Student/Parent Handbook 2020-2021

STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK 2020-2021

CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT

The information contained in this publication is privileged and confidential information intended for The Albany Academies school community. If you are neither the intended recipient nor the employee or agent responsible for delivering this information to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or taking of any action in reliance of this information is strictly prohibited.

If you have received this publication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone to arrange for the return of this document to us.

COVID-19 STATEMENT

The information contained in this publication represents processes and procedures for normal operation of the School. In some cases these processes and procedures are superseded by special policies and procedures developed as part of a reopening plan developed to mitigate the spread of the SARs-COV2 virus. This reopening plan is appended to this handbook and these special policies are noted in this handbook.

INTRODUCTION 8

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE ALBANY ACADEMIES 8

CORE VALUES 8

CODE OF HONOR 8

COVID HONOR CODE 9

SUMMARY OF MEASURES TAKEN FOR THE PREVENTION OF SARs-COV2 TRANSMISSION 9

THE ALBANY ACADEMIES’ BOARD OF TRUSTEES STATEMENT REGARDING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION 10

ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 11 Philosophy of Education 11 Freedom of Expression Statement 12 Graduation Requirements 12 Integrity 13 Assessments 13 Homework 14 Accomodations 15 Grading 15 Academic Policies for Upper School 17 Standardized Testing 18 College Preparation 19 Library 20 Study Hall Conduct 20 Acceptable Use of Technology Policy 22 Terms and Conditions for Teacher-Generated Digital Content (New for 2020-21) 25

ATHLETICS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION 26

GENERAL SCHOOL POLICIES 30 Bus Conduct 30 Classroom Conduct 31 Cell Phone Policy 31 Headphone Policy 32 Visitor and Guest Policy 32

1 Food and Beverage 33 Dress Code 35 Albany Academy for Girls Uniform Requirements 35 The Albany Academy Uniform Requirements 38

ATTENDANCE POLICIES 40 Excused Absences 41 Unexcused Absences 41 Tardy 41 College Visits 42 Community Service & Special Days 42 Make-up Work 42 Attendance & Course Credit 42

ARRIVAL POLICIES 42 Arrival Policies during COVID-19 43 District Buses 43 Private Buses 43 Private Car Student Drop-Off Procedures (Mornings) 44 Arrival Procedures After COVID-19 45

GENERAL DISMISSAL POLICIES 45 Emergency Dismissal Procedures 45 Illness at School 45 Inclement Weather Dismissal Procedures 46 Snow Days 46 Lower School Dismissal 46 Middle School Dismissal 46 Upper School Dismissal 47

ADDITIONAL UPPER SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS 48 Senior Privileges 48 Driving 48 Social Event Rules 48 Senior Lounge/Junior Lounge 48

DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES 48 Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy 49 Bullying Prevention 49 Sexual Harassment Prevention 50 2 Prohibition of Retaliatory Behavior 52 Reputational Harm 52 Lower School 52 Middle School 53 Upper School 54 Upper School Discipline Consequences 56

RECREATIONAL AND ATHLETIC FACILITIES 57 After School 58

HEALTH OFFICE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 58 HIV/AIDS Policy 58 COVID-19 Policies and Practices 58 Health Offices 63 Safe Food Practice and Allergy Awareness 64 Substance Abuse Policy 65

LEADERSHIP 66 The Albany Academy 66 Albany Academy for Girls 67

GENERAL INFORMATION 68 Telephone and Voice Mail System 68 Parent Conferences 68 Parents’ Night 69 Special Meetings 69 Emergency Messages 69 Albany Academies Parents Association (AAPA) 69 Business Office 69 Miscellaneous Information 70 Bicycles 70 Lockers 70 Lost and Found 70 Accidents and Injuries 70 Early Dismissal Procedures 70 Field Trips 70 Student Assistance 71 Crisis Intervention Team 71 Medical Leave 71 3 OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT 72

PRINCIPLES OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR PARENTS, 73

FACULTY & STAFF AT THE ALBANY ACADEMIES: 73

A PARENT/SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP 73

2020 Reopening Plan 76 INTRODUCTION 77 PLAN GOALS 78 PLAN SUMMARY 78 APPLICABLE STANDARDS and PRINCIPLES 80 HEALTH GUIDANCE 83 At Home Practices for Families: 83 Contact Tracing and Reporting Protocols 83 COVID-19 Contact Person(s) 84 COVID-19 Testing 84 Daily Symptom Screening Survey 84 Daily Symptom Screening Survey Check 85 Health History and Contact Information 85 Identifying COVID-19 Symptoms at home 86 Physicals 86 Preemptive Testing for COVID-19 or Antibodies 86 Protocol for Positive Case of COVID-19: 87 Protocol for Suspected Case of COVID-19 88 Serving Medically Vulnerable Students and Families 89 Summer Practices for Families: 90 Symptom Monitoring During the Day 90 Vaccines 91 Wearing a Face Covering 91 HEALTH FAQs 92 IN-PERSON LEARNING and COMMUNITY MITIGATION PRACTICES 98 Academic Schedule 98 Arrival 99 Attendance 99 Automatic Fire Doors 100 Building Entrances & Security 100 Cleaning and Sanitizing 100 4 Cohorts 100 Albany Academy for Girls Lower & Middle School Cohorts 101 Albany Academy (Boys) Lower & Middle School Cohorts 101 The Albany Academies Upper School 102 Drinking Fountains 102 Fire and Safety Codes 102 Early Bird and Extended Day 102 Face Coverings 103 Faculty Lounges 104 Handwashing 104 Honor Code & Disciplinary Consequences 105 Ongoing Education 105 Outdoor Spaces 105 Physical Distancing 105 Physical Distancing in Classrooms 106 Physical Distancing in Large Gathering Spaces 106 Physical Distancing in Transitions (Campus Pedestrian Traffic) 106 Restroom Use 106 Safety Drills 107 Signage and Visual Cues 107 Student Lounges 107 Ventilation, Filters, and Air Handling 107 COMMUNITY MITIGATION and IN-PERSON LEARNING FAQ’S 108 REMOTE LEARNING PLAN 120 REMOTE LEARNING PLAN FAQ 123 COUNSELING & MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS 126 Contact Information for School Counselors 126 Proactive Approaches 126 Responsive Resources 127 STUDENT COUNSELING & MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FAQS 127 COUNSELING & MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYEES 128 OPENING CALENDAR 128 OPENING FAQ’S 129 TRANSPORTATION 130 District Buses 130 Private Buses 131 Private Car Student Drop-Off Procedures (Mornings) 132 5 Lower School Dismissal 133 Middle School Dismissal 133 Upper School Dismissal 133 Questions and Comments about Transportation? 134 FOOD SERVICE 134 Lunch 134 Allergies 135 COMMUNITY MITIGATION PRACTICES DURING LUNCH 135 Snacks 135 Breakfast 135 Bake Sales 136 Snack Shack 136 Concession Stand 136 Vending Machines 136 Coffee Service 136 FOOD SERVICE FAQS 136 PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS 139 PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS FAQ’s 139 VISITOR AND GUEST POLICY 139 Prior to arrival 140 Prior to entering a building 140 Entering a Building 140 After Your Visit 140 VISITOR AND GUEST POLICY FAQs 141 CONTINGENCY PLANS 141 Quarantining Individuals 141 Ceasing Physical Operations 142 Protocol for Ceasing Physical Operations 142 Distance Learning Plan 142 CONTINGENCY PLANS FAQ 143 Appendix 1) Emergency Response Team Members 144 Appendix 2) COVID-19 Honor Code 145 Appendix 3) Student Expectations for Face Coverings 146 Appendix 4) Consequences for Not Having a Face Covering in Upper School 147 Appendix 5) Consequences for Not Having a Face Covering in Middle School 148 Appendix 6) Facilities Cleaning Schedule 149 6 Appendix 7) Cleaning Chemicals 157

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this handbook is to provide an overview of the policies and guidelines that govern academics and student life at The Albany Academies. In this book, students and parents will be able to find information detailing responsibilities and expectations for students and descriptions of the discipline system, the leadership program, and other ancillary programs that impact Albany Academies’ students. This handbook represents our most current policies and procedures and supersedes all policies put forth in previous versions.

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE ALBANY ACADEMIES

The Albany Academies coordinate single-sex and coeducational learning environments to develop diligent students of high character who become curious, critical thinkers.

CORE VALUES

CODE OF HONOR As members of the Academies’ community, we acknowledge that our individual actions and attitudes affect the well-being of others as well as the school as a whole. We believe that our community must be built on the trust and mutual respect which will encourage each member to reach his or her unique potential.

To this end, we will strive to foster the ideals of honesty, tolerance, and integrity both in ourselves and in others. We recognize that we must have the courage to support and affirm one another and to conduct ourselves with civility in all aspects of our lives. Through self-discipline, commitment, and mutual support, these goals of personal growth and pride in our school community will be achieved.

COVID HONOR CODE

During this COVID-19 public health emergency, our individual actions and decisions will have a significant impact on the health of those around us. Each member of our community is personally responsible for following The Albany Academies 2020 Reopening Plan. Together we must agree to diligently follow a shared set of behaviors designed to keep us all safe:

● If any one of us fails to do these things, that person risks infecting themselves, their friends, their family, and our community. ● Therefore, as a member of this community I will:

○ Monitor my health daily. ○ Ensure that my family accurately completes my daily symptom screening survey. ○ Bring my own personal face covering to school each day. ○ Wear my face covering as described in the reopening plan and as directed by teachers. ○ Maintain physical distancing as described in the reopening plan and as directed by teachers. ○ Hold the health and safety of my friends, family, and faculty in the highest regard by being diligent about these behaviors. ○ Be positive and open to any reminders about health and safety. ○ Be a good community citizen, with the understanding that my behavior will either move us forward as a community that can engage in in-person learning or negatively impact my friends, family, and our faculty.

By signing below, I ______(student name), am acknowledging that I have read this honor code and understand my responsibilities as a member of this community.

I understand that continued failure to behave responsibly, as described below, will result in disciplinary action.

SUMMARY OF MEASURES TAKEN FOR THE PREVENTION OF SARs-COV2 TRANSMISSION

Students are expected to follow the following guidelines and layered practices designed to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission within our community. A more comprehensive explanation of each measure is available in the appended reopening plan

Cohorts. Students are scheduled into cohorts that will fit within our existing physical footprint, are independent of one another, and can remain as static as possible. Students are expected to remain within these cohorts.

Continuous Cleaning and Sanitizing. Our professional cleaning vendor is following all NYSDOH and CDC protocols for cleaning and disinfecting. Our maintenance staff has been provided electrostatic cleaners and trained to continuously disinfect common spaces during the day. Teachers will be disinfecting shared spaces within their classrooms. High touch surfaces, such as door handles, have been treated with nanotech sleeves that kill viruses on contact. Students are expected to help with this effort by cleaning up after themselves whenever possible.

Daily Symptom Monitoring. We will be proactively monitoring the health of our student body and professional community through a daily symptom survey entered into the Magnus Mobile App. Families and employees will be required to complete the symptom monitoring survey each morning prior to sending their child to school. On-site health observations will also be incorporated in monitoring the health of our community. Students who feel ill need should report this to their teacher or the school nurse.

Face Coverings. All individuals on our campus over the age of two will be required to wear a face covering. Whenever the required physical distance (6 feet for normal activity and 12 feet for high aerosol producing activity) cannot be maintained, face coverings are required.

Health and Hygiene Education. W e will continuously educate our community regarding best practices in personal hygiene behaviors such as frequent hand washing and sanitizing, physical distancing, face covering, and respiratory etiquette. Students are expected to follow these practices and model them for others.

Pedestrian Traffic. Pedestrian traffic on campus and in buildings is being rescheduled and has been rerouted to minimize density and keep student cohorts from interacting with one another. Students are expected to follow all signage and directions from teachers and staff.

Personal Responsibility. W e have developed both an honor code to create the expectation that each member of our community is personally responsible for following the elements of this plan and consequences should these elements not be followed. We do this with the rationale that if we are not collectively diligent, we risk infecting ourselves, our friends, our families, and our community.

Physical Distancing. Classrooms, hallways, and other spaces have been reconfigured to maintain six (6) feet of distance between individuals during normal activities and twelve (12) feet of distance between individuals during potential “aerosolizing activities” such as music classes and physical education. Students are expected to adhere to these physical distancing guidelines.

Remote Learning Option. Students can access a remote learning option that allows students to join in-person classes through the Zoom video platform. This option is available to any students that would like to access it, including individuals who are medically vulnerable or those who are not yet comfortable returning to in-person instruction. The rules in this handbook are applicable regardless of which learning mode a student is in

Ventilation. MER V filters have been fitted to existing HVAC systems. Air exchange fans and air purifiers have been deployed in classrooms.

Zones. Campus spaces have been divided into designated zones for specific cohorts. Students are expected to remain within their designated zones.

THE ALBANY ACADEMIES’ BOARD OF TRUSTEES STATEMENT REGARDING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At The Albany Academies, the active expression of different perspectives and life experiences plays a vital role in the life of the school. In harmony with our Mission Statement and reflective of our Core Values, The Academies is committed to a safe, diverse, inclusive, equitable, and just school climate within a Preschool through Post-Graduate curricular framework dedicated to inclusive excellence.

We actively strive to respect, affirm, and protect the dignity and worth of each member of our learning community and cultivate an environment where all members of the Academies’ community experience a true 10 sense of belonging and are empowered to fully participate in the life of the school. We also recognize that diversity of thought and expression is integral to developing learners who are culturally agile, adept at thinking critically, and effective when collaborating with others.

Maintaining a truly inclusive community is an ongoing process that requires us to be open, reflective, and proactive. We accept this challenge in the knowledge that our varied perspectives strengthen our community and prepare our students to learn, lead, and pursue inclusive excellence at The Albany Academies and beyond.

Following the Principles of Good Practice for Equity and Justice developed by the New York State Association of Independent Schools, the Albany Academies aspires to:

1. Adhere to all local, state, and federal civil rights and anti-discrimination requirements.

2. Clearly establish the foundation for the institution’s commitment to equity and justice by consistently respecting, affirming, and protecting the dignity and worth of all members of the school community.

3. Develop and implement programs that respect and support the social and emotional health of every learner.

4. In harmony with the school’s mission and resources, admit learners and create educational and co-curricular programs that provide equal access for all learners regardless of color, religion, disability, gender identity, national origin, and sexual orientation.

5. Regularly establish, publish, implement, and review policies and communication that promote equity and justice.

6. Support the ongoing education of the Board of Trustees, families, learners, and all school personnel as part of the process of creating and promoting an equitable, just, and safe community.

7. Identify and remedy bias in hiring and provide equitable opportunities for promotion and leadership development to all employees.

8. Seek and embrace diverse points of view in decision making.

9. Expect from all members of the community respect and responsibility for these principles of inclusion, equity, and justice.

ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Philosophy of Education

The overarching goal for students is that they love to learn and are successful at doing so. This requires that teachers have a superior grasp of and passion for their subject(s) and are interested in discovering with each student his or her own optimal learning style. Furthermore, this speaks to a willingness on the part of the teacher to find the appropriate level of materials to challenge each student according to ability and to provide effective instruments and avenues for every student to demonstrate what he or she has learned.

Educational Goals

The guiding educational goals for our students are to: ● Learn to appreciate and value individuals and their cultures, and respond compassionately toward others. ● Learn to be effective communicators who creatively, skillfully, and respectfully convey, receive, and exchange information, ideas and feelings.

● Learn to be critical thinkers who can use information and resources, including technology, and to reason, make decisions, and solve problems. ● Learn to be responsible and ethical leaders who accept challenges, demonstrate initiative, and model their behavior on the Code of Honor and Mission of the School. ● Develop an appreciation for creative expression through participation in the arts. ● Develop skills and commitment to maintain fitness through participation in Athletics and Physical Education.

Freedom of Expression Statement

Driven by its mission to produce students of knowledge and character and guided by its core values, The Albany Academies (the “School”) encourages expression that is both free and civil, and fearless and courteous, as it believes student and teacher expression is an important part of learning and enriches the life of the school community.

The School recognizes the need to promote the free exchange of knowledge and to expose students to a diverse range of ideas and viewpoints. Consequently, the School promotes freedom of expression, the purpose of which lies in communicating ideas, viewpoints, and perspectives, as well as promoting the search for new knowledge and understanding. The goal is not to teach students to conform to a particular opinion or position, but as men and women of knowledge and character, to assess a position fairly, to analyze it critically, and respond to it courteously even when the viewpoint expressed may be contrary to his or her own.

To this end, the School offers a wide latitude to its teachers and students to express themselves freely within appropriate limits. This may include the use of educational resources, such as texts, speakers, and films, as well as experiences that present students with an opportunity to experience perspectives and opinions that may be in opposition to their own.

Directed by our mission, which calls on us to develop capable and confident students with the knowledge, skills, and character that they will need to be successful leaders in the coming century, the School is further guided by its core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and compassion. On one hand, our core values of integrity and responsibility obligate students to “speak the truth and not be silent through fear.” On the other, our values of respect and compassion also obligates students to “disagree without being disagreeable.” Hence, part of the task of educating students involves preparing them to encounter ideas and opinions that may be challenging and even unsettling. The need to confront unwelcome, diverse, and mistaken ideas critically and courteously is an essential trait of a student of knowledge and character.

The School’s core values of respect and responsibility also impose a strong obligation on the student or teacher communicating an idea or position. While character and integrity demand that one’s views be communicated honestly and fearlessly, respect and responsibility demand it be done so courteously. Hence, certain limits on the freedom of expression may be appropriate as dictated by developmental appropriateness and described in the School’s discipline and harassment policies.

The freedom to express oneself is not absolute; for the mere freedom to express oneself divorced from the purpose of that freedom turns supposed freedom into mere license. To that end, libelous statements, unfounded charges and/or accusations, obscenities, false statements or reports, materials or performances which advocate for and/or express prejudice, hatred, discrimination, harassment, bullying or violence on the basis of a protected class, the breaking of law or School policies and/or procedures, or any other actions designed to disrupt the educational process are not permitted and may result in discipline in accordance with the School’s Code of Conduct and/or policies and regulations.

Graduation Requirements

Students are required to earn a minimum of twenty-eight credits in order to graduate from The Albany Academies. Credits earned in Middle School will not be counted toward the required minimum, nor can they be used to fulfill distribution requirements.

Students must take at least seven courses per term, four of which must be from the five major academic areas, or computer. No more than one independent study is allowed in a given year. In order to meet graduation 12 requirements, seniors need to complete a minimum of 28 credits and must earn a minimum of seven credits during their final year. Each student’s program must include the following distribution of credits in Upper School:

English 4 credits History 3 credits (must include 2 credits of World History and 1 credit of United States) Mathematics 3 credits (and through Algebra/Trig) Science 3 credits (must include Chemistry, Biology, and Physics) World Language 3 credits or through level 3 in one language Art 1 credit Health ½ credit Leadership 1 credit per year May Project 1 credit Physical Education 1 credit per year

Under certain circumstances, students may petition the school in writing for a waiver of these requirements. If a waiver is granted, the student’s petition and a written explanation of the waiver will be placed in the student’s permanent file. Waivers to graduation requirements are rare.

Integrity

Academic honesty is integral to The Albany Academies. Students are expected to do their own work and to give proper credit to words or ideas that are not their own. Moreover, it is the student’s responsibility to avoid the appearance of dishonesty.

The student must not:

1) Copy or reword phrases, sentences, or ideas from a source such as a book, an encyclopedia, a magazine, an Internet site, or a person without including proper citations; 2) Copy from another student or from notes in order to answer questions during a test or quiz; or homework assignment; 3) Submit under his/her own name someone else’s homework, or a paper downloaded from the Internet, or a paper from any other source; 4) Receive credit for group work when s/he did not participate in the group; 5) Receive inappropriate help from a parent or friend on homework or other assignment, or use language translators for the translation of sentences and paragraphs, as determined by the teacher; 6) Purchase exams or use instructional materials intended for teachers.

The academic penalties for plagiarism and cheating are severe and include a zero on the assignment. Violations can jeopardize the student’s college placement.

The following texts provide information about plagiarism and the proper format for citations: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5t h ed.), 2001 A Guide to MLA Documentation, Joseph F. Trimmer

Assessments

Formal assessments of student learning and progress include:

Tests

The purpose of tests is to enhance learning and to measure students’ performance against that of their peers and according to rigorous standards and prescribed courses of study within the disciplines. Tests and examinations comprise a clear and quantifiable component of the trimester and year-end grade. As students’ progress, these instruments of assessment become increasingly more demanding in requiring students to apply and to

13 demonstrate and question what they have learned and in emphasizing critical and inferential thinking. Students are given adequate time, notice and appropriate tools to prepare for tests.

Quizzes

Quizzes provide a good opportunity to assess recall and preparedness and to reinforce an important concept or technique. They are more frequent than tests and occasionally unannounced.

Papers/Projects/Labs

Projects enhance the students’ understanding of and interest in the discipline and, where appropriate, encourage a creative outlet. Labs are an integral feature of the sciences at The Albany Academies and should follow all safety procedures. Papers, projects, and lab research papers follow the standards set forth in MLA or APA style sheets. Students are fully apprised of plagiarism and its consequences.

Homework

Purpose

The purpose of homework is to support and enhance in a meaningful way the ongoing and worthy work in the classroom. Homework is an opportunity for the student to prepare for class discussion, to reinforce essential skills, to explore further an area of interest, or to create on his/her own a substantial project/paper, etc. that cannot be done within the time constraints of the class periods.

Outside of Class Work (Homework) Guidelines

Lower School: The focus is on reinforcement of skills and concepts introduced in class. The expectation is age appropriate reading at home, nightly. Middle School: The focus is on reinforcement of skills and concepts introduced in class. Homework includes: reading from a text or literary work, preparations for quizzes and tests, research, writing across the curriculum and genres, and working on projects. The expectation is within a range between one and two hours per night, depending upon the grade level. Upper School: Given that students take 5 to 6 academic classes of varying degrees of difficulty; it is difficult to set a nightly limit with a “one size fits all” policy. When considering homework assignments, all of the following must be taken into consideration: daily work, writing, reading, short and long-term projects and studying for tests. Teachers should clearly state the purpose of the assignment and how the assignment will be evaluated. Recommended assignment length for regular & honors classes: 20-30 minutes per class.

Weight of Homework

Homework accounts for a percentage of the earned grade with an increased emphasis in Middle School. These percentages are determined by department and are inversely proportional to the grade level. Research papers, outside reading, special reports, and preparation for symposia should be considered in the total homework load for Middle and Upper School students. Similarly, required attendance at special events, athletic practices/games, and fine arts rehearsals/performances ought to be factored into the planning of completion of major assignments/assessments.

Observance of Religious Holidays and School Breaks

Out of respect for the diversity of faiths in the School community, absences for observance of religious holidays are excused absences. Homework, class work, and tests are not scheduled on the day of major religious holidays or on the day immediately following. No substantially new material is introduced on these days. Homework is not assigned to be due on the day following a major religious holiday.

It is the policy of the faculty not to assign homework over the major vacation periods (Thanksgiving, Winter Break, and Spring Break).

Make-up Work for Absent Students

A student with an excused or unexcused absence is expected to make up missed work at the direction of the teacher. It is the responsibility of the Middle and Upper School student to let the teacher know ahead of time of the absence when possible as well as to arrange to make up work missed. Students should keep their advisors and homeroom teachers aware of any special circumstances.

Accomodations

Students whose circumstances seem to warrant an option other than those outlined in the preceding descriptions for Upper School requirements must petition the School for a waiver of academic policy. If an exception is granted, the student’s petition and a written explanation of the School’s decision and any accompanying conditions will be placed in the student’s permanent file.

Formal academic accommodations are granted only for students with active 504 plans or IEPs that have been reviewed and approved within the last three years. Recommended accommodations are reviewed as not all accommodations can be implemented.

Grading

Communication

Day-to-day communication about student progress in a specific course occurs between parent and teacher and sometimes involves the advisor. The advisor is responsible for checking in with the family (according to the schedule provided to advisors) and responds to parent questions about broader issues and perhaps more long-range issues including non-academic concerns. Parent nights and formal student-parent-teacher meetings are other times to speak with families. Very good relationships are formed between families and the school when communication is strong. Grades and comments are formal communications between the school and the family occurring nine times a year in middle and upper school and thrice a year in lower school.

Performance Reporting (MS & US)

● Fall Term, Winter Term, Spring Term ○ Grades, Effort Marks ○ Email to parents at time of grade entry if needed (grade C- or below, effort needs improvement) ○ Advisor Comment - Narrative written by advisor – posted approximately one week following the terms ● Interim Reporting ○ Approximately each 3/4 weeks grade and effort entered and posted next business day (with email if necessary)

Term Reporting

● Fall Term, Winter Term, Spring Term ○ Grades, Effort Marks ○ Email to parents at time of grade entry in needed ■ Similar to past practice with term reporting, an email should be sent directly to parents for 1) grade C- or below, 2) significant change in performance, and/or 3) effort marks needing attention. Other individual emails are at the discretion of the teacher. ● For year-end reporting, in addition to what is stated above an email should go to parents for an exam grade of D+, D, D-, or F.

Interim Reporting

● 2 Interim Reports Each Term ○ Approximately each 3/4 weeks grade and effort entered for each student and posted next business day. Any narrative information should be sent directly to parents via email. As always, teachers should be communicating with parents whenever there is need. 15

● For grades of C- or below, and/or effort marks needing attention, an email should be sent directly to the parents. ○ Communication with the parent is immediate and personal.

Advisor Comments

● Advisor Comments ● Narrative written by advisor – posted approximately one week following terms, created from performance data and email narratives sent by each teacher. (Fall and Winter Only)

The following table indicates the conversion from letter grades to the 4-point scale:

Achievement Grades:

Grade Conversions

Letter Grade Numerical Range 4 Point Value 4 Point Range A range 100-90 4.33 – 3.51 A+ 100-98 4.33 4.33 – 4.18 A 97-94 4.00 4.17 – 3.84 A- 93-90 3.67 3.83 – 3.51

B Range 89-80 3.50 – 2.51 B+ 89-87 3.33 3.50 – 3.18 B 86-83 3.00 3.17 - 2.84 B- 82-80 2.67 2.83 - 2.51

C range 79-70 2.50 – 1.51 C+ 79-77 2.33 2.50 - 2.18 C 76-73 2.00 2.17 - 1.84 C- 72-70 1.67 1.83 - 1.50

D Range 69-60 1.50 – 0.51 D+ 69-67 1.33 1.50 - 1.18 D 66-63 1.00 1.17 - 0.84 D- 62-60 0.67 0.83 - 0.51

F Range Below 60 0.50 - 0 F 60-0 0.00 0.50 - 0

Finals Final exams are a comprehensive test of material covered in the course. They test for mastery and synthesis.

Finals are weighted as follows: Grade 8 & Form II Courses...... 10% of yearlong grade Grades 9 & 10; Forms III & IV Courses...... 15% of yearlong grade Grades 11 & 12; Forms V & VI Courses...... 20% of yearlong grade

Final exam grade cannot lower course grade more than five points for the year.

Repeating a Course

Students who fail a course required for graduation must either retake the course the following year.

Students who do not receive academic credit must also repeat the course the following year.

A grade of F for the year will result in no credit being earned.

Receiving Credit for a Course 16

Credit is awarded upon successful (D- or higher) completion of the entire course. Partial credit is not awarded. Credit is not awarded a second time if a class is repeated and the student earned a D- or higher in the original class. The class with the highest grade carries the credit.

Calculation of Final Grade

Trimester and final exam grades are reported in letter grades. Calculation of the final grade is based on the actual grades earned and not the letter grades.

Transfer Credit

Credit is not transferred into The Albany Academies. Coursework completed at any time at any other schools does not appear on The Albany Academies’ transcript; however, summer work completed at The Albany Academies will appear. Graduation requirements are adjusted based on year of entry and previous coursework.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

GPA is calculated using the 4-point scale described in the table above. Only credit-bearing classes taken at The Albany Academies are used in computing the GPA, except for Physical Education and pass/fail classes. A cumulative unweighted GPA is calculated at the end of Junior and Senior years and is reported to colleges. If a class is repeated at The Albany Academies, the higher grade is computed into the GPA and both grades are recorded on the transcript.

Academic Policies for Upper School

Academic Probation

All students are expected to maintain consistently the highest academic standing of which they are capable. If a student earns trimester grades that include either one F or two Ds, the student will be placed on academic probation for the following trimester. In such an event, a student will meet with parents, their advisor, and the Division Director to devise a plan to help the student improve his/her performance. Extra-help sessions with teachers and/or peer tutors may be arranged, and the student’s free periods will be restricted. In addition, a student whose effort is unsatisfactory may be restricted from participating in extracurricular activities. The expectation for a student on academic probation is that he/she will make reasonable progress during the marking period. A second assignment to academic probation places the student’s re-enrollment for the following school year in jeopardy, regardless of whether a re-enrollment contract has already been issued.

Independent Study

If the available curriculum does not meet a student’s academic needs and interests, an independent study class may provide an expanded opportunity for motivated students. Such courses taken for credit must adhere to departmental policies and to the following guidelines:

(1) A student must have a faculty member within an appropriate department to serve as a project sponsor. (2) The student and the sponsor must develop a written plan, including a statement of purpose, which adheres to departmental policies. Independent study proposal forms may be obtained from the office of the Division Director. (3) The plan must be approved by the chair of the department from which the student is seeking credit. (4) An independent study should reflect at least the equivalent of the work in a one-year course (1 credit). (5) Independent study credit cannot be used to fulfill distribution requirements. (If taken during the third trimester of the senior year, the independent study must be taken in addition to the courses/credits required for graduation.) (6) Only one Independent Study, not including Independent Science Research, will be granted at a time.

Course Change Policy

A student, in consultation with his/her advisor, the teacher of the course in question, and the Division Director, may drop a course within the first week of the course. After this period, a student may drop a course ONLY if 17 the Division Director believes that the student is inappropriately placed and/or is unlikely to succeed. A grade of W(withdraw) will be entered on the student’s report card and transcript when a student withdraws from a course after the designated drop period.

Seniors who have already applied to college(s) must notify the college(s) of the withdrawal and a new transcript will be sent from the school.

Course Selection Students prepare, in the spring, a course request online in consultation with parents and advisors. Students will be registered officially in courses only when they have returned a signed contract to the School. First preference will be given to those who return their contracts by the deadline. Schedules will be posted online in the spring. Balancing sections and assigning faculty are factors in scheduling. Course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in the Curriculum Guide.

SARs-COV2 Note: The need to create cohorts has significantly altered this process in 2020-2021. Administrators are working with students to balance health and safety needs with students’ academic requests.

Honors Courses Classes are available at the honors level in English, Math, and Science. Recommendation criteria for entrance vary by department.

Advanced Placement Courses (AP) Advanced Placement courses covering material at the college level are offered in many academic departments. Students are limited to three AP courses per year. Students must take the AP exam for the course to be designated AP on the transcript. The recommendation criteria for entrance vary by department.

Senior May Projects Seniors will participate in this program, which allows them to pursue an internship or community service project during the month of May. Proposals must be submitted and approved by the project committee. Participants will have completed academic requirements at the set start date (except AP exams), thus freeing the students’ schedule of classes, permitting them to pursue this program. During Senior May Projects, students are representing The Albany Academies and are required to adhere to The Academies’ appearance standards.

Community Service Requirement

SARs-COV2 Note: Community service hours will not be required during the pandemic.

Each AAG Upper School student is required to complete a minimum of 10 community service hours each year, totally 40 hours. Hours must be completed by June 1. Hours completed over the summer can count toward the following year’s total. Advisors are responsible for tracking community service hours.

The community service requirement at AA occurs in required participation in weekly contributions and annual House service projects.

Standardized Testing

SARs-COV2 This process will be different in 2020-2021. The College Board has released new guidelines and procedures for standardized tests. The College Office will disseminate these guidelines.

Standardized tests are an important external measure of student achievement and, ultimately, of the School’s standing. Students in grade 3 through 8 participate in NWEA Measure of Academic Progress (MAP). These are administered each trimester. Upper School students take the PSAT/NMSQT (pre-SAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) at school. The College Counselor individually guides students in decisions about SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and ACT exams, which students schedule individually, choosing from a variety of dates and test sites by way of the College Board and ACT website. Upper School students in Advanced Placement courses take national exams in AP subjects during May; the AP designation is removed from the transcript of any student who does not take the AP Exam for the corresponding class. The faculty is responsible for providing

18 the students with the knowledge, skills, and test-taking techniques for optimal achievement. When planning their syllabi, the faculty needs to take into consideration the prerequisites, schedule and timeline for these exams.

College Preparation

College Counseling

SARs-COV2 Note: Some of these meetings will be held remotely 2020-2021 New College Visit Procedure for Fall 2020

The College Counseling Team has changed our format for our traditional on-campus college visits this year. We will be sending information out to our seniors and juniors on what to expect shortly, but please feel free to share this information with them during your advising period on Thursday and again on Monday’s extended advising. (As always, juniors that are already actively engaged in the college search process are welcome to participate in "visits". Please direct them to one of us for additional information and support.)

