PTA Enrichment Program

Enrichments

PTA Enrichment Programs

Thanks to our parent community and the generosity of philanthropic organizations that have awarded us grants, the Alvarado PTA raised more than $700,000 last year. That money is used to provide our entire student body with opportunities to achieve our vision. To volunteer to help organize and/or implement any of these programs, please click on the appropriate email or visit PTA Committees and Groups on ParentSquare. 

Art

Our arts program dates back to the late sixties when Bay Area artist and Alvarado mom Ruth Asawa introduced discarded fabric, egg-cartons and milk cartons as tools that help children think creatively and solve problems. Some of the materials have changed, but the basic principle has not.

Contact arts@alvaradoschool.net with questions or if you are interested in volunteering.

 

ELAC

The English Learners’ Advisory Committee advises the principal, PTA and SSC on bilingual programs and services for ESL students. We organize family workshops in Spanish and community events. We are the voice of our children and we work to find solutions for their educational needs.

 

Library

Thanks to city voter-approved funding, all students visit the library with their classes every week. Our bilingual librarian Maestra Karen supports the love of reading and creation, and helps them find books they might like or need for reports. Teachers may also bring their students on days when the librarian is not at the school.

 

Literacy

We have one bilingual literacy specialists who focus on Reading Recovery primarily with first graders.

 

Music

Thanks to Prop H, all SFUSD 4th and 5th grade students receive the option to take instrumental music one hour a week. We also offer 10 weeks of Orff music for students in grades K-2 and a recorder-based music class for grade 3.

 

Outdoor Enrichment (Gardening)

Alvarado has two large gardens, one upper yard natural play space and one 1,300-gallon water storage cistern. The gardens are divided into four specialized areas where we connect learning and play to environmental awareness and stewardship. Teachers utilize the garden in an ad hoc manner and coordinate lesson plans with our Science program.

Contact garden@alvaradoschool.net with questions or if you are interested in volunteering.

 

Physical Education

Alvarado’s physical education includes Motor Skills classes and SFUSD's PE curriculum. 

 

Science

The Alvarado PTA's Science Committee supports a multitude of science enrichments at Alvarado and organizes field trips and in-school programs throughout the school year to extend the classroom curriculum.

Contact science@alvaradoschool.net with questions or if you are interested in volunteering.

 

Technology

Students learn computer skills starting with mouse manipulation and basic digital technology use.  All grades are taught digital citizenship and responsible technology use as well as grade appropriate computer science and programming. The Tech Committee also helps out with tech support for teachers, and with the rollout of new hardware and software in the classrooms.

This page was last updated on October 22, 2025