826LA: Summer's A Good Time to Get Ready for School

It may not seem like it, but the school year is just around the corner. Patch caught up with Jonah Bautista who works with, through Americorps VISTA, to talk about what kids can do to start getting ready for the start of school.

“It’s always obviously really nice to relax in the summertime, but it’s also good to have school in the back of your head,” Bautista said. “Even if kids just read a little bit every day, it will make the start of the school year less of a shock.”

Bautista also encourages kids to continue writing in the summer.

“Writing is an essential base for a kid’s education,” Bautista said. “We try and encourage kids to continue reading and writing always. We want writing to be part of their life not just something that they do in school or after school or in workshops.”

Right now, at 826LA, Bautista said that there are a lot of things going on. The afterschool tutoring starts up again on Aug. 20. Also, currently ongoing, is the Wednesday Night Variety Show and the S.T.E.A.M. (Science Technology Engineering and Math) program. In addition, the 826LA team is gearing up for is 826 day on Aug. 26.

“We try to do something special this year we’re really pushing volunteering,” Bautista said. “People can pledge volunteer hours or donations on our website.”  

Bautista who has been with 826LA since 2010 said it’s been cool to see the organization expand.

“Since I started I’ve seen the place grown and add a lot of really cool things.”

For more information on 826LA or how to volunteer visit their website here.