At Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy, our community is the heartbeat of everything we do. Among the many dedicated staff who bring that spirit to life is Ms. Summer, our incredible School Social Worker, whose compassion and commitment strengthen our school every day.
When SFUSD reduced social worker hours in 2025, our community came together to ensure Ms. Summer could remain full-time. Thanks to donations to the Harvey Milk PFC, she continues to provide the guidance, stability, and support that help every child thrive.
Q&A with Ms. Summer
You’ve been at Harvey Milk for several years now—what are some of the things you do in your role?
This will be my seventh year at Harvey Milk! I wear a lot of hats here. I run our mentoring program, which pairs 4th- and 5th-grade students with younger classrooms to help them gain confidence, empathy, and a sense of responsibility. I also lead our Coordinated Care Team, bringing together teachers, administrators, and specialists to support students with complex needs. Additionally, I help manage 504 education plans, ensuring that students with documented needs receive the accommodations that allow them to fully access their education.
Beyond that, I provide social groups, therapy, conflict resolution, case management, and crisis intervention, not just for students, but for families navigating challenges like housing instability, medical emergencies, or financial stress. I also coordinate with outside community-based organizations to connect families to resources. It’s a wide range of work, but all of it centers on keeping our students and families supported, safe, and connected.
What is it about Harvey Milk that keeps you coming back year after year?
The thing that keeps me coming back is the community. I’ve never worked somewhere where every single employee is not only incredibly skilled, but also genuinely invested in the common goal of educating and loving children. I’m not exaggerating when I say every person.
And our parents are such an amazing gift to us! Any time I ask for donations or support, I’m overwhelmed by the continuous and immense generosity that comes our way. There’s a deep sense of partnership here—families and staff working together for the good of the kids. That’s rare, and it’s what makes Harvey Milk feel like home.
What gives you hope about working at a civil rights-focused school like Harvey Milk?
It doesn’t hurt that our very existence as a civil rights academy provides daily purpose and hope for the future, even when the world around us feels like it’s falling apart. I know HMCRA will continue to fight the good fight every single day. I feel so lucky to have landed here.
Why Your Support Matters
Ms. Summer’s impact goes far beyond counseling sessions—she is part of a team that keeps our students, families, and staff connected and cared for. Your donations to the Annual Giving Campaign ensure that essential positions like hers remain fully funded and that every child at Harvey Milk continues to thrive. 💛