Read & React

A place to share your thoughts, criticisms and comments.

Albany High violence



Categories: General
Michael Huber

91 Responses

  1. Marianne says:

    I think it’s about time they built another high school, one for the lower end of Albany and another for the upper end.

    I also think it’s about time the parents of these unruly students be held accountable for their childrens actions. All too often you’ll find that the parents of these unruly students act the same way their children do. It has to stop somewhere.

    I believe it should be made mandatory by the courts for these unruly students parents to attend parenting classes.

  2. Beverly Padgett says:

    As a parent and grandparent of Albany High School students, I worry about the safety of my family more so in the school than in the streets. The school is a contained social environment that should not only be open to students but have an positive active involvement of all the citizens of Albany. Once you have a child you are responsible to raise that child, not the schools or the police. It is being done in other states where parents are held accountable for the actions of their children under 16. Once a child (family) shows anti-social behavior, the family should be in counseling/mediation to get to the root of the issue before the issue explodes outside of their homes. Than we would see a different community, a differnent Albany.

  3. Albanyhighgrad says:

    Why is it that Albany High and Schenectady High have all the problems in the area? Schools like Colonie and CBA and Guilderland you never hear them in the news unless it is something good. Lets compare the schools listed and see what the major difference is. We find the difference and correct it then only good news will come from AHS

  4. lisa rice says:


  5. Katie says:

    What would building two seperate high schools do? It would teach students that they need to be kept seperate from their counterparts in the lower end (or the upper end). It would teach them that cooperation and understanding isn’t possible.

    Naturally parents have a responsibility in rearing their children. But how many of you look at a youth, in baggy pants, a too-big T-shirt, blue bandanna tied around his head, and automatically think “hoodlum”, “gang member”, “trouble”? If you expect someone to be violent and to be trouble, and they live with these expectations for so long, they will become the expectations. If they are never truly trusted, why should they ever become trustworthy?

    I’ve been in Albany High School. I spent a short stint tutoring there. People need to remember that these students, at one point, shared the same goals and ambitions of any other kid. They wanted to be astronauts, singers, poets, teachers. Somewhere along the line, they became cold and they lost their dreams, and the schools have a large influence on students’ lives, perhaps larger than their parents; many students spend more time at school than with their parents. When did the schools give up on the kids?

    I tutored in the high school library. Once a student had to look up an answer. We could have used the computers, but I was informed that the students weren’t allowed to use the computers. Why have computers that students couldn’t use? They probably didn’t trust them. There wasn’t even a real librarian for the library, and the library didn’t have all the books the students needed. What does that teach the students? That nobody cares. Often times, I think students are simply treated like delinquents from the start, so they become what’s expected of them.

  6. amlavallo says:

    I was told by a freshman that during her lunch period, one student shoved another student up against the large windows in the cafeteria area and pandimonium broke out. What I would like to know is where was the adult supervision? Most incidents start (or escalate) during lunch periods – the lunch areas are contained spaces – when we know there is tension from the prior day, there should be enhanced coverage in the lunch areas. Perhaps some administrators from downtown can offer the school some support during these times. Or seek volunteers thru the PTA or some other group. There is a broader issue re the uptown downtown tension that the community needs to address, but in the meantime, parents should demand a non-disruptive school day for their children.

  7. Kevin says:

    3 simple solutions:

    1- new highschool
    2- start holding parents accountable
    3- court ordered BOOT CAMP!!!!

  8. JIGGSMALONE says:

    In 1990, the newly elected Albany School Board fired the district’s public health nurses so it could implement a Planned Parenthood style of sex education. Which targeted and focused itself on children in the lower grades. Many of whom were still in their sexual “dormancy period” and too young to deal with the burden of such adult information and insight. On a conscious level.

    Serious problems can result from disturbing or ending a child’s “dormancy period” before they, as individuals, are ready to deal with such an important set of adult behavioral issues. The results of such an ill-advised intervention, in the life of a child, can and does result in:

    1. Resorting to violence to resolve personal issues as many have ceased to develop and grow on an emotional level. This is reflected in Albany’s soaring rates of violent and other crimes. By many young adults who were, once, Albany Public School students who had their own “dormancy” periods disturbed and ended since 1990. 17 years of a hopelessly depraved and destructive decision which has resulted in behavioral, social, economic, cultural and personal disaster. For these criminals, their victims and all residents of the City of Albany.

