Dear Albany Unified Community,

As we move through February, Albany schools are intentionally honoring Black History Month. This is a time not only to celebrate, but to recognize that Black history is United States history and world history, foundational to our shared understanding of who we are and how we arrived where we are today.

This commemoration matters. Over the past century, teaching Black history has often been contested, constrained, and at times actively discouraged. Honoring Black History Month requires more than celebration alone. It calls on us to teach history accurately, honestly, and with integrity. This work is especially important right now, as efforts to limit or distort how Black history is taught continue to challenge the presentation of a truthful and complete account of the experiences and contributions of Black Americans in the United States.

Throughout the district, students are engaging with Black history as an essential part of their learning. At Albany High School, all ninth graders take a semester of Ethnic Studies, with opportunities to extend that learning through a year-long elective. All eleventh graders study United States History, and students may also enroll in a year-long Advanced Placement course in African American Studies. I am proud to work in a district that holds this value and remains committed to teaching history honestly and fully.

At the January 27 Board of Education meeting, Proclamation 2025-26-03: Recognizing February as Black History Month was approved. The City of Albany also passed a Proclamation, and invited Ms. Tedra Grogans, Albany High School counselor and co-president of the Black Parent Advisory Group to accept it (photo above).

Please join us for the Black History Month Celebration, organized by the Black Parent Advisory Group, on Thursday, February 12 from 6–8 p.m. at the Albany High School Little Theater. All are welcome to attend this community event, which will feature student performances and opportunities to come together in celebration and reflection.

Community Town Hall Meetings

Our first Community Town Hall on planning the 2026–27 school year budget took place  Wednesday evening in conjunction with the District English Learner Advisory Committee meeting. The budget reflects our priorities and defines what we are able to provide for our students, of critical interest to all AUSD families. There will be two more opportunities this month to learn more about the budget process and provide your input. Please consider attending one of our upcoming meetings (see below) to learn more about the budgeting process and to share your ideas. Your voice matters!

Staff Spotlights

This month, the spotlight is on Vivian Balderas, the Albany High School Main Office and Principal Secretary. Colleagues nominated Ms. Balderas for this honor for the way she takes care of the daily needs of the school in such a warm and welcoming way. Our teacher spotlight is on Ashley Saks, Special Education teacher who runs the Adult Transition Program. Ms. Saks makes grand plans each month for her students and makes sure they feel good about themselves. She spends many hours making sure that her students are well served.

Poetry Out Loud

Congratulations to 10th grader Sam Fisher who won the Albany High School Poetry Out Loud competition and took first place in the county-wide competition on Tuesday! Sam will now advance to the state competition on March 8–9 in Sacramento. Good luck!

Calendar Highlights: 

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

• February 10:  Regular Board Meeting

• February 11: Community Town Hall (combined with Special Education Advisory), 6:30–7:30pm Zoom webinar

• February 12: Black History Month Celebration, 6–8pm, AHS Little Theater and MPR

• February 24:  Regular Board Meeting

• February 25: Community Town Hall (combined with Student Achievement Committee), 6–7:30pm, Zoom webinar

• February 27: Ramadan Iftar Potluck, hosted by the Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Parent Engagement Group, 6–8pm, Ocean View Multipurpose Room. Sign up here. 

• February 28: Lunar New Year Celebration, hosted by Asian Pacific Islander Parent Engagement Group (API-PEG), 4–6pm, Ocean View Multipurpose Room. Sign up here. 

With gratitude and optimism, 

Sara Stone

Superintendent

Albany Unified School District