THANK YOU MR. GELA AND WELCOME MR. RHODE!
This week marks the end of Mr. Gela’s tenure at Algonquin after seven years of service as a social studies teacher and assistant principal. We thank him for his work with our students and staff and wish him all the best in his new responsibilities at Poestenkill Elementary. We will certainly miss him at AMS.
Next week we welcome a familiar face, Mr. Brian Rhode, as our new assistant principal. I have known Mr. Rhode for many years and can confidently say we are fortunate to have him join the staff at Algonquin. Students may remember Mr. Rhode from his work at Poestenkill or from earlier in this school year when he occasionally filled in for Mr. Gela.
Please join me in wishing good luck to Mr. Gela and welcome to Mr. Rhode!
GRADE 8 RECOGNITION DAY PLANS
Plans are in the works to honor Grade 8 Moving Up in a special way. This program, which will be scheduled soon, will feature two components.
First, AMS staff members are working to develop a video presentation of a virtual assembly to put a spotlight on each of our grade 8 students.
Second, we are working on plans for a “reverse parade” where families can drive through the campus loop and staff will be stationed at locations to greet them and wish them well as they move on to the high school.
More information about these events, including their scheduled dates and times soon.
We are excited to be able to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our grade 8 students in this unique and memorable manner.
GRADE 8 ELECTIVES:
On Monday grade 7 students received an email from Mr. Messia asking them to indicate their preference for Grade 8 elective options for 2020-21. Students are asked to complete this form by Monday, May 18.
Each grade 8 elective class was featured on last week’s YouTube morning announcements so that students have a good understanding of the content and focus of each class.
While students may not get their first choice elective, we work hard to place as many students as possible in their first preference course.
Here is a brief course description of each class:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jhWTieciKfUBWn3eo5JoY63xAtbPjLMW8j_GZAZTHos/edit?usp=sharing
FROM THE LIBRARY:
Harry Potter Virtual Escape Room:
Your child’s school work is done, now what? They can check out this fun Harry Potter Virtual Escape Room that can be played with family or a group of friends.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflNxNM0jzbZJjUqOcXkwhGTfii4CM_CA3kCxImbY8c3AABEA/viewform
(This escape experience was created by Sydney Krawiec, Youth Services Librarian at Peters Township Public Library in McMurray, PA.)
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
Don’t forget about this fun resource for Harry Potter fans!
https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/harry-potter-at-home
TEACHER ACCESS HOURS
AMS teachers hold Access Hours, generally by Google Meet, each day. Students are encouraged to check in with their teachers should they have questions about learning activities or need additional support.
Please encourage your child to reach out to their teachers, as needed, based on the schedule provided below, which is updated weekly.
Click Here to View Access Hours: https://bit.ly/3bTkt2S
NEED TECH SUPPORT FOR YOUR CHROMEBOOK?
The Averill Park CSD Technology Office is here to help with Chromebook and instructional software challenges students may face in the days ahead. Please click on this link for FAQ:
https://sites.google.com/apcsd.org/onlinelearning/tech-support?authuser=0
If you need to submit a request for technical support, that can be done by using the following link:
https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/contact-us/39-track-it
GOOGLE TEAM CALENDARS
Parents and guardians are reminded that our Team Google Homework Calendars are the central hub of learning activity information for your child.
Each team’s calendar is available, as always, linked off of the AMS website. Simple click on the gray drop down menu at the top of the page that says “Homework Calendar.” Click here to visit the AMS website: https://www.averillpark.k12.ny.us/ams
As a reminder, students and parents can subscribe to the Google Homework Calendar. To do so, simply click on the “+Google Calendar” button at the bottom of the team calendar.
FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH FOR AVERILL PARK STUDENTS
Free grab and go breakfast and lunch is available for students free of charge during the school closure
PICK UP HAS NOW MOVED TO THE AVERILL PARK HIGH SCHOOL
9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Drive-thru pick-up stations. Remain in your car and meals will be brought to you.
Monday: Lunch for Mon, Breakfast and Lunch for Tues, Breakfast for Wed
Wednesday: Lunch for Wed, Breakfast and Lunch for Thurs, Breakfast for Fri
Friday: Lunch for Fri, Breakfast for Mon
Dietary restrictions, please contact Colleen Wise at wisec@apcsd.org wisec@apcsd.org.
AMS MAIN OFFICE PHYSICALLY CLOSED, VOICEMAIL BEING CHECKED
The AMS Main Office is physically closed, however we are checking the main office voicemail. If you need assistance please leave a message with a good contact phone number and someone will return your call.
Please note that when school staff call parents during the closure, the number will appear as “Private Caller” or “Restricted.” Thank you.
SCHOOL COUNSELORS HERE TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD
During this time of school closure, the AMS Counseling Center remains open, virtually, for students and families. If you need support or assistance for your child at any time during this closure, please reach out to you child’s counselor listed below:
Grade 6:
Team 1 – Tim Herbs – herbst@apcsd.org herbst@apcsd.org
Team 2 – Mary Anne Valentine – valentinem@apcsd.org valentinem@apcsd.org
Grade 7: Teams 3 & 4 – Tim Herbs – herbst@apcsd.org herbst@apcsd.org
Grade 8: Teams 5 & 6 – Mary Anne Valentine – valentinem@apcsd.org valentinem@apcsd.org
Social Social Worker: Linda Bille – billel@apcsd.org billel@apcsd.org
School Psychologist: Amber Williams – williamsa@apcsd.org williamsa@apcsd.org
Student Assistance Counselor: Samantha Keenan – keenans@apcsd.org keenans@apcsd.org