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Answer: Spelling. (And yes, I did steal that one from a student.)
Dear friends and partners,
Happy Halloween! With COVID cases remaining low and vaccinations trending upward, there is much less to be afraid of and a lot more to enjoy this year. I hope you all have a scary fun time this weekend!
As we continue to navigate this unprecedented school year, our primary focus is ensuring that our students and families have the support and resources to overcome the challenges of this crisis. This week, the Board unanimously approved my resolution to achieve the District’s goal of all graduating students completing a post-graduation plan and college financial aid application to set them up for success after high school. This includes more resources and support for students, starting in middle school, to think about their college and career choices and prepare for the future they want.
We also approved a $2.5B addition to our Path to Recovery Plan, with a focus on academic recovery, more individualized attention, and support for students’ overall wellbeing. I was proud to push for expanded enrichment opportunities, mental health services, college counseling, and other important allocations included in this plan—and I will keep pushing for the local autonomy and accountability to ensure that this funding helps meet the direct needs of our students, families, and school communities.
Lastly, as the Board continues our ongoing Superintendent search, we recently published the results of our community engagement efforts, in which we saw record participation from a diverse group of students, parents, and community members. Thank you to everyone who included their voice as we begin the next phase of the selection process. I have seen the great things this District is capable of, and look forward to building a future where those opportunities are afforded to every child.
Onward,
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We are so glad to have strong student voices, including Sheyly Ortiz of STEM Academy, on our Board District 4 Youth Advisory Committee. Sheyly is originally from Guatemala and came to Los Angeles in elementary school, attending Logan Academy in Echo Park. Now, as a high school senior, Sheyly has loved the open-minded, resourceful, and supportive community at STEM Academy and plans to make the most of her final year there. She enjoys skateboarding, crocheting, and making jewelry. Sheyly is also passionate about the issue of food waste and global hunger, and has even combined this passion with her creativity, making and selling earrings to raise money for food relief efforts in Yemen. She hopes to continue making a positive impact in the world, and we look forward to watching her lead and succeed!
