Data from educational justice group shows that charters are pivotal in helping students overcome the barriers of poverty 

SACRAMENTO – A list released in October, 2015, of the highest performing schools for low-income students across California, released by the non-partisan research and advocacy group Education-Trust West, reveals that the majority are charter public schools. This is the latest data affirming that charter schools are pivotal in helping students overcome the barriers of poverty.

“It is crucial that California celebrates and learns from the schools that are yielding the strongest results for those students with the greatest needs,” says Myrna Castrejon, acting CEO of the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA). “We are thrilled to see that so many of these schools are charters. Clearly charters are fulfilling their mission of helping historically under-served students get the education they deserve, and we will continue to support our charter schools and ensure they continue to help students in poverty excel.”

The new Ed Trust-West data highlights the “top 10 highest performing schools for low-income 3rd, 8th and 11th grade students” in California. In 3rd and 11th grade, five of the top ten are charter schools. In 8th grade, seven of the top ten are charters.

“This data helps explain why there are more than 150,000 students, many of them living in poverty, on charter school wait lists throughout California,” says Castrejon. “These students and their families recognize that in many cases charters are their best hope for success. As legislators and school boards seek to provide their communities with the best possible schools, this data speaks loud and clear: charters are a big part of the solution.”

The new data from the Education Trust-West is available here:

https://west.edtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2015/10/CAASPP-Equity-Alert-2015-OCTOBER.pdf

The California Charter Schools Association’s vision is to increase student learning by growing the number of families choosing high quality charter public schools so that no child is denied the right to a great public education. Our mission is to ensure a million students attend charter public schools by 2022, with charter public schools outperforming non-charter public schools on every measure. We do this by serving as the advocacy organization that builds the policy environment needed to grow as quickly as possible the number of students attending high quality charter public schools. For more information, please visit our website at www.ccsa.org.

Residents of Cobblestone Care Home in Antioch, Hazel Shelton and Fern Chisum are greeted by Santa (aka Angelo Pappas), Manager Angie Ramandanen and AEWF Board Member Sandy Fredrickson during the Santa for Seniors on Wednesday, December 16, 2015.

By Allen Payton

During their 10th Annual Santa For Seniors project the Board of Directors of An Elderly Wish Foundation adopted four board and care homes for Christmas.

On Wednesday, December 16th, nine board members played Santa Claus for 20 seniors, in two homes in Antioch and two in Pittsburg, by delivering a large Christmas bag to each one of the residents which included scarves, socks, combs, toiletries and puzzle books. Each large bag also included a shoulder shawl, a handmade lap quilt, thanks to Bernie Cabrera, owner of Queen B’s Quilt Shop and a stuffed animal from Jim Lanter at State Farm, both located in Antioch.

“All of us enjoyed singing Christmas Carols upon arrival, and then singing with the residents once the gifts were opened,” said Mary Chapman, Executive Director of the foundation. “It was a joyous day for all, as we shared the Christmas spirit.”

This year’s event was sponsored by the Delta Board of Realtors. Many seniors are touched by the giving spirit of Christmas from An Elderly Wish Foundation. For more information about the foundation, visit www.elderlywish.org.

Captain Diane Aguinaga, with Chief Allan Cantando (right), holds a certificate of recognition from Assemblyman Jim Frazier (left) in  honor of her promotion, Tuesday, December 15, 2015. photo by Detective Ron Krenz.

New Antioch Police Captain takes her oath of office from Mayor Wade Harper during a promotion ceremony at the Antioch Police Facility on Tuesday, December 15, 2015. photo by Nick Goodrich

By Nick Goodrich

On Tuesday, December 15th, Diane Aguinaga – a longtime member of the Antioch Police Department – was promoted from Lieutenant to Captain, during a brief ceremony. Mayor Wade Harper was on hand to administer her oath of office.

“The fact that we can promote from within like this really speaks to the quality of the Antioch Police Department,” said Harper.

Captain Aguinaga has served with the department for 22 years. She is only the second female Captain in the history of its history.

Addressing those in attendance at Aguinaga’s promotion ceremony, Police Chief Allan Cantando described her as patient, caring, witty, and dedicated. He noted that she has a long history of dealing with mentally unstable residents.

“She likes them,” he said with a smile.

Aguinaga’s patience and compassion for everyone in the Antioch community will continue to be an asset to the APD, and Cantando said that it was “an honor” to promote her to his command staff.

The new Captain shared her appreciation for the promotion.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to have the trust of the chief and the community,” she said. “I love the citizens of this town who fight for and never give up on Antioch.”

State Assemblyman Jim Frazier was on hand to present a certificate of recognition to Aguinaga.

She replaces Leonard Orman, who recently retired as Captain, after more than 30 years with the department.

John Cubit

By Lieutenant Diane Aguinaga, Antioch Police Field Services

This is an update to let everyone know that 86-year old John Cubit, who went missing Friday evening, December 11, 2015 from Country Place assisted living center on Olive Lane in Antioch, has been located. He is safe and back at his care facility.

Thank you for all your assistance in trying to locate him.

Editor’s Note: No other details were provided.