Dear Albany Community, 

It has been an eventful week in Albany. Albany High celebrated Homecoming with daily themes, contests, and today’s incredible Lip Sync Assembly. I was lucky to be in the audience—it was a joyful reminder that even with the challenges in our world and the difficult news of ICE activity in Alameda County, it is essential that we continue to center love, belonging, and joy for our students. The energy and creativity on display today were a true reflection of our community spirit.

Across the district, that same sense of connection was alive.  Cornell’s Pumpkin Patch at Westbrae Nursery began last weekend and continues this weekend (be sure to stop by!), and Ocean View’s Fall Festival is tomorrow. It was also United Against Hate Week, with classrooms and libraries filled with strong messages of inclusion and respect. These celebrations and acts of community remind us what matters most—our shared values and our commitment to one another.

At the same time, I want to assure all of our families that we are fully prepared for the unlikely event that ICE agents appear near our schools. Our staff have reviewed and trained on the School Protocol, and we are ready to act if necessary. You can find these resources here on our website. I will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep our community informed.

October is Dysgraphia Awareness Month
October is Dysgraphia Awareness Month, a time to recognize and deepen our understanding of a learning difference that affects written expression—everything from handwriting and spelling to organizing thoughts on paper. Dysgraphia can make it difficult for students to show what they know in writing, even when they have strong ideas and understanding.

Awareness and early support matter. When we understand how students learn differently, we can better nurture their confidence and success. This focus on understanding and support connects directly to our broader work in the district.

Next week, on Tuesday, October 28, we will hold a Board Study Session focused on Special Education. This discussion will help us build a shared understanding of our programs, systems, and goals for ensuring that every student—of every ability—has the support they need to thrive.

LIGHT Awards Grant Winners

English Language Development Teacher Scout Sheys received a competitive grant for $30,000 from the LIGHT Awards program. Scout and a team will be running a GLAD Training for ELD Teachers program for the next two years at Cornell, Marin, and Ocean View Elementary Schools. GLAD stands for Guided Language Acquisition and Development and the training will enable students to learn science and social studies content as they learn English. This professional learning program for teachers will benefit students not only now, but in the future, as the teachers continue to use and refine their practice. Congratulations to Scout and the team—Jen Morris at Ocean View, Emily Romund at Marin, Julia Schneider and Holly Castrillon at Cornell!

Calendar Highlights: 

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

• October 25, Ocean View PTA’s Fall Festival, 11am–3pm, Ocean View Elementary

• October 26, Cornell PTA’s Pumpkin Patch Bake Sale, 11:30am–3pm, Westbrae Nursery

• October 28: Board Study Session: Special Education and Budget

• November 10–11: NO SCHOOL, Veterans Day Holiday

• November 18: Regular Board Meeting

• November 24–28: NO SCHOOL, Thanksgiving Holiday

Important Links

• Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

• MTSS for Educators and Students

• Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain

Sincerely, 

Sara Stone

Superintendent

Albany Unified School District

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