Here are the intentions and agreements we established at the beginning of the year as a department, setting the foundation for our collaboration, communication, and shared goals throughout the school year.
Department's Vision: The Business and Technology Department aims to empower students by developing their critical thinking, problem solving skills, technological know-how, and entrepreneurial mindset, so they can make positive contributions to society and achieve success in their personal and professional lives.
OUR TEAM - SCHOOL YEAR 2024-2025
Jorge Colunga - Head Of Academics / Tech Design Teacher
Bertha Cannon - Tech Teacher
Johanna Garza - Business/Tech Teacher
Nestor Moctezuma - Business Teacher
Monis García - Business Teacher (SEMESTER 2)
Pilar Perez - Business Teacher (SEMESTER 1)
Maria Angela Guerra - Business Teacher (SEMESTER 1)
Alberto Valdes - MS Tech Teacher
Eduardo Restrepo - MS TechTeacher
Troy Wiggins - Personal Finance Teacher
OUR FIRST MEETING - August 21, 2024
To kick off the school year, we held our first departmental meeting with a collaborative breakout activity. Teachers were paired up and challenged to solve clues hidden on a piece of paper in order to unlock a box containing our agenda. The final message revealed the agenda for the year, symbolizing our commitment to problem-solving and collaboration as we launched into the new school year.
This school year, our classrooms were filled with moments of creativity, connection, and curiosity. From student-led projects and real-world simulations to engaging discussions and collaborative challenges, we saw students take ownership of their learning in meaningful and inspiring ways. In this document, we reflect on and celebrate the journey we’ve taken as a department throughout the school year, highlighting key events, accomplishments, and the growth we’ve experienced together.
Our Achievements Throughout the Year
SHARK TANK 2025
Leader: Monis García
On May 22, 2025, high school students from the business classes hosted the first-ever Shark Tank event at ASFM, marking a major milestone in our entrepreneurship program. To earn a spot in the final round, students participated in two rigorous preliminary selection phases, where they refined their business ideas and practiced their pitches. The top six teams advanced to the main event, where they presented their ventures to a panel of guest judges in a high-energy, real-world simulation of the popular show. The Shark Tank experience not only allowed students to showcase their innovation and business acumen but also strengthened their public speaking, critical thinking, and collaboration skills in a professional and engaging setting.
Innovation Convention 2025
In February, we hosted the Innovation Convention 2025, a dynamic event that brought together students from ASFM and The Santa Cruz Cooperative School in an exciting international collaboration. The convention provided a platform for students to showcase innovative projects and business ideas, developed through research, creativity, and strategic thinking. With interactive exhibits, live presentations, and insightful feedback from invited guests, the event highlighted the power of experiential learning and cross-cultural exchange. The presence of our partner school added a global dimension to the experience, allowing students to engage in meaningful dialogue, share diverse perspectives, and expand their understanding of innovation in different contexts. The Innovation Convention 2025 was a powerful celebration of student voice, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit.
RoboJam 2025
Leader: Eduardo Restrepo
On March 29, ASFM proudly hosted RoboJam for the second time, offering an exciting and enriching experience for robotics enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. The event created a dynamic environment where students could exchange knowledge and strengthen essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. Participants competed in various categories, showcasing their creativity and technical expertise in robot design and programming. The competition not only highlighted the impressive talent of young innovators but also fostered a collaborative and intellectually stimulating atmosphere. With teams of all ages engaging with both national and international peers, the event was a true celebration of learning, innovation, and the growing passion for robotics in education.
INC Monterrey 2025
Our students had the valuable opportunity to attend INC MTY, one of Latin America's leading innovation and entrepreneurship festivals, organized by Tec de Monterrey. During the event, our business students participated in a variety of hands-on workshops, panels, and networking sessions focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and startup culture. This experience allowed them to engage directly with industry leaders, explore real-world business challenges, and deepen their understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset.
Guest Speakers - Business classes
Class: Business Management and Entrepreneurship
Throughout the year, students in the Business Management and Entrepreneurship class had the opportunity to engage with real-world business leaders and industry professionals through a series of guest speaker sessions and an online entrepreneurship conference. These experiences provided valuable insights into current trends, challenges, and success stories in the business world. Guest speakers shared their personal journeys, offered practical advice, and answered students’ questions, fostering a deeper understanding of entrepreneurial thinking and leadership.
Conference with Ricardo Murcio
Bernardo Barrera
Andrés Guerra "Grupo DEACERO"
Cindy & Fabián CEMEX
Food Truck Faceoff
Leaders:
1st Semester: Nestor Moctezuma
2nd Semester: Johanna Garza
This year, our Introduction to Business class launched the first-ever Food Truck Faceoff, a culminating event designed to showcase students’ learning in a real-world context. Throughout the course, students developed key entrepreneurial skills such as market research, product development, branding, and financial planning. The project culminated in an event where students pitched and presented their food truck concepts, complete with samples and marketing strategies.
Silicon Valley 2025
One of the most impactful experiences of the year was our Silicon Valley Field Trip, where a group of selected high school students had the opportunity to explore the heart of global innovation and entrepreneurship. During the trip, students visited leading tech companies, startups, and incubators, gaining firsthand insight into the culture, challenges, and breakthroughs that define Silicon Valley. Through guided tours, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with industry professionals, students expanded their understanding of business, technology, and leadership in a real-world context. This immersive experience not only inspired their entrepreneurial thinking but also provided valuable networking opportunities and a clearer vision of potential career pathways in the tech and innovation sectors.
Throughout the year, we:
Aligned and finalized Unit Learning Objectives (ULOs) and Lesson Learning Objectives (LLOs) across all courses
Standardized assessment tools using a common template and folder structure
Developed and implemented consistent formative and summative assessments across classes
Ensured each course had a clear and documented curriculum map by the end of the school year
STUDENTES VOICE REPORT
To further amplify their voices, students completed end-of-course surveys to evaluate the content, structure, and impact of the classes. Their feedback provided valuable insights into what they found most engaging, relevant, and meaningful. This input informed adjustments to our curriculum and instructional strategies, helping us better align the course content with student interests and needs.
MS RESPONSES
HS RESPONSES
OUR LAST MEETING
06/02/2025
We set out to strengthen curriculum alignment, provide authentic learning experiences, and create a unified structure across all classes. By the end of the year, we:
Established standout student-led experiences that define our department's vision
Hosted national and international collaborations
Created consistent teaching and assessment materials
Strengthened student engagement through experiential and project-based learning
Thank you for an incredible year. Looking forward to all that we’ll accomplish together next school year!