Nurturing Success: My Vision for the 2024-2025 School Year at EPAA

Veronica Miranda-Pinkney, EPAA Principal

September 2024

As we embark on the 2024-2025 school year at East Palo Alto Academy (EPAA), I’m excited and optimistic about what lies ahead and grateful for the hard work of so many who came before me. It’s important to me that we all remember why EPAA exists: to serve the students of East Palo Alto who don’t have a public high school and provide them with opportunities for postsecondary education and beyond. This year, my focus is to build on what has been established and foster a strong sense of community where every student feels supported, engaged, and ready to thrive.

Building a Stronger Community

This year's top priorities are strengthening our relationships with community partners and creating a fun and welcoming environment for our students so they feel excited to attend school every day.  I also want to encourage students to be more active in our clubs and have a voice by participating in our Student Advisory Council.  In addition, I’m expanding the "Road to Legendary" program, which helps our students explore local volunteer and involvement opportunities to discover their passions. I hope that through their engagement with community partners, students will want to seek other volunteer opportunities in the community. 

Focusing on Wellbeing

One of the new initiatives we launched this year is a Parent-Student Wellbeing Space. This space brings together all of our wellness services in one central location, offering students, parents, and staff a place to access support, take a break, and feel cared for. Whether it’s a quick check-in or just a moment to breathe, I want this space to be a comforting resource for our school community.

Enhancing Academic Opportunities

My goal is to ensure that our students are well-prepared for life beyond high school, with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.  Academically, we’re building on our strengths by refining the Graduate Profile and Defense of Learning programs. EPAA requires students to focus on specific skills in each grade level as part of a Graduate Profile. Students illustrate their competence in those skills in an annual Defense of Learning exhibition. This allows students to reflect on their learning while showing the elements of the EPAA Graduate Profile, which can include communication skills, growth mindset, critical and creative mindset, collaboration, and impact.

Navigating Challenges Together

Like many schools, we’re facing budget challenges this year, especially with the end of COVID aid funds. While we’ve had to make some tough decisions about which services we can maintain, I’m committed to maximizing our resources and seeking additional funding. My goal is to ensure our students continue receiving the support they need without feeling the impact of these cuts.

Looking Ahead 

This year also brings the opportunity for EPAA’s charter renewal, which I see as a moment to refocus on our shared vision. It’s a chance for all of us to recommit to our mission and to work together toward our common goal of serving the students and families of East Palo Alto.

I’m looking forward to this year and all that we will accomplish together. With a clear vision and a heart full of enthusiasm, I’m confident this school year will be filled with promise and possibility. I can’t wait to see all that our students will achieve!

–Veronica Miranda-Pinkney, EPAA Interim Principal