The AC Blog

Allendale Columbia School Hosts Iraqi Students for Summer Leadership Program

Posted on October 16th, 2019 by acsrochester

For the third summer in a row, local Allendale Columbia students participated in the Summer Global Leadership Program, alongside Iraqi students from the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP). IYLEP is a four-week exchange program for promising Iraqi students to visit different U.S. cities and learn about leadership, peace building, and civic engagement. It is sponsored and funded by the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by World Learning. Rochester is the only host city that has American students participate in the IYLEP program for the full two weeks, allowing both American and Iraqi participants to build a strong bond and further break down stereotypes and misconceptions.

AC Program Coordinator Tony Tepedino, shares his reflections on this year’s program:

“For two weeks this summer, I was the Program Coordinator for a summer program called the Iraqi Young Leadership Exchange Program (IYLEP).  This is the second year I have been in this role, and I have been very fortunate to be able to be a part of this program. IYLEP is a program that brings a group of Iraqi students to the U.S. for four weeks. The first week is in Vermont, then the next two are in one of four host cities, and then the students travel to Washington D.C. for the last week.

Iraqi teens choose to apply to be part of this program. From what the students have shared with me, it’s a highly selective process, and a spot in the program is very sought after. I wanted to share a few things that have really impressed me about these students (and families) I have worked with over the last two years.

First, as a parent, it’s difficult for me to wrap my brain around how hard it must be to send your child to another country, let alone a country that has been at the center of so much controversy, tension and, simply put, war. I really don’t know how I would react if my teenage child approached me to ask to travel to Iraq. The courage they need to have to travel from their home in Iraq, to the U.S., for four weeks is no small thing. The  students arrive here with an open-mind and an accepting nature. They stay with host families for two weeks, and with that comes getting used to a new home, new people, new foods, new routines, and a language barrier (a few students shared that their primary English teacher was YouTube!). Having New York as a destination brings excitement, until they realize that Rochester, New York and New York City are two very different places and that the famous NYC from movies and television is unreachable for a quick day trip.

As our busy two weeks began, I especially enjoyed observing how quickly the U.S. and Iraqi students bonded and came together as a group. This is something we work on and teach at Allendale Columbia, but the cool part is how this happens genuinely and organically. There is a real sense of connection, love, and caring for each other that occurs during our two weeks together.

During our time together, we covered a lot of ground, through the city and beyond, to immerse ourselves in a variety of different cultural and skill building experiences:

• City of Rochester Pedal Tour
• The M.K. Gandhi Institute
• Foodlink
• The Maplewood YMCA
• Teen Empowerment
• NCBI Workshops with Steve and Navi
• Tour of the Susan B. Anthony House
• Ganondagan State Historic Site

We ended our time together with a day trip to Niagara Falls and an exposition at AC to share our experiences and learnings with the community.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with, and to get to know, the students who have been a part of this program. I applaud their bravery and their willingness to travel so many miles to learn, grow, and share their culture and perspective.

I can only speak for myself, but I know that I am forever changed by this experience, and I hope that it has left a similar mark on each of the individuals who were able to be a part of this unique program.”

Anthony Tepedino Throughout his 25 years at Allendale Columbia, Tony has played many important roles. He taught physical education for seven years, kindergarten for seven years, and served as the Director of Curricular Technology for five years. Most recently, Tony has taken on two new roles as our Hybrid Learning Coordinator and Faculty Professional Development Coordinator. Tony also teaches in AC's Summer Camp program. He holds a master's degree in Education from Roberts Wesleyan College.

Get Involved!

• Apply for next year’s program! (students ages 15-17) 
• Become a host family
• Learn more about the AC Center for Global Engagement

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Allendale Columbia School’s Center for Global Engagement, in partnership with Rochester Global Connections, offers the Summer Global Leadership Program designed for young people in Rochester interested in learning about and engaging in global issues. Students participate in a 2-week, all-day program where they work, eat, and play with highly-selected youth who are part of the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP). Together the students receive training and engage in hands-on projects that explore leadership skills, civic education, diversity and inclusion, human rights, and peace building. Through cross-cultural collaboration, this program provides all participants with a life-changing experience to help make an impact both locally and globally.

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AC Summer LEAP Extends Beyond the Classroom

Posted on October 16th, 2019 by acsrochester

This summer, AC LEAP once again welcomed more than 100 Rochester City School District students to campus for six weeks of learning, wellness, and enrichment activities.

During the program students enjoyed:

• Individualized reading instruction
• Field trips
• Family-style lunches
• STEM activities
• Weekly swimming

For the past six years, AC has partnered with School #17 to provide high-quality summer learning to students from the Rochester City School District. By extending the community school support students enjoy during the academic year, AC LEAP works to close the opportunity gap often experienced by students with low-income during the summer months.

