Get Immunized!, Attendance Matters, When To Stay Home, Calendar and Path Forward Surveys, Veteran’s Day Holiday, & TK / K Parent Information Night 

Dear Albany Community, 

I was home sick earlier this week, which reminded me how central wellness is to our mission of helping every student belong, learn, and thrive. It also made me reflect on the balance between being present for important in-class learning and taking the time we need to rest and recover, something that matters for both students and adults as we work to sustain a healthy and caring school community.

Immunizations Prevent Illness

Keeping our students healthy helps them stay engaged in learning and connected to their school community. The California Department of Public Health recommends that everyone six months and older receive an updated flu vaccine and have access to the COVID-19 vaccine for the 2025–26 season. You can schedule vaccines through your child’s doctor or by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov. All are welcome (including those without insurance) at the Free or Low-Cost Immunization Clinic in Alameda County or Alameda County Immunization Clinics. Students can get the flu, COVID-19, and other needed immunizations during the same visit. Staying up to date helps protect them from serious illness and ensures they can keep showing up for the learning and relationships that help them thrive.

Attendance Matters for Learning and Belonging

Children learn best when they are at school every day. The structure of the school day, the routines, and the daily interactions with peers and adults all help build a strong foundation for learning and belonging. Even small absences can add up. Missing just a few days each month means missing 10 percent of the school year, which is considered chronic absenteeism. Regular attendance helps students stay on track academically, build confidence as readers and learners, and stay connected to their school community. In fact, attending school every day is so important that the State Superintendent Thurmond announced this initiative to increase regular attendance. 

When Students Should Stay Home

Parents frequently have questions about when it is appropriate to stay home from school because of illness. Here are some general guidelines.

• If your child feels ill enough that he/she would not be able to benefit from school.

• If having your child at school would significantly put others at risk for contracting your child’s illness.

This table from Alameda County Public Health Department provides clear, specific guidance on when your child should stay home and when they may return to school. The table, and many other resources are available here on our website. 

Surveys! Help Us Chart The Path Forward

Two options for next year’s 2026–27 Academic Calendar are being considered. Please take this brief survey to vote on which version is best for your family. Students, please take the calendar survey at this link. Please also take a few minutes to share your honest impressions on our progress toward the three District goals: providing equitable and rigorous instruction for every student, fostering belonging and wellness across our schools, and building collaborative and transparent systems that strengthen trust and shared leadership. Click here to take the survey. 

Veteran’s Day Holidays

In honor of Veteran’s Day, which this year is on Tuesday, November 11, schools will be closed on BOTH Monday, November 10, and Tuesday, November 11. 

TK & K Parent Information Night

Do you have friends or neighbors with young children? Please help us spread the word about the Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten Parent Information Night on Wednesday, November 12, details below. This online webinar answers questions parents and guardians have as they prepare to enroll their children.  

Calendar Highlights: 

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

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

• November 12: 6:30–7:30pm Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten Parent Information Night, Zoom webinar

• November 13–15: This Murder Was Staged, Albany High School's Theatre Ensemble, AHS Little Theater. Tickets available here.

• November 18: Regular Board Meeting

• November 24–28: NO SCHOOL, Thanksgiving Holiday

Food Resources:

Please see this notice from our Executive Chef.

Sincerely, 

Sara Stone

Superintendent

Albany Unified School District

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