School is in session, and this academic year marks an exciting new chapter for the Mission Bay community and TEL HI. Mission Bay Elementary School, San Francisco Unified School District’s newest campus, is officially open, and TEL HI is proud to provide after-school and summer programming for its students. 

Nearly 20 years in the making, TEL HI CEO Nestor L. Fernandez II served on the Mission Bay School Steering Committee, supporting the effort to bring the new school to life. The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the school’s opening brought together TEL HI staff and board members, community members, and families. Speakers included San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, Board of Education President Phil Kim, and SFUSD Superintendent Maria Su. Principal Monette Benitez had the honor of cutting the ribbon and officially welcoming the community to its new school.

Guests toured the beautiful new campus, including spaces that will be used by TEL HI’s Elementary School Academy (ESA) program. The new school was designed by DLR Group and constructed by McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. McCarthy’s Vice President of Design Integration, Stefanie Becker, also serves on TEL HI’s Board of Directors. The four-story campus features outdoor play areas, a library, flexible classrooms, meeting spaces, and the Mission Bay Hub, where local high schoolers will receive hands-on learning in preparation for STEM careers. 

The first day of school on Monday, August 17, marked the launch of TEL HI’s new Mission Bay ESA program. The new ESA Program Manager, Adrianne Lo, previously Assistant Manager of TEL HI North Beach ESA, helped build the after-school program from the ground up and will work to foster a welcoming, engaging, and inclusive environment where students can learn, explore, and thrive beyond the school day. 

“I’m excited to begin this new chapter,” said Adrianne. “My goal is to put down roots, help our school community grow, and create an after-school program where every child feels safe, supported, and excited to come each day!” 

With TEL HI’s Early Childhood Education program already serving Mission Bay families, this new partnership creates a meaningful continuum of care as children grow and expands our ability to support the neighborhood. Congratulations to Mission Bay School leadership, SFUSD, and the many advocates, families, and community leaders who made this long-awaited vision a reality.

TEL HI is honored to be part of this new school community and looks forward to supporting Mission Bay students and families for years to come. 

TEL HI has a new neighbor! Grocery Outlet recently opened at the NorthPoint Shopping Center, bringing a new locally owned grocery option to the community. 

TEL HI was proud to join Mayor Daniel Lurie, District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter, neighbors, and community leaders for the grand opening celebration last Thursday. As part of the event, Grocery Outlet selected TEL HI to receive a generous donation in support of our programs and services. 

The store is independently owned and operated by Joel and Jacqueline, a North Beach family raising their two young boys in the neighborhood. With more than 25 years of grocery experience, they hope to provide affordable groceries, fun hidden finds, and a store that truly feels like part of the community. 

We’re grateful to Joel, Jacqueline, and Grocery Outlet for supporting TEL HI and giving back to the neighborhood they call home. Welcome to North Beach! 

Now Open! Visit Grocery Outlet: 350 Bay Street | Open daily, 7 AM–9 PM 

North Beach Place Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway Event

More than 90  students left the North Beach Place Youth Center this month with backpacks filled with pencils, notebooks, and other classroom essentials to help them start the new school year prepared and ready to learn. 

This year’s giveaway was made possible with support from Dottie Doolittle, BRIDGE Housing, The John Stewart Company, and the many neighbors who generously donated school supplies. We are also grateful to student volunteers from Francisco Middle School and Presidio Middle School, Senior Program Advisor Merle, community volunteers, and TEL HI staff for bringing this invaluable community event together. Thanks to their support, local youth headed back to school confident and ready for a successful year. 

TEL HI North Beach ECE Music Program

This month, our Jellyfish and Dolphin classrooms at TEL HI North Beach began a new six week music program in partnership with Community Music Center (CMC). Every Monday, students participate in 30-minute sessions led by CMC instructor Melody Chen, who also provides music lessons and directs teh TEL HI Senior Program’s bilingual choir. 

Each session introduces young learners to rhythm, movement, singing, and musical exploration in a fun and interactive way. Music education at an early age supports language development, creativity, listening skills, and confidence, and we are excited to offer this new enrichment opportunity to our North Beach classrooms. 

TEL HI parents, teachers, and staff recently joined Mayor Daniel Lurie, District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter, and community partners to celebrate the signing of new legislation expanding eligibility for San Francisco’s Paid Parental Leave program at Joe DiMaggio Park. 

Authored by Supervisor Sauter and signed into law by Mayor Lurie, the legislation will help more working families access paid leave to care for and bond with a new child. 

At TEL HI, we know that when families are supported, our communities are stronger. We’re proud to stand with local leaders and advocates working to help San Francisco families thrive.

Want to get involved with TEL HI? Click here for ways to donate or support our programs.

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