News
Volunteers Rock the Schoolhouse
by SF Ed Fund on
April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, so we are hosting an event to recognize our school volunteers!We hope you’ll join us for our Schoolhouse Rock-themed Volunteer Recognition Event on Wednesday, April 22.We’ll honor all school volunteers and announce the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Service Award.Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine will be served.Last year we honored Junette Higgins with our Distinguished Service Award. (You can read her story below.)RSVP online or call Michelle at 415.695.5400 x3003.Wednesday, April 22, 6:00-9:00pmSan Francisco Elks Lodge450 Post Street, 3rd FloorThe lodge is located one block from the Union Square Garage and about four blocks from Powell Street BART.
2014 Volunteer of the Year: Junette Higgins
“Junette does it all,” said fourth-grade teacher Christine Huizar. “She grades multiplication tests, she works one-on-one with my newcomers. She supports, helps and guides students through math and writing. She brings a fresh, homemade snack in each week.”To the kids, she’s like a grandma, a loving, caring adult in their lives. “Each week she shares stories and pictures from her personal adventures at our morning meeting,” Ms. Huizar said. “She is a window into the world for my kids who don’t get out of San Francisco much, let alone to other states and countries.” Junette also provides valuable, one-on-one time with new foreign students who might not otherwise get the extra attention.“Over the years, I have had several students new to the U.S., many from Yemen,” Ms. Huizar said. “They are learning English and she really takes them under her wing. I can see how excited they are when she comes in to class, because they know they will get the intensive one-on-one attention they need. Junette really goes above and beyond to help them learn English. She preps projects for them at home and works extensively with them at school.”Though she may fill different needs for different students and staff at Tenderloin Elementary, they all agree that Junette is an invaluable part of their school. Junette Higgins has volunteered in Christine Huizar’s fourth-grade class at Tenderloin Elementary for more than eight years.