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  • Superintendent's Community Update, September 30, 202...

    September 30, 2022 Dear Albany Community, At the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Director Michelle Sinclair presented results from last year’s California Assessment of Student Performance  and Progress (CAASPP). As she points out in her  presentation , the CAASPP is only one of several different important assessments taken by Albany students. Director Sinclair compared last year’s results to those from the 2018–19 school year, to learn more about how the pandemic affected learning. Statewide CAASPP results have not been released and are widely expected to be dismal. AUSD posted mixed results. I was pleased to see some increases, and was disappointed to see the decreases, although it could be expected given two years of disrupted education due to the pandemic. This data is a call to action and I am leading AUSD’s initiatives to bring more students into the “Met or Exceeded Standard” category. Academic success is our mission, and I will keep you up to date as the year progresses. Attendance is Essential The first step to learning is being in the classroom. If education is a prize, then it is definitely true that “ You must be present to win! ” Now, in the aftermath of the pandemic, it is of the utmost importance that students be at school, ready to learn, every school day, unless they are ill. Just as different players on a team have different roles, you are the key to making sure that your student(s) are in the classroom taking full advantage of their educational opportunities.  This Saturday! Cougar Field Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Fun Run  The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Cougar Field is tomorrow, Saturday, October 1. The brief ceremony (9:00–9:25am) will be followed by a one-mile fun run fundraiser for our award-winning cross-country team. You can register at the event .  Art Credit You may have noticed the gorgeous Albany fall photo at the top of this Update. It was taken by AHS student (now graduate) ZJ Schwartz during his senior year. Follow this link to see more of the  AHS / MacGregor 2021–22 Student Art Show . I will highlight student art from all grade levels over the course of the year.  Upcoming Events October 1:  Cougar Field Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, 9–9:25am, One Mile Fun Run, 9:30–11:30am October 2:  AUSD Special Education Family & Staff Get Together Lunch, 12:00–2:00pm, Albany Middle School Upcoming Board and Committee Meetings All  Board of Education meetings  and  Board-appointed committee meetings  are open to the public. Find agendas on the links above, or through the  AUSD Events Calendar .  October 11:   Board of Education Regular Meeting, 7–10pm October 17:   Board of Education Special Workshop on Draft Environmental Action Plan, 6:30–8:30pm (location to be determined) Learning, growing, and serving together, Dr. Frank Wells  Superintendent of Schools Albany Unified School District

    Friday, Sep 30 2022

  • Superintendent's Community Update, September 23, 202...

