International Walk & Roll To School Day, Dyslexia Awareness, Essay Winners, Website Launch, & Celebración Latina!

Dear Albany Community, 
Every October, Albany schools take part in International Walk & Roll to School Day, a worldwide event that encourages students to walk, bike, scooter, or use any active and safe way of getting to school. It is a positive and energizing way to start the day — helping students arrive focused and ready to learn, while also reducing traffic and making our streets safer for everyone.

Many of our families already walk, roll, or wheel to school, and we appreciate you being part of this effort. We also recognize that this may not be possible for everyone, and what matters most is that our students arrive safely and ready to learn. However you get to school, you are part of this day. If you would like to give it a try, we invite you to join in on Wednesday, October 8.

All of our schools will have tables where students can add a sticker to show how they traveled that morning. Learn more at Alameda County Safe Routes to School, who not only promote International Walk & Roll To School Day but continue to support active transportation year-round. 

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month
Dyslexia is a common learning disability that affects how the brain processes language, particularly reading and spelling. Though dyslexia can cause academic challenges, it often comes with incredible strengths, such as creativity, problem-solving, and big-picture thinking. Students with dyslexia can thrive when supported with tools like multisensory instruction, extra time, and assistive technology, as well as patient, understanding educators and families. This month, we celebrate the brilliance and resilience of our students with dyslexia and the many ways their unique perspectives enrich our classrooms and community.

AHS Students Sweep Awards!

Albany High Spanish students once again swept the annual FLANC (Foreign Language Association of Northern California) essay contest awards! The 2025 Alexandra C. Wallace essay prizes went to Andrew Li, Evelyn Mulen-Cano, and Pia Ferus-Comelo. Andrew is a senior this year and Evelyn and Pia graduated in June. The 2025 topic was "How learning a world language has enriched my life." Awards include certificates, checks for $150–$250, and publication of their essays in the Fall FLANC newsletter.

New Websites Launching

The District and all school websites have been upgraded and will launch over the weekend. Check out the new look and features at www.ausdk12.org, and click at the top left to visit all the school websites. Our goal is to make calendars, forms, news, and all school information easier for everyone to access, especially on mobile devices. 

Celebración Latina!

Don’t forget, Celebración Latina is tomorrow, Saturday, October 4, 11am–2pm at Albany Middle School. All are invited to come and celebrate! 

Calendar Highlights: 

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

• October 4: Celebración Latina, Albany Middle School Courtyard, 11am–2pm

• October 8: International Walk & Roll To School Day, all schools

• October 13: Indigenous Peoples’ Day, NO SCHOOL

• October 14: Regular Board Meeting

• October 28: Board Study Session: SPED and Budget

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~