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Cornell Chronicle 10/31/25
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CORNELL CHRONICLE October 31, 2025 Cornell strives to support a safe and secure learning environment that treats all students with dignity, respect, and high expectations. |
| CALENDAR OF EVENTS |
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Nov 2 |
AMS PTA Albany Community Craft Fair, 11am–3pm, AMS Gym |
| Nov 2 | PTA Sunday in the Garden, 2-4pm |
| Nov 7-21 | Fall Conferences, (Wednesday schedule everyday) |
| Nov 10-11 | Veterans Day - No School (2 days) |
| Nov 13-15 | This Murder Was Staged, Albany High School's Theatre Ensemble, AHS Little Theater. Tickets here. |
| Nov 14 | PTA Ruby Bridges Walk To School Day |
| Nov 18 | PTA Executive Board Meeting and Board Meeting |
| Nov 24-28 | Thanksgiving Break - No School |
| Dec 22-Jan 2 | Winter Break - No School |
| PRINCIPALLY SPEAKING |
Dear Coyote Families,
What a great Friday! We enjoyed fun treats, costumes, and a parade for Halloween. Thank you room parents for making this day special and thank you for your support and presence. If students are planning to go trick or treating tonight, stay safe and walk with a group. Parents, remember to continue to pack healthy nut-free snacks while students enjoy Halloween treats at home!
Unfortunately, a Cornell restroom was vandalized recently—a urinal was stuffed with rocks and sand from the dry creek. This pointless destruction diverts dollars that could have benefited students’ education in more useful ways to repair expenses, and it closes much-needed restrooms so that students can’t use them for their intended purpose. Please have a conversation with your child about vandalism, and together, we may be able to stop this. Thank you!
Lastly, teachers have been busy preparing for fall conferences that will take place November 7 - 21. Please be on the lookout for conference information from your child’s teacher. During those weeks, we will be on the Wednesday schedule.
Have a wonderful weekend!
In community,
Catherine Floresca
Principal
| CORNELL ANNOUNCEMENT |
Music Class Announcements from JingleJeff
Dear Cornell Families,
I’m thrilled to share with you some of the music class projects
we have been working on this school year in some of the grade levels.
- JingleJeff
1st Grade
In the Kodály method we teach music rhythms separate
from melodic notes. 1st Graders are working on quarter rest - called “rest”
2nd Grade
In the Kodály method we teach music rhythms separate from melodic notes. In the 2nd grade we are working on sixteenth notes which we call “tika tika”.
3rd Grade
We worked on a Halloween creative project called: “Skin & Bones.” This is a folk song in a minor key and the 3rd graders created lyrics for the song. Listen to the video that was created by JingleJeff for this project: https://youtu.be/5t6zJXDUz24
4th Grade
In 4th grade we have been studying choir for the first trimester, and we will study ukulele for the second trimester and musical theater for the third trimester. Our choir studies end with a concert as listed above. Please try to attend. Please fill out this form if your 4th grader is able to attend
What: 4th & 5th Grade Choir Concert
When: Friday, December 12, 2025, 6:00 pm (Dress rehearsal at 4:45 pm)
Where: Ocean View School stage in the multi-purpose room
| CORNELL LIBRARY CORNER |
Weekly Library Spotlight
Filipino American HIstory Month was our focus this week. We listened to Dancing the Tinikling and learned about Filipino-American culture and the history of the tinikling dance. We watched videos of traditional folk dancing and a modern Filipino-American hybrid that brings elements from the Philippines and hip-hop culture. The kids loved it!
Update–Halloween Poster Contest
The poster contest was such fun this year and the kids’ art is all on display in the halls. The students had a chance to vote for the “Most Creative” and “Best Use of Art Materials” in each grade and Kids’ Choice Awards were given out on Thursday. Every poster was incredible, I’m so proud of our artists!
Last Day – Sat, 11/1: AEF & Pegasus Book Fair!
