CORNELL CHRONICLE November 21, 2025 Cornell strives to support a safe and secure learning environment that treats all students with dignity, respect, and high expectations.

Dear Coyote Families,

We’ve had another wonderful week of conferences. I can’t believe how the month of November has flown by! Students have worked so hard all trimester. Thank you for all your support and partnership this first trimester!

The months of November and December present a number of disruptions in the students' school routine. The students have already experienced a number of transitions: the transition from daylight savings time, and being on a Wednesday schedule for two weeks. Now they will enjoy Thanksgiving break, and three weeks later Winter break. Kids experience these transitions and long breaks in different ways. Just remember to stay flexible and prepared for their emotions.  

During today’s Coffee with Cat we talked about using this time to re-center and reflect on the routines and rituals that have been successful and those that we may want to adjust. This will help students enjoy their time off and transition back to school more smoothly. 

During this break, I hope you are able to recharge and relax, as you reconnect with the family! I am so grateful for our Cornell Community! Thank you for making it all that it is. Have a wonderful break!

With gratitude,
Catherine Floresca
Principal

Approximately one in four (25%) of Alameda County residents experiences food insecurity. The Alameda County Community Food Bank estimates a need for 60 million pounds of food to meet demand!

At Cornell, we are starting a food drive to provide food donations to the ACCFB through December. Our aim is to fill three barrels, and as of today, we've already filled one barrel! There is a large barrel in Cornell’s front hallway. If your family is interested in donating food, you can have your child bring any of the food items listed below to donate.

Please donate un-opened, non-perishable food in original packaging (nutrition labels must be in English).

 Here’s what our community loves: Ready to eat meals (easy open cans or pouches) 

• Chilli, stews, ravioli, soups, mac and cheese etc. 

• Chicken, tuna, salmon, etc. 

• Snacks for Kids (healthy lunch snacks, bars, and fruit/veggie pouches) 

• Non-perishable fruit (cups, bowls, or cans) 

• Peanut butter 

• Cereal (boxes or single serve bowls) 

• Nutrition/protein bars

Weekly Library Spotlight

The kids explored digital citizenship and enjoyed read-alouds focused on gratitude. Our topics included:

• Kinder & 1st: being safe online

• 2nd:  being inclusive when using tech

• 3rd:  navigating online gaming safely

• 4th:  healthy group chat dynamics

• 5th:  identifying and addressing cyberbullying

Many students are eager to talk about the technology they use, and our lessons emphasize the importance of following guidance from trusted adults. Roblox came up often across all grade levels, so I’m  sharing a resource to help families understand the platform and support healthy, safe use at home

I’m so grateful for all of the Cornell kids and their families- have a wonderful vacation week!

Ms. Kate, Cornell’s Teacher Librarian, is reachable anytime at kbowman@ausdk12.org to respond to any questions, needs, or requests.

❄ Winter Craft Fair -  Saturday, December 13! ❄

The Winter Craft Fair will take place on Saturday, December 13th from 10 am - 1 pm in Cornell's Multipurpose Room. Students will make fun giftable crafts for friends, loved ones or to keep for themselves. Purchase affordably priced tickets the day of for crafts, pizza and snacks subsidized by the PTA (expected cost is $1 per craft). 

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 cool crafts, or help selling snacks to keep the crafting energy up! 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!

PTA website

Cornell PTA Instagram @cornellpta

Cornell Wear eStore is always here with t-shirts, hoodies and more for the whole family!

Link to the Superintendent's Community Update

AEF First Mondays at Little Star Pizza

Little Star Pizza will donate 10% of all sales — take-out and dine-in — to Albany Education Foundation on Monday, Dec. 1st, and every first Monday of the month. Warm up with some delicious food from Little Star! AEF funds grants for teachers. Thank you for supporting Little Star Pizza and Albany Education Foundation!

Making College Affordable: FAFSA & Early Financial Planning 

Join the Asian Pacific Islander Parent Engagement Group (API-PEG) on Thursday, December 11 at 7pm via Zoom for valuable insights and an interactive discussion (a Q&A section will be included) with the expert, Mike Nie. Mike specializes in family-centered tax and real-estate strategies, with deep expertise in college cost planning. You may join API-PEG Google Group by filling out this form. Join API-PEG Group email by filling out this form.  You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you have any questions, please email AlbanyAPIparents@gmail.com.

Free Weather Station Science Event

Columbia Employee Store Deal

Columbia Sportswear is providing AUSD families with a Family Savings Pass, granting access to the Columbia Employee Store from November 21 through December 7. This pass includes 40% off storewide at the Columbia Employee Store and a bonus 10% off the entire purchase with Golden Ticket Savings. 1414 Harbour Way S., St. 1010, Richmond, CA.

Gill Tract Community Farm Winter Festival

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