Increase parent involvement and business partnership.

By Marie E. Brizuela

A new initiative, Community Asset Building, is needed to insure that all students receive support and achieve their full potential. Outreaching to all community members will create the environment quoted in the phrase, "It takes a village to raise a child".

Schools must partner with parents, businesses and social organizations in order to build a team working on behalf of all of our children.

As a member of the Chamber of Commerce I seek opportunities to work on programs that benefit our students. As President of the Mission Merchants Association, I worked closely to encourage students to become partners with businesses.

For the past 8 years I have participated in Career Days at our schools, to share with students my work experience, and to link the business world with the classroom.

I support programs, such as the Heroes Outreach by the Daly City Fire Department, where local firefighters volunteer to come into the classroom and read and talk with the children.

Through my involvement as an active Board Member of the Friends of the Daly City Library, I have supported the summer reading program which provides another setting where parents and children can enjoy books together, and celebrate jointly their reading achievement.