The Howler

Dear Albany School Families,

We are off to a wonderful start this school year! It has been so nice to welcome students back into the building and see our hallways filled with energy, curiosity, and smiles. The first month has flown by, and we are already seeing students settle into routines, reconnect with friends, and engage in learning. Our attendance rate for the past month has been 92.9%, and while that is a strong start, we are aiming to maintain 95% or better. We completely understand when students need to be out due to illness or important appointments, and we appreciate your efforts in making school attendance a priority whenever possible. Please email Wendy at wlittle@ocsu.org or call her to let her know of an absence. Please see the student handbook for the policy around truancy. Thank you for your support in helping your child transition smoothly into the school year.

Thank you to all of the families who joined us at our Open House last week! We had a wonderful turnout, and it was such a joy to connect with so many of you in person, hear your questions, and meet students’ siblings. Events like this truly strengthen the partnership between home and school, and we are grateful for the time you shared with us.

We are also excited to announce our first PBIS celebration! Students have been working hard to demonstrate positive behavior, and on Wednesday, October 1, we will celebrate with a fun hike. Students will have the choice to hike up Jay Peak or enjoy a walk along the Newport Bike Path—both great options to take in the beautiful fall weather. This “challenge by choice” event is a wonderful way to recognize students’ efforts and build community outside the classroom.

As we move into the next part of the semester, we look forward to keeping the momentum going. As concerns arise, we encourage you to first reach out to your child’s advisor or homeroom teacher. They often have a strong pulse on what’s happening day-to-day and can work with you to address questions or concerns quickly. If the issue is not resolved at that level, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly, and I will be happy to help. Working together in this way ensures strong communication and the best support for your child. Together, we can ensure this year is a successful one for every student.

Take care,

Jessica Thomas

This year, middle school students have a 40-minute lunch/recess block designed to give them both flexibility and responsibility. Within this time, students may choose whether to eat first and then head outside, or to begin with recess and return later for lunch.

The choice-based model is intentional. At this age, students are learning important skills in time management, decision-making, and self-regulation. Providing autonomy during unstructured time helps prepare them for the increased freedoms and responsibilities they will encounter in high school.

To support students, staff are present in both the cafeteria and outdoors, encouraging healthy choices and facilitating structured activities such as kickball and flag football. This balance of independence and support allows students meaningful opportunities for socialization, physical activity, and eating—while keeping our daily schedule flowing smoothly.

As students adjust to the new routine, lines may feel longer at first. We encourage families to remind students that choosing recess first can often mean shorter lines when they return to eat. We will continue monitoring how students are adapting to ensure the model works well for all.

As part of a district-wide initiative, each school has established a threat assessment team trained in the CSTAG (Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines) model. This model is designed to help schools respond quickly, consistently, and appropriately when a potential threat arises, ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and staff. At Albany, our CSTAG team includes Principal Jessica Thomas, Admin Assistant Wendy Little, School Counselor Ilana Feinstein, Special Educators Deanna Gonyaw and Kelly Newton, and SEL Specialist Angelee Pion. When a concern is reported, the team follows a structured decision tree to evaluate the level of severity and determine the next appropriate steps. This process emphasizes early intervention, problem-solving, and collaboration to prevent escalation and support students in a safe and constructive way. To learn more about CSTAG and how it promotes school safety, please visit the following site.

Email: jthomas@ocsu.org
Website: https://acs.ocsu.org/o/acs
Location: 351 Main St, Albany, VT, USA
Phone: 802-755-6168