Assemblyman And Principal Strive To Keep Millbrae Education Alive

Roughly 200 parents gathered at Lomita Park Elementary School for a back to school night on Wednesday Sept. 15.

The evening started with a brief introduction by school Principal Lynne Ferrario, followed by Superintendent Linda Luna who gave a bilingual speech, first in Spanish, then English. Luna, who assumed her current position on July 1, emphasized the importance of donations to the Millbrae Education Foundation, and encouraged school offered breakfast and a lunch programs.

MEF is a non-profit organization established in 2007 comprised of six board members. The organization raises funds to enhance educational opportunities for the Millbrae School District which includes five different schools – Green Hills, Spring Valley, Meadows, Lomita Park and Taylor Middle School.

California Assemblyman Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, addressed the crowd following Luna's speech.

Hill explained the importance of parents supporting school programs and the effect on their kids' educational goals and development.

Hill toured Lomita Park on Jan. 23, 2009, after seeing the school's API scores improve by 100 points in comparison to the prior school year.

"If we keep doing like we've been doing these past years, we expect him back," said Ferrario.

Lomita Park had the highest increase in API scores in San Mateo County in 2009.

The school also raised a total of $25,000 thanks to the "My School Is Cool" program, raising $10,000 in each of the first two years and $5,000 in the third.

My School Is Cool consists of collecting receipts from Tanforan Mall shops in San Bruno, and turning those in at authorized boxes on campus. Each dollar spent is worth one point.

"We're hoping for 100 percent parent involvement," said PTA Co-President Cicely Leary.

Lomita Park's PTA Auditor Don Revelo talked about overcoming the economic problems the state faces due to budget cuts.

"We ask for your time and your willingness to help," said Revelo. "The reality is that we face budget cuts across the whole district. You can help by supporting the school's fundraising programs."

From 2009 to 2010, MEF raised $234,000 for the MSD.

"If it wasn't for your contribution we wouldn't have a music program, we're one of the few schools on the Peninsula that still has music," said Revelo.

MEF's new annual goal is to reach $225,000 to divide evenly between the five schools.

Ferrario received a check for $33,534.73, part of which will help keep programs alive Lomita Park.

MEF asks families to donate $450 per each child registered in the district, but is glad to receive any financial contribution.

To learn more about MEF and how to help, please visit: www.MillbraeEducationFoundation.org