Holding a Masters of Business Administration degree that began at Amarillo College, I manage multiple state government programs as part of my administrative duties. The Breakfast in the Classroom Middle School Program (click underlined text to see a primary source document), is one that began in Ector County during my leadership of a Campus Culture Committee. We started the program because eleven hundred of the fifteen hundred Title I campus students weren't receiving breakfast. I developed a plan to feed all students in the most effective and efficient manner. The program is successful and middle schools across Ector County ISD adopted the process and in class nutrition program the following school year.

Problem of Practice

Our current morning arrival process allowed building access for about 30 min tops and as student trickled in, the lines grew outside the cafeteria and as the bell rang many of the students lined up left empty handed and some students did not attempt to enter the lines because of line length or time until class began. Committee members met to discuss the campus climate and one of my team members noticed the issue with managing the cafeteria crowd, another mentioned perhaps we can feed them in class instead. I was responsible for determining the feasibility of the project, designing a plan and implementing the pilot with staff support.

Securing buy-in communicating with key leadership to launch my plan with success included- 

1. Director of Child Nutrition to approve budget increase in food orders and product bags.

2. Cafeteria Management agreement to the food distribution processes and flow.

3. Custodial Management new trash pick up route.

4. Associate Principal adjustments to the daily schedule having homeroom first period instead of 8th period.

5. Campus Principal approval for new changes.

6. Video Media created with voice over by myself so students and teachers received a detail procedure for the program.

7.  Managing all communication and the implementation of the Breakfast in the Classroom Middle School processes.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 

• Take a look at my Most Recent Project page.

Ector County community partners joined with me to support students and parents. Organizations included the Odessa Small Business Administration, Complex Community Credit Union, Odessa Arts Council, Albertsons, and local churches.  At my successful solicitation, we met to discuss the need of the campus, the goal of the events and how the organization would support students and families. The school/ community relationships formed, participation was 100% and students and parents benefited from their involvement in the campus activities. (Take a look at my Learning by Doing page.)

Soda with Soto  current school news feature

I believe the earlier you speak about college and careers with kids the sooner they get on the right track with their education. So each month, we have a soda and I ask kids what they love and like to do and set them on the right track to attend WT, Amarillo College and AM Tech. The meeting ends with a mini portfolio of their career interest, a printed color college pathway with industry careers& salaries and sometimes they're from the US Department of Labor if the career isn't offered locally. The folder is handed to them at the end of the meeting and titled with the Student's Name and subtitled Follow your Dreams, Soda with Soto. 

Tournament of Trailblazer - Began Fall 2023 as an incentive to encourage students to bond with the 6th grade experience. Being a 1 year school, students needed a way to connect with staff and one another. Participant's teamed up with a team of their choice and 1 teacher sponsor. The basket tournament takes place at the 7th period and continues through the end of the day. Teams play 3 games, two half court 7 min games and 1- 10 minute full court game equipped with referees, score keepers and time clocks! Student spectators purchase concessions, listen to the latest music and have a blast! The entire event is run by teachers and staff. We have received a large bracket donation from a community business to support motivation. Throughout the planning to game day, a carefully detailed spreadsheet ensures tournament success! I direct the project and event coordination along with a paraprofessional staff member. Together we have developed two successful events!