Meeting Time: January 08, 2020 at 4:00pm PST
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Agenda Item

S.-3 19-2227 Approval by the Board of Education of Oakland School for the Arts - Petition and Proposed Charter - Grades 6-12 - July 1, 2020-June 30, 2025 (Renewal).

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    Nico Daddio about 4 years ago

    I have been going to OSA for two years now in the dance department. At this school not only am I getting a good education in academics, but also a good education in the arts. The fact that I have arts with my academics has also kept my grades above water because I have dance to encourage me. I have my supportive friends, teachers and community to help as well, all on them teaching me lessons I will need for the future. These are just some of the reasons OSA should stay open, not only for the students who go here, but for the whole community of the East Bay, and all the students and teachers who walked through these halls in passed years.

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    Juana Romero about 4 years ago

    My niece is her first year at OSA. I had never seen her so excited about her school. She always struggled with fitting in with other kids when she was at OUSD. She has not only become very confident singer but also for the first time feels competent and ready to take tests. She knows she will go to college because she is in a good school at tells everyone she goes to OSA with pride. Please renew charter

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    Maile LeBoeuf about 4 years ago

    My daughter hopes to attend this school.

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    sivan gurarieh about 4 years ago

    Please renew the charter for OSA. My son goes to OSA and it is an incredible place for a young person to grow and learn.

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    Monique Wethy about 4 years ago

    I am in 7th grade at OSA I really love the school and the opportunities it creates for students in the Bay Area. I would be forced to go to my district school in my area if OSA closed and I would hate to have that happen because of all the friendships and bonds I have made there, I think this goes for all students. I also believe it unreasonable to close the school since there are no other arts schools for middle school in Oakland. Please reconsider.

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    Declan McMahon about 4 years ago

    I go to OSA and have for two years. This school has helped me get out of my shell and build community in so many different ways. Please do not close OSA.

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    Jim McSilver about 4 years ago

    Please renew the charter for OSA. My son is in his second year there and truly loves it. He has grown so much through OSA's arts and academic programs. OSA has worked hard to meet the district's requirements and to make the school's program's accessible to all.

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    Nuala CW about 4 years ago

    I have been at OSA for just two years, but I love it. Please keep our school open.

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    Lily Washam about 4 years ago

    Please renew the charter for OSA . This school is a place we’re kids can learn to express themselves through art and academics. OSA is setting the kids that go there is for a life and a career. If you take this away from us the future for the kids and for you will be different. You can’t get this education and art programs anywhere else.

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    Elena Brignole about 4 years ago

    I support the charter renewal for OSA. This school provides solid academics, an inclusive and diverse environment that represents Oakland, and an extraordinary opportunity to develop one's passion for the arts.

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    Lori Selke about 4 years ago

    My twin children are in their first year at OSA middle school and couldn't be happier. The school is incredibly supportive of their academic, social, and artistic development. The staff and teachers in particular go out of their way to be helpful and accessible. I would recommend OSA to any and all interested parents. I am simply impressed again and again by the hard work and dedication this school demonstrates, as well as their commitment to the kids. It's an incredible program that deserves to be supported by the school board and the city of Oakland. OSA is a gem. There should be more schools like it.

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    Lily BrodyKaplan about 4 years ago

    I go to OSA and I love it! It is a safe place for me to be myself and not get judged by anyone. The academics and arts are great!

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    David Tozer about 4 years ago

    OSA has proved to be a supportive and nurturing environment for my daughter, both on an academic level and with respect to her *production design* (PD) emphasis. Her enthusiasm for PD (the syllabus, the teacher, the applied nature of the work and opportunity to bond with her peers during after-school drama projects such as set design for the Haunted House or a lighting project for The Importance of Being Earnest) has actually sparked a deeper appetite for learning in general...even math. I thoroughly recommend and congratulate the faculty and staff at OSA.

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    Elizabeth Lyons about 4 years ago

    There are so many comments regarding the amazing program and community of OSA, so other than concurring and fully supporting the renewal of our charter, I want address something more pertinent: The OSA administration, board and APT board and greater community has made many changes to become more inclusive and to serve and welcome a diverse, Oakland based learner. We have all agreed to cease auditions to that end. We have devised ways to continue to deliver a high quality, intensive education and training environment for the budding artist that seeks a professional career while also providing a rigorous academic education. I quite impressed by the dedication, flexibility and openness this community showed while
    committing to these changes.

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    Rachel Ramos about 4 years ago

    Please consider to keep OSA open. This is a great school and great opportunities for the children who attend this school. It would be so heart breaking yo take OSA away from the students. Oakland needs to have more schools like OSA, that supports our young children.

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    Laura Babitt about 4 years ago

    Please renew the charter for OSA. This is one of the best things that has come to Oakland Schools. We need more schools like this and the Oakland Board of Education should make a plan to make more arts schools while supporting the one it has. Thanks!

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    Tara Ogle about 4 years ago

    Oakland School for the Arts, is a unique and precious resource for Oakland families and the city as a whole. In a time when public schools have been pressured to teach to the test and cut enrichment programs, Oakland School for the Arts provides free arts education regardless of socioeconomic background. For my own daughter and her peers, OSA has provided a nurturing, inclusive environment provided an environment where they can grow and thrive.

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    Eli Olson about 4 years ago

    As a parent of a special needs, artistic teen, there was no other choice but Oakland School for the Arts. Our daughter can be her artistic self and is the happiest she's been in her entire life. Now a Junior in High School, she is thriving. She is able to manage her academic and artistic goals and look forward to college in a way that she never thought possible. The fact she has a strong portfolio at 16 is astounding and it's all due to this unique, amazing school called OSA. Please keep OSA for all the upcoming generations of special artistic kids. They too need a place they can go where they can thrive and call home.

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    Baby Djojonegoro about 4 years ago

    As a parent of a middle school student at Oakland School for the Arts, I see and hear the importance of the school to its families and community. It's an excellent place for students to explore and be nurtured in creating art, and Oakland is the richer for it. Not only does it provide an arts-centered curriculum, the school is also a safe space for many students who often don't adhere to the conventional and usual interests and appearance of their peer. Please renew the charter for the Oakland School for the Arts so that all of us can benefit. Thank you.

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    Cynthia Ng about 4 years ago

    There is no other school in the OUSD district like this. Unique in academic achievement, social diversity and the Arts. A diamond is the rough and your most accompanied asset.