United Against Hate Week, Allergy Plan, Volunteer Process, Filipino American Heritage Month, & Reading Screener Program

Dear Albany Community, 
Next week, we honor United Against Hate Week, reaffirming our shared commitment to creating schools and communities where every person feels seen, valued, and safe. Our vision that each and every student is empowered to realize their fullest potential depends on our ability to build a culture grounded in respect, empathy, and belonging.

In AUSD, our mission calls us to provide an excellent public education that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and compassion. Standing united against hate means we actively choose inclusion over exclusion, understanding over judgment, and courage over silence. It reminds us that the daily work of teaching and learning is also the work of building humanity.

Our hope for our students is that they grow not only in knowledge but also in kindness, that they learn to use their voices to stand up for what is right, to care for one another, and to help create a world where every person is treated with dignity and love. Together, we can model what it means to turn hope into action and ensure our schools remain places of safety, connection, and possibility for all.

AUSD Draft Allergy Plan Update

Albany Unified continues to be a nut-free district and is updating its Allergy Plan to strengthen safety, inclusion, and consistency across all schools. The draft plan outlines clear steps for managing life-threatening allergies, training staff, flagging allergies in Aeries, preventing allergens in classrooms, and promoting empathy and awareness through TK–6 library lessons. The Draft Allergy Plan will be reviewed by the Board of Education on November 18, and families are encouraged to share input as we continue improving safety, awareness, and belonging for every student in AUSD.

AUSD Volunteer Policy Update

Albany Unified deeply values our volunteers and the important role they play in supporting students and classrooms. To ensure safety and consistency across all schools, AUSD has updated its Volunteer Process Guide in alignment with Board Policy 1240 . All volunteers must complete an application and clearance process before serving, with requirements based on the type of volunteer role (Volunteer 1, 2, or 3). Families can complete applications through Informed K12, and school secretaries can help guide you through the steps. We are also working to improve our communication system for Volunteers 2 and 3 once fingerprinting has been completed, and we will update this process as soon as possible. Thank you for partnering with us to keep AUSD a safe, welcoming, and supportive community for all students.

Filipino American Heritage Month
The month of October is Filipino Heritage Month. I appreciate Ocean View staff member Mr. Leo Payongayong for reminding us of the long history of Filipinos in California and sharing this slideshow.  It features Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz and talks about the start of the United Farm Workers Union. Visit this resource page from the Asian Art Museum for information and events. 

California’s New Reading Screener

North Region SELPA’s Community Advisory Committee is presenting an online  parent education program on October 20 about the new law requiring mandatory screening of students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade for reading difficulties, including dyslexia. The guest speaker will be Lindsay Nofelt, co-founder of Reading For Berkeley. Everyone is welcome. Use the Zoom link below to join.

Calendar Highlights: 

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

• October 20: Understanding CA Mandatory Reading Screen for K-2 Students, North Region SELPA Community Advisory Committee, Zoom Meeting, 6:45–7:45pm

• 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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