We have been discussing the best way to conduct visits for our students in this unprecedented time. While our students will be on campus, our new protocols for Social Distancing and Campus Visitors makes in person visits an impossibility at this time. In addition, our new building use plan limits the availability of space for our students to attend virtual visits as a group - or even as individuals - as we are maximizing our space for academic instruction.

As a result of the changes Admission Reps will be meeting with a member (or members) of our counseling team only, via our Zoom account.

We will notify students of our visit schedule the week prior to our scheduled meetings and direct them to the virtual information session/tour on those schools' websites. (Links will also be posted on the visit schedule in Naviance.) Once they have viewed those, students will be encouraged to email us with any questions they may still have. We will address those questions during our meetings and follow up with the students afterward. Interested students will be encouraged to reach out to each rep directly as well.

Our hope is that this new format will not only encourage students to actively engage in the virtually adapted college search process, but will afford our team an opportunity to openly discuss each school's current situation/challenges as well as specifics of each applicant.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Bestle, Mrs. Poole or Ms. McDonald if you have any additional questions.

The Albany Academies have always worked hard to provide its students with personalized college counseling. We help our students to understand their strengths, prioritize their college goals, put together an appropriate set of schools to which they will apply, and present effective applications.

Our Directors of College Counseling meet with the college representatives who visit the Academies and work closely with 11t h and 12t h grade (Form V and VI) students to help them formulate their plans. The directors begin working with 11t h grade (Form V) students in the winter, with an initial meeting for parents and students after the mandatory Junior College Night. Individual appointments are scheduled throughout the spring term and summer months. During the fall, 12 th grade (Form VI) students meet with the directors to finalize application details.

College Visits

SARs-COV2 Note: In-person college visits will most likely not be feasible and replaced with virtual tours during the pandemic. Students are encouraged to work with our college counselors for the most up-to-date information about this process.

Grade 11 and 12 (Form V and VI) students are expected to arrange college admission visits that, if possible, do not conflict with Academies’ appointments. However, each junior and senior is permitted three excused absences from The Albany Academies to visit colleges if (a) he/she seriously intends to apply to them, (b) the college 19 advisor agrees the application is reasonable, (c) the college is of sufficient distance or the trip includes other colleges necessitating school-day visiting. Note: Many college admission offices are open on Saturdays and school holidays during the academic year.

The student must complete a college visit excuse form at least three days before any visit. Forms are available on the college counseling website and must be signed and submitted to the Main Office. Failure to follow this procedure is interpreted as an unexcused school absence and dealt with accordingly.

Students attending on-campus (Academies) college visits must notify their teacher prior to class if they will be missing an academic obligation. Students may not miss a test, quiz or major in class exercise for an on-campus college visit.

For a more comprehensive timeline broken down by grade comprehensive timeline, grade specific Please see college counseling website for.

Library

SARs-COV2 Note: A hygiene protocol is in place for loaned books. For 2020-2021 we are moving as many sources online as possible. All student sessions in the library will be monitored and physically distanced.

The school libraries of The Albany Academies are both available for use by all students. Both participate in the Capital Region BOCES school library system, which allows for inter-library loans within the Capital Region.

Books may be signed out for four weeks. Current periodicals may be taken out overnight ONLY; back issues may be taken out for two weeks. Students are liable for lost books and are charged a replacement and processing fee ranging from $5 to $50.

Library Rules

1) The Library is a classroom and resource center and should be used for academic activities. Students should maintain an atmosphere of quiet study. 2) Any student in good academic standing and, therefore, not assigned to study hall has free access to the Library during an unassigned period if the student needs access to library resources. 3) Any student assigned to study hall may use the Library only with the librarians’ permission and must follow proper sign-out procedures. 4) Books may be signed out for two to four weeks and may be renewed unless it is in great demand. 5) Books not returned by the last day of final examinations of each trimester will be considered lost and a bill will be sent to parents/guardians. Transcripts and report cards will not be forwarded until either the books are returned, or the bill is paid. 6) Use of the library printers is restricted to academic and school related activities.

Study Hall Conduct

SARs-COV2 Note: this policy has been altered for 2020-2021. All students will be assigned to physically-distanced and monitored study halls.

Study halls are intended to be productive times when students can complete classwork, homework, study for exams, or read for academic purposes. All students should approach study halls as they would a quiet library or other resource for completing work. We want students to take full advantage of the time they have on campus to complete work since we know many students have very busy schedules both here and in their personal lives.

During the 2020-2021 school year, study halls are also an essential management technique for cohorting students and ensuring social distancing, and other COVID-19 related health requirements. It is in all of our benefit to ensure our physical and academic health by adhering to the following study hall expectations.

To maintain distancing and NY State health protocols, this year there are no such things as free blocks. All students will be monitored in a class or in a study hall. All 9th-12 graders will be placed in study halls during what used to be called free blocks. It is in all of our benefit to ensure our physical and academic health by adhering to the following study hall expectations:

Students are expected to arrive on time for all study hall obligations and in study hall with all materials and assignments in hand. A student arriving late for study hall will not be admitted without a pass from his/her previous classroom teacher. If an upper school student is disruptive during study hall, he or she will be sent to the Dean of Students where he/or she will remain for the remainder of the period. Any student removed from study hall by the teacher due to inappropriate behavior is subject to receive one day community absence to be served the next day. Community absence renders a student ineligible for all after-school activities, including games, drama productions, etc. on the day of the suspension.

Students in grade 11 or 12 may be placed into study hall by the Dean of Students or Division Director due to academic or behavioral concerns. Upon petition to the Division Director, a student may be released from study hall pending significant improvement in all subject areas; this petition must be approved by the advisor, the Dean of Students and the Division Director.

Study Hall Expectations

SARs-COV2 Note: this policy has been altered for 2020-2021. All students will remain in their assigned physically-distanced monitored study halls.

● Students will arrive at study halls on time with materials in hand. ● This year study halls are separate from teacher extra help. All extra help will be by teacher appointment or session only this year. Teachers will make these times clear.

● Silence is the default in all study halls. Permission to communicate with another student must be obtained from the study hall proctor.

● Students may listen to music in study halls by proctor permission only, provided they use earphones/buds. Students may NOT view video content, games, or other media that is not directly related to a specific assignment or course. Study hall proctors have the final say on any media use during study halls.

● If a student wishes to leave a study hall for any reason he/she may ask their study hall teacher for permission. Since teachers are not hosting extra help sessions during study halls, there should be minimal need to leave study halls.

● Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each block. Absences and tardies will be recorded.

● If a student has an unexcused absence or tardy in any study hall they will meet with the dean of students. Consequences may include a warning (mostly for first time offences), infractions, or more serious consequences including potential FDC proceedings.

● Any student disrupting a study hall may be sent to the dean and will not be allowed to return to that study hall, this will result in more serious consequences including but not limited to detention or suspension.

Study hall is considered an academic appointment and absence or tardiness to a study hall is treated accordingly. All students must be present at the beginning of their study hall for attendance to be taken.

The Albany Academies recognize that study hall times, utilized wisely, are important times to receive extra help from a teacher. Permission to leave a study hall for extra help will be granted under the following circumstances:

1. The student must be in good standing with the study hall teacher. All teachers reserve the right to deny a student the privilege to leave study hall. 2. In order to leave a study hall to attend another teacher’s classroom for extra help the student must receive a pass from their desired extra help teacher. Once attendance is taken in their assigned study hall students may hand their pass to their study hall teacher for a signature and they may leave. 3. If a student does not have a pass from a teacher to attend extra help, they will not be granted permission to leave. 4. All students MUST return to their assigned study hall with 2 minutes remaining in the period. 5. When a student wishes to leave the extra help classroom, they must have the extra help teacher sign their pass marking the time they departed. The student is expected to return to their assigned study hall promptly. 6. If a student has a study hall obligation on AAG’s/AA’s campus, but wishes to remain at AA’s/AAG’s campus for extra help. They must request that the extra help teacher email their assigned study hall teacher and respective Dean of Students. The student is still expected to return to their assigned study hall with 2 minutes remaining in the period. 7. A student who violates study hall expectations will lose the ability to leave their study hall.

If a student wishes to attend the library during a study hall.

1. Once attendance is taken in their assigned study hall a student may be granted permission to attend the library. 2. Upon arrival at the library the student is to mark the time and location they came from. 3. All students MUST return to their assigned study hall with 2 minutes remaining in the period. 4. If an upper school student is disruptive or inattentive while in the library they will be sent to the Dean of Students.

AA & AAG Archives

The Albany Academies Archives collects, preserves, and exhibits historical material related to The Albany Academies and the City of Albany. The archives function as a school museum, historical society, rare book library and meeting room.

Acceptable Use of Technology Policy

Read the terms and conditions carefully and understand their significance. If you have any questions, please discuss them with the head of your school.

The purpose of the school's network and internet access is to support research and education in and among academic institutions by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. The use of your Albany Academies network account must be in support of your education and be consistent with the educational objectives of The Albany Academies. Use of another organization's website or internet resources must also comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of any governmental regulations is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, material protected by trade secret, threatening or obscene material, and pornography.

Privileges

The use of the Albany Academies network and internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges and, possibly, further action. The school administration will judge appropriate use based on administrative agreement and discretion. The school administration may deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts.

Network and Classroom Etiquette

You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but are not limited to) the following: · Avert your eyes when someone is typing their password. 1) Use appropriate language in all electronic communications. Be polite in your communications with others. 2) Use electronic communication tools only for educational purposes. Electronic communication of any kind cannot be used in the classroom without the teacher's expressed permission

Appropriate Use of Resources

You are expected to use the Network and Computer Resources of The Albany Academies for educational purposes only. Acceptable educational use of Albany Academies' resources is established (but not limited) by the following: · 1) You may only use your Albany Academies email account on campus. 2) You may not use instant messaging, chat or another email account while on school premises. 3) Use the Albany Academies network only in such a way that you will not disrupt its use by other users. For example, streaming content for non-academic purposes disrupts others. · 4) Use the Albany Academies' computers only as they have been configured. Do not alter any computer's desktop, operating system, or software. This includes, but is not limited to, changing screensaver, background, or monitor properties. 5) No program or file may be installed without the express permission of a computer teacher or the system administrator. 6) Store only school-related data on the network. Student directories may not contain programs, music files, videos, ZIP files, games, etc. unless they have been specifically approved by a teacher or the system administrator. 7) Access only the files and communications that belong to you. 8) A student must, under all circumstances, log in only with the username the student has been given by The Albany Academies. Follow all legal guidelines related to software. Do not copy software from the network or the Internet· 9) Use the school's network for non-commercial purposes only. 10) Download files only with the express permission of a teacher or the system administrator. 11) Students must properly cite all information that is acquired from electronic resources and used in their assignments.

Digital Citizenship

The National Educational Technology Standards expressly lists Digital Citizenship in recognition that the internet has expanded the school community beyond its buildings and normal operating hours. As a result, you are expected to practice legal and ethical behavior in the wider Albany Academies community created by the internet. As a member of this wider community you are expected to: 1) Refrain from cyber-bullying fellow students. 2) Be respectful and polite in posting comments, pictures, videos and other media about fellow students, teachers and administrators on all Social Networking platforms, blogs, list-serve groups, and websites. 3) Use the Albany Academies email account to communicate politely and respectfully at all times.

Warranties

The Albany Academies make no guarantees of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The Albany Academies will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the internet is at your own risk. The Albany Academies specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained via the internet.

Security 23

Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem on the in-school network or internet, you must notify a teacher or administrator as soon as possible. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Never use another individual's account. Attempts to log on the network as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges and further action. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the in-school network or the internet. Remember that email is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to all email messages. Messages relating to, or in support of, illegal activities will be reported to the authorities.

Vandalism

Vandalism will result in cancellation of computer privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user or of any agency or network that is connected to the network. This includes, but is not limited to, uploading or creation of computer viruses or unauthorized modification of any software. Vandalism also covers any harm done to the physical components of the computer system.

Consequences

Individuals who violate the Acceptable Use Policy outlined in this document may have consequences applied in the manner listed below. The severity of the violation, as judged by the school administration, as well as a history of repeated offences, will determine the consequence(s). · Verbal warning. · Written warning in the form of a letter being sent to parents. · Loss of non-class computer privileges (i.e. during break, lunch hour, before and after school). · Loss of internet privileges. · Loss of computer privileges for a length of time (ranging from one day to permanently). · In-school or out-of-school suspension.

To use computers (lab or laptop) including Internet access and access to The Albany Academies’ network, you must read this entire Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), the student contact incorporates acceptance of the policy.

The purpose of computer use is to advance and promote education at The Albany Academies. It is intended to assist in the collaboration and exchange of information among all that are concerned with education. The use of computers and your personal Academies network account must be in support of education and research; it must be consistent with the educational objectives of The Albany Academies. The use of computers to access the Internet and The Albany Academies’ network is a privilege, not a right.

Network Responsibilities

You are responsible for what you say and do on the network. Because communication with thousands of others is so quick and easy, it is important for you to think before speaking and to show respect for other people and their ideas. Each individual who accesses the Internet, the email server, or The Albany Academies network is responsible for all activity while he/she is online. Any traffic from The Albany Academies network that traverses another network is also subject to that network’s AUP. The legal rights of software producers and network providers, as well as copyright and license agreements, must be honored. It is beneficial for all users to keep the network running efficiently. Each user must take responsibility for avoiding system disruption and minimizing costs (hardware repair, software replacement, printing costs).

The following actions are n ot permitted:

1) Sending or displaying offensive messages or images; 2) using profane, obscene, threatening, or otherwise offensive language; 3) harassing, insulting or verbally attacking others; 4) using another’s ID/password; 5) downloading in school of any material without express permission from the technology 6) coordinator (includes games, movie trailers, screensavers/wallpaper, music, virtual pets, etc.); 7) use of software from home without express permission from the technology coordinator 8) plagiarizing or violating copyright laws: 24

9) all communication and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property. Any sources used in research must be properly cited and credit given to the author; 10) users must respect intellectual property and the privacy of others; illegal use of information in folders or document files: 11) transmission of any material in violation of any US or state law including, but not limited to, copyrighted material, harassing or obscene material, pornographic material or material protected by trade secret; 12) damaging computers, computer systems, software, or computer networks (vandalism/“hacking”); 13) using the network for commercial purposes (includes shopping or advertising); or 14) using the network for political purposes.

Network and Internet Safety

Security on any computer system is a high priority. The Albany Academies network provides filtered Internet and e-mail access on all school computers, including student laptops. In allowing access to the Internet, The Albany Academies network operates in full compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (Public Law 106-554). Pursuant to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (18 USC 2510 et seq.), The Albany Academies network does not provide facilities for sending or receiving private or confidential electronic communications. As such, system administrators have access to all mail and will monitor messages. Faculty and staff at The Albany Academies will not allow students in their presence to input personal identifying information (full name, phone number, address, etc.) on the Internet. Outside of school, families bear responsibility for such guidance relative to Internet safety.

At times, students may create artwork or writing which is suitable for inclusion on The Albany Academies website. This work appears in an educational context and is available to others as an educational resource. No last name, home address, or personal phone number is included with such work.

All users of The Albany Academies network are expected to respect the privacy and protect the safety of other users. Use of another’s account and/or password is not permitted. Personal information about another user must not be shared. To ensure Internet safety, users will only access sites appropriate for school classes or activities; downloading of any information requires approval from faculty or staff. To ensure email safety, users will only use a school-provided email account; all other email accounts or online means of communication (AOL, Hotmail, Yahoo mail, instant messaging, chat rooms, and virtual chat rooms) are prohibited while in school. Outside of school, families bear responsibility for guidance relative to e-mail safety.

Terms and Conditions for Network Use

Any of the following actions may result in suspension of computer privileges at school by disabling the user’s The Albany Academies network account, prohibiting the user from laptop use at school, and/or confiscation of a user’s laptop by authorized school personnel: 1) any violation of network responsibilities as discussed above; 2) any action that compromises the security of any computer connected to The Albany Academies network or Internet; 3) any attempts to log on as a system administrator; 4) any tampering with any item of hardware or software, including unauthorized installation of software, transformation of settings or controls on any computer, and neglectful use of peripherals (digital cameras, printers, scanners); 5) any unauthorized downloading; 6) any access or transmittal of offensive material, including user-created documents/e-mail messages. 7) any circumventing of web filters 8) any accessing other user’s data

Terms and Conditions for Teacher-Generated Digital Content (New for 2020-21)

All teacher-generated digital content is the intellectual property of The Albany Academies and protected by all applicable laws governing such content. Digital content includes all course materials made available to students via the Internet, including video recordings of class sessions and activities. This content is intended for educational purposes only. It is provided solely for the personal use of students enrolled at The Albany Academies who are scheduled in the class for which the content has been created 25 or in which class sessions and activities were recorded. This content may not be shared without the express written permission of the School. Sharing includes distributing or reproducing the original content either whole or in part as well as creating derivative works based upon the origin content. Students who violate these Terms of Use are subject to the range of disciplinary consequences described in this handbook as well as all legal remedies applicable to violating intellectual property laws.

Consequences of Unauthorized Use

1) First Offense: students will receive a warning and an explanation of the offending action. The student's advisor will review the AUP with the student. The student's advisor will notify the parents/guardians. 2) Second Offense: student will lose their Albany Academies Network User’s privileges for one week. The student’s advisor will again notify the parents/guardians. 3) Third Offense: student will lose their Albany Academies Network User’s privileges for one month. A school administrator will notify the parents/guardians. 4) Fourth Offense: the student’s Albany Academies Network User’s privileges will be revoked for the remainder of the school year. A school administrator will notify parents/guardians and a written violations form will be sent home. To re-obtain Network privileges, students and parents/guardians must appeal to The Albany Academies Network Advisory Group. 5) Any work assigned when a student’s User’s privileges are withheld must be completed with pen and paper using traditional texts and resources.

Disclaimer

While The Albany Academies makes every effort to maintain a safe and secure computer network, the School cannot be held accountable for information that is retrieved from the Internet via the network. The Internet, whether used at school within the confines of The Albany Academies network or outside of school, should not be used indiscriminately or without supervision. While students are at school, the staff makes every effort to assure that this powerful teaching/learning tool is used appropriately. At home, it is the responsibility of parents/guardians to monitor Internet use; it is not advisable for young people to engage in long periods of unsupervised time online.

When information is obtained via The Albany Academies network for school assignments, it is at the user’s own risk. The Albany Academies will not be responsible for any damages a user may suffer, including loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by user negligence or user errors or omissions.

ATHLETICS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

SARs-COV2 Note: Some of these policies and processes have been altered in 2020-2021. A new athletic plan has been developed that is aligned with NYSDOH and league safety protocols. This plan will supersede or enhance the following code of conduct, requirements, and offerings.

PHILOSOPHY OF ATHLETICS

Athletics at The Albany Academies are an integral part of the school’s comprehensive education program and supports the mission of the School. The athletics program is designed to promote the physical, mental, and social growth of each student. It provides a unique opportunity to teach positive life skills such as responsibility, sportsmanship, cooperation, concern for others, leadership, respect for authority, productive citizenship, loyalty, and compassion. It is the nature of athletic competition to strive for victory. More importantly, however, is to develop a “will” to win, preparing minds and bodies to reach their maximum potential, to be modest in victory and to be steadfast in defeat.

SPORTSMANSHIP PHILOSOPHY

Visiting team members, students, all spectators and officials are guests and are to be treated with friendly, well-mannered, well-intentioned courtesy and consideration. Visitors, in turn should act as invited guests, using the home school’s facilities with care and respecting the rules and customs of the home school. Spectators, 26 student-athletes, and coaches must recognize that their conduct plays an important role in establishing the reputation of The Academies and that positive actions relate directly to the success of the teams. In the classroom the academic life of a student- athlete is paramount. A student-athlete must plan his/her schedule so that he/she gives sufficient time, energy and attention to all classroom responsibilities and studies. Student-athletes should act as positive leaders and models for fellow students.

BEHAVIOR AT ATHLETIC CONTESTS

In the belief that good sportsmanship is essential for all Academies’ athletes, students, and spectators, the following guidelines for conduct are suggested as a means of continuing and strengthening positive ties between competing schools.

Cheering for our players is appropriate while yelling at opponents or behaving in a way that detracts from the positive spirit of competition is not. Cheering should be in support of either team and should not be directed toward creating unfriendly rivalries among athletes or fans. Any spectator who displays poor sportsmanship will be required to leave the school grounds and may be denied admission to future contests. Student-athletes represent The Albany Academies, Section 2, NYSAIS, and their team during home and away and are expected to abide by all behavioral rules of The Academies. Spectators watch the game from those areas designated by each school as spectators’ areas. Verbal abuse of athletes or officials by team members or spectators shall be considered unsportsmanlike behavior and will not be tolerated.

VARSITY TEAM PHILOSOPHY

A sound attitude and advanced level of skill are prerequisites for a position on the varsity team, as is the realization that a varsity sport may require a six day a week commitment. This commitment may extend into vacation periods for sports seasons. The dedication and commitment needed to conduct a successful varsity program must be taken seriously by all student-athletes. While contest participation over the course of the season is desirable a specified amount of playing time at the varsity level is never guaranteed. All such decisions are made by the coaching staff. Coaches efforts need to be supported by parents. Perseverance, responsibility, teamwork, initiative, hard work and success are worthy goals of a varsity team as are the group and individuals achieving their best athletically.

JUNIOR VARSITY (JV) TEAM PHILOSOPHY

The Junior Varsity level is intended for those who display the potential of continued development into productive varsity level performers. At this level, athletes are expected to have fully committed themselves to the program, team, and continue self-development. Emphasis is placed on physical conditioning, refinement of fundamental skills and elements and strategies of team play. In addition to socio-emotional development, JV programs work toward achieving a balance between continued team and player development and striving for victory. For all team members, meaningful contest preparation will exist over the course of the season; however, a specified amount of playing time is not guaranteed.

MODIFIED TEAM PHILOSOPHY

At this level the most important thing is that the student/athletes have an opportunity to experience athletics. This is a program designed to help emerging athletes learn about their changing physical capabilities, acquire basic sport skills, and to enjoy the FUN and camaraderie of team play. While the expectation is that everyone participates in the game it does not necessarily mean that everyone plays an equal amount of time. Winning is still the objective of the game; however, focus on basic sports fundamentals i.e. sportsmanship, character development, etc. will be stressed. In order for the desired development of the adolescent athlete and team to occur, practice sessions are vital.

THE ALBANY ACADEMIES ATHLETIC CODE OF CONDUCT

1) The primary mission of the Academies is the education of all students. Therefore, each coach or sponsor has an obligation to encourage students to strive for academic and athletic excellence. As recognized representatives of The Academies, students are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior during the athletic season and out of season, in or out of uniform and on or off campus. 27

2) The Athletic Code of Conduct applies to all students in grades 7-12.

3) Student use of tobacco or alcoholic beverages, or possession or use of non-prescribed controlled substances or paraphernalia will not be tolerated, and the violator will be referred to the Athletic Director and Dean of Students and subject to disciplinary action including but not necessarily limited to the following. 4) The first infraction will result in a 1-week suspension from the team and the student will not be recommended for any post season awards (including team awards) or honors. 5) The second infraction will result in an additional week suspension from the team with recommendations for counseling and the student will not be recommended for any post season awards (including team awards) or honors. A reinstatement meeting with the student, Athletic Director, Coach and Division Director will be held before returning to the team. 6) It is unacceptable for student-athletes to stay home on school days to rest for events that day or night or following day and such an absence will be treated as unexcused. 7) Coaches are not expected to police off-campus, non-school activities. However, if a violation of school rules is brought to public attention or is sufficiently severe to bring discredit upon The Albany Academies then these behaviors will be referred to the Dean of Students and will result in disciplinary action at the discretion of the School. 8) Each coach has the prerogative to establish additional rules including but not limited to attendance at practices, curfew, dress and general conduct of participants during practices, contests, trips, etc. Rules set by the coach must be in writing and approved by the Athletic Director. 9) Students suspended from school – either in school or out of school – will not be allowed to participate in sport activities or athletics while they are on suspension. 10) The Dean of Students will be notified of all violations of the Athletic Code of Conduct and the consequences of the infractions.

LOWER SCHOOL

From playing games to ice-skating to learning to swim, P.E. classes introduce young students to a wide variety of individual and team sports that develop motor coordination and emphasize fitness, health and safety, and fun! Lower School Physical Education promotes exercise and fitness through the use of large and small motor games and activities. The sequence of these activities is based yearly on age appropriate development that also includes safety and social skills. ● AA: Boys meet their requirements through daily Physical Education. ● AAG: Girls meet their requirements by attending Physical Education three times a week and Dance Class two times a week.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Physical fitness, skill development and knowledge of sports rules and team strategies are the goals of the Physical Education Curriculum. Each student is encouraged to challenge his or her self, to learn the importance of teamwork, and to embrace the principles of good sportsmanship. ● AA: Boys in grades 5 and 6 meet their requirements through daily Physical Education. ● AAG: Girls in grades 5 and 6 meet their requirements by attending Physical Education three times a week and Dance Class two times a week.

Athletics

The Albany Academies have a mandatory sports participation requirement for students in grades 7 and 8/ forms I and II. Each trimester a student may choose from several sport offerings. Practices will take place during the school day; however, games will be played after school hours. Attendance is mandatory at all games and practices. The Middle School interscholastic program is referred to as Modified Sports.

Selective Classification Policy

Moving a Middle School student up to participate in junior varsity or varsity competition relates to a select number of Middle School students. A student/athlete must possess “exceptional athletic ability,” be socially and physically mature, be a good student, demonstrate satisfactory school citizenship and successfully complete several New York State sport specific physical performance tests. A student athlete must have all the skills 28 necessary to be an “impact player” at that level. Questions concerning this policy should be addressed to the school’s Director of Athletics.

UPPER SCHOOL

SARs-COV2 Note: this policy has been altered for 2020-2021. All students will be required to participate in at least one season of interscholastic sports.

The Albany Academy

The Albany Academy provides a comprehensive physical education program for students in Forms III-VI (Grades 9-12). The Physical Education program provides boys with basic to advanced principles that will enable them to take part in and enjoy a lifetime of sports and activities. This combined with fitness skills developing strength, flexibility, power, coordination and speed promotes a lifelong awareness of health and positive body image.

Physical Education in Forms III-VI is a four-year graduation requirement that seeks to promote the understanding and value of the importance of a healthy and well-conditioned body and mind throughout one’s life. This is done by introducing a variety of lifetime sports and activities that are challenging but fun. Discussions concerning goal setting, fitness, body image, and emotional and physical health are a part of the program.

All Upper School students are required to participate in at least two seasons of interscholastic sports every year. It is highly recommended that all students participate in three seasons of interscholastic sports. Students must participate in physical education five days per week during the one season they are not participating in an interscholastic sport. Students may substitute participation in a play, robotics team, or managing a sport for one season of interscholastic sports participation.

Students may substitute participation in a play or robotics for one season of participation in physical education five days per week. Students taking advantage of one or more of the above substitutions are required to attend physical education two days per week during E Block.

Albany Academy for Girls

All Upper School students are required to participate in at least one season of interscholastic sports. It is highly recommended that all students participate in three seasons of interscholastic sports. Students must participate in Physical Education three days per week during the seasons they are not participating in an interscholastic sport.

Ninth & Tenth Grade - All Ninth and Tenth Graders are required to fulfill a community requirement by participating in the rich athletic tradition at AAG and joining one or more of the AAG athletic teams each year. If Dance Workshop is not fulfilling an art credit for a student then it may be used to fulfill the athletic team participation requirement.

Eleventh & Twelfth Grade - Eleventh and Twelfth Graders, with the permission of the Athletic Director, may fulfill the athletic team requirement by participating on the robotics team or in a theater production. AAG considers robotics teams and/or theater productions to fulfill a significant Community Commitment to The Academies. Students exercising this option must still earn physical education credits all three trimesters.

A student who participates in an “elite” competitive program outside of the school for the year, one that the school does not offer, may petition AAG to be granted a waiver from the athletic participation requirement. In addition, students who have participated on an AAG athletic team and who wish to continue participating in a competitive “off-season” program may also petition AAG to be granted a waiver from the athletic participation requirement. On occasion, an Independent Waiver may be granted to students in Grades 11 and 12 who can demonstrate that the program is of equal calibre to the skills and information learned in a PE Class. An administrative committee made up of the athletic director, physical education and health coordinator, and Division Director reviews the waiver request. Information about the waiver process is available by contacting the Athletic Director or the Physical Education and Health Coordinator.

MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL ATHLETIC OFFERINGS

Girls: Fall Winter Spring Cross Country Alpine Skiing* Dance** Soccer Basketball Lacrosse Swimming/Diving* Dance** Softball Tennis* Ice Hockey* Track & Field Volleyball Squash Swimming/Diving**

Boys: Cross Country Alpine Skiing* Baseball Football Basketball Lacrosse Golf* Ice Hockey Tennis Soccer Swimming/Diving Track & Field Wrestling

*Middle school students may need Selective Classification **Modified only

ELIGIBILITY

A student-athlete must have a current (within 12 months) physical exam on file in the Health Office. Participation WILL NOT BE ALLOWED until the school nurses have notified the Athletic Director of a student’s completed form. A student-athlete may not play in a contest until they have attended New York State’s mandated number of practices for that sport.

A student- athlete may not participate in practice or play in a game if: ● They were absent or excused from school for part of the day due to illness; ● They arrive at school after 10:00 AM.

A student-athlete who has a valid and verified excuse (other than for illness) for missing all or part of the day will be allowed to play. Valid excuses include medical and dental appointments with accompanying doctor’s note, school sponsored field trips, college interviews, and attendance at funerals or religious services. Excused absences may be granted by the Health Office or School Administrator. If the student-athlete is attending school, then he/she must attend practice even if he/she is unable to play that day.

GENERAL SCHOOL POLICIES

Community Expectations

Every member of the community is expected to exhibit integrity, civility and respect for the rights, feelings, and opinions of others. Any student whose behavior jeopardizes the health, welfare or safety of any individual at the School, or the reputation of the School, will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, which may include expulsion.

Revocation of Enrollment The School reserves the unconditional right, determined in its sole judgment, to suspend or dismiss any student whose progress is unsatisfactory or whose deportment is contrary to the best interests of the student, other students, or the School itself or whose tuition and fees are not paid as scheduled. The School further reserves the unconditional right to require the withdrawal of any student from the School when, in the opinion of the Head, such action would be in the best interest of the student, other students, or the School itself.

Bus Conduct

SARs-COV2 Note: Bus companies and districts have provided COVID-related safety plans that are aligned with NYSDOH guidelines. Students are expected to follow these plans. Details can be found in the attached reopening plan. 30

All buses provided by local districts will be run consistent with State-issued public transit guidance.

● Each district is responsible for communicating this guidance with families. ● The School will help coordinate this communication as it becomes available. ● Individuals must wear acceptable face coverings at all times on school buses, including when they enter, exit, and are seated. ● Riders should maintain appropriate physical distancing of six (6) feet between each other unless they are members of the same household. ● When the bus arrives, the student should go to his/her designated entrance:

● AAG: ○ Lower School: Library and Playground Entrances ○ Middle School: Main Entrance ○ Upper School: East Breezeway

● AA: ○ Lower School: South Door Entrance ○ Middle School: Main Entrance ○ Upper School: North Door Entrance

Students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion on the bus. They may not leave their seats while the bus is moving, nor act in a boisterous or unacceptable fashion. Bus drivers will report any misconduct to the Division Directors in writing. This may result in the student being suspended from riding the bus for one week. After three misconduct reports, a student will lose all bus privileges, which is in accordance with regulations of most school districts.

Classroom Conduct

SARs-COV2 Note: These conduct guidelines apply to all students, regardless of whether they are attending in person or remotely.

Students are expected to arrive on time for all school obligations and in class with all materials and assignments in hand. A student arriving late for class will not be admitted without a pass from his/her previous class. If a student is disruptive or inattentive during middle or lower school, he/or she will be sent to the Lower School Director or the Middle School Deans. If an upper school student is disruptive or inattentive during class, he or she will be sent to the Dean of Students, where he/or she will remain for the remainder of the period. Any student removed from class by the teacher due to inappropriate behavior is subject to receive one day of in-school suspension to be served the next day. In-school suspension renders a student ineligible for all after-school activities, including games, drama productions, etc. on the day of the suspension.

Cell Phone Policy

Lower School students are not allowed to bring any cell phone to school. Middle School students can bring cellphones to school, but they are not allowed out during the academic school day. 31

The School recognizes that Upper School students can be using cell phones for legitimate academic purposes (e.g. checking schedules, homework, use of some apps, etc.). The school has established the following Phone Free Zones: ● The Chapel and AA foyer ● The AAG lobby and during AAG Morning Meeting ● When crossing Academy Road

Students are permitted to use their cell phones for non-voice activities of an academic nature at any point in the library and in classrooms when given permission by the classroom teacher or Librarian.

There should be no voice calls made in the AA or AAG main buildings. Calls may be made in the Fieldhouse, Silipigno, or outside or in a classroom when given permission by a classroom teacher.

Appropriate cell phone use is allowed in the Junior and Senior Lounges, in the Pool Lobby, Fieldhouse and Silipigno Center. At no time during the academic day should a student be using social media or picture taking via their cell phone for anything but Academies business this includes but is not limited to: Facebook, Instagram. Twitter, Snapchat, etc. Students who are found using a cell phone improperly in the building may have it confiscated for the day. Faculty members can establish the cell phone policy for their individual classrooms.

