Spring has sprung across the island, and Alameda Unified School District (AUSD), students and school site staff are on vacation this week—the last stretch of time off before schools close on June 5. Our District Office will be open through Thursday, April 10, however, for families, employees, or community members who have business matters to address with staff.
Teacher of the Year
Our big news this week is that Michael Wong, a fourth and fifth grade teacher at Paden Elementary School, has been named 2025 Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Wong—known as “Teacher Kramer Wong” by his students—has taught at Paden Elementary School since 2011. He received both his bachelor’s degree in Social Psychology and a business certificate from UC San Diego. He earned his teaching credential from California State University East Bay.
Colleagues who submitted recommendation letters described Mr. Wong as a thoughtful, creative teacher who nurtures not only individual student growth but also school culture and leadership.
“Within his classroom, Mr. Wong creates a structured, nurturing environment that meets the diverse needs of his students,” wrote Paden Principal Tri Nguyen. “He skillfully addresses behavioral challenges with both tact and compassion, balancing high expectations with strong relationship-building. His classroom is a place where students feel empowered to grow.”
Distinguished Schools
We’re also delighted to announce that the California Department of Education (CDE) has named both Love Elementary School and Bay Farm School “Distinguished Schools.”
The CDE uses multiple measures to identify eligible schools based on their performance on indicators in the California School Dashboard, including Math and English Language Arts assessment results, chronic absenteeism, suspension rates, student engagement, and positive school climate.
Just 336 of the 5,856 elementary schools across the state received the award this year.
Upcoming events
Two upcoming events of interest to the community:
- April 16, 6:30 p.m. – Inspired by Antarctica: Lincoln Middle School sixth graders and their science teacher, Jenny Hartigan, will be at the main branch of the Alameda Free Library, 1550 Oak Street, to educate the community about the importance of taking care of the planet. The presentation will focus on Antarctica, where Hartigan traveled in December as part of the National Geographic Grosvenor Fellowship. The event will feature interactive games, art, video, poetry, and other activities and all ages are welcome.
- April 26, 10 a.m. to noon – Job Fair: AUSD’s Human Resources Department is hosting a Job Fair at Ruby Bridges Elementary School, 351 Jack London Avenue. Staff will be on hand to talk about openings at the school district and the many benefits of working for our organization (including pensions and paid vacations).
Susan Davis is the Senior Manager of Community Affairs for the Alameda Unified School District. Reach her at [email protected].
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