A Message From New Academic Program Director
Ariel Mendez-Peñate 

Hello, Horizons Community! I'm Ariel Mendez-Peñate and I can't fully express how thrilled I am to join the team as Horizons' newest staff member. Having worked in middle and high schools for the last seven years,  I am excited to forge new connections with our elementary students while applying what I've learned to our expanding middle school program. As I've met various Horizons families and students I have felt the joy and dedication they bring to the program and I hope to match their commitment to our shared values. Having time after our last parent event to jump rope and play soccer with our students made me eager to start my first summer and excited about all that we have planned for the six weeks of program. As I grow into my new role I am eager to work alongside Horizons' teachers to prepare our young scholars for the transition to middle and high school and to expand and strengthen Horizons' year-round programming. I hope to meet some of you this summer either as visitors, mystery readers, volunteers, partners, or parents! (Read Ariel's bio here.)
Planning for Summer 2019 is Underway - Exciting STEAM Partnerships!

Summer 2019 is starting to feel closer, and planning for an action-packed summer of learning is in full swing at 250 Valencia Street. 17 new kindergarten students, identified by their teachers at our three partner public schools, will be joining the program and this summer we'll have 103 K-5th graders on campus. 96% of last summer's students will be returning, and it's hard to believe that our founding class of students will be starting middle school!

One of the most fun parts of summer planning is arranging elective classes. Swim lessons are always a constant, and this summer students will enjoy some old favorites like dance and drama while new activities like coding with Bytes for Bits and choral singing with the SF Community Music Center are in the pipeline. We're especially excited about a new photography partnership with First Exposures for Horizons' 5th graders.  Once again, Horizons will partner with the Columbia Park Boys and Girls Club for aftercare so that working parents have a safe place to send their children when the program ends each day. Remember to like us on Facebook so you can follow our adventures this summer!
Interested in Joining Horizons' 2019 Team? 

"I have always loved working with kids but nothing really compares to Horizons."
- Olivia, Horizons volunteer

Horizons teachers provide meaningful academic support in a joyful learning environment. We're excited to be almost fully staffed - read staff bios here. We are however still looking for a bilingual (Spanish) educator to work in our Kindergarten classroom and a fourth grade lead teacher too - if this could be you or someone you know, please visit our website. We are also looking for high school students who can volunteer with Horizons between July 15 and August 2. High schoolers can learn more and apply  here.
Gratitude for Our Partnership with DCYF

Becoming a DCYF grantee in 2018 has provided so much more than just a funding stream for Horizons. Over the past year we have benefited from the valuable expertise and resources available through DCYF, including guidance and support as we prepare to conduct the Youth Program Quality Assessment (YPQA) for the first time this summer. We are thankful for the opportunity to learn from and connect with the knowledgeable staff at DCYF and with the many other youth organizations in San Francisco who receive DCYF funding!
SFFS Community Day- All Horizons Families and Staff Are Invited!

Familias de Horizons, les invitamos a todos a un evento comunitaria en SFFS para celebrar los libros, la comunidad, y el día de la tierra  el sábado, 27 de abril de 10 am a 1 pm. 

Horizons families, please join us for a community wide event at SFFS to celebrate books, community, and Earth Day on  Saturday, April 27th, from 10am-1pm. 

Save the date: Horizons' 2019 summer program will run from June 24 to August 1. You can sign up for a tour here. For more information about visiting opportunities and for updates about our board, staff, and program, keep eye out for our next newsletter!
Horizons at SFFS is a public/private partnership offering a transformational educational enrichment program that builds on the strengths of our students and families while addressing the achievement and opportunity gaps that exist for low-income children in the Mission  neighborhood. Learn more about Horizons at SFFS  by visiting our website .