End Of 3rd Quarter Update to the Community
Dear Albany High School students and families,
As we end the third quarter of the 2019-20 school year, I am struck by the circumstances we are facing and see it as both a time of loss and growth. I am so impressed with how much our staff, students, families and district have come together to support one another and cope with many mixed emotions, various educational and basic needs, all while sharing a sincere sense of optimism for better days ahead. Let’s combine our virtual efforts to teach and learn through the next nine weeks and ensure that the graduating class of 2020 is revered for the incredibly hard work it takes to be a student during these challenging times.
As you may know, I will be moving into my position as Director of Student Services and welcoming Darren McNally as the new principal of Albany High effective May 1, 2020. It has been such an honor to serve this Cougar community since 2017 and I look forward to continuing my efforts and energy with AUSD, a district that will forever be my home away from home.
Please take a moment to read the important information regarding grades below.
The 3rd quarter ended today, and teachers will be completing grading from this quarter and putting grades into Aeries after Spring Break. Grades for all students can be found in Aeries, and we will be separately notifying anyone that may be in danger of failing a course.
We have been grappling with the issue of grading, along with many others, since school was closed. Because almost all of the 3rd quarter was completed before closing, we are not modifying any of our grading policies for this quarter. We have issued guidelines to teachers to be accommodating of student's situations over the last three weeks so that grades are mostly a depiction of how students were doing before school closed, and their successes since closing.
For semester grades, which are the only grades recorded on transcripts and reported to colleges and universities, we are currently reviewing our grading policies with our faculty and district leadership. Like most high schools and universities, we feel the need to acknowledge how much more difficult teaching and learning is in this unprecedented moment. We also feel the need to acknowledge the successes of our students, and the hard work they and their teachers will continue to do until June. We will send out our revised semester grading policy by the end of the week back from Spring Break, April 17th.
Please continue to reach out to any AHS staff member for support, a pep talk or to find out how to best take care of ourselves and each other. I wish you rest, good health and peace during the spring break and look forward to the day when we celebrate school reopening together.
Best regards,
Alexia Ritchie
AHS Principal
Recommended Reads From AHS Library
Looking for new books to read while you’re home? The following books are all available online from Albany Public (Alameda County) Library. If you don’t have a library card, you can sign up online for an e-card. It gives you access to e-books, audiobooks, streaming movies, homework help and all of the library’s electronic resources. If you’re craving physical books, Books Inc. is filling online orders, all with free shipping.
I’ll be sending out new recommendations periodically but if you’re looking for something in particular, feel free to email me at criemer@ausdk12.org and I’ll try to help. Stay well!
Ms. Riemer
Horrörstor, by Grady Hendrix
This book takes the form of an Ikea style catalog, where each item is tied to the store’s grisly past. The evil is rising again, will anyone make it out alive?
Meet Cute, by Jennifer Armentrout, et.al.
This collection of short stories with diverse characters show how romance can start in lots of ways - being stuck in an airport, hiding from the police at a house party, missed connections and more.
The Naturals, by Jennifer Barnes
A group of teens is working with the FBI to solve serial killings. Their life experiences made them “naturals” - able to read people and very sensitive to changes around them. They get involved when a new serial killer’s crimes are closely connected to a member of their team.
Not So Pure and Simple, by Lamar Giles
A teen finally gets close to his crush - by accidentally joining a church group pledging to stay pure until marriage. Barred from getting proper sex education, the teens grapple with conflicting messages about relationships and sexuality while recognizing the toxic behaviors even “good guys” are guilty of.
Mortal Engines, by Philip Reeve
In this future time, cities are mobile and carnivorous (imagine San Francisco on wheels, chasing down El Cerrito, taking its people and resources and leaving a husk behind.) As London is hunting down a small town, a young man is thrown from the city into the outlands. He meets up with a young woman on a quest for revenge; they work together to make their way back.
Albany School Sites to Remain Closed Through June
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Alameda County Superintendent of Schools, Karen Monroe, announced this afternoon that the Albany High School campus will remain closed for the duration of this school year.
We are sure that this reality leaves many of you anxious. Admin and teachers are working as quickly as possible to develop contingencies for a range of events affected by this change. Stay tuned for more information.
Please take care of each other and hang in there.
Only a Fool Would Opt Out of the Census
Getting you and your family counted is no joke! Thanks to AHS junior, Colin O’Brien, and Leadership students for reminding us how important it is to fill out the 2020 Census. You’re stuck inside anyway, so head over to my2020census.gov and answer a few quick questions for your household. Its results determine so much, including the size of California’s representation in Congress and school funding!
