions. Here's a great tool to look at what those habits and dispositions are, as well as to assess where you are with regards to each of them: https://www.onwardthebook.com/self-assessment-download/ I like to "check myself" every couple of days. It truly helps keep perspective.
As we head into October, I wish everyone within our school community health and happiness. Please reach out if you need anything along the way, and thank you for being so supportive of our schools. I am always proud to work with you.
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 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."
A Message from the School Nurse
Here are a few reminders because of the way things have changed this year:
* Remember to call your child out absent if they are ill.
* Any illness whether or not a nurse sends them home or if they stay home sick (no matter what their hybrid day is) will need a doctor's note to return to school AND a negative COVID test.
*If your child is sick, please send me an email with what is going on with your child It would be very helpful and may decrease the number of phone calls that you get in a day.
Please see the link below for two important documents:
One is the permission slip for Tylenol and Ibuprofen. I need updated written permission every year on each student. The second is the guidelines for when your child is ill this way it is right at your fingertips and you don't have to worry about trying to rummage through the website.
Visitors at the High School
Parents wishing to pick up students, or drop off items for students, should use the intercom at the main entrance of the building. Our staff in the main office will guide you through the appropriate procedures.
Meetings between parents and staff will be expected to be conducted in a virtual format. In cases where a face-to-face meeting may be required, staff will need the permission of the building principal.
Visitors approved to enter the building, by the principal, will complete a health screening, have their temperature taken, and will wear a mask.
New Legislation and BOE Policy Offers Students the Opportunity to Pre-Register to Vote at School
In response to recently passed legislation at the State level, the APCSD Board of Education has enacted a policy which directs the high school to ensure that all students who are at least 16 years old are offered the opportunity to pre-register to vote.
Over the course of the next month, we will be reaching out to the entire student body so that any students who are currently eligible, and wish, to pre-register are able to do so. This service will be offered in our high school library, and is able to be completed online: https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/electronic-voter-registration-application
Students will need the following materials:
-a New York State DMV issued driver license, permit or Non-Driver ID
-the ZIP Code currently on record with the DMV
-the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number (SSN)
After that, on a monthly basis, the high school will reach out to students who turn 16 to offer them the opportunity to pre-register.
Students who do not wish to pre-register do not have to do so. It is simply our responsibility to offer students this opportunity.
If you have any questions, please contact the high school at 674-7002
Last Call for Senior Portraits
Please remind your Seniors! Cost for the sitting is $15 - Have them
stop down to the library to see the photographers with any questions.
SADD Shares Family Resources
Kim Favro, the Student Assistance Counselor, along with her club, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), would like to share important resources for families on addressing problem gambling, suicide prevention, and addiction.
https://for-ny.org/family-resources/
National Honor Society
The Averill Park Chapter of the National Honor Society will be inducting qualified seniors at a virtual ceremony planned for Thursday Oct. 22 at 6:30.
This year we had 77 qualified seniors eligible to apply. We await the selection committee final decisions, on those that applied, by October 8th.
The National Honor Society is a select group of seniors who demonstrate good character, high academic achievement (90 or above for 3 years), leadership and community service. Students can apply in the beginning of their senior year.
Class of 2022 Fundraiser
We have kicked off our largest PROM fundraiser and we are counting on your support! You can just purchase items from your child online, or you can join the incentive program, and share the Charleston Wrap catalog and earn incentives like free gift wrap. It's easy and totally online - you can even order on your phone!
Visit charlestonwrap.com/cw-virtual-online-incentives/ to watch our kick off video!
Helping us reach our goal is QUICK, EASY, and only takes about 5 minutes. We have partnered with Charleston Wrap® to make it happen! With over 2,500 gift ideas, including UltraHeavy™ gift wrap, gourmet kitchen essentials, personalized gifts & more, friends and family can help us reach our goal by checking off their holiday shopping list! But first, you'll need to invite them to support our fundraiser - and we have a special gift for you, too! Complete the three (3) steps below and you'll receive a FREE ROLL of Charleston Wrap®’s UltraHeavy™ gift wrap when you make a purchase!
