Ozi onye isi
Ezigbo nne na nna,
It is with tremendous excitement that I write this letter in anticipation of what I believe will be another amazing year for students, parents and teachers. I can’t say enough about our students and their character, work ethic and eagerness to learn. It has made Albany Elementary School a great place to learn and grow. As we embark on a new school year, Albany Elementary will continue its pursuit of academic and character excellence. We work tirelessly at Albany to educate the whole child to include not only academics but also the social-emotional component of their journey. We emphasize the character strengths of Integrity, Perseverance and Kindness. We not only want students to be life-long learners but also, great people and productive citizens.
Albany Elementary is not only equipped with an experienced, knowledgeable and talented faculty but also a top-notch support staff in the form of counselors, therapists, and other community support specialists to assist students and parents in obtaining resources and support. So please do not hesitate to contact the school if you require any guidance to best serve and support your child.
Again, our focus will be student attendance. It is crucial to student success that students are on time and in school every day! Attending school regularly is a key predictor of student success and academic performance. The opposite is also true, chronic absenteeism will lead to increased learning gaps, low proficiency in English and Math, as well as an increased risk of dropping out of school. Please assist us in this process by ensuring that your child is in attendance every day.
Unfortunately we will begin this school year as we finished last year, with the Front Entrance remaining closed for now. We are hoping that in the coming weeks we will receive vital materials that will allow the project to move forward. Therefore, students will enter the building in the same manner as last year, through the side “Temporary Entrance” on Adams Street and/or the back entrance on Mummery Street. We will dismiss in the same manner as well, younger siblings to the oldest sibling’s dismissal location. The map is enclosed and online. We also communicate using ParentSquare, which is an application (app) that allows us to communicate efficiently and quickly to everyone connected to the building. If you do not have ParentSquare on your phone or computer, please contact the Main Office. Arrival begins at 8:40 AM, with the instructional day beginning at 9:00 AM. Dismissal begins at 3:05 PM and we kindly ask for your cooperation in ensuring promptness during afternoon pickup as well.
We are all excited to begin this school year, look forward to seeing your children’s faces and energy fill our classrooms and halls. It is an honor and privilege to watch your children grow into amazing students and people. I am grateful that I can share these experiences with your children every day! I look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026.
Respectfully,
Brent M. Dodge
Principal