    2. A child may no longer continue to develop the kind of intellectual abilities and study skills essential to his/her future success in the pursuit of a formal education and resultant gainful employment(outside of crime). This is reflected in the low and still declining test scores and drop-out rates among Albany City School students.

    3. The child becoming, at too early an age, sexually active. This, in turn, results in teen pregnancy which leads to future impoverishment for many and a demand for abortion services for some. Abortion services that Planned Parenthood provides and for which they charge. One might see this as being part of Planned Parenthood’s business plan.

    The “dormancy period” is a time when a child is, on a sub-conscious level, is forming his/her sexual identity while becoming their own sexual being. Once they begin to emerge into young adulthood. This, more conscious, emergence can take place at different ages for different people. Because it is a sub-conscious process, the psychological process known as or called “sublimation” allows the child to focus, more easily and successfully, to develop both their study skills and interpersonal skills in dealing with responsible adults in a world of responsible adults. If this same “dormancy period” is disturbed and, prematurely, ended for any reason, the positive growth may end as well.

    What can end the valuable “dormancy period”? Exposure to molestation, observing the overt sexual behavior of others, sexual crime(ie prostitution), pornographic literature, films, photographs and/or stories/discussions which are too graphic for the child who may be harmed by them. This would also include the so-called sex education intervention programs fashioned or provided by groups like Planned Parenthood and forced on all children at the same age.

    The “dormancy period” begins, usually, after the child’s 5th birthday and before their 10th birthday. Most often, if not disturbed and ended by intervention/experimentation, it will end during a child’s early teen years.

    Expicit sex education for all children, not yet in the 10th grade, can be likened to providing chemo or radiation therapy to everyone. Irrespective of whether or not they may be afflicted and suffering with cancer. These therapies can cure or impede the growth of cancer but can and will harm healthy tissue. In other words: If someone has not been diagnosed with cancer, they have no need of medical treatments for it. In fact, such treatments can cause cancer to present itself in what might, otherwise, have always continued to be healthy tissue. Sex education can be viewed the same way. Some children, with properly diagnosed overt sexual issues, can benefit from and may be in need of some kind of sex education intervention. Children who have no need of this should not be so treated or exposed.

    Information about the “dormancy period” was obtained from a monthly newletter published by Human Life International (H.L.I.) in the early 1990′s. H.L.I. is located at 4 Family Life Lane, Front Royal, VA 22630. Telephone: 540-635-7884. On-line, H.L.I. can be reached at: Prior articles, published by H.L.I., are obtainable.

    The Albany Public Schools need to return to a more responsible approach to sex education. An approach which stresses it’s proper place as being within the context of a legal, monogamous and heterosexual marriage. Along with warning children of the serious, permanent and deadly health hazards associated with sexual activity. At too young an age and outside of marriage.

  9. angry says:


    That was a very good post! I agree with most of it, its openminded and has some very good points. I do think that if another school was built it would be easier to maintain a smaller group of students. A school of 1,000 students is bound to have a better teacher/student ratio which I believe would lead to better grades and attention so that less students would fall through the cracks. My high school had less than 500 students, we didn’t get away with anything.

  10. Jureen says:

    They really need to build another HS pronto its not right having all these kids in one school.

  11. dmm says:

    school is not the problem…or the solution…the problem is violence..the cause is lack of parental involvement and discipline

  12. Kevin says:


  13. diana says:

    The difference between AHS and the other schools noted in post #3 should be clear: MONEY. Poverty, race, and white flight have left one or two districts dealing with a superhigh concentration of kids who are often in this world with very little support or encouragement. There is clearly a racial divide that is widening. It would be a shame if we kept sweeping this reality under the rug and instead joined together as a community to let our kids know they all have an opportunity to succeed, if they’re willing to do their part.

  14. George says:

    Obviously this is all because of George Bu$h and his No Child Left Behind program!!