Headphone Policy

Headphones are permitted for use to listen to music in study hall at the discretion of the classroom supervisor or the Librarian. Students may use headphones in the pool lobby, Silipigno Center, Fieldhouse and Junior/Senior Lounges in accordance with their free period. Headphones/wireless headphones are not permitted for use in the hallway, main lobby (AA and AAG), Chapel/Auditorium or while crossing the street. Students who violate the use of headphones will be subject to an infraction and or having them confiscated.

Visitor and Guest Policy

This Policy Applies to All Visitors

Drop-in visitors will not be allowed to enter the School. Visitors are expected to schedule a visit by providing an arrival time, purpose for the visit, and number of people expected to:

○ AAG – Katie Conroy ○ AA – Dodie Motley ○ Institutional Advancement – Joanne DelCarpine ○ Business Office - June VanDemark

Prior to arrival, please call or email your arrival time, purpose and number of people.

Each visitor must affirm the following:

● I have not tested positive nor been presumed by a medical professional to be COVID-19 positive in the past 14 days ● I do not currently, nor have I within the last 14 days, had any of the following symptoms; fever (>100.0F), shortness of breath, sore throat, cough, loss of taste or smell, muscle aches, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, congestion, runny nose.

● I have not knowingly been in close contact with anyone that has tested positive or been presumed to have COVID-19 within the past 14 days. ● Within the past 14 days, I have not spent 24 or more hours in a state that is on the New York State Travel Advisory list.

Prior to entering a building visitors must place their mask over their nose and mouth. 32

When Entering a Building:

● Use only the main building entrance. ● Sign-in to the building and provide all contact information (should we need to follow up with you). ● Use the hand sanitizer available inside the entrance. ● To the extent possible maintain 6 feet of distance from others. ● Adhere to public health hygienic recommendations by washing your hands after touching commonly used items or coming into contact with others). ● Practice proper coughing or sneezing etiquette. ● Properly dispose of anything that comes in contact with your mouth such as tissues or plastic eating utensils.

For visitors’ safety we will:

● Space out the number of visitors we receive on campus. ● Clean and disinfect our campus thoroughly per CDC guidelines. ● Retain your contact information should we need to follow up with you at a later date.

After Your Visit

Please contact us by calling 518-429-2429 if you later receive a positive COVID19 test and may have been infected while on campus, so we can mitigate the spread.

All visitors to the building will report to the reception area where they will state their business, sign in and be given a visitor pass, and asked to wait in the reception area. The receptionist will then contact faculty/staff and inform them that they have a visitor in the lobby area. The faculty/staff will then come to the lobby area to escort the visitor to the appropriate area.

It is critical that all faculty/staff be aware of individuals in the hallways without a visitor pass. When encountered, faculty/staff should inquire as to the purpose of that person’s presence in the school.

Food and Beverage

Lunch

The Academies will continue our partnership with FLIK Independent School Food Service. FLIK Staff will be:

● Conducting daily temperature and symptom checks ● Following enhance personal hygiene & cleaning measures ● Handwashing, Glove Changing, Cleaning of all surfaces

Students should follow the following guidelines:

● Clearly identified, “one-way only” entrance ● Clearly identified, “one-way only” exit ● Floor decals, arrows and physical distancing signage ● Reduced seating to meet NYSDOH physical distancing guidelines ● Use the additional hand sanitizing stations installed throughout the room

Food Service:

● All food will be served to students ● There will be no self-service stations available ● Salad and Deli options will be served 33

● Single-serve condiments and beverages will be available

Cleaning and Sanitation:

● More frequent cleaning than usual is scheduled during the day ● All tables and high touch point areas will be sanitized thoroughly between lunch periods

Student Dining:

● Lower School students will have lunch delivered from dining services and eat in classrooms with appropriate physical distancing ● Upper and middle school students will use a combination of dining room seating, outdoor seating, and classroom seating to maintain proper physical distancing

Allergies

● While eating in classrooms or with cohorts, students with food allergies will be seated separately from anyone that may have foods that contain their known allergens. All surfaces will be cleaned of any remaining food and wiped down with disinfectant. ● Education will be provided to the teachers/staff on allergies, signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, and treatment.

Community Mitigation Practices During Lunch

● Students will be required to wash or disinfect their hands before and after lunch. ● The School will maintain and enforce six (6) feet of physical distance between students while eating lunch and/or place physical barriers between students who are eating lunch. ● Students may remove their face covering to eat only after they are seated and appropriately physically distanced. ● Students will not be allowed to share food with each other. ● Monitoring and enforcement of these practices will be done by teachers, advisors, and/or lunch monitors depending upon the age of student. ● Food service (service line) and dining areas (tables and chairs) will be cleaned and sanitized between each group.

Snacks

● Lower and middle school snack will be delivered to the classroom. ● Upper school break will be suspended.

Breakfast

Breakfast items will not be served during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

Bake Sales

Bake sales will not be authorized during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

Snack Shack 34

The Snack Shack will not be in operation during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

Concession Stand

Concession stands will not be in operation during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

Vending Machines

Vending machines on campus will continue to be restocked and are cleaned on a regular schedule.

Dress Code

It is a privilege to attend The Albany Academies and as members of The Albany Academies’ community, students are expected to adhere to standards of The Albany Academies’ Appearance and Dress Code.

Students are required to wear the uniform as specified by the school (The Albany Academy or Albany Academy for Girls) and Division (Lower, Middle or Upper) in which they are enrolled. On “out of uniform” days students are expected to dress appropriately and in a way that is respectful to self and community.

COVID 19 Dress Code:

We will not be requiring ties and blazers (for both boys and girls) as part of the school student uniform or faculty dress code while we are experiencing the global pandemic.

Boys in grades 7 through 12 may wear either the House shirt uniform, blue oxford (grades 7 & 8), or blue or white oxford (Upper School) without the tie.

Faculty dress code will be Business Casual. We will ask that students and faculty wear the full formal uniform for special events such as All-school Picture Day. We will notify our community in advance of such events.

Albany Academy for Girls Uniform Requirements

Students are required to wear the uniform that is specific to the Division in which they are enrolled. On out-of-uniform days, students are expected to dress appropriately; short shorts or skirts, tight and/or revealing shirts, halter tops, bare midriffs, and flip-flops are not allowed. With the exception of ears, visible body piercing, including the tongue, is not permitted. Hair must be the natural color. Middle School girls may not wear makeup except for Chapstick or other sheer lip gloss products. Failure to adhere to the dress code will result in accumulation of infractions and possible detention.

AAG Preschool Program

Required uniform clothing for AAG PreSchool School can be purchased through the Lands’ End website, Flynn & O’Hara website, or through the Uniform Exchange.

To purchase from Lands’ End: Visit www.landsend.com/school and then click on “Find your school’s dress code” to look up Albany Academy for Girls and enter the online store. Enter Albany, New York for city and state, Albany Academy for Girls for school name, and 900061599 for the preferred school number.

To purchase through Flynn & O’Hara: visit www .flynnohara.com/register

Full Uniform • JUMPER – A plaid jumper must be worn on special and formal occasions. It must be purchased from Flynn & O’Hara or through the Uniform Exchange. 35

• SHIRT – A white polo or turtleneck is required and can be purchased through Lands’ End website or Flynn & O’Hara website. • SLACKS/SKORTS/SHORTS – Slacks, skorts and shorts must be full elastic waist and navy-blue cotton twill or corduroy. They may be purchased from Lands’ End, a vendor of your choice or through the Uniform Exchange. • TIGHTS – Navy blue • SOCKS – Navy blue knee socks or white ankle socks. • SNEAKERS – White (preferred) with Velcro (required) closure only.

Optional Outerwear ● SWEATER OR FLEECE – A green sweater with an AAG monogram or a blue fleece with an AAG monogram are acceptable. Both can be purchased through the Flynn & O’Hara website or the Uniform Exchange.

AAG PRE-K through Grade 4

Required uniform clothing for AAG Lower School can be purchased through the Lands’ End website, Flynn & O’Hara website, or through the Uniform Exchange.

To purchase through Flynn & O’Hara: visit www .flynnohara.com/register

Full Uniform • JUMPER – An Albany Academy for Girls plaid drop-waisted jumper can be purchased from Flynn & O’Hara website or through the Uniform Exchange. • SHIRT – A white polo or turtleneck is required and can be purchased through Lands’ End website or Flynn & O’Hara website. • SKORTS - A navy blue, chino skort is required and must be at least one inch below the fingertips when standing straight with arms at side. Must be purchased from Lands’ End (item #320134-BP9), Flynn & O’Hara website, or through the Uniform Exchange. • SLACKS – Classic plain front, straight leg, navy colored slacks (No corduroy, jeggings, painter or denim styles). Slacks may be worn all year. • TIGHTS & SOCKS – Navy blue tights (no ribbing, designs or patterns) or plain white ankle socks are required. Low cut socks are not acceptable with the uniform. • SNEAKERS – For grades Pre-k and K: Plain white velcro (may have color accents) are required. No light up sneakers are allowed. • SHOES - For grades 1 - 4: Navy blue Mary Jane style shoes must be worn as part of the uniform during class time.

Optional Outerwear ● SWEATER & Fleece – A green sweater with an AAG monogram or a blue fleece with an AAG monogram are acceptable. Both can be purchased through the Flynn & O’Hara website or the Uniform Exchange. ● SWEATSHIRT - The approved ACADEMY sweatshirt is available through Lands’ End.

Dance Uniform ● PRE-K – KINDERGARTEN – No dance uniform is required. ● GRADE 1 – Black dance pants are required. ● GRADES 2-4 – Black, cap-sleeved leotard and black dance pants are required.

Physical Education Uniform ● PRE-K – KINDERGARTEN – No Physical Education uniform is required; however, sneakers for PE class are required. ● GRADES 1-4 – Blue gym shorts, an Albany Academy for Girls white t-shirt.. These can be purchased from the Flynn & O’Hara website or through the Uniform Exchange. Sneakers with light colored soles are also required. 36

AAG Middle School (Grades 5-8)

Required uniform clothing for AAG Middle School can be purchased through the Lands’ End website, Flynn & O’Hara website, or through the Uniform Exchange.

To purchase through Flynn & O’Hara: visit www .flynnohara.com/register

Full Uniform ● SKORT Or SLACKS– A navy blue, chino skort is required and must be at least one inch below the fingertips when standing straight with arms at side. Skort must be purchased from Lands’ End (item #320134-BP9), Flynn & O’Hara website, or through the Uniform Exchange. Navy colored slacks with a classic plain front, straight leg are acceptable. No corduroy, jeggings, painter or denim styles pants. Slacks may be worn all year.. ● VEST – A burgundy sweater vest or navy zip-up vest with the An Albany Academy for Girls logo embroidered. Vest can be purchased from Flynn & O’Hara website or through the Uniform Exchange. ● SHIRTS – A burgundy or white polo or turtleneck is required and can be purchased through the Lands’ End website or Flynn & O’Hara website. ● TIGHTS & SOCKS – Navy blue tights or navy blue knee socks (no ribbing, designs or patterns), or plain white ankle socks are required. Low cut socks are not acceptable with the uniform. ● SHOES – Flat dark brown tie/buckle style shoes or traditional penny loafer or Sperry’s Women’s Authentic Original 2 Eye Boat Shoe in either Sahara or Classic Brown leather. All shoes must be plain with no designs.

Optional Outerwear ● FLEECE – A blue fleece with an AAG monogram is acceptable. Item can be purchased from Flynn & O’Hara website or through the Uniform Exchange. ● SWEATSHIRT - The approved ACADEMY sweatshirt is also optional and available through Lands’ End.

Dance Uniform ● Black, cap-sleeved leotard with black dance pants (no sleeveless or low-cut back leotards will be allowed)

Physical Education Uniform ● GRADES 5 & 6 – must be purchased through Flynn & O’Hara or the Uniform Exchange. ● GRADES 7 & 8 – Athletics Practice – Any t-shirt, shorts and sweats are acceptable. Some sports will require safety equipment as well.

AAG Upper School (Grades 9-12)

Required uniform clothing for AAG Upper School students can be purchased from Tommy Hilfiger (kilts and blazers), the Lands’ End website or through the Uniform Exchange.

To purchase from Tommy Hilfiger: Visit www .globalschoolwear.com Under “Find Your School”, enter ALBA01, then select grade, gender and program type

Full Uniform • SHIRT – A white short sleeve or long sleeve polo or turtleneck is required and can be purchased through the Tommy Hilfiger website. The Albany Academy for Girls embroidery is optional, 37

however, no other logo is allowed. An optional white oxford purchased exclusively through Tommy Hilfiger is allowed and must only have the AAG logo embroidery, no other logo is allowed. • KILT or SLACKS – an Albany Academy for Girls plaid skirt is required and should fall no more than three inches above the top of the knee cap. Kilt must be purchased through Tommy Hilfiger. Navy straight leg pants with a plain front may be worn all year. Pants should have no embellishments, rips or undone hems and must fasten in the front with a button and zipper. • BLAZER – A navy blazer with an Albany Academy for Girls patch is required for formal occasions. Purchased from the Tommy Hilfiger website or through the Uniform Exchange. If needed, patches for blazers can be purchased from the Dean of Students. • TIGHTS & SOCKS– Navy blue tights, navy blue knee socks (with no ribbing, designs or patterns), navy blue leggings (with no ribbing, designs or patterns), or plain white ankle socks are required. Low cut socks or mid-calf socks are not acceptable with the uniform. • SHOES – Flat, dark brown tie/buckle shoes or traditional penny loafer or Sperry’s – Women’s Authentic Original 2 Eye Boat shoe in either Sahara or classic brown leather. All shoes must be plain with no designs (no heel) and no shoe is allowed above the ankle bone. • BOOTS - Dark plain brown boots (leather or suede) are permitted from December 1st through Spring Break. The administration reserves the right to deem certain styles and colors unacceptable.

Optional Outerwear • SWEATER & QUARTER ZIP FLEECE - A navy cardigan, v-neck sweater, and ¼ zip fleece are optional pieces. Any piece worn must have the Albany Academy for Girls embroidery. All items can be purchased through Tommy Hilfiger or through the Uniform Exchange. • SWEATSHIRT - The approved ACADEMY sweatshirt is available through Lands’ End.

The Albany Academy Uniform Requirements

Please note that required uniform clothing for AA Lower School students must be purchased from the Lands’ End website or through the Uniform Exchange. Visit www.landsend.com/school and then click on “Find your school’s dress code” to look up The Albany Academy and enter the online store. Enter Albany, New York for city and state, The Albany Academy for school name, and 900046012 for the preferred school number.

AA Preschool Program Full Uniform • A red mesh Polo shirt with The Albany Academy seal (short and long- sleeve – required); available exclusively from Lands’ End. Please purchase at least one shirt with the logo for special occasions and formal school events. • Classic Navy pants (full elastic waist; if your child does not fit in the smallest size offered, please purchase Classic Navy pants with a full elastic waist elsewhere – required); available through the Uniform Exchange or vendor of your choice. • Navy socks (required with pants) and white socks (required with shorts) • White sneakers (preferred) with Velcro closure (required)

Optional Outerwear ● A red turtleneck; available through the Uniform Exchange or vendor of your choice ● Classic Navy twill shorts (full elastic-back waist, may be worn during the months of September, May and June); available through the Uniform Exchange or vendor of your choice ● Red long-sleeve V-Neck sweater with The Albany Academy seal logo; available exclusively from Lands’ End ● Classic Navy Polartec Fleece jacket with The Albany Academy seal logo

AA Lower School

Full Uniform • SHIRT - A short or long sleeve red mesh polo with The Albany Academy seal logo is required. Items can be purchased through Lands’ End or the Uniform Exchange. • LEADERSHIP SHIRTS - A House colored mesh Polo shirt with The Albany Academy Seal Logo and House name on sleeve – this item is required for special events and is available at the Lands’ End

website, Uniform Exchange, or the Business Office. Houses: Beck (red), Henry (green), Gates (blue), and Olcott (orange). • PANTS - Classic Navy Pleated Chinos pants (elastic-back waist with snap closure – required). Available at Lands’ End or the Uniform Exchange. • SOCKS - Navy socks (required with pants) and white socks (required with shorts). • SNEAKERS - For Pre-Kindergarten: white, black, blue or red velcro sneakers (May have color accents) are required. Light up sneakers are not allowed. For Kindergarten - Grade 2: white, black, blue or red sneakers with flat tie laces are required). ● SHOES - Grades 3 & 4: Brown tie shoe or loafers are required. ● BELT - A brown hand-braided belt is required for Grades 1 - 4.

Optional Outerwear • SHORTS - Classic Navy pleated shorts (elastic-back waist with snap closure, may be worn during the months of September, May and June). Available at Lands’ End or the Uniform Exchange. • SWEATER & FLEECE - A red long-sleeve v-neck sweater or a classic navy fleece with The Albany Academy seal logo are both acceptable. These items are available through Lands’ End or the Uniform Exchange. • SWEATSHIRT - The approved ACADEMY sweatshirt is available through Lands’ End.

AA Middle School (Grades 5-8 / Forms I & Ii)

Please note that required uniform clothing for AA Middle School students must be purchased from the Lands’ End website or through the Uniform Exchange. Visit www.landsend.com/school and then click on “Find your school’s dress code” to look up The Albany Academy and enter the online store. Enter Albany, New York for city and state, The Albany Academy for school name, and 900046012 for the preferred school number.

Full Uniform • PANTS & BELT – Light colored khaki pants are required. Pants may be cuffed or uncuffed with a finished hem. A black or brown leather belt is required. Items can be purchased through Lands’ End or the Uniform Exchange. • SHIRT – An oxford style shirt with a button down collar is required. Shirts must be light blue, cotton or cotton- • UNDERSHIRT - A plain white undershirt is acceptable to wear under oxford shirts. • NECKTIE – must be an Academy House tie. Ties will be given out at student orientation and charged to your child’s student account. Ties will be worn with a single or double Windsor knot pulled to the collar and the bottom of the tie touching the belt buckle. • BLAZER (required for Grade 8 boys only) – Navy blue and single-breasted; not required until third trimester • SHOES – Dress Shoes - black or dark brown, low-cut, lace or loafer style (no boots, bucks, suede shoes, boat shoes, hiking shoes, work shoes, clogs or sneaker-type shoes) • SOCKS – any color or design (no images, slogans, etc. that may be deemed distasteful) • HAIR – Must be neat and worn above the collar in the back, above the ears on the sides and may not hang below the eyebrows. Spiked hair, bleached or colored hair, or any style deemed excessive is not acceptable. Hair length will be determined by pulling the hair down to eyebrows, ears and collar. • FACIAL HAIR – Students are expected to be clean-shaven at all times. Sideburns may not extend below the middle of the ear. • JEWELRY – Earrings, facial and/or tongue piercings, posts and/or studs of any sort may not be worn in school or when a student is representing the school in any event or activity. This includes attendance at school-sponsored or school-related activities. Bracelets and necklaces other than religious articles are not allowed.

Optional Outerwear • SWEATER – Navy blue, crew or V-neck with required AA seal, must be purchased from Lands’ End website • SWEATSHIRT - The approved ACADEMY sweatshirt is available through Lands’ End.

Physical Education Uniform • GRADES 5 & 6 Physical Education uniforms must be purchased from Lands’ End website

• Form I & II Athletics Practice – Any t-shirt, shorts and sweats are acceptable. These can be purchased from a vendor of your choice. Some sports will require safety equipment as well.

AA Upper School (Forms III-VI)

Please note that required uniform clothing for AA Upper School students must be purchased from the Lands’ End website or through the Uniform Exchange. Visit www.landsend.com/school and then click on “Find your school’s dress code” to look up The Albany Academy and enter the online store. Enter Albany, New York for city and state, The Albany Academy for school name, and 900046012 for the preferred school number.

Full Uniform • PANTS – Classic plain front, straight leg, stone-colored slacks (no cargo, corduroy, painter or denim styles), light Khaki colored, can be cuffed or uncuffed; finished hem is a must. • BELT – solid black or brown leather belt • SHIRT – White or blue cotton or cotton-blend, button front shirt with button-down collar oxford shirt (no denim or work-style shirts). Students may wear either long or short sleeves (no logos or monograms). • A House colored mesh Polo shirt with The Albany Academy Seal Logo and House name on sleeve – this item is required for special events and is available only at the Lands’ End website. • UNDERSHIRT/T-SHIRT – plain and white • NECKTIE / BOWTIE– must be a house tie. Ties will be worn with a single or double Windsor knot pulled to the collar and the bottom of the tie touching the belt buckle. Ties will be given out at student orientation and charged to your child’s student account. • BLAZER – Navy blue and single-breasted. • SHOES – Dress Shoes - black or dark brown, low-cut, lace or loafer style (no bucks or suede shoes, boots, boat shoes, hiking shoes, work shoes, clogs or sneaker-type shoes) Please note that plain dark brown or black boots (no suede and no fur) may be worn from December 1 – Spring Break (no tan Timberland boots). The Division Director reserves the right to deem certain styles or colors inappropriate. Please feel free to ask questions prior to purchasing winter footwear. • SOCKS – any color or design (no images, slogans, etc. that may be deemed distasteful) • HAIR – Must be neat and worn above the collar in the back, above the ears on the sides and may not hang below the eyebrows. Spiked hair, bleached or colored hair, or any style deemed excessive is not acceptable. Hair length will be determined by pulling the hair down to eyebrows, ears and collar. • FACIAL HAIR – Students are expected to be clean-shaven at all times. Sideburns may not extend below the middle of the ear. • JEWELRY – Earrings, facial and/or tongue piercings, posts and/or studs of any sort may not be worn in school or when a student is representing the school in any event or activity. This includes attendance at school-sponsored or school-related activities. Bracelets and necklaces other than religious articles are not allowed.

Failure to adhere to the dress code will result in accumulation of infractions and possible detention.

ATTENDANCE POLICIES

SARs-COV2 Note: These attendance policies apply to all students, regardless of whether they are attending in person or remotely.

The objectives of attendance policies are to have all students attend school/class each time it is scheduled and to have them arrive in a timely manner. To account for the whereabouts of each student at the start of the day and also by class period in the Middle and Upper Schools. To encourage full engagement in both the academic program and the learning community.

Because successful students participate fully in classes and co-/extra-curricular activities, they are expected to attend school each day unless precluded by sickness, injury or special family circumstances. Non-emergency medical and dental appointments should be scheduled outside of the school day whenever possible. Family travel and vacation plans should be made only during school vacation, and students are expected to attend school on the days immediately before and after vacation breaks.

Please call the Main Office (429-2300) or email at [email protected] gwhen your child is absent from school or if you know that he/she is going to be tardy. These messages must be received by 8:00 in the morning. If an email or phone call has not been submitted on the day of your child’s absence, an email, phone call or hand-written note must be submitted when he/she returns to school stating the reason for his/her tardiness or absence.

The disciplinary consequence for truancy is an automatic one-day in-school suspension. This consequence will be implemented the day following a student’s return to school after the school has notified the parents of the student’s absence. For medical and dental appointments unavoidably scheduled during the school day, a note documenting the reason for the student’s absence or tardiness must be given to the Dean of Students/Division Director before the appointment and upon his/her return to school. Excused Absences

Include illness of the student, sickness or death in the family, impassable roads, religious observances, and health-related appointments. College visits, individual athletic competition, and attendance at conferences or conventions will be considered excused only if the student completes and submits a “prearranged absence” form, available in the front office, to the Dean of Students or Division Director. The “prearranged absence” form should be submitted 1 week prior to the absences.

Unexcused Absences

Unexcused absences include vacation days outside of the school vacation schedule, class cuts, unauthorized absences from campus, and any absence for which there is no acceptable documentation on file.

Parent(s)/Guardian(s), please be advised that your child’s absence will remain unexcused until one of the following actions are made:

● A student delivers a handwritten note, stating a reason for their absence signed by a parent/guardian to Ms. Katie Conroy (AAG) or Mrs. Dodie Motley (AA) in the main offices. ● A parent makes a phone call to the office – 429-2300. When/If leaving a voicemail please include: ● Child’s name ● Date of absence ● Reason for absence ● A number where a parent/guardian can be reached ● A parent emails [email protected] g listing: ● Child’s name ● Date of absence ● Reason for absence ● A number where a parent/guardian can be reached

Absences that are documented, yet, fall under the definition of unexcused absences will remain as unexcused, as per school policy.

Tardy

SARs-COV2 Note: Morning Meeting and Chapel have been temporarily suspended.

All students must report to Chapel, AAG morning meeting or homerooms by 8:00 a.m. Any student who arrives late (after 8:00 a.m.) must sign in at the office and receive a pass to class. Students who are late will not be admitted to class without this slip. An unexcused late arrival to school or class will warrant one infraction point. Students who are tardy unexcused to a class will not get credit for work missed and will not be allowed to make 41 up work. Students have 24 hours to bring a note from home to explain the reason for being tardy.

A student who arrives late to school and is unexcused is not eligible for extracurricular activities and may not utilize privileges such as senior sign out. Students who are absent or excused for part of a school day due to illness, or who cut a class, or who arrive at school after 10:00 a.m. may not participate in any after-school activity.

Students who are frequently late to Morning Meeting / Chapel with an excuse will have a discussion with the Dean of Students.

College Visits

Seniors and juniors with permission of the college office are allowed three excused absences per school year for college visits. It is encouraged that students visit colleges on weekends and holidays when possible. However, if they must miss school, they are required to follow the standard pre-arranged school absence policy.

Community Service & Special Days

Service is a Core Value of the Academies. As such, Community Service Days are considered school days and students are expected to attend all Community Service Days as well as special school days such as Bacon Bat and House Competitions. Any student who is absent from one of these days will need a valid and verified excuse (other than for illness) for missing all or part of the day. Valid excuses include medical and dental appointments with accompanying doctor’s note, school sponsored field trips, college interviews, and attendance at funerals or religious services. Excused absences may be granted by the Health Office or School Administrator.

Make-up Work Students who are absent from school for any reason are responsible for making up all missed work. On the day students return to school, they are required to meet with those teachers whose classes have been missed in order to develop a plan for the completion of missed work. Students going to the nurse, but not leaving school, must make up the work on the same day that work was missed, unless other arrangements have been made with the appropriate teachers.

Attendance & Course Credit

When a student accumulates five consecutive or ten total class absences in a ten-week period, the parents or guardian must meet with the Division Head to develop a plan to make up the missed work and to reintegrate the student into the learning environment. It may be necessary for the student to see a counselor, a tutor, a physician, or some other professional support person, with whom The Albany Academies would expect to have contact.

If a student misses more than 24 days, or 24 classes in a given subject (8 for a trimester-long course), the student may not be eligible for academic credit unless documented arrangements have been made for regular and substantial home tutoring to make up the missing work.

If a student misses more than 8 classes within a term a parent meeting will be scheduled with the Division Director or Dean of Students.

ARRIVAL POLICIES

No student should arrive at school before 7:15 a.m., when the Early Morning Program begins. No Lower or Middle School student is permitted to stay after school beyond 3:30 p.m. unless he/she is participating in a supervised activity, including the Extended Day Program or working with a teacher.

For security reasons all doors except the Main entrances will be locked daily at 9:00 a.m. and will remain locked until 3:00 p.m. All parents and visitors must sign in daily with the Main Office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and receive a visitor’s tag.

Arrival Policies during COVID-19

These policies are in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

District Buses

All buses provided by local districts will be run consistent with State-issued public transit guidance.

● AAG: ○ Lower School: Library and Playground Entrances ○ Middle School: Main Entrance ○ Upper School: East Breezeway

● AA: ○ Lower School: South Door Entrance ○ Middle School: Main Entrance ○ Upper School: North Door Entrance

Private Buses

● The Albany Academies will continue to contract with a private bus company to provide student transportation from Saratoga and Cobleskill as long as there is a reasonable demand for this service. ● Individuals must wear acceptable face coverings at all times on school buses, including when they enter, exit, and are seated. ● Riders should maintain appropriate physical distancing of six (6) feet between each other unless they are members of the same household. ● When the bus arrives, the student should go to his/her designated entrance:

○ AAG: ■ Lower School: Library Entrance ■ Middle School:Front Doors ■ Upper School: Through Silipigno Gate to Breezeway Doors

○ AA: ■ Lower School: South Entrance ■ Middle School: Main Entrance ■ Upper School: North Door Entrance

Private Car Student Drop-Off Procedures (Mornings)

AAG ● Cars will pull into the main parking lot circle for drop off and pick up. ● The student will be directed to a designated entry:

○ Lower School: Playground door ○ Middle School:Main Entrance ○ Upper School: Breezeway

● A school representative greeter will meet students at his/her designated entrance. ● The greeter will check to make sure that we have received the student’s daily symptom survey. If the survey is not filled out, the school will receive notice and perform a screening before the student enters school. ● Upon entry to the building, students will be asked to wash or disinfect their hands before entering classrooms. ● Parents of Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students may enter the school to drop children off. Parents must also complete the daily survey and will be screened by the school if the survey is not completed.

AA ● Cars will pull into the following lots for drop off and pick up ○ Lower School: South Lot ○ Middle School: South Lot or Lower Lot (Pool Lobby Circle) ○ Upper School: Lower Lot (Pool Lobby Circle) ● The student will be directed to a designated entry: ○ Lower School: South Entrance ○ Middle School: Main Entrance ○ Upper School: North Door Entrance ● A school representative greeter will meet students at his/her designated entrance. ● The greeter will check to make sure that we have received the student’s daily symptom survey. If the survey is not filled out, the school will receive notice and perform a screening before the student enters school.

● Upon entry to the building, students will be asked to wash or disinfect their hands before entering classrooms. ● Parents of Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students may enter the school to drop children off. Parents must also complete the daily survey and will be screened by the school if the survey is not completed.

Arrival Procedures After COVID-19

We will return to these procedures after the COVID-19 pandemic is officially declared to be over.

Lower School

All Lower School students arriving on morning buses or dropped off by parents before 8:00 a.m. must report to the Early Morning Program Room. Supervision is available from 7:15 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. for Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 4 students and until 8:30 a.m. for Pre-School students. Conferencing with a teacher is not appropriate at this time. The teacher will be happy to schedule a conference at a time when other students are not in the classroom.

Students in Pre-Kindergarten—Grade 4 will be marked tardy at 8:00 a.m. We stress the importance of arriving to class on time. Lower School students arriving after 8:01 a.m. should report to the reception desk for screening and sign in.

Middle School

Middle School students are expected to be in school by 8:00 to attend homeroom. Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. should report directly to the reception desk for screening and to be signed in as tardy.

No Middle School student is permitted to stay after school beyond 3:40 p.m. unless he/she is participating in a supervised activity, including the Extended Day Program or working with a teacher.

Upper School

Upper School students are expected to be in school by 8:00 a.m. to attend Chapel/Morning Meeting. If a student will be late or absent for school, a parent should call the school prior to 8:00 a.m. Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. should report directly to the reception desk for screening and to be signed in as tardy. A note should be brought to the receptionist following any tardy or absence.

If a student must leave the school for any reason (ie. Doctors appointment, other appointment, etc.) a note must be brought in and a “blue slip” must be completed. All students must sign-out and give the completed “blue slip” to the AAG or AA receptionist.

GENERAL DISMISSAL POLICIES

Emergency Dismissal Procedures

In the event that The Albany Academies must close down immediately due to a building crisis or area emergency, all students will be evacuated to a predetermined site (depending on the situation), according to our emergency evacuation procedure.

Illness at School

If a student feels ill, he/she should report to the School Nurse with a pass from a teacher, who will determine if the student’s parents need to be contacted to arrange for his/her early dismissal. Students may not make 45 arrangements, on their own, to go home. Under all circumstances, students (and parents) must inform the School of the student’s whereabouts by signing out at the front desk. Signing out is required.

Inclement Weather Dismissal Procedures

In the event that school districts close school early due to inclement weather and send their buses early, the normal protocol for students who ride school buses is that they will be sent home on that bus. Because the buses usually arrive with little or no notice, we do not have the time to phone you either to notify you that your child is going home on the bus because your district is closing, or to ask your preference. Therefore, to avoid any confusion, please complete the Snow Emergency Early Dismissal Protocol section of the Student Information Form sent home to each family and return it to the Main Office. If we do not receive this completed information, we will assume that we should send your child home when the bus arrives. It is highly recommended that you listen to the radio on particularly snowy days to find out if your district will be closing early. The Albany Academies does not close early in the event of inclement weather.

Snow Days

Decisions to close school because of the weather are made by The Albany Academies and are usually dictated by the local public schools. If AAG is closed, AA will be closed. The school website will have an alert on the homepage of the site and parents will receive a special text and/or email notification if they have signed up for this. In addition, local television networks will be informed. This school closure policy does not address the widespread geographical distribution of our student body. If a parent deems it unsafe to travel in their area, please exercise judgment and keep the student at home and notify the school.

Lower School Dismissal

Security for our students is a priority at The Albany Academies. In an effort to avoid errors in the way children get home from school, it is vital that we have written verification of all dismissal information. Children derive security from the known and the familiar. With safety in mind, all changes in dismissal plans must be put in writing by a parent. These notes should come to school with your child and be given to the teacher upon arrival in the classroom. On the rare occasion when an unexpected situation requires a last-minute change in the dismissal plan, we will do our best to accommodate phone permissions from a parent. These calls should be directed to the receptionist at our Main Office.

