20-2116 Submission Public Hearing by the Board of Education of Alternatives In Action, Inc. - Alternative in Action High School - Petition and Proposed Charter - Grades 9-12 - July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2026 (5 Year Renewal).
AIA is a much needed approach to education in Oakland and frankly, in most disadvantaged neighborhoods. By providing the unique approach to education and support the students are advancing to higher education and gaining valuable skills to succeed in life and work. As we all are aware this has a direct impact on their long term health and well being along with their long term wealth. One of the best ways to raise people out of long term disadvantages is education. Please allow this wonderful and uniquely positioned organization to continue their fantastic work. The statics show the how well they are doing and have continued to do since inception.
1000 characters isn’t enough to express the level of support I have for this charter renewal.
I am proud to be a former teacher at Alternatives in Action High School. I spent the first six years of my career growing as an educator with the calculated supports in place to make sure new teachers succeed. I will be forever grateful for spending my formative years as a teacher in this special school.
Alternatives in Action High School fills a need in the community that can’t be met elsewhere. The unique charter model makes sure students who are not served by big, mainstream public schools in Oakland can find their footing and thrive, while maintaining a path to a four year university. The transformation of young people I witnessed during my time at AIA has forever changed the way I view education’s role in the community.
I implore you to consider carefully the unique role AIA High School plays in the community and renew the charter so they can continue helping Oakland youth thrive.
I am a former AIA Board member and continuing volunteer and supporter of AIA. I strongly support renewing the AIA charter. The school is a beacon of hope and opportunity for so many youth in Oakland. I have been privileged, over many years, to hear the end-of-year reports from AIA students. Their stories of growth, confidence and success...often with a backdrop of significant challenges....is all it takes to know that AIA is a jewel that Oakland ought to protect.
As a parent of a child that struggled in a traditional high school setting, I think AIA is a gem. I was introduced to it during my research for an alternative program for my son in the SFUSD. While traditional schools try to support many different learning styles, they are not set up to provide the types of encouragement and assistance students AIA is built to deliver.
I have been fortunate to meet many of the students, teachers, and leaders of AIA, and I have been impressed by how aligned all are to the community of learning and leadership they have built. Students are encouraged to begin building their future while in high school, offering incredible opportunities for youth leadership that will serve them and their communities for years to come.
I would like to see AIA increase its enrollment to provide more opportunities for our area youth. They are our future.
As a former Board Member, I am in support of AIA's Charter Renewal. Alternative in Action's students have always impressed me with their leadership development and commitment to become leaders within the community. Alumni of AIA continue to return back to the organization to support its development and to continue to pass on those leadership qualities to the future students, and meeting students where they are. Unfortunately, after having to move outside of the Oakland community for work, I am no longer on the Board, but I look forward to the continued success of AiA and to remain part of the AiA community.
AIA was recommended to me by my cousin, she told me it was a good school because the coaches are really patient and guide you to choose a college. I myself think that the school has a great energy and ambient, it encourages their students to participate in many activities and programs.
I was drawn to Alternatives in Action through the school's unique process of engaging WITH and FOR youth. In addition to focus on test scores and academic outcomes. AIA connects the social and emotional needs of youth, their learning styles and their cultural needs to excite and engage them in the learning process. From the Presentations of Learning (POLs) to the Senior Fire Walks, you can see the unique imprint AIA leaves on youth, families, staff “coaches” and volunteers.
I have been impressed at how many alumni return to work or volunteer with AIA over the nearly 20 years the organization has existed. The school serves a unique purpose in Oakland by working with many youth who haven't been engaged in their previous schools and who flourish with AIA’s staff trained in our special youth development process. AIA manages to engage youth across a spectrum of needs: credit recovery, alternative career pathways and college bound.
My name is Jennifer Lopez. I am a student at AIAHS.
The reason that I came to AIA is because my mom’s friend's daughter told us that it is a good school for us .
AIA is important to me because the coaches really are helping me with what I need help on.
My experience at AIA has supported me by keeping up with my work and being on task.
Something else I appreciate about AIA is it’s a small school and that i get to focus on doing my assignments
Indeed, AIA is a special place because so far it's been a great school and we get well with one another too.
