StrengthBuilding Partners

A. All of the interventions we are implementing address the needs of low-income students, children with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities as our student population are these children. Our current population is 61.2% Hispanic, 24.5% Native American and 14.3% Caucasian. Approximately 95% of our students qualify for free/reduced lunch. Las Puertas' prevention and mitigation strategies that are being funded by the ESSER III grant are as follows:

The pandemic created a situation in which students need additional support and resources in order to achieve academic goals established by the State Standards. This may include but is not limited to additional curriculum resources, tutoring, additional instructional support using innovative and creative methods. Purchased technology will be used to support and prepare our students as they work to achieve and exceed grade level expectations.

Funding used for these strategies which are part of the LEA set-asides:
*In FY23, the renewal of evidenced based curriculum which were initiated in FY22 with positive outcomes. These include:
McGraw Hill ELA 1year internet based Curriculum grades 6-10 FY23
McGraw Hill Math 1year internet based Curriculum grades 6-10 FY23

* A Learning Center will be developed in FY22. The goal is to establish a well-stocked library with the variety of resources which includes textbooks, reference books, non-fiction and fiction books as well as periodicals which include educational, recreational and fun articles, digital resources, computers for researching, and a safe and comfortable environment in which to learn. The Learning Center will be open during the after school program for students and families.
*An after school program which includes tutoring as well other SEL activities such as a Yearbook Committee and a league co-ed Volleyball team (league & membership fees, tee shirts, volleyballs and salary and mileage for the Coach also included in grant).
*Crucial to both The Learning Center and the After School Program is having available transportation. Our students come from various areas of Tucson and would not have access to our school or the after school program without it being provided for them. Many of our families are unable to transport their children so an after school program has not been possible in the past. Currently, Las Puertas provides transportation to and from school in a 16 passenger bus. Initially, we planned to purchase a used 38-45 passenger bus in order to conduct morning and afternoon bus service. However, Las Puertas had a bus donated which needs some repairing: new tires, all fluids and hoses replaced and filled, lights checked and replaced as needed, air conditioning checked and tuned, etc. As a result, rather than using ESSER III funds to purchase a bus, Las Puertas will use these funds for repairs to get the bus in good operating condition as well as on-going maintenance and parts for the newly donated bus as well as the bus we currently own. These funds will also be used for the insurance for both buses as well as gasoline needed for daily use. Without these buses, our enrollment would shrink drastically. In addition, a part-time bus driver will also be hired (new 0.25 FTE), a 43.5" X 11" black beltline sign for sides of newly acquired bus: Las Puertas Community School for bus X2 (each side of bus) will be purchased and fencing will be installed in the school's parking lot in order to protect it from vandalism. A illuminated, free standing Marquee to drive enrollment to the school. Monthly service for Attendance cell phone.

*An important component of the Learning Center and the after school program is tutoring. Tutors were hired for both programs with funding through the Acceleration Academies grant in FY22 and will be retained in FY23 due to ESSER III. An after school program coordinator will be hired for the program to begin in August 2022 (new Position 0.25 FTE) with ESSER III funding.

B. Social and emotional needs
Funding used for these strategies which are part of the LEA set-asides:
* As our Licensed Certified Social Worker is developing a schedule to enhance her availability to students and families, she is also making herself more available to staff to determine their social, emotional and mental health needs.
*a 5.25 hours/day BSW counselor is was hired for both FY 22 and FY23 (new position)
* For the mental and physical health of our staff: in-school massages.

FY22 the school's enrollment is diminished by approximately 40% between FY21 and FY22. The grant is enabling us to maintain one teaching staff position in FY23 and three part-time tutors.

Contractual Financial Services for COVID grants and reporting.