Dear Families:
These are difficult times for all of us, here in Albany and across our country. The troubling events that took place in our city Saturday night have caused more trauma for a community already struggling with the COVID-19 crisis and the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
As a result of Saturday night’s riot, we know that some of our students and families may be in need. As a school district, we are reaching out to our families, especially those living in the South End, which was most affected Saturday night.
We will work with our community partners to do our best to assist families who may be facing extenuating needs, such as hygiene packets, food and clothing.
Beyond the trauma of living through community unrest and a global pandemic, we continue to see equity issues grounded in systemic racism throughout our country.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regardless of your child’s age he or she may feel upset or have other strong emotions after experiencing a traumatic event. Some children react right away, while others may show signs of difficulty much later. How children react, or common signs of distress, can vary according to age.
If you have questions or concerns about how to best support your child, please reach out to your building principal, who will direct you to the appropriate staff member.
On Monday, our faculty, supported by our Pupil Personnel Services team, also will be prepared to help address the social-emotional well-being of our students in their daily Google Classroom sessions. For a list of social-emotional resources parents and guardians can access to support students at home, please visit albanyschools.org/pps/resources.
As you know, Mayor Sheehan has implemented a curfew for Albany that will begin at 7 p.m. Sunday and continue until 7 a.m. Monday. I implore everyone to observe this important directive and remain safe at home so that we are all doing our part to help everyone stay safe.
Please join us in being “All in for Albany!”
Kaweeda G. Adams
Superintendent
