โExcelsior Buzzโ is a recurring column on changes, tidbits and other news from the Excelsior. Got news? Send us tips at xueer@missionlocal.com.
A win for the kids and families at Monroe Elementary School: the long-waited new soccer field and resurfaced play area were completedย on Wednesday, Aug. 26.ย
“Our students have been asking for a safe soccer field for a long time, and we are thrilled to finally make this dream a reality,” Monroe Elementary’s Principal Telmo Vasquez said in a statement.ย
Beyond soccer, the resurfaced area now hosts morning circles, outdoor reading, and other lessons taken outside of the classroom.
The project has been made possible by the San Francisco Bay Area America SCORES Program, which is an after-school youth program; the San Francisco Education Fund, which is a nonprofit in the city; and the Monroe parent teacher association.
Kids in San Francisco said bye to their summer and went back to school on Monday, Aug. 17.
If you are in the area and in need of school supplies, stop by the Excelsior Library at 4400 Mission St. near Cotter Street on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. for a free giveaway, including pencils, notebooks, planners, calculators, geometry kits, folders and other essential classroom materials.ย
The event is open to the public, with items available while supplies last. You can also check out our list of where to find resources, backpacks and supplies for this back to school season.
Don’t worry if you missed out on the last Excelsior night market on Aug. 21, as there will be four more for the season.
The Excelsior Action Group, a local nonprofit improving the neighborhood’s business corridor, is bringing food, music, arts and fun to Ocean Avenue at Mission Street every month until the end of year:
Here is a preview of the themes:
- Friday, Sept. 18, Latino heritage
- Friday, Oct. 23, fall festivalย
- Friday, Nov. 20, autumn harvest
- Friday, Dec. 11, happy holidaysย
Excelsior Works!, a workforce development center helping low-income youth, adults, seniors and immigrants, is hosting an affordable housing forum in collaboration with SOMCAN (short for South of Market Community Action Network).
The purpose of the forum is to hear out and understand residentsโ housing needs.
The forum will be on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and food will be provided. It will be at Excelsior Works!’s office at 5000 Mission St. at Italy Avenue near Seneca Avenue.ย
RSVP here to attend.
A few more upcoming events at the Excelsior library branch:ย
- The Roving Ranger pop-up on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. is a free event featuring an orange and green mobile โnature pop-upโ truck with an owl and poppies painted on it. It will be stationed at the library, offering interactive and nature-themed activities and park information for all ages. The event is in collaboration with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
- Bilingual citizenship trivia game will kick off on Sept. 9 between 5 to 6 p.m. testing participants’ knowledge of the U.S. citizenship study guides. The second of its series will be on Oct. 14 and the third will be on Dec. 9 at the same time. The first half of the event will be in Spanish and the second half in English.ย
- The last session of the Excelsior Youth Chess Club will be on Saturday, Aug. 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. It is for kids aged five to 18 and no prior chess experience is needed.
