FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 1st, 2023
CONTACT: AIMS Communications and Marketing Department
Email: communications@aimsk12.org
Phone: 510-390-1624
@aims_k12
AIMS Elementary School (AIPCS II K-8) Wins
the 2023 California Distinguished Schools Award
Oakland, Calif.- On January 6th, 2023, AIMS College Prep Elementary School (AIPCS II K-8) was the proud recipient of the 2023 CA Distinguished School Award. The California Department of Education and State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, grants the award to schools that show exceptional innovation and dedication to excellence in education.
AIMS Elementary, Middle, and High Schools all won the CA Pivotal Practice Award in 2022. In 2022, CA Department of Education utilized the CAPP Awards as a replacement for the Distinguished School Awards to highlight the pivotal practice that schools implemented during distance learning regarding student engagement, technology distribution, nutrition services, and the Social-Emotional well-being of students.
The CA Distinguished Schools Award program returned this year after a temporary suspension of state and local data collection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools are selected for the CA Distinguished School Award based on data reported from the California School Dashboard in 2022. The CDE recognizes Elementary, Middle, and High Schools in alternating years, so each school honored holds the title of a CA Distinguished School for two years. The prestigious award was given to 356 schools and AIMS Elementary School was one of only three Oakland Unified Schools recognized for their achievements. The California Department of Education considers test results, socioeconomic data, absenteeism, and suspension rates when selecting the winners. Schools are recognized for excellent student performance and for closing the opportunity gap, also known as the achievement gap.
“I am pleased to hear that AIPCS II has been designated a California Distinguished School,” said Superintendent Maya Woods-Cadiz. “Every year AIMS starts the school year out with an all-employee professional development called ‘Boot Camp.’ In August of 2021, I set the audacious goal of AIMS once again becoming a district with a California Distinguished designated school. Under the leadership of the Head of School, Christopher Ahmad, and then Head of School, Maryetta Golden, the Elementary team took this challenge to heart and met the goal. This award is even dearer because AIMS faced the challenge of educating students during the pandemic when we were being measured for qualifying as a California Distinguished School.” After all their dedication, “Mr. Ahmad and Ms. Golden have moved to positions that have an even greater impact on the success of AIMS. The new Head of School, Mrs. Glass, continues the great work.”
“The AIMS Family would like to give thanks for recognizing us for this prestigious award,” Director of Data and Academic Performance, Mr. Ahmad, expressed. “We would also like to thank the Superintendent, administrators, teachers, staff, and students. Without their hard work, none of this would've been accomplished. Each year we aim to improve and show how dedication, focus, and persistence create a top-performing academic program.
“I began my tenure as Elementary Head of School in 2021 and continued through 2021 and 2022 school years.” Ms. Maryetta Golden, the Head of the Division said, “During our Administrative Boot Camp for both school years, Superintendent Maya Woods-Cadiz, advocated for the school leaders to plan and work towards having our sites become Distinguished Schools. Well, I really took it seriously and made it a priority to do just that. Planning with an amazing staff and leadership committee, made that our goal. We started with high expectations for our students and the entire staff espoused those goals. We worked passionately as a team to achieve just that and so excited to know we accomplished it. AIMS Elementary is continuing with a good leader and amazing staff.”
“Congratulations AIMS Elementary! It is an extremely high honor to be recognized for the 2023 California Distinguished School Award for Elementary School,” the Head of School, Mrs. Glass says. “We are only 1 of 3 elementary schools in Oakland Unified to be recognized for this praiseworthy accomplishment. Thank you to our amazing teachers for the brilliant work that you continue to do in educating, challenging, and supporting our students to thrive. Thank you students for maintaining academic excellence and integrity. To our AIMS families, your partnership allows us to cultivate a dynamic group of leaders and academic scholars. Together we are a stellar demonstration of the AIMS core values: Excellence, Wisdom and Knowledge, Empathy, Family and Community, Equity, and Legacy. “We are Stronger Together and Together We are AIMSTRONG!”
AIMS College Prep Charter District was founded in Oakland in 1996 and serves approximately 1300 students, 60% of whom qualify for free or reduced lunch. The AIMS community of learners is committed to excellence in academic performance, high standards with a high level of support, and student accountability for attendance and education. AIMS Schools incorporate STEAM, benchmark assessment, character development, and early academic intervention to achieve their vision for equity in education and lifelong student success.
# # #