The Community School Communicator

April proved to be a dynamic month across our Alternative Education sites, filled with opportunities for student growth, staff recognition, and community engagement as we moved into the final stretch of the school year.

The month kicked off with a high-energy finish to March, as Lisa Cafro brought exponential growth and decay to life with a memorable zombie-themed math activity at the districtwide STEM2Career Expo. Kirstin DeGeer also provided hands-on experiences for Alta students at the event. Patty Mendivel was celebrated with the VUSD Star of Excellence Award for her dedicated support across Alta, VVA, and Home Hospital. Alta also launched a welcoming drive-through event for families, complete with refreshments and staff smiles, spearheaded by Xochi Tejeda Robles. To top off the early successes, our football team secured their first win of the season.

Continuing the momentum, April saw significant emphasis on preparing students for future success. Willis Rowe and Kim Harrington facilitated informational interviews for construction internships and connected students with personal training opportunities through the Heavy Breathing Foundation. Alejandro Ramírez (Alta), Katie Holden (VVA), Fátima Sacarias, and Brayan Solano Lara (MGM) contributed their valuable insights at the Superintendent’s Council on Innovative Learning, exploring their CliftonStrengths.

Leadership was a recurring theme throughout the month. David Henry was honored with a leadership award by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), nominated by Julie Ross-Ma’u, recognizing his profound impact on students. Toni Masciola, Shayna Glazer, and Jay Noonan led students in a meaningful beach cleanup, demonstrating leadership through environmental stewardship.

Our dedicated administrative professionals – Catherine Cruz, Natalie Balderas, Velia Huerta, Maya Mora, Jennifer Estrella, Carol Oliver, Cynthia Miranda, and Xochi Tejeda Robles – were celebrated during Administrative Professionals Week for their invaluable contributions to the smooth operation of our schools.

Professional development and collaboration were also key focuses. A team of Alt Ed teachers, along with Julie Ross-Ma’u, attended the CCEA+ Conference in San Diego, joining colleagues from across the state to share best practices and innovative ideas in continuation and alternative education. Additionally, six certificated and three classified staff members from MGM participated in a Climate and Culture Workshop. Subject-Alike PLC meetings provided a vital platform for cross-site collaboration and the sharing of effective teaching strategies.

Student achievements and community spirit were also prominent. Rising Star Senior Steven Vargas was celebrated at MGM for his positive presence on campus. Chaz Pama, MGM’s voice of the morning announcements, showcased his talent at the VUSD Arts Under the Stars event, participating in the largest school steel drum performance in U.S. history. David Ayres led a group of determined students in the physically and mentally challenging Spartan Race, fostering teamwork and resilience. MGM also hosted a Districtwide Community School Coalition meeting, highlighting their program and facilitating learning among community sites. CPR certification was provided to MGM students, equipping them with a critical life-saving skill. Students also had the enriching experience of attending a performance of La Traviata, thanks to the efforts of Olga Greenlee and others.

As the month drew to a close, the focus shifted towards assessment, with CAASPP testing commencing for all juniors. The dedication and flexibility of staff in administering these important pulse checks were greatly appreciated. Alta Vista prepared for their Tiered Fidelity Assessment, a gauge of their PBIS work. Parent engagement continued with Alta’s drive-thru event. Looking ahead, MGM geared up for their Pathways to my Future event in May, discussed at a Coffee with the Counselor session hosted by Jasmine Suleiman and Manny Rodriguez.

April served as a powerful reminder of the collective commitment to student success, staff excellence, and community building that defines our Alternative Education programs. As we enter the final weeks of the school year, the energy and dedication witnessed throughout April will undoubtedly propel us towards a strong finish.