New Media Academy

High School Inc. Update – Flourishing Towards A New Norm

Friday, August 14, 2020

In today’s climate of economic uncertainty and social unrest, the need is stronger than ever to ensure the vulnerable high school youth we serve have full access to our career education, guidance and support to achieve a brighter future.

While our primary goal is to keep our students active in their learning, we recognize that this will become increasingly difficult as more and more of our students and their families face tremendous hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This global crisis has pivoted our attention to the most basic and foundational support needed to enable our students to stay focused on their studies. We wanted to take a moment to celebrate our key partners and community leaders who acted immediately to support our Family Emergency Fund to help ensure our students stay in school during this difficult time. Together, we were able to support over 1,000 family members impacted by COVID-19.

Our ability to meet these students where they are during these uncertain times would not be possible without support from our community partners. As we reflect on the accomplishments and our ability to stay responsive to our students’ evolving needs in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are filled with gratitude. Like many the last few months have felt strangely different and things may never return to how they were, but a “New Normal” will emerge with a new profound opportunity to bring ideas and creativity to support our students. 

In the months that have followed HSI has continued to engage students in learning opportunities and are able to shift and develop a variety of college and career readiness virtual programs and we look forward as we gear up for the upcoming year.

Check out our virtual model here.

As we move into the Fall season and the beginning of a new school year, although there is much that is still unknown, the power of community is our greatest strength. We anticipate many difficult choices. The devastation of the current COVID-19 pandemic is prompting a heightened urgency for strong leadership, collaboration, and faith. HSI staff will continue to work remotely as SAUSD moves completely online for the Fall semester and will be available during normal working hours to support our students. We welcome you to contact us directly by email or by phone. 

We are in a unique place to take this challenge as an opportunity to continue to rethink and reimagine education to prepare our students for college, career, and ultimately life. Our students will need your support more than ever. As a valued partner, please join me to bring hope and be a part of our student’s future.

Sincerely, 

Mary Tran
Executive Director