The main reason I think you should renew AIA is because it's a great school to experience and to let others know how great this school is. Infact, if AIA is not renewed it would be more difficult for us because we might move to a new school and it would be more far away from where we live.
Thank you for hearing my comments and for your consideration.
Alternatives in Action High School is a significant pillar to the community. Many students have found their way to AIAHS after struggling academically and socially at other public high schools. Students appreciate the small community and personal relationships they build to where they are able to focus more diligently on their studies. AIAHS has also been a safe haven for students, as the number of altercations and incidents are significantly lower than surrounding schools. As the former College and Career Coordinator, I have seen students take leaps towards a successful life post graduation that they have expressed wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for the community. Lastly, I’d like to say, not only does AIAHS greatly serve students, it serves the community at large as well. Parents are extremely involved to where they’ve hosted clothes drives and fundraisers. AIAHS is very significant to the community and allow it to thrive be able to support its people is the only way.
AIA is important to me because the teachers are really supportive and helpful, if you are having trouble with a assignment they would take their time to try and explain it to you.
My name is Valeria Plascencia . I am a student at AIAHS.
The reason that I came to AIA is because when I walked in the school to talk to someone they made it seem like a nice school community.
AIA is important to me because it’s my only option right now, and it’s helped me to try and push myself to do better in my school work even though it’s difficult right now.
My experience at AIA has supported me by some of the teachers having one-on-one conversations with me.
Something else I appreciate about AIA is that the teachers are very understanding.
Indeed, AIA is a special place because it’s just like one big family that is caring and a good community.
The main reason I think you should renew AIA is because I have actually learned something in this school, these teachers are actually great at teaching.
Infact, if AIA is not renewed I wouldn’t really know what other school I would go to.
Thank you for hearing my comments and for your consideration.
AIA is important to me because of the perfect location: it is in my neighborhood and is the perfect walking distance. The Adult to student ratio is ideal for my learning experience because they make it more personal. My experience at AIAHS has supported me by providing counselors and teachers that guide me through my life inside and out of school. They also insure my graduation and academic success. And without support like that I would not be on the road to success. Something I appreciate about AIA is that my teachers genuinely care about me. They are willing to help me during academic hours if I need help or support. AIA is a special place to me because they've made my freshman year experience good even though we're in a pandemic and not face to face. Without AIA I would be obligated to go to a school that is outside my neighborhood. I would be forced to take public transportation in area that I don"t feel safe in.
Something I appreciate about AIA is that the teachers are supportive another thing is the assignments are useful and it helps me a lot. Overall is a good school.
the reason i came in aia it because i hear from a friend that it a good school and they help people a lot and it a small school witch i like small schools
AIA is important to me because since i became a part of the community I realized how a good school it was. AIA is a school that everyone would feel comfortable in because the teachers that are there would help the students on anything they need help on. Something important from AIA is how all the students will always participate in each class. Something i like from the teachers is that in each class if we ever get silent for a moment they wont get mad they would wait for someone to talk or pick on someone.
My name is Victoria Ojo. I am a student at AIAHS.
The reason that I came to AIA is that I was having trouble at my old school and I felt that often I got off track and needed more support.
AIA is important to me because our youth is a big part of our community, and we are like a family bonded type of school
My experience at AIA has supported me by taking me risk and speaking out more
Something else I appreciate about AIA is everything. Especially my peerś and our staff
Indeed, AIA is a special place because it feels like home. I feel safe there, I feel loved, I feel cared about, I feel important
The main reason I think you should renew AIA is that this is a school that brings us all together. If AIA is not renewed it would break our community apart.
Thank you for hearing my comments and for your consideration.
AIA is important to me because the staff here are really nice. I get the help that I need and the school is filled with a lot of nice people. I even feel like I’ve learned a lot more here than at any other school. My experience at AIA has supported me by always being listened to. When I feel down, the staff is there to make me feel better and when a student sees me down they ask me if I'm ok and they do anything to make me feel better. Something else I appreciate about AIA is the teachers because they are all nice and they really know how to put a smile on someone, even my peers. Indeed, AIA is a special place because it is a second home and a second family to me. The main reason I think you should renew AIA is because this school is more than just friends and peers and teachers, they are family to all of us. Thank you for hearing my comments and for your consideration.
