Mountain View Elementary School is one of the most diverse schools in the Anchorage School District. Nearly 90% of its 291 students identify as non-white, and 11% of the student body is comprised of Alaska Native/American Indian individuals.
It is also one of the district’s poorest schools, with 89% of students classified as “economically disadvantaged,” according to the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development.
In October, CIRI joined forces with community partners Carlile Transportation and Mayfield’s Quality Cleaners to distribute hooded sweatshirts and snacks to all students. Additionally, CIRI paid to install winter lights to the school’s exterior. “The lights truly bring a feeling of hope to the community, which is very dark in the winter months,” Mountain View Principal Clare Hill said. “They also help our scholars get safely to and from school and provide added security for nearby neighbors.”
“Connecting with such a special group of students reminds us how important it is to give back to our community,” said Ethan Tyler, senior director, CIRI external affairs.