    September 23, 2022 Dear Albany Community, We are already more than a month into this new school year! School is proceeding in the healthy daily rhythm that is foundational to learning. Last year, my weekly update to you was often filled with pandemic news. This year, I am grateful to be able to focus on school and district events, in addition to safety updates as they are needed. Cougar Field Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Fun Run  I will be hosting a ribbon-cutting for the new track and field at Cougar Field, (behind Albany Middle School) next Saturday, October 1. The football field, track, and softball fields were all renovated over the summer and are a spectacular upgrade for our students and the community. The brief ceremony will feature student athletes from our  2021 State Champions Cross Country Team  speaking about the track and what it means to them. I also expect to see some members of the  AHS Class of 1962  at the ceremony, who are here for their 60th Reunion! All are invited to respectfully attend this student-centered event, from  9:00–9:25am Saturday, Oct. 1.   After the ribbon cutting, the celebration continues with a  one-mile fun run  fundraiser for our award-winning cross-country team. Separate heats for seniors, youth 12 and under, teens, and adults are scheduled.  The final heat will be open to all, which is a great opportunity for family members to run together . Come see the new facilities, support the cross-country team, and get your weekend mile in! Please  register here .  Candidate Meet and Greet Becky Hopwood, Sadia Khan, and Ron Rosenbaum are running for the three vacancies on the Albany Unified Board of Education in the November 8 election. They will be holding an informal meet and greet event during the  Concert in the Park  at Memorial Park this  Saturday, Sept. 24, 11:00–3:00pm . Drop by so they can introduce themselves, chat about their priorities, and tell you how they plan to serve Albany students and staff. Wellness Committee A focus of this year's  Wellness Committee , comprising staff, community members, and students, will be mental health needs and our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). As the district centers teacher and staff professional development on MTSS, the committee will consider ways that it could be a vehicle for addressing mental health. The first meeting will be next  Thursday, September 29, from 4–5:00pm,  with future meetings to be determined.   All meetings will be on Zoom to make it easy for members and observers to attend. Please email Deb Brill, Executive Director of Student Services, at dbrill@ausdk12.org if you are interested in becoming a Wellness Committee member. Thank you in advance! Upcoming Events September 24:  Board of Education Candidate Meet and Greet, Memorial Park, 11–3pm, during Concerts In The Park October 1:  Cougar Field Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, 9–9:25am, One Mile Fun Run, 9:30–11:30am Upcoming Board and Committee Meetings The Board of Education is resuming in-person meetings in the Council Chambers at City Hall (1000 San Pablo Ave., Albany, CA) starting next week. Seating is limited to ~20 people. Regular Board meetings will continue to be live-streamed on AlbanyKALB and participation via Zoom webinar will still be available. All  Board of Education meetings  and  Board-appointed committee meetings  are open to the public. Find agendas on the links above, or through the  AUSD Events Calendar .  September 27:   Board of Education Regular Meeting, 7–10pm September 28:   Budget Advisory Committee, 6–8:00pm September 29:   Wellness Committee, 4–5:00pm October 11:  Board of Education Regular Meeting, 7–10pm Learning, growing, and serving together, Dr. Frank Wells  Superintendent of Schools Albany Unified School District ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Saturday, Sep 24 2022

  • AUSD Board of Education Regular Meeting, Tues. 9/27 ...

    Dear AUSD Community,   The AUSD Board of Education is returning to in-person meetings!  On T uesday, September 27 they will hold a regular meeting in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. Seating is limited, and masking is strongly recommended. As a courtesy, and technology permitting, members of the public may continue to participate virtually via Zoom Webinar.   Please see the  Agenda and Agenda Packet   for full details.       Date:  Tuesday, September 27, 2022 Location:  Albany City Hall, 1000 San Pablo Avenue, Albany, CA 94706 Time:  Closed Session: 6:00pm; Open Session: 7:00pm        To join or listen to the meeting virtually:  Join the Zoom webinar by video:  https://ausdk12-org.zoom.us/j/92912804708   (Webinar ID: 92912804708)  Join by telephone: Call 1-669-444-9171 or 1-669-900-6833 then enter  Webinar ID 92912804708# Regular meetings are normally streamed live on the City of Albany website at:  www.albanyca.org/meetings   or on YouTube at  https://www.youtube.com/AlbanyKALB The recorded video will be available on the AUSD  School Board website   within 5 business days after the meeting.   To submit public comment:  please see the agenda for details.    Agendas, agenda packets, minutes, and videos can be found on the  Board Meetings: Agendas, Minutes, Videos webpage ,  under " Current and Upcoming Meetings. " 

    Saturday, Sep 24 2022

  • Superintendent's Community Update, September 23, 202...

