WHS awarded California Distinguished School status

By Jonathan Pham

Washington was awarded California Distinguished School status April 1. The school and Hopkins Junior High, which also received the award, were the only schools eligible from Fremont Unified School District. Washington became eligible when STAR test scores and student achievement data markedly improved in the past year.

“This whole thing came as a surprise to us,” Vice Principal Vinh Lam said.

In its application, the school identified two signature practices as leading to an increase in student achievement.

The first was the Small Learning Communities (SLC) program, which arranged for teachers and other administrators to work with ninth and tenth grade students. Also, within SLC was AVID – the Advanced Via Individual Determination program. AVID allows students to tutor and help other students with their class work. Washington currently has two class periods for AVID.

The second signature practice that contributed to the increase in student achievement was our staff cycle of inquiry work. With this, teachers could work with underachieving students and help them achieve at a higher level.

“Our school has achieved a lot in the past few years, and we need to continue the good work. We need to accelerate and achieve,” Lam said.

Out of the 41 high schools in Alameda County, only four received the Distinguished School award, which is valid for four years. The last time Washington received this award was in 1990.

Students enjoy their food in one of the distinguished lunch areas. In addition to improving academic programs, the school has also enhanced the campus environment.