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Thriving Together
Use this as a Learning Tool
Educators (of all levels) can use this Guide from UCLA’s Center for Community Schooling to self-reflect around the following three concepts:
1) Shared understanding and commitment, 2) cultivating student voices, and 3) Learning organization and micro-innovations.
Jessie Álvarez
Jessie Álvarez is a wife and mom of two boys and a parent volunteer and leader at Anaheim High School, (in the Anaheim Union High School District), Horace Mann Elementary School (in the Anaheim Elementary School District), and the Anaheim community. She is a lifelong resident of Anaheim, having attended local schools, Betsy Ross Elementary, Sycamore Junior High, and Anaheim High School. Her volunteer work started in her son's Kindergarten classroom, and over the course of eleven years she has volunteered on many committees such as PTA, School Site Council, District English Learner Advisory Council, LCAP, Parent Leadership Academies, and Community Schools.
She is the co-founder of Operation L.E.E. (Literacy Engaging Everyone), a local nonprofit that provides books across the community at local resource fairs and events and with the installation of five permanent book stations across Anaheim. She is a strong supporter and advocate for Dual Language Immersion programs, having both of her children enrolled in Spanish DLI. She was named the CABE (California Association for Bilingual Education) Parent of the Year for 2024.
Tanya Garcia
Tanya Garcia has dedicated 18 years of experience in youth development programs, having made a significant impact across various nonprofit sectors. Through a renowned girl-serving organization, she has empowered girls in building healthy relationships, fostering a positive body image, and encouraging pursuits in STEM and higher education. Following her certification as a domestic violence counselor, Tanya supported survivors at a local domestic violence organization, furthering her commitment to empowerment and advocacy.
Tanya has also dedicated herself to encouraging first-generation Latinos to pursue college dreams, ensuring they have the necessary information and access for future success. Coming from an immigrant family herself, she identifies deeply with her students, striving to be the role model she once needed.
For over four years, Tanya has been a pivotal member of the Anaheim Union School District, initially playing a crucial role in implementing the community schools strategy at one of two pilot schools and subsequently helping to expand the initiative to its current 15 schools. Through community schools, she continues her mission to empower communities to achieve their fullest potential.
Xitlaly Sanchez
Xitlaly Sanchez is a junior high history teacher in the Anaheim Union High School District, specializing in bilingual education. She serves as the Community Schools Teacher Lead at her site, which involves co-chairing the community schools site team and spearheading the implementation of the Community Schools strategy, aiming to create a holistic educational environment that nurtures students academically, socially, and emotionally.
Ms. Sanchez is also an active participant in district-level initiatives, serving as the teacher representative on the district's community school steering committee. Her involvement extends to key subcommittees such as the grant proposal subcommittee and the professional development subcommittee, where she contributes her expertise in areas such as culturally sustaining pedagogy, community based learning, Ethnic Studies, restorative justice, and civic engagement. Having taught in various school districts across Orange County and previously in Los Angeles, Xitlaly Sanchez brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of diverse educational landscapes.
She is a Community Schools Fellows in the State of California, highlighting her commitment to innovative educational practices and community-centered approaches. Ms. Sanchez was awarded the “We Honor Ours” (WHO) award from the California Teachers Association (CTA) in 2023 and is a recipient of their Institute for Teaching impact grant for the 2023-2024 school year.
Kenny Perez
Kenny Perez, a dedicated advocate for education and community engagement, is the Manager of Community Schools at the Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD). His journey, rooted in Anaheim, California, where he was born and raised, has come full circle, with his early education in AUHSD leading to a major in Human Services and Mental Health at California State University, Fullerton.
With a career spanning over fifteen years in education, Kenny has held pivotal roles within AUHSD, including Family and Community Engagement Specialist and Coordinator of Family and Community Engagement, he currency serves as Manager for Community Schools. His work has been instrumental in aligning the community schools strategy with the existing systems and structures at AUHSD. This strategic integration ensures that educational initiatives are effectively coordinated with broader district goals, facilitating a more comprehensive and cohesive approach to student development and success.
Kenny’s mission centers around the ethos of “thriving students, thriving families, thriving communities.” He is dedicated to creating environments where students can excel, supported by engaged families and a strong, collaborative community. His commitment to this vision is evident in his efforts to foster educational environments that are inclusive, supportive, and conducive to the holistic growth of every student and the community at large.
Emma Álvarez
Emma Giselle Alvarez is a 14-year-old student at Anaheim High School, entering her sophomore year. She has been actively involved in her schools since the age of 9, starting as a member of the Bilingual Ambassadors in elementary school, where she connected with students in the DLI and DLA programs. At Sycamore Junior High, Emma was part of the DLA program, ASB, and the Community School Site team, where she collaborated with staff, parents, and community members. She earned the role of ASB president and spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Sycamore’s Community Schools Center. Emma has represented student perspectives at conferences, board meetings, and even spoke at the National Educators Association in 2023. She continues to work actively within Community Schools, serving on both her school’s Site Team and the District Committee Team.
