Kid Start Nation

Kid Start Nation proposes to work with our local community to raise funds and provide volunteer services to support the addition of 100 or more students to the after-school care program. We would provide funding for paid staff and some enrichment programs.  By funding the students, the program would also receive a match from federal funds to provide dinner for these students.

Information on Willow Oaks Elementary School: https://www.schooldigger.com/go/CA/schools/3186004917/school.aspx

Kid Start Nation Community Proposal

Kid Start Community Focus:  Willow Oaks School in Menlo Park CA 

Willow Oaks Is a public K-8 school in the Ravenswood City School District. Located in the Willows neighborhood of Menlo Park, proudly serving the students and families of East Palo Alto and Menlo Park.   607 students go to Willow Oaks Elementary School and identify as Hispanic; Black, non-Hispanic; and Asian/Pacific Islander. 75% of the Willow Oaks Elementary School students are "limited in English proficiency." 98% of the 607 students here are paying reduced lunch prices. The state rating for the school is a 2 out of a possible 10 (Highest).

Kid Start Community Opportunity:

Willow Oaks School provides an after-school program from 3 to 6 pm Monday to Friday which provides 100 children the opportunity to receive tutoring, homework support, recreation, music and other educational and social activities that give them an enriched educational and social experience.  In addition, through government support dinner is provided.  The program receive money from a grant but is limited to only support for 100 children.   The after-school program is in great demand with over 125 students on the waiting list to be accepted.  Without this program the children are left on their own after school with no educational and social support. 

Kid Start, working with the school’s principal Cindy Chin and Kyle Tana - After School District Coordinator, identified that the community could support many more children in attending the after-school program as an effective approach to helping these children get a fair start in life.  It is proposed that through a combination of funding and community volunteering for such things as after school tutoring and homework support, reading and language programs, sports and art lessons and just providing a general safe environment for these children would greatly improve their ability to grow and reach their potential as they prepare for high school and their teenage years.

“We have 607 students this year. 75% are “limited English proficient.” 98% qualify for free or reduced lunch.  We have students who must sit on the waiting list all year because we do not have enough space to serve all the students who want and need extra support.”

Cynthia Chin: Principal   Willow Oaks School,  620 Willow Road  Menlo Park, CA 94025