December 14th e-News

Weekly eNews: December 14, 2017

Dear FIRSTNAME,

Every year, we spend a great deal of time preparing for the holidays. Rooms are cleaned and decorated and the kitchen is filled with the aromas of so many good things. There is a feeling of anticipation that is different from the rest of the year. It's what makes Christmas time so special and for many of us stressful. The stress we feel comes from wanting everything to be perfect for our families and guests.

We spend so much time looking ahead to Christmas that it's easy to overlook the season we are in currently - Advent. The Church sets this time aside to give us an opportunity to look within ourselves and ask the question, am I truly ready for Christmas - ready, once again, to celebrate God entering into the world in the most natural of ways, as a newborn baby? As I walk the halls of Academy, I see our students learning about the Advent season, preparing the way for our greatest guest. It's easy to get caught up in the joy of the season, but let us, like our students, try not to forget the cause for our celebration. I hope you and your families have a blessed advent season.

Sincerely,

Art Raimo

AHN News

Reminder: Wednesday, December 20th is Not A Late Start Day for the High School Due to Exams

Sage Will Not Be Serving Breakfast Next Week, December 18th-21st. Please Plan Accordingly.

Tomorrow is the Last Day for Families Applying For Financial Aid to Complete an Application. Families Who Received Financial Aid in 2017-2018 Will Need to Re-apply; Aid is Not Guaranteed Each Year. Click Here for More Information.

Elementary School News

Spelling Bee Results

This week, the 5th-8th grade students had their grade-level spelling bees. Congratulations to our winners:

5th Grade: Justine P. (1st Place), Mia D. (2nd Place), Maia M. (3rd Place)
6th Grade: Kamila M. (1st Place), Miriam M. (2nd Place), Rory M. (3rd Place)
7th Grade: Alex B. (1st Place), Hannah L. (2nd Place), Christian C. (3rd Place)
8th Grade: Laura Caroline J. (1st Place), Javier A. (2nd Place), Kate M. (3rd Place)

MS Geography Bee

The Middle School Geography Bee Preliminary Competition will be given in social studies classrooms on January 8th and 9th. The top ten scorers will compete in the school finals on Friday, January 12th. Parents, please have students study using the information and links on the "Geography Trivia" subpage of the "Media Center, Students" Power School/Haiku class.

Click Here to Sign-Up for the New MS Clubs Starting in January

Congratulations to All Students Who Made the First Trimester Honor Roll. Click Here to See the Full List.

AHN is Partnering With the Rough Riders For Christmas Teddy Bear Donations. Please Consider Donating New Bears to Classroom Boxes Throughout December.

High School News

In Case You Missed "A Concert for the Holidays," Put on By Our Music Ensemble Class, You Can Watch the Full Performance Here!

Girl Rising Art Show

Girl Rising, a global campaign for girls' education and empowerment, works to grant girls around the world the chance to an education, enabling them to participate in society fully. On Saturday, February 3rd, Girl Rising will host an art show tailored to further the global movement to inspire people from the Academy community to take action for girls. Submissions should explore the themes of women empowerment, education, and cultural diversity. Accepted media includes poems, video clips, music, dance, painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography. Please have art work submitted to the art gallery and mounted by January 26th. Contact Haley Palumbo with inquires.

Dominican Republic Suitcase Drive

The DR Mission Trip is still in need of large, new or used, suitcases to bring shoes to the Dominican Republic. If you have any extra luggage, please drop it off in the AHN lobby. Feel free to contact Elizabeth Diaz with any questions.

Athletic News

AHN Rowing Club Information

The AHN Rowing Club will begin holding practices for the spring season beginning on Monday, January 8th. There will be a mandatory parent meeting for all those who are interested in rowing on Wednesday, January 10th from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Brady Center. Click here for a breakdown of the upcoming practice schedule, program requirements and more.

Click Here for the HS Spring Sports Tryout Schedule

Parent Association News

PAF Busch Gardens Christmas Town Drawing

Any family who makes a gift of $250 or more to the Parent Annual Fund before tomorrow at noon will be entered into a drawing to win four single-park tickets and four all-day dining passes to Busch Garden's Christmas Town! If you've already given to the Parent Annual Fund at this level or above, your name has automatically been entered. Click here to give online and thank you for your continued support.