AEF is helping fund our grant to grow the early chapter book collection—but we still need your help! Visit Pegasus Books on Solano, ask for our school’s book list, and mention AEF at checkout. Prefer online? You can also shop from home here. Every purchase supports our library—thank you!
Ms. Kate, Cornell’s Teacher Librarian, is reachable anytime at kbowman@ausdk12.org to respond to any questions, needs, or requests.| PTA NEWS |
🌿 Sunday in the Cornell Garden 🌱
Wrap up your weekend with some playtime at Cornell! Join us Sunday, November 2 from 2 to 4PM in the school garden. Come check out all the caterpillars and chrysalis, taste some herbs or bring some home for cooking!! You can also come take pictures with the giant pumpkin Westbrae left us.
Future Sundays in the Garden: Dec 7, Feb 8, Mar 8, Apr 19, May 3, May 31
Come with your questions, enjoy a slice of pizza, and connect with other families as we learn how to support every student’s success. See below to reserve childcare; spots are limited.
Speaker Information:
Cheryl Theis — Director of Education at Support for Families of Children with Disabilities (San Francisco). With 30 years of experience, Cheryl helps families navigate education and disability rights systems and promotes authentic inclusion for all learners.
Come with your questions, enjoy a slice of pizza, and connect with other families as we learn how to support every student’s success.
Childcare will be provided (limited spots). You must RSVP to reserve childcare—please include the number of spots and your child(ren)’s name(s). Please RSVP here- https://forms.gle/ZGBKYedmwt89hGq58
❄️Winter Craft Fair - Saturday, December 13!❄️
The Winter Craft Fair will take place on Saturday, December 13th from 10 am - 2 pm in Cornell's Multipurpose Room.
We need LOTS of hands to make this event a wondrous success. No crafting experience is necessary. Bring your generous spirit by helping kids whip up giftable, cool crafts. Can't make it on December 13th? No problem - sign up to bring a dozen winter-inspired baked goods or help set up the day before the event.
Sign up here to lend a hand: The Winter Craft Fair & Bake Sale Volunteer Sign Up 2025
We can't do this event without you!
Cornell PTA Instagram @cornellpta
Cornell Wear eStore is always here with t-shirts, hoodies and more for the whole family!
| FROM AUSD |
Link to the Superintendent's Community Update
AEF Book Fair at Pegasus Books Wraps Up on Saturday
The final day for the Albany Education Foundation (AEF) book fair fundraiser at Pegasus Books on Solano Ave. is Saturday, November 1. Pegasus is donating 30% of all sales when you mention "AEF" at checkout. Can’t get to Pegasus by Saturday? Do you have friends and family who live out of town who would like to support our schools? Go to pegasusbookstore.com/albany-education and be sure to type "AEF" at checkout. All purchases at Pegasus qualify — books, gifts, gift cards, etc. If you would like to purchase a book for a classroom or library, Pegasus has lists — both in store and online — of requested books for each AUSD school. The AEF Pegasus Book Fair helps fund future AEF grants for teachers while supporting a valued local bookstore. Thank you!
Diwali, The Festival of Lights
The Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Parent Engagement Group is hosting a Diwali potluck get-together. All are welcome! Saturday, November 1, 1–3:30pm in the Ocean View Multipurpose Room. Sign-up link is here.
Albany Community Craft Fair
The AMS PTA’s Craft Fair returns on Sunday, November 2, 11am–3pm. Come for crafts, music, and food. All are welcome!| COMMUNITY |
Friends Of The Albany Library Book Sale
Stock up on books before the holidays! There will be lots of children’s books for 50 cents each. For adults, 50-cent items of all sorts. November 8 (9am–5pm) and November 9 (10am–4pm), Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave.| NOTES FROM THE OFFICE |
Please visit the Cornell website for general information.
OFFICE HOURS
Office Hours: 8:15am – 3:30pm
Office Phone: (510) 558-3700
Email: Sui-Ling (sangelidis@ausdk12.org), or Margaret (mglendening@ausdk12.org)
LINK TO 2025-26 AUSD SCHOOL CALENDAR
LINK TO BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS