Dear Albany Unified Community,

At Albany Unified, care, belonging, and connection are at the center of who we are. During Black History Month, amid complex world events and as we approach Valentine’s Day, I find myself reflecting on how powerful it is when our community comes together to ensure every scholar is known, heard, valued, and supported. Across our schools, moments like the heart-shaped group photo taken by third graders at Marin Elementary during Kindness Week, alongside last night’s beautiful Black History Month celebration honoring poetry, civil rights leadership, music, art, dance, and delicious food, remind us that kindness, belonging, and cultural celebration are lived experiences in our classrooms and across our community every day.

On Monday, February 2, the Equity Council, comprising parent and caregiver Affinity Group leaders and staff, gathered to continue conversations about belonging, identity, and inclusive school communities. Facilitated by council member Sweta Chawla, participants reflected on what helps people feel a genuine sense of belonging and engaged in creative activities connected to universal human needs such as purpose, expression, and connection. These conversations continue to shape how we nurture welcoming, student-centered environments across AUSD.

We are also beginning the communitywide development of Albany Unified’s Graduate Profile, a shared vision for what every AUSD graduate should know, be able to do, carry in their heart, and be ready for beyond our classrooms. A short Graduate Profile survey will be shared with the community after the mid-winter break, along with additional opportunities to participate through town halls and school events. We look forward to hearing your ideas as we shape this work together.

National PTA Arts Contest Local Winners

Congratulations to Albany High’s 2025–26 Reflections art contest winners, who received awards at the county-level competition held last week. The students are:

Cassie Liu (9th grade), Literature — Award of Excellence

Margaret Chen (10th grade), Dance Choreography — Award of Excellence

Iris Yu (12th grade), Visual Art — Award of Merit

Misaki Shiraishi (10th grade), Photography — Award of Merit

The Reflections program, sponsored by the National PTA, celebrates student creativity across multiple artistic disciplines. Award of Excellence winners will go on to represent Albany at the State PTA competition, with results to be announced in May. Notably, this is the second year in a row that AHS entries have advanced to the State level. 

Next Week Is Mid-Winter Break—All Schools & Offices Closed

Calendar Highlights: 

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

• February 16–20: Mid-Winter Break, all school and offices closed 

• February 24:  Regular Board Meeting (Open Session will begin at 7PM)

• February 25: Community Town Hall (combined with Student Achievement Committee), 6–7:30pm, Zoom webinar

• February 27: Ramadan Iftar Potluck, hosted by the Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Parent Engagement Group, 6–8pm, Ocean View Multipurpose Room. Sign up here. 

• February 28: Lunar New Year Celebration, hosted by Asian Pacific Islander Parent Engagement Group (API-PEG), 4–6pm, Ocean View Multipurpose Room. Sign up here. 

With gratitude and optimism, 

Sara Stone

Superintendent

Albany Unified School District