At Berry Elementary (South Bay Union School District), our Community Schools work is grounded in a simple belief: when we truly listen to our students and families, we can create opportunities that build connection, joy, and lasting impact. This spring, that belief came to life through a series of powerful, community-driven activities that reflect what it means to center student voice, family engagement, and whole-child development.
A Celebration of Belonging: Berry’s First Bubble/Color Run
In partnership with our PTA, Berry Elementary hosted its very first Bubble/Color Run, an event that brought together students, staff, and families in a vibrant celebration of community. While the event served as a fundraiser, its most meaningful success was rooted in equity: every single student participated, regardless of fundraising contributions.
The result was a day filled with laughter, music, movement, and connection. Students ran through bubbles and bursts of color, surrounded by cheering staff and families. Beyond the fun, the event served as a reminder of what’s possible when schools intentionally create inclusive spaces where all students feel a sense of belonging.
Responding to Student Voice: Expanding Access Through a Basketball Clinic
Through our ongoing needs and assets assessment, including surveys and direct family conversations, we heard a clear and consistent message: families wanted more sports opportunities, especially for younger students.
In response, we partnered with a parent volunteer to launch Berry’s first-ever Saturday Basketball Clinic, open to all students in grades TK-6. What began as a small pilot with 18 students quickly grew through word-of-mouth and community excitement, with participation continuing to rise.
The clinic has become more than just a space to learn basketball fundamentals like dribbling, passing, and shooting. It is a space where students are building confidence, developing teamwork, and strengthening relationships with peers and adults. At the same time, it has created opportunities for ongoing dialogue with families, allowing us to gather feedback and refine programming in real time.
Due to strong interest and positive feedback, the clinic will continue every Saturday through the end of the school year, demonstrating how community-informed programs can grow into sustainable support.
Family Engagement Through Creativity: “Come Paint With Me”
At Berry, family engagement is not one-size-fits-all; it is shaped directly by the voices of our community. Survey feedback revealed a desire for more interactive, relationship-centered events, leading to the creation of our upcoming “Come Paint With Me” experience.
This event invites students to bring a parent, family member, mentor, or special adult in their life to paint together. By intentionally designing inclusive opportunities that honor diverse family structures, we are creating welcoming spaces where every child and family feels seen, valued, and connected.
Recognition of Impact: Featured by Association of California School Administrators
Berry Elementary was recently recognized by the Association of California School Administrators as part of their spring site visits led by the Council of Elementary Educational Leaders. This longstanding initiative highlights schools where effective practices are not only discussed but actively lived.
This recognition reflects the collective effort of our staff, families, and community partners who are working together to build systems that are responsive, inclusive, and sustainable.
Looking Ahead
As we continue this work, our focus remains on building systems that will outlast any single program or grant cycle. Whether through joyful events like the Bubble/Color Run, responsive programming like the Basketball Clinic, or meaningful family engagement opportunities, each effort is part of a larger vision: a school where students thrive, families feel connected, and the community works together to support every child.
At Berry Elementary, Community Schools is not just a model; it is a movement built on relationships, responsiveness, and the belief that together, we can create something truly powerful for our students.
