News

Please join us in welcoming Maria Bellando to our AOS family as the new English Language Arts teacher. In addition to English, Ms. Bellando is also teaching our Film and Music electives this year.

Maria came to us from North Albany Middle School, where she was teaching 8th grade English Language Arts.

Prior to that she has experience at both Corvallis High School and College Hill High School, the alternative high school in Corvallis.

She graduated from West Albany High School and earned her Bachelor of the Arts from Oregon State University, where she double-majored in English and Education.

Maria has already been a great addition to our team and has transitioned into our team seamlessly. We are thrilled to have her here.

Welcome, Ms. Bellando!

Before coming to AOS, high school was really rough. I was constantly anxious about whether or not I was going to pass my classes and graduate. It was really hard for me to try and pay attention and focus on what the teacher was teaching. I was scared to ask my teachers for help. I didn’t really feel like they cared if I passed or failed. Eventually, I just gave up. I couldn’t keep up with the rest of the class so I couldn’t do my homework. I got so depressed that I couldn’t even learn, so I thought, “why even go to class if I was just going to sit there and be anxious and depressed?”

I skipped every day. My mom got fed up with my actions and asked me if I wanted to drop out and get my GED. I almost considered it because I just didn’t care anymore.

I was told that I wouldn’t graduate because I didn’t have enough credits. They told me I had two option, to take online classes, which I tried and hated, or I could get a referral to go to AOS. I was nervous about going to AOS because there were so many rumors about the “bad kids.” I’ll admit that I was intimidated by the thought and I wasn’t excited to be known as dumb if I went to AOS. I really needed those credits though, so I decided to go to AOS.

When I got there I was really nervous. Little did I know it was going to be the best school I have ever been to. All of the staff are really nice, helpful, and funny. They have no problem  helping you with anything. The students are friendly and welcoming, and honestly, we all have similar reasons as to why we are here, we just need a little extra help. The school is honestly one of the best things that has happened to me. I am finally comfortable going to school. I don’t dread waking up everyday and I am not worried about falling behind or asking for help. It is very comfortable and I agree with what many other students would say. It is like a small little family here at this tiny, but mighty, school.         

Elyese is new to AOS this year as a Junior. She wrote this article as an assignment in her Modes of Writing class. 

In August our counselor, Anna Harryman, was awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship from the Greater Albany Rotary Club and the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.”

Sarah Steen, the Youth Service Director for the Greater Albany Rotary Club, stated that, “Anna is not a Rotarian, but her daily contributions, guidance and support she provides for the high school youth in our community, which aligns with our club’s mission statement, is why she was selected. Our club was honored to be able to honor someone like Anna for doing exactly what our motto is, Service Above Self.”

Principal John Hunter and School Board Member Eric Aguinaga were also in attendance as she was recognized.

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. You can read more about the Paul Harris Fellow here.

Registration dates and times for returning students:
Tuesday, August 13th: 7am-11am, 12pm-4pm
Wednesday, August 14th: 10am-1pm, 3pm-6:30pm
Thursday, August 15th: 10am-1pm, 3pm-6:30pm

Mrs. Harryman will be available to meet with students to go over schedules and academic plans. 

New students:
Registration for new students is by individual intake appointment only. AOS will make the contact to set up appointments.

Consejería por duelo en GAPS: Clic AQUÍ

Upon hearing the news of the death of a GAPS student, Greater Albany Public Schools will have district counselors available at the district office. We recognize our families and community may be struggling and require additional resources and support at this time. Please see us on Thursday, July 18, from 12-4 p.m., and Friday, July 19, from 12-2 p.m. Check in at the front desk.

What • FREE Grief Counseling
Where • GAPS District Office
718 Seventh Ave. SW
Albany, OR 97321
When • July 18, 12-4 p.m. and
July 19, 12-2 p.m.

Questions about this service? Please call: (541)967-4501.

Linn County Department of Health Services

Linn County Department of Health Services offers emergency crisis support. Mental Health Services provides a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week crisis service for Linn County which includes:

• Initial crisis screening assessment
• Telephone triage
• Crisis intervention
• Pre-commitment investigation
• Hospital liaison services

Phone: (541)967-3866 or 1(800)304-7468

Their webpage with additional resources can be accessed here: https://www.linncountyhealth.org/mh/page/crisis-services

Spanish Translation 

Al escuchar la noticia de la muerte de un estudiante de GAPS, las Escuelas Públicas de Greater Albany tendrán consejeros de distrito disponibles en la oficina del distrito. Reconocemos que nuestras familias y nuestra comunidad pueden tener dificultades y requieren recursos y apoyo adicionales en este momento. Por favor visítenos el jueves 18 de julio de 12 a 4 p.m. y el viernes 19 de julio de 12 a 2 p.m. Registrarse en la recepción.

Que: Consejería GRATUITA por duelo 
Dónde: Oficina del Distrito GAPS
718 Seventh Ave. SW
Albany, OR 97321
Cuando: 18 de julio de 12 a 4 p.m. y  19 de julio de 12 a 2 p.m.

¿Preguntas acerca de este servicio? Por favor llamar: (541)967-4501.

Departamento de servicios de salud del Condado de Linn

El Departamento de Servicios de Salud del Condado de Linn, ofrece apoyo de emergencia en caso de crisis. El servicio de salud mental brinda un servicio de crisis las 24 horas, los siete días de la semana para el condado de Linn, que incluye:

• Evaluación inicial de detección de crisis
• Triaje por teléfono
• Intervención en momentos de crisis
• Investigación previa al compromiso
• Servicios de conexión de ayuda en el Hospital

Teléfono: (541)967-3866 o 1(800)304-7468

Se puede acceder a su página web con recursos adicionales aquí: https://www.linncountyhealth.org/mh/page/crisis-services