News

Welcome, North Albany Elementary School Principal Kilee Sowa.

Welcome, Calapooia Middle School Assistant Principal George Sanchez.

“I am very excited about this new assignment and the new challenges it will bring to my personal and professional life.

I am the product of a Mexican migrant family. Being the youngest of nine and bicultural has led me to experience many struggles. As a struggling learner I lacked self confidence and self esteem. However, I overcome the struggles because of a strong support structure and lot’s of grit.

My professional journey in education began soon after High school. Twenty-five years ago I started my career as a classified support staff, transitioning to licensed teacher and now assistant principal of Calapooia Middle School, all the while going to school in the evenings.

My life experiences have taught me the importance of a growth mindset and being a lifelong learner. I am excited to bring my lifelong learning, my passion, my heart and caring nature to the Albany School District and community. I will be a servant leader working with an outstanding qualified staff that have the same passion for students, together working with one goal in mind, that every student in our care is prepared for their next step in education and life.”

Several GAPS schools will have new leaders this year. Welcome, North Albany Middle School Assistant Principal Kathie Bergsma Glenn.

Here is the latest construction update on the Lafayette Elementary School modular building construction:

• Siding is complete on the east side and is being installed on the north side today.
• Roofing is complete on the west side of the building and about 75% complete on the east side.
• Cabinets are going into the classrooms.
• Wiring and remaining ceiling tiles are being installed.
• The campus will have an expanded entrance driveway. Concrete forms were being placed today.

In July, the the West Albany unified basketball team took second place in the first annual Unified Basketball State Championships.

The tournament was sponsored by the Oregon School Activities Association and the Oregon Special Olympics. Teams from around the state earned a spot at state after competing in regional competitions last spring.

Alix Wasteney, Director of School Engagement for Special Olympics of Oregon, issued the following statement:

This year Special Olympics Oregon and Oregon School Activities Association made history by holding the first annual Unified Basketball State Championship in conjunction with the OSAA 4A State Basketball Championships. This was the first time inclusive Special Olympics Unified basketball teams were included and recognized at State Championships in Oregon.

Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team to train and compete together.

Congratulations to all four teams that competed and demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and skills!

The top four teams were

• 1st place: Forest Grove Vikings
• 2nd place: West Albany Bulldogs
• 3rd place: Bend Lava Bears
• 4th place: Wilson Trojans