By Kim Moore
SIATech South Sacramento started the school year off strong in Fall 2019. Summer school retained 21 students and built a strong base of scholars ready for the school year to begin. The site added 23 new students to its burgeoning class and additional students continue to enroll throughout the year. In addition, SIATech South Sacramento has had two more graduates since August!
A concern noticed by the site staff was the importance to provide the laundry facilities for students. Science Teacher Debora Smith led a successful campaign to fund and procure a washer/dryer for students. Debora used donorschoose.org to fully fund a brand new washer and dryer set for the site. Donations came from friends, family, and the SIATech community. The last $300 was donated by SIATech Board Member Cisco Sanchez to get the project across the finish line. The new washer and dryer are intended to reduce the barrier and stigma associated with unwashed clothing and to provide students who are parents with more time to spend on school. Thank you to everyone who donated! If you are interested in donating to laundry programs at SIATech schools, donate here.
SIATech South Sacramento recently finished construction on a second wing to serve more students and provide optimal spaces for the school to flourish. Construction on the second phase of the school site wrapped up in June, and staff were able to move in the weekend before the start of school on September 3. The school added a dedicated kitchen space, restrooms, new water bottle refilling station, sink for the Science Lab, as well as the construction of the laundry room for those new Washer and Dryer units. The added touches of homemade tables, a donated couch, new pillows, and fresh new café-height seating help create a welcoming entryway. The new lunch room is a welcome place for students to steal away for a quiet moment, or alternatively, join together in community.
SIATech South Sacramento High School is part of a network of California charter high schools focused on helping 16-24 year old students get back in school and back on track to graduation. There is no tuition or fees to attend and students earn a fully accredited high school diploma. Learn more about your local campus at www.siatech.org/enroll.