“To be with these kids every summer and to see their growth is amazing,”said AC Alumnus Justin Kennedy, who works in the fifth grade classroom. “They continue to impress me with how passionate they are and how much they invest in our community. It means so much to me to be able to work with them and see them develop as people.” 

Beyond their classroom studies in reading, math, and STEM, AC LEAP students explored this year’s program theme: Restorative Justice League, in which they used restorative practices to build community and resolve conflict. They also had the opportunity to meet with, and learn about, a variety of restorative justice leaders from the Rochester community.

This year’s off-campus learning included:

A partnership with the Buffalo Bills Foundation and Alfred State’s Art Force 5 to create mosaics celebrating the centennial of women’s suffrage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A visit from We’re Hair, a local, black owned mobile barber shop, to give students fresh haircuts so they could return to school looking and feeling their best.

 

 

 

 

 

Participation in a bilingual read-aloud with Hipocampo Bookstore.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And karate with Johnny Karate, a karate instructor from the city of Rochester, who taught students fun and interactive karate moves to build physical fitness and self-esteem.

 

 

 

 

 

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Get Involved!

Lindsey Brown
Director of AC LEAP
leap@allendalecolumbia.org

Lindsey Brown Lindsey earned her bachelor's degree in Spanish and a master's degree in Creative Writing at SUNY Brockport and holds New York State Teacher Certifications in Primary Education with a Bilingual Extension, Spanish (7-12), and English (7-12). Before coming to Allendale Columbia, Lindsey worked in community health and taught in the Upward Bound Program at the University of Rochester. She teaches Middle School Spanish and is the Director of AC's Summer LEAP program.

AC LEAP Accomplishments Since 2014

• More than 362 students and 329 families served
• More than 1,800 books distributed
• More than 12,400 meals served
• More than 60 field trips taken
• More than 37 community speakers

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Class of 2019 Has Diverse Plans, $3.6M in Scholarship Offers

Posted on June 13th, 2019 by Allendale Columbia School

by Kristin Cocquyt, College Advisor

College, travel, work, and seminary: these are some of the diverse plans of the Allendale Columbia School Class of 2019. The newly-minted graduates will be attending colleges across the country, including 9 different states, the District of Columbia, and 18 different colleges and universities in New York State. In addition, the Class of 2019 has reported over $3.6 million in four-year academic scholarships! Congratulations to the Class of 2019! Click here to see our graduates’ plans. (more…)

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Ready for Fun? Get Tickets Now for HAC Seabreeze Nite June 11th

Posted on May 30th, 2019 by Allendale Columbia School

Join us at Seabreeze Amusement Park on Tuesday, June 11th, rain or shine! The water park will be open from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. that evening, and rides will be open from 6:00 -10:00 p.m. Please note that parents must accompany their children, as supervision is not provided.

Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased from Lisa Shearing in Admissions until Monday, June 10th, at 4:00 p.m. Children age 2 and under are free. (Tickets will NOT be available for purchase on June 11th.)

 

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Strawberry Breakfast 2019

Posted on May 16th, 2019 by Allendale Columbia School

Spring has arrived, and with it comes preparations for Strawberry Breakfast, which will take place Friday, May 24th, at 8:30 a.m. This is a wonderful, school-wide AC tradition, and students will perform for their families and friends. Afterwards, everyone will enjoy strawberries and donuts in the Dining Commons.

As a reminder, parents must provide transportation on Friday, May 24th, as there is no bus service, and school is dismissed for the Memorial Day weekend after this event.

The following information is to help make you aware of the commitment for your son or daughter at Strawberry Breakfast and what they need to wear:

Nursery – Grade 1:

• Students in Nursery – Grade 1 will not be performing but are encouraged to attend with family members
• Uniforms will not be enforced; dressy spring attire is encouraged

Grades 2-5:

• Students in Grades 2-5 will be performing
• Dress up/concert clothes required
• If your child will NOT be able to attend Strawberry Breakfast, please email your child’s classroom teacher or Lynn Grossman immediately so we can plan accordingly

Grades 6-8:

• Middle School Chorus Students: Dressy spring attire (Ex.: dress, dress pants, skirt, blouse, shirt and tie)
• Non-Chorus students in Grades 6-8 are encouraged to attend (dressy spring attire)
• If your child is in Middle School Chorus and will NOT be able to attend Strawberry Breakfast, please email Rachael Sanguinetti immediately so we can plan accordingly

Grade 9:

• Students in Grade 9 will not be performing but are encouraged to attend
• Dressy spring attire is encouraged

Grade 10:

