Dear Albany Unified Community,
October was a month of learning together across Albany Unified. Students at Marin, Cornell, and Ocean View completed their first Fishtank units, principals and assistant principals visited Albany High School classrooms, and teachers from Albany Middle School and Albany High School opened their classrooms to one another to share practices and strengthen instruction. Our EMS Academy students served alongside the Albany Fire Department, our student musicians earned regional recognition, and our high school students celebrated Homecoming. On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we renewed our commitment to honoring the Lisjan Nation, on whose ancestral homeland our schools stand.
Together, these examples of learning, collaboration, and community engagement reflect the spirit of One Albany Unified — where every student is known, every adult continues to learn, and our shared commitment to growth strengthens our entire community.
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📚 Teaching and Learning: Learning Walks, family conferences, and attendance
💻 Educational Technology Updates: Personalized learning, AI, and screen time
🌟 Students in Action: EMS Academy and regional music honors
🤝 Get Involved: School Site Councils and advisory committees
🎉 Recognition, Learning & Belonging: Native American Heritage Month and Veterans Day
🌿 In Solidarity with the Lisjan Nation: Honoring Huchiun and our partnership year-round
🏫 Community Highlights: Upcoming events and celebrations
🏫 Facilities Master Plan: Thank you and next steps
💰 2027-28 Budget Planning: Priorities and community input
📅 Mark Your Calendar: Important November dates
🏛️ Board of Education: November 17 meeting
💙 With Gratitude: A message from the Superintendent
🔗 Stay Connected: District events, announcements, and calendars
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District and school site leaders continue to learn together through Learning Walks, strengthening our shared understanding of high-quality instruction from preschool through 12th grade. On October 16, principals and assistant principals visited Albany High School classrooms, where they observed strong student-teacher relationships, hands-on learning, and students drawing on multiple sources to develop evidence-based arguments. Our next Learning Walk is scheduled for November 13 at Albany Middle School.
We are also excited that teachers from the middle and high schools are beginning cross-site classroom visits to learn from one another, strengthen collaboration, and build greater instructional alignment across grades 6–12. Together, these efforts help us create a more connected and coherent learning experience for students across Albany Unified.
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The first trimester for our elementary students ends on November 6, with family conferences scheduled for November 10–13 and November 16–20. These conferences are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your child’s progress, discuss their learning, and work together on ways to support their continued growth. You know your child best, and your insights and partnership are important to us.
We also encourage families to stay connected throughout the year by participating in School Site Councils, PTAs, the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC), affinity groups, and school events. There are many ways to be involved, and we value the unique perspectives and contributions each family brings to our school community. Visit our Families & Students webpage to learn more.
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Each school day is a chance for students to learn, connect, and build strong habits. We encourage families to plan holiday travel around scheduled school breaks to minimize missed instructional time. For planned absences of five (5) or more school days, families may request a short-term Independent Study Agreement to help students continue learning while away. Requests must be submitted at least five (5) school days prior to the first day of absence. Visit our Attendance webpage to learn more. |
Our Educational Technology Committee has launched three working groups focused on personalized learning, AI, and screen time. Guided by student, staff, and family feedback, these groups will examine both the benefits and concerns associated with technology use and help develop thoughtful, age-appropriate guidance that prioritizes student learning, well-being, and healthy technology habits. |
Through our partnership with the Albany Fire Department, students in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Academy are connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences and community service. On October 1, during Fire & EMS Experience Day, Fire Chief Smyser shared insights into careers in emergency services while students explored an ambulance and learned about first responder equipment through hands-on activities. On October 10, students volunteered alongside firefighters at the department’s annual Pancake Breakfast. Thank you to the Albany Fire Department for its continued partnership and commitment to our students. |
Our vocal students are also shining! Seventeen elementary students auditioned for the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) National Honor Choir; five AMS students and twelve AHS students were selected for regional honor choirs; AMS and AHS choirs performed sold-out shows at Ashkenaz, and AHS's Vocal Soul advanced to the quarterfinals of an a cappella competition! |
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Congratulations to all of our talented students and dedicated music educators, and a special thank you to the Albany Music Fund for helping make these opportunities possible. Music and arts education do more than develop talent. They nurture creativity, confidence, collaboration, and belonging, giving students opportunities to discover their voices and connect with one another. We are so proud of our students and grateful to everyone who makes the arts such an important part of Albany Unified! |
School Site Councils (SSCs) are setting their meeting dates for the year. SSCs bring families, staff, and students together to guide school plans and decide how resources best support students.
