Category Archives: News

The new school year is around the corner. The Back-to-School Resources page has information to help you get ready.

School start dates vary by grade:

Sept. 6: Grades 1-6, grades 7-8 at Timber Ridge and grade 9
Sept. 7: Grades 7-8 at Calapooia, Memorial and North Albany middle schools and grades 10-12
Sept. 12: Kindergarten

Contact your school for more information. 

Greater Albany Public Schools voluntarily tested all drinking and food preparation water fixtures for lead in all schools this summer. More than 500 samples were taken. Test results for all schools will be published here when they are available.

Early results showed elevated lead levels in three fixtures at Periwinkle Elementary School and five fixtures at Waverly Elementary School. Repairs were made and the fixtures will be retested.

Read more about water testing in GAPS schools and find resources about lead on the water testing information page.

Attention parents: The Boys and Girls Club of Albany will again provide an after-school program for all students in GAPS schools. Busing is available from all elementary schools.

This program will start on Sept. 19.

Watch their website for important dates and more information.

Three schools nominated outstanding staff members for the national LifeChanger of the Year award, sponsored by National Life Group.

Pictured (from left) are Pam McQueary, SEA/behavior specialist at Liberty Elementary; Laurie Robinson, kitchen manager at SAHS; and Les Sprinkel, head custodian at SAHS.

According to the LifeChanger of the Year website, “LifeChanger of the Year is an annual program that recognizes and rewards K-12 education professionals. LifeChangers must be K-12 educators, teachers, administrators or any member of a school’s staff who makes a positive difference in the lives of students.”

Nominees compete against nominated staff from around the country. A selection committee will choose 15 winners.

Read the official nominations for each of the three GAPS nominees.