May 7, 2021
Dear Albany Community,
As you know, AUSD intends to fully reopen in the fall of 2021, and all students will return to school for a full-day, five days per week, instructional schedule (the pre-pandemic model of instruction). But because we are still in a pandemic, there are many important COVID-19 mitigation strategies to consider, such as: face coverings and frequent hand washing; physical distancing; stable groups; remote learning options; and pivoting to remote instruction in the event of subsequent COVID-19 outbreaks. AUSD has convened a Fall Reopening Advisory Task Force to share information regarding the District’s contingency reopening plans and receive input from staff and the community. Just as the elementary schools, Albany Middle School, and Albany High School currently all have different in-person instructional programs, some part of the fall contingency plans are likely to be specific to each school site. District Staff will bring their first presentation to the Board of Education on May 11.
Parent/Community Engagement Council
Albany is incredibly lucky to have active, engaged parents and community members dedicating their time to improving all aspects of our schools. However, until now there has been no overarching organization to bring these groups together to connect, share resources, and stay in touch with the District. This week, the Parent/Community Engagement Council met. Representatives from all these groups participated:
- Albany Asian Pacific Islander Parent Engagement Group (API-PEG)
- Albany Athletic Boosters (AAB)
- Albany Disability Squad
- Albany Progressive Community Group
- Albany Strollers and Rollers (ASR)
- Albany's Pride (LGBTQ+)
- Black Parent Advisory Group (BPAG)
- English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) Parents
- Environmental Action Plan Committee (EAP)
- Familias Latinas
- Jewish Parent Engagement Group (JPEG)
Membership of the Council has not been finalized, and interested groups can email Julie Sen ([email protected]) for more information. Note that the Superintendent’s Fundraising Advisory Committee will be reconvening next fall. That committee encompasses all district PTAs, PTSA, and groups exclusively devoted to raising funds to improve education in Albany. All of these groups welcome new members, whether they are primarily involved in advocacy or fundraising. Get involved and help Albany achieve its goals of equity, inclusion, and civic responsibility.
Albany School Food Project Needs Volunteers
Today is School Lunch Hero Day and I hope that our local school lunch heroes received many thank-you’s for their great work. The Albany School Food Project staff has been serving free Grab-and-Go meals to all children for more than a year now and will continue to do so through 2022! Executive Chef Sabina Feinberg and her staff have also coordinated with the Alameda County Foodbank and other local resources to provide bread, fresh produce, and groceries to families in addition to prepared meals. This herculean effort needs your help! If you have a couple of hours to spare, please sign up at Albany School Food Project.
Stay hopeful and encouraged,
Dr. Frank Wells
Superintendent of Schools
Albany Unified School District