Copy
Albany Leadership Charter High School for Girls                 Summer 2020

August 5, 2020

Dear ALH Students and Families, 

Over the past two months, the ALH Leadership Team has been hard at work developing draft plans and considerations for a safe return to school-based upon multiple scenarios, as we awaited guidance from the Governor, NYS Education Department (NYSED) and the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH). 

The guidance from NYSDOH was issued on July 13th, with NYSED’s guidance following on July 16th. Since the release of the guidance, ALH Leadership has been diligently poring over the volumes and working through the guidelines in order to develop the best plan for the 2020-2021 school year with the health and safety of our community at the forefront, and student success and achievement paramount. Although much of this guidance was anticipated and largely aligned with our work that was already underway, it was important for us to also gather stakeholder input and feedback on these plans. Thus, we held virtual forums for families, students, and community members on July 28th and 29th, and a staff forum on July 30th. In addition, we posted a survey prior to the forums in order to allow questions and concerns to be submitted in advance, and for those to be addressed during each forum. This has allowed us to share with students, parents/guardians, staff, and community members everything that we are doing to ensure the safest and most high-quality learning experience as we continue planning for reopening in September.
I want to thank all those who have responded to the survey and/or taken their time to attend our forums and provide feedback on the multitude of factors that must be taken into consideration in developing and implementing our plans. With the work that has been done, along with your input, we feel confident in our ability to provide the highest degree of safety and levels of engagement possible for a school. That being said, our plan development and monitoring will be ongoing and we are poised to respond to any changes or guidance, knowing that our policies, procedures, and academic schedule were all developed with flexibility in mind. In addition, our plan is grounded in the following Board of Regents guiding principles:
  • The health, safety, and well-being of the children and adults in our schools is paramount.
  • We will always keep the issue of educational equity at the forefront of our thinking and decision-making.
  • We recognize that one size does not fit all.
  • While it is important to respond to guidelines and provide policies, it is also important to develop creative solutions to unique challenges.
  • We will encourage all stakeholders to continue to participate in discussions and provide input on the development of workable solutions, and we will succeed through our collective effort.
  • We will proceed with the understanding that planning for school to reopen is not a one-time event. We will continuously monitor the situation and provide updated guidance, policies, and regulatory changes as the situation requires.
As you may be aware, all schools were required to submit to NYSED and NYSDOH a reopening plan by July 31st, which ALH has done. The current full reopening plan is also posted to our website at www.albanyleadershiphigh.org.

For your immediate information and consideration, below is the learning model that ALH is adopting for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. We ask that you please respond using the provided registration link to indicate your Group preference for your student. The selection that you choose will remain in effect through the first Period of Progress (PoP), except when electing to transition to Group Four (Fully Remote), which will be accommodated through a request submission process.

Daily *Synchronous Learning Model
 

Summary:
 
Three in-person groups, one remote:
 
Group One - General Education population, last name A-K
Group Two - General Education population, last name L-Z
Group Three - Special Populations (ENL, SWD) and students from families requesting daily in-school instruction (pending availability)
Group Four - Students from families requesting daily out-of-school instruction
 
*Groups One and Two will rotate attendance on Wednesdays.
 
Group One and Group Two: In-person learning on two consistent days per week; synchronous remote learning for out-of-school days
Group Three: In-person learning daily, working with assigned co-teachers
Group Four: Synchronous remote learning, or ***asynchronous remote learning for certain approved classes
 
*Synchronous Learning - Synchronous learning refers to learning in which a group of participants is engaged in learning at the same time, whether online or in-person.
***Asynchronous Learning – Asynchronous learning is learning where the instructor, the learner, and other participants are not engaged in the learning process at the same time.
 
This learning model will allow us to utilize our existing facilities and classrooms with 50% or fewer students in attendance, which is aligned with our health and safety guidelines and procedures, as well as social distancing guidelines imposed by NYSED and NYSDOH.  Please be reminded that this plan is still contingent upon Governor Cuomo’s decision on the reopening of schools, which has been announced will occur by the end of this week.

Again, we need your assistance in completing the scheduling of our plan and assignment of students to each Group, so please review the plan and learning model options and complete the registration form which can be accessed using the provided link for each child in your household that will be attending Albany Leadership in 2020-2021. We ask that all registration forms be completed by Friday, August 14th. For families/students who select the hybrid model (Groups One and Two), assignments will be communicated the week of August 17th. Please note, if we do not receive a completed registration form indicating your preference, your student will be placed in the hybrid model (Group One or Two).

