State Superintendent Visits Albany High, Happy Halloween!, November Is Native American Heritage Month, AMS Craft Fair, AHS Theater Performances, & Dyslexia Film 

Dear Albany Community, 

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond stopped by Albany High on Monday and took a moment to pose with Principal McNally, myself and AHS staff for one of the photos above. He was enthusiastically supportive of our local efforts to promote early literacy. Time was short, and Superintendent Thurmond expressed interest in returning soon to visit the Frank Wells Memorial Library there at Albany High, and our Young Men and Women of Color program. 

Happy Halloween!

It was such a joy to see the Halloween parades today at the elementary schools and the spooky, but celebratory spirit all around town. I wish a safe and slightly scary Halloween to everyone!

November Is Native American Heritage Month

At the October 28 Special Meeting, the AUSD Board of Education adopted this Proclamation to recognize the month of November as Native American Heritage Month, and resolved to promote instructional activities and celebrations honoring the history and culture of America’s Indigenous Peoples. Earlier this month, for the first time ever, AUSD formally recognized Indigenous Peoples' Day on Monday, October 13, and classes were not held.

Albany Unified School District (AUSD) schools are located in the Huchiun territory of the Chochenyo-speaking indigenous Ohlone people organized as the Confederated Villages of Lisjan Nation. The people of Lisjan Nation have been here for millenia and never ceded or sold their homeland. They are here today, living on their land, despite attempted genocide and ongoing colonization. If we are not indigenous to this place, we should think about what it means to live as good guests on Lisjan Nation lands. Here are some suggestions to consider:

- Learn about the sacred West Berkeley Shellmound, which was returned to Lisjan Nation stewardship in 2024.

- Watch the short film "Beyond Recognition".

- Watch “Colonization, Decolonization, and Rematriation on Ohlone Land”, a talk by Corrina Gould, Tribal Chair and Spokesperson for the Confederated Villages of Lisjan Nation.

- Watch the "Landback" music video featuring Lisjan Nation members and Chochenyo language.

- Visit the murals around the East Bay depicting Indigenous life.

- Hike on Albany Hill and make note of the native plants there (follow the signs).

- Walk along Cerrito Creek, which runs alongside Albany High, and see how much of it you can find above and below ground.

- Chalk a sidewalk or make a window sign honoring Lisjan Nation ("This is Lisjan Nation land").

- Talk with your family about where your people are from originally, and the journeys that brought you to live on Lisjan Nation land.

Albany Community Craft Fair

The fantastic 17th Annual Albany Middle School Craft Fair is this Sunday, November 2. Come and enjoy local professional vendors selling handmade wares, AMS students and clubs selling their artistic creations, tasty snacks and beverages at our pop-up Cobra Cafe, and musical performances (including Albany student performances). The craft fair is the perfect opportunity for everyone to stock up on holiday gifts, support our creative students, and contribute to this key fundraiser for the AMS PTA!

Save The Date! This Murder Was Staged…

Albany High School's Theatre Ensemble presents This Murder Was Staged, a fast-paced comedy murder mystery that is itself set on the stage of a murder mystery play. This hilarious murder mystery with plenty of twists, turns, and laughs runs November 13–15. Tickets are available here. 

See “Left Behind” Documentary

Left Behind tells the story of a group of determined and passionate moms from diverse backgrounds who banded together to create the first public dyslexic school in the largest school district in America, New York City. Their public school, the South Bronx Literacy Academy, opened in the fall of 2023,. The first of its kind in New York City, and across the country. Available to view at no cost through this link. 

Calendar Highlights: 

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

• November 2: Albany Community Craft Fair sponsored by the AMS PTA, 11am–3pm, AMS Gym, 1259 Brighton Ave.

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

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

• November 18: Regular Board Meeting

• November 24–28: NO SCHOOL, Thanksgiving Holiday

Sincerely, 

Sara Stone

Superintendent

Albany Unified School District

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