As summer approaches, many new immigrant families are moving during this time. Settling into a new living environment, without old friends, will children feel lonely? In the Mountain View School District in El Monte, Southern California, some summer programs are designed to provide a sense of security for parents who need to work and not worry about their children being unsupervised.
District board member Cindy Wu introduced, “We have activities specifically for new immigrants to help parents and children integrate into American culture.” These programs are all free, including dental and health services, community school programs, and more. She stated, “We provide comprehensive care for students, from their mental well-being to food issues, including access to medical care, and more.”
Currently, there are eight regions in California approved by the state government to participate in the California Community Schools Partnership Program, and the Mountain View School District is among them. Community schools provide additional support and services for students and parents, such as extended learning time, learning opportunities, organizing community resources, and enhancing the ability to address learning obstacles.
With more support from the state government and other organizations, students’ summer activities now differ significantly from in the past. Parents no longer have to worry about their children staying at home during the summer; instead, they can continue sending their children to school and pick them up after work.
The free summer programs offered by schools start around 7 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m. Afterward, children can participate in the YMCA summer school program in collaboration with Mountain View School District, which runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., directly following the school’s program.
The summer school programs are diverse, offering various indoor and outdoor activities such as sports, arts, crafts, aimed at cultivating children’s learning interests, developing their potentials, and enhancing physical fitness.
Staff at Frank M. Wright School in El Monte mentioned to reporters that during the summer break, over a hundred students have meals at the school daily.
Cindy Wu stated, “During the summer, many children’s parents still need to work, so what should they do with their children at home?” Sending children elsewhere could cost parents one or two thousand dollars, whereas the school’s summer programs are conveniently located close to home, making it easier for parents to drop off and pick up their children, saving on expenses.
For newly arrived immigrants, the district also considers more humane approaches. Currently, summer programs at various schools are still open for registration to new immigrant students.
How about lunch? During the school term, children can enjoy reduced or free lunch benefits provided by the government based on income levels. Do the same benefits apply in the summer?
“If a child is within our district and the family’s income falls below the government-set standards, they can receive free or reduced-price lunches,” introduced Wu. Students up to eighth grade, including pregnant women beyond six months within the district, can participate in this program. During the summer break, the district will provide breakfast or lunch assistance (varies by school). All these benefits are funded by the state government’s budget.
Moreover, the Los Angeles County Library offers a free summer lunch program for minors under 18. From June 17 to August 9, from Monday to Friday or Tuesday to Friday (depending on the location), between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m., a total of 20 libraries throughout LA County, including Rowland Heights, East Los Angeles, El Monte, La Puente, Temple, San Gabriel, offer students free nutritious lunches. After eating, students can continue to stay at the library to read and learn. ◇