News

South Albany High School students in Carla Streng’s science classes are combining instruction and service learning. Since 2014, students studying biodiversity have volunteered their time and labor to improve local watershed habitats.

Three of the students presented information about the project, which started in 2014, to the School Board on Sept. 25.

Pictured (from left): Terran Swope, grade 12; Pippa Richardson, grade 10; Ms. Streng; and Angeline Huntington, grade 11.

The project involved work at Bryant Park and included clean-up efforts to restore the natural habitat and remove invasive species.

“A lot of invasive species are crowding out natural species,” said Terrance. We worked with the City of Albany to clean out invasives and remove blackberry vines.”

Angeline said the goal was to remove invasive species and garbage from the park. “To be able to clean that up and preserve our environment into the future is so important,” she said.

To all GAPS staff: We want you to stay healthy during flu season! Get your flu shot at one of the upcoming seasonal flu shot clinics, which are free to all employees.

See the flyer for dates and times. 

If you have questions, call Dusti Ker at the District Office, 541-967-4505.

Applications are open for the 2017-18 Albany Public Schools Foundation classroom grants.

Each fall, the Albany Public Schools Foundation accepts grant applications from teachers in the Greater Albany Public School District for innovative programs, tools and supplies supporting enrichment opportunities for students in the areas of art, music, science and health/wellness.

Grants are due on Oct. 13 and applications are open to all GAPS teachers.

Download the application.
Find more information on the Albany Public Schools Foundation website.

Last week, architects and District staff shared information about the new elementary school new Timber Ridge. The new school is part of the May bond measure that was approved by voters.

The building design is complete, but many features are still in the development stage.

Overview of New Elementary

Opening in September 2019: 16-month construction timeline; groundbreaking planned for spring 2018

Currently designed for grades K-3.

Designed for maximum flexibility: Design will allow capacity of 600 students by adding additional four classrooms later if necessary for growth. Area is expected to continue growing.

Architectural design drawings

Young students who are learning the ropes in the new school year are getting support from older students, who are riding along on bus routes to ease anxiety and help the students find their way home.

For the first three weeks of school, Timber Ridge students in teacher Shay Brunson’s leadership class are catching a bus to Clover Ridge Elementary School and riding along to help make the route run smoother.

Eight students in seventh and eighth grades currently participate as part of volunteer club in the class. They are Emily Hobson, Tyger DeBolt, Ruby Shumaker, Aaliyah Ware, Abby Hobson, Alex Brunson, Maddilyn Neely and Laura Lovell.

The program, now in its second year, is a hit with the student volunteers, the K-2 students they assist and the bus drivers.

The volunteer riders agreed that the first day was challenging, but the ride is smoother now. Route 6 bus driver, Diane, said she would love to keep her student volunteer all year. “I would love it,” said Abby, a seventh grader. She said she will be back to volunteer again on Diane’s bus next year.