Third in a series
Re “30 Days Have September – and Jon Pearson”
[img]2598|exact|Jon Pearson. Photo, George Laase.||no_popup[/img]
Just before heading out the door of Culver City Middle School for a promotion to director of student services in the much larger Torrance Unified School District, the very popular Jon Pearson talked about his new, uniquely tailored appointment.
“There are a couple different parts to this gig,” Mr. Pearson said. “One is the student services part, which has to do with student attendance, supporting principals with disciplinary issues – whether suspensions or expulsions – and the paperwork that goes along with that.
“More importantly, what really excites me about this opportunity is the Family Welcome Center. This is similar to what Mr. (Supt.) LaRose is putting together in our district. It will focus on enrollment, streamlining the enrollment processes in Torrance. There will be a centralized location for parents to come and enroll their children.
“We also hope to make it a resource for parents as well.
“Part of my job,” Mr. Pearson explained, “will be connecting with dentists, doctors, shelters, food banks, and any other resource that can support student well-being.
“If kids are coming to school happy and healthy” – as was his seven-year Middle School experience – “they are going to learn, surely better than if they come to school hungry.
“If we can create a center where we can provide connections to outside resources that will help them feel better, they will come to school and, consequently, learn better.”
(To be continued)