Thank you to the families elected to SSCs and English Learner Advisory Committees (ELACs) this fall. We are also strengthening our District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) to expand multilingual family voice.
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The diversity of identities, cultures, histories, and experiences in our community is one of Albany Unified’s greatest strengths. Recognition months help us celebrate it, deepen learning, and strengthen belonging.
November
Recognizing the histories, cultures, sovereignty, and ongoing contributions of Native American and Indigenous peoples.
November 11: Veterans Day
Honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and military families, including members of our Albany community.
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As we recognize Native American Heritage Month in November, we honor the rich histories, cultures, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples. Our schools are located in Huchiun, the ancestral homeland of the Lisjan Nation, and our commitment to recognizing and honoring this living history extends throughout the year.
We are grateful for our growing partnership with Corrina Gould and the Lisjan Nation, which includes professional learning opportunities for AMS staff and efforts to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into the District’s Facilities Master Plan. Through this ongoing collaboration, we are working to deepen understanding, foster belonging, and build a meaningful, respectful, and reciprocal relationship with the Lisjan Nation.
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● Diwali Celebration: The Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Parent Engagement Group invites everyone to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on Sunday, November 1 at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy live performances by Sanskriti Dance Studio, henna, chai and samosas, and arts and crafts. RSVP here.
● AMS Arts & Crafts Fair: Join us on Sunday, November 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Albany Middle School, 1259 Brighton Avenue, for the annual AMS Arts & Crafts Fair. Browse handmade arts and crafts and support our AMS students.
● Third Tuesdays at Little Star: On Tuesday, November 17, enjoy dinner at Little Star Pizza and support our student athletes. The Albany Athletic Boosters and Little Star are partnering to raise funds for Albany athletics on the third Tuesday of each month through December.
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Thank you to everyone who joined our Facilities Master Plan Open House at the Ocean View Library on October 7. Your questions and feedback are helping shape facilities that meet students’ needs now and in the future. We are also reviewing the plan with City of Albany staff and planning partners. In November, we will bring recommendations to the Board on priorities, project sequencing, and funding, and we look forward to continuing this conversation with our community. |
In December, we begin planning next year's budget by looking at student enrollment, school staffing, student needs, and available funding. School leaders will work with staff and families to identify priorities that best support student learning and well-being.
We want to hear from you! Families, staff, and community members will have opportunities to share their ideas through School Site Councils, advisory committees, and community budget meetings. We will provide updates throughout the winter and spring as the budget takes shape before the School Board adopts the budget in June 2027.
As we navigate ongoing financial challenges, our priority remains making thoughtful, equitable, and fiscally responsible decisions that put students first while ensuring the long-term financial stability of our District. Your voice matters, and we value your partnership in shaping the future of our schools.
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Key November dates are below. Check your school’s website and newsletters for site events.
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Sun., Nov. 1: Daylight Saving Time Ends — Remember to set your clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep!
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Nov. 6: Trimester 1 Ends (Elementary Schools)
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Nov. 10–13 and Nov. 16–20: Elementary Family Conferences — minimum days at Cornell, Marin, and Ocean View
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Wed., Nov. 11: Veterans Day — no school
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Tues., Nov. 17: Board of Education Meeting — discussion of Facilities Master Plan implementation timeline
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Nov. 23–27: Fall Break — no school
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As we move into November, I am grateful for the teachers, classified staff, principals, district staff, families, volunteers, and community partners who show up for students every day with care and dedication. From student achievements in the classroom to stronger connections across schools, there is so much to celebrate.
As the holiday season approaches, I hope you find time to reflect on the people and relationships that make our school community so special. We have important work ahead, and I look forward to continuing that work together. Thank you for making Albany Unified a place where every student can learn, belong, and thrive.
We are Rooted in Community. Rising in Possibility.
And I am excited about where we are headed as One Albany.
With gratitude,
Sara Stone, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Albany Unified School District
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Explore our Events Calendar for events at individual school sites. You can also subscribe to have events appear in your preferred calendar app, such as Google Calendar, Outlook, or Apple Calendar.
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This Community Update is compiled by the Office of the Superintendent, Albany Unified School District. |
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