Children with stable families do better in school.
That’s why South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD) has partnered with the Community Resource Center of the YMCA and San Mateo County’s Big Lift initiative at schools like Los Cerritos and Martin Elementary.
According to SSFUSD Superintendent Dr. Shawnterra Moore, both schools have a high concentration of underserved students who may need additional support to excel academically.
“Our families come from many different backgrounds,” said Moore, “but what some of them have in common is a need for more targeted support.”
Los Cerritos Principal Kennelyn Celeste agreed.
“That’s what makes our school unique. We’re responsive to the needs of our community.”
In addition to bilingual paraprofessionals and on-site counselors, Los Cerritos and Martin Elementary also host community kiosks on Wednesdays to connect the school’s families with services and resources designed to help make family life easier.
On February 12, 2020, volunteers and staff including SSFUSD’s Big Lift Program Supervisor Yaelan Wong were on hand at Los Cerritos to connect the school’s families with services and resources designed to help make life easier pass out information to parents.
“Sometimes people need a hand up,” said Wong, “For example, if a family’s car breaks down, and they’re having trouble with repairs, we can step in and help. We’re trying to create stability for families, so that kids can concentrate on learning at school.”
The Big Lift is an initiative of the County of San Mateo, the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE), and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF).
Funded by Measure K tax dollars, the program seeks to provide quality preschool and educational programming for children up to third grade in San Mateo County with a goal of increasing reading proficiency from 50% to 80% by the end of third grade.