Lower School students are signed out daily. Parents are required to sign their children out prior to leaving. If you have arranged to have your child picked up by someone other than a parent or regular car-pool person, you must alert the classroom teacher. If a child’s ride has not arrived within ten minutes of dismissal, the student will be signed in to Extended Day and a program fee will be charged beginning at 3:45 p.m.

Middle School Dismissal

Students may not leave the school without permission at any time other than the regular dismissal time. In order to leave campus during the school day, a student must complete a blue slip. This blue slip can only be obtained in the Main Office. The dean of students or division head must sign the blue slip. After being signed the blue slip should be returned as soon as possible to the Main Office.

● A number where a parent can be reached ● A parent emails [email protected] listing: ● Child’s name ● Time of dismissal ● Reason for dismissal ● A number where a parent can be reached The student must then sign out with Ms. Conroy or Mrs. Dodie Motley in the front offices when it comes time for him/her to leave. Parents of Middle School students will be required to enter the building to sign your child out if actions listed above are not completed.

Students are not permitted to leave the building during the school day without first presenting a note from a parent or receiving permission from the Division Head, the Dean of Students, or the Head of School. There are severe consequences for leaving school without proper authorization from an administrator. Students are required to board the bus on their home campus. Car pick-up from the opposite campus requires a note from a parent to the Division Director. With a date and signature.

Upper School Dismissal

SARs-COV2 Note: Due to the pandemic and our community goal of managing student density, we are extending the early dismissal privilege to grades 9 - 12. Students and parents must complete a permission form to be approved by administration for the student to leave at 2:20 p.m. daily. Permission forms can be obtained from the students advisor.

Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to obtain a blue slip for dismissal without performing one of the actions listed below: ● A student delivers a handwritten note, signed by parent/guardian to Ms. Katie Conroy (AAG) or Mrs. Dodie Motley (AA) in the main office ● A parent makes a phone call to the office – 429-2300. When/If leaving a voicemail please include: ● Child’s name ● Time of dismissal ● Reason for dismissal ● A number where a parent can be reached ● A parent emails [email protected] listing: ● Child’s name ● Time of dismissal ● Reason for dismissal ● A number where a parent can be reached The student must then sign out with Ms. Conroy or Mrs. Motley in the front offices when it comes time for him/her to leave. Parents of Middle School students will be required to enter the building to sign your child out if actions listed above are not completed.

Though the school day officially ends at 3:30, Upper School students who have completed their obligations (obligations include but are not limited to: classes, athletics, extra-curricular activities, class meetings, club meetings, assemblies, extra help, etc.) at school may leave campus at 3 p.m. after signing out.

The exceptions to this rule are for Upper School students who are crossing campuses for classes or seniors who have earned lunch privileges.

ADDITIONAL UPPER SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

Senior Privileges

SARs-COV2 Note: Senior privileges are suspended until the conclusion of the pandemic.

Senior privileges may be granted to seniors in good academic and community standing. The contract and permission slip must be returned before a senior may use any privileges. These privileges will be revoked in the case of tardiness, failure to follow the proper sign-in/sign-out procedures, or for other disciplinary reasons. Seniors who do not attend morning meeting will be ineligible for senior privileges on that given day. Privileges of seniors on Academic or Disciplinary Probation will be rescinded.

Lunch: A senior may go out for lunch between 11:40 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. AAG students may go out on any day except Day 6 advising, which is reserved for Advising Lunch. AA students must complete “blue slip” procedures. AAG students must properly sign out and in with the front office. A signed permission slip must be on file.

Driving

Driving to school is a privilege and a serious responsibility. Students are expected, at all times, to demonstrate good judgment and prudence when they operate their cars. Students who drive to school must register their vehicles. Since there are a limited number of parking spaces available for students at The Albany Academies, driving privileges are granted first to students who are in Grades 11 and 12. In order to obtain driving privileges, students in these grades who are requesting permission must register their vehicles by completing the necessary form available with the AAG Receptionist Ms. Conroy or the AA Upper School Administrative Assistant Ms. Motley. Students who are late to school more than three times may lose their driving privilege. Students are not allowed to drive from campus to campus.

Social Event Rules

SARs-COV2 Note: social events will be virtual until the conclusion of the pandemic.

At school-sponsored events, anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to attend the event, will be curtailed from operating a vehicle, and will be detained until parents are contacted. Smoking and use of any illegal substance or misuse of controlled substances is prohibited on school grounds and school events off campus. These behaviors will result in disciplinary action.

A no re-entry policy is in effect. No student may leave a function and return later. No student will be admitted to an event after one hour from the start time of that event. Pick-up from an event needs to be prompt at the conclusion of the event. No student will be dismissed from an event prior to 30 minutes from the conclusion without parent permission.

Senior Lounge/Junior Lounge

SARs-COV2 Note: Lounge use is suspended until the conclusion of the pandemic.

There are no students of the opposite sex allowed in the respective senior/junior lounges. Girls are allowed to have food and beverages in their senior/junior lounges, this privilege may be revoked if students abuse it. Students are responsible for the cleaning of the senior/junior lounges.

DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES

Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy

The Albany Academies (“the School”) is committed to promoting an environment that is fair, humane and respectful and which is free from discrimination, bullying, and harassment, including unlawful sexual harassment. Accordingly, the School prohibits discrimination, bullying, and harassment on the basis of a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or sex.

These actions are prohibited, and will be investigated, regardless of whether they take place at the School, on a School vehicle or vehicle leased by the School, at School-sponsored events, programs or activities held at other locations or off School grounds if the act(s) create a hostile environment at school for the target or witnesses or otherwise infringes on their rights at school, or materially and substantially disrupts the education process or orderly operation of the School.

The School defines acts of discrimination as, generally, the practice of conferring or refusing benefits or privileges on the basis of membership in a protected class.

Bullying Prevention

The School defines bullying as the repeated use of a written, verbal, or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a target that:

● Causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target’s property; ● Places the target in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself or of damage to his or her property; ● Creates a hostile environment at school for the target; ● Infringes on the rights of the target at school; or ● Materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

Reporting Behavior

The School relies not only on faculty/staff, but also parents and students to speak up when they observe, experience or are told of acts of bullying. Our school cannot effectively address bullying if incidents are not reported. Anyone who feels they have been bullied, who wants to report an incident of someone else being bullied, or who has questions on the topic should contact the relevant school administrator:

● Upper School: Hilary King, Upper School Division Director ● Middle School: Brian Frusio (AA) or Lauren DeGeorgia (AAG), Middle School Deans ● Lower School: Michelle Hughes, Lower School Division Director ● Chris Lauricella, Head of School, The Albany Academies

Investigation of Complaints

In addition to promptly and thoroughly investigating all complaints, the School will take steps to assess the need to restore a sense of safety to the alleged target and/or to protect the alleged target from possible further incidents. Responses to promote safety may include, but not be limited to, creating a personal safety plan; pre-determining seating arrangements for the target and/or the aggressor in the classroom, at lunch, or on the bus; identifying a staff member who will act as a “safe person” for the target; and altering the aggressor’s schedule and access to the target. The school will take additional steps to promote safety during the course of and after the investigation, as necessary.

Through the course of an investigation, the School will consider all available information known. Determinations as to whether conduct constitutes discrimination or bullying for the purposes of this Policy may depend on various factors, including, but not limited to, the conduct at issue, the ages of the parties involved, the context in which the conduct occurs, the relationship of the parties to each other, as well as the characteristic that is alleged to have been the basis for the conduct.

The investigation will be conducted by the appropriate Assistant Head of School or his/her designee who will, among other things, interview students, staff, witnesses, parents or guardians, and others as necessary. The 49

School will remind the alleged student aggressor, target, and witnesses of the importance of the investigation, their obligation to be truthful and that retaliation against someone who reports a complaint or provides information during an investigation of such complaint is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action, as appropriate. To the extent practicable and given his/her obligation to investigate and address the matter, the investigator will maintain confidentiality during the investigative process. The School will maintain a written record of the investigation and any remedial efforts taken, if applicable.

The School will make a determination based upon all of the facts and circumstances. If, after investigation a complaint is substantiated, the School will take appropriate and prompt steps to prevent recurrence. These steps include: 1) determining what remedial action is required, if any, and 2) determining what responsive actions and/or disciplinary action is necessary. The Assistant Head of School or his/her designee will promptly notify the target, the parents or guardians of the target student, as applicable, and the aggressor about the results of the investigation and, if the complaint is found, what action is being taken to prevent further similar acts.

Within a reasonable period of time following any determination and the ordering of remedial and/or disciplinary action, the Assistant Head of School or his/her designee will contact the target to determine whether there has been a recurrence of the prohibited conduct and whether additional supportive measures are needed. If so, the Assistant Head of School or his/her designee will work with appropriate School staff to implement such measures immediately.

Disciplinary Action

If the School decides that disciplinary action is appropriate, the disciplinary action will be determined on the basis of facts found by the Assistant Head of School or his/her designee, including the nature of the conduct, the age of the student(s) involved, and the need to balance accountability with the teaching of appropriate behavior. Discipline of students will be consistent with the School’s Code of Conduct. If the Assistant Head of School or his/her designee determines that a student knowingly made a false allegation of bullying or retaliation, that student may also be subject to disciplinary action as appropriate.

Teaching Appropriate Behavior Through Skills-Building

Depending on the circumstances, the School may use a range of responses that balance the need for accountability with the need to teach appropriate behavior. Skill-building approaches that the School may consider include:

● offering individualized skill-building sessions based on the School’s anti-bullying curricula; ● providing relevant educational activities for individual students or groups of students, in consultation with School counselors and other appropriate School personnel; ● implementing a range of academic and nonacademic positive behavioral supports to help students understand prosocial ways to achieve their goals; ● meeting with parents and guardians to engage parental support and to reinforce the anti-bullying curricula and social skills building activities at home; ● adopting behavioral plans to include a focus on developing specific social skills; and ● making a referral for evaluation.

Sexual Harassment Prevention

The School affirms its commitment to maintaining an environment free from unlawful sexual harassment. Sexual harassment, including sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence, as well as gender-based harassment, are forms of sex discrimination that are prohibited by law and the School’s policy, and will not be tolerated. Therefore, the School prohibits and condemns all forms of sexual harassment against students by other students, employees, school volunteers, and non-employees such as contractors and vendors, which occur on school grounds, on school buses or school vehicles, and at all school-sponsored events, programs and activities including those that take place at locations off school premises. Calls, texts, e-mails, and social media 50 usage can constitute unlawful sexual harassment, even if they occur away from school grounds, on personal devices, or outside school hours. Appropriate disciplinary action against individuals engaging in sexual harassment will be imposed in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, and School policies.

Sexual harassment includes harassment on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, self-identified or perceived sex, gender identity, gender expression, and the status of being transgender. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome conduct that is either of a sexual nature or directed at an individual because of his or her sex or actual or perceived gender, when such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s performance and/or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning or school environment.

Sexual harassment can occur between males and females, or between persons of the same sex. Sexual harassment that occurs because the target is transgender is also unlawful.

Sexual harassment can be verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct. Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not, limited to:

● Unwanted sexual advances, propositions or other sexual comments, such as: o Requests for sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats concerning the student’s grades, references, academic placement and/or participation in extracurricular activities; o Subtle or obvious pressure for unwelcome sexual activities; o Unwelcome and/or offensive public displays of sexual or physical affection; o Sexually oriented gestures, noises, remarks, jokes or comments about a person’s sexuality or sexual experience which are sufficiently severe or pervasive to create a hostile learning or school environment; o The use of profanity and/or other obscenities that are sexually suggestive or degrading. ● Displaying or distributing pictures, posters, calendars, graffiti, objects, promotional material, reading materials, or other materials that are sexually demeaning or pornographic. ● Physical acts of a sexual nature, such as: o Touching, pinching, patting, kissing, hugging, grabbing, brushing against another individual’s body, or poking another individual’s body; impeding or blocking movement; offensive touching; or any physical interference with normal movement. o Rape, sexual battery, molestation, or attempts to commit these assaults. ● Hostile actions taken against an individual because of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status of being transgender, such as: o Bullying, yelling, or name-calling. ● Sex stereotyping – When conduct or personality traits are considered inappropriate simply because they may not conform to other people’s ideas or perceptions about how individuals of a particular sex should act or look.

While a single severe incident alone could create a hostile environment, the School reserves the right to take remedial measures even if the behavior at issue does not rise to the level of harassment or discrimination. Some conduct which is not sexual in nature may still violate the School’s policies prohibiting bullying and generalized intimidation and harassment and rude behaviors that are inconsistent with the standards of civility that the School expects from all members of its community.

Complaint and Investigation Procedure

In order for the School to effectively enforce this policy, which is intended to protect the health and well-being of the School community and to ensure that students are able to fully participate in the educational opportunities offered by the School, it is essential that all individuals with knowledge of inappropriate conduct report it as soon as possible.

Anyone who believes that he, she or they has been subjected to behavior that may constitute sexual harassment in the school environment or otherwise violates this Policy, or any other person who witnesses or becomes aware of, or suspects an occurrence of behavior that may constitute sexual harassment, is strongly encouraged to report such behavior to the Head of School, the President of the Board of Trustees, or another trusted School Administrator or adult.

Reports of sexual harassment or any other violation of this Policy should be made in writing, though verbal reports will be accepted. If the report is verbal, the complainant may be asked to complete a written report detailing the complaint. If he or she declines, the School may prepare a written complaint based on the verbal report.

All supervisory and/or administrative School personnel who receive a report or information about, observe, or suspect any potential sexual harassment or other violation of this Policy must immediately report it to the Head of School, or if the Head of School is the subject of a complaint, to the President of the Board of Trustees. Any supervisory and/or administrative School personnel who fail to make such a report or otherwise knowingly allows sexually harassing or retaliatory behavior to continue may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and collectively negotiated agreements.

The Head of School or designee will conduct an investigation of any report or complaint of sexual harassment or any other violation of this Policy that it receives. Investigations will be conducted in a prompt and timely manner, and will be confidential to the extent possible. The School will take prompt and appropriate corrective action whenever it determines that sexual harassment or another violation of this Policy has occurred.

The School may implement appropriate interim measures during an investigation to ensure that both the individual making the report and the accused feel safe. Possible interim measures include rearranging class schedules or teacher assignments, providing academic support, or imposing an interim suspension of a student accused of engaging in such conduct.

Prohibition of Retaliatory Behavior

The School strictly prohibits and does not tolerate any retaliatory behavior directed against an individual because he or she has in good faith: (1) made a complaint of, reported, or opposed sexual harassment or encouraged another to do so; or (2) testified, assisted or participated in, an investigation or proceeding involving a complaint of sexual harassment. Such retaliation is contrary to School policy. An individual is protected from retaliation if he or she had a good faith belief that the practice complained of was unlawful, even if it ultimately does not rise to the level of a legal violation. This Policy, however, does not protect any person making an intentionally false charge of harassment.

Where appropriate, the Head of School or designee will make follow-up inquiries to ensure that any acts of sexual harassment have not resumed and that those involved in the complaint and investigation process have not been subject to retaliation.

Reputational Harm

If a violation of school rules occurs off campus and is brought to public attention or is sufficiently severe to bring discredit upon The Albany Academies these behaviors will result in an intervention and/or disciplinary action at the discretion of the School.

Lower School

Classroom learning is directly influenced by each student’s behavior. In the lower school, our approach to discipline is individualized and developmentally driven. Classroom teachers establish and reinforce classroom rules with the students, and when students misbehave, teachers are the first line of discipline. However, in the instance of physical violence or when a student consistently displays an inability to adhere to behavioral expectations, the following measures may be taken:

1) Students may be sent to the Director of Lower School's office to discuss their behavior and consequences of their behavior. 2) Inappropriate behavior may warrant removal from the classroom or from the activity. 3) Consistent inappropriate behavior will require a parent meeting and the development of a behavior plan 4) Physical aggression or continued misbehavior may warrant an out-of-school suspension.

5) Suspension will require a parent meeting with the Division Director before a student is allowed to return to school.

In these cases, the partnership between parents and the teacher, school counselor and the Division Head are critical in addressing and turning around behavioral issues.

In addition: 1) Lower School students are not allowed to use or carry cell phones during the school day. There are no exceptions to this policy. 2) Academic and behavioral performance will determine continued enrollment at the Academies.

Middle School

The classroom teachers, advisors, Deans, and middle school division head act as a disciplinary team to resolve behavioral issues. The Parent-School partnership is an essential element in addressing and turning around inappropriate behaviors.

Expectations

There are two main areas in which Academies’ students are held accountable: academic and community. Academic expectations for all students are those behaviors and responsibilities that support the success of the individual student, as well as the entire community. These include being on time, being prepared, working hard, and being honest. Similarly, community expectations are those behaviors and responsibilities that support the Academies community and the individuals within that community. Successful community behaviors are succinctly stated as adhering to the Honor Code and the Dress Code.

Violations and Disciplinary Actions

There are two levels of violations, minor and major, in each of the above areas. This is not an exhaustive list and the School reserves the right to take disciplinary action for behaviors not listed here but that may be judged as inappropriate or prejudicial to the School or bring discredit or embarrassment to the School.

Minor Violation

Minor violations of the academic expectations include, but are not limited to: tardiness to school, practice or class, coming to class without homework or needed materials, and being untruthful about whereabouts or assignments. Minor violations of the community expectations include, but are not limited to: uniform violations, inappropriate use of cell phone or other electronic devices, and horseplay or loud behavior that is disruptive to others.

Disciplinary Actions

Infractions: Offenses earn infractions, with most offenses earning one infraction. Detentions: If a student earns 3 infractions, possible removal from class or an activity, and/or a detention will result. After-school detentions are held from 3:30-4:15pm. Academic Detentions are determined by teachers’ classroom policies. Classroom learning is directly influenced by each student’s behavior, and as such, teachers keep track of student discipline within their individual classrooms. Individual teachers reserve the right to assign academic detentions at their discretion.

SARs-COV2 Note: Consequences for Not Having a Face Covering in Middle School

If a student arrives to campus without an appropriate face covering they will earn the following consequences:

3. Third Offense: students will be asked to isolate (designated room?) until a parent/guardian can provide a face covering. Absences during this time will remain unexcused and students will be required to make up all work. 4. Fourth Offense: students will be asked to isolate (designated room?) until a parent/guardian can provide a face covering. Detention will be served and a meeting with Michelle Hughes, MS Dean and Parents/Student. Multiple offenses will bring the student’s enrollment into question.

Students will be expected to enter a classroom with their face coverings on. If a student fails to do so:

1. First Offense: Teacher’s responsibility to log this information into Blackbaud. This is generated as a 3 point infraction resulting in an immediate after school detention. 2. Second Offense: Teacher’s responsibility to log this information into Blackbaud. This is generated as a 3 point infraction resulting in an immediate after school detention. And, meeting w MS Dean and parents. 3. Third Offense: Students will be sent home for the day, counting as a community absence. Prior to returning to school a meeting with Michelle Hughes, MS Dean and Parents/Student where enrollment will be in question. 4. Multiple offenses will bring the students enrollment into question. 5. Any student refusing to wear a face covering when asked will be dismissed to MS Dean’s office.

Major Violations

Major violations of the academic expectations include but are not limited to: academic dishonesty such as cheating or plagiarizing and skipping or cutting class. Major violations of the community expectations include, but are not limited to: skipping school, leaving campus without permission from school administration, abusive/obscene language or gestures including written messages, defamatory web postings, and/or abusive emails, social media postings, phone calls, voicemails, any inappropriate and/or exploitive use of technology, fighting, harassment, bullying, insubordination, vandalism, theft, lying, possession of drugs, alcohol or tobacco products (including vapes) on school grounds, gambling of any kind, bringing an unsafe object or weapon to school, and public displays of affection.

Disciplinary Actions

Consequences for major violations will be issued on an individual basis based on individual circumstances at the discretion of the Division Director and/or, in the case of academic dishonesty, the Chief Academic Officer.. Possible consequences are, and are not limited to: infractions, behavioral plans, after-school detentions, suspension, and expulsion. Students who have been suspended will need to meet with the Division Director prior to returning to school.

Upper School

The faculty, with the support of Administration, work together to resolve discipline issues, which are coordinated by the Dean of Students.

Expectations

Violations

There are two levels of violations, minor and major, in each of the above areas. Consequences follow in a uniform manner based on the level of the infraction and the frequency of such violations. This is not an exhaustive list and the School reserves the right to take disciplinary action for behaviors not listed here but that may be judged as inappropriate or prejudicial to the School or bring discredit or embarrassment to the School. 54

Minor Violations

Major Violations

Major violations of the academic expectations include but are not limited to: academic dishonesty such as cheating or plagiarizing and being removed from class. Skipping class will result in an automatic community absence for the first offense. Any further violations of this type may require a meeting with the FDC. Major violations of the community expectations include, but are not limited to: skipping school, leaving campus without permission from school administration, abusive/obscene language or gestures including written messages, defamatory web postings, and/or abusive emails, social media postings, phone calls, voicemails, any inappropriate and/or exploitive use of technology, fighting, harassment, bullying, insubordination, vandalism, theft, lying, possession of drugs, alcohol or tobacco products on school grounds, gambling of any kind, bringing an unsafe object or weapon to school, sexual relations, and public displays of affection (e.g. kissing, hugging, touching or contact with another student’s genital areas).

Deans Inquiry, an Investigatory Process

The School’s Deans of Students, supported by the appropriate Division Director, are responsible for investigating major rules violations. Students who have violated a major school rule are expected to cooperate fully and truthfully with a Dean’s Inquiry in keeping with our core values of respect, responsibility, compassion, and integrity. Once concluded, the Dean of Students will communicate his or her findings through both a Discipline Memorandum and a meeting with the student and his or her parents or guardians. The Discipline Memorandum will provide a detailed description of the major violation in question, the specific major rule(s) that have been broken, and a list of potential disciplinary consequences. The Discipline Memorandum will be provided to the Faculty Disciplinary Committee (FDC) for disciplinary action, as appropriate.

Faculty Disciplinary Committee (FDC)

There is a single Faculty Disciplinary Committee (FDC) for The Albany Academies. The FDC is a deliberative body that is charged by the School to make recommendations for disciplinary action to the Head of School, who reserves the right to modify those recommendations. While parents will be fully informed of the outcome of the process, The FDCs interviews and deliberations are an internal school process involving students and faculty exclusively. Students will be represented in the FDC by their advisor, who will serve as an advocate. If an advisor has a conflict of interest that would not allow for effective advocacy, the Head of School may appoint an alternative advocate.

Disciplinary consequences are determined by consensus of the FDC and guided by the list of potential discipline consequences described in the Dean’s Discipline Memorandum. Additionally, case-specific consequences can be determined if deemed appropriate by the FDC. Once a disciplinary consequence has been reviewed and accepted by the Head of School, the decision will be final.

The FDC strives to represent community members’ interests by exercising the responsibility to be impartial, to consistently uphold the rules of the School, to maintain confidentiality, and to respect an individual’s right to a fair disciplinary process. Our objective is to support students when they make mistakes and to work with them to turn such incidents into meaningful learning experiences when possible.

The FDC will be reconstituted at the beginning of each academic year through a nomination and election process conducted by the Division Director in conjunction with the faculty. It is comprised of six faculty members: one male and one female faculty member who represent The Albany Academy; one male and one female faculty member who represent Albany Academy for Girls; and two alternate members, one from each campus, who serve on the committee in the event that an FDC member is unavailable. 55

Leadership of FDC meetings will be determined by the enrollment of the student in question. A meeting called to consider consequences for a boy or boys enrolled at The Albany Academy will be led by the Division Director and The Albany Academy Dean of Students. A meeting called to consider consequences for a girl or girls enrolled at Albany Academy for Girls will be led by the Division Director and the Albany Academy for Girls Dean of Students. A meeting called to consider consequences for both a boy and a girl will be led collaboratively by the Division Director and Deans of Students. The Head of School reserves the right to lead or attend FDC meetings that may result in separation from the School.

Administrative Leave

The Administration reserves the right to place a student on Administrative Leave until a discipline consequence has been determined. The terms of an Administrative Leave are at the discretion of the Head of School. Administrative leave is not reportable to colleges.

Upper School Discipline Consequences

SARs-COV2 Note: Consequences for Not Having a Face Covering in Upper School

If a student arrives to campus without an appropriate face covering they will earn the following consequences:

1. First Offense: The DOS will provide the student with a face covering and make an “Official Note” in Blackbaud. 2. Second Offense: students will be asked to isolate (designated room?) until a parent/guardian can provide a face covering or the student is given permission to drive home. Absences during this time will remain unexcused and students will be required to make up all work. 3. Third Offense: students will be asked to isolate (designated room?) until a parent/guardian can provide a face covering or the student is given permission to drive home. Detention will be served and a meeting with the US Division Director, DOS and Parents/Student.

Multiple offenses will bring the students enrollment into question

Students will be expected to enter a classroom with their face covering on. If a student fails to do so:

1. First Offense: Teacher’s responsibility to log this information into Blackbaud. This will be generated as a 3 point infraction resulting in an immediate after school detention. 2. Second Offense: Students will be sent home for the day, counting as a community absence. Prior to returning to school a meeting with the US Division Director, DOS and Parents/Student where enrollment will be in question. 3. Multiple offenses will bring the student’s enrollment into question. 4. Any student refusing to wear a face covering when asked will be sent to the Division Directors Office.

Infraction Points

Infraction points will be assigned for minor violations of the community expectations. An accumulation of three points will lead to a detention. Further accumulation of infraction points will result in more severe consequences including weekend detention or suspension.

Upon the accumulation of six infraction points, the student must meet with the Division Director and may be placed on Disciplinary Probation. This will be on a student’s record and may be reported to colleges. Violation of school rules while on Disciplinary Probation brings into serious consideration a student’s fit for the Academies and could result in suspension or expulsion. Further violations escalate the transgressions to major violations of academic or community expectations.

Infraction Points may be cleared through service work pre-approved by the Dean of Students or Division Director.

Dean’s Warning

A student may be placed on Dean’s Warning when minor infractions are accumulated. This step may be used for students prior to being placed on Disciplinary Probation. This results in the loss of social privileges at school as well as jeopardizing his/her standing in the community. Further infractions while on Dean’s Warning will lead to Disciplinary Probation and may lead to out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

Detention

Detention will be from weekdays 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will take priority over practices, games, rehearsals, and performances. The type of detention assigned is dependent upon the number of infraction points accumulated and the type of violation. This will be determined by the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students will determine the date when detentions will be served. Detention may also be assigned by teachers at their discretion.

In-School Suspension

In-school suspension removes the privilege of attending class, free periods, and lunch with peers. In addition, a student must leave campus at the end of the school day, regardless of extracurricular commitments. Students will be allowed to take tests and quizzes and to work on class assignments during the in-school suspension.

Disciplinary Probation

Repeated violations of expectations, community, academic, or both, the student may be placed on Disciplinary Probation. This results in the loss of social privileges at school as well as jeopardizing his/her standing in the community. Violation of school rules while on Disciplinary Probation brings into serious consideration a student’s fit for The Academies and could result in suspension, non-renewal of enrollment, or expulsion. The expectation for a student on Disciplinary Probation is that he will, going forward, comply with the rules so that he may reclaim his/her standing in the school community. Students on Disciplinary Probation are reviewed at the end of each trimester/year and if it is appropriate, removed from disciplinary probation.

DISCIPLINARY PROBATION INFORMATION IS GIVEN TO COLLEGES.

Out-of-School Suspension

An out-of-school suspension removes the privilege of attending school. Any Major Violation may result in out-of-school suspension. Suspension will be for one to five days.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION INFORMATION IS GIVEN TO COLLEGES.

Expulsion

The following offenses will lead to expulsion: selling illegal drugs on campus or at any school-sponsored event off campus, carrying a weapon, calling in a false fire or bomb threat or alarm. Violation of a major school rule may result in immediate expulsion. A second major violation of any academic or community expectation will lead to expulsion.

RECREATIONAL AND ATHLETIC FACILITIES

SARs-COV2 Note: Recreational and athletic facilities will have individual policies and procedures for student density and physical distancing.

The playground, athletic fields, and athletic facilities at The Albany Academies are intended for use by Academies’ students and invited guests. Parents who wish to have their Academies’ student(s) and siblings play on the playground or fields after school and not be under the care and supervision of the Academies After-school Program or Athletic personnel must supervise their children. Students are not permitted to utilize athletic facilities without faculty or administrative supervision. At no time may children or older students be left unsupervised, nor may they interfere with the Academies After-school Program and personnel or with the Athletic Program.

After School

Extended Day

SARs-COV2 Note: Extended day will follow all health and hygiene protocols outlined in the reopening plan.

If they are not involved in a school-sponsored and school-supervised activity, boys in Preschool through Grade Eight may register in the Academy’s Extended Day Program if they stay past 3:40 p.m. any afternoon.

After-School Activities

SARs-COV2 Note: no large group, in-person meetings of after school activities will be allowed or sponsored. Remote meetings for these activities remains an option.

We encourage participation in Academies’ life. Many opportunities exist for students to get involved after school, including plays, student council, clubs and extra help, to name a few. For more information, please see an advisor.

After-School Extra Help

SARs-COV2 Note: extra help will be available remotely or in-person with proper protocols.

Most teachers offer extra help after school on any given day, Monday-Thursday. A student must check with the teacher to schedule a meeting time. All students must go home or to Extended Day by 4:15 p.m.

The Academies’ will not be held responsible and will be held harmless for any injury a child receives under the supervision of his/her parent or guardian.

HEALTH OFFICE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

HIV/AIDS Policy

The Albany Academies, while acknowledging the public concerns over the health issues surrounding Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, understands that, based upon the current state of medical knowledge, HIV is not easily transmitted and there is no evidence that HIV can be transmitted by casual contact in the school setting. Therefore, any member of The Albany Academies community with a life-threatening disease is encouraged to remain a part of the School community so long as he or she remains under the care of a physician, does not present a medical danger to others, and is able to meet acceptable performance standards. In order to assure a safe environment, all OSHA and State Education Department requirements are met. Faculty and staff are instructed in the use of universal precautions and kits are available in each room of the campus.

COVID-19 Policies and Practices

At Home Practices for Families:

● Clean and disinfect frequently touched items and surfaces as much as possible. ● Monitor your symptoms carefully. Note that the CDC reports children are more frequently asymptomatic and “may not initially present with fever and cough as often as adult patients.” ● If you feel sick, stay home. ● If you believe you are infected with COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Contact Tracing and Reporting Protocols ● Contact tracing for COVID-19 requires identifying persons who may have been exposed to COVID-19 and having their local health department follow them up daily for 14 days from the last point of exposure. ● Some Albany Academies staff members have been trained as contact tracers to support the Department of Health’s efforts. ● If a positive COVID case is identified, the School and the Department of Health should be immediately notified. ● Upon notification, the health office and trained staff will begin working with the department of health on tracing the student’s possible contacts from two days prior to the time they became symptomatic, or if asymptomatic from the time of positive test, and two days prior. ● Any possible contacts will then be notified directly by their local health department to assess their risk and if there is a need for that student or faculty member to self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor for symptoms.

COVID-19 Contact Person(s) ● Angela Sears, RN, and Lisa McDonald, FNP-BC will function as liaisons between members of the school community, school administration, and the Health Department as required. ● During the summer and when school is closed, email is the best initial point of contact.

○ AA: Lisa McDonald [email protected] g ○ AAG: Angela Sears [email protected] g

Please include a phone number and the best time to be contacted.

COVID-19 Testing ● The School does not provide or conduct COVID-19 testing. ● For more information about COVID-19 testing, contact your primary care physician or visit: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing

Daily Symptom Screening Survey ● As a condition of enrollment during the COVID-19 public health emergency, families will be required to complete a short symptom and contact screening survey prior to sending students to school each day. ● This self-screening will be conducted electronically in an app-based COVID-19 tracker that must be completed each morning prior to leaving for school. ● More information about this app will be provided in the coming weeks. ● We are taking this family-dependent approach to screening, rather than conducting in-school screening, in an effort to screen for symptomatic students before they come to school.

● To provide an accurate screening, a child’s temperature must be taken prior to responding to the following questions:

1. Has your child knowingly been in close or proximate contact in the past 14 days with anyone who has tested positive through a diagnostic test for COVID-19 or who has or had symptoms of COVID-19? 2. Has your child tested positive through a diagnostic test for COVID-19 in the past 14 days? 3. In the past 14 days has your child experienced any of the following symptoms of COVID-19: a fever of 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, shortness of breath, sore throat, cough, loss of taste or smell, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, congestion, or runny nose? 4. Has your child traveled internationally or to a state with widespread community transmission of COVID-19 per the New York State Travel Advisory in the past 14 days?

● Families who answer “yes” to any of the above questions will be unable to send their child to school. ● Families who answer “yes” to any of the above questions should contact the health office for further discussion. ● Scheduled visitors to campus will also be required to complete the screening survey and an onsite temperature check.

