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Vocational technical training, also known as Career Technical programs and applied learning, helps students learn about possible career paths and prepare for the workforce. These programs also increase the chance that a student will graduate.

The Oregon Department of Education has data that shows students are more likely to graduate if they participate in a vocational technical, or CTE, program:

According to the Oregon Department of Education, “The 2013-2014 four-year cohort graduation rate for CTE concentrators in Oregon was 85.7%; for all students (including CTE concentrators) it was 76.4%. An Oregon CTE concentrator is a student who has earned one or more credits in a technical skill course(s) within an Oregon state-approved CTE Program of Study.” 

Projects in Ballot Measure 22-165 would include remodeling existing classrooms and building new instructional space to allow hands-on activities in high-demand career fields.

A recent work group identified current and planned vocational technical education programs that would be added to all middle and high schools if the bond passes in May.

Read the program development report for more information.

Find more information about Ballot Measure 22-165.

Saturday, February 11th, students from Albany Options School participated in the Chess for Success Regional Tournament against other high school students from across the State. The tournament took place in Monmouth at Ash Creek Elementary School.

The students were from Mr. Corliss’ Game Theory and Strategy elective class. They did well and are now looking forward to participating in future tournaments as a result.

On January 18th, Albany Options School opened their  coffee cart, AOeSpresso, for the first time. This project was made possible by Mrs. Mitchell’s Entrepreneurial elective class and by a grant from PETS through YTP. The funds from the grant help special programs start school-based businesses to help students transition to jobs after school and build work skills. All of the money was put into the business to help it grow and become self-sufficient.

The coffee cart was modeled after the coffee cart that was started at South Albany High School, and has developed into it’s own thriving business.

Every Wednesday and Friday the cart is open during the breakfast and lunch breaks and is run by students in the Entrepreneurial class. The students work shifts to run the cart, making coffee drinks and Italian sodas and selling snacks for staff and students. Within the class, which meets every morning, the students are responsible for counting the money, making plans for expanding the cart, and adjusting products based off of customer demand.

So far the cart has been a great success, and has already made enough to cover their start-up costs. The class is looking forward to expanding, with a goal of getting their own espresso machine so they can offer espresso as well as drip coffee drinks. Everyone is welcome to come check it out!

2017-18 School Year Transfer Application Window Open Until February 28^th at 5:00 p.m.

The on-line application is located on our District website in the Transfer Requests link under the Parents tab.  Please call the district office if you have any questions.

Registration is now open for the annual fundraising run to benefit Albany Public Schools Foundation on March 11. The annual event is one of the main fundraisers to support foundation-sponsored programs for GAPS students.

Participants can register for a 5K or 10 mile run. There will also be a kids dash for the youngest kids.

Register online. 

See the event poster for more information.

Watch the video of last year’s event.