AIA is a much needed approach to education in Oakland and frankly, in most disadvantaged neighborhoods. By providing the unique approach to education and support the students are advancing to higher education and gaining valuable skills to succeed in life and work. As we all are aware this has a direct impact on their long term health and well being along with their long term wealth. One of the best ways to raise people out of long term disadvantages is education. Please allow this wonderful and uniquely positioned organization to continue their fantastic work. The statics show the how well they are doing and have continued to do since inception.
Me encanta AIA por toda la ayuda que me ha dado. Todos los maestros son geniales.
1000 characters isn’t enough to express the level of support I have for this charter renewal.
I am proud to be a former teacher at Alternatives in Action High School. I spent the first six years of my career growing as an educator with the calculated supports in place to make sure new teachers succeed. I will be forever grateful for spending my formative years as a teacher in this special school.
Alternatives in Action High School fills a need in the community that can’t be met elsewhere. The unique charter model makes sure students who are not served by big, mainstream public schools in Oakland can find their footing and thrive, while maintaining a path to a four year university. The transformation of young people I witnessed during my time at AIA has forever changed the way I view education’s role in the community.
I implore you to consider carefully the unique role AIA High School plays in the community and renew the charter so they can continue helping Oakland youth thrive.
I am a former AIA Board member and continuing volunteer and supporter of AIA. I strongly support renewing the AIA charter. The school is a beacon of hope and opportunity for so many youth in Oakland. I have been privileged, over many years, to hear the end-of-year reports from AIA students. Their stories of growth, confidence and success...often with a backdrop of significant challenges....is all it takes to know that AIA is a jewel that Oakland ought to protect.
As a parent of a child that struggled in a traditional high school setting, I think AIA is a gem. I was introduced to it during my research for an alternative program for my son in the SFUSD. While traditional schools try to support many different learning styles, they are not set up to provide the types of encouragement and assistance students AIA is built to deliver.
I have been fortunate to meet many of the students, teachers, and leaders of AIA, and I have been impressed by how aligned all are to the community of learning and leadership they have built. Students are encouraged to begin building their future while in high school, offering incredible opportunities for youth leadership that will serve them and their communities for years to come.
I would like to see AIA increase its enrollment to provide more opportunities for our area youth. They are our future.
Idk tbh
As a former Board Member, I am in support of AIA's Charter Renewal. Alternative in Action's students have always impressed me with their leadership development and commitment to become leaders within the community. Alumni of AIA continue to return back to the organization to support its development and to continue to pass on those leadership qualities to the future students, and meeting students where they are. Unfortunately, after having to move outside of the Oakland community for work, I am no longer on the Board, but I look forward to the continued success of AiA and to remain part of the AiA community.
AIA was recommended to me by my cousin, she told me it was a good school because the coaches are really patient and guide you to choose a college. I myself think that the school has a great energy and ambient, it encourages their students to participate in many activities and programs.
I was drawn to Alternatives in Action through the school's unique process of engaging WITH and FOR youth. In addition to focus on test scores and academic outcomes. AIA connects the social and emotional needs of youth, their learning styles and their cultural needs to excite and engage them in the learning process. From the Presentations of Learning (POLs) to the Senior Fire Walks, you can see the unique imprint AIA leaves on youth, families, staff “coaches” and volunteers.
I have been impressed at how many alumni return to work or volunteer with AIA over the nearly 20 years the organization has existed. The school serves a unique purpose in Oakland by working with many youth who haven't been engaged in their previous schools and who flourish with AIA’s staff trained in our special youth development process. AIA manages to engage youth across a spectrum of needs: credit recovery, alternative career pathways and college bound.
My name is Jennifer Lopez. I am a student at AIAHS.
The reason that I came to AIA is because my mom’s friend's daughter told us that it is a good school for us .
AIA is important to me because the coaches really are helping me with what I need help on.
My experience at AIA has supported me by keeping up with my work and being on task.
Something else I appreciate about AIA is it’s a small school and that i get to focus on doing my assignments
Indeed, AIA is a special place because so far it's been a great school and we get well with one another too.
The main reason I think you should renew AIA is because it's a great school to experience and to let others know how great this school is. Infact, if AIA is not renewed it would be more difficult for us because we might move to a new school and it would be more far away from where we live.
