Why the “Extras” Matter

When we moved from San Francisco up to the mountains, one of the biggest draws was the school district. I wanted my son in a place where his teachers would actually know him, where staff cared about more than test scores, and where the community felt small and connected. At Loma, it seems like the teachers stick around, they support one another, and they seem genuinely happy to show up each day. As a parent, that kind of stability feels rare and invaluable.

As my son gets older, I’ve started thinking about what comes next. One day he may be at Los Gatos High, sitting side by side with kids from the other feeder schools. Those schools have art, music, foreign language, STEAM, and a whole range of experiences built into their day. I want him to walk in with the same confidence and preparation as his peers.

Loma students at the 2004 spring music concert

As an LPEF board member, I have a natural anxiety that some of these so-called “extras” might go away. What if the community stops demanding and financially supporting these programs? They’re not just enrichment; they’re part of what makes school feel complete, part of what helps kids grow into themselves. Luckily, I have seen first-hand what our community makes possible. As a result, I feel hopeful—hopeful that our kids will step into high school not only ready, but proud of where they came from.