May 14, 2020
Dear APHS Students, Parents and Guardians,
As an Averill Park family and community, we celebrate joyful moments together and we stand by one another and support one another through the challenging and difficult times too. Our deepest sympathies go out to the Hitchcock family as they mourn the loss of Sara. For those that knew Sara, as you reminice the fond memories and joy that she brought to our school community and as you lean on your own support systems outside of school to process this loss and work through how this loss impacts you personally, please know that our counseling team is available to provide support as well, please see below for times and links. Individually and collectively we are and will remain Warrior Strong.
Sincerely yours,,
Mr. Quiles, Mrs. Mein and Mrs. Leach
The APHS Counseling Team is Here for You
As you may have seen in the district’s recent message, we are all deeply saddened by the loss of 9th grade student, Sara Hitchcock.
The high school will be making counselors available for any students seeking live support as follows:
Thursday from 10am-11am, 12pm-1pm, 3pm-4pm, and 4pm-5pm
Friday from 10am-11am and 1pm-2pm.
Links to all of these live Google sessions can be found here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1buys9SrNt0qYKYtzi6xfkCWVofwRdV6PTy3MZPpvDpI/edit?usp=drive_web
Additionally, students and parents may email their counselors directly at any time for assistance:
Anne LaSalle: lasallea@apcsd.org lasallea@apcsd.org
Crystle Murray: murrayc@apcsd.org murrayc@apcsd.org
Tracy Hacker: hackert@apcsd.org hackert@apcsd.org
Kim Favro: favrok@apcsd.org favrok@apcsd.org
Tara Arsenault: arsenault@apcsd.org arsenautt@apcsd.org
David Gildersleeve: gildersleeved@apcsd.org Gildersleeved@apcsd.org
Joseph Plantz: plantzj@apcsd.org plantzj@apcsd.org
Kelly Stone: stonek@apcsd.org stonek@apcsd.org
Please join us in keeping Sara’s family in your thoughts during this difficult time, and know that the high school faculty and staff is here to support you in anything you need.
Congratulations Lydia Ware!
Lydia Ware participated in a virtual Letter of Intent signing ceremony on Wednesday, May 13th. Lydia has committed to run at Roberts Wesleyan College (Division II). Not only is Lydia a talented athlete, she is also at the top of her class academically. Congratulations Lydia!
News from Ms. Favro, SADD and NOpiates
This week is Substance Use Prevention Week. Here are some links to a variety of resources.
What are Opioids, Suicide Prevention, Be the one to ask, Talk to your kids, Conversation starters, Red Flags, Quick Facts, Marijuana, Parent Tips, Opioid Facts, Drug Disposal Information, Prescribing Meds
Recently, SADD sponsored the 5K challenge. Thnk you to those who participated. In honor of Sean’s run, Averill Park, Lansingburgh, and East Greenbush students, parents, faculty and staff got outside to complete their own challenge. Click here to view a slide show from the event. Thank you to APHS SADD (Advisors: Ms. Favro, Ms. Stone), AMS Youth Empowement (Advisor: Ms. Keenan) and NOpiates for sponsoring this community event!
Attention Students-Yearbooks are still available
We have a limited number of yearbooks still available. Many spring events have been canceled but the yearbook is still being printed and will include a ton of great memories to capture and preserve this unique year. Since the school schedule continues to change we ask that you please order your yearbook online at www.jostensyearbooks.com If you would like a yearbook, please don’t delay.
Here is the link for your school’s yearbook: http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A05290700
News for Students, Parents & Guardians
- Click the link below to connect to the Remote Learning Parent University https://sites.google.com/apcsd.org/onlinelearning/family-resources/parent-resources?authuser=0
- If you or your family feels they need additional support during this time, please use this link for a list of local Mental Health and Addiction Resource. Mental Health and Addiction Resources and New York State Parent Portal
Students Stay Connected
- Students, please check your APCSD email daily. Your teachers, counselors and administrators are using this as the primary means for communicating with you! Teachers have all established daily “office hours” that they are available to you. These hours are located within their folders on the Online Resources page: https://sites.google.com/apcsd.org/onlinelearning/home. Take advantage of this time with your teachers to stay connected.
- Speaking of staying connected, students, to stay connected with us, the APHS Leadership Team, by joining our Google Classroom “Averill Park High School Administration Connections”. All you need to join is the following code: whh5oj2 Many of you have already joined, our goal is to have ALL of you join to stay connected with us. We have received some questions from parents about being able to join as well. Please note due to privacy regulations, this Google Classroom is only open to students. Parents, we encourage you to review the Google Classroom with your student(s) to see what Mr. Quiles, Mrs. Mein and Mrs. Leach have posted.
- One way to not feel overwhelmed and to keep on a routine is to follow your regular schedule. To help you with this, here’s the A/B day line up for this week: Monday, 5/11=B-day; Tuesday, 5/12=A-day; Wednesday 5/13=B-day; Thursday, 5/14=A-day (4th Qtr. Interims Due); Friday, 5/15=B-day. Here is a weekly planning form you can use to help keep you organized and on top of assignments.
Parents & guardians, please help support your child(ren) with their virtual learning by monitoring their online learning & assignments. All teachers have set ‘office hours’ that they are available for students. The Student Support Team (SST) is working collaboratively to monitor student connectivity and continue to be in touch with folks that the SST team determines to be needed.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if there is anything you need. This can be done via email, or by calling the high school at 674-7002. This line will be monitored daily, and you will receive a call back within one business day.
Stay safe and be well!
Mr. Quiles, Mrs. Mein & Mrs. Leach
Our emails are as follows:
Mr. Quiles (High School Principal)- quilesh@apcsd.org
Mrs. Mein (Assistant Principal, Grades 9 and 11)- meinc@apcsd.org
Mrs. Leach (Assistant Principal Grades 10 and 12)- leachr@apcsd.org