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Parent raises concerns about STAR camp schedule and status of 'Watchdogs' volunteer program
Summary
A Hermosa Beach parent told the board the STAR summer camp ended earlier than the district's extended school year sessions, creating childcare gaps for families; the parent also asked whether the Watchdogs volunteer program (dads and caregivers volunteering at schools) will return.
A parent identified only as Sam told the Hermosa Beach City School District Board that STAR summer camp ended about a week and a half before the district's Extended School Year (ESY) program concluded, leaving families without planned childcare and creating hardship for working parents.
"This past summer during the extended school year, we noticed that the STAR camp ended, like, a week and a half before the extended school year did," Sam said, adding the difference in schedules forced parents to rearrange work and childcare plans.
Sam said he asked STAR staff why the program ended earlier and was told the district had not invited the program to be onsite after that date. "That was a hardship for us," he said.
Board staff responded that the district will follow up and contact Sam directly. A staff member asked Sam to leave contact information so the district could explain what happened and help families plan.
Watchdogs volunteer program
Sam also asked about the status of the Watchdogs program (described in the meeting as a "dads of great students" volunteer program) that had been active previously but was placed on hold. The parent said he repeatedly inquired last year and did not receive a clear timeline for resuming the program.
A board member and district staff acknowledged the program had been paused and said they were not certain whether it would immediately resume but that staff would provide information to Sam about Watchdogs when they follow up.
Why it matters: The scheduling discrepancy between an external summer program and the district's ESY services affected working families' childcare plans. The Watchdogs program is a parent-volunteer initiative that some families rely on for school support and engagement.
What's next
District staff asked Sam to provide contact information on the public-comment sign-in so staff could follow up and explain the circumstances around STAR scheduling and the status of Watchdogs. The board did not take formal action on either issue during the meeting.
