School Highlight: Dr. Charles Drew Elementary School

The sun is finally out and you can see the flowers blooming! From what I hear, the past few months have been challenging in our school communities due to rainy weather, an increase in challenging behaviors, and the fact that this work can be really exhausting. In the midst of all of that, we are seeing student progress and teams supporting one another through challenging times. This week I want to lift up Dr. Charles Drew Elementary School, located in San Francisco’s Bayview Hunters Point neighborhood. At Drew, we have Katy Krogstad (Unconditional Education Coach), Mickey Rosenberg (Clinical Intervention Specialist), and Oscar Prieto (Student Student Support Assistant). The team and school staff are rooted in demonstrating love, community, and joy for their students, families and school partners.

Here are a few words from the Seneca team at Dr. Charles Drew Elementary School: 
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What helps you collaborate as a team?

“Caring about each other as human beings first and also as colleagues. Taking the time to check in, listen, give a hug and center our meetings around topics that feel relevant and authentic to the growth of our students and ourselves for where we are at in our path in this work.”-  Katy Krogstad

What parts or moments of your work with students, families and staff bring you joy? ​

“Hearing from teachers, families and students that students have been growing towards their goals, receiving positive rewards and encouragement and are feeling successful. Having an environment where building joy is possible whether it be outside in the school garden, having bubbles in the Wellness center, playing laser tag on the stage as part of our earned PBIS rewards, or family photos and positive affirmations around a mirror to start each day in the classroom.” -Katy Krogstad

“A lot of this work can bring me joy, for instance, when I hear that a student is using coping skills and feelings language outside of sessions, when I'm able to connect with parents and share a laugh or genuine appreciation for their child with them, and when I get to share a more relaxed moment with staff at a work happy hour and just be a person with them!” -Mickey Rosenberg ​

“What brings me the most joy working with students, families, and staff are their presence. Seeing them all everyday and communicating with them is always a positive experience for me. I also learn a lot from them! Everyone is very nice and welcoming!” -Oscar Prieto

Thank you team and school staff for your commitment and care in creating a supportive and empowering community for students and families!

Blog Post Written By: Cristina Sanchez-Cruz, Assistant Director of School Partnerships