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Seizing new opportunities to benefit our students

We closed October and began November with very exciting news from some of our exceptional community partners that aligns with our vision for expanding workforce development and college- and career-readiness opportunities for our students.

On Wednesday, we celebrated the outstanding news from U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer that the federal government is investing $825 million to build a chip research center at the Albany NanoTech complex adjacent to the University at Albany campus.

This incredible announcement solidifies the position of our city and region as the global leader in semiconductor innovation.

We already have entered discussions this school year with UAlbany’s College of Nanotechnology, Science and Engineering about new partnerships that will benefit Albany High School students. Sen. Schumer’s announcement certainly multiplies the power of this great and growing partnership.

Then on Friday morning, we welcomed an exciting update from Hudson Valley ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø College at our monthly ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø Roundtable meeting. Professor Donna Barron, Ph.D., delivered a presentation about the college’s Biotech Connect partnership with Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and local biotech giant Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.

The colleges’ primary goal is to increase the pool of skilled workers across a wide range of careers at Regeneron and throughout the region’s growing biotechnology sector. Biotech Connect has a particular focus on reaching English-language learners and their families, and raising awareness for traditionally underserved students in grades 7-12.

These are just two recent examples of the amazing opportunities available to us as if we are positioned to build the necessary connections.

That is a paramount objective for our organization.

Recent changes in administrative leadership have provided us a window to re-evaluate and realign our structure. One area in which we have both a need and a tremendous opportunity is the connection between Albany High’s strong career and technical education (CTE) programs and the exploding workforce development opportunities in our region.

We need a point person to bridge our CTE program development and community connections in these critical areas – to create more “dot-connectors.” This will be a priority; we can’t afford it not to be, because if we are not prepared, our students will lose out.

This is very much on the front burner for us, and I will keep you updated as we move ahead.

Sincerely,

Join our Health and Safety Committee!

We are currently seeking two parents or guardians to serve on the district-wide Health and Safety Committee, which monitors the condition of all buildings to assure they are safe and maintained properly. 

To learn more, including how to apply, please see our earlier news story about the committee.

Looking ahead

Don't forget that you can view our online calendar for a look at all the important events coming up throughout the district and at our schools! Also, be sure the contact email we have on file for you is correct so that you automatically receive regular updates through SchoolMessenger, and don't forget to follow us on our various social media platforms!