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Superintendent's Community Update, August 29, 2025
Back To School Nights & Affinity Groups
Dear Albany Community,
On Wednesday evening, families of our elementary students filled our schools to meet teachers and see classrooms in action. At Ocean View, it was standing room only for the teacher introductions (photo above). In classrooms, parents and caregivers sat in their child’s seat, looked at their work, and listened as teachers shared how the year will unfold. Back-to-School Night is an essential reminder of the partnership at the heart of learning: students, teachers, and families working together. When parents and guardians are engaged, it makes a tremendous difference for students. I hope that these evenings helped families connect with their child’s teacher, understand classroom expectations, and feel confident about supporting their child's learning at home. We will continue Back to School Nights after Labor Day, on Wednesday, September 3 at Albany High School and Thursday, September 4 at Albany Middle School.
Find Your Community
There are so many ways for parents and guardians to come together with other adults to support our students. In last week’s Update, we highlighted the fundraising organizations that do such important work to enhance the learning experiences across all of our schools. Please consider joining your school’s PTA or PTSA—a key goal of these groups is building community, and that means fun events! Organizations such as SchoolCARE, Albany Education Foundation (AEF), and Albany Music Fund are run by busy parents just like you, who are able to keep these organizations going by creating opportunities that folks can fit into their schedules. See a full list of organizations here. Joining is a way to increase your connections with like-minded adults in your community.
AUSD’s Affinity Groups
Another meaningful way to get involved is by joining an Affinity Group. While Albany families share many commonalities, our community is enriched by the diverse backgrounds of its members. Connecting with other families who share a similar background can be both empowering and a way to help the District better serve all students. Affinity Groups host potlucks, invite guest speakers, organize support networks, celebrate cultural traditions, and even share performances with the entire community. And if you do not see a group that reflects your background or interests, you are warmly encouraged to start one.
Albany Asian Pacific Islander Parent Engagement Group (API-PEG)
Jewish Parent Engagement Group
Southwest Asian and North African Parent Engagement
Still Time To Apply To Be A Board Member!
Applications for the mid-term Board of Education appointment will be accepted until September 2 (midnight). If you would like to be considered for this one-year appointment, please apply now! Serving on the Board of Education is one of the most meaningful ways Albany residents can support and shape public education. The Board consists of five members who collectively oversee the Superintendent of Schools, approve budgets and contracts, and set the direction and mission of the District.
Candidates will be interviewed at the Special Board Meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 6:00pm. The successful candidate will be appointed immediately and take their seat at the next regularly scheduled meeting. If you are interested in applying but cannot attend the Sept. 9 meeting, please contact Julie Sen (jsen@ausdk12.org) as soon as possible.
Calendar Highlights:
Please see messages from your school for complete information about events.
Monday, September 1: Labor Day, all schools and offices closed.
Wednesday, September 3: Albany High School Back-To-School Night, 7pm.
Thursday, September 4: Albany Middle School Back-To-School Night, 6:30pm.
September 9: Special Board Meeting, 6pm, Albany City Hall
September 23: Regular Board Meeting - CANCELLED due to Rosh Hashanah.
Important Links
Sincerely,
Sara Stone
Superintendent
Albany Unified School District
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