News

A new Anti-Bullying, Anti-Harassment Task Force will meet in two community forums at the end of January and beginning of February to develop a plan to reduce behaviors that negatively impact our community and our schools.

The goal is to generate a community-based “call to action” in response to our common concerns related to these issues. The task force leaders include South Shore Principal Kraig Sproles, Calapooia Middle School Principal Gina Ayers, Albany Options Principal John Hunter, and District Human Resources Administrator Rich Sipe.

The purpose of the forums will be twofold.  First, we will work together to formulate an understanding of the scope and nature of bullying and harassment in our community, and second, we will develop a community “Call to Action” in response. This plan will be presented to the school Board for their review and consideration in March.

The community is invited to attend the two community forums.

• The first forum will be on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. at Albany Options School, 701 SE 19th Avenue (across the street from Sunrise Elementary School).
• The second forum will be on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 6 p.m. at Albany Options School.

Each meeting is expected to last about 90 minutes.

Several community partners will be represented at the forums, including the Albany Police Department, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Linn County Mental Health, the City of Albany, FACT, Albany Boys and Girls Club, CAP, local faith community, and the YMCA.

Schools are closed for winter break. See you on Jan. 2, 2018!

Dear Students, Families, and Friends,

Preparing for the holidays I began to reflect on the start of the this school year. Some things that came to mind were:

– We have an incredible group of students this year. I am so grateful each and every one of you. I am the luckiest principal in the district because I get to come to work every day to spend my time with you.
– I have a wonderful staff. We are all so fortunate to have teachers and staff who are so passionate about our students and the mission of AOS, who are also extremely talented and hardworking.
– The seniors who attended the Youth Job Fair blew me away with how professional and grownup they looked and acted. There is no doubt in my mind that our students can accomplish anything they want when they set their mind to it. Many members of the community sang your praises after the event. One commented that his interview with an AOS student was the best he had all day. You are an amazing group of young men and women.

Because of each and every one of you, it is easy for me to be grateful this time of year.

As we start the new calendar year and think about new years resolutions, I would like to urge each student to have 2018 be the year you take ownership of their education and future. Let this be the year grades improve, attendance improves, and educational goals become a reality.

From all of us here at Albany Options School, we would like to wish you all a very happy holidays and new year. Have a fun, relaxing, and safe winter break, and I look forward to seeing you in the new year.

Sincerely, John Hunter

Albany Public Schools Foundation announced classroom grant awards for 67 projects, totaling $37,683. The annual awards provide funds to enhance classroom projects and educational experiences.

APSF raises money every year to support GAPS schools through the annual iSwim, iRun and iCelebrate Gala fundraisers.

Any teacher in the district can apply for a classroom grant. This year, there were 79 proposals for projects including electronics, robotics, art, reading music and PE.

See the list of grant awards. 
Read more about Albany Public Schools Foundation.

GAPS Nutrition Services will host free lunch for all students on Dec. 1 and 15.

The free lunch dates are part of an effort to make students aware of the lunch options and give them a chance to try a meal at school.

Lunch menus are posted on the Nutrition Services web page.