County supports student initiatives at Mountain View Los Altos High School District
SAN JOSE – To support learning and development that reflects the diverse interests and learning styles of local students, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved a proposal by County Supervisor Joe Simitian to provide funding to the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District (MVLA) for a student leadership academy and student-run clothing closet at Alta Vista High School (AVHS) in Mountain View.
“The success of our community’s educational programs is directly tied to how much students are engaged in them,” said Simitian. “By recognizing and incorporating different learning styles into our teaching methods we give all students the opportunity to thrive. Enhancing academic achievement in this way also helps to foster an improved learning environment.”
The County grant has enabled AVHS to offer the Hip Hop Leadership Academy to two cohorts of students this school year. Through the integration of music, culture, writing, and critical thinking, the leadership program allows students to develop leadership skills while enhancing their physical and emotional well-being.
Driven and maintained by students, the clothing closet named the “Aztec Boutique” provides basic as well as professional attire for any student who needs it. The clothing closet relies on donated and second-hand clothing, so the County’s support will help augment its supply, allowing students increased options to obtain clothing based on their individual needs.
“Alta Vista High School is thrilled for the opportunity to pilot the Hip Hop Academy at MVLA, and I know that it is sure to change the course of participants' interests and lives in a very real way,” said Suzanne Woolfolk, MVLA Director of Alternative Programs and Principal of AVHS. “As well, students are drawn to the clothing closet and collectively need items on a near-daily basis. The ability to properly equip and supply the closet, and to include items beyond second-hand donations – as is the case now – is a true gift to our students and the community.”
One of 11 continuation high schools in Santa Clara County, AVHS serves MVLA and the Palo Alto Unified School District. AVHS enrolls up to 100 students at a time, grades 10-12, who must meet the same graduation requirements as students who attend traditional high schools. Of the 85 students enrolled in the school in the 2023-24 school year, 68% identified as Hispanic, with 59% of students being socioeconomically disadvantaged. About one-third of the students were English language learners and 29% were enrolled in Special Education.
“MVLA is very grateful to the Board of Supervisors for this grant supporting our students' learning and connectedness to their schools,” said Eric Volta, Superintendent of MVLA. "Partnerships such as this demonstrate the strength of Santa Clara County and its commitment to the future.”