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Elevating Student Voice and Agency
Dear JCCS Family, Friends, and Partners,
I hope that you and your families are healthy and well, and you are able to take some time off during spring break to recharge.
Last week, several San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) and JCCS administrators attended the California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators Conference in Orange County. As my colleague Gretchen Rhoads observed, the opportunity to hear and learn from extraordinary leaders in education who discussed the intersectionality between education, equity, humanity, learning, community, power, relationships, and beliefs was refreshing and inspiring for our leadership.
Speakers and topics addressed included:
- Dr. Chike Akua, who spoke about village and rules without relevance and rebellion
- Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond talked the importance and value on working from strengths
- Pedro Noguera on safe orderly schools, what love looks like, and if our students aren’t learning we are not doing the work
- Dr. Sylvia Rousseau speaking on the humanity gap, not the achievement gap
- Catherine E. Lhamon, assistant secretary of civil rights at the U.S. Department of Education, on what students need and deserve from their schools
- San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Gothold, who participated on a panel that spoke about the Community Schools framework providing students and their families equitable access to resources that allow them to thrive
Just as our leadership team was elevating their knowledge, our students were also elevating their voice and agency in their Student-Led Conferences (SLCs). Instead of parent-teacher conferences where the adults dominate the conversation, students lead the conversation, which includes discussion on their challenges and successes, Renaissance oral and written language progress, course completion progress, personal goals, and words that describe the student. A SOUL Academy student shared her experience with staff. The following describes what she shared.
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When the student started in October, she was an introvert who sat in the corner and was hard to engage. In her presentation, she communicated that she was finally starting to like school. She credits the change to her internship with Outside the Lens, as well as being enrolled in a college course on stress management a nd making new friends. She said her school offered students a lot of resources and opportunities to explore. She enjoyed the college and career field trips to the Educational Community College and loved the welding class. She spoke proudly about growth in both her English language arts and math Renaissance scores. She credited the Accelerated Reader program and support from her teachers for her growth. She spoke confidently and with pride about her accomplishments and goals. |
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When the conference ended, her mom tearfully talked about how quiet and shy her daughter was and could not believe her growth and confidence observed during her presentation. She kept telling her daughter how proud she was and thanking the staff for her daughter's transformation. Principal Theresa Fox said it really was an emotional conference! Such a great experience for the student, parent, and staff!
Although celebrating and honoring women should happen every day, I leave you with a quote from Emma Watson to close out Women’s History Month.
“If you truly pour your heart into what you believe in, even if it makes you vulnerable, amazing things can and will happen.”
I am truly honored and appreciate working with so many amazing staff and educational partners. I thank each of you for pouring your heart into what we believe in. And because of this, amazing things are happening for our students and their families.
With much admiration and appreciation,
Executive Director
Juvenile Court and Community Schools
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School Social Workers Have Big Impact on JCCS Students |
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When JCCS received funding through the California Community Schools Partnership Program grant last year, one of the many benefits for students and families was the addition of full-time school social workers in each region.
School social workers are school-based mental health professionals who work in collaboration with counselors, parent and family liaisons, and site administrators to address barriers to academic success and provide social and emotional support, resources, and services.
As schools within JCCS continue evolving into community hubs by broadening the care and support they provide students and families, school social workers serve as an important link between home, school, and the larger community.
“School social workers view the student through an ecological perspective, where we support students in their environment, family, and community to help address barriers to their overall success and well-being. This really is a whole child design approach to providing services,” said Anna Schen, program specialist in JCCS.
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Two JCCS Employees Honored With School Social Work Awards |
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JCCS social workers Lito De Luca and Anna Schen were two of the eight individuals honored at the annual School Social Work Awards program.
De Luca is a school social work intern in the North Region. Colleagues say “Lito was beyond an intern, he was a superhero. He helped our kids and their families in ways that I have never seen an intern support individuals before."
He graduated from the University of Southern California with his MSW and PPSC in December 2022 and was recently hired as a school social worker in Vista Unified School District.
Schen has been a social worker for more than 13 years. She started at SDCOE almost five years ago and has been with JCCS for two.
"She is committed and dedicated to the profession, and it shines in everything she does from practicum instruction to facilitation," her colleagues said.
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Learn More About County Counselor of the Year Chris Toomey |
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Chris Toomey has been a school counselor for JCCS for nearly 20 years, the last four of which have been at San Pasqual Academy (SPA). He now has a new title: 2023 San Diego County High School Counselor of the Year.
Toomey was surprised lasts month by his school team, SDCOE Counseling Coordinator Tanya Bulette, and San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Gothold with the announcement that he won the countywide honor.
"Every student and story is unique and I get to appreciate them all, " Toomey said.
Toomey says counseling is a calling. He wasn’t a great student in school but had a teacher who really connected with him in high school. That left the urge to give back to other students like him.
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The JCCS student representative on the San Diego County Board of Education for March was Luis, a junior at Innovations Academy of Empowerment.
Principal Oscar Felix shared that Luis has been an integral member of his school community by consistently demonstrating perseverance and a strong work ethic. He is growing into a resilient and responsible young man with the help of his teachers, family, and staff.
“Luis comes to school with a positive attitude and the drive to graduate,” Felix said. “His teachers see him as a leader and a positive influence on our other students. He is reliable, pleasant, and very conscientious.”
Luis is succeeding in the classroom while also holding a part-time job. After graduation, he hopes to attend trade school and obtain a certificate in welding.
At the Board of Education meeting, he thanked his teachers, school staff, and family – many of whom were in attendance -- for believing in him and pushing him forward.
He also shared some words of advice for his fellow students.
“Always show up on time, be consistent, and never give up on your work,” he said.
Each month, the San Diego County Board of Education recognizes a student from Juvenile Court and Community Schools at its regular meeting.
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Register Now for the JCCASAC Conference May 10-12 |
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The Juvenile Court and Community and Alternative School Administrators of California (JCCASAC) is hosting its 53rd Annual Conference May 10 to 12 at the Bahia Resort and Hotel in San Diego. The annual conference is an opportunity for colleagues to network, share best practices, learn from each other and experts in the field, and celebrate the great work of our students, teachers, and administrators. This year's theme is "#YOUMATTER!" Please mark your calendars now and register.
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Students Shine at Community Garden Event |
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Students and staff at 37ECB recently hosted their first community garden event at which friends, family, and the community were invited to see student projects and the garden. Students participating in the entrepreneur classes sold handmade goods, there were cooking demonstrations with produce from the garden, a flower planting station, and more. |
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JCCS partnered with STAR/PAL on the Young Women's Conference held at the South County Regional Education Center. Students from around the county listened to the powerful voices of women leaders sharing their experiences to inspire the next generation. |
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Dr. Tracy Thompson recently received an honorary doctoral degree of divinity from the San Diego International Bible College for his work in the community and in education. He’s pictured here, second from left, receiving the award at the Christian Life Center of San Diego. |
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Get Free Money for College |
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CalKIDS is a new state program that gives child a chance for a bright future with free money for college. CalKIDS stands for the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program. It provides up to $1,500 in free money for college to eligible public school students. CalKIDS can help families boost their children's college savings and increase access to higher education.
SDCOE is partnering with California State Treasurer Fiona Ma to help families and others better understand the program and to start saving for their student's college or career training with free CalKIDS Town Hall events.
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Get up-to-the-minute information about what's happening at the San Diego County Office of Education and in school districts across the county. |
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