Happy Hall to enhance student surveys with incentives and collaboration strategies

The Millbrae City Council convened on May 6, 2025, for a meeting focused on educational partnerships and district business. The session began with a presentation from Happy Hall, an after-school program provider, which highlighted their growth and integration within local schools since 1997. Council members expressed their appreciation for the program's contributions, particularly in fostering a supportive environment for students.

During the discussion, a council member noted the importance of increasing survey participation among parents to gather more feedback on the program. Happy Hall representatives acknowledged the challenge and proposed incentives, such as pizza parties for students, to encourage survey completion. They also discussed plans to enhance communication with school staff to address space constraints at Lomita Park, emphasizing the need for collaboration to improve shared spaces.

The conversation shifted to the academic support provided by Happy Hall, with council members inquiring about the balance between structured academic time and recreational activities. Happy Hall representatives confirmed that while tutoring is available, they strive to create a less structured environment that allows for social interaction and play, which is crucial for child development.

The meeting also touched on the importance of adapting homework support to meet the needs of different age groups. Happy Hall noted that they limit homework time to about an hour and utilize technology, such as Chromebooks, to facilitate completion of assignments on-site.

As the meeting progressed, the council approved the consent agenda unanimously, allowing for a smooth transition to the next item on the agenda, which included an overview of EduCLIMBER, a data management tool for educational assessment. The council emphasized the need for concise updates on this topic, indicating a focus on efficiency in future discussions.

Overall, the meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between the city, schools, and after-school programs to enhance educational experiences for students in Millbrae. The council's commitment to addressing challenges and fostering partnerships was evident throughout the discussions, setting a positive tone for future initiatives.