November 2007 News

Monday, November 19, 2007

Representative for Senator Dianne Feinstein to Tour A-OK Program at Franklin Elementary School

At 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 19, 2007, Guillermo Gonzales, deputy state director for U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, will be touring the A-OK Program at Franklin Elementary School, one of six local schools that receives significant grant funding from the California Department of Education's After School Education and Safety (ASES) Grant. The combined sites provide after school academic support and enrichment activities for over 600 youth daily.

According to Theresa Weissglass, director of the Healthy Start and ASES/A-OK programs, the ASES/A-OK program is in its ninth year of operation. It is recognized as an excellent model of a successful and sustainable school-family-community-government partnership. The newest site, La Cumbre Junior High, was funded last year. A-OK partners include the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department, the school district, school sites, Santa Barbara County Education Office, businesses, service groups, United Way, and families. The combined annual budget is over $1,000,000.

Joining Mr. Gonzales will be representatives of the city of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara School Districts, Santa Barbara County Education Office, California Department of Education/ASES Region 8, and the Healthy Start/A-OK Program.

Franklin Elementary School is located at 1111 East Mason Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103.