  15. am says:

    I find it interesting that the Albany City Schools just spent around 150,000 dollars on public relations positions and firms to assist in their “image” with the surrounding community. I think that money is a waste. It could be used to assist needy students, help teachers, rehab classroom, buy more resources/update resources. Students are fighting within school limits. It is the schools responsibility to address this issue. Maybe, instead of bringing in the police and law enforcement authorities which tends to make teens feel on-edge even more so the school should have a sit-in and have an exchange of dialogue with these kids about what is going on in their school and in their community. Their is a huge gang problem and huge poverty issue that no one in police community or Jennings people cares to address!! But it is real!!

    These kids are obviously feeling powerless within the community and within their school and so they turn to deviant, outcast behaviors but if the school incorporated these kids in meaningful participation and dialogue and part of the change I think we would see a different group of that cared and one that had some hope!

  16. Beth says:

    I believe the Police are quick to blame the kids at the High School, the Streets are where this is beginning, and school is where it is ending. For parents, it may be hard as a single parent to be able to control your child at all times. Especially if that single parent is at work full time. But if it is your child in trouble all the time it begins at home. For the parents, whose children are involved in this riffraff year in and out, then I think those are the parents, that should be held responsible. The problems between the South End and Arbor Hill have been going on since I was in Albany High graduate 1988. If I made it through with no problems and I come from Arbor Hill, then why are the children today being targeted. I think if the gang violence in the street is calmed by the police than the children would not have to defend themselves in the school.

  17. Katie says:

    While parents certainly play a role in their children’s lives, the blame can not be placed squarely on the parents.

    Look to the community. Of course there are parents out there who might not be doing the best job; these parents might be struggling just to keep up with the rent and feed their families. Where is the community support? A struggling family may have a hard time keeping their eyes on all their children.

    Also, no matter how great a parent is, it is not just the parent that has an affect on the child. Personally, I believe my mother is an excellent parent. Both my parents were stay at home; my mother was a homemaker and my father telecommuted. My mother was always at the parent teacher meetings. My brother is struggling. He’s heading down a wrong path. His grades are extremely low. Is it because of my parents’ parenting? NO! His school has failed him. The school gave up on him. My parents contact the school regularly and the school has given up on my parents. This is not an Albany school that I’m talking about, but the saying “It takes a village to raise a child” is true. We cannot just look to the parents: we must look to the school and the community as well. There are students the country over that come from bad and broken homes with little parental influence that are exemplary students; there are also children that come from very loving and encouraging homes that travel down the wrong path. The community, a student’s peers, the overall environment, the school-all affect the student’s behavior and future.

    You cannot blame merely one factor for the overall problem.

  18. Katie says:

    PS JIGGSMALONE: Telling children that the only type of sexual relationship that is acceptable is a heterosexual relationship in the context of marriage? Oh sure, that won’t make any children feel more ousted than they all ready are; homosexual children would feel ashamed and awkward, maybe some of the boys even turning to violence to prove their manly hood. Of course, than you’re also ousting all of the children that are all ready sexually active and some of the children who may have been born out of wedlock.

    Pushing values = Never a good thing.

    Sexual education is great, when children are presented with all of the facts and are allowed to decide for themselves. I don’t think sex education will solve the violence problem in Albany’s schools.

