Education
The California Department of Education included Richmond schools in a new pilot program to enhance learning skills in a wide range of fields, such as engineering, arts and media, and biomedical and health sciences.
Thousands of women and children around the country have stopped receiving support by the federal supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children, commonly known as WIC. Some are scrambling for childcare as federal money dries up for Head Start. But Richmond residents do not have to worry. Yet.
In the past, a limited number of SAT fee waivers were available to students who qualified for free and reduced-cost lunches. This year the school district will cover testing fees out of the general fund. The board says allowing students to take the test free of charge promotes a culture of college and career readiness.
Chevron is teaming up with DonorsChoose.org to generate up to $1 million for education in October. Last year the initiative brought in $958,000 for the region.
“There’s a place for you at U.C.,” Chancellor Dirks told the students. “You have to work to get there, but it’s yours.”
Most people look at a chessboard, and all they see are static black and white pieces presided over by players in deepest concentration. But TC Ball sees a learning tool with the potential to change lives. Ball is the organizer of an upcoming speed chess tournament that will raise funds for a new “Chess in Richmond Schools” program. “I’m trying to use the [tournament] as a catalyst,” said Ball, who works with the West Coast Chess Alliance to bring chess…
Summit Public Schools had their petition to open a new high school in El Cerrito denied by the West Contra Costa Unified School District – a decision which the Richmond City Council backed. The result: a heated debate about educational opportunity in Richmond, and what effect a new high school might have on existing schools.
Richmond’s bookmobile serves schoolchildren four days per week, but its size hinders it from serving the entire community. The Richmond Public Library Foundation is nearing its $100,000 goal to purchase a book van to supplement the bookmobile and serve other parts of the community.
First 5, a program that offers classes for parents and their kids under 5, held a Raising a Reader class Saturday morning in its satellite center in Richmond. The center served over 1,700 families last year, predominantly Latinos. The director hopes that more African American and Asian families will participate in the class.