Daily Symptom Screening Survey Check ● Students will be assigned a building door that they must use to access the building ● Students will be met at their assigned entrance door by a member of our greeting team, who will check to make sure the student’s daily survey has been completed. ● The school has limited resources to conduct daily, in-person temperature checks, and doing so would create a significant delay in students accessing the building. Therefore,

○ If a family neglects to complete the daily survey, their child will be denied entry to the school building until a temperature check is completed on-site. ○ The school will then follow up with that family to help develop a habit of daily temperature checks and reporting.

Health History and Contact Information ● This year it is particularly important that we have your child’s updated health information, emergency contacts, and phone numbers. ● The School will soon be sending families information regarding how to update information in our Student Information System. ● Please be responsive to these requests. ● We will not allow students to return to school until this information has been received and verified.

Identifying COVID-19 Symptoms at home ● The CDC has identified the following symptom(s) as possibly related to COVID-19: ○ An unexplained cough ○ Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing ○ Fever above 100.0, /chills ○ Muscles aches ○ Diarrhea/vomiting/nausea ○ New loss of taste or smell 60

○ Sore throat ○ Congestion or runny nose ○ Chills ○ Fatigue

● If you observe any of these symptoms in your child, contact your healthcare provider ● Children with any of these symptoms should not come to school or take part in any other gathering activities until they have been cleared by a physician.

Physicals ● As part of mandatory sports requirements, The Albany Academies require yearly physicals for grades 7-12. ● Student-athletes are allowed to participate in the fall 2020 sports season if they have previously had a health examination for school attendance in the 2018-2019 or 2019-2020 school years and have provided a completed health history signed by a parent or guardian within 30 days of the start of the season. ● Student-athletes who have not previously had a health examination must still obtain one prior to participation in the fall 2020 sports season.

Preemptive Testing for COVID-19 or Antibodies ● At this time, preemptive testing as a requirement for reopening is not mandated for the following reasons:

○ Testing accuracy and turnaround are not yet reliable enough to be a useful screen for COVID-19 infection. ○ Testing would need to occur for each student and employee every 14 days to be a reliable screening tool, which would pose a significant logistical and capital expenditure for potentially very low yield of positives. ○ Antibody testing is currently not a reliable means to determine inclusion or exclusion for school attendance and is not recommended by public health experts.

● The School will revisit this requirement as testing acuity develops.

● The school will not release specific information regarding a community member’s identity. ● Anyone who was determined to have possible or known contact with the person who tested positive will be contacted directly by their local department of health. ● The School will communicate the next steps regarding the reopening of the campus after a thorough risk assessment has been completed in partnership with the Department of Health.

Protocol for Suspected Case of COVID-19 ● Any individual who screens positive for COVID-19 exposure or symptoms, if screened at the school, will be immediately sent home with instructions to contact their health care provider for assessment and testing. ● Students who are being sent home because of a positive screen (e.g., the onset of COVID-19 symptoms) will be immediately separated from other students and supervised until their parent/legal guardian or emergency contact can retrieve them from school. ● A separate isolation room has been set up in the health offices on both campuses for individuals who present with COVID symptoms. ● Protocol for picking up a student with a positive or suspected case of COVID-19: ○ AA Campus: The parent/pick up person can contact the nurse upon arrival and then proceed to the south door. The student will be escorted by the nurse to exit only through that door. The nurse will maintain appropriate PPE when doing so.

○ AAG Campus: The parent/pick up person can contact the nurse upon arrival and then proceed to the curb next to the playground. The student will be escorted by the nurse through the separate exit door and to the car. The nurse will maintain appropriate PPE when doing so. ● The School will close off all areas that the individual came in contact with and immediately disinfect them per NYSDOH and CDC standards. ● The School’s professional cleaning service will also conduct a deep cleaning and full disinfection of the entire campus ● Information on health care and testing resources, if applicable, will be provided. ● We require individuals to immediately disclose when their symptoms began, including during or outside of school hours for contact tracing purposes. ● The Albany Academies will immediately notify the Department of Health about the case if diagnostic test results are positive for COVID-19. ● If your child cannot be tested and is not diagnosed with another documented medical condition by their physician, they will be treated as positive for COVID-19. ● Per NYSDOH and CDC guidelines, they will need to stay home for 10 days from symptoms onset, remain fever-free (without fever-reducing medications), symptoms need to have improved, and medical documentation provided to the school prior to returning to school. ● During this time students will be able to participate in distance learning as part of the school’s hybrid learning program.

Symptom Monitoring During the Day ● Teachers will monitor children for signs of illness during the day, which could include cough, flushed cheeks, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing (without recent physical activity), fatigue, extreme fussiness or lethargy. ● PK - 6: Main/Front Office will be notified whenever a student needs to see the Nurse. ○ Main/Front Office staff will call the Nurse to check on capacity. ○ Office staff will transport PK - 6 students to the Health Office

● 7 - 12 & PG: Students may be sent directly to the Health Office. The Health Office will be notified by the classroom teacher in advance. ● If a child presents with a fever at school, he/she will be sent directly to a dedicated isolation area prior to being picked up or otherwise sent home. ● Students are also encouraged to self-report any Covid-19 related symptoms and be evaluated by the health office. ● Health Office hours: 7:15 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. ○ Approximate break times: 9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. ○ Approximate lunch breaks: (AA) 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. and (AAG) 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Vaccines ● New York State continues to require that up-to-date immunizations be submitted for school attendance. ● New York State Public Health Law regulations require that a child shall not continue to attend school for more than 14 days unless the school has received a certificate of immunization, documentation that the child is “in process,” or has a medical exemption. ● 30 days may be granted for children from out of the state or out of the country ● More information about required vaccines can be found at: https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2370.pdf

Wearing a Face Covering ● Learn the correct way to wear, handle, and care for a face covering: ○ Wash your hands before putting on your face covering ○ Inspect the face covering and do not use it if it is damaged or dirty ○ Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin ○ Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face ○ Make sure you can breathe easily ○ Don’t put the face covering around your neck or up on your forehead ○ Don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to disinfect ○ Change your face covering once it gets dirty or wet ○ Before removing your face covering, clean your hands first ○ Remove it by the the straps (not by the face covering itself) ○ Wash your hands again after removing your face covering ○ If you need to reuse your face covering, store it in a clear resealable bag ○ Remove and handle the face covering by its straps (not by the face covering itself) ○ Wash face coverings in hot water and detergent, preferably after each use ○ Do not share your face covering with others

Health Offices

The AA and AAG Health Centers offer services to promote the physical and emotional wellbeing of the Albany Academies’ students, faculty and staff. Both centers are staffed with a full time registered nurse. Policies and procedures followed by the Health Centers are aligned with the State Education Department requirements and reflect best practice in school nursing.

Physical, health history, and medication forms can be found on the school website. Copies of these forms can also be downloaded from the school website along with more detailed information on topics listed below.

1) Physical Examination Requirements Students in PK or K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 are required to submit an annual physical to the Health Center by August 15. Students participating in a sport must have a physical, dated within 12 months before the start of the training season. Failure to do so will result in the student being restricted from team practice, competitions and physical education classes. Middle and Upper School students will be held accountable for missed classes or sport participation.

2) Health History A parent/guardian is required to submit a health history annually to update our medical records.

3) Immunization Requirements All students are required to be immunized as mandated by the NYSED. Education Law 914 requires that every child attending school submit proof of immunizations required by Public Health Law 2164. Please check with the school nurse for more details on this process.

4) Medications A medication order and parent permission must be received to initiate this process. The medication must be delivered to the Health Office by a parent or guardian. Prescription medication labels should display the student’s name, pharmacy name and label, the physician’s name, name of medication, dose, frequency, and route of administration and any other necessary directions. Parents should ask the pharmacist to provide two containers, one for school and one for home to avoid transporting a medication daily. Medication should not be transported on the school bus. Over-the-counter medications must be in the original manufacturer’s container with the student’s name affixed to the container.

Students who need to carry medication on them during school hours must have a written permission from the physician, permission from the parent and approval by the nurse. Self-carry medication forms can be found on our website.

5) Communicable Diseases Please remember to notify the Health Center if your child has contracted an infectious disease that may affect the health of classmates, faculty or staff.

6) Illness During School Hours Children who are not feeling well during the day should go to the nurse. Children who develop the following symptoms will be isolated from the rest of the students and parents will be notified to take their child home: Diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat with fever, persistent earache with fever, rash of unknown etiology, pink eye, temperature of 100 degrees or higher, impetigo, scabies, ringworm, or head lice. Please remember to update your emergency contact information as necessary during the school year to ensure that we can reach you. No students will be dismissed for illness without seeing the school nurse.

7) Physical Education Exclusion Students who wished to be excused from physical education or team sports due to an illness or injury must present documentation to the school nurse. A parent may excuse their child for two consecutive days. A physician’s note is required to be excused for three or more days and indicates the date the student may resume physical activities.

Adaptive Physical Education is available and will be determined by the Physician, School Nurse and the Athletic Director.

Safe Food Practice and Allergy Awareness

SARs-COV2 Note: To minimize the chance of viral transmission, we ask that any outside food brought to campus be an individual serving solely intended for the consumption of the student who brought it.

In order to assure the safety of all students, only store-bought items are permitted in classrooms. Please include the ingredient and nutrition labels on all items. Meal-style foods containing meat or other perishable ingredients 64 requiring heating or refrigeration will not be permitted in classrooms. Arrangements may be made through the classroom teacher for special occasions when classroom celebrations call for special meals that will be prepared by our Food Service and served in the Stevens Center/Buttery.

As we take all precautions regarding our students’ health and safety, we ask that you help us maintain an allergen-aware environment when planning school events and celebrations involving food. We ask parents of children with identified food allergies to provide alternative “safe” snack food. This food should be left with the classroom teacher in the event a classroom snack is sent in from home that is not safe for a student with an allergy condition. Additionally, we ask that snacks of baked goods coming to school from home contain no nuts or nut products.

Substance Abuse Policy

The Albany Academies recognize that the use of alcohol and other drugs and the problems associated with it are widespread in our society. We believe that The Academies community has a responsibility to take a leadership role in developing an appropriate and effective response to this problem.

The Albany Academies recognize that the abuse of substances adversely affects the educational process and the community as a whole. We know that students cannot make full use of our curriculum or realize their own potential if they use/abuse alcohol and other substances. We believe that using chemicals is dangerous to healthy child development and can have serious life-long consequences. We strive to help students grow into strong and healthy individuals who have the skills necessary to handle life’s challenges without using substances.

We believe it is in the school community’s best interest to strive for and take the necessary steps to promote, enhance, and maintain a drug-free school, and that along with parents and other segments of the community, it has a role to play in helping students achieve these ends. (The students need education, assistance and support to remain drug-free and to cope with drug-related problems in those they care about.)

Students are encouraged to use the health office, counselor, advisor, Dean of Students, teachers or any other member of the faculty or administration as resources in addressing concerns. If a student comes forward with a problem the school will work with parents and health officials to get help and return to school.

If a student is referred to formal treatment as a result of a violation of school rules the student may be asked to withdraw or may be expelled. This applies to off-campus incidents as well as school-sponsored/related events.

Possession

The sale, distribution, use, or possession of alcoholic beverages, controlled substances (illegal/illicit drugs), marijuana, or other materials expressly prohibited by federal, state, or other local laws, and use or possession of drug paraphernalia is not permitted in the school buildings, on school property, or at school-sponsored athletic contests, dances, parties, or even off campus. This includes the consumption or use before the above events even though the student may not be on Academies grounds. Also, the sale, distribution, or abuse of prescription, patented, or imitation drugs is not permitted.

Possession or confirmed use of drugs or alcohol will result in immediate suspension for a minimum of five days. A parent will be notified immediately, and a parent conference will be arranged.

If a teacher or other Academies employee suspects that a student is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the teacher will send the student (accompanied by an adult) to the Health Center. The nurse will medically evaluate the student and refer appropriately. The nurse or teacher will contact the Dean of Students and/or Division Director. If the student is found to have consumed alcohol or illegal drugs, the student will only be released to his/her parents or the police.

Smoke Free Environment

The Albany Academies are smoke free environments. Smoking and inhalation of nicotine of any kind, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vapes, is not permitted on any school premises, indoor or out, including school vehicles and at off-campus school events. Community members are expected to inform visitors 65 of the smoke free policy; however, they are not expected to enter into any confrontation which may put their personal safety at risk.

LEADERSHIP

The Albany Academies’ Leadership Program

Effective and moral leadership is vital to the success of any community and indeed the nation at large. Effective schools must assume a significant degree of responsibility for developing in their students those intellectual and moral capacities considered to be essential components in the education of excellent leaders. Effective schools must also provide numerous and diverse learning experiences for students so that they may develop and practice their capacity to lead and follow.

The Albany Academies Leadership Program supports the academic and athletic program efforts to develop within our students the behaviors and characteristics stipulated in the school’s educational goals. Every component of the leadership program works to strengthen every student’s leadership education at the Albany Academies.

Upper School Student Leadership

The Albany Academy

The Student Council

The Student Council is a body of students nominated by the student body and voted into position through grade-level specific elections, as well as an all Upper School Election. Underclassmen representatives include a President, Vice President, treasurer and Secretary at each grade level (9-11). They are charged with overseeing their respective classes during meetings and representing the ideas from their classes to the Administration. These Representatives will be overseen by the Student Council President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, and Director of Events, senior students elected by the entire Student Body the previous year. Members of this body serve one-year terms and are eligible for re-election the following year. Members of this body may be removed from office for limited periods of time or permanently if they fail to model the behaviors called for by both the code of honor and the code of discipline. The Student Council also oversees the House Leadership System, the Cadet Corps, and all other extracurricular activities including clubs.

The Presidential Cabinet

Members of the Presidential Cabinet include the President and Vice President. The Presidential Cabinet oversees the three branches of student leadership: The Student Council, The House System and Cadet Corps. Members of the Cabinet are elected by the student body in grades 8 -12. The election takes place in May each year.

The Executive Committee of Student Council

Members of the Executive Committee include the Cabinet and Treasurer, Secretary and Director of Special Events. The primary function of the Executive Committee is to lead the Student Council in matters of student life. The secondary function of the Executive Committee is to facilitate House Competitions in conjunction with the House Prefects and the Cabinet.

Cadet Corps

While not a military school, The Albany Academies employ a military model of organization and structure for its Cadet Corps. This type of structure serves to provide numerous opportunities for students to practice leadership as they progress through the school and through the Cadet Corps.

Participation in the Cadet Corps is not compulsory; rather it can be voluntarily joined by students from Form III through VI. The leadership is provided by Form V and VI students who have gone above and beyond their call of duty within the Corps.

In the Cadet Corps there are three different divisions to choose from when you decide that you want to join. Those divisions are the Drill Team, Drum Line, and the Color Guard. Each is a highly respected group that will give a student the chance to lead his/her peers as he/she progresses through the ranks.

The most visible manifestations of the Cadet Corps assume the character of military type ceremonies and participation in local parades. However, the more important elements of the program are found in the daily regimen of problem-solving, conflict-resolution, decision-making and planning that the program’s leaders are exposed to while at school.

The House System

The House System is a leadership structure that involves all students in grades K – Form VI. Students are placed in one of four houses: Olcott, Gates, Henry, or Beck. The progressive leadership structure provides for many opportunities to lead and follow through formal and informal group interactions.

By assuming responsibility for the success of individual and House goals, student leaders and followers will develop a greater appreciation for an understanding of the importance of service to others as an essential component of effective and successful leadership.

By working in Houses, the students will develop refined group interaction skills and they will also learn how to become responsible members of an organization.

By serving in leadership positions, students will develop communication, problem solving, and organizational skills that will enable them to become successful leaders in the school and in the community.

Every year, two prefects will be elected for each House out of a pool of junior candidates deemed eligible to serve in the position by a faculty committee. The prefects will oversee and direct the happenings of their individual Houses and the all-encompassing school projects. These projects will be determined prior to the school year by the incoming prefects, student executive committee members and the faculty house advisors.

In regard to the all school projects, each House will be assigned a certain aspect of each project and will be judged on how well they perform their task and involvement in the project within the House. The Houses will be awarded points determined by how well they execute these two goals and these points will constitute the house competition.

On a biweekly basis the Houses will convene to discuss the community service projects and appropriate tasks for house members to carry out. These meetings will be presided over by the prefects and house faculty advisors. In addition, the prefects will meet weekly to discuss the all-school projects and their individual house’s participation in these.

Albany Academy for Girls

The Student Council

The Student Council is a body of students nominated by the student body and voted into position through elections. The following positions are voted on annually: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, special events and athletic association head(s). The primary function of the student council is to address matters of student life, including but not limited to, the student center, school policies and procedures in the student handbook and social functions.

Peer Leadership

Our Peer Leader program is open to students in the Junior class. After an extensive application process 8 junior peer leaders are chosen. The goal of the Peer Leader program is for Junior Peer leaders, through discussions and

67 activities, to help Grade 9 students with the transition from middle school to high school. This will also provide an opportunity for Grade 9 students to bond with upperclassmen.

Sister Classes

The Albany Academy for Girls believes in connecting our students amongst their divisions, but across divisions as well. Sister classes are designed to connect odd and even graduation years and to provide assembly and activity times each year to give our students an opportunity to connect, learn and grow together.

Cadet Corps

Participation in the Cadet Corps is not compulsory; rather it can be voluntarily joined by students from Grades 9 - 12. The leadership is provided by Grades 11 and 12 students who have gone above and beyond their call of duty within the Corps.

Community Service Days

(Lower School On-Campus, grades 5-12 off Campus) All students participate in two days of activities helping the greater community. Planning, implementation, review and reflection take place.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Telephone and Voice Mail System

The Albany Academies telephone system allows you access to our faculty and staff. The main school number is 518-429-2300.

Parents are encouraged to leave messages for all faculty members—advisors, teachers, and administrators – in the individual’s voice mailbox and not on the school’s general voice mail system. Calls to the system can be made any time, day or night. Please include the best time and place to have your call returned. Our faculty will make every effort to accommodate your schedule. During the school day all calls to faculty will be connected with his/her voice mailbox. You will hear a message and a beep. Please leave your message in detail after the beep. Please refer to the roster or the website for the extension numbers of all Academies employees.

Parent Conferences

SARs-COV2 Note: Parent conferences will be held remotely this year.

Each fall, a day is set aside for you to meet with your child’s advisor. This is a valuable opportunity for parents to present their perspective on their child and to meet the staff who will communicate with them regularly throughout the coming year.

It is often useful for parents to meet with their child’s teachers to discuss ways to improve student performance. When a parent or teacher requests a conference, it is important that the student understand why the meeting is occurring. Depending upon the circumstances, the student might even be present for all or part of the meeting. Ordinarily, the advisor arranges such parent conferences and will also be in attendance.

Parents’ Night

SARs-COV2 Note: Parents’ night will be held remotely this year.

At the annual Open School Night, all parents are invited to the school on a specific evening to meet their child’s teachers and to follow his/her schedule of classes. This is an excellent opportunity to meet the teachers, get a sense of their expectations, and understand the content of their courses. Because parents’ night is scheduled only once each year, we urge parents to attend.

Special Meetings

SARs-COV2 Note: Any special meeting will be held remotely this year.

Throughout the school year, certain meetings are set aside for special parent gatherings, most often focused on an important project affecting the boys in a class (e.g. planning for the Washington or Boston trips). The purpose of these meetings is to discuss student life issues.

Emergency Messages

Parents needing to have messages delivered to their child during the school day may call the school receptionist at (518) 429-2300 and leave any necessary message. Messages will be delivered to students in a timely manner. In serious emergencies only, messages will be communicated to your child immediately during the school day.

Albany Academies Parents Association (AAPA)

The purpose of the Parents Association is to encourage close cooperation and to foster communication among the parents of the Albany Academies students and between said parents and the Trustees, faculty, and staff of the school for the continuing enrichment of the school environment. Volunteer opportunities in various aspects of school life are abundant in which parents may participate through the Parents Association.

Business Office

The Business Office is responsible for all accounting procedures, all billing procedures, personnel and the Service Center. It is located on the lower level of The Albany Academy and is the first door on the right from the south parking lot. Please direct any questions regarding these matters to the business office personnel.

1) Billing Procedures The student enrollment contract, which parents sign before school begins each September, explains the timetable for tuition payments. Tuition expenses are billed twice a year, but other fees such as after school and service center charges are billed monthly. Parents are expected to follow the contract payment dates.

If a serious problem exists in meeting these obligations, please discuss the matter with the Chief Financial Officer. An interest charge of 1.5 percent per month (18 percent annually) is imposed for accounts outstanding more than 30 days. Collections policies are strictly enforced.

2) Food Service The Buttery on the AA and the Stevens Center on the AAG provide lunch every day for students and employees. The meal plan is mandatory for all students. The menu is reviewed by professional food-management personnel and includes hot and cold entrees, soup, salad, dessert, and beverages.

3) Transportation

Bus transportation is provided by the student’s home district if he/she lives within 15 miles of The Albany Academies. The School runs private bus service from Columbia, Greene, and Saratoga Counties. If a school bus is late, parents should communicate directly with their school district authorities. If a private bus is late, parents should inform the Business Office.

Miscellaneous Information

Bicycles

Students who ride bicycles to school are responsible for securing them. Bicycles are not allowed in the school building.

Lockers

SARs-COV2 Note: Congregating at lockers will not be allowed and locker assignments will be spread out to accommodate social distancing guidelines.

Upper School and Middle School students are assigned two lockers, one for general clothing and belongings, the other for athletic apparel. Unauthorized articles are not allowed in any locker, and lockers may be subject to periodic inspection and searches. If a locker does not have a school installed lock then the locker must be secured with an approved lock from the Academies Service Center (unapproved locks will be removed). Any defect in the lock should be reported at once to the Service Center. Locker problems should be reported to the student’s advisor and/or the Dean of Students.

Lost and Found

● Athletic equipment: Field House/Silipigno Athletic Facility ● All other items: See the Dean of Students

Accidents and Injuries

Immediately report all accidents and injuries to the school nurse.

Early Dismissal Procedures

Field Trips

SARs-COV2 Note: We will not be conducting field trips this year. 70

Parents will be notified in advance of all field trips. The cost, mode of transportation and time will be communicated in a note written by the classroom teacher. To hold down costs, we will occasionally ask our parents to help with transportation. To eliminate the exchange of money, each family’s account will be charged for field trips, if necessary.

If cars are used to transport students, students must all wear seat belts during these trips. Parents are responsible for the children’s safety and conduct when the teacher is not in the vehicle. Parents are strongly urged not to make unscheduled stops with children in their car. All students are expected to adhere to the expectations identified by their teacher(s) and to be respectful at all times. Students must:

1) show respect towards faculty, parents, and classmates 2) respect property 3) use appropriate language 4) wear the appropriate uniform and be neat in appearance 5) adhere to the designated safety rules when riding in a bus or car

Failure to adhere to the behavioral expectations could warrant an in-school suspension and/or removal from the next class trip.

Student Assistance

Each division at the Academies is prepared to respond to those students who might benefit from additional support and/or services. The support and services can be provided from within or outside the school community. Each division head is supported by the nurse, counselor and other appropriate staff members when assisting students in need of additional services.

When student life concerns are brought to a division head or the school counselor, the student’s advisor and/or homeroom teacher are consulted. The remainder of the student assistance staff then works closely with other appropriate staff and faculty to verify and clarify the student’s need for additional support and to work together to develop a supportive assistance plan.

The indications that a student may benefit from additional support vary. The need may arise if a student is living through any number of life experiences. Divorce, separation, health issues, death in the family or of a friend, depression, poor peer interactions, and substance abuse represent only a few of the experiences that might be intensely debilitating to students.

If you feel that your child needs support within the school, please contact the division head. The division head may then recommend that the student meet with the school counselor. If the situation warrants the assistance of resources beyond the school, the school will work closely with the family to find an effective treatment. Matters of this nature are always handled with the strictest confidentiality.

Crisis Intervention Team

In the event of a school-wide crisis, the Crisis Intervention Team is charged with working together to plan and implement appropriate informed responses that sensitively address the needs of students, parents, faculty, and staff. The team includes the Head of School, Division Directors, the counselor, the nurse, the Dean of Students, and other faculty and staff members. The work of the Crisis Intervention Team is guided by plans described in The Albany Academies Emergency Action Plan.

Medical Leave

The Albany Academies recognizes that there are situations when a student may require a medical leave from school. Medical leaves may include those for severe or prolonged illness, significant injuries, especially those requiring surgery, psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or suicidal ideations. A medical leave may be initiated by the family or at the request of the school. A medical leave shall be accompanied with appropriate documentation from a medical professional establishing the basis for the medical 71 leave. In an effort to gain additional information about the medical leave request, the school may request parental authorization to speak with the student’s medical provider.

While on medical leave, the school nurse and/or school counselor will work with the family and, as appropriate, the student’s medical professional, to monitor the student’s progress and receive updates on the student's status which they may share with the Head of School. The Head of School shall be available to discuss the medical leave and the student's status and readiness to return to school with the family and the student's medical professionals, as appropriate. Once the student is medically cleared to return to school by his/her medical professional, such documentation shall be submitted to the Head of School. In an effort to best support the student during the medical leave and upon return to school, the Head of School may discuss the reason(s) for the student’s medical leave with his/her teachers and/or staff, as pedagogically appropriate.

The degree of educational impact of a medical leave on a student’s status will vary with the amount of class time missed, the timing in the academic calendar, and the point in the student’s Albany Academies career. The Albany Academy will take all reasonable steps to assist the student to make up the missed work and, when appropriate, to adjust expectations about the work necessary to complete a given course.

When a student has missed attending more than 20% of any course class during a school year (approximately three weeks) for a medical leave, the Albany Academies may withhold credit for the course(s). The Albany Academies also may require a student missing more than 20% of any course to audit the class without credit until the beginning of the next academic year. No academic credit from The Albany Academies would be granted for that year in this circumstance. The Head of School will be available to the family to discuss academic options for the student while on medical leave and for the student’s academic future. Families may contact their district of residence to request home instruction while the student is on medical leave.

OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Like all independent schools, The Albany Academies need the generosity and support of parents and alumni to help make a difference in the education our students receive. It is through your philanthropic support that we can expand programs, offer financial aid to deserving students, provide faculty with enrichment opportunities and ensure the future of the school. The Academies appreciate the significant investment that you have made in your child’s education. However, it is important you realize that revenue from tuition only accounts for 80 percent of what the Academies actually spends to educate your child.

The Albany Academies Annual Fund

Makes up the difference between tuition and the actual cost of the Academies experience. A rigorous education, co-curricular activities and an extensive leadership development experience are all supported by generous gifts by Academies family and friends. Gifts to the Annual Fund may be restricted to four different areas: student financial aid and scholarship, faculty salaries and enrichment, co-curricular activities, or unrestricted/greatest need. It is true that each student receives almost $2,000 in financial aid. Every student, regardless of whether they receive financial aid, receives a subsidy from the Academies.

Annually, there are three fundraising events -- Spring Gathering, Splash, and Legacy of Dreams. We encourage all parents to participate and volunteer to assist with the planning and success of these events.

Capital Campaign Gifts

Are generally devoted to specific physical projects or endowment needs and are often made over a period of time.

Planned Legacy Gifts

Provide resources that address strategic objectives, such as endowment, and are a vital source of support for the school’s long-term future. Examples of these gifts include: 1) Bequests 2) Life Insurance 72

3) Real Estate 4) Gift Annuities 5) Pooled Income Fund

The Albany Academies Development Office works with the AAPA to support all initiatives. Many volunteer opportunities exist for parents to partner with the Academies in the educational experience of their child.

For more information about The Albany Academies Institutional Advancement or volunteering for an Academies event, please contact their office at (518) 429-2431.

Marketing and Communications

The Office of Marketing and Communications is responsible for the oversight and implementation of all marketing, communication, media, sponsorships, and public relations activities of the school. Major projects include the daily oversight of the website, including the calendar, athletic team pages, production of Headlines newsletter, monthly alumni/ae newsletter, the bi-annual A2 magazine, as well as the development of supplemental materials created to convey the Academies’ key messages to its various constituencies. The office is also responsible for media relations, as it relates to daily operations as well as planned public relations programs and events.

The communications staff coordinates the overall marketing activities of the school, including targeted advertising campaigns, publications and other promotional efforts. The office also serves as an internal resource for editorial support and works closely with the admissions and development offices, and the Parents Association in efforts to more effectively serve both their individual constituencies and the greater community.

PRINCIPLES OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR PARENTS,

FACULTY & STAFF AT THE ALBANY ACADEMIES:

A PARENT/SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP

The Albany Academies are dynamic and diverse educational environments committed to overall excellence and optimal learning experiences for each student. The relationship between The Albany Academies staff, students, parents, administrators and other community members should be based on mutual respect that fosters patience and tolerance, understanding and cooperation, positive and effective communication, and pro-social conflict resolution.

In order to achieve this, parents and faculty must recognize their shared responsibility to exert a positive influence in the activities and functions of the Academies’ community.

The Albany Academies Parents Association (AAPA) has taken a lead role – with the support of faculty, staff, and administration – to formulate guiding principles and all have agreed upon the following Principles of Good Practice:

1) Interactions between Parents and Faculty must be: ● Respectful ● Courteous ● Tolerant ● Positive 2) School policies must be respected and supported by both parents and faculty. 3) Requests for changes in policies or procedures must be made respectfully to the AAPA or the appropriate Administrator of the Academies. Such requests must be responded to in a timely manner.

Parents who enroll their children in The Albany Academies – Albany Academy for Girls and/or The Albany Academy - are obliged to abide by these Principles of Good Practice at all times on campus and at all Academies’ events.

Here is the rationale

● Both parents and faculty children teach their child best by modeling the core values of respect, integrity, responsibility and self-discipline as published and adopted by the Academies. ● Openly disrespectful, angry, intolerant, and negative behavior is disturbing to all involved, but especially disturbing to children. ● Every Academy staff member, student, parent, caregiver, and visitor has a right to be treated with courtesy and dignity, and to participate in a creative, challenging, and supportive environment that is safe, nurturing, and free from bullying, harassment, discrimination, and violence. ● Parents or employees who disrespect or defy the policies of The Albany Academies significantly shape the attitudes and behavior of students, thereby affecting the educational environment for all. ● We must respect each other regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or ability.

How to act on the Principles of Good Practice

● Parents must encourage students – in word and by example – to exhibit respect for faculty, staff, students, academic traditions, and the school buildings and grounds. ● Parents must respect the decisions made by the Academies in matters of student discipline including the honor code, the sports code of conduct, uniform regulations, and safe food practice. ● Parents are expected to endorse the participation of their child in the school’s academic, athletic, artistic, and cultural activities, regardless of the level of the child’s participation. ● Parents are expected to ensure their child arrives at school on time; if a student is late, parents must sign their child in at the office of the respective school. ● Parents are expected to collaborate with the school to stop rumors, bullying, harassment, or other problematic behavior, whether at school, after school, or in social media. ● Parents must go through the proper channels when they perceive a problem or want to make a statement about a particular issue.

The proper channels for helpful suggestions, ideas, and positive feedback

Faculty and Staff of The Albany Academies welcome positive suggestions and recommend parents put them in writing at any time. Parents are also encouraged to attend monthly meetings of the AAPA and monthly coffees with Division Directors, get to know their AAPA Division Representative, and attend parent-teacher conferences scheduled each trimester. SARs-COV2 Note: We will not be conducting parent coffees with Division Directors this year.

The proper channels for requests for change in policies and procedures

Parents who take issue with a policy or procedure should bring this to the attention of their Division Representative, or voice it at an AAPA monthly meeting, which will be attended by the Division Directors. Often, this leads to improvement and a better and more comprehensive understanding of the policy or procedure. Communication and proper understanding are very important to us and the foundation of our community.

The proper channels for serious concerns and criticisms

The administration of The Albany Academies wants to be informed of any serious concerns and criticisms of any aspect of the Academy experience. It is important that it be done in a respectful way and not in the presence of students.

Here is the Recommended Procedure for The Proper Channels For Serious Concerns And Criticisms:

1) If the issue relates to the classroom, put it in writing to the classroom teacher first, and respectfully inform him or her of your concerns; and please be as specific as possible. Your communication will be responded to by a faculty member within two working days. Further discussion in writing, telephone, or by a scheduled meeting must abide by the Principles of Good Practice. 2) If you do not receive a response or one that you feel is adequate, please write to the appropriate Division Director as follows: --Mrs. Michelle Hughes if your child is in the Lower or Middle School. --Mr. Brian Fruscio if your child is in the Middle School at AA --Ms. Lauren DeGeorgia if your child is in the Middle School at AAG --Mrs. Hilary King if your child is in the Upper School. A response should be received within two working days. 3) It is important to realize that at some point, the issue may not be resolved to your satisfaction and the answer may be no. However, if you continue to have a serious concern, you should ask your Division Director to forward the issue to the Chief Academic Officer then to the Head of School for ultimate adjudication.

Failure to adhere to the Principles of Good Practice may result in the following actions

1) A first-time violation of the Principles of Good Practice or following the proper channels for voicing concerns will result in a written notice by the appropriate Academic Administrator or by the Head of School. Repeated violations may result in exclusion from events or the school itself, or in the expulsion of the student from school.