    September 23, 2022 Dear Albany Community, We are already more than a month into this new school year! School is proceeding in the healthy daily rhythm that is foundational to learning. Last year, my weekly update to you was often filled with pandemic news. This year, I am grateful to be able to focus on school and district events, in addition to safety updates as they are needed. Cougar Field Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Fun Run  I will be hosting a ribbon-cutting for the new track and field at Cougar Field, (behind Albany Middle School) next Saturday, October 1. The football field, track, and softball fields were all renovated over the summer and are a spectacular upgrade for our students and the community. The brief ceremony will feature student athletes from our  2021 State Champions Cross Country Team  speaking about the track and what it means to them. I also expect to see some members of the  AHS Class of 1962  at the ceremony, who are here for their 60th Reunion! All are invited to respectfully attend this student-centered event, from  9:00–9:25am Saturday, Oct. 1.   After the ribbon cutting, the celebration continues with a  one-mile fun run  fundraiser for our award-winning cross-country team. Separate heats for seniors, youth 12 and under, teens, and adults are scheduled.  The final heat will be open to all, which is a great opportunity for family members to run together . Come see the new facilities, support the cross-country team, and get your weekend mile in! Please  register here .  Candidate Meet and Greet Becky Hopwood, Sadia Khan, and Ron Rosenbaum are running for the three vacancies on the Albany Unified Board of Education in the November 8 election. They will be holding an informal meet and greet event during the  Concert in the Park  at Memorial Park this  Saturday, Sept. 24, 11:00–3:00pm . Drop by so they can introduce themselves, chat about their priorities, and tell you how they plan to serve Albany students and staff. Wellness Committee A focus of this year's  Wellness Committee , comprising staff, community members, and students, will be mental health needs and our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). As the district centers teacher and staff professional development on MTSS, the committee will consider ways that it could be a vehicle for addressing mental health. The first meeting will be next  Thursday, September 29, from 4–5:00pm,  with future meetings to be determined.   All meetings will be on Zoom to make it easy for members and observers to attend. Please email Deb Brill, Executive Director of Student Services, at dbrill@ausdk12.org if you are interested in becoming a Wellness Committee member. Thank you in advance! Upcoming Events September 24:  Board of Education Candidate Meet and Greet, Memorial Park, 11–3pm, during Concerts In The Park October 1:  Cougar Field Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, 9–9:25am, One Mile Fun Run, 9:30–11:30am Upcoming Board and Committee Meetings The Board of Education is resuming in-person meetings in the Council Chambers at City Hall (1000 San Pablo Ave., Albany, CA) starting next week. Seating is limited to ~20 people. Regular Board meetings will continue to be live-streamed on AlbanyKALB and participation via Zoom webinar will still be available. All  Board of Education meetings  and  Board-appointed committee meetings  are open to the public. Find agendas on the links above, or through the  AUSD Events Calendar .  September 27:   Board of Education Regular Meeting, 7–10pm September 28:   Budget Advisory Committee, 6–8:00pm September 29:   Wellness Committee, 4–5:00pm October 11:  Board of Education Regular Meeting, 7–10pm Learning, growing, and serving together, Dr. Frank Wells  Superintendent of Schools Albany Unified School District ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Friday, Sep 23 2022

  • Superintendent's Community Update, September 16, 202...

    September 16, 2022 Dear Albany Community, This busy week started with the Solano Stroll on Sunday. Many people stopped by to look at the architect’s renderings of the new Marin Elementary buildings and to pick up flyers about district events and groups to join. Parents from neighboring districts kept us busy asking if their kids could transfer into AUSD! On Wednesday evening, Albany High held their  Back To School Night . The crowds at all the Back To School Nights have demonstrated that families of Albany Unified students are engaged and supportive. Five District Goals  The Board of Trustees and I have been working together since August to determine and finalize the District goals and objectives for this school year. The goals focus on assessing and increasing academic success, supporting the whole child, communication, fiscal stability, and managing facilities and construction effectively. Specific objectives were discussed in Tuesday’s Board of Education Meeting. You may want to  view the draft document  or  watch the discussion  ( begins at 2:41 minutes into the meeting ). The revised goals and objectives will come back to the Board at a later date for approval. Special Education Awareness Month and Get-Together Lunch Also at this week’s Board meeting, trustees passed a resolution acknowledging October as  Special Education Awareness Month . AUSD will celebrate with a  get-together lunch co-sponsored by the Special Education Department and the Albany Disability Squad on Sunday, Oct. 2, from 12 – 2pm,  location to be determined.  Please note that this was originally scheduled for this Sunday, Sept. 18, but has been rescheduled because of the rainy forecast.  The goal of this event is to build community and support one another. Families, teachers, and staff are all invited!  Upcoming Board and Committee Meetings All  Board of Education meetings  and  Board-appointed committee meetings  are open to the public. Find agendas on the links above, or through the  AUSD Events Calendar .  September 22:   Student Achievement Committee Meeting, 6–8pm September 27:   Board of Education Regular Meeting, 7–10pm Learning, growing, and serving together, Dr. Frank Wells  Superintendent of Schools Albany Unified School District ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Friday, Sep 16 2022

  • Superintendent's Community Update, September 9, 2022...

