FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SUNRISE ELEMENTARY HOSTS FIRST FAMILY MATH BACKPACK DISTRIBUTION AS PART OF THE CALIFORNIA FAMILY MATH INITIATIVE
Family Event Ensures Every TK–2nd Grade Student Receives Resources to Support Math Learning at Home
Los Angeles – January 28, 2026 – Sunrise Elementary School will be the first school to receive Family Math Book Bags for every Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 2nd grade student during a family engagement award ceremony on January 28, 2026. The distribution is part of the California Family Math Initiative, which strengthens early math outcomes by equipping families with practical, engaging tools to support learning at home.
The Family Math Book Bags include math-focused books, games, and easy-to-use activities that help families build confidence in supporting their children’s mathematical thinking through everyday experiences. Families at Sunrise Elementary have already been engaging in math learning at home through PowerMyLearning’s MathVoice program, which provides accessible, play-based activities that spark meaningful math conversations. By encouraging “math talk” and playful learning, the initiative reinforces classroom instruction while fostering positive attitudes toward math from an early age.
“Family engagement is a powerful driver of student success, especially in the early years,” said Luis Barraza, Principal of Sunrise Elementary School. “We are thrilled that our families have access to these meaningful resources, which provide fun and approachable ways to continue learning at home and strengthen our partnership in supporting students’ math growth.”
The California Family Math Initiative is supported by a three-year grant from the Masons of California focused on improving early math development for TK–2nd grade students at several of the highest-need Los Angeles Unified School District schools, some of which–like Sunrise–are managed by the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools. The initiative brings together leading education and family engagement partners to provide high-quality, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate materials that help close opportunity gaps and extend learning beyond the classroom.
“Strong math skills start with strong family support,” said Doug Ismail, President of the California Masonic Foundation. “When families have clear, practical tools, children build confidence and curiosity around math early. This initiative puts research into practice by giving families simple ways to talk about math, play together, and support learning at home. We are proud to support Sunrise Elementary and partner with schools and organizations working to improve outcomes for young learners.”
Research shows that early family engagement implemented through shared activities, positive conversations, and high expectations can significantly improve children’s math achievement and confidence. The Sunrise Elementary distribution translates this research into action by making math accessible, joyful, and relevant for families.
Partners for the California Family Math Initiative include the Masons of California, the Center for Family Math, Raising a Reader, PowerMyLearning and Partnership for Los Angeles Schools.
Click here to view a video reel of the event.
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