WE ARE A COMMUNITY SCHOOL!

My name is Lorissa Rankin (Garza), and I am honored to serve as the Community School Coordinator at Yosemite Middle School. I am excited to be back working with middle school students and to be part of the Yosemite community.

For the past two years, I worked as a School Counselor at Fresno Adult School, supporting students ages 16 and older as they earned high school credits, completed graduation requirements, or achieved their high school equivalency. Prior to that role, I served as an AmeriCorps service member, mentoring and supporting students at Terronez Middle School and Cooper Academy. Throughout my career, I have also worked as a substitute teacher, health educator, and Expanded Learning Coordinator, giving me the opportunity to support students and families in a variety of educational settings.

Education has always been a significant part of my life. Growing up in a family dedicated to serving students through Fresno Unified School District inspired my passion for helping young people succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.

As the Community School Coordinator, I work closely with students, families, staff, community partners, and local organizations to strengthen connections between home, school, and community. My goal is to help ensure that students and families have access to the resources, opportunities, and support systems they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

As a McLane Region middle school, Yosemite plays an important role in preparing students for the next chapter of their educational journey. I am especially excited to build strong partnerships with McLane High School staff and teachers to support a successful transition from 8th grade to high school. I am passionate about helping students see their potential, explore opportunities in academics and athletics, and develop confidence as they prepare for their futures.

I look forward to partnering with our students, families, staff, and community members as we work together to create a supportive environment where every student can succeed.