We will be following up with additional information in the next couple of weeks regarding your student’s schedule and the opening of school, but please reach out with any questions or concerns you may have, either by contacting the school directly at (518) 694-5300 or by using the “Questions” submission form on our Reopening Plan webpage.

Once again, we know that these past several months have been extremely trying and that the upcoming weeks will continue to be filled with challenges, but I want to thank you again for your ongoing and unwavering patience and support. The resilience of our students, staff, and community is unparalleled and know that you are appreciated. 

Take care and we are looking forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,
Cariña D. Cook
Principal/CEO
 
WHAT WILL YOUR CHOICE BE?

Albany Leadership will officially begin a One to One Chromebook Program for all students for the 2020-2021 academic year. This program will maximize student access to technology and eliminate any hurdles that prevent students from accessing technology at school or at home. Students will be provided with a Chromebook, charger, and carrying case free of charge.  More information about this program will be shared at a later date, but we need to hear from you today!

Fully Remote, Fully In-Person, or Hybrid. What will your choice be? Families, please click the button below to register which learning choice you would like for your student for the first Period of Progress (PoP). This document MUST be filled out NO later than Thursday, August 13th.
Complete Survey Now!
 
  • Summer Office Hours began on June 29th – The main office will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday – Friday for window transactions, and by appointment only, in order to maintain social distancing requirements.  The main office staff also will be available via phone at (518) 694-5300, for any questions or to schedule an appointment time.  
  •  Personal Item Pickup and Chromebook Drop-off – If you still have items to pick up, or a Chromebook that must be returned, please call the main office at (518) 694-5300, to schedule a time.  You may also contact Mr. Arno at marno@albanyleadershiphigh.org.
  • Summer School – Summer school is currently being administered through distance learning and will run from July 6th through August 13th. Students were registered and enrolled through their school counselor, for distance learning classes. For more information regarding summer school, please contact the main office at (518) 694-5300, or Mr. Patterson, Summer School Principal, at jpatterson@albanyleadershiphigh.org.
  •  Summer Food Pantry – ALH is providing ready-to-prepare meals and access to our Food Pantry for the remainder of the summer. For more information, please contact the main office at (518) 694-5300, or Mr. Smith at rsmith@albanyleadershiphigh.org.  
  • Summer Activities and Building Usage – ALL summer activities have been canceled, and the building will not be available for groups until further notice. 
IMPORTANT DATES
  • August 13th: New Family Orientation 5:00 PM
  • August 17th: New Family Orientation 5:00 PM
  • September 1st: AVID Parent Night
  • September 1st: ENL Back to School Night
  • September 8th: First Day of School
  • September 21st: College Planning Night
  • September 22nd: College Fair
  • September 29th: Family Action Committee Meeting

WORK PERMITS FOR CITY OF ALBANY STUDENTS

New York state law requires minors to obtain an employment certificate/work permit before they can begin working. The State Education Department requires that the following information be provided:

For more information and work permit documentation, contact Teresa Anderson at (518)694-5300 or via email at taniceto@albanyleadershiphigh.org.

 

STAY INFORMED!

The City of Albany's COVID resource guide is a valuable resource to review. Also, check out our Assemblymember McDonald's COVID -19 Update today.

Other places to get accurate information about the COVID-19 pandemic:

Be careful of virus-related scams and misinformation.

Click the link here for Albany's COVID-19 testing information.
ENROLLMENT CENTER
Is Your Daughter Re-enrolled for the Upcoming School Year?

As we continue to move forward with re-enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year,  we remind you that we have sent out the lunch, and transportation forms as well as our Blue emergency Contact Card,  and we are still collecting your new Proof of Residency. We thank those parents and guardians who have sent in the needed paperwork and remind those who have not that they are due AUGUST 10th. If you need new forms, please call the main office so we can get those to you. We remind you that your daughter is not considered a fully enrolled student until all the necessary paperwork is on file. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the main office at 518-694-5300.
 
Congratulations Class of 2020

Let's take a look at some of our esteemed graduates as they turned their tassel and participated in our "in person celebration, Heart warming and  bitter sweet, we wish them a heartfelt "see you later", wishing them well in all their future endeavors!! DON'T forget about us!!