  19. William Malatesta says:

    #5 Katie! I worked in the Albany High School library for 32 years. I retired in 2006. So I am not sure about the time period you are referring to: before or after June 2006. If it occurred before June 2006, then I disagree with you. The students were allowed to use the library computers. We preferred that students reserve a computer because there was a demand to use them. Oftentimes students reserved a computer and just played. Other students reserved a computer a used them for educational reasons. The only time a student was not allowed to use a computer was when the comuters were reserved for a class that particular period. Again, not enough computers. Regarding certified librarian, for many decades there were 3 full-time librarians. From about 2004 thru 2006 there were 2 full-time librarians. Last year there was 1 full-time librarian. I wrote to the Bored of Education, Supt, Principal, library administrator indicating that 1 librarian was unable to professionally run a high school library of approx. 2,400 students. I was ignored. The librarian left in Feb. 2006. I wrote to the Bored of Education, et al again. For approx. one month in 2006 the high school library was without a librarian. Finally, a reference librarian was always on duty to answer questions. The reference desk was located near the front door. So he / she was easily accessible. There was a reference desk computer for the librarian and / or student to use. Regarding books, audio visuals, etc.: the library has the resources to support the curriculum. The purpose of the library is to support the academic curriculum. We did. I personally ordered thousands of books, etc. We read professional library journals and ordered books from the reviews. We asked teachers what to purchase. We asked students what to purchase. We built our collection based on the curriculum. When we didn’t have enough resources, then we ordered books, etc. the following year. We also ordered books, etc. when we found it difficult to find the answers to frequently asked reference questions. So I totally disagree with you about certified librarians, computer access and resources.

  20. carol says:

    This has been a long standing problem at Albany High,even when I was in high school 30 yrs ago.I feel that yes the parents should be held responsible along with their child. But,the punishment should amount to more than just a slap on the hand. Maybe if the student(s) who are involved in fights,disruptions on campus,etc had to do a significant amount of community service (on the weekend)and I mean more than 40 hours,then it would sink in that this is not acceptable behavior in or around school. And if the community service isn’t completed,it has to be done during summer break. Parents should be instilling values at an early age with their children,they are looking for boundries to be set and guidelines as to what is proper behavior in public and private. I had chores when I was growing up and when in grade school and high school I had a Times Union paper route (7 days a week rain,snow or shine). I also had a part-time job after school in my teens sometimes 2 along with babysitting. I also was a candy striper at an area hospital in my senior year of high school as part of a community service requirement for graduation. You have to work for what you want in life,it’s not going to be handed to you on a siler platter.

  21. concerned parent says:

    I am a parent of a Myer’s Middle school 8th grader. I am extremely concerned about sending my child to Albany High next year. We are considering moving out of Albany. I have lived in Albany my whole life, and I cant believe how downhill Albany is going. I am an Albany High graduate , and the school is not what it used to be. Every year, we hear about all of these fights and riots at the high school. We hear about how things are going to change, year after year….It just keeps getting worse….

  22. pam l says:

    in 1973 albany high and schuyler high schools could not play a football game at night because of the fights after the games . so we play the games on saturday afternoons. and in 1974 albany merged albany and schuyler as one. and from there on the fights were in the school ,on the buses and on the street . you can’t put rieveling teams together and think it would work. for 30 years now it did not. it time to have a second high school in albany . and the peace will follow

  23. paula says:

    #8 JIGGSMALONE: While I respect your view on Sex Ed, the problem with Albany schools has nothing to do with Planned Parenthood and the services they provide. Please. Get off your soapbox and realize that the problem is political correctness. When we incorporated all of these PC policies to preserve everyone’s rights, then the children became the victims. With every incident, “leaders” like Alice Green get up and shout “police brutality” and “profiling”. How about community accountability? How about parents admitting they need help with their kids and utilizing the parenting services offered?

    Did you think about the fact that without correct Sex Education, kids are becoming parents, and they are ill equipped to supervise, educate and disclipline their own kids? A viscious circle that will be the downfall of this city.

    Raising responsible children to adulthood is very difficult, a full time job. The students at Albany High who do want to learn in a safe environment have rights too! Their parents worked hard to raise their kids to be productive members of society- why should they have to fear for their children’s safety every day when they send them off to school?

    Sex Education, which by the way promotes ABSTINENCE first, as well as safe sex, is not just a necessity for these kids, but for the future of our city!

  24. Katie says:

    I tutored there last year; it very well could have been the time when there was no librarain, however, there truly was no librarian.

    When a student needed to look up a term, the school officials in the library did not even permit me to use the computers. When I asked why, they said they needed to be signed on with the student’s password, however, they wouldn’t let the students use it either.

    Since we couldn’t use the computer, we had to rely on books, and I was informed that a lot of the science books we needed wern’t availible or were missing.

    Perhaps things used to be different, and perhaps things are different now. That was just my expeirence.

