At Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy, our staff play many roles in supporting students’ growth, curiosity, and sense of belonging. Few embody this more than Ms. Sarah, our teacher librarian and visual arts teacher. A longtime member of the HMCRA community, she brings a deep commitment to literacy, creativity, and inclusion. This month, we are pleased to highlight her work and the programs she leads.
Q&A with Ms. Sarah
How long have you been part of the HMCRA community?
I have been part of the Harvey Milk community since 2004, when my oldest daughter started kindergarten here. She is now a SPED classroom teacher in Santa Cruz. My youngest daughter also graduated from HMCRA and is now a pastry chef in NYC.
I began working as the Harvey Milk teacher librarian in 2011, and also became a visual arts teacher in 2023.
We know you’re our school librarian, but that role wears many hats. What programs do you make happen?
Literary Itinerary
Harvey Milk had been hosting Scholastic book fairs since before my time here. Although they were a good way to earn free books and we worked hard to make them inclusive, they were always fun for some students and stressful for others.
When Scholastic decided in 2023 to make books by diverse authors and about diverse topics ‘opt in,’ we knew it no longer aligned with our community. In early 2024, we held our first annual free and inclusive book fair, also known as The Literary Itinerary. I collected donations of new and used books that students could ‘shop’ for without any money, ensuring everyone could participate fully.
It blossomed into an entire week of literacy fun with the SFPL Bookmobile parked out front, the Out and About Bookshop Bus on site, engaging author visits, and Drag Queen Story Hour. The energy and inclusiveness of the event far surpassed anything we had been able to achieve with Scholastic.
Library Recess
One way school libraries can replicate public libraries is by offering maker space and STEAM opportunities. Some schools build this into library class time, but we are fortunate to offer Library Recess almost every day.
The library is open to all students as a choice at lunch recess—an alternative to being on the yard. Rotating activities include drawing, origami, beading, Legos, Magnatiles, Keva Planks, dramatic play, reading, Friday clubs, and more.
Partnership with SFPL
I work closely with the San Francisco Public Library to schedule site visits & coordinate trips to the Eureka Valley branch. I help students access their Scholar Card accounts, and distribute free books and information about Summer Stride, to keep kids reading all summer long.
Art in the Library
Being both the librarian and the visual arts teacher lets me use our beautiful library space in creative ways. Many of our art projects start with a book and often tie into our civil rights curriculum, which makes the work feel very connected to who we are as a school.
Additional Roles
I also support several other areas that help keep our community strong—from celebrating Banned Books Week and maintaining an inclusive collection, to running small book clubs for grades 4 and 5, and teaching basic technology skills and internet safety to grades 3–5.
I stay involved through the Social Justice Curriculum Committee, Rainbow Club, serving as our Union Building Rep, and participating in School Site Council. Being here as much as I can helps me build meaningful relationships with students and stay engaged with our community.
It is a privilege to be at Harvey Milk as many days a week as possible. Building strong relationships with students is priceless, and it allows me to support our community in many different ways.
What makes Harvey Milk special to you?
I love the small, close-knit community. It feels more like a family than a larger school ever could. Students are free to express their true identities and be seen. Parents and caregivers are very supportive and an integral part of the HMCRA family.
We are unique in that we have so many staff who are or were also HMCRA parents. It says a lot that people want to both work here and send their children here. The longevity of our staff contributes to the family-like feel.
We are resilient. Over the years we’ve experienced principal changes, budget cuts, threats of closure, and other obstacles, yet we’ve remained steady in our mission of teaching civil rights and social justice.
I love working in the Castro and the community ties we have with local businesses like Spike’s Coffee and Cliff’s Variety, and with events such as the annual Drag Show. I believe Harvey Milk would be proud of his namesake school.
The values we teach have a lasting impact. I see it in my own two adult children, who recognize and call out injustice and stand up for themselves and others.
The Future of Our Library Depends on Us
The programs Ms. Sarah leads, from Library Recess and the Literary Itinerary to book clubs, art projects, and technology instruction, are possible because of your donations. SFUSD does not provide full-time librarians at elementary schools. Our Parent Faculty Club helps ensure students continue to have access to a vibrant, inclusive library program.
If you are able, please consider supporting this year’s Annual Giving Campaign. Your contribution directly funds the programs and positions that make Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy such a special place for our children.