February 17, 2012 (Sacramento):  Oak Ridge Elementary School has been awarded a three-year School Improvement Grant (SIG) from the California Department of Education, with year one funding (2012-13) of $1.5 million.

The grant will allow Oak Ridge to expand the school day by 45 minutes, increasing time spent in core academics, student enrichment and teacher planning and collaboration.

Oak Ridge was eligible to apply for SIG funding because in 2009-10 it was ranked among the lowest 5 percent of schools in the state in terms of academic performance. Its ranking and other factors prompted Sacramento City Unified School District Superintendent Jonathan Raymond to include Oak Ridge in SCUSD’s Superintendent’s Priority School program. Priority Schools receive extra support to boost student achievement, improve attendance and increase parental involvement.

In 2010-11, Oak Ridge rose 82 points on California’s Academic Performance Index. The grant will support and continue the district’s work to improve Oak Ridge according to the SIG turnaround model.

“I am excited to continue the great work we’ve started to transform Oak Ridge into the high-achieving school it has the potential to become,” said Principal Doug Huscher, who started at Oak Ridge in the fall of 2010. “By extending the school day, we’re giving our kids a much-needed opportunity to gain the confidence necessary for academic success.”