Where Impact Begins: Insights from Our Annual Offsite & School Visits

Last week, the Sown To Grow team gathered in Manhattan Beach, California for our annual offsite — a chance to step away from the day-to-day, collaborate cross-functionally, reconnect with why we do this work, and visit partner schools across the Los Angeles area.

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Like the fog-filled weather experienced intermittently throughout the trip, educators have shared with us that the path forward in schools can sometimes feel unclear these days. However, when the haze lifts, even briefly, what matters most is still thankfully very visible and vibrant. And that’s what this offsite was about for Sown To Grow: clearing space to refocus on our mission to help every child feel seen, supported, and learning at their best. 

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During the week, we spent time on the following tasks:

☑️ Reconnected as people first by sharing stories, challenges, and 'whys'

☑️ Dug into what’s working (and what’s not) for schools this year

☑️ Aligned on how we can amplify support for educators and expand whole-child impact in the long run

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Each of these initiatives were strengthened by one of our main priorities for this yearly in-person gathering: school visits. Leading with curiosity, respect, and support, we met beforehand to set intentions and align on our purpose: Observe the Sown To Grow process and routine, student and teacher engagement, and use of technology. 

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With nearly 25 team members in tow, we divided into groups to visit dozens of classrooms within nine schools in six different districts across Los Angeles. Nothing beats the chance to see Sown To Grow in action, and hear live feedback from the students, teachers, and administrators who use the platform. The experience was invaluable, and we left incredibly inspired with learnings to better inform our work. A sincere thank you and shout-out to the following schools for their warm welcomes to our team, and their exemplary practice on the platform.

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1. Ànimo Mae Jemison Charter Middle School in Greet Dot Public Schools
2. Christian Sorenson Science Academy
3. Fernangeles Elementary in Los Angeles Unified School District
4. Lathrop Intermediate School in Santa Ana Unified School District
5. Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (LACES) in Los Angeles Unified School District
6. Robert Frost Middle School in Los Angeles Unified School District
7. Scholarship Prep Orange County
8. Scholarship Prep South Bay
9. Vox Collegiate

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Coupled with the school visits, our collaborative sessions (and even a little free time!) provided the clear direction and solid conviction to affirm that this work is worth the long haul — fog, uncertainty, and all.

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Each of our team members returned home ready to continue showing up for students, strengthening partnerships with educators, and building a future of stronger student well-being.