Fast Track
Board briefs
At its February 12 public meeting, the Board of Education heard presentations on Wood Middle School, the final report from the Committee to Consider High School Consolidation and Alternative Scenarios, and AUSD's disciplinary policies and restorative practices. The Board voted to begin Measure I bond construction at Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School and to ratify the tentative agreement with Alameda Education Association. The Board also directed staff to expedite an exploration of implementing later school start times for high schools for Fall, 2019.
The agenda for the meeting is available here. The next regular Board of Education meeting is on February 26, 2019.
season for nonviolence readings
February 15: Today’s principle of nonviolence is Choice.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called nonviolence “a sword that heals." In every conflict we have a choice to stand our ground with words and actions that injure or to stand our ground with words and actions that heal.
When we choose nonviolence, we recognize the pain and humanity of our opponents. Holocaust survivor and philosopher Viktor Frankl wrote, “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
You can learn more about the Season for Nonviolence activities here.
sad news of student death
We are saddened to report that a 2018 graduate from Encinal High School took his own life earlier this week. The student, Joseph Reyes, attended both Island High School and Encinal High School during his time with AUSD and recently has been helping with the DECA classes at EHS.
We would like to remind all students and families that when a young person dies by suicide, other teens sometimes experience overwhelming feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Please contact a trusted adult at your school or in the community if you know of a student who is struggling with depression in general or this sudden loss in particular. Warning signs can include talking about wanting to die, looking for a way to kill oneself, talking about hopelessness or feeling trapped, and changes in sleep, substance use, appetite, or moods. We have links to more information about the warning signs, as well as help lines and community organizations, on the Suicide Prevention Resources page on our website. We also have counselors available to talk to students who would like some support.
In addition, Joseph’s father has asked that we encourage students, families, and community members to watch “The Mask You Live In,” a documentary film that addresses the narrow limits of American masculinity and how this hurts boys and young men. He also encourages students and adults alike to find trusted people with whom they can talk, so that they can get support in processing difficult emotions and feel less alone.
We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and teachers of Joseph in this difficult time.
february 18-22: President's week
All AUSD schools will be closed the week of February 18-22. District Office will be closed on February 18 and 19 but will open again on February 20, 21, and 22.
DISTRICT OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
8:00 ~ 5:00
About AUSD
Serving Alameda children since 1855, the Alameda Unified School District’s mission is to effectively use our limited resources to ensure that every child succeeds. We believe that our diverse community of students, given a rigorous academic program in an inclusive, safe and secure environment, will be prepared to be responsible citizens.
The district, which serves about 9500 students, has a wide range of school offerings, including a preschool, nine elementary schools, four middle schools, two comprehensive high schools, a continuation high school, an Early College High School, and an adult school. Approximately 18% of students are English language learners, reflecting the richness of cultures represented in our island city.
We are very proud of the high quality education our staff provides. U.S. News and World Report has recognized Alameda and Encinal High Schools as two of the top 1500 high schools in the nation. Our schools have also received gold, blue, and green ribbon awards from both the California and U.S. Departments of Education, and our graduates go on to a wide range of colleges and universities, as well as apprenticeships and jobs.
