For five years, Yudmila Guizar devotedly dropped off and picked up her son at Harborside Elementary School. Although she volunteered, it was occasional. Guizar had a difficult time getting more involved.
“Although I belonged to the school, I didn’t feel part of it,” Guizar said.
But this past school year, something changed for her.
Through the support of San Diego Women’s Foundation, Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood (CVPromsie) with Harborside Elementary School extended CVPromise’s promotora model to the school campus. On the first day of the school year, parents were invited to Harborside Elementary’s new Parent Center to meet the school’s full-time Promotora Anita Pedroza and participate in the first parent volunteer orientation.
Pedroza, with school administration and parents, developed a personalized parent volunteer program to meet the needs of both parents and school. It was well received, especially by Guizar.
After the orientation, Guizar immediately completed the volunteer packet and found her place on campus.
“Until now, there really has never been a place for parents to come and get direction or support,” Guizar said.
CVPromise parent centers were designed as a comfortable approachable place on school campus’ where parents can connect with resources and have access to computers; or a place to be utilized for school volunteer activities, community meetings, classes and other group activities. Each parent center is personalized and reflective of each school’s needs.
Promotoras are bilingual trained parents from the community stationed at CVPromise parent centers to assist families and serve as a valuable linkage between parent, school and community.
“This year I’ve seen a great change on the Harborside campus,” Pedroza said. “Parents are more comfortable in the school and are more willing to help out. We are seeing an increase in parent activities.”
By the end of the school year, there were 22 school events led by parent volunteers with a total of about 2,000 volunteer hours. These activities included a book fair, science fair, Read Across America event, art classes, reading and walking clubs, plus various classroom tasks that support teachers.
There is more than just an increase in volunteers, parents, like Guizar, are taking on more leadership roles.
Guizar helped design one of the best holiday programs at Harborside Elementary. The school presented “The Happy Prince,” a play based on the children’s book of the same name. Guizar not only assisted in directing the play and organizing volunteers to create the scenery, she even served as narrator. And it hasn’t stopped there. Guizar also started an art class on campus for fifth and sixth grade students attending the after school program.
In addition to leading school events, Guizar served on the School Site Council and was appointed as the English Learner Advisory Committees (ELAC) Secretary for Harborside Elementary. Guizar was also invited to attend the Chula Vista Elementary School District parent’s California Association of Bilingual Educators training.
Guizar has not only given much back to her school but she has gained personal growth as well.
Early this year, the Parent Center was promoting a 13-week “Resident Leadership Academy” facilitated by South Bay Community Services. Guizar jumped at the opportunity and embarked on her first formal training with 30 other residents to learn about advocacy, policy development and civic engagement. All are strategies that can help her better improve quality of life in her neighborhood.
Guizar was elected the group’s leader and spokesperson. She spoke before more than 100 guests during the academy’s end of session graduation ceremony and shared about the group’s experiences and goals.
Guizar continues to lead this group and meets with city and state officials, as well as community partners to help move her school and community forward.
“I have not only seen a change in me, but also a change in the children of the school,” Guizar said. “They always say thank you for all the things volunteers are doing. I’d love to see this continue and grow.”
Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood (CVPromise) is coordinated by South Bay Community Services and is proud to partner with Castle Park Elementary, Castle Park Middle, Castle Park High School, Hilltop Middle and Hilltop High School. The Promotora Outreach, Education and Engagement Program at Harborside Elementary is possible due to the generous support of San Diego Women’s Foundation. For more information visit CVPromise.org or call 619-422-5005.
