The John Stanford International School principal Kelly Aramaki got a surprise this morning. Julie Pellegrino Gilbert of the JSIS PTSA tells the story:
John Stanford International School hosted an assembly this morning for Randy Dorn, U.S. Congressman Jim McDermott, State Senator Rosemary McAuliffe, SPS Chief Academic Officer Susan Enfield, and SPS School Board President Michael DeBell among others today.
What appeared to be a school visit turned into a surprise award presentation from the Milken Family Foundation [Ed Note: Yep, same Milken, but it’s his brother, Lowell in charge]. Kelly Aramaki, John Stanford International’s Principal, was awarded the 2010 Milken Foundation Educator Award for Washington State.
Hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching” by Teacher Magazine, the Milken Educator Awards were launched by education reform leader Lowell Milken in 1987 to celebrate, elevate and activate exemplary K-12 educators. Over the years, the Awards have been instrumental in communicating to parents and policy makers alike the proven fact that the quality of the teacher in the classroom is by far the most important school-based factor in determining student achievement. The school community at John Stanford International our very proud of Mr. Aramaki and appreciate his amazing leadership!
Doug Alder has some great footage posted to YouTube of the announcement itself. Aramaki seems shocked to the point of disorientation by the great news.
What led to the award? Well, we don’t know all the details, but we did read in the Seattle P-I that, while principal at Maywood Hill Elementary school in Bothell, Aramaki “arranged for students to visit and interview residents of a tent city that moved in next door.” That kind of attitude and initiative can set you apart.
Congratulations, Principal Aramaki!
Apparently, seeing one of her own win the “Oscar of Teaching” wasn’t important enough for Superintendant Goodloe-Johnson to be there, who was scheduled to be in attendance but was a no-show!
Congratulations Kelly!
The link to the youtube video shows the kids dancing, not the award. Here is the correct one in case anyone else wants to have a watch. Congrats Mr. Aramaki and JSIS!
Now, there was some “good news” about a Seattle Public School for the Superintendent to share with the public. Another missed opportunity.
Has she ever visited JSIS?
What a wonderful and deserved award, Kelly!
Agree. You’d think the Sup would come at least for the publicity, if not because she said she’d be there, and because she’s excited about this school.
What a thrill, Congratulations. An honor for our neighborhood school, Wallingford, Seattle Public schools, students, parents, and past parents and students. Special honor to Mr. Aramaki.