The Community School Communicator

January 2025 proved to be a dynamic and productive month for our alternative education sites, filled with celebrations, academic progress, community engagement, and exciting extracurricular achievements. The month began with a powerful professional development day where students shared impactful internship experiences, highlighting the real-world value of these learning opportunities. Our combined boys’ basketball team celebrated a thrilling victory to close out 2024 and continued their winning streak into the new year, culminating in a nail-biting one-point win against Montecito High School in Ramona. The Big Picture Book Club and basketball program resumed in January, offering students and staff enriching activities beyond the classroom. We also celebrated two Rising Star Seniors, Gio Rodriguez at Alta and Gaby Garcia Benitez at VVA, recognizing their outstanding achievements. College-bound trips to MiraCosta and Palomar Colleges exposed students to potential future pathways. Throughout the month, Isaak Egge, from Big Picture Learning, provided on-site support to teachers, facilitating 1:1 check-ins to discuss progress, challenges, and successes related to Learning Through Internships (LTI).

Academically, students engaged in CAPTI testing, a crucial districtwide English exam. The MGM faculty were commended for their ongoing efforts to improve student attendance and engagement. This month also saw the launch of the Pathways to Citizenship program at MGM’s PM School, offering vital immigration services to families in need. The program saw a strong initial turnout and will continue for two more Thursdays. We are grateful for the dedication of those who made this resource available to our community.

Beyond academics, students had opportunities to engage in various activities. A group of students, accompanied by Cleveland Hagans, Leo Sambrano, and others, attended the LA Fit Expo. Summer professional development sessions in Canva, Thrively, and other areas were announced, offering teachers opportunities for growth. The Superintendent’s Council on Equity and Racism held a meeting, encouraging participation. A secure campus/lockdown drill was conducted at all alternative education sites to ensure safety preparedness. Subject-alike PLC meetings resumed, fostering collaboration among teachers across sites.

The importance of student engagement and real-world connections was further emphasized through ongoing internships, Leave to Learns, and Community School programming. Julann Lodge’s classroom was highlighted as an exemplary model of prioritizing the L2L pipeline, visibly displaying each student's progress. MGM launched its inaugural Kickout attendance intervention, demonstrating a proactive approach to encouraging consistent attendance. As January drew to a close, the alternative education community reflected on a month filled with progress, collaboration, and a shared commitment to student success. The dedication of teachers, staff, families, and community partners continues to be the driving force behind the positive impact on the lives of our students.