Thanks to all the people who contributed to the making of this video:
Colin O’Brien
Chloe Park
George Song
Audrey Mallah
Ryan Lian
Magnus Tangherlini
Bun Naniel Neou
Allison Dana
Max Chien
News From the AHS Library
Dear AHS community, our AHS library wants to reach out to let you know that we appreciate all that you’re doing right now to shelter in place. You’re doing great. How can we support you?
We are living in strange times, coping with sudden, unexpected changes. We are so grateful for all the students, families and teachers for making sure our communities are safe and learning continues.
From Ms. Scheuer: For the past week, I’ve been having trouble concentrating on any of the new books I’ve been reading. I keep switching over to the news, even though I know that I’m not reading much new information. Last night, I decided to pick up an old favorite, “The One and Only Ivan”, by Katherine Applegate. For the first time in weeks, I was able to settle into some peace, reading and smiling as I fell into my book. Maybe you’d like to look for an old favorite to go back and reread? In these uncertain time, it can be a really nice thing.
From Ms. Riemer: I’m at home sheltering in place like you. I hope all of you are figuring things out and adjusting to our new situation. I’ve been using some of this time to get through my “to-be-read” pile. I just finished “His Hideous Heart,” a retelling of 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s scary stories, written by authors of young adult mystery and horror books, and the graphic novel version of Octavia Butler’s “The Parable of the Sower.” I highly recommend them both!
Please know that we’re here to support you, in whatever form that takes. We can help you get a e-card from Albany Public Library, so you can access their materials from home. We’ll be writing once a week, with tips on accessing electronic resources as well as books we love. Let us know if you have any questions, or just want to say hi.
Stay safe, stay well, stay in touch -- Ms. Scheuer (mscheuer@ausdk12.org) & Ms. Riemer (criemer@ausdk12.org)
Debut of SchoolCARE Video – Virtual Connection
Dear Albany community,
In these times, we hope that viewing the debut of SchoolCARE’s new video will remind you of the strength of our community and the dedication of the Principals and teachers to our students and Albany schools.
We hope you enjoy seeing familiar faces and places even when we can’t be together in person. As always, thank you for supporting SchoolCARE.
All the best,
Yael Bloom
President, SchoolCARE Board of Directors
School Closures Update #4: Food Services to Continue
Thanks to a group of volunteers in our community, we are pleased to announce that we are in a position to continue our food services program during school closures. As a reminder, grab and go breakfast and lunches will be available to students March 16-April 3 (Monday-Friday) between 11:00am-1:00pm at the Albany High School Cafeteria, 603 Key Route Blvd.
Please check our website for updates.
Sincerely,
Frank Wells, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Albany Unified School District
School Closures Update #3: All AUSD Facilities Closed Due to Shelter In Place Order
At 1:00 pm today, public health officials from Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties announced, with the City of Berkeley, a legal order directing their respective residents to shelter at home for three weeks beginning March 17. This order limits activity, travel and business functions to only the most essential needs. The guidance comes after substantial input from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and best practices from other health officials around the world.
Accordingly, all Albany Unified School District facilities will be closed to the public and to staff. This includes all schools, Albany Children’s Center, Albany Aquatic Center, District Office, and Student Enrollment Center until April 13.
We will no longer provide the breakfast and lunch services as planned. However, we have identified some food resources in our community and shared this information with our families.
Sincerely,
Frank Wells, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Albany Unified School District
School Closures Update #2
Dear AUSD Community,
As a follow-up to our earlier announcement regarding the AUSD school closures March 16 - April 10, we wanted to share some important information regarding student learning and food services.
Student Learning: Teachers will be planning student lessons on Monday and Tuesday (March 16-17). Students can expect to receive weekly class assignments beginning on Wednesday, March 18. We will continue to provide updates about student learning as plans are finalized.
Food Services: Any student who would like to access breakfast and/or lunch can pick up breakfast and lunch between 11:00am -1:00pm at Albany High School Cafeteria (603 Key Route Blvd), Monday-Friday (March 16-April 3). These are grab-and-go meals and may not be eaten on campus. If you have any questions, please Sabina Feinburg, Executive Chef at 510-558-2608.
Breakfast options (one option served daily and subject to change):
Yogurt, graham cracker and juice
Muffin, milk and juice
Cereal bar, milk and juice
Lunches options (one option served daily and subject to change):
Turkey & cheese sandwich
Ham & cheese sandwich
Bean & cheese burrito
Cheese or chicken patty sandwich
Bento Box with cheese, turkey, fruit & crackers
All include milk and fruit or juice