Dear Albany Unified Community,

I want to begin by thanking our community for the care, patience, and support you continue to show one another during complex and challenging moments. We know that many families, staff, and students are holding a great deal right now, and the ways you show up with thoughtfulness and compassion matter.

As we move forward together, I ask that we stay grounded in what unites us. We all want what is best for our children. Holding onto that shared commitment helps us navigate difficult conversations, uncertainty, and differing perspectives with care, respect, and a continued focus on the well-being of our students.

Elementary schools across the District celebrated the 100th day of school in this school year with math and art projects this week. Cornell first graders recited a “100th Day” poem during Wednesday morning’s Community Time (photo above). These special days and school-based celebrations are a great way to integrate lessons throughout the curriculum and keep school days exciting and fun. By the way, there are 180 days of student instruction in the school year, so we are just over halfway through. This is prime time for learning, with familiar routines, classmates, and teachers. 

America’s Mathematics Competition

At Albany Middle School (AMS), Wednesday was also special in a different way. Eighty-seven students, primarily 8th graders but including some ambitious 6th and 7th graders, voluntarily sat for an afterschool math competition test.  I congratulate all the students who participated! This is the largest participation AMS has ever had in the nationwide American Mathematics Competition, sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America. The Association’s motto, “We envision a society that values the power and beauty of mathematics.” resonates with AUSD’s goals. Our Math Visioning Team is developing a clear vision for math instruction and a multi-year roadmap to guide equitable and inclusive math learning for all students.

Negotiations Update

Albany Unified School District and the Albany Teachers Association (ATA) are engaged in negotiations for a successor collective bargaining agreement covering wages, benefits, hours, class size, evaluations, and working conditions. We met last week. Please see a detailed update of our progress on our Negotiations Updates webpage. 

AMS Science Olympiad

Albany Middle School’s Science Olympiad teams had an outstanding showing at an invitational competition in Sacramento, with one of our teams placing 8th overall. Congratulations! 

Kindness Week

Elementary schools were also exercising their kindness skills as this was The Great Kindness Challenge Week. Teachers encouraged acts of kindness and highlighted simple ways students can be kind every day. To culminate the week, Ocean View teachers organized a sing-a-long featuring songs for justice, peace, and inclusivity outside the school this morning. In their words, “We hope that singing together can build community, bring awareness to justice, and make a difference in Albany!” 

Calendar Highlights: 

Please see messages from your school for complete information about events. 

• February 4: Community Town Hall (combined with District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC), 6pm, Zoom webinar.

• February 10:  Regular Board Meeting

• February 11: Community Town Hall (combined with Special Education Advisory), 6:30–7:30pm Zoom webinar.

• February 12: Black History Month Celebration, 6–8pm, AHS Little Theater and MPR

• February 24:  Regular Board Meeting

• February 25: Community Town Hall (combined with Student Achievement Committee), 6pm, Zoom webinar, link will be provided.

With gratitude and optimism, 

Sara Stone

Superintendent

Albany Unified School District