September Fest on Sat. Sept. 20, brought community experts together in order to help students that are in danger of dropping out of school or are in need of academic, or psychiatric help.

Principal Jan Davis and Dean Henry Lazo collaborated with other agencies to create a program called Multi- Agency At-Risk Student Task Force (MAARSTF).



"Before, different agencies would come on campus and students were not aware of how they could benefit from these groups. In the end the school collaborated with them to help the kids," explained Mr. Lazo. "Parents come into my office and they ask for help and what they should do with their children. Now they know ahead of time where to go and look for help."



Approximately 400 people attended the festival. Rosa Hernandez, a parent of a student attending Mark Twain Middle School, said "I am glad to know that there is help for my child somewhere." Students and parents that attended September Fest

also enjoyed live entertainment, burritos from Mrs. Garcia's restaurant, and other games and activities.



Some of the agencies in attendance were Latino Family Outreach Program, Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Center, and Westside Family Health Center and many more. When asked what message Mr. Lazo wishes to get across to families, his response was "I want parents to know that the school and community is concerned about at-risk students and that there is help available. Parents are not alone in raising their children".

Mrs. Roche-Blair, who is a counselor at Venice High, was surprised at how far agencies went to meet the needs of the Spanish speaking audience. "I saw many fliers and discussions translated into Spanish. Considering that this was the first year that this event was put on, it was very well organized and promoted," said Mrs. Roche-Blair.

Look out for September Fest next year since it may be an annual event.