2020 Reopening Plan

The Albany Academy for Girls 140 Academy Road Albany, NY 12208

The Albany Academy 135 Academy Road Albany, NY 12208

Plan Communication: https://www.albanyacademies.org/reopening-plan

Responsible Party: Christopher J. Lauricella Head of School [email protected] 518-429-2300

BEDS code: 010100996428

Please Note: this a working document

INTRODUCTION

This plan is focused on maintaining the health and safety of our students, professional community, and families. It attempts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at The Albany Academies by providing preventative health and hygiene practices that will allow students to safely return to the fundamental benefits of attending school on campus.

Our experiences with distance learning have highlighted these benefits. While we are capable of delivering a high level of academic instruction remotely, this mode of instruction does not replicate the co-curricular experiences of an Albany Academies’ education or the relationships that we develop when we are all together.

These experiences and relationships are fundamental to child and adolescent development. Among many other benefits, they help our students develop social and emotional skills, support their physical and psychological well-being, and provide myriad opportunities for daily physical activity.

To return to school safely, this plan highlights personal hygiene strategies recommended or required by the State of New York and layers them together to increase their cumulative impact. Developing these layered personal behaviors into a daily routine will be an important step towards keeping us all safe.It also provides significant detail about the organizational practices and protocols we will employ to keep our students safe.

Every adaptation to COVID-19 has been challenging, and developing this reopening plan has been no different. Please understand that this is a working draft and that much of this plan is based on interim guidance that is subject to ongoing refinement. This plan WILL continue to evolve over the rest of the summer and into our reopening as we gather more information and feedback from all of our stakeholders. These regular re-evaluations and adaptations are critically important to ensuring that students are able to return to school safely and stay in session.

To be clear, this fall will be unlike any we have ever experienced at school. However, we are confident that our professional community is more than capable of mastering the challenges we will face. We are equally optimistic that students and families will partner with us on developing and following this plan so that we can meet our shared goal of safely returning to in-person, on-campus instruction for the 2020-2021 academic year. 77

PLAN GOALS

1) The safe return of as many of our students as possible to in-person learning, five days a week, on The Albany Academies’ campus. 2) Provide the health and safety guidance needed to maintain a safe campus environment for all members of our community. 3) Provide programmatic structures to maintain our strong sense of community, maximize learning, and address our students’ holistic needs. 4) Communicate the contingency plans that are in place to maintain a high level of teaching and learning should circumstances change.

PLAN SUMMARY This plan features the following guidelines and layered practices designed to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission within our community.

● Cohorts. W e are scheduling students into cohorts that will fit within our existing physical footprint, are independent of one another, and can remain as static as possible.

● Continuous Cleaning and Sanitizing:

○ Our professional cleaning vendor is following all NYSDOH and CDC protocols for cleaning and disinfecting. ○ Our maintenance staff has been provided electrostatic cleaners and trained to continuously disinfect common spaces during the day. ○ Teachers will be disinfecting shared spaces within their classrooms. ○ High touch surfaces, such as door handles, have been treated with nanotech sleeves that kill viruses on contact.

● Daily Symptom Monitoring:

○ We will be proactively monitoring the health of our student body and professional community through an app-based daily symptom survey. ○ Families and employees will be required to complete the symptom monitoring survey each morning prior to sending their child to school. ○ On-site health observations will also be incorporated in monitoring the health of our community.

● Face Coverings. A ll individuals on our campus over the age of two will be required to wear a face covering. Whenever the required physical distance (6 feet for normal activity and 12 feet for high aerosol producing activity) cannot be maintained, face coverings are required.

● Health and Hygiene Education. W e will continuously educate our community regarding best practices in personal hygiene behaviors such as frequent hand washing and sanitizing, physical distancing, face covering, and respiratory etiquette.

● Pedestrian Traffic. Pedestrian traffic on campus and in buildings is being rescheduled and re-routed to minimize density and keep student cohorts from interacting with one another.

● Personal Responsibility:

○ We have developed both an honor code to create the expectation that each member of our community is personally responsible for following the elements of this plan and consequences should these elements not be followed. ○ We do this with the rationale that if we are not collectively diligent, we risk infecting ourselves, our friends, our families, and our community.

● Physical Distancing. C lassrooms, hallways, and other spaces are being reconfigured to maintain six (6) feet of distance between individuals during normal activities and twelve (12) feet of distance between individuals during potential “aerosolizing activities” such as music classes and physical education.

● Remote Learning Option:

○ Families can access a remote learning option that allows students to join in-person classes through the Zoom video platform. ○ This option is available to any family that would like to access it, including individuals who are medically vulnerable or those who are not yet comfortable returning to in-person instruction.

● Ventilation. M ERV filters have been fitted to existing HVAC systems. Air exchange fans and air purifiers are being deployed in classrooms.

● Zones. C ampus spaces are being divided into designated zones for specific cohorts.

APPLICABLE STANDARDS and PRINCIPLES

● The Department of Health has provided a set of health and safety principles that are documented here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/Pre-K_to _Grade_12_Schools_MasterGuidence.pdf

● The New York State Education Department has provided a set of health and safety principles for nonpublic schools that are documented here: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/nonpub/documents/reopening-guidance-religious- and-independent-schools.pdf

● The Albany Academies affirms that it will adhere to these standards and principles and have developed this plan to meet or exceed them. ● We will also continue to adjust School practices as new information about safe school operations during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency becomes available.

GUIDING AUTHORITY

● New York State is the guiding authority for reopening schools for in-person instruction during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. ● The responsible state agencies are the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Education Department, State Office of Religious and Independent Schools (SORIS). ● While The Albany Academies are organized as an independent school for purposes of instruction, we remain legally obligated to adhere to all pertinent public health laws and directives.

INHERENT RISKS

● The guidelines in this plan are intended to mitigate, not eliminate, the risk of COVID-19 transmission. ● No single action or set of actions will completely eliminate the risk of infection due to community spread of the virus, but the faithful implementation of the coordinated practices in this plan will greatly reduce this risk.

OPENING SCHOOLS

● Governor Cuomo has reserved the first week of August 2020 as the deadline for determining whether schools will be allowed to reopen for physical operations in New York State. ● Schools in the Capital Region that are in Phase IV of the New York Forward plan can reopen if the daily infection rate remains below 5 percent (5%) in the region using a 14-day average.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

● This plan assumes that each member of our community -- teachers, staff, students, and family members -- will take personal responsibility for diligently following it. ● We put ourselves, our family, our friends, and our community at risk of infection if we fail to do so. ● As a secondary concern, if we fail to take personal responsibility for our health and safety practices, we also risk creating conditions that may force the School to return to providing instruction via distance learning.

PLAN AVAILABILITY

● The School’s Website has been updated to include a public page dedicated to reopening: h ttps://www.albanyacademies.org/reopening-plan. ● All pertaintent communication will be sent to stakeholders via email and published to this page.

PLAN DEVELOPMENT

● The Senior Leadership Team distributed responsibility for drafting this plan to the School’s Emergency Response Team. ● We are sincerely grateful for the hundreds of hours of learning and thoughtful reflection that the members of this team devoted to developing the elements of this plan. ● Working drafts of this plan have been shared with The Albany Academies’ Board of Trustees, professional community (faculty and staff), and families. ● It has also been shared with the Albany County Department of Health. ● All of these stakeholders have been invited to comment on the plan and this feedback was considered in further refining the plan.

RESPONSIBLE PARTIES 81

● Christopher J. Lauricella, Head of School, is responsible for developing this plan in conjunction with the Board of Trustees and the Senior Leadership Team of The Albany Academies.

STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATION

● July 20, 2020: Working draft shared with the professional community for review and comments. ● July 22, 2020: Working draft shared with AAPA (parent association) for review and comments. ● July 22, 2020: Working draft shared with Board of Trustees for review and comments. ● July 24, 2020: Working draft disseminated to families for review and comments. ● July 27, 2020: Webinar conducted with the professional community to learn about the reopening plan and gather additional feedback. ● July 28, 2020: Two Webinars conducted with families to learn about the reopening plan and gather additional feedback. ● July 28, 2020: All comments collected and collated into a master review document and analyzed for thematic concerns. ● July 29 & 30, 2020: Reopening planned revised. ● July 31, 2020: Revised plan shared with community. ● July 31, 2020: Reopening plan submitted to NYSDOH. ● July 31, 2020: School Website updated to reflect the reopening plan and highlight key areas on a public page on our website dedicated to reopening: https://www.albanyacademies.org/reopening-plan ● August 5, 2020: Academic Team begins W eekly Wednesday updates detailing changes to program. ● August 7, 2020: Reopening plan submitted to NYSED, SORIS. ● August 7, 2020: H ead Lines, the School’s weekly electronic communication to families, moves from bi-monthly summer publishing schedule to weekly publication focused on reopening topics. ● August, Dates TBD: A series of additional webinars and digital communication is planned to provide Lower, Middle, and Upper School students families additional information, gather feedback, and address ongoing logistical concerns. ● September 10: Remote Orientation on Zoom for All Students & Parents. ● September 11: On-campus Orientation for New Students .

HEALTH GUIDANCE

At Home Practices for Families:

● Practice physical distancing and wear a face covering when you are in public places. ● Family members older than 65 years of age or those who have serious underlying medical conditions should avoid large crowds. ● Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available. ● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. ● Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue and dispose of the tissue. ● Clean and disinfect frequently touched items and surfaces as much as possible. ● Monitor your symptoms carefully. Note that the CDC reports children are more frequently asymptomatic and “may not initially present with fever and cough as often as adult patients.” ● If you feel sick, stay home. ● If you believe you are infected with COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

○ AA: Lisa McDonald m [email protected] ○ AAG: Angela Sears s [email protected]

Please include a phone number and the best time to be contacted.

3. In the past 14 days has your child experienced any of the following symptoms of COVID-19: a fever of 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, shortness of breath, sore throat, cough, loss of taste or smell, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, congestion, or runny nose? 4. Has your child traveled internationally or to a state with widespread community transmission of COVID-19 per the New York State Travel Advisory in the past 14 days?

● We will not allow students to return to school until this information has been received and verified.

Identifying COVID-19 Symptoms at home

● The CDC has identified the following symptom(s) as possibly related to COVID-19: ○ An unexplained cough ○ Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing ○ Fever above 100.0, /chills ○ Muscles aches ○ Diarrhea/vomiting/nausea ○ New loss of taste or smell ○ Sore throat ○ Congestion or runny nose ○ Chills ○ Fatigue

Preemptive Testing for COVID-19 or Antibodies ● At this time, preemptive testing as a requirement for reopening is not mandated for the following reasons:

○ Testing accuracy and turnaround are not yet reliable enough to be a useful screen for COVID-19 infection.

○ Testing would need to occur for each student and employee every 14 days to be a reliable screening tool, which would pose a significant logistical and capital expenditure for potentially very low yield of positives. ○ Antibody testing is currently not a reliable means to determine inclusion or exclusion for school attendance and is not recommended by public health experts.

● The School will revisit this requirement as testing acuity develops.

Protocol for Positive Case of COVID-19: ● In the event of a positive COVID case in our community, T he School will work with the Department of Health to determine appropriate next steps for the safety of our community. ● The school may cease physical operations for a short period of time (2 to 5 days) to assess the potential for community spread and to further deep clean and disinfect the campus. ● During this time students will be able to participate in distance learning as part of the school’s remote learning program. ● If the school does not cease physical operations, the impacted classrooms will be closed off, deep cleaned and disinfected, and remain unoccupied for an appropriate period of time as dictated by CDC guidelines. ● The School’s professional cleaning service may also conduct a deep cleaning and full disinfection of the entire campus ● During this time students will be moved to another classroom on campus. ● Families will receive a general notification that we have a confirmed COVID case in the community and that contact tracers from the New York State Department of Health will follow up with families that have students who may be affected. ● The school will not release specific information regarding a community member’s identity. ● Anyone who was determined to have possible or known contact with the person who tested positive will be contacted directly by their local department of health. ● The School will communicate the next steps regarding the reopening of the campus after a thorough risk assessment has been completed in partnership with the Department of Health.

● Information on health care and testing resources, if applicable, will be provided. ● We require individuals to immediately disclose when their symptoms began, including during or outside of school hours for contact tracing purposes. ● The Albany Academies will immediately notify the D epartment of Health about the case if diagnostic test results are positive for COVID-19. ● If your child cannot be tested and is not diagnosed with another documented medical condition by their physician, they will be treated as positive for COVID-19. ● Per NYSDOH and CDC guidelines, they will need to stay home for 10 days from symptoms onset, remain fever-free (without fever-reducing medications), symptoms need to have improved, and medical documentation provided to the school prior to returning to school. ● During this time students will be able to participate in distance learning as part of the school’s hybrid learning program.

Serving Medically Vulnerable Students and Families ● The Center for Disease Control has published the following list of underlying medical conditions that may indicate that an individual i s at an increased risk for potentially bad outcomes from a COVID-19 infection, particularly if the condition is not well controlled: ○ Cancer ○ Chronic kidney disease ○ COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) ○ Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant ○ Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 or higher) ○ Serious heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies ○ Sickle cell disease ○ Type 2 diabetes mellitus

● The Center for Disease Control has published the following list of underlying medical conditions that may indicate that an individual m ight be at an increased risk for potentially bad outcomes from a COVID-19 infection, particularly if the condition is not well controlled: ○ Asthma (moderate-to-severe) ○ Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain) ○ Cystic fibrosis ○ Hypertension or high blood pressure ○ Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines ○ Neurologic conditions, such as dementia ○ Liver disease ○ Pregnancy ○ Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues) ○ Smoking ○ Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder) ○ Type 1 diabetes mellitus

● This list is periodically updated and can be found here: ○ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/ people-with-medical-conditions.html

● Families who believe that their child or someone in their family is medically vulnerable or should contact the health office and your health care provider to discuss your needs. ● Employees who believe that they may be medically vulnerable should contact their health care provider and then David Lester, The Albany Academies Chief Human Resources Officer at [email protected] ● Remote learning plans will be developed for medically vulnerable students who cannot physically attend classes during the COVID-19 public health emergency ● These plans will be tailored to the specific needs of individual students.

Summer Practices for Families: ● Refrain from traveling to states on the New York State “restricted travel” list that are experiencing a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19, particularly two weeks prior to our planned opening on September 11th. ● This list can be found at: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory

● Families who travel to these states must quarantine for 14 days prior to sending students to school. ● Help your child understand how important his or her personal health and hygiene behaviors are to keeping our community safe by reviewing this plan as a family. ● For middle and upper school students, please join us in discussing the COVID-19 Honor Code with your child.

Symptom Monitoring During the Day ● Teachers will monitor children for signs of illness during the day, which could include cough, flushed cheeks, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing (without recent physical activity), fatigue, extreme fussiness or lethargy. ● If these symptoms are noted, students will be sent to the health office to be evaluated. ● If a child presents with a fever at school, he/she will be sent directly to a dedicated isolation area prior to being picked up or otherwise sent home. ● Students are also encouraged to self-report any Covid-19 related symptoms and be evaluated by the health office.

● For a visual demonstration visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Tv2BVN_WTk

HEALTH FAQs

Q: Is the school making medical or public health decisions about COVID?

● No. Your healthcare provider and the New York State Department of Heath are the responsible parties for all medical and public health decisions once a case is reported to them. They will advise families and the school on these decisions, including testing, isolation or quarantine, and return-to-school criteria. This plan provides you the guidance that has been shared with us by NYSDOH.

Q: Does the school have an adequate supply of PPE for our nurses?

● We have an adequate amount of PPE in stock at school, which was ordered in the spring. We continue to assess our needs and order additional supplies, factoring in long fulfillment cycles due to high demand.

Q: How many masks should each student bring per day?

● While this is a personal preference, we suggest at least two

Q: My child has an underlying health condition that needs monitoring. How do I inform you of this? How will you follow up?

● Please contact the health office at your respective school to discuss your child’s needs.

○ Albany Academy: Lisa McDonald m [email protected] ○ Albany Academy for Girls: Angela Sears [email protected]

● During the summer and when school is closed, email is the best initial point of contact. ● Please include a phone number and the best time to be contacted. ● A survey has also been sent to families about this: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GQJ5BP9. ● If you have not responded, kindly contact Angela Sears (AAG) or Lisa McDonald. ● Monitoring and accommodations will then be done on a case-by-case basis with the guidance of your families’ health care provider.

Q: When should I keep my child home from school?

● You answer “yes” to any of the daily symptom survey questions. ● If s/he has been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case or are themselves positive. ● If s/he is experiencing any symptom(s) possibly related to COVID-19:

○ An unexplained cough ○ Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing ○ Fever above 100.0, /chills ○ Muscles aches ○ Diarrhea/vomiting/nausea ○ New loss of taste or smell ○ Sore throat ○ Congestion or runny nose ○ Chills ○ Fatigue

● If s/he is experiencing any symptom(s) possibly related to other infectious or contagious illnesses.

Q: This symptom list overlaps with many other illnesses. Will the school really hold my child out of school, even if we think it’s just normal sickness?

● Unfortunately, yes. This the symptom list provided by the CDC and the protocol required by the NYSDOH.

Q: When can my child return to school after being absent for COVID-19 illness?

● They have been released by their local health department. ● A doctor’s note of clearance to return to school including date of return and indicating any restrictions placed on the student while in school has been submitted prior to or immediately upon arrival at school. ● The student can energetically participate in classroom activities, without the use of fever-reducing medication. ● The student does not exhibit an uncontrollable cough. ● The student is able to take care of his/her own respiratory hygiene by using a tissue and washing hands.

Q: When can my child return to school after being absent for other non-COVID illnesses?

● When they have been diagnosed with another condition and have a healthcare provider written note stating they are cleared to return to school, and ● Once there is no fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines, and they have felt well with the improvement of other symptoms for 24 hours. ● When your child has been diagnosed with an infection (pneumonia, bronchitis, strep, conjunctivitis, scarlet fever) and your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, the medication should be taken for 24 hours before returning to school. ● When a doctor’s note of clearance is provided for an unexplained rash.

Q: What if a student or staff member is presumed ill with COVID-19?

● The student will be isolated within the health office with a nurse and must be picked up immediately. ● The staff member will be sent home immediately. ● The parent or staff member will be instructed to contact their physician for further care and instructions. ● The Department of Health will be contacted for guidance when warranted.

Q: What if a student or staff member has a confirmed case of COVID-19?

● The School will work with the Department of Health to determine appropriate next steps for the safety of our community. ● Families will receive a general notification that we have a confirmed COVID case in the community and that contact tracers from the New York State Department of Health will follow up with families that have students who may be affected. ● The School may cease physical operations for a short period of time (2 to 5 days) to assess next steps and allow for deep cleaning and disinfection of the campus. ● Students would be served by distance learning during this period. ● The School will communicate next steps regarding the reopening of the campus after a thorough risk assessment has been completed in partnership with the Department of Health.

Q: How do we manage at home if an individual has a confirmed case of COVID-19?

● You will be advised of a specific course of action by your healthcare provider or the Department of Health. ● In general, people should adhere to home isolation until the risk of secondary transmission is thought to be low. ● Considerations for care at home include whether:

○ An individual is stable enough to receive care at home. ○ An appropriate caregiver is available at home. ○ There is a separate bedroom where the individual can recover without sharing immediate space with others. ○ Resources for access to food and other necessities are available. ○ The patient and other household members are capable of adhering to precautions recommended as part of home care or isolation.

● More information on this topic is available here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/care-for-someon e.html

Q: Does the School conduct contact tracing?

● The Department of Health is responsible for contact tracing through county offices. ● To assist these efforts, members of the Administrative Team, support staff, and our nurses have completed the COVID-19 Contact Tracing course provided by John Hopkins to have an understanding of how to determine a contact and the ethical and confidentiality components of contact tracing. ● The school will work with the Department of Health and provide information on possible contacts, but will not directly conduct the contact tracing. ● The Department of Health and their contact tracers will inform individuals who may have been in contact with a positive COVID case and recommend next steps.

Q: What if a student or staff member has a member of their household with a positive diagnosis of COVID-19?

● The student or staff member will be required to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days from the time of last exposure to the person that tested positive. ● Their local health department will monitor them for symptoms daily. ● Discharge from quarantine and return to school will be conducted in coordination with the local health department

● Online educational and emotional support will be provided during this time through our remote learning plan.

Q: How will you notify those who may have been exposed to a staff member or student with COVID-19? Will you require them to be tested before returning to campus? How will you notify the community about a positive COVID-19 diagnosis in a community member?

● Families will be contacted by the Department of Health. ● Testing will be decided by the physician/parent and the Department of Health. ● In the event someone in our community does become ill with a confirmed case of COVID-19, a general notification will be emailed to families regarding a positive diagnosis within our community. ● We will only be notifying the community regarding confirmed cases of COVID-19. ● The confidentiality of the community member who tested positive will be protected to the best of the School’s ability. ● Anyone that was determined to have possible or known contact with the person who tested positive would then be contacted by the Department of Health.

Q: What is the process for temperature checks?

● As a condition of enrollment during the COVID-19 public health emergency, temperature checks are required daily. ● They should be completed a t home prior to arrival at school as prompted by a short app-based survey. ● One of the benefits of symptom screening at home is that identifies symptomatic individuals b efore t hey arrive at school and come in contact with others ● The completed survey will create a record at school of which children are cleared to enter school buildings. ● Students will be assigned a designated building entrance and be met at the door by a greeter who has a record of daily symptom survey results. ● The greeter will clear students to enter the building based on these results.

Q: What if we don’t complete the daily survey?

● If your child was not able to complete the daily symptom survey at home, the school will have a record of this and will deny him or her access to the building until an on-site temperature check can be conducted. ● As this is disruptive for all involved, we will then work with individual families to ensure that the symptom check and survey become part of your morning routine.

Q: Will the School require tests for COVID-19?

● At this time, testing as a requirement to return to school at reopening is not mandated. ● Testing only confirms positive or negative for that specific moment in time. ● Testing would need to occur for each student and employee every 14 days to be a reliable screening tool which would be tremendously straining on time and finances for a potentially very low yield of positives.

Q: Are current students required to have up-to-date childhood immunizations?

● Yes, our immunization policies have not changed, and we are continuing to follow the State of New York guidelines. ● Please schedule your child’s immunization appointment accordingly.

Q: What if I am having a difficult time getting an appointment with my healthcare provider?

● We advise that you call for an appointment well in advance of your need. ● NYS allows a 30 day grace period from the start of school for completion of requirements. ● At the conclusion of the grace period, students must be prohibited from attending school until such requirements are completed

Q: What if I have a question that has not been answered by this FAQ?

● If your child is enrolled at Albany Academy contact Lisa McDonald at [email protected] ● If your child is enrolled at Albany Academy for Girls contact Angela Sears at [email protected]

IN-PERSON LEARNING and COMMUNITY MITIGATION PRACTICES

Academic Schedule ● The Albany Academies proposes beginning in-person learning with a five-day, daily schedule as follows:

○ Lower School ■ 7:15 to 7:45 am Early Arrival ■ 7:45 to 8:00 am On-time Arrival ■ 8:00 am Classroom Work Begins ■ All classes periods except PE and Recess will be held in the student’s home classroom, including lunch. ■ Lunch will be delivered on a staggered schedule between 10:45 and 11:20 am. ■ 3:00 pm Dismissal Begins.

○ Middle School ■ 7:15 to 7:45 am Early Arrival ■ 7:45 to 8:00 am On-time Arrival ■ 8:00 am Homeroom ■ 8:10 am Period 1 ■ 8:57 am Period 2 ■ 9:41 am Period 3 ■ 10:26 am Period 4 ■ 11:13 am Homeroom and Lunch Blocks Begin ■ 12:46 pm Period 5 ■ 1:33 pm Period 6 ■ 2:20 pm Period 7 ■ 3:05 pm All students report to Homeroom ■ 3:25 pm Dismissal

○ Upper School ■ 7:15 to 7:45 am Early Arrival ■ 7:45 to 8:00 am On-time Arrival ■ 8:00 am Advisor Homeroom 8:17 am Period 1 ■ 9:04 am Period 2 ■ 9:51 am Period 3 ■ 10:36 am Period 4 ■ 11:23 am E Block

■ 11:44 am Upper School Lunch Sessions Begin ■ 12:50 pm Period 5 ■ 1:37 pm Period 6 ■ 2:25 pm H Block ■ 3:05 pm Students in after school sports report to the team's designated meeting spot ■ 3:25 pm Dismissal

● The School is prepared to move to a hybrid model if necessary, with distance learning for core classes from 8 until 12:30 and in-person, on-campus learning in the afternoon for art science labs, PE, and sports PE workouts. ● The School reserves the right to continue to adjust academic scheduling to meet evolving public health needs and stakeholder sentiments as appropriate.

Arrival ● Students will be assigned a specific door to enter and exit buildings. ● Doors are assigned by division and designated with a color code. ● At the Albany Academy for Girls: ○ Lower School students will enter through the library and playground doors, which will be designated by the color yellow ○ Middle School students will enter through the Main Entrance, which will be designated by the color red ○ Upper School students will enter through the Breezeway, which will be designated by the color blue

● At the Albany Academy: ○ Lower School will enter through the South Entrance, which will be designated by the color yellow ○ Middle School student will enter through the Main Entrance, which will be designated by the color red ○ Upper School students will enter through the North Entrance, which will be designated by the color blue

Attendance ● Teachers and advisors will be taking daily and period attendance, regardless of what learning mode a student is in.

● Attendance data will be updated daily using the School’s student information system.

Automatic Fire Doors ● The normal operation of the School’s automatic fire doors remains unchanged.

Building Entrances & Security ● To facilitate physical distancing and lessen student density in transitions, students will be assigned a specific building door that they must use to enter and exit buildings. ● These entrances will be monitored by members of the professional community at key times during the academic day. ● This is a deviation from the School’s usual security plan that relies on a single point of monitored entry. ● The school is investigating technical solutions to enhancing security while using this multiple door strategy.

Cleaning and Sanitizing ● Increased cleaning and sanitizing will occur throughout the day and additional janitorial staff will be hired and assigned to high traffic areas such as bathrooms. ● Teachers will disinfect desks between the class period. ● Additional time will be added to passing periods to facilitate cleaning and disinfection. ● Teachers will be trained on disinfection procedures. ● The school is using a “no-touch” spray disinfectant that is leave-on and dries within two minutes of application. ● NYSDOH guidelines prohibit students from disinfecting classroom spaces. ● A proposed cleaning and disinfection schedule is included in the Appendix of this plan.

Cohorts ● Where practicable, students will be scheduled into cohort groups to limit potential exposure between groups. ● The School is particularly focused on minimizing the contact between students under the age of 10 and those who are older.

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● This an attempt to have younger learners operate independently of older learners and minimize potential whole-school disruption to in-person instruction in the event of a positive case in either of the cohorts. ● The School will make reasonable efforts to ensure that cohort groups remain static in classrooms and do not mix with other cohort groups. ● Developing cohort groups will be relatively straightforward for younger learners (PK through Grade 4) and increasingly complex for older students who are enrolled in courses according to a range of needs and skill levels. ● Faculty members may instruct more than one cohort as long as appropriate social distancing is maintained. ● Cohort sizes below reflect projected enrollment as of 7/30/2020 ● Cohort sizes below reflect a maximum size and do not account for students who may access the school via remote learning.

Albany Academy for Girls Lower & Middle School Cohorts

Pre-Kindergarten 11 Kindergarten 10 1st Grade 8 2nd Grade 15 3rd Grade 8 4th Grade 14 5th Grade 14 6th Grade 18 7th Grade 20 8th Grade 19

Albany Academy (Boys) Lower & Middle School Cohorts

Pre-Kindergarten 7 Kindergarten 9 1st Grade 6 2nd Grade 9 3rd Grade 6

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4th Grade 14 5th Grade 17 6th Grade 19 7th Grade 25 8th Grade 30

The Albany Academies Upper School

9th Grade 90 10th Grade 107 11th Grade 102 12th Grade 110

● In the Upper School, cohorts are currently based on grade level only. ● Cohort sizes reflect a current, maximum projected size and do not account for students who may access the school via remote learning. ● The School is currently exploring a range of additional cohorting strategies to further reduce the size of Upper School cohorts.

Drinking Fountains ● Students will not have access to drinking fountains with shared taps. ● Students will have access to water bottle fillers. ● Drinking fountains were properly maintained when the school ceased physical operations and are in good repair for reopening.

Fire and Safety Codes ● The School has not conducted any major physical renovations to accommodate physical distancing requirements. ● The School remains in compliance with all relevant fire and safety codes.

Early Bird and Extended Day ● Early Bird and Extended Day programs will be offered. ● Social distancing will be maintained and students will wear face coverings.

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● Programs will be moved to large gathering spaces such as the Chapel, Libraries, and Auditorium. ● Students will be kept in age-group cohorts and cohorts will be kept separated.

Face Coverings ● All individuals on our campus over the age of two will be required to wear a face covering. Whenever the required physical distance (6 feet for normal activity and 12 feet for high aerosol producing activity) cannot be maintained, face coverings are required. ● Face covering-breaks will take place at the discretion of the user and must not exceed one minute; breaks may only be taken when stationary and proper physical distancing is maintained OR acrylic dividers are properly in place. ● Face coverings may be removed briefly to drink water; water face-covering breaks may only be taken when stationary and proper physical distancing is maintained OR acrylic dividers are properly in place. ● Face coverings may be removed when eating in food-consumption, designated areas; masks may only be removed when stationary and proper physical distancing is maintained OR acrylic dividers are properly in place. ● Per the NYSDOH acceptable face coverings include but not limited to cloth face coverings and surgical masks that cover both the nose and mouth. ● Please note that vented masks are not reliable for protection in transmission of COVID-19, and are therefore not acceptable, nor are bandanas or single ply neck gators. ● Individuals who believe they are unable to medically tolerate a face covering should discuss their status with the School’s Health Office. ● Students and parents/legal guardians should take responsibility for maintaining their face coverings, which should be cleaned or replaced after use and must not be shared. ● The Albany Academies will issue one reusable and washable face covering for each student. ● Additional face coverings can be purchased through Lands’ End: https://www.landsend.com/shop/school/S-ytp-xe8 ● Students may also provide their own face coverings. ● Student-provided face coverings may not have distracting graphics or inappropriate messages on them. ● Families are encouraged to purchase multiple face coverings and to label or embroider them with their student’s name. ● If a student forgets a face covering, a disposable covering will be provided.

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● Wearing a face covering is a matter of public health and disciplinary consequences have been developed to reinforce this if necessary, as described in the appendix. ● How to wear, handle, and care for a face covering: ○ Wash your hands before putting on your face covering ○ Inspect the face covering and do not use it if it is damaged or dirty ○ Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin ○ Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face ○ Make sure you can breathe easily ○ Don’t put the face covering around your neck or up on your forehead ○ Don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to disinfect ○ Change your face covering once it gets dirty or wet ○ Before removing your face covering, clean your hands first ○ Remove it by the the straps (not by the face covering itself) ○ Wash your hands again after removing your face covering ○ If you need to reuse your face covering, store it in a clear resealable bag ○ Remove and handle the face covering by its straps (not by the face covering itself) ○ Wash face coverings in hot water and detergent, preferably after each use ○ Do not share your face covering with others ○ For a visual demonstration visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Tv2BVN_WTk

Faculty Lounges ● The use of faculty lounges will be limited to copying, printing, and mail retrieval. ● Faculty will be required to wear a face-covering when using the faculty lounge. ● The room will have an occupancy limited to 50% of capacity. ● Faculty and staff will not be permitted to loiter in these spaces.

Handwashing ● Handwashing will occur throughout the day as well as at prescribed times on the classroom schedule. ● Hand sanitizing stations have been posted throughout the buildings for use when hand washing is not immediately accessible. 104

● The hand sanitizer provided consists of at least 60% alcohol.

Honor Code & Disciplinary Consequences ● The School has developed an honor code to create the expectation that each member of our community is personally responsible for following the elements of this plan. ● The School has also created disciplinary consequences should these elements not be followed. ● We do this with the rationale that if we are not collectively diligent, we risk infecting ourselves, our friends, our families, and our community.

Ongoing Education ● Education regarding physical distancing, hand hygiene, use of PPE, and symptoms of COVID-19 as well as school procedures in place for student and employee safety will be provided to the community prior to school reopening via distance learning. ● Once in school, education will be on a continuous basis to reinforce practices and for remediation of incorrect practices. ● Education will be conducted by qualified individuals.

Outdoor Spaces ● The school has erected tents on campus that can be used as outdoor learning spaces. These temporary structures adhere to all local building and fires codes.

Physical Distancing ● Per NY State requirements, physical distancing of six (6) feet will be maintained between individuals while in school facilities and on school grounds. ● Per NY State requirements, when six (6) feet cannot be maintained face coverings will be required (they are always required on campus with the exception of eating and scheduled face-covering breaks.) ● A distance of twelve (12) feet in all directions will be maintained between individuals while participating in activities that require projecting the voice (e.g., singing), playing a wind instrument, or aerobic activity resulting in heavy breathing (e.g., participating in gym classes). ● The Albany Academies’ ratio of students enrolled to available instructional space will allow us to schedule classes within these physical distancing guidelines 105

● The school is actively exploring the creative use of both our existing community spaces and our outdoor facilities to accommodate the 12 feet guidelines for aerosolizing activities.

