Pittsburg Unified School District

Community Schools

What is a Community School?

A Community School is any school serving pre-Kindergarten through high school students using a “whole-child” approach, with “an integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development, and community engagement." As a school improvement strategy, community school initiatives enable the local educational agency (LEA) and school to work closely with educators, students, and families to understand and address the unique needs, assets, and aspirations of the school community.

— California Community Schools Partnership Program Framework

Get to know PUSD's Full Service Community School Coordinators

Heights Elementary - Alexandra Briseno
Rancho Medanos Junior High - Amy Mark
Parkside Elementary - Silvia Salcedo
Pittsburg High - Camilo Soto Perez

Heights Elementary - Alexandra Briseno

Hello! My name is Alexandra Briseno and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the newly appointed Full Service Community School Coordinator at Heights Elementary School. It is both an honor and a privilege to join the PUSD community in this important role.

My ancestors are from Mexico, but I was born and raised in Oakland, California. Here is where I attended Merritt College and received Associate degrees in Sociology and Criminal Justice. I then transferred to Cal State East Bay where I graduated in 2020 with a bachelors in Administration of Justice and Sociology. I began my work with the community of Pittsburg in 2021 as a Community Health Educator.

As the Community Coordinator, my role is to support the well-being and success of every student by fostering strong partnerships with families, community organizations, and our school staff. Together, we will work to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

I am passionate about building relationships and collaborating to address the needs of our students and families. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, ideas, or concerns you may have. I look forward to meeting and working with each of you to make a positive impact on the lives of our students, families, and community.

Alexandra Briseno

Full Service Community School Coordinator

Heights Elementary School

abriseno@pittsburgusd.net

Rancho Medanos Junior High - Amy Mark

My name is Amy Mark, and I am thrilled to be joining the Cougar Community this year as your Full Service Community Schools Coordinator.

About Me...

I was born in California, and grew up in what I call the Mexicaliago Triangle. Long, adventure-filled story short, I have spent my life living between Mexico, California, and Chicago. I have made my home here in Pittsburg since 2007, and there is no place I would rather be! I am fluent in Spanish and English, and am most at home when part of a multi-ethnic, diverse community. I am auntie to four amazing young women whose lights shine like stars in the sky. Like all children, they are gifts to the world, and I love them beyond what I can express. I have worked with children and families in a variety of capacities over the course of my life. I have been a middle school teacher, a children's pastor, an interpreter, a worship leader, a family liaison, a program leader for pregnant and parenting teens, and a children’s theatre music director. Each experience has been a treasure trove of joy and learning for me. My personal vision is simple: Every person has a brilliance in them that is only theirs, that the world needs to be whole. My place in this world is to help people discover their light and learn how to let it shine.

What Am I Doing Here?
My role at Rancho is primarily supporting our staff, scholars, and families by fortifying our community. This involves creating community, brokering resources, and fostering connections for the good of our students, families, and surrounding community. While the primary emphasis of their academic career is, in fact, academics, we know that children must have their basic needs met in order for them to engage in the kind of thinking and behavior that academic learning requires. My role is to help our school partner with you, their primary providers, to support your efforts in meeting those basic needs. The world has tried to manage caring for children by dividing communities into segments that work alone. But, as our kinfolk in Western Africa so wisely acknowledge, it takes a village to raise a child!

Amy Mark

Full Service Community School Coordinator

Rancho Medanos Junior High School

amark@pittsburgusd.net

Parkside Elementary - Silvia Salcedo

Pittsburg High - Camilo Soto Perez

I am Camilo Soto Perez, the new Full Service Community School Coordinator at Pittsburg High School. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Sports Biology from Holy Names University in 2016. Recently earned my Doctorate in Chiropractic from Life Chiropractic College West in March 2024. My passion for promoting holistic well-being and academic success drives my dedication to this role. I look forward to fostering a supportive and thriving educational environment for our students, staff, and community.

Professional Experience

Prior to joining Pittsburg High School, I had the privilege of working as a Community Health Educator for La Clinica de la Raza in Pittsburg for 5.5 years. Where I developed the curriculum for the Mental Health Project named Abriendo Mentes, Cerrando Estigmas( A.M.C.E) and worked on other projects. As a Community Health Educator I witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs of students, families and community members from diverse backgrounds go through. This experience ignited my commitment to advocate for equitable opportunities for all.

Vision for Pittsburg High School

In my current role as the Full Service Community School Coordinator, I am dedicated to fostering an environment where every student feels supported, valued, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential. My vision is to integrate community resources with educational services, creating a seamless support system that addresses the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of our students. My approach is holistic and student-centered. I believe in the power of partnerships and actively seek to build strong relationships with local organizations, parents, and other community members. By leveraging these partnerships, we can provide a comprehensive range of services, including health and wellness programs, academic support, family engagement initiatives, and extracurricular opportunities that enrich the student experience.

Core Values and Beliefs

At the core of my work are the values of equity, inclusivity, and community. I am committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. I am a firm believer in the potential of every student and strive to create an environment that nurtures their unique talents and aspirations. I also recognize the importance of listening and being responsive to the needs of our community. By maintaining an open dialogue with students, families, and staff, I aim to continuously improve our services and programs to better serve our school community.

Conclusion

I am thrilled to be part of the Pittsburg High School community and look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to create a supportive, enriching, and empowering environment for our students. Together, we can build a brighter future for every student, one that is filled with opportunities and limitless possibilities.

Feel free to reach out to me with any ideas, concerns, or initiatives that you believe can contribute to our shared vision. Let's work together to make Pittsburg High School a beacon of hope and excellence in our community.