Help El Cerrito public schools students thrive. It's in your interest.

Psychologists name the act of arbitrarily splitting concepts into “good” and “bad” parts compartmentalization. We compartmentalize as a defense mechanism, triggered by complexity or anxiety. The phenomenon plays out markedly in perceptions about public schools. It can be seen in polls like the 2011 USC Dornsife/LA Times poll on public education, where respondents give California public schools a grade of “C” or less, while paradoxically feeling their local schools were doing a good or excellent job. Given the views of local public schools evidenced in this newspaper, might the reverse of this trend be occurring in El Cerrito?

If you spend time at Portola and El Cerrito High, the mundane reality is irreconcilable with the wild narratives that too often substitute for fact or experience. You will find exceptional learning experiences among the mediocre. You will find deeply committed professionals among clock punchers. In short, you will find ordinary public schools. You will also quickly realize a latent potential waiting to be unleashed. 

As a thinking community, we must recognize that El Cerrito's future is entwined with its public schools. Whether or not your children attend them, factors from your home's value to the long-term health of your community depend on school outcomes. El Cerritans generously support schools by approving taxes and bonds. Your contributions should be celebrated; however, taxes alone aren't enough to turn the corner on academic achievement. El Cerrito schools need volunteers and targeted support now more than ever.

ECHS strives to provide every 9th grader personal writing support through the WriterCoach Connection. Over 100 of your friends and neighbors give 2 hours, 2 or 3 times a month , and make a noticeable difference. Two teachers independently commented that the program is a “dream come true,” as it gives each student individual support. Student writing has benefited from this wonderful support.

Julie Brown, a Portola and Kensington mom, observed WriterCoach and offers the following, “[Through WriterCoach Connection] ...Students were engaged and focused! I looked around the room, I saw students and coaches connecting, smiling, and working hard together. WriterCoaches came to offer support, ask questions, and students were encouraged to think more thoroughly and critically. Right then I saw the potential of this program and knew I had to help make it happen in El Cerrito secondary schools.” Julie then stepped up, and the program is coming to Portola this February.

We now need dozens of new coaches in order to meet the growing need at Portola and ECHS. Volunteers come from all walks of life. They share a concern for both our students and the future of this community. We welcome religious and civic groups, retirees, self-employed folks, parents from elementary and private schools, college students and other high school graduates. If you know of someone who might enjoy this experience, please take this moment and reach out to them.

You need not be an English major. WriterCoach Connection provides a free, extensive and highly effective training. Most adults can help a 7th grader become a better writer. Our next two-part training will happen December 5 and 12 from 6:30 to 9:30 at Portola Middle School. Register here.

Person by person, program by program, El Cerrito secondary schools are experiencing a groundswell of public support. Giving a few hours or dollars can make an incredible difference, and can only benefit our larger community. Call 558-8018 if you have questions or need more information.