Grow Our own Teacher Program is targeted at increasing the diversity of our school staff. We recruit recent SJUSD graduates who are interested in becoming teachers.
As we step into May, we embrace a significant celebration: Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This observance offers a profound opportunity to recognize, honor, and celebrate the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) across the globe. Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month serves as a platform for acknowledging the rich tapestry of cultures within the AAPI community. From the vibrant festivals of Southeast