HEF dollars support individual programs at each of the four schools in the Healdsburg Unified School District. At Healdsburg High School, which educates children in grades 9-12, these programs provide necessary assistance to serve those students who need additional support.
New Principal Amy Jones-Kerr said the most effective application of HEF dollars is the parent outreach coordinator—a staff member tasked with making sure Spanish-speaking families feel included.
This woman—Esperanza Nunez is her name—works tirelessly to connect with Latino families who may otherwise feel isolated from the high school community. She converses regularly with them about their children and goings-on at school. She is available to answer questions or address concerns they might have. She even provides them with translations, and regular updates about school activities.
Jones-Kerr said HEF funded this position entirely, and she noted that it has made a huge difference.
“I’ve only been here a short while, but it’s very clear to me how important this role has become for our Spanish-speaking families,” Jones-Kerr said. “Knowing they have an advocate, knowing they have someone in their corner at all times is a huge difference-maker.”
HEF dollars have supported other programs at the high school, including an additional advisor whose sole role is to support English Learning (EL) students. This person—Ben Guenter— oversees tracking how EL students are doing. This position exists only at the high school. The goal: To help students avoid becoming long-term English-learners.
Originally funded exclusively by HEF, the position now is funded by state and federal dollars.
A third area in which HEF funding has helped the high school: The schools 1:1 computing initiative, which has put a Chromebook in every student’s hands since the 2018-2019 school year. This translates into 540 Chromebooks.
Looking forward, at a time when school funding is uncertain, Jones-Kerr said she is grateful to know that an organization like HEF has her back.
“One of the things that drew me to the Healdsburg community was the incredible support the local public schools receive,” she said. “Having an organization like HEF that supports our efforts and what we do means a lot.”
