Dear Albany Community,
The first few weeks of the 2026–27 school year have brought so much energy and joy to our schools. I have spent as much time as possible visiting campuses and classrooms, where I have seen students deeply engaged in learning, teachers building strong routines and relationships, and staff creating welcoming spaces where students feel known, challenged, and excited to learn.
We are now settling into the deeper work of the year. Beginning-of-year assessments are giving us an early look at student learning, Instructional Leadership Teams are getting underway, and teachers and leaders are working together to strengthen curriculum and instruction. We are also listening closely to staff, students, and families as we develop a thoughtful approach to educational technology—one that supports learning while keeping student well-being, privacy, and human judgment at the center. Across the District, our teams are also strengthening the systems that help our schools run well, from staffing and student services to facilities, technology, and family communication.
At the beginning of August, we introduced our refreshed district brand, designed to reflect who we are as One Albany Unified—connected across our school sites and district-level departments by a shared commitment to our students and community. We also introduced the WARMTH Framework, which reflects our commitment to ensuring that interactions with district-level departments are welcoming, responsive, and caring. Together, these efforts are intended to foster greater connection, consistency, and trust throughout AUSD.
Thank you for making the beginning of this school year so positive and joyful. I am grateful for the care and energy our staff, students, and families are bringing to these first few weeks, and I look forward to continuing our work together to advance strong instruction, belonging, and trust across our community.
Sara Stone, Ed.D.
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This fall, AUSD is launching the WARMTH Framework, a districtwide customer service commitment that applies to every department in the District. Teams across the district are already putting the WARMTH standards into practice by prioritizing requests, communicating timelines, and providing support to our school sites. Following interactions with District Office departments, you may receive a brief customer service survey. Your feedback will help us understand what is working well, where we can improve, and how well we are living up to our WARMTH commitments. |
Leaders across the District—including principals, assistant principals, and district office leaders—have been engaging in Leadership Essentials professional learning to build our collective capacity for candid, growth-oriented conversations. We are also strengthening our skills in analyzing beginning-of-year assessment data and strengthening coherence within and across departments. |
Instructional Leadership teams from our elementary schools met h to continue planning how best to support our teachers with the rollout of the Fishtank ELA curriculum, alongside the use of DIBELS literacy assessments to monitor students’ early reading progress. At the secondary level, Instructional Leadership Team members came together to discuss our ongoing work to build greater instructional alignment across our 6-12th grade classrooms. |
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Our youngest learners have had an exciting August, settling into their classrooms, building new friendships, and learning through play, exploration, and discovery. These early experiences nurture the whole child while building curiosity, confidence, and independence. As we head into September, we look forward to seeing our preschoolers continue to grow, deepen relationships, and experience the joy of learning each day. |
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Coyotes settled into routines and began beginning-of-year assessments. Back to School Night is Thursday, Aug. 27, followed by the annual Ice Cream Social on Sept. 11. |
Otters had a great first full week back. Back to School Night is Thursday, Aug. 27, and families are invited to join the School Site Council for 2026-27. |
Dolphins enjoyed play dates and their first PTA meeting last week. Families are looking forward to Back to School Night on Aug. 27 and the International Potluck on Sept. 3. |
Cobras wrapped up a strong first 8 days, with music at lunch and time outside enjoying the sunshine. Fall Sports tryouts run through Aug. 26, and the beloved Blue Cart returns next week. |
AHS's reigning national champion Ultimate Frisbee team held its opening practice Tuesday, Aug. 25, and seniors picked up their lockers this week as part of the class rollout. |
This August, AUSD surveyed teachers and caregivers to help inform our ongoing work around instructional technology. We received responses from 133 teachers and more than 275 families and caregivers, with additional responses still coming in.
Several themes have emerged:
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Thoughtful limits on AI: Teachers and caregivers generally support clear boundaries around student AI use, while also recognizing the importance of preparing students to use AI responsibly. Most high school teachers and caregivers who responded support some level of restriction, although perspectives differ on how restrictive those boundaries should be.
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Support for GoGuardian: Both groups expressed support for tools that help teachers reduce digital distractions and manage student technology use. Teachers also identified training as important to successful implementation.
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Different needs across grade levels: Feedback reinforced that technology decisions should reflect students’ ages and instructional needs. This was particularly clear around YouTube, where middle school teachers shared its value as an instructional resource.
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Strong interest in personalized learning tools: Teachers and caregivers expressed support for a smaller set of district-supported platforms that can provide targeted practice and support student learning.
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Accessibility matters: Both groups emphasized the importance of maintaining access to assistive technology for students who need it, including students with IEPs and 504 Plans, as well as multilingual learners.
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Ongoing communication: Caregivers want to understand how and why technology decisions are made, and to receive regular updates as our approach evolves.
Our Educational Technology Committee held its first meeting on Monday, August 24th, beginning its work to review this feedback and develop recommendations for the year ahead. Student voice will be an important part of this work. Students in grades 4–12 will also be asked to complete an instructional technology survey, and we expect to begin reviewing those results in mid-September.
Feedback from students, staff, and caregivers will help inform a more coherent districtwide approach to instructional technology, including how we vet and select tools, establish age-appropriate expectations for technology and AI use, support accessibility, and communicate decisions with our community.
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Superintendent's Report: September 8; First Vital Signs Board Study Session: September 22
The AUSD Board of Education meets on Tuesday, September 8; the Superintendent’s Report will include updates on teaching and learning, educational technology, and district operations.
On September 22, the Board will hold its first Study Session, during which we will discuss our Beginning-of-Year Vital Signs, providing an early look at key student data and progress.
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Join AUSD and the Rotary Club of Albany on September 11 at 4:00 p.m. for the dedication of an International Peace Pole at Solano and Cornell. Together, we will mark the 25th anniversary of September 11 with a moment of reflection and a shared commitment to peace, compassion, and community.
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A special thank you to our partners at the Albany Education Fund (AEF) for once again hosting this year's New Teacher event for staff across all sites. We are grateful for AEF's continued generosity in welcoming and supporting AUSD's newest educators. |
A huge thank you to Rossana Ramirez for her incredible leadership of SchoolCARE and commitment to our Albany community. During her time on the board, SchoolCARE has allocated more than $900,000 to Albany schools and supported approximately 45 staff positions, making a meaningful difference for students across our district.
As Rossana prepares to step down as President at the end of this school year, SchoolCARE is looking for its next President or co-Presidents. This is a wonderful opportunity to support our schools, work alongside a committed board, and help shape SchoolCARE’s next chapter. No prior experience is necessary, and Rossana will support the transition.
Thank you, Rossana, for all you have given to our students, staff, and families. We are so grateful for your leadership and look forward to welcoming and partnering with SchoolCARE’s next leader.
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September 7: Labor Day, No School & District Offices closed
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September 8: Board of Education Meeting, 6 p.m., Ocean View Elementary School (Library)
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September 11: International Peace Pole Dedication, 4 p.m., Solano and Cornell
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September 18: No School, Staff Development Day focus on Fishtank, Facing History, and grade-level collaboration
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September 22: Board of Education Study Session, 6 p.m., Ocean View Elementary School (Library)
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This Community Update is compiled by the Office of the Superintendent, Albany Unified School District. |
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