      September 9, 2022 Dear Albany Community, Last Thursday,  Cougar Field reopened to students  ( and to the public on evenings and weekends when there is not a school event ). It didn’t take long for students to discover it. Middle school students on their lunch break, P.E. classes, and team sports all quickly started to enjoy the new facility. A reopening celebration will be held later this month (more information will be provided soon), featuring student speakers. Please come and enjoy the Grand Reopening of Cougar Field! Albany Athletics  I am proud that a third of all secondary students in Albany participate in a team sport. This unusually high participation rate shows our students believe in the importance of having healthy minds and bodies. You can support student athletes by joining  Albany Athletics Boosters or simply by going to some games. Cheering on the fall volleyball, cross-country, or football teams are super activities for families with younger students and many games are right here at the middle school or high school gymnasiums or at Cougar Field. The talent, fortitude, and sportsmanship of our athletes will turn you into a dedicated fan! You can find out the game schedule at the  Go Albany Athletics Facebook  page where games are posted weekly.  AUSD Will Be At The Solano Stroll The  46th Annual Solano Stroll  is this  Sunday, Sept. 11 from 10am to 5pm .  The closed-street event will be over a mile of FREE family fun and features 50 entertainers, 25 food booths, 100 government and non-profit agencies, 100 artisans, and much more! Come by the Albany Unified School District booth in front of the Enrollment Center at 1216 Solano. Our neighboring booth, the Albany Athletics Boosters, will have an assortment of Albany Unified gear for sale.  Booster Shots Available Protecting our school communities against a fall outbreak of COVID is important. You can do your part by making sure that your students, (and everyone in your family), are fully vaccinated and boosted. The CDC recommends that people age 12 and older get one of the new boosters, which “ can help restore protection that has waned since previous vaccination and were designed to provide broader protection against newer variants, ” stated CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. All boosters now will be this new formulation. Upcoming Board and Committee Meetings All  Board of Education meetings  and  Board-appointed committee meetings  are open to the public. Find agendas on the links above, or through the  AUSD Events Calendar .  September 12:   Environmental Action Plan Committee Meeting, 4–5:30pm September 13:   Board of Education Regular Meeting, 7–10pm September 14:   Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee Meeting, 6–8pm September 27:   Board of Education Regular Meeting, 7–10pm Learning, growing, and serving together, Dr. Frank Wells  Superintendent of Schools Albany Unified School District ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Friday, Sep 09 2022

  • AUSD Board of Education Regular Meeting, Tues. Septe...

    Dear Albany Community, The AUSD Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on  Tue sday, September 1 3, 2022 via Zoom Webinar .  Open Session begins at 7:00pm. The Board will meet in closed session beforehand at 6:00pm.     Please see the  Agenda and Agenda Packet   for full details.             To join or listen to the meeting:  Join the Zoom webinar by video:  https://ausdk12-org.zoom.us/j/92912804708   (Webinar ID: 92912804708)  Join by telephone: Call 1-669-444-9171 or 1-669-900-6833 then enter Webinar ID 92912804708# Regular meetings are normally streamed live and recorded on AlbanyKALB: www.YouTube.com/AlbanyKALB .     The recorded video will be available on the AUSD  School Board website   within 5 business days after the meeting. To submit public comment:   please see the agenda for details.  *Agendas, agenda packets, minutes, and videos can be found on the  Board Meetings: Agendas, Minutes, Videos webpage ,  under " Current and Upcoming Meetings. " 

    Friday, Sep 09 2022

  • Superintendent's Community Update, September 2, 2022...

