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Academics, health and safety our top
priorities
 A
school district’s primary role, of course, is education. At the same
time, to be effective schools also must assure students’ health and
safety at all times.
In light of all that is happening in the area of health and safety, I
would like to review with you some of the recent actions we have taken.
Since the first outbreak of H1N1 last spring, our Health Services staff
has worked closely with state and county health officials to monitor the
disease and coordinate communication. We constantly are reviewing our
procedures to be sure they are in line with the most current guidance,
which can change frequently.
We will continue to keep you informed, and we ask that you do your part
in helping to reduce the spread of flu. Stay in contact with your
health-care provider, and visit www.albanyschools.org for updates
and information about steps you can take at home.
Meanwhile, each school is planning and conducting lockdown drills this
fall.
A
lockdown secures each classroom and office if a threat or serious
disruption is identified in the school. Our staff also are well-prepared
to follow lockout procedures if a threat is identified outside of the
school building.
At Albany High School, we have instituted coded student IDs, allowing us
to employ technology to identify where each student is supposed to be at
any time of the day. We also require district employees to have ID
badges visible at all times.
We also have been successful in deploying our staff in new ways, as well
as continuing to partner with the police, mayor’s office and community
organizations, to ensure safe and orderly conduct after school. Where we
have encountered unruly behavior we have been quick to respond together.
We are grateful for everyone’s support.
Finally, we are in the first full year of a four-year, $6 million
federal grant to provide support, counseling and educational services
for students and families in our middle schools and high schools. You
can read more about one piece of this initiative, the Gang Resistance
Education and Training program, on page 3.
Be assured that we will continue working hard to keep our families
informed and to maintain our promise to provide safe, healthy learning
environments where all students can succeed.
Should you see a situation at any of our schools that you believe poses
a health or safety risk for our students or staff, please call the
Albany High Hotline at 459-1355. All calls will remain anonymous.
Raymond Colucciello, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent
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