Physical Distancing in Classrooms ● Desks will be spaced 6 feet apart in classrooms to maintain proper social distancing. ● In band, chorus, physical education, and dance, students will be spaced 12 feet apart. ● Age-appropriate systems will be in place when lining up so that there is the appropriate physical distance in front of each student as well as behind them. ● Room occupancy will not exceed 50% of the capacity of the room except for a single occupancy room.

Physical Distancing in Large Gathering Spaces ● Physical distancing of 6 feet between individuals will be maintained in large gathering spaces. ● Room occupancy will not exceed 50% of the capacity of the room except for a single occupancy room. ● Traditional events and large group gatherings (i.e. Chapel and Morning Meetings) will be broadcast into homerooms and available via Zoom for individuals at home.

Physical Distancing in Transitions (Campus Pedestrian Traffic)

● To eliminate congestion points, students will be assigned a specific entrance to enter and exit buildings by division: Yellow for the lower school, Red for Middle School, and Blue for Upper School. ● Schedules for dismissal from classes will be staggered to limit the number of students traveling the hallways at any one time. ● Hallways will be split in half according to physical distancing standards. ● Signage and visible cues, including the color-coding above, will be prominently displayed to reinforce directions of travel. ● Faculty, administration, and staff will supervise pedestrian traffic through common areas to ensure that community mitigation measures are being followed.

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Restroom Use ● Specific restrooms will be assigned to specific cohorts of students. ● Physically distancing will be signaled by visual cues and taking specific facilities out of service as needed. ● A signaling system will be developed to determine restroom occupancy prior to entry. ● All individuals will be required to wear face coverings in the restroom. ● Individuals should ensure that they follow proper hand washing protocols, prompted by signage cues. ● Restrooms will be cleaned at additional times throughout the day.

Safety Drills ● The School will continue to conduct fire and emergency response drills in a physically distanced format. ● Drills will be conducted in accordance with the usual drill schedule. ● Additional procedures will be adopted to allow students to maintain physical distance from one another. ● Students will wear face coverings for the duration of the drill. ● Students will be educated about the additional challenges of conducting safety drills during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Signage and Visual Cues

● Classrooms, hallways, and common areas will be marked with color-coded (Yellow for Lower School, Red for Middle School, and Blue for Upper School) arrows indicating the flow of traffic patterns and visual aids for spacing for social distancing. ● Educational signage pertaining to personal mitigation efforts such as face-covering, physical distancing, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette will be prominently displayed.

Student Lounges ● Student lounges will be closed until further notice.

Ventilation, Filters, and Air Handling ● The Albany Academies’ legacy buildings are heated by radiant systems, so there are limited opportunities for air borne pathogens to be distributed.

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● All existing air handling systems are fitted with MERV filters that block 95% of all airborne particles. ● These systems will be regularly checked and cleaned. ● To increase air flow the school is installing window fans. ● Air purifiers are being used in rooms that do not have windows.

COMMUNITY MITIGATION and IN-PERSON LEARNING FAQ’S Q: What is the COVID-19 Student Honor Code for Middle and Upper School Students?

● Each member of our community is personally responsible for following The Albany Academies 2020 Reopening Plan. ● During this COVID-19 public health emergency, our individual actions and decisions will have a significant impact on the health of those around us. ● Together we must agree to diligently follow a shared set of behaviors designed to keep us all safe:

○ Making sure our families accurately complete our daily symptom screening surveys. ○ Maintaining six (6) feet of physical distance between one another during normal activities. ○ Wearing a face covering as required by the School’s reopening plan. ○ Regularly washing or sanitizing our hands and being careful to sneeze or cough in a way that doesn’t affect others. ● If any one of us fails to do these things, that person risks infecting themselves, their friends, their family, and our community. ● Therefore, as a member of this community I will: ○ Monitor my health daily. ○ Ensure that my family accurately completes my daily symptom screening survey. ○ Bring my own personal face covering to school each day. ○ Wear my face covering as described in the reopening plan and as directed by teachers. ○ Maintain physical distancing as described in the reopening plan and as directed by teachers. ○ Hold the health and safety of my friends, family, and faculty in the highest regard by being diligent about these behaviors. ○ Be positive and open to any reminders about health and safety. ○ Be a good community citizen, with the understanding that my behavior will either move us forward as a community that can

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engage in in-person learning or negatively impact my friends, family, and our faculty.

Q: What are the consequences for violating the honor code?

● See plan appendix numbers 3, 4, and 5 for a full explanation of procedures and proposed consequences.

Q: How will classrooms and public spaces remain disinfected?

● Students will wash/sanitize hands upon entering the classroom, at prescribed times and as needed throughout the school day. ● Surfaces and objects will be routinely disinfected with antiviral products as well as standard cleaning. ● A cleaning and disinfecting schedule has been developed by the School’s maintenance department. ● Students will have their own cubby, locker and/or desk for storage. ● Student schedules will minimize interactions between students at locker areas. ● Students’ belongings will be placed where they are not in contact with other students’ belongings. ● Students will not share supplies. ● All classrooms and hallways will have hand sanitizing stations. ● All classrooms are equipped with antibacterial spray bottles, towels and gloves.

Q. How will the School continually disinfect common spaces throughout the day?

● The school will hire/assign additional custodial staff to disinfect common spaces and areas during the school day. ● Teachers will be equipped with a leave-on disinfectant spray for tables and desks for in-between classes. ● NYSDOH guidelines expressly prohibit students from disinfecting desks.

Q: How will spaces be disinfected if there is a positive case of COVID?

● Per CDC guidance we will: ○ Close off areas used by the individuals with COVID-19 and wait as long as practical before beginning cleaning and disinfection to minimize the potential for exposure to respiratory droplets.

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○ Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area. ○ If possible, wait up to 24 hours before beginning cleaning and disinfection. ○ Cleaning staff will clean and disinfect all areas used by the ill persons, focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces. ○ The School will use EPA-registered disinfectants.

Q: Are students allowed to bring disinfecting products to school with them?

● They can bring hand sanitizer. They cannot bring household disinfecting products as we have to adhere to a set of approved chemicals that can be in a school setting. We have ample disinfecting supplies available.

Q: Will faculty and staff be required to wear face coverings? Will students be required to wear face coverings?

● All individuals on our campus over the age of two will be required to wear a face covering at all times with the exception of eating and scheduled face-covering breaks.

Q: Where will faculty and staff be required to wear face coverings?

● Face coverings must be worn when in groups, when entering/exiting classrooms or student centers, walking in hallways, and traveling around school buildings. ● If individuals are not wearing a face-covering while alone, he/she must be prepared to put on a face covering if another person is unexpectedly encountered.

Q: W ill students, faculty, and staff be trained on the proper way to wear face coverings?

● All students, faculty, and staff will be trained on how to adequately put on, take off, clean or discard face coverings.

Q: What is the proper way to wear face coverings?

○ Wash your hands before putting on your face covering ○ Inspect the face covering and do not use it if it is damaged or dirty ○ Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin ○ Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face ○ Make sure you can breathe easily 110

○ Don’t put the face covering around your neck or up on your forehead ○ Don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to disinfect ○ Change your face covering once it gets dirty or wet ○ Before removing your face covering, clean your hands first ○ Remove it by the the straps (not by the face covering itself) ○ Wash your hands again after removing your face covering ○ If you need to reuse your face covering, store it in a clear resealable bag ○ Remove and handle the face covering by its straps (not by the face covering itself) ○ Wash face coverings in hot water and detergent, preferably after each use ○ Do not share your face covering with others ○ For a visual demonstration visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Tv2BVN_WTk

Q: Will students have opportunities for “face covering breaks” during the day?

● Yes. Face covering breaks will be provided for students and they will be able to remove their face coverings during meals when seated and for short breaks as long as they maintain appropriate physical distancing.

Q. Will face coverings be provided? Can we also wear our own? What if we forget a face covering?

● The school will provide one, washable cloth face covering for each student. ● Additional face coverings are available for purchase on the Lands’ End website: h ttps://www.landsend.com/shop/school/S-ytp-xe8 ● Students may also provide their own face coverings. ● Student-provided face coverings may not have distracting graphics or inappropriate messages on them. ● Families are encouraged to purchase multiple coverings and to label or embroider them with their student’s name. ● If a student forgets a face covering, a disposable covering will be provided. ● Wearing a face covering is a matter of public health and disciplinary consequences have been developed to reinforce this if necessary, as described in the appendix.

Q. What is an acceptable face covering?

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● Cloth-based face coverings (e.g., homemade sewn, quick cut, bandanas) and surgical masks that cover both the nose and mouth.

Q. Can I wear a vented mask?

● No. Vented masks are not reliable for protection in transmission of COVID-19.

Q: Can students wear face shields instead of face coverings?

● No. Face shields do not provide the same level of protection from droplet and aerosol transmission as cloth face coverings. ● Students and faculty may wear face shields in combination with cloth face coverings if they choose to do so.

Q. How will physical distance in classrooms be controlled?

● Desks in middle and upper school classes will be spaced six feet apart. ● Classrooms will be reassigned in zones within the school buildings to accommodate smaller class sizes and physical distancing of desks as well as limit interactions between the divisions.

Q. How will student density outside of classrooms be controlled?

● Passing times between divisions will be staggered to limit student density in hallways. ● Signage and visual cues regarding prescribed traffic patterns will be prominently displayed. ● Teachers will be actively monitoring hallways during transition periods to:

○ encourage students to follow the prescribed traffic patterns. ○ ensure that students are wearing face coverings.

Q: Who will be monitoring the halls during class changes?

● Teachers and administrators have been assigned to hallways. Classes will end, students will line up single file with masks on, desks will be sprayed, students will be dismissed, teachers will monitor classroom entrance and step into the hallway. Administrators are assigned to specific hallways during passing.

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Q: How many cohorts will be in the halls at one time?

● Up to 4 cohorts may overlap. They will be following uni-directional traffic patterns spaced at 6ft, masked, with no more than 5 minutes of overlap between cohorts (DOH uses 15 minutes as the time interval after which they are concerned about contact).

Q: Will there be staggered times the students will be crossing the street? The entryways get very congested?

● There will not be staggered times. Instead, three distinct entrances have been designated for each division. Upper School students will enter AA through the North doorway, which has significantly more volume than the traditional front entrance (12 ft of doors/30 ft ceiling height). Students will enter AAG through the breezeway doors, which allows student traffic flow to split depending upon destination.

Q: How many students will be in each classroom?

● Class sizes will be dependent on the number of desks that can be placed in each classroom six feet apart.

Q. How will students be cohorted?

● Students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 8 will be scheduled into cohorts based on their grade level and gender. ● Students in grades 9 through 12 are currently scheduled into cohorts based on grade level. ● Whenever feasible, cohorts will be kept together during the school day, and intermixing of cohorts will be kept to minimum whenever possible.

Q: How will Upper School be monitored throughout the day?

● Administrators are assigned to monitor specific areas of the school during the day.

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Q: Dismissal. Another high congestion time of day. Who will be monitoring this?

● Every advisor and administrator will be on duty for dismissal

Q: Will the School continue advisory?

● Yes, advisories will continue to meet in person, students will be appropriately physically distanced and wear face coverings.

Q: Will the School continue conducting Chapel and Morning Meeting?

● Chapel and Morning Meetings will meet in the advisor’s homeroom and will be remotely broadcast into advisor homerooms from the Chapel and Auditorium.

Q: Will the School continue conducting assemblies?

● Assemblies will take place and students will meet in the advisor’s homeroom and will be remotely broadcast into advisor homerooms.

Q: Will the School continue conducting clubs?

● Clubs will continue as normal with students in smaller groups. NYSDOH Physical distancing protocols will be followed.

Q: Will students be taking any field trips?

● All field trips will be postponed until after the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency has concluded.

Q. How will standardized testing work next year?

● Sophomore testing of the October PSAT date will be canceled and only juniors will test on campus. ● All social distancing and face coverings guidelines will be followed during testing. ● Administration of AP Exams in May is to be determined based on guidance from the College Board. ● NWEA MAPS testing will resume for third through eighth grades.

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Q. How will college counseling work next year?

● Family meetings with college counselors will continue with the option of either in-person meetings that follow social distancing and face covering guidelines or remote meetings via Zoom. ● All large college counseling events in the fall have been canceled. ● The January Kickoff meeting for juniors is to be determined. ● Campus visits from colleges will be held either in large gathering spaces with social distancing and face-covering guidelines or will be remote.

Q. How will back to school night and parent/teacher conferences happen next year?

● Back-to-School Nights and Conferences will be held remotely via Zoom meetings and webinars.

Q: With the strategy of cohorting by grade-level in the US, how will all of the classes comprised of multi-graded students be conducted?

● While we are still working on a number of solutions to this dilemma, we have configured an on-campus, remote learning experience so that students may attend classes virtually allowing for the grade-level, in-person cohorting to be maintained. ● Some students would be in class with the teacher during instruction while others would be housed in separate locations to access the instruction remotely. ● All students would have in-person access to the teacher on a rotating basis.

Q. Will students have “special classes” such as art and music?

● Students in prekindergarten through sixth grade will have a static schedule that initially keeps them in one classroom until health and hygiene protocols and procedures are learned. ● During this time special class teachers will “push into” the classroom for lessons and activities. ● They will resume regular special area class rotations when new health and safety routines have been mastered. ● Middle and Upper School students will continue to attend all classes on a rotating basis.

Q: How will music and band programs operate?

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● Music and band programs will be held in larger gathering spaces with12 foot spacing between individuals, due to the increased aerosol production of such activities.

Q: What will the Physical Education (PE) program look like?

● A PE program will be available for students, regardless of our instructional mode (in-person, remote, or distance learning). ● Guidelines for in-person PE are:

○ 12 feet of distance between individuals will be maintained ○ Face coverings will be worn ○ Students will be assigned PE equipment (balls, rings, etc.) individually ○ Lessons will focus on non-contact activities such as calisthenics, drills, etc. ○ Lessons should focus on individual skills, pursuits, and personal best

● Lower School PE

○ Students will remain in cohorts based on grade level ○ Students will not change clothes for PE; students may wear a navy jogging-style pant to school as part of the required uniform ○ Students should have a change of shoes/socks in case of wet grass/weather ○ Individual equipment will be used for each student OR cleaning will occur between each use

● Middle School PE

○ Students will remain in cohorts based on grade level ○ Students will not change clothes for PE ■ AAG students may wear a navy jogging-style pant to school as part of the required uniform ■ AA uniform will change to a navy jogger and house polo until the pandemic is over ○ Individual equipment will be used for each student OR cleaning will occur between each use

● Upper School PE

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○ In-person Weekly Classes with a PE Coach to review and revise plan, otherwise independent study/workout ○ All students not enrolled in interscholastic sports will be in PE ○ PE Coach will assist students with individual training, fitness, and healthy habits ○ Examples: Hiking, walking, Beach Body, yoga, online classes ○ Student Expectations: ■ Logging workouts into an online database ■ Video evidence of fitness activities

Q: Will skating and swimming be offered in the fall?

● No, skating and swimming will not be offered this fall.

Q: What will the fall interscholastic athletic season look like?

● For sports that play in the NYSPHSAA league:

○ On 7/16/20, NYSPHSAA Officers voted to delay the start of the fall 2020 sports season from 8/24/20 to 9/21/20. ○ Fall regional and state championship events have been canceled. ○ An abbreviated fall season with the traditional sports is currently being planned, dates to be determined. ● For sports that play in the NYSAIS league, that league has signaled they will follow NYSPHSAA, but no formal decision has been released. ● For sports that play in the NEPSAC league, NEPSAC has canceled all fall championship events. Each league is also “canceling or significantly altering their interscholastic competition schedules for the upcoming fall season” per our most recent communication.

Q. What will Upper School athletics be like in the fall?

● On September 14 we will begin PE with teams in pods of 10 (per NYSPHSAA) 9 athletes and one coach. ● If Fall sports are postponed until January, athletic teams will continue with PE class with their team. ● Students will report to gathering locations to prepare for practice or class – students will be sent to change in the locker rooms in small pods of roughly 5 students and return to the gathering location immediately. ● AAG – Students report to outdoor Tents in various locations

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○ XC, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball, Swimming/Diving (Dryland only), Golf ● AA – Students report to outdoor Tents in Quad ○ Football, Soccer, XC, Golf

Q: How will recess operate?

● Recess will be offered on a staggered schedule. ● Students will be required to wear face coverings while on the playground due to the potential of increased aerosol transmission during aerobic activity. ● The School may divide playgrounds into different stations and limit student density in each station. ● Cleaning of equipment will be completed on a prescribed schedule in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Q: What protocols are in place for restrooms?

● To limit density, students will be assigned specific bathrooms to use. ● A color-coded system (Yellow for Lower School, Red for Middle School, and Blue for Upper School) will be in place and a signage system to determine bathroom occupancy prior to entry will be utilized. ● All individuals will be required to wear face coverings in the restroom. ● Restrooms will be cleaned at additional times throughout the day.

Q: Bathrooms. Needs to be very clear for students before the first day of school?

● Students will receive full information during orientation, reinforced during the first day of school. ● Bathrooms are assigned to cohorts, have an occupancy limit posted, and students will have to physically distance in the hallway while waiting. ● We are investigating exterior signaling systems, but will start school with students entering the bathroom, assessing the occupancy, and then proceeding or waiting.

Q: Will physical dividers be installed in classrooms?

● We are currently reviewing whether physical dividers in classrooms or in the dining facility would be a useful addition to our mitigation efforts. ● Any physical divider deployed would be compliant with existing fire and safety codes.

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Q: Will the school limit the size of large group gatherings?

● Large group gatherings will adhere to the group size prescribed by the Governor’s executive order on group sizes as long as that order remains in place. ● Large group gatherings will not exceed 50% of the occupancy capacity of the space in which they are held. ● Traditional large group gatherings such as chapel, morning meeting, and student assemblies will be conducted via Zoom.

Q. How will the School handle student free time and breaks?

● There will be no access to unsupervised common spaces when students have free blocks. All students will be assigned study halls during free periods. ● The mid-morning break has been eliminated to accommodate the additional passing time required for classroom cleaning.

Q. How will students move around campus?

● Students are required to wear face coverings when they are moving around campus. ● Pedestrian traffic will be proscribed by signage and color-coded pathways and doors (Yellow for Lower School, Red for Middle School, and Blue for Upper School). ● Teachers and administrative staff will monitor the flow of pedestrian traffic in hallways and on campus to ensure that students are following community mitigation guidelines.

Q: Will students have a locker?

● All students will be assigned either a locker, cubby or desk to keep their personal belongings. ● Congregating at lockers will not be allowed. ● Lockers assignments will be spread out to accommodate social distancing guidelines. ● Locker use for Lower and Middle School students will be discontinued.

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Q: Lockers. What will this look like once the students are in school?

● Students will be released from class one at a time to access lockers. Locker areas are part of assigned monitored areas.

Q: How will the School support students’ transition to a school environment with a more intensive focus on health and hygiene?

● A remote orientation will be conducted for all students prior to the start of the school year to orient them to new procedures and policies. ● An in-person orientation will be conducted for all new students to support their transition to a new school environment. ● Student leaders will be charged with creating informational PSA videos about new policies and procedures in place to support social distancing and health and hygiene guidelines. ● Health and hygiene guidelines will be reinforced and retaught regularly.

Q: Who should I contact if my question hasn’t been answered by this FAQ?

● Dr. Scott Milliken, Chief Academic Officer, is responsible for in-person learning and community mitigation. He can be reached at [email protected]

REMOTE LEARNING PLAN ● “Remote Learning” describes an operating mode in which classes are being concurrently taught in person and via telepresence. ● This operating mode will be used to serve medically vulnerable individuals, individuals who are not yet comfortable returning to campus, international students who are unable to gain access to the United States, and individuals who have been directed to quarantine or self-isolate. ● If these individuals are teachers, it is possible that they will teach classes remotely with a colleague or substitute facilitating the live class. ● Middle and Upper School students will be expected to attend all classes except for PE, Athletics, and Performing Arts. ● Program modifications will be required for other hand-on learning modes. ● Teachers and advisors will be taking daily and period attendance, regardless of what learning mode a student is in. ● Lower School students will be expected to attend all ELA and Math instruction.

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● Other content strands will be addressed using methods similar to our Distance Learning mode from last spring. ● Attendance data will be updated daily using the School’s student information system. ● The School has tailored remote learning plans to each division.

● Lower School:

○ Remote learners will use Zoom. ○ Remote learners video feed will be projected on the Smartboard or whiteboard. ○ A webcam allows the remote learners to see the room, activity, or the teacher. ○ A sound-field speaker is used to ensure that class discussions are audible. ○ The teacher will regularly check with the remote learners as part of the lesson plan, directing questions to them. ○ In small group work, remote learners video feed will be on the teacher's computer and with their group at their table. ○ Special subject teachers (art, music, library, reading, and learning specialists) will work with the remote learners either individually or in small groups. ○ There will be a virtual orientation specifically designed to prepare remote learners and their families for the experience. This will be held the week of September 8. Details will be released the week of August 31.

● Middle School:

○ Remote learners will use Zoom and follow the day’s schedule. ○ This includes advising groups, assemblies, and other gatherings. ○ Remote learners will access course content that will either be projected onto classroom Smartboard or whiteboard or shared by the teacher on screen. ○ Students in the classroom will also be on Zoom with audio muted (both mic and speakers). ○ Remote learners will establish an understanding with the teacher of how long they are expected to stay on Zoom, and 121

at what point they can depart and do work.Remote learners should plan to be on zoom for the entire class period unless instructed otherwise. ○ The teacher will regularly check with remote learners as part of the lesson plan, directing questions to them. ○ The student’s advisor and the school’s learning specialist will be liaisons between teachers, remote learners, and their families to ensure the student has what he/she needs and is meeting responsibilities. ○ Remote learners will be given a compulsory schedule with the advisor for coordination and encouraged to attend Teacher’s office hours as needed ○ Special subject teachers (visual art, band/chorus, theatre, library, dance, PE, and athletics) will work with remote learners either individually or in small groups. ○ Performance-based classes, such as science labs, will be modified to allow remote learners to access data, readings, and other pertinent materials needed to complete assignments. ○ There will be a virtual orientation specifically designed to prepare remote learners and their families for the experience. This will be held the week of September 8. Details will be released the week of August 31.

● Upper School

○ Remote learners will use Zoom and follow the day’s schedule. ○ This includes advising groups, meetings, assemblies, and other gatherings. ○ The remote learner will have a telepresence on the teacher’s screen in each classroom. Teachers will have either dual screens or two devices. ○ Remote learners will be hosted in each teacher’s Zoom room. ○ Remote learners will be assigned a student facilitator to help ensure that the student is included in the live classroom experiences. ○ All assemblies, including chapel and morning meeting, will be broadcast into advisor homerooms and also be available for remote learners either live or recorded.

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○ Elective teachers (band/chorus, theatre, dance, PE, and athletics) will work with remote learners either individually or in small groups. ○ Performance-based classes, such as science labs, will be modified to allow remote learners to access data, readings, and other pertinent materials needed to complete assignments. ○ There will be a virtual orientation specifically designed to prepare remote learners and their families for the experience. This will be held the week of September 8. Details will be released the week of August 31.

REMOTE LEARNING PLAN FAQ

Q: How will remote learning work?

● Students at home use Zoom to access in-class lessons that are simultaneously delivered in-person and via Zoom.

Q: Does remote learning completely replicate in-person learning?

● No. There are features of our in-person program that simply cannot be replicated virtually. ● Remote learning is meant to provide essential elements of our academic program and a forum in which students can stay connected to our community during this extraordinary time.

Q: What will the remote learning schedule be for students?

● Classes are available synchronously (in real time) and will follow the in-person schedule. Several Zoom rooms will be used throughout the day and students will be provided a schedule of these rooms.

Q: Will lessons be recorded?

● Zoom lessons will also be recorded for posting and later access.

Q: What will remote learners need at home?

● Students will need all of their materials at home.

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● Teachers will store and share other materials electronically via Blackbaud, Google Classroom, and Office 365.

Q. How will remote learners be supported?

● There will be a special virtual orientation for remote learners to prepare students and families for the experience. ● Each student will have a remote learning plan that will be regularly reviewed by his/her teacher(s) or an advisor with the student and his/her family.

Q: Can remote learners access extra help?

● Extra help may still be scheduled on an individual basis.

Q: What will this look like for Lower School students?

● Similar to Distance Learning, the plan for remote learning will be developed by division and be age appropriate. ● Lower School teachers will develop daily and weekly schedules based on when critical lessons are occurring and make those lessons available to remote learners. ● Younger learners and their caregivers will be encouraged to attend those lessons virtually, and take down-time at other times in the day. Special classes and some other content will be organized on an individual or small group basis.

Q: What will this look like for Middle and Upper School students?

● Similar to Distance Learning, the plan for remote learning will be developed by division and be age appropriate. ● Middle & Upper School Students will remotely attend classes each day and then be given classwork to do offline or with groups. ● Mandatory coordination meetings will be created with advisors at the beginning of the remote learning experience, which will allow for follow-up support and conferencing.

Q: How do we sign up for remote learning?

● Please send an email to Scott Milliken, Chief Academic Officer, requesting this option: [email protected]

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● Please make this request by August 31st, 2020 so that we may properly plan for your student.

Q: Who can use remote learning?

● All students can use the remote learning option including medically vulnerable individuals, individuals who are not yet comfortable returning to campus, international students who are unable to gain access to the United States, and individuals who have been directed to quarantine or self-isolate.

Q: Can students choose to move from in-person learning to remote learning?

● We are asking that families elect the desired mode of learning, remote or in-person, by trimester and make this choice on or before August 31. ● If circumstances change and there is interest in changing the elected mode of learning, please contact the school for a discussion.

Q: Can students choose remote learning on an ad-hoc, day-to-day basis, and attend some classes in-person and others remotely?

● No. This learning mode is meant to be supported by a planned, coordinated effort between the school, a student, and his/her family and adding an a d hoc e lement creates an additional layer of complexity and management that is untenable.

Q: Can students schedule a “hybrid” option where they attend some classes in-person and others remotely?

● No. As we explored this option we determined that it creates an additional layer of complexity and management that is untenable.

Q: Can students move from remote learning to in-person learning? When?

● If a student is remote learning by request, they can return to in-person after contacting the school. ● If a student is remote learning for health reasons, they can return to in-person learning when their healthcare provider and/or the Department of Health confirms they are ready to return to school as described in this plan.

Q. How is the attendance of remote learners tracked?

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● Teachers will take attendance for remote learners in the same way they do in-person learning.

Q. What if a student is having technical difficulties?

● If the student is having technical difficulties they must reach out to the teacher by email or phone to let them know about the difficulties. ● If they do not do this, they will be counted as absent.

Q. Will tuition insurance be available for students who choose the remote learning option?

● No. Tuition insurance is only applicable to our in-person instructional mode.

Q: Who should I contact if my question hasn’t been answered by this FAQ?

● Dr. Scott Milliken, Chief Academic Officer, is responsible for in-person learning and community mitigation. He can be reached at [email protected]

COUNSELING & MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS ● Social-emotional well-being is the school’s top priority in supporting school transitions, not at the expense of academics, but in order to create the mental, social, and emotional space for academic learning to occur. ● The School has a multi-tiered approach to mental health support that layers responsive resources and proactive approaches.

Contact Information for School Counselors ● McKenzie Fruehwirth, AA & AAG Lower & Middle School Counselor, can be reached at f [email protected] ● Powell Cucchiella, AA & AAG Upper School Counselor, can be reached at [email protected]

Proactive Approaches ● When students return to campus, the School will conduct a series of survey assessments to gain a baseline understanding of students’ current psychological needs.

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● This information will be used to develop and refine our social and emotional learning curriculum. ● This curriculum is part of our students’ academic program.

Responsive Resources ● The school will continue to hold regular Student Support Team meetings to discuss concerns about students and develop support plans for those who need them. ● Individual and group counseling will be available for students who need these direct support services. ● The Center for Teaching and Learning will continue to refer students and families to a select group of mental health professionals on an as-needed basis.

STUDENT COUNSELING & MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FAQS Q: How will the School address students’ mental health needs?

● Counselors will be available as a resource to teachers, administrators, students and families for consultation. ● Student referrals for individual sessions with the school counselors can be self-made, or at the request of teachers and/or families. ● Weekly Student Wellness meetings will take place to review and create action plans for any student that is exhibiting any signs of emotional or academic distress. ● If there is an ongoing need of support, the counselors will assist families in referring out to mental health professionals.

Q: How will the School address students’ social and emotional learning needs?

● The Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum has been reimagined this year using the research-based approach of Positive Education. ● The theme of the year is Resilience. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, self-awareness, self-regulation, character strengths, optimism, gratitude, kindness, relationships, mindfulness, and self-efficacy. ● Proactive SEL curriculum is delivered in classrooms PK-12 by the counselors, administrators, classroom teachers, and/or advisors.

Q: Who should I contact if I have a question or concern about my child’s mental health or emotional state? 127

● If your child is in lower or middle school contact M cKenzie Fruehwirth at [email protected] ● If your adolescent is in upper school contact P owell Cucchiella at [email protected]

COUNSELING & MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYEES ● The Albany Academies cultivates a collaborative culture in which members of the professional community rely upon and lean on each other for support. ● The School also offers professional services through its employee assistance program, which includes a range of resources to help employees and their family members deal with everything from stress, depression, to child care and financial issues. ● This free service allows for unlimited 24/7 telephone access and up to three visits with a licensed professional. ● Employees can begin confidential access to these resources by visiting: https://healthadvocate.personaladvantage.com/

OPENING CALENDAR ● August 24, 25, 26 - remote Training and Technology Checks for Faculty Only ○ August 24 ■ Lower School Faculty ● On-campus ● Tech Checks ● remote Training ● Division Meeting with Michelle ○ August 25 ■ Middle School Faculty ● On-campus ● Tech Checks ● remote Training ● Division Meeting with Scott, Brian, and Lauren ○ August 26 ■ Upper School Faculty ● On-campus ● Tech Checks ● remote Training ● Division Meeting with Hilary

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● August 27 & September 2 - Orientation for all new faculty and staff

● September 8, 9 – Faculty On-site Pre-service Training ○ 8:00 am – 3:00 pm ○ Mix of Zoom and In-person meetings depending on group size ○ DEI Training ○ Opening of School Processes and Procedures ○ Safety and Security Protocols ○ Division and Department Meetings ○ Teacher Training on Health Assessments & Cleaning

● September 10 – remote Orientation on Zoom for All Students & Parents ○ LS Students – Each Teacher will host sessions for their classes ○ MS Students – remote sessions will begin with the Deans, followed by a session with the advisors ○ US Students – remote Sessions will begin with the Division Director, followed by a session with the Deans, and ending with a session with the advisors ○ LS Parents – Hosted by the Division Director, followed by meetings with the teachers ○ MS Parents – Hosted by the Deans, followed by meetings with the advisors ○ US Parents – Hosted by the Division Director, followed by meetings with the deans and advisors

● September 11 - On-campus Orientation for New Students ○ 8:00 – 11:00 am ○ On-campus Orientation for: ■ All Grade 5 Students ■ All NEW Middle School Students (Grades 6-8) ■ All Grade 9/Form III Students ■ All New Upper School Students (Grades 10-12/Forms IV-VI)

● September 14 - Opening Day On Campus ○ Full school day on campus ○ Extended time for arrival processes ○ remote First Chapel and Opening Assembly – delivered to classrooms and homeroom via Zoom ○ Modified academic schedule to acclimate to new procedures ○ Extended lunch periods ○ Extended time for dismissal processes

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OPENING FAQ’S Q: What re-entry processes are in place for students? ● The student orientations are designed to welcome students back to school, acquaint them with the daily routines and expectations, and apprise them of changes, processes and procedures in place to protect their health and the health of their school community during the Pandemic. ○ All students will attend an orientation on September 10. ○ New students in Middle and Upper School will receive an orientation at school on September 11th

Q: What re-entry processes are in place for faculty and staff?

● All faculty will attend a series of meetings in the weeks before school begins. These orientations are designed to inform faculty of changes to the calendar, daily schedules and routines, and train them in processes and procedures to protect their health and the health of the school community during the Pandemic. ○ Every employee of The Albany Academies is required to complete a self-check survey via an on-line app for COVID symptoms each day prior to arrival on campus. ○ This self-check will be confirmed via electronic survey.

TRANSPORTATION

District Buses All buses provided by local districts will be run consistent with State-issued public transit guidance.

● AAG: ○ Lower School: Library and Playground Entrances

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○ Middle School: Main Entrance ○ Upper School: East Breezeway

● AA: ○ Lower School: South Door Entrance ○ Middle School: Main Entrance ○ Upper School: North Door Entrance

Private Buses ● The Albany Academies will continue to contract with a private bus company to provide student transportation from Saratoga and Cobleskill as long as there is a reasonable demand for this service. ● Individuals must wear acceptable face coverings at all times on school buses, including when they enter, exit, and are seated. ● Riders should maintain appropriate physical distancing of six (6) feet between each other unless they are members of the same household. ● When the bus arrives, the student should go to his/her designated entrance:

○ AAG: ■ Lower School: Library Entrance ■ Middle School:Front Doors ■ Upper School: Through Silipigno Gate to Breezeway Doors

○ AA: ■ Lower School: South Entrance ■ Middle School: Main Entrance ■ Upper School: North Door Entrance

● Upon entry to the building, students will be asked to wash or disinfect their hands before entering classrooms.

