AIMSupt. Monthly
May 2020 | Issue 6
Greetings,
As this year is coming to a close in a way none of us could have predicted, AIMS remains committed to meeting the needs of our students and families, while honoring and celebrating their many achievements. As we prepare to send our AIMS High School Class of 2020 off to college in the Fall, we are also focused on ensuring a healthy and safe environment for our students to return to campus in August. AIMS stays committed to the belief that students thrive in a secure, safe and happy space. For the wellbeing of the population we serve, we believe it is best for our students to have access to the many supports we provide, including regular meals and social interaction. Our decision to open in August is not an easy task, but we take our responsibility to provide a safe school environment seriously.
AIMS College Prep Elementary & Middle Schools Named 2020 Top-Performing Bay Area Public Schools
Innovate Public schools just released their 2020 report recognizing the Top Bay Area Public schools for underserved students. Out of 1,280 Bay Area schools, AIMS is one of three schools recognized for making strides for African-American students. For low-income African-American students, AIMS is the only Elementary school recognized in the categories for English and Math proficiency. We are the only Middle school in the category of Math proficiency for low-income African-American students. Additionally, our Middle school is one of two schools recognized in English proficiency for low-income African-American students. We are so honored to receive this recognition from Innovate Public Schools. More importantly, we are proud to know that AIMS continues to be at the forefront of breaking academic barriers for traditionally underserved student populations. You can access the full report here.
AIMS High School Sports Banquet
The Covid-19 school closures unfortunately cancelled our Spring sports season and the sports celebrations we typically hold, were also impacted. We knew that for the social and emotional well-being of our AIMS family, a moment to come together in celebration was much needed. On May 16th, we held our first ever Virtual Sports Banquet. We honored our Boys & Girls High School Basketball athletes in award categories such as MVP, Most Improved player, and Offensive/Defensive player of the year. We honored players who maintained an above 3.5 GPA and presented players with Varsity letters. Additionally, we celebrated the Boys’ second consecutive BACSAC Division B Championship title. In just the two short years of AIMS Boys Basketball history, they have taken the Championship title every year. It was a great event that lifted the spirits up of our school community during a difficult time. In case you missed it, you can watch a extended replay on our AIMS Facebook page or Youtube page.
AIMS High School Virtual College Signing Day
On May 23rd we held our First Virtual College Signing Day The event included 75 of our graduating seniors participating in a unique NBA/NFL Draft day inspired event. Each student was presented during the event and had their college plans announced. We could not be more proud of each and every one of our graduates as they prepare to attend universities across the nation this upcoming Fall semester. While we have so much to be proud of this year, moments like this remind us of why we are so dedicated to the work that we do on behalf of our students. Congratulations to our High School graduates, we know you will all go on to make a difference in the world. Watch the event highlights here, and the full version will be posted soon!
Our First Ever AIMS Letterman Jackets
In a new milestone for AIMS, this year we are excited to unveil a special gift to this year’s graduating class. While our Seniors this year had to miss out on the usual graduation events that leave long-lasting memories such as prom and a senior trip, we wanted to create a new legacy that was special to this year’s class. During a zoom call with our seniors, our head of school Mr. Williams surprised students with a video presentation showing them their one of a kind Letterman jackets that they will be receiving. This year’s class will always be a part of AIMS history. You can view a promotional trailer with the announcement here.
Elementary and Middle School Transitions
Our Elementary and Middle Heads of Schools recently held parent meetings with our 5th and 8th grade parents as they prepare for graduation. One of the key benefits of being a K-12 system is the foundation of a strong school community. With the K-12 model, we watch our students grow up into brilliant young people, create long lasting friendships, and we watch our families build strong connections together. The high quality learning services our students receive starting in elementary school, follows them into middle and high school. All of our students receive automatic admission into the next school level. We are excited to have our wonderful students continue to be a part of our growing AIMS family and we look forward to seeing all that they will achieve.
AIMS Maintains High Standards with Distance Learninglementary and Middle School Transitions
Alongside our Heads of Elementary, Middle, and High school, we were featured in an article about our distance learning achievements by the Oakland based community organization Families in Action for Quality Education. We shared some of our experiences with transitioning to distance learning, why it is so important that our students continue to receive high quality virtual learning during this time, and how we worked to look after the needs of our students. You can read the article here and please feel free to share it widely.
Meet our Board of Directors: President Toni Cook
AIMS Board President Toni Cook has a legacy in Oakland that goes back 30+ years. Toni has taught at Universities such as Berkeley, Howard, and Morgan. She was a dean at the College of Alameda and served on the OUSD Board of Education for two terms. Toni has a long history of dedication to education. She holds a B.A and Masters in Urban Planning from the University of California, Los Angeles. Toni sat down with us to reflect on her AIMS experience and this is what she had to say:
On what inspired her to become a part of the AIMS organization:
“I was drawn to the commitment to excellence that AIMS upholds. I appreciate their innovative approach to education and the commitment to the belief that every student is capable of learning regardless of their learning needs or home situation. We know what works, and that is providing students with the extra support they need.”
On what motivates her to continue her work on behalf of Oakland students:
“While I was at the College of Alameda, I had students in my African American history class who struggled to read aloud only to find out that they graduated from high school being unable to read. This taught me that if we can shift towards meeting the needs of students early on, this does not have to happen to future generations. To be a part of the development of tomorrow's children is my ministry.”
Advice to this year’s graduating class:
“It is your time. As you go and do whatever you do, you cannot define yourself based on your GPA or SAT score, what school you did or didn’t get into, it’s about what’s in your soul. If you are not working for social justice, you are a part of the problem.”
We are so grateful to President Cook for her dedication to supporting our AIMS students and the legacy that she brings to our organization.
Virtual Job Fair Recap
In another new milestone for AIMS, we held our first virtual job fair where we got to meet some amazing teacher candidates. During the virtual event, our heads of school were able to meet and interview each candidate. The virtual event was a success and we look forward to bringing in new energy and fresh ideas that improve our students’ experience in the classroom.
In times of adversity and uncertainty, we are often reminded of what’s really important. While no one was prepared to face this current reality, I am so proud of this community for their perseverance, compassion, and adaptability. We thank everyone who joined us in celebrating our students, it is important that they be recognized for their achievements and that we as a community keep our spirits up. We often say we are stronger together, and together we are AIMSTRONG; now more than ever we see this being played out in everyday action.
Respectfully,
Maya Woods-Cadiz
Superintendent
AIMS K-12 College Prep Charter District
