New Semester, New Round of Applicants.

Last Thursday was ASTI's annual Info night for incoming freshmen applicants. It was a huge success with over forty ASTI students there to field questions from the audience and a huge crowd of interested families. Mr. Fong hosted the event and all ASTI teachers spoke about ASTI and put in their two cents about what it was like to work here. We were even graced with the president of College of Alameda who said a few words about what it is like to have high school students from ASTI on their campus. With Info night over with, it is now time for us, the ASTI community, to spread the word about the new application process. We need all the help we can get to spread the word about ASTI outside Alameda and in Oakland.

ASTI Doing it BIG

As some of you may have already heard, ASTI was recently awarded a ‘Bronze Medal’ in the annual US New & World Report Rankings. This is the first time we’ve been selected by US News and it is very significant to be among this nationally recognized group. As an Early College High School we don’t quite fit into their measurement system (they use AP/IB classes as a major category – our students take college courses) but it is still quite an honor. Below I am including a link to a recent cover story in the Alameda Sun about this recognition: click here.
And some additional links to US News and World Report if you are interested in how the rankings work and seeing other schools who were selected click here and here.
Lastly, April 16th (Friday) is The Alameda Education Foundation’s ‘Salute to Education: Celebrating Innovation in our Schools.’ It will be held at the Rockwell Wine Co., 2301 Monarch St, in Alameda at 6pm. For more information go here.

Beginning the year with Motivation

This Friday was ASTI's second annual Motivation Day. We had two panels, one with ASTI alumni and another with business men and women discussing how they got to where they are today. The day was focused on motivating and invigorating ASTI students for the new semester and to have their desires, goals, and dreams in the back of their heads.
This week marked the start of the Juniors' ACT prep. The ACT is a test similar to the SAT but with a totally different style of question and format. Over the course of the next few weeks, the ASTI Juniors will meet with an instructor who will help them learn the test taking skills and mindset to dominate the ACT. Good luck to them all.
Finally, college classes are beginning next Thursday and to everyone at ASTI taking college classes and in need of textbooks, Mr. Fong is implementing a new system which will make textbook check out more convenient. Please check in with Mr. Fong on Tuesday to get the exact details on the new system and how to take advantage of it.