  25. Drew says:

    #18 Katie – How wrong you are. Pushing values is a good thing. Most of these problems wouldn’t be here if more people – especially parents along with schools and the community – “pushed” values. The moral relativism you espouse is why the social fabric of this nation is crumbling. THERE IS RIGHT AND WRONG! THERE ARE VALUES THAT ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS!

    Another thing. Kids don’t have the right to decide for themselves – parents do. They don’t have the life experiences or judgement to make major decisions on their own. If we really believed kids could, we’d let them vote, drink, smoke, or do whatever when they turned 10. I’m not going to blame this incident entirely on sex education, but JIGGSMALONE makes valid points. The earlier and earlier you push “adult” subject matter and concerns onto kids (and thereby taking them out of their “innocence” earlier), the earlier they will try to start acting like adults when they don’t have the experiences or judgement to do so.

  26. Karen says:

    BRAVO to #17 Katie how right you are!

  27. Renee says:

    School has been in session for only two weeks, it’s going to be a long year. Something has to be done and now!! I admit, Iâ€™m not 100% sure what the answer is, but willing to brainstorm to try and figure it out.

    I’m bothered and concerned by the way it seems that the high school is falling apart. I don’t have a child in the high school; I am however, a graduate of Albany High.

    Segregating (key word segregating) lower end vs. upper end is not the answer!!! Yes, I will agree there needs to be an additional high school due to the amount of children in the City of Albany.

    How many concerned parents attended the meeting last night? I know most are busy or overwhelmed by their schedules, but also feel that education has to be the number one priority right now.

    Also, I feel maybe it’s time to have a uniform policy, be it, tan pants and a pullover button up shirt. Let’s get rid of the fashion show so the students can pay attention to what’s really important in school.

    I know that’s not the answer, but I feel it could help some of the other problems in the schools.

  28. Sonja says:

    I believe what katie is saying to a point yes we do have to acknowlege the fact that if pushed into a steryotype that is how they will react is also the parents responsibility to train up a child in the way he or she should go.As for that very uninformed gentleman who believes children dont have the right to decide for themselves I have one question; what era did you come from? I believe whole heartedly that unless children have a hand in deciding their future and their day to day lives (along with their parents) they will continue to believe they dont matter and they will continue to act out .

  29. Derek Baker says:

    I agree with a lot of the previous comments. Parents should be held accountable. But the problem also extends further than parents. Hip hop music. Children are no longer being raised by their parents. They are heavily influenced by today’s superstars and rappers. You have rappers conveying messages of violence, promiscuous sex, and drugs. When you have children that have no respect for women, themselves, adults, and more important, the law, you have an ugly society. Schools need to reach out to students, but that also requires help from the government with adequate funding. Children need positive role models to help shape their developing minds, to know that there is more to life than what they hear from rappers. But just like all problems, the hardest part is knowing where and how to start.

  30. Al says:

    Long ago I heard an educator explain that, like it or not, there are lessons about civility that each of us, at some point, have to learn. The easiest and best time to teach those lessons is during the pre-school years.

    When that teaching isn’t done, or is ignored, the burden falls to others. It may be teachers, sometimes it falls to policemen and when all else fails the lessons are finally brought home by correction officers. Clearly, that first round of a learning opportunity has passed for some young peopl in Albany and Schenectady. Why it’s failed is not as important as accepting that it’s failed, and taking the steps to repeat the process.

    The question in both these city school systems seems to be understanding who is in charge and what the requirements are. The current ways of dealing with these situations, simply, does not seem to be working or producing the desired results. Coddling these troublesome students has not worked, and doubtfully will ever work, because it avoids dealing with the crux of the problem.

    Those children who make it all the way through to adulthood will have a lifetime of opportunities to express themselves, and take responsibility and be totally accountable for their behavior.
    Getting to adulthood requires a different focus. When children misbehave they need to be taught compliance and FORCED, when necessary, into behaving as required. This assinine emphasis on “self-esteme” has created generations of far too many narcissistic trouble makers who fail to understand that they need to fit into society, rather than expect society to adjust to them.

    A lot of adults in Albany and Schenectady need to start acting the part and retake control of their offspring.