Monarch School Project Welcomes

a New Era with a New CEO/Principal

San Diego, Calif., September 1, 2004 —Monarch School, a San Diego County School serving homeless and at-risk youth, has announced the selection of Principal/CEO Sarita Fuentes. Her placement marks a turning point for Monarch, as Ms. Fuentes becomes the first onsite principal there, even as she assumes oversight of 5 additional schools.

As part of the newly designated “Hope Region,” Monarch brings community support and partnerships to the children in San Diego County who face unusual challenges. “Schools as unique as those in the Hope Region deserve a leader with the experience, know-how and passion to handle the incredible circumstances our students come from and the equally amazing opportunities we can share,” said Michelle Candland, President of the Monarch Board of Directors.

An accomplished educator who was once a high school dropout, Ms. Fuentes brings unique credentials to her new position and, through three decades has participated as a parent, aide, teacher and administrator. Most recently, she served as Director of Instructional Support for the San Dieguito Union High School District, where she was responsible for several district-wide programs, including summer school, English Language Learner, AVID and parent involvement.

Ms. Fuentes' career in education started as a young mother when she decided she wanted to provide a better life for her children. Over the course of the six years she plowed ahead and received her high school diploma, an associates degree from Southwestern College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in social science from San Diego State University and a Masters in Curriculum and Supervision from Point Loma Nazarene University.

Along with Monarch School, Ms. Fuentes will oversee the academic program for Toussaint Academy, Storefront , Bridge, Harbor Summit, and the YWCA, all programs dedicated to educating homeless youth. "I feel honored to work with such a dedicated team, who manages to do so much for the amazingly resilient student population that we serve. Our challenges are enormous, but we are fortunate to have an outpouring of community support for homeless students and our combined efforts are making a difference."

“Our continued focus is on ensuring that all students have a solid academic foundation and high levels of proficiency in core subjects,” said Ms. Fuentes, “as we blend in the wonderful experiences and resources that the community offers to this student population.”

Monarch School serves homeless and at-risk students. Its mission is to provide an environment where homeless and at-risk youth can improve their lives through education. Monarch operates through a partnership between the San Diego County Office of Education, which provides the educational component, and the Monarch School Project, a non-profit formed to raise money for the non-traditional needs of Monarch's students, such as after-school programs, visual and performing arts, field trips, mentoring, tutoring, and post-graduation support, as well as, the basics of laundry facilities, food, clothing and personal hygiene items. The school relies heavily on partnerships with the community and local businesses to break the cycle of poverty for its students.

# # #