Orinda Intermediate School teacher Sarah Anderson and students from various Orinda Schools participate in a science activity. Orinda Network for Education (ONE) collaborates with the community to preserve and enhance quality educational programs and the academic experience within the public schools.
Since its establishment in March 2020, Orinda Network for Education (ONE) has worked within the community to reinforce and enrich the public school experience.
ONE unites alumni, parents and business partners in the interest of preserving a quality educational experience for staff and students alike, an accomplishment that Vice President Alicia Keenan said sparked the idea for an annual celebration.
“ONE made it through probably three of the hardest years of a non-profit just trying to succeed,” said Keenan of the driving factor behind the initial Impacting the Student Journey celebration last year. It was a small gathering, with 50 to 60 partners in attendance, Keenan said.
Since ONE’s inception happened to coincide with the first pandemic shutdown, “We didn’t have the opportunity to hold a celebration, kind of a kick-off event,” said Executive Director Emily Allen. “So last year, the board felt that it was time.”
ONE’s aim was to create an annual event that not only focused on school families, but the broader Orinda community as well, according to Allen.
The organization fosters connection and collaboration between parents’ clubs and local partners. All involved share a common goal of the enhancement of students’ educational experience through their entire academic experience.
“Which is why we thought that really should be the concentration of the event, impacting the student journey, because it’s a journey,” said Allen. “Start at TK and work your way up until you graduate.”
The streamlining and strengthening of fundraising efforts from parents’ clubs and the Educational Foundation of Orinda (EFO) was a strong motivation behind the formation of ONE.
“So there’s only one ask of parents, one ask of the community to support, and that’s been really successful,” Allen added.
Funds raised for ONE are used to address the gap between state school funding and the actual cost of maintaining small class sizes, libraries and their staff, electives, technology, student guidance and wellness centers and more.
As outlined on ONE’s website, Orinda schools receive some of the lowest levels of per-student funding in California, due to the state’s funding formula. Despite this, the six Orinda schools are among the highest-performing schools in the region and state.
While parcel taxes go toward the recruitment and retention of quality TK through eighth grade teachers, and bond revenue is directed toward facility upgrades and maintenance, funds raised through ONE are focused on the advancement of the academic experience of students.
“Our goal this year is to raise $5 million for all six schools,” said Allen, emphasizing that the Orinda community has a long-standing tradition of supporting local schools.
ONE is always looking to increase its partnerships with local businesses, said Keenan, and is hoping for an increased turnout at this year’s event.
The Impacting the Student Journey benefit takes place on Friday, April 12, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Wilder Art & Garden Center. Dinner will be provided in the form of two Taste of the World Food Trucks of varying cuisines. Each registration will include two drink tickets, valid for wine and beer. Nonalcoholic beverages will be complimentary.
Tickets are $75 and may be purchased at oneorinda.org/journey or at the door, pending availability. Discounted admissions are available for teachers or OUSD/AUHSD district employees.
“I think the people in Orinda are very interested in creating a good community, a good school system … in every aspect,” said Keenan. “I do see people with really the best intentions in mind.”
