20090316 Presentation Project Cornerstone
Project Cornerstone Building a Community That Values Children & Youth Los Gatos Town Council 16 March 2009
Introductions Richard Whitmore – Superintendent, LGUSD Marla Rodriguez – Director of Student Services, LGUSD Cary Matsuoka – Superintendent, LGSUHSD Anne Ehresman – Executive Director,
Project Cornerstone
Project Cornerstone in LGUSD Work started in 2005 as part of Los Gatos Union School District’s strategic plan. Charge was to develop a community-wide character education program. Linda
Silvius was contacted to introduce the philosophy of Project Cornerstone to district stakeholders. Community task force was convened including mayor, town council member, CASA, Police,
High School, Principals, and teachers
Project Cornerstone in LGUSD Spring of 2006 Los Gatos Elementary gave survey to 4-8th graders. Staff meetings as well as task force reflected on survey data. Fall of 2006 activities
with staff and students at all schools took place to identify action plan. Fall of 2006 parent meetings at each school site to share data. Fall of 2006 Cornerstone Community-Wide event
held at Jewish Community Center to share data and Project Cornerstone philosophy as well as to develop individual next steps. (Business, Faith based, Private Schools, local schools,
Recreation and members from town counsel attended)
Project Cornerstone in LGUSD Elementary schools identified a project cornerstone leader and ABC reader program began. Middle School adopted 40 asset language and focused on school climate.
Parent groups began attending “Taking Asset Building Personally”, to date more than 100 parents have been trained district-wide. Student book club at Fisher focusing on books that enforce
asset building. Elementary parent education group became involved and joined our effort around asset building and looks at speakers which further this effort. Survey to be administered
in fall of 2010.
PC in LGSUHSD Work started by Cindy Ranii, District Diversity Task Force Wanted to further Project Cornerstone at LGHS & SHS Decided to survey students – May 2007 Asset data for Los
Gatos students, grades 4-12 Long-term commitment to building assets in our students
Emerging Partnership Los Gatos Union School District Los Gatos – Saratoga High School District Town of Los Gatos Los Gatos – Saratoga Recreation Silicon Valley – Project Cornerstone
Creating a Community That Values Youth Community Initiative Over 40 organizations have responded to the Mayor’s State of the Town Address Next survey will be in Fall 2010
Plans and Ideas Community PC Leadership Team Representatives from key organizations Marla and Cary are ready to serve on it Leverage resources of PC staff Anne Ehresman, Linda Silvius,
Kelly Noftz Mike Wasserman’s PC Pledge drive Maybe a future Town of LG PC recognition
Questions/Discussion