At Penn we have several opportunities for collaborative leadership. Parents and caregivers are invited to participate in School Site Council (SSC), School Governance Team (SGT), Adult Lighthouse and Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and Dragon C.R.E.W (Committed Reliable Energetic Working families), and our Community Schools Site Team.
When decisions are aligned to the goals of the community, community schools can set the stage for transformation. When done with intentionality, collaborative leadership can improve the outcomes for young people and build a system that ensures alignment and coherence between all interest-holders.
SGT - We welcome all community members to our monthly Student Governance Team (SGT) meetings to hear more about Community Schools, provide public comments, and share ideas. Our SGT discusses and votes on many important matters impacting students, staff, and the Penn community. Our SGT Subcommittee ensures that all Community School funding requests are given thorough consideration and feedback. For more information, contact Mr. Payan at jpayan@sandi.net
Meeting dates for SY26-27: 9/1, 10/7, 11/4, 12/2, 1/6, 2/3, 3/3, 4/7, and 5/5
Location: Community Room at Penn Elementary
Time: 7:30a-8a
SSC - The SSC is an elected decision-making group comprised of parents, community members, site administrators, teachers and other staff. The SSC has an ongoing responsibility to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate the site plan. The SSC also oversees all categorical funds, such as Title I and Multilingual Students. All schools are required to have an SSC. Contact your site administrator or SSC chair if you are interested in joining. For more information, contact Principal Herrera at eherrera@sandi.net
Meeting dates for SY26-27: 9/17, 10/15, 11/19, 12/17, 1/28, 2/18, 3/18, 4/22, and 5/20
Location: TBD at Penn Elementary
Time: 7:30a-8a
PTA - The Penn Elementary Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a group of Penn families and staff members who come together to build community and support our school. We help boost school spirit and create meaningful experiences for our Penn students. Being part of the Penn community means you’re already a member and welcome to join all events and monthly meetings - a $10 membership goes towards student field trip transportation and student initiatives. For more information, contact pennelementarydragons@gmail.com
PTA Executive Meeting dates for SY26-27 (open to the public): 8/11, 9/8, 10/13, 11/3, 12/8, 1/12, 2/9, 3/9, 4/13, and 5/11
Location: PTA Room at Penn Elementary
Time: 3:30p
Dragon CREW - The Penn team was thrilled to open their Community Room for families! Named the “Dragon Crew” by the families, the intention of the space is to both create a structure, space, and process for families to volunteer on behalf of school/teacher needs AND to foster a sense of community for current and future Penn families. For more information visit the Community Room or contact Mr. Payan at jpayan@sandi.net
Student Council - The Student Council is a student organization that provides opportunities for our students to actively participate in student government. Officers are elected by the students. The Student Council conducts a variety of events and activities throughout the school year. With input from all students and staff, the Student Council sets a yearly agenda of activities that promote school spirit, charitable work, and positive recognition. Fundraisers are conducted to earn monies to pay for student activities and to support classroom learning.
Student Lighthouse - The Penn Student Lighthouse Team is a group of student leaders who models the 8 Habits, drives school culture, plans events, and boosts student voice. They act as role models, organizing service projects, promoting inclusivity, and collaborating with staff to achieve school-wide goals. They make a positive impact for Penn students, staff, families, and community.
Student Leadership Team - Penn’s leadership teams are based on the principle that everyone can lead. We focus on developing student leadership, fostering a high-trust culture, and teaching essential life skills like responsibility, empathy, and collaboration. The Leadership Roles are actionable tasks assigned to students to help them practice responsibility, find their personal "genius," and contribute to the school community.
Adult Lighthouse - This Team serves as the school’s strategic leadership group, guiding vision, and alignment while fully embracing the Community Schools strategy. It guides the Synergy Squads and ensures decisions are data-driven and support schoolwide goals.
Contact Mr. Payan: jpayan@sandi.net if you would like to join a team or learn more about Penn leadership opportunities.