Private Car Student Drop-Off Procedures (Mornings) *Please Note: A visual guide is being developed for the following procedures*

AAG ● Cars will pull into the following lots for drop off and pick up: ○ Lower School: South Lot ○ Middle School: South Lot or Lower Lot (Pool Lobby) ○ Upper School: Lower Lot (Pool Lobby) ● The student will be directed to a designated entry: ○ Lower School: Playground door ○ Middle School:Main Entrance ○ Upper School: Breezeway ● A school representative greeter will meet students at his/her designated entrance. ● The greeter will check to make sure that we have received the student’s daily symptom survey. If the survey is not filled out, the school will receive notice and perform a screening before the student enters school. ● Upon entry to the building, students will be asked to wash or disinfect their hands before entering classrooms. ● Parents of Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students may enter the school to drop children off. Parents must also complete the daily survey and will be screened by the school if the survey is not completed.

AA ● Cars will pull into the South Lot for drop off and pick up ● The student will be directed to a designated entry: ○ Lower School: South Entrance ○ Middle School: Main Entrance ○ Upper School: North Door Entrance ● A school representative greeter will meet students at his/her designated entrance. ● The greeter will check to make sure that we have received the student’s daily symptom survey. If the survey is not filled out, the school will receive notice and perform a screening before the student enters school. ● Upon entry to the building, students will be asked to wash or disinfect their hands before entering classrooms.

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● Parents of Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students may enter the school to drop children off. Parents must also complete the daily survey and will be screened by the school if the survey is not completed.

Lower School Dismissal Car Pick-up: 3:00 - 3:15 pm Students will remain in the classroom. Parents will text teachers when they arrive and students will exit from:

AA: The South Entrance AAG: The Playground Entrance

Bus Pick-up: 3 :25 - 3:45 pm AAG: PK - 2 students will remain in classrooms and third and fourth graders will wait in the Creation Station until their bus is announced AA: Students will remain in classrooms until bus is announced

Extended Day: 3:25 - 5:30 pm AA: Extended Day will be held in the Chapel AAG:Extended Day will be held in the Library Parents will text the Extended Day staff AA: Students will be escorted out the South entrance to their cars by a staff member. AAG: Students will be supervised out the Library entrance by a staff member

Middle School Dismissal Car Pick-up: 3:25 pm AA: Middle School students will report to the gym. Parents will text students when they arrive and students will exit the Gym doors in front of the Field House AAG: Middle School students will report to the Auditorium and exit through Auditorium doors to be picked up in Temple Lot

Bus Pick-up: 3:25 - 3:45 pm AA: Students will report to the Chapel, exit Main Entrance to board buses AAG: Students will report to the Auditorium and exit the Main Entrance to board buses

Upper School Dismissal 2:20 pm: All students report to their homerooms

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● Students in afternoon Physical Education program will be dismissed to class ● Students without after school commitments leaving by car are dismissed ● Remaining students report to study hall.

3:05 pm ● Students in after school sports report to the team’s designated meeting spot ● Remaining students can attend extra help or be dismissed to tents, auditorium, or chapel to await buses.

3:25 - 3:45: Buses arrive

Questions and Comments about Transportation? Pamela MacAffer, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations, is responsible for Transportation. She can be reached at m [email protected].

FOOD SERVICE

Lunch The Academies will continue our partnership with FLIK Independent School Food Service.

● FLIK Staff will be: ○ Conducting daily temperature and symptom checks ○ Following enhance personal hygiene & cleaning measures ○ Handwashing, Glove Changing, Cleaning of all surfaces

● Our Facilities will have: ○ Clearly identified, “one-way only” entrance ○ Clearly identified, “one-way only” exit ○ Floor decals, arrows and physical distancing signage ○ Reduced seating to meet NYSDOH physical distancing guidelines ○ Additional hand sanitizing stations installed throughout the room

● Food Service: ○ All food will be served to students ○ There will be no self-service stations available ○ Salad and Deli options will be served ○ Single-serve condiments and beverages will be available

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○ More frequent cleaning than usual is scheduled during the day ○ All tables and high touch point areas will be sanitized thoroughly between lunch periods

● Student Dining: ○ Lower School students will have lunch delivered from dining services and eat in classrooms with appropriate physical distancing ○ Upper and middle school students will use a combination of dining room seating, outdoor seating, and classroom seating to maintain proper physical distancing,

Allergies ● While eating in classrooms or with cohorts, students with food allergies will be seated separately from anyone that may have foods that contain their known allergens. All surfaces will be cleaned of any remaining food and wiped down with disinfectant. ● Education will be provided to the teachers/staff on allergies, signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, and treatment.

COMMUNITY MITIGATION PRACTICES DURING LUNCH ● Students will be required to wash or disinfect their hands before and after lunch. ● The School will maintain and enforce six (6) feet of physical distance between students while eating lunch and/or place physical barriers between students who are eating lunch. ● Students may remove their face covering to eat only after they are seated and appropriately physically distanced. ● Students will not be allowed to share food with each other. ● Monitoring and enforcement of these practices will be done by teachers, advisors, and/or lunch monitors depending upon the age of student. ● Food service (service line) and dining areas (tables and chairs) will be cleaned and sanitized between each group.

Snacks ● Lower and middle school snacks will be delivered to the classroom. ● Upper school break will be suspended.

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Breakfast ● Breakfast items will not be served during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

Bake Sales ● Bake sales will not be authorized during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

Snack Shack ● The Snack Shack will not be in operation during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

Concession Stand ● Concession stands will not be in operation during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

Vending Machines ● Vending machines on campus will continue to be restocked and are cleaned on a regular schedule.

Coffee Service ● Coffee service will continue to be available for the professional community. ● Disposable cups must be used to avoid cross-contamination. ● Congregation within the faculty lounges should be avoided and individuals must wear face coverings in the lounge.

FOOD SERVICE FAQS

Q: I sn’t there supposed to be an app to order lunch for the week? When will we get this information?

● Information about Flik Dining App was sent to families on September 7 .

Q: Where will students be eating lunch?

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● Lower lunch will be delivered to the classroom. ● Middle School students will eat lunch in the designated dining spaces including outdoor tents, Buttery, dining hall, flex room, student lounge spaces. ● Upper School students will eat lunch at a variety of locations including their homerooms and designated dining spaces.

Q: How many cohorts will be in the dining areas at the same time?

There may be up to four cohorts in a dining space (all same division), all students will be physically distanced by at least 6 feet. Table shields will also be used. Q: How do the students know where to go for lunch on a daily basis?

● Lower School: will have food delivered to rooms ● Middle School: Advisors will tell students where to go and be at lunch with students. Pre-ordered food will be prepackaged, labeled, and either delivered to classrooms or placed on tables by food service staff, food will be grouped by advisors. ● Upper School: Students will be scheduled into a dining space.

Q: W ill students have assigned areas and seats?

● In MS and US, Students may choose where they will sit within their cohort. If students are anxious about this, advisors can discuss a seating strategy with them ahead of time.

Q: Why do the boys’ MS classes eat in areas other than their homerooms? This is different from AAG MS, who will be remaining with their advising groups. Both should be the same!

● At AA the boy’s homerooms are located on the third floor, far away from the Buttery. The logistics of having students pick up meals and then walk back upstairs stretched the limits of our adult supervision.

Q: Who will be responsible for making sure EVERYONE is following guidelines in these “shared” spaces?

● There will be adult monitors (teachers and advisors) in the dining areas with them at all times.

Q: Why can’t ALL students just stay in Homerooms for lunch?

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● We do not have the ability to deliver this many meals to upper floors at AA (no elevator or dumbwaiter available). The logistics of having students pick up meals and then walk back upstairs stretched the limits of our adult supervision.

Q: What protocols are in place for snacks?

● Lower and middle school snacks will be delivered to the classroom. ● Upper school break will be suspended until we can assess if we are able to provide an alternative service.

Q: Can students bring their own snacks and lunch?

● Unless there is a documented food/medical condition that has been submitted to health office students are not to bring lunch. ● Families may provide their children with a snack for after school or as needed -- this should be an item that does not require refrigeration.

Q: Can students go off campus for lunch?

● No. In an effort to minimize direct student contact with other businesses and organizations during the day, students may not leave campus during the day during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

Q: Can students order food to campus?

● No. In an effort to minimize direct contact with employees of other businesses and organizations during the day, students may not order food to campus during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

Q: Can families send in food for classroom birthday parties?

● We ask that families do not send in food for birthday celebrations.

Q: Who should I contact if my question hasn’t been answered by this FAQ?

● Pamela MacAffer, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations, is responsible for Food Service. She can be reached at [email protected].

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PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS ● All full-faculty/staff professional development and staff meetings will be held remotely until further notice. ● Small group meetings will be held in open, well-ventilated spaces. ● Professional community members are expected to wear a face covering and maintain physical distancing standards when meeting in person.

PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS FAQ’s Q. Will we be holding in-person, large-group pre-session meetings this year?

● Large group meetings will be held remotely. ● We will be on campus in August and September for opening meetings, training, and orientation. ● The small group meetings will be held in open, well-ventilated spaces. ● Attendees will be responsible for maintaining social distancing and wearing appropriate face coverings.

Q. Will we be holding in-person, large-group professional development or staff meetings this year?

● All full-faculty/staff professional development and staff meetings will be held remotely until further notice. ● New faculty orientation,remote training and “tech checks” will occur in late August. ● We will have smaller group in-person meetings in September.

VISITOR AND GUEST POLICY This Policy Applies to All Visitors

● Drop-in visitors will not be allowed to enter the School. ● Visitors are expected to schedule a visit by providing an arrival time, purpose for the visit, and number of people expected to: ○ AAG – Katie Conroy ○ AA – Dodie Motley ○ Institutional Advancement – Joanne DelCarpine ○ Business Office - June VanDemark

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Prior to arrival Please call or email your arrival time, purpose and number of people. ● Each visitor must affirm the following: ● I have not tested positive nor been presumed by a medical professional to be COVID-19 positive in the past 14 days ● I do not currently, nor have I within the last 14 days, had any of the following symptoms; fever (>100.0F), shortness of breath, sore throat, cough, loss of taste or smell, muscle aches, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, congestion, runny nose. ● I have not knowingly been in close contact with anyone that has tested positive or been presumed to have COVID-19 within the past 14 days. ● Within the past 14 days, I have not spent 24 or more hours in a state that is on the New York State Travel Advisory list.

Prior to entering a building ● Place your mask over your nose and mouth.

Entering a Building ● Use only the main building entrance. ● Sign-in to the building and provide all contact information (should we need to follow up with you). ● Use the hand sanitizer available inside the entrance. ● To the extent possible maintain 6 feet of distance from others. ● Adhere to public health hygienic recommendations by washing your hands after touching commonly used items or coming into contact with others). ● Practice proper coughing or sneezing etiquette. ● Properly dispose of anything that comes in contact with your mouth such as tissues or plastic eating utensils.

For visitors’ safety we will: ● Space out the number of visitors we receive on campus. ● Clean and disinfect our campus thoroughly per CDC guidelines. ● Retain your contact information should we need to follow up with you at a later date.

After Your Visit ● Please contact us by calling 518-429-2429 if you later receive a positive COVID19 test and may have been infected while on campus, so we can mitigate the spread. 140

VISITOR AND GUEST POLICY FAQs

Q: Are unscheduled visitors allowed on campus?

● As of now we will not allow any unscheduled visitors into our buildings. ● This policy is subject to change once the demands on the facilities are better established and current control mechanisms are tested. ● We ask anyone who needs to conduct business with The Albany Academies to contact us directly at 518-429-2300 to make individual arrangements to do so.

Q: Are parents allowed in buildings?

● At this time we will not allow building drop-in visits by parents to minimize additional density and possible exposures, with the exception of PK and K parents, who will be allowed but not required to drop their child/ren at the classroom. ● We ask parents who need to conduct business with The Albany Academies to contact us directly at 518-429-2300 and schedule an appointment.

Q: Will there be visitors on campus for facility rentals?

● As of now we will not be renting our facilities to any outside groups. ● This policy is subject to change once the demands on the facilities are better established and current control mechanisms are tested.

CONTINGENCY PLANS

Quarantining Individuals ● In the event of a positive COVID-19 case within our community the NYSDOH will conduct contact tracing. ● The NYSDOH may require community members who were in contact with an individual with COVID-19 to quarantine or self-isolate at home for fourteen days (14). ● If this occurs, the School will serve quarantined or isolated individuals via remote learning.

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Ceasing Physical Operations ● After reopening, these scenarios would cause the Albany Academies to cease physical operations:

1. Per Governor Cuomo’s metrics, school will be closed if the Capital Region infection rate rises over 9 percent (9%) using a 14-day average. 2. The School may cease physical operations for a short period of time if we have a positive COVID case in our community. 3. The School may be directed to cease physical operations if we experience a significant number of positive COVID cases in our community as determined by contact tracing done by NYSDOH (I.E. we have a “cluster” of cases in our community).

Protocol for Ceasing Physical Operations ● Students and families should be prepared to move to distance learning on relatively short notice. ● Students should bring books and internet-enabled devices home every day. ● In the event that the School must cease physical operations, the Head of School will communicate this change via bulk email per our regular communication channels. ● Students’ individual teachers or advisors will then follow up directly regarding specific logistics as needed. ● The School will then return to a distance learning mode.

Distance Learning Plan ● “Distance Learning” describes an operating mode in which all individuals are teaching and learning from home. ● If the Albany Academies has to cease physical operations, the School will return to a distance learning mode. ● Distance learning relies on internet-based platforms to maintain communication and connections between administrators and the Professional Community (faculty and staff) and between faculty members and students. ● This plan attempts to take some of our community’s established norms and routines and translate them into a temporary, distance-learning solution. ● Instruction is done asynchronously and synchronously.

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● The plan relies on teachers and families having internet-enabled devices (computer, tablet, or phone with a preference for a computer or tablet) that have a microphone or headset and a video camera. ● Execution of this plan is optimal when there is a one-to-one ratio of these devices (IE:in Grades 5 through PG each teacher and each student has one). ● Resource assessments were done in Spring of 2020 to determine which students needed support with technology resources and these resources were provided as needed. ● The School will conduct a similar assessment and proactively update its technology lending program for potential use in Fall of 2020 ● The plan assumes two types of learners:

○ Guided Learners. Preschool through Grade 4. The plan assumes that these learners will have a caregiver in the event of a school closure. The plan allows teachers to guide these caregivers in daily instruction and assessment of learning. ○ Self-directed Learners. Grade 5 through PG. The plan assumes that these learners are autonomous and can work directly with teachers through the learning platforms established.

● The School uses Z oom for synchronous learning, including real-time video meetings and classes. T he Zoom recordings are used to provide asynchronous opportunities. ● The School uses Blackbaud as its Learning Management System and Student Information System. ● Students and the professional community use a variety of productivity applications to create course content. ● The professional community has been engaged in professional development opportunities throughout the summer of 2020 to refine their online teaching practices should the School have to return to a distance learning mode.

CONTINGENCY PLANS FAQ Q. What might require the School to move back to Distance Learning?

● The Governor has indicated that he will close schools if the background rate of COVID infection in our region rises to 9%. ● If we experience a positive COVID case in our community we might cease physical operations for a short period of time to assess our protocols and clean and disinfect the campus.

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● If we experience secondary infections in our community we might cease physical operations for a longer length of time to isolate students and contain any further community spread of the virus.

Q: If we have to move back to Distance Learning, will it be the same as it was this Spring? What changes have been implemented?

● For Upper and Middle School, we would likely maintain a 5-day week and a daily schedule with longer classes (45 minutes).

Q: What is the plan for Lower School Distance Learning should the campus need cease physical operations at any time during the school year?

● Distance Learning in lower school would follow, with adjustments as needed, the schedule from the spring: ○ Morning Meeting and Lesson ○ One or possibly two Special Area classes during the day ○ Closing Circle and Share in the afternoon ○ Office hours for individual and small group instruction as needed. ○ A combination of hard copy and student-made work, and on-line experiences ○ Daily school-home communications

Appendix 1) Emergency Response Team Members

Christopher Lauricella - Head of School Shelly Reid - Assistant to the Head of School & Board of Trustees Pamela MacAffer - Chief Financial Officer Ann Wendth - Director of Institutional Advancement Nicolas Forcier - Director of Admissions & Enrollment Karin Epstein - Director of Summer Programs & Extended Day Scott MacFarland - Director of Facilities David Lester - Director of Human Resources Scott Milliken - Chief Academic Officer Rebecca Trainor - Administrative Assistant to the Director of Curriculum Hilary King - Upper School Division Director Michelle Hughes - Lower School Division Director & Middle School Academic Coordinator Hanna Cadman - Administrative Assistant to the Upper & Lower School Division Directors Melanie Lovett - AAG Dean of Students 144

Katie Conroy - Receptionist & Administrative Assistant to the AAG Dean of Students Doug McIver - AA Dean of Students Dodie Motley - Receptionist & Administrative Assistant to the AA Dean of Students Angela Sears - AAG School Nurse Lisa McDonald - AA School Nurse McKenzie Fruehwirth - AAG School Counselor Powell Cucchiella - AA School Counselor Jennifer Murphy-Fries - AAG Athletic Director Paul Gallucci - AA Athletic Director Dennis Barron - Network Administrator

Appendix 2) COVID-19 Honor Code ● Each member of our community is personally responsible for following The Albany Academies 2020 Reopening Plan. ● During this COVID-19 public health emergency, our individual actions and decisions will have a significant impact on the health of those around us. ● Together we must agree to diligently follow a shared set of behaviors designed to keep us all safe: ○ Making sure our families accurately complete our daily symptom screening surveys. ○ Maintaining six (6) feet of physical distance between one another during normal activities. ○ Wearing a face covering as required by the School’s reopening plan. ○ Regularly washing or sanitizing our hands and being careful to sneeze or cough in a way that doesn’t affect others. ● If any one of us fails to do these things, that person risks infecting themselves, their friends, their family, and our community. ● Therefore, as a member of this community I will: ○ Monitor my health daily. ○ Ensure that my family accurately completes my daily symptom screening survey. ○ Bring my own personal face covering to school each day. ○ Wear my face covering as described in the reopening plan and as directed by teachers. ○ Maintain physical distancing as described in the reopening plan and as directed by teachers. ○ Hold the health and safety of my friends, family, and faculty in the highest regard by being diligent about these behaviors. ○ Be positive and open to any reminders about health and safety.

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○ Be a good community citizen, with the understanding that my behavior will either move us forward as a community that can engage in in-person learning or negatively impact my friends, family, and our faculty.

By signing below, I ______(student name), am acknowledging that I have read this honor code and understand my responsibilities as a member of this community.

I understand that continued failure to behave responsibly, as described below, will result in disciplinary action.

Appendix 3) Student Expectations for Face Coverings

All individuals on our campus over the age of two will be required to wear a face-covering at all times with the exception of eating and scheduled face-covering breaks.

Students who believe they are unable to medically tolerate a face covering should discuss their status with the School’s health office.

Students will be allowed to remove their face covering during meals and for short breaks so long as they maintain appropriate 6 feet social distance. Face coverings will be worn when entering/exiting classrooms or student centers, walking in hallways, and traveling around school buildings.

Students and parents/legal guardians should take responsibility for maintaining their face coverings, which should be cleaned or replaced daily and must not be shared. The Albany Academies will issue one reusable and washable face face covering for each student. Students are expected to have their face coverings as they would any other uniform item. If students forget a face covering, a disposable face covering will be provided and the student may be subject to disciplinary consequences.

Students are expected to arrive on campus each day with their own personal face covering. To ensure this, each morning the Dean of Students (DOS) in middle school and upper school will be greeting students upon arrival and check with other door greeters to ensure that they are arriving with a face covering.

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If lower school students do not arrive at school with a face covering, a disposable one will be provided and we will work with families to make sure that the face-covering becomes part of your daily routine.

Appendix 4) Consequences for Not Having a Face Covering in Upper School

If a student arrives to campus without an appropriate face covering they will earn the following consequences:

Multiple offenses will bring the students enrollment into question

Students will be expected to enter a classroom with their face covering on. If a student fails to do so:

1. First Offense: Teacher’s responsibility to log this information into Blackbaud. This will be generated as a 3 point infraction resulting in an immediate after school detention. 2. Second Offense: S tudents will be sent home for the day, counting as a community absence. Prior to returning to school a meeting with the US Division Director, DOS and Parents/Student where enrollment will be in question. 3. Multiple offenses will bring the student’s enrollment into question. 4. Any student refusing to wear a face covering when asked will be sent to the Division Directors Office.

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Appendix 5) Consequences for Not Having a Face Covering in Middle School

If a student arrives to campus without an appropriate face covering they will earn the following consequences:

1. First Offense: DOS will provide the student with a face covering and make an “Official Note” in Blackbaud. 2. Second Offense: DOS will provide the student with a face covering and make an “Official Note” in Blackbaud. And, meeting w MS Dean and parents. 3. Third Offense: students will be asked to isolate (designated room?) until a parent/guardian can provide a face covering. Absences during this time will remain unexcused and students will be required to make up all work. 4. Fourth Offense: students will be asked to isolate (designated room?) until a parent/guardian can provide a face covering. Detention will be served and a meeting with Michelle Hughes, MS Dean and Parents/Student. Multiple offenses will bring the student’s enrollment into question.

Students will be expected to enter a classroom with their face coverings on. If a student fails to do so:

1. First Offense: Teacher’s responsibility to log this information into Blackbaud. This is generated as a 3 point infraction resulting in an immediate after school detention. 2. Second Offense: Teacher’s responsibility to log this information into Blackbaud. This is generated as a 3 point infraction resulting in an immediate after school detention. And, meeting w MS Dean and parents. 3. Third Offense: S tudents will be sent home for the day, counting as a community absence. Prior to returning to school a meeting with Michelle Hughes, MS Dean and Parents/Student where enrollment will be in question. 4. Multiple offenses will bring the students enrollment into question. 5. Any student refusing to wear a face covering when asked will be dismissed to MS Dean’s office.

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Appendix 6) Facilities Cleaning Schedule

Space SOP Schedule Janitorial walks in wipes down: desks, seating area, ledges, lamps, windowsills. Janitorial wipes down interior windows. Janitorial sweeps, mops and vacuums area. Janitorial Electrostatic spray after each use. removes trash. Janitorial Deep clean including electrostatic Auditorium/Chapel/FLEX uses electrostatic spray will happen between 4:30 sprayer on every inch of pm-10:30 pm. entrance. Janitorial to check all sanitizer stations are adequately stocked and working properly. Janitorial sanitizes doors, inside and out Janitorial wipes down all tables, chairs and serving areas with cleaner and disinfectant. Janitorial wipes down all inside windows, windowsills and blinds. Spray down and disinfect the entire Janitorial sweeps, mops area, including food stations after and vacuums. Janitorial each sitting. End of day electrostatic Cafeteria's removes all trash. cleaning. Deep clean including Janitorial uses electrostatic spray will happen electrostatic sprayer on between 1:30 pm and 10:30 pm. every inch of room. Janitorial to check all sanitizer stations are adequately stocked and working properly. Janitorial sanitizes doors, inside and out.

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Faculty to disinfect spray off all touchpoints. Janitorial cleans and scrubs all interior surfaces of toilets, urinals, sinks while wiping disinfecting all surfaces and including door handles, light switches, countertops, partitions and dispensers. Janitorial to Lead faculty should disinfect all touch clean all mirrors. points after each use. Twice a day Janitorial to sweep and electrostatic spray and empty trash. wet mop the floors Janitorial twice daily to empty trash Classroom RestRooms taking care to use only and clean off all surfaces. Deep clean the mop, bucket and including electrostatic spray will solutions for that happen between 4:30 pm and 10:30 particular room to avoid pm. cross-contamination. Janitorial to remove all trash. Janitorial uses electrostatic sprayer on every inch of room. Janitorial to check all sanitizer stations are adequately stocked and working properly. Janitorial sanitizes doors, inside and out. Janitorial to wipe down tables, each chair, windowsills, blinds, lamps and phones. Janitorial wipes down interior windows. Janitorial empty trash and Janitorial sweeps, mops electrostatic spray after each use. Conferences Room and vacuums. Janitorial Deep clean including electrostatic removes trash. Janitorial spray will happen between 4:30 uses electrostatic pm-10:30 pm. sprayer on every inch of room. Janitorial to check all sanitizer stations are adequately stocked and working properly.

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Janitorial sanitizes doors, inside and out. Janitorial rides the elevator stopping on every floor, wiping and disinfecting each floor Janitorial wipe down all buttons and entrance and sweeping rails 3x per academic day. Deep clean Elevator elevator tracks. including electrostatic spray will Janitorial stops at 1st happen between 4:30 pm-10:30 pm. floor to clean and disinfect all walls, rails and buttons. Janitorial to wipe down: all doorways, all light switches, all equipment. Janitorial to disinfect all door knobs, including storage areas, and light switches. Janitorial sweeps, mops and vacuums. Janitorial removes trash. Janitorial uses electrostatic Janitorial to sanitize all touch points sprayer on every inch of between class: all door handles and Gyms room. Janitorial sanitizes equipment. Deep clean including doors, inside and out. electrostatic spray will happen Janitorial sweeps, mops between 4:30 pm-10:30 pm. and vacuums. Janitorial removes trash. Janitorial uses electrostatic sprayer on every inch of room. Janitorial to check all sanitizer stations are adequately stocked and working properly. Janitorial sanitizes doors, inside and out. Janitorial walks in wipes down: desks, seating area, ledges, lamps, electrostatic spray all computers and windowsills, workstation in-between class. Deep Library & Labs bookshelves and blinds. clean including electrostatic spray will Janitorial wipes down happen between 4:30 pm-10:30 pm. interior windows. Janitorial sweeps, mops

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and vacuums area. Janitorial removes trash. Janitorial uses electrostatic sprayer on every inch of entrance. Janitorial to check all sanitizer stations are adequately stocked and working properly. Janitorial sanitizes doors, inside and out. Janitorial cleans and scrubs all interior surfaces of toilets, urinals, sinks while wiping disinfecting all surfaces and including door handles, light switches, countertops, partitions and dispensers. Janitorial to clean all mirrors. Janitorial to sweep and wet mop the floors Electrostatic spray after each use. taking care to use only Lockers Rooms Deep clean will happen between 4:30 the mop, bucket and pm-10:30 pm. solutions for that particular room to avoid cross-contamination. Janitorial to remove all trash. Janitorial uses electrostatic sprayer on every inch of room. Janitorial to check all sanitizer stations are adequately stocked and working properly. Janitorial sanitizes doors, inside and out. . Janitorial walks in wipes down: desks, seating Provide disinfectant spray to all area, ledges, lamps, classrooms. Deep clean including Lower School Classes windowsills. Janitorial electrostatic spray will happen wipes down interior between 4:30 pm-10:30 pm. windows Janitorial sweeps, mops and 152

vacuums area. Janitorial removes trash. Janitorial uses electrostatic sprayer on every inch of entrance. Janitorial to check all sanitizer stations are adequately stocked and working properly. Janitorial sanitizes doors, inside and out. Janitorial walks in wipes down: desks, seating area, ledges, lamps, windowsills. Janitorial wipes down interior Clean and disinfect 4x daily wherever windows. Janitorial nanotech sleeves are not in use. sweeps, mops and Nanotech sleeves have a 90-day life Main Entrance vacuums area. Janitorial for disinfecting. Deep clean including removes trash. Janitorial electrostatic spray will happen uses electrostatic between 4:30 pm-10:30 pm. sprayer on every inch of entrance. Janitorial sanitizes doors, inside and out. Faculty to wipe down desks in-between classes. Janitorial walks in wipes down: seating area, ledges, lamps, windowsills. Janitorial wipes down interior windows. Janitorial sweeps, mops and Faculty to spray sanitizer on all Middle & Upper School vacuums area. Janitorial surfaces in-between classes. Deep Classes removes trash. Janitorial clean including electrostatic spray will uses electrostatic happen between 4:30 pm-10:30 pm. sprayer on every inch of entrance. Janitorial to check all sanitizer stations are adequately stocked and working properly. Janitorial sanitizes doors, inside and out

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Janitorial to wipe down tables, each chair, bed, blinds, lamps and phones. Janitorial wipes down interior windows. Janitorial sweeps, mops Per the nurse's request, the room will and vacuums. Janitorial be cleaned and sanitized as removes trash. Janitorial instructed. Per nurse’s request Nurses uses electrostatic electrostatic spray. Deep clean sprayer on every inch of including electrostatic spray will room. Janitorial to check happen between 4:30 pm-10:30 pm. all sanitizer stations are adequately stocked and working properly. Janitorial sanitizes doors, inside and out Janitorial walks in wipes down: desks, seating area, ledges, lamps, windowsills. Janitorial wipes down interior windows. Janitorial sweeps, mops and Occupants will be provided with all vacuums area. Janitorial sanitizing tools needed for daily use. removes trash. Janitorial Offices Deep clean including electrostatic uses electrostatic spray will happen between 4:30 sprayer on every inch of pm-10:30 pm. entrance. Janitorial to check all sanitizer stations are adequately stocked and working properly. Janitorial sanitizes doors, inside and out Janitorial to wipe down: Faculty to spray sanitizer on all desks, seating, any surfaces in-between classes. Deep Outdoor Student Areas tools. Janitorial removes clean including electrostatic spray will trash. happen between 4:30 pm-10:30 pm.

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Janitorial cleans and scrubs all interior surfaces of toilets, urinals, sinks while wiping disinfecting all surfaces and including door handles, light switches, countertops, partitions and dispensers. Janitorial to clean all mirrors. Janitorial to sweep and wet mop the floors Clean and sanitize with trash removal taking care to use only 3x daily. Deep clean including Rest Rooms the mop, bucket and electrostatic spray will happen solutions for that between 4:30 pm-10:30 pm. particular room to avoid cross-contamination. Janitorial to remove all trash. Janitorial uses electrostatic sprayer on every inch of room. Janitorial to check all sanitizer stations are adequately stocked and working properly. Janitorial sanitizes doors, inside and out Janitorial walks in wipes down: desks, seating area, ledges, lamps, windowsills. Janitorial Clean and disinfect 4x daily wherever wipes down interior nanotech sleeves are not in use. windows. Janitorial Nanotech sleeves have a 90-day life sweeps, mops and *Secondary Entrances for disinfecting and will be changed vacuums area. Janitorial out accordingly. Deep clean including removes trash. Janitorial electrostatic spray will happen uses electrostatic between 4:30 pm-10:30 pm. sprayer on every inch of entrance. Janitorial sanitizes doors, inside and out.

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Janitorial to wipe down tables, each chair, bed, blinds, lamps and phones. Janitorial wipes down interior windows. Janitorial sweeps, mops and vacuums. Janitorial Trainer to spray sanitizer on all removes trash. Janitorial surfaces in-between uses. Deep clean Trainers Rooms uses electrostatic including electrostatic spray will sprayer on every inch of happen between 4:30 pm-10:30 pm. Janitorial to check all sanitizer stations are adequately stocked and working properly. Janitorial sanitizes doors, inside and out. Janitorial to wipe down tables, each chair, blinds, mirrors, phones each piece of equipment. Janitorial sweeps, mops and Janitorial to sanitize all touch points vacuums. Janitorial between class: all door handles and removes trash. Janitorial equipment. Electrostatic spray 2x Workout Rooms uses electrostatic daily. Deep clean including sprayer on every inch of electrostatic spray will happen room. Janitorial to check between 4:30 pm-10:30 pm. all sanitizer stations are adequately stocked and working properly. Janitorial sanitizes doors, inside and out

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Appendix 7) Cleaning Chemicals

Manufacturer Name of product Description Type of use Spartan Chemical Fast & Easy Surface and Glass Glass, desktops, etc Company Inc. Spray and leave Disinfectant, Spartan Chemical Also a cleaner TB-CiDe Quat Cleaner, Company Inc. CAN NOT be used on Deodorizer plexiglass Non acid Spartan Chemical NABC disinfectant tiolet bowls Company Inc. cleaner Spartan Chemical Hard Surface Wipes to disinfect Glass, desktops, computer Company Inc. Disinfecting Wipes and clean surfaces screens, keyboards, etc Spartan Chemical Aerosal Steriphene II Deoderizing and disinfecting Company Inc. disinfectant Rapid Cure Hand sanitizer in Hand Sanitizer Gel Hand sanitizer Technologies gallon containers Clario Foaming Hand Sanitizer in Betco Corp Hand sanitizer Hand Sanitizer dispensers The Safe Electrostatic Clorox Mist disinfectant Disinfectant Sprayer Sanitizing tablets for Edwards Steramine Chemical tablets sanitizing in electrostatic Councilor Co. cleaner Sanitizing solution for Clorox ™ Cleaner Healthcare Cleaner sanitizing in electrostatic Disinfectant Spore10 Defense Disinfectant cleaner Botanical Sanitizing solution for Cleaner BIOESQUE Disinfectant sanitizing in electrostatic Disinfectant Solution cleaner disinfectant 3M (Janitronics) 5L cleaner Glass cleaner and 3M (Janitronics) 1L all purpose cleaner 3M (Janitronics) 24H Neutral cleaner Crème Cleanser 3M (Janitronics) with Enzymes (RTU)

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