Elementary Music Program, Rosh Hashanah Traditions, Website Upgrade, and Celebración Latina!

Dear Albany Community, 
Thanks to the support of Proposition 28, which provides dedicated state funding for arts education, AUSD is bringing our Vision — every student empowered to realize their fullest potential — to life by expanding and enriching music opportunities across our schools.

Pictured above is music teacher Jeffrey Luna-Sparks with a new set of student ukuleles — one of the many ways our program is growing. Beginning this school year, each elementary school will now have a full-time general music teacher for grades TK–4: Jeffrey Luna-Sparks at Cornell, Marina Zubareva at Marin, and Emma Powell at Ocean View.

For 5th grade, we have specialized music educators, allowing all students to explore band, choir, and musical theater. In addition to Jeffrey, Marina, and Emma, this team includes Dr. Carlos Hernandez.

These investments reflect our mission to provide an excellent education that honors the unique ways students learn and creates inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environments. Expanding our music program ensures that every student has the chance to discover their voice, celebrate differences, and express their creativity.

Learning About Rosh Hashanah 

AUSD’s Jewish Parent Engagement Group (JPEG) is one of several Affinity groups working to create community and help the entire district better understand and appreciate the gifts of each culture. Earlier this week, JPEG members greeted students across the District with a Shana Tova U Metuka—“Sweet New Year”—in celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

All elementary schools, AMS, and AHS enjoyed a beautiful spread of apples and honey and learned about Jewish holiday symbols. I wish our Jewish community a Shana Tova and hope that this year will be filled with B'sorot Tovot—“Good News.” 

Website Upgrade

The District and all school websites are being revamped and upgraded. Our goal is to make calendars, forms, news, and all school information easier for everyone to access, especially on mobile devices. The new websites are expected to launch in the next few weeks. 

Celebración Latina and Read-Alouds 

Just a reminder, Celebración Latina is coming up on Saturday, October 4, 11am–2pm at Albany Middle School. All are invited to come and celebrate! This year, Familias Latinas is asking students and their families to perform a dance, sing a song, play instruments, read a poem, or share facts about their cultural traditions or country of origin during the first hour of the Celebración. Now more than ever, it is important for our community to come together to represent our rich culture. Another way Latino/a/x/e community members can participate is to read a book to an elementary school class that highlights Latino/x culture or characters. Sign up here to read aloud to a class during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Calendar Highlights: 

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

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

• 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

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