Here's how to help and receive your FREE UltraHeavy™ roll of gift wrap:
1) Please visit charlestonwrapstore.com/non-school-registration.php to register today! Use our ORGANIZATION ID 19411 to register!
2) Send 10 unique and valid shopping email invites to your friends & family using our invite tool at registration.
3) Once you've sent 10 emails, a gift card will be emailed to you for your FREE roll of Charleston Wrap®’s UltraHeavy™ gift wrap with the purchase of any item.
In addition to awarding the FREE roll of wrap, we will also award a Charleston Wrap® Gift Card to parents who have rallied others to support the fundraiser! We'll award these Gift Cards on the last day of our sale (11/02/2020) for Parent Appreciation Day. We will automatically email you a gift card for the highest level achieved!
* Any Parent with 5 supporters will receive a gift card for $10 off any purchase of $50 or more.
* Any Parent with 10 supporters will receive a gift card for $25 off any purchase of $50 or more.
* Any Parent with 20 supporters will receive a gift card for $50 off! Your $50 order is FREE!
*Gift Cards expire in April of next year and cannot be combined with any other offer. Orders may be subject to shipping and tax.
Will you take a few minutes and register now at charlestonwrapstore.com/non-school-registration.php?
Remember - you don't have to share the gift wrap with others, you can simply purchase for yourself.
Thank you so much for your support!
AVERILL PARK HS - JR CLASS
Questions about registration? Call CW Customer Support at 1-866-395-2926 or contact Mrs. Yost at yostj@apcsd.org
News from the Counseling Center
Counselors have been meeting with the senior class to discuss plans after high school graduation and help guide them in the planning process for applying to colleges, financial aid and scholarships.
Also students are asked to log on to their Naviance accounts often to see what scholarships are being offered and what colleges are having virtual visit sessions with students who may have interest or questions about their campus.
PSAT Test: On Saturday, Oct. 17, APHS plans to offer the PSAT to interested Juniors and Sophomores. Emails for registration have been sent to Juniors and will be sent to Sophomores by 9/30. The test will take place in the morning (roughly 8-12) and will be free of charge to AP students. If anything changes, those who register will be alerted via email.
Monday, November 2nd: Hudson Valley Community College will be offering a Virtual Instant Admission session. Students please contact the Counseling Center to get an appointment to meet with the HVCC advisors. You can email your counselor for more information.
College Entrance Exams:
Please check the college board website for any updates and cancellations concerning upcoming exams.
COLLEGE ENTRANCE TESTS:
SAT I & II:
October 3, 2020 (Registration deadline is September 4)
November 7, 2020 (Registration deadline is October 7)
December 5, 2020 (Registration deadline is November 5)
March 13, 2021 (SAT 1 only) (Registration deadlines is February 12)
May 8, 2021 (Registration deadline is April 3)
June 5, 2021 (Registration deadline May 6)
ACT:
October 10, 2020 (Registration deadline is September 17)
December 12, 2020 (Registration deadline is November 6)
February 6, 2021 (Registration deadline is January 8)
April 17, 2021 (Registration deadline is March 12)
June 12, 20201 (Registration deadline is May 7)
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.
IMPORTANT LINKS TO CALENDARS AND SCHEDULES
The APCSD District Calendar for 20-21:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jt88sLKd7FM8YcCvSvaO_c_jzl9rvLaf/view?usp=sharing
This is a fixed schedule, and will not change based on snow days.
Marking Periods/Grade Reporting at the HS for the 20-21 School Year:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F42UlhjAEOfnCx2qgrwEZ1r9ceMhiLkT2bEAhpIAQHQ/edit?usp=sharing
Our Daily Bell Schedule for 20-21:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1choS5fPUhRfBX03ChMuUtGkLvjlZ2kvpIQ4ZEBXbZV4/edit?usp=sharing
*Please note, students are expected to arrive to school by 7:30 am.
Upcoming Events/Important Dates
Oct 12th - Columbus Day - NO SCHOOL
Oct 17th - PSAT
Oct 22nd - NHS Virtual Induction Ceremony 6:30 pm
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