by Asé Mora
In collaboration with the Golden State Warriors and Heart of America, the NBA Foundation awarded gym renovations to Bret Harte Elementary School with a day full of activities and special NBA and WNBA appearances in the midst of the NBA All-Star Playoffs on Feb. 14.
Bret Harte, located at 1035 Gilman Ave., was first opened in 1940 according to the Calisphere University of California digital archive.
After years of weather exposure, the elementary school’s gym developed structural issues according to pre-K and T.K. instructional coach Adrianna Bertumen.
“Even when the community was working hard to maintain the gym, the floor needed to be repaired in many places. We basically needed to redo the whole gym because of weather conditions. A lot of humidity [caused] the paint [to need] major work done,” said Bertumen.
According to President and CEO of Heart of America Foundation, Jill Heath, renovating Bret Harte’s Elementary School was a collaborative selection process that ultimately came down to the need and maintenance capability of the school.
“We worked together with the NBA as well as the Golden State Warriors. We made sure we chose a school that was ready for this because first and foremost any improvements need to be maintained. Second, [we looked for a school] that had some [need for opportunity in] the actual [school] facility itself,” said Heath.
Fourth grade Bret Harte English teacher Gina Maschio emphasized the efforts from the school and community that made the renovations possible.
“It’s a testament to our principal Jeremy [Hilinski], who is really helping to bring our school together to better our community. It’s a testament to all the hard work we each put in every day here.”
The Hearts of America Foundation is a non-profit organization that brings opportunity and education equity to schools all across the country.
Similar projects by Heart of America Foundation and the NBA Foundation at other schools have yielded higher attendance rates and increased school pride amongst students. The ‘presence of caring adults’ makes all the difference according to Heath.
The event drew volunteers from all over the country – like licensed psychotherapist Andrea Wise-Brown. Based in Texas, Brown has no relation to Bret Harte Elementary School, stating in an interview that all kids should have the support that they need to help them thrive.
“If you go into a place that looks good, and you go to school there, then you start to feel like you’re worthy of things in your life. You’ll continue to do those things to reach higher, to make everything look good in your life,”.
The additional activities, such as reading lessons, outdoor games, painting, playing basketball, plus appearances from NBA and WNBA stars were secondary to the true intention to make an impact and embolden students in the Bayview long after that one day, said Heath.
Community school coordinator Karla Zambrano-Armijos said: “I think it contributes to them being proud of our school. They’re already so proud to be Bret Harte students and just seeing that other people also invest in our school, in our school community. I think that shows them a lot about how to take care of our stuff and how important it is to give back to your community.”
Bertumen also emphasized the need at Bret Harte Elementary School and the impact on students,
“Oh my goodness, it’s awesome; it’s exactly what our children need and deserve. This community has been impacted by many traumatic events in the past and they work really hard; they’re very resilient. And I feel that this transformation, it’s gonna impact them in a very positive way because what better way to start your day at school than in a better environment.”
Zambrano-Armijos said: “I’m really excited we had the opportunity to have the gym renovated after so many years, especially to have the Warriors come and just have all these people, these volunteers making Bret Harte beautiful. It is such a lovely opportunity to beautify our school … And I know the kids are excited and appreciative to use the gym.”
Asé Mora is an aspiring journalist, studying at San Francisco State University and an intern for the SF BayView National Black Newspaper. She can be reached at asemora81@gmail.com.