• Sword Dancers: black dress pants, black shoes, long sleeve white dress shirt
• May pole dancers: dressy spring attire (Ex.: dress, dress pants, skirt, blouse, shirt and tie)
• All Grade 10: Pinning of the Seniors
• If your child will NOT be able to attend Strawberry Breakfast, please email Diane Broberg immediately so we can plan accordingly

Grade 11:

• Students in Grade 11 will not be performing but are encouraged to attend
• Dressy spring attire is encouraged

Grade 12:

• All seniors will participate in the official pinning ceremony
• Dressy spring attire required (Ex.: dress, dress pants, skirt, blouse, shirt and tie)
• If your child will NOT be able to attend Strawberry Breakfast, please email Diane Broberg immediately so we can plan accordingly

Select Chorus:

• Performing “Good Cheer”
• Dressy spring attire (Ex.: dress, dress pants, skirt, blouse, shirt and tie)

Upper School Chorus:

• Performing “Now is the Month of Maying”
• Dressy spring attire (Ex.: dress, dress pants, skirt, blouse, shirt and tie)

Wind Ensemble:

• Performing a musical arrangement for the Sword Dance and May Pole Dance
• Dressy spring attire (Ex.: dress, dress pants, skirt, blouse, shirt and tie)

There will be a rehearsal on Thursday, May 23rd, during the school day.

On May 24th, the students who are performing (outlined above) need to arrive in the Alumni Gym between 8:00 – 8:15 a.m. The program starts at 8:30 a.m. and usually concludes by 9:30 a.m., followed by treats in the Dining Commons.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing everyone on campus!

Ray Istas
Director of Athletics

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Coffee Connection May 8th: Good Food Collective

Posted on May 3rd, 2019 by Allendale Columbia School

For our final Coffee Connection of the year, Ryan Pierson from The Good Food Collective will talk with our community about how The Good Food Collective works, answer any questions about our upcoming food share option, and also speak about AC’s partnership with their wholesale component, Headwater Food Hub.

All current parents and grandparents are welcome! Tasty treats and coffee from the kitchen will be served.

Wednesday, May 8th
Dining Commons
8:00-8:30 a.m.: Snacks and coffee
8:30-9:00 a.m.: Presentation 

No need to RSVP! We look forward to seeing Wednesday, May 8th! 

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Parent Town Halls to Discuss Intent to Combine

Posted on May 3rd, 2019 by Allendale Columbia School

The Harley and Allendale Columbia boards of trustees have signed a Letter of Intent to combine the two schools. The formal announcement is included in the attached letter. This collaboration offers many exciting opportunities, and each school is moving thoughtfully through the next steps by listening carefully to faculty, staff, alumni, student leaders, and families.

Upcoming AC Parent Town Halls: Below are two opportunities for AC parents to ask questions, listen to the discussion, and better understand the plans in place at this time and the work yet to be done.

• Monday, May 6th, from 7-8 p.m. in the Curtis Performance Center
• Wednesday, May 8th, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Curtis Performance Center

Mick Gee and members of the AC Board of Trustees will be in attendance for these town halls.

For both town halls, we invite you to submit questions online in advance. We understand public speaking isn’t everyone’s favorite thing so we’ll address the questions received online before opening up the discussion to more questions.

Please note these events are for our AC parents, only. We ask that you not share this with the media or those in our neighborhood. There will be other opportunities for communications with those groups.

These internal connections, including the online survey, town hall-style meetings, and one-on-one conversations, will be conducted during the end of this school year and through all of next year.

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RSVP for Middle School Swim Night May 10th

Posted on May 2nd, 2019 by Allendale Columbia School

Come join your Middle School classmates at the Perinton Community Aquatics Center for the AC Middle School Swim/Pizza Party 2019 on Friday, May 10th! The party is open to Allendale Columbia MS students only (no siblings or friends from outside of school). The cost is $10 per student.

The party will begin at 6:00 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. Please plan to pick your child up promptly at 8:00 p.m. when our room reservation ends.

Lastly, we are in need of parent volunteers/chaperones to remain on the pool deck and in our party room while the kids swim. Volunteers will need to wear pool deck appropriate clothing (swimsuit with cover up). If we do not have the required number of chaperones, we will not be able to have the swim party. If you are able to help, please let us know on the RSVP form.

Questions may be directed to Colleen Roof at ceroof@yahoo.com.

Please RSVP by Monday, May 6th so we know how much food and refreshments to have and how many chaperones we will need. A signed Pool Rules form for each child must be turned in to the Middle School office. Students cannot participate without a signed form.

Friday, May 10th 
6:00pm – 8:00pm

$10 per student 

Perinton Community Aquatics Center
1350 Turk Hill Road, Fairport NY

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