Re: Oakland ''Hidden Gem'' Elementaries
Regarding ''hidden gem'' elementary schools in Oakland, I want to spread the word that Piedmont Avenue Elementary has a lot going for it these days. We have 2 kids there, and have been very pleased with the teachers, principal, the physical plant and the growing involvement of the PTA. The school needs some more parental (and grandparental) involvement, and that is starting to happen. There are also some great volunteers -- local retirees and the Experience Corps -- as well as two high- quality after school programs. Two music programs, an art/dance teacher, and a Sports 4 Kids physical education teacher round out the school time offerings.

There are 2 upcoming house meetings for people interested in learning more about Piedmont Avenue for their incoming kindergartener or older child. Philippa

I went in to Piedmont Avenue School to check it out unannounced. What I saw impressed me a lot. I saw classrooms in which the students were engaged and studying. The classrooms were clean, quiet, and not overcrowded. I made it a point to talk to teachers that I met in the hallway. I found them to be friendly, well spoken, and polite. After that I asked the secretary in the principal's office if by any small chance I could meet the principal. I didn't expect to meet her. I was surprised when she came out, greeted me and invited me into her office. I got to ask her questions about her school, what I had heard about the school and her, and talk about the philosophy of the school. She encouraged me to get involved with the school and the PTA. I left there very excited. Up until now I was not sure if I was going to send my children to this school. My husband and I were thinking of trying another district or going the private route. I really wanted this school because I live in the community. I have decided that from my brief meetings that my option is to get involved with the PTA, volunteer as much as I can, and become part of the school and make it mine. I want my kids to go to a place they can be proud of, learn a great deal from, and be safe. I invite everyone to check it out. You may leave very happy to have found a public school that you can call home. Renee

Dr. Angela Haick, the principal of Piedmont Avenue Elementary School in Oakland, is leading school tours at 9:00 am each Friday in January for parents of prospective Kindergarteners. You'll visit all of the Kindergarten classes and tour the library and computer center run by our full time librarian/computer teacher. You'll find out about our Arts/PE program run by a full time teacher, our band program that includes a component for all third graders, and our afterschool programs. Piedmont Avenue School has a diverse student body and a beautiful facility that blends an earlier Art Deco building with a modern wing built in the last several years. We're located at 4314 Piedmont Avenue in one of Oakland's most vibrant neighborhoods. Come check us out! Susan B, PTA Mom

Re: Did not get your public school choice in Oakland?
We also applied to a charter school, only to find ourselves competing (unsuccessfully) with 74 other families, for 5 kindergarten spots! To me, it seems pretty clear that we will not be able to transfer to an already excellent public school outside of the neighborhood, this year or in the near future. Therefore, I am hoping to feel comfortable sending my child to our neighborhood school next year -- we're doing 1 more year of preschool, for a number of reasons. For those who live in the Piedmont Avenue Elementary School neighborhood, and are thinking some of these same thoughts, I hope that you will sign up for the Yahoo group I started. Here's the information: Group name: walktoschool Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/walktoschool Let's talk about what we can do together so that our kids really can walk to an excellent Oakland elementary school.
Piedmont Ave parent

Hi. I am a parent of a 3.5 year old and am starting to look around at kindergartens for my son for September 2007. I just attended an informational meeting for Piedmont Avenue School, our neighborhood school, with its relatively new principal, Dr. Haick (she's in her third year there). I was very impressed, and I'd like to encourage other parents in our neighborhood to please take a look and visit the school before making a decision about where to send your child. In the past the school has not had the greatest reputation, and parent involvement had been quite low. Dr. Haick and some very dedicated teachers and parents have changed all of th at -- there is now an active and growing PTA. Test scores have improved dramatically in the past few years. Dr. Haick is also doing her best to bring more art and music into the school, as well as to improve the computer facilities -- they now have a computer specialist on staff. I encourage everyone to check it out for themselves -- there will be tours every Friday morning at 9am from now till April -- just show up at the school, located at 4314 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland. Diane

Thinking about a public school in Oakland? Check out PiedmontAve. Elementary on Piedmont Ave. at Echo. It's really up and coming with a very dedicated pricipal, teachers and staff. The PTA is very active with fundraising and increasing parent participation to make the school the absolute best! Before you think about enrolling in another Oakland school, or have a preschooler and are just beginning your search, come visit the school and see the good work going on! Pam

I am looking for other parents iliving in the Piedmont Ave. area who are interested in looking into Piedmont Ave. elementary. If you would like to consider PIedmont Ave. school as an option for your child -- or would be interested in improving the school for others -- let's talk. (My son is only one year old, so school is a ways off for us -- but would like to find out more, meet others, begin to organize, etc.). also -- any advice from other parents who've worked to improve other oakland public schools most welcome! Jacqueline