 

MEET OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Tamirah Ju is a Brooklyn, New York native. She is an alumni of the University at Albany, where she received her Bachelor’s degree, majoring in Sociology and minoring in Criminal Justice. She continued on to receive a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a Concertation in Management in Criminal Justice.  Tamirah was a student-athlete, receiving a scholarship for competing in Track and Field on a Division 1 level. Tamirah later became an Assistant Track & Field Coach, giving back to her former track team by helping student-athletes excel in the classroom and on the field. She served as a mentor as she helped address challenges that faced athletes in the classroom, at home and socially.
 
Tamirah is currently an Investigator with the New York State Police, where she began her career 16 years ago. She has worked in various roles over the years, which include, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Computer Crimes Specialist, Crime Analysis Investigator, and Crime Scene Technician.
 
For the past five years, Tamirah has served on the Board of Directors for the Capital District HOPE worldwide chapter. This local benevolent organization is part of an international charity whose mission is to change lives through dedicated volunteers delivering community-based services to the poor and needy.Tamirah is personally committed to helping others and enjoys being physically active.  She was a certified trainer and aspires to help others achieve their fitness and wellness goals. 
 
Underneath Tamirah’s professional hat, she is a wife to a talented and loving man, a baseball and gymnastics mom of two amazing children. She enjoys many hobbies such as quality time with friends, decorating and furnishing her home, family vacations, early morning workouts, and spends time reading the bible to jump start her day. She is a woman of faith and mentors’ young women to realize their full potential while building upon their self-image and worth. One of her favorite quotes is “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Adopt-a-Senior Program
 
They survived one of the most difficult and trying years on record. The graduating class of 2020 showed grit, and resolve in the face of so many never before experienced challenges. They came out on the other side, wiser, stronger, and.....GRADUATED!!!!

Our community had the opportunity to connect with and honor these resilient scholars by way of our 2020 Adopt-a-Senior program. The program paired a sponsor with one of our graduates and they got to pay tribute to them in some creative ways. Here, we see Ms. Church spending quality time and her senior Shaikiah Boozer, both having a great time as they swing away at min-golf!  Much fun was had!

Mini-Golf and yummy lunch on a nice summer day It doesn't get any better than that!
If you are interested in participating in future Adopt-a-Senior program activities, contact Natalie Orcutt at norcutt@albanyleadershiphigh.org.
Be Counted!
 
The CENSUS and Why It's Important

Every 10 years, the federal government conducts a population count of everyone in the United States. Data from the census provide the basis for distributing more than billions in federal funds annually to communities across the country to support vital programs—impacting housing, education, transportation, employment, health care, and public policy. These are areas that impact all on our lives on a day to day basis.  Census numbers are used to redraw the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts and accurately determine the number of congressional seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. It is incredibly important that you fill out the US 2020 census online or through the mail.
Start the decade with a donation to Albany Leadership!
 
What is our Goal?
We have reached $2,000 of our goal is to raise $3,000 to support college visits and to expand our food and uniform pantry for our students in need.
 
How can you help?
 We are asking our families and community partners to share our story and spread the word about the amazing things happening at Albany Leadership. In addition, anyone can donate through the “donate” button on our website with a credit card or fill out a donation form if they would like to donate via cash or check.

For questions, please contact Mrs. Orcutt at (518)694-5300 ex. 225.
DONATE NOW
Albany Leadership Alumni
Take a minute to complete this survey and you will receive a free gift. Share this survey with fellow classmates. For questions please contact
Ms. Serrano.
 
Contact Ms. Serrano
The Value of Leadership

As the start of the academic year approaches, Albany Leadership teachers, administrators, and support staff are working diligently to prepare for a safe and academically challenging school year. Whether we welcome students in person or through a virtual lens, the importance of the Albany Leadership mission and values will remain a central theme to our work. Read more about this topic, in our blog.
 
ENROLL TODAY!
Do you know someone interested in attending Albany Leadership for the 2020- 2021 academic year? Contact Mrs. Orcutt for more information at (518)694-5300 ex. 225


Please visit our website for more information: www.albanyleadershiphigh.org
Click the button below to enroll now!


 
Twitter
Facebook
Link
Our Website
Copyright ©2020, Albany Leadership Charter High School for Girls All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
19 Hackett Blvd. Albany, NY 12208

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list
 






This email was sent to <<Your Email Address>>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
Albany Leadership CHS for Girls · 19 Hackett Blvd · Albany, NY 12208-3407 · USA

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp