Also, Lincoln Middle School teacher to travel to Antarctica; AHS music students sweep first place awards
Two Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) high schools have been selected for the U.S. News & World Report’s list of the 2024 Best U.S. High Schools (click links to see the magazine’s full overview of each school). Alameda High School was ranked #1404 of 17,655 high schools in the United States, #192 (of 2606 high schools) in the state, and #32 of 240 in the Bay Area. Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School ranked #2884 in the national rankings, #403 in the state rankings, and #56 in the Bay Area.
The rankings are based on six indicators of school quality, including college readiness (based on the number of students taking AP or IBS exams), college curriculum breadth (based on students taking multiple AP or IBS courses students took), state assessments, underserved student performance, and graduation rate. Alameda Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) and Island High School are not ranked as they do not offer AP classes, which would skew the rankings.
From Alameda to Antarctica
Congratulations are also due to Lincoln Middle School science teacher Jennifer Hartigan, who has been selected for the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship, a professional development program supported by the National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions. Over the next two years, Hartigan and 34 other U.S. and Canadian educators will participate in expeditions around the world to areas of geographical and environmental note.
In December, Hartigan will travel to Antarctica aboard the National Geographic Endurance. As a fellow, she also will lead webinars, co-design resources, collaborate with Explorer-led programs, and serve as a mentor to other educators.
“I can’t wait to share my Antarctic experience with my students and provide them with a direct connection to polar climate science,” Hartigan said.”When students see my passion, they become inspired to take leadership in areas that matter to them. I hope this will amplify their climate action projects and inspire them to take care of our beautiful planet.”
AHS Band wins big
Kudos also go to the Alameda High School (AHS) student musicians who swept a series of awards at the recent WorldStrides Performing Arts Heritage Festival in New York City. The AHS students placed first in all three competition categories—Jazz, Symphonic, and String Orchestra. In addition, AHS took home three special category trophies. Jazz Band won the Adjudicator Award trophy for the highest scoring instrumental band that scored above 92, the Symphonic Band won the Outstanding Band trophy for the highest scoring traditional band, and Jazz Band’s Sid Almohajer and Vito Marcacci won solo achievement Maestro Awards.
Congratulations to the students, staff, and families who made this trip and competition such a success.
Susan Davis is the Senior Manager of Community Affairs for the Alameda Unified School District. Reach her at [email protected].