    September 2, 2022 Back To School Nights, Latino/LatinX Heritage Month, Safety Task Force, & Changes to COVID Testing Dear Albany Community, Yesterday I attended  Back to School Nights  at our elementary schools and was pleased to see the crowds! Family support and involvement is critical to student success. Albany Middle School and High Schools will have their Back to School Nights soon, and I hope to see many of you at those events. According to county guidance regarding large gatherings, we will be requiring masks for all attendees. Masking will help ensure the safety of our entire school community. Albany Middle School Thursday, Sept. 8: 6:30–8:10pm Albany and MacGregor High Schools Wednesday, Sept. 14: PTSA meeting 6–7pm;  Back to School Night 7–9pm Note that the  AHS PTSA  has a meeting immediately before the Back to School Night event. The  AMS PTA  meeting is on Wednesday, Sept. 7  via Zoom . I encourage you to join (click on the links above) and attend these meetings.  Our PTAs/PTSAs  run programs and events for students, purchase additional supplies, support teachers, as well as host great speakers on topics selected by parents. Beat the Back to School Night crowd by starting at the PTSA meeting! Latino/LatinX Heritage Month Begins September 15 Read the Board of Education  Agenda Item  and  Resolution  recognizing this important month. AUSD is renewing our commitment to educate Latino/Latinx students in an environment that honors their diverse cultures and that welcomes their participation. District schools and teachers will commemorate this occasion with appropriate instructional materials and activities. Please Join the Safety Task Force I am convening a  Safety Task Force  to discuss  district-wide opportunities to increase student safety . The task force will meet on  Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Dec. 14, and Jan. 11  from  4:30pm–5:45pm  (via Zoom). If you are interested in being a member of this task force, please fill out  this form . Task Force membership will be built with attention to equal representation of all school sites and according to when the interest form was submitted. If you cannot commit to being at all meetings, you may still attend as a spectator. Nothing is more important than students’ and staff safety. Change In COVID Testing Protocols AUSD will be re-aligning our COVID testing protocols with new Alameda County guidance. Beginning September 12, students in band, choir, and on athletic teams will be asked to perform weekly at-home tests, and students who need test kits can get them from their school office. State and county guidance to schools has emphasized the need to transition from being medical testing sites to instead helping families that need access to test kits. The guidance also encourages practices that will keep our students and staff safe at school. I am confident that AUSD can still keep our students and staff safe by providing access to test kits and asking these groups to test weekly.    Important Dates September 5 Labor Day:   NO SCHOOL Upcoming Board and Committee Meetings All  Board of Education meetings  and  Board-appointed committee meetings  are open to the public. Find agendas on the links above, or through the  AUSD Events Calendar .  September 13:   Board of Education Regular Meeting, 7–10pm   September 27:   Board of Education Regular Meeting, 7–10pm   Learning, growing, and serving together, Dr. Frank Wells  Superintendent of Schools Albany Unified School District ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Friday, Sep 02 2022

  • Order Free COVID Tests Before Friday, Sept. 2

    Orders for free at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government will be suspended on Friday, September 2, 2022.  Order your free home tests before this Friday!  The program allows 3 orders of free at-home tests (16 tests total) per residential address. For more information, see  covidtests.gov .

    Monday, Aug 29 2022

  • AUSD Board of Education Regular Meeting, Tues. Augus...

    Dear Albany Community, The AUSD Board of Education will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 via  Zoom  Webinar .  Open Session begins at 7:00pm. The Board will meet in closed session beforehand at 5:00pm.    Please see the  Agenda and Agenda Packet   for full details.             To join or listen to the meeting:  Join the Zoom webinar by video:  https://ausdk12-org.zoom.us/j/92912804708   (Webinar ID: 92912804708)  Join by telephone: Call 1-669-444-9171 or 1-669-900-6833 then enter Webinar ID 92912804708# Regular meetings are normally streamed live and recorded on AlbanyKALB:  www.YouTube.com/AlbanyKALB .   This meeting will  not  be live-streamed. The recorded video will be available on the AUSD  School Board website   within 5 business days after the meeting. To Submit Public Comment:   Please see the agenda for details.  *Agendas, agenda packets, minutes, and videos can be found on the  Board Meetings: Agendas, Minutes, Videos webpage ,  under " Current and Upcoming Meetings. " 

    Saturday, Aug 27 2022