McKinney-Vento Information

Support for Families Experiencing Homelessness

The Bonita Unified School District employs two full-time liaisons who provide support for students living in foster care and for students experiencing homelessness. The liaisons also oversee a team of social work interns who contribute additional support. The district may be able to provide direct support or may be able to connect students and their families with local resources.


To get additional information or to request support you can

DISTRICT SOCIAL WORKERS

Tiffany Merrill

Bonita High School, Chaparral & Vista Schools, Ramona Middle School, La Verne Elementary Schools

909-971-8200, x. 4026

merrill@bonita.k12.ca.us

Crystal Alvarenga

San Dimas High School, Lone Hill Middle School, San Dimas Elementary Schools

909-971-8200, x. 3055

alvarenga@bonita.k12.ca.us

McKinney-Vento Act Information

If your family lives in any of the following situations:

  • In a shelter

  • In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation

  • In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station

  • Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship

Your school-age children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.

Your eligible children have the right to:

  • Receive a free, appropriate public education.

  • Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.

  • Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents.

  • Enroll in the local school; or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is your preference and is feasible.

  • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if you request this.

  • Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to your children's needs.

Additional Support in the Community

Tri-City Mental Health, a local community mental health provider and district mental health partner, employs a Community Navigator who is available to connect families with a variety of support resources. More information can be found here: TRI-CITY COMMUNITY NAVIGATOR

Additional Information