Oakland High School is one of only fifteen California schools to have received Achievements in Respiratory (AIR) Health Awards for taking steps to reduce asthma attacks and triggers that often cause asthma attacks. The school was honored with the Award of Excellence from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on April 26, as part of National Healthy Schools Day.

Oakland High School Nurse Rose Qabazard explained, "Oakland High School has been one of the few schools in the District to focus curriculum on indoor air quality over the last six years. Many of the science teachers at Oakland High have been instrumental in engaging students in this cause. Earth Team, a local community based organization committed to improving air quality has partnered with the teachers and provided important resources for the students to take an active role in promoting awareness. The Something’s in the Air curricular project is designed especially for high school students.

The purpose of the project is to support teachers who are interested in educating students about the quality of air in their schools and communities, and the impacts of clean air on our health. Something’s in the Air is broken up into four units: Indoor Air, Outdoor Air, Asthma and Environmental Justice. Each unit includes guest speakers and hands-on research activities. 

In addition, many of our students have become activists and spokespersons for environmental justice. Participating students meet weekly after school to learn about the sources of air pollution in their communities and to discuss ways to reduce pollution through community education, media, and policy. I'm proud to say that in addition to meeting many of the Indoor Air Quality criteria set forth in the Air Health Award, student engagement at Oakland High has been outstanding!"

Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood and a leading cause of school absences. Asthma triggers include mold, pesticides, dust, high-pollen landscaping, cleaning agents or air fresheners, animal dander and droppings, and exposure to outdoor air contaminants.

To be eligible for the award, schools needed to institute air quality improvement plans that address asthma-causing cleaning supplies, pesticide use, classroom pets, and maintenance problems. Additionally, schools needed to demonstrate enforcement of state regulations to reduce bus idling near schools and demonstrate enforcement of smoking bans on school property.