Thank you for hearing my comments and for your consideration.
Alternatives in Action High School is a significant pillar to the community. Many students have found their way to AIAHS after struggling academically and socially at other public high schools. Students appreciate the small community and personal relationships they build to where they are able to focus more diligently on their studies. AIAHS has also been a safe haven for students, as the number of altercations and incidents are significantly lower than surrounding schools. As the former College and Career Coordinator, I have seen students take leaps towards a successful life post graduation that they have expressed wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for the community. Lastly, I’d like to say, not only does AIAHS greatly serve students, it serves the community at large as well. Parents are extremely involved to where they’ve hosted clothes drives and fundraisers. AIAHS is very significant to the community and allow it to thrive be able to support its people is the only way.
AIA is important to me because the teachers are really supportive and helpful, if you are having trouble with a assignment they would take their time to try and explain it to you.
Dear OUSD,
My name is Valeria Plascencia . I am a student at AIAHS.
The reason that I came to AIA is because when I walked in the school to talk to someone they made it seem like a nice school community.
AIA is important to me because it’s my only option right now, and it’s helped me to try and push myself to do better in my school work even though it’s difficult right now.
My experience at AIA has supported me by some of the teachers having one-on-one conversations with me.
Something else I appreciate about AIA is that the teachers are very understanding.
Indeed, AIA is a special place because it’s just like one big family that is caring and a good community.
The main reason I think you should renew AIA is because I have actually learned something in this school, these teachers are actually great at teaching.
Infact, if AIA is not renewed I wouldn’t really know what other school I would go to.
Thank you for hearing my comments and for your consideration.
AIA is important to me because of the perfect location: it is in my neighborhood and is the perfect walking distance. The Adult to student ratio is ideal for my learning experience because they make it more personal. My experience at AIAHS has supported me by providing counselors and teachers that guide me through my life inside and out of school. They also insure my graduation and academic success. And without support like that I would not be on the road to success. Something I appreciate about AIA is that my teachers genuinely care about me. They are willing to help me during academic hours if I need help or support. AIA is a special place to me because they've made my freshman year experience good even though we're in a pandemic and not face to face. Without AIA I would be obligated to go to a school that is outside my neighborhood. I would be forced to take public transportation in area that I don"t feel safe in.
Something I appreciate about AIA is that the teachers are supportive another thing is the assignments are useful and it helps me a lot. Overall is a good school.
the reason i came in aia it because i hear from a friend that it a good school and they help people a lot and it a small school witch i like small schools
I am a freshman at this school. SInce coronona hit i dont think ive actually experience being in school with them . But their good ig
AIA is important to me because since i became a part of the community I realized how a good school it was. AIA is a school that everyone would feel comfortable in because the teachers that are there would help the students on anything they need help on. Something important from AIA is how all the students will always participate in each class. Something i like from the teachers is that in each class if we ever get silent for a moment they wont get mad they would wait for someone to talk or pick on someone.
My name is Victoria Ojo. I am a student at AIAHS.
The reason that I came to AIA is that I was having trouble at my old school and I felt that often I got off track and needed more support.
AIA is important to me because our youth is a big part of our community, and we are like a family bonded type of school
My experience at AIA has supported me by taking me risk and speaking out more
Something else I appreciate about AIA is everything. Especially my peerś and our staff
Indeed, AIA is a special place because it feels like home. I feel safe there, I feel loved, I feel cared about, I feel important
The main reason I think you should renew AIA is that this is a school that brings us all together. If AIA is not renewed it would break our community apart.
Thank you for hearing my comments and for your consideration.
AIA is important to me because the staff here are really nice. I get the help that I need and the school is filled with a lot of nice people. I even feel like I’ve learned a lot more here than at any other school. My experience at AIA has supported me by always being listened to. When I feel down, the staff is there to make me feel better and when a student sees me down they ask me if I'm ok and they do anything to make me feel better. Something else I appreciate about AIA is the teachers because they are all nice and they really know how to put a smile on someone, even my peers. Indeed, AIA is a special place because it is a second home and a second family to me. The main reason I think you should renew AIA is because this school is more than just friends and peers and teachers, they are family to all of us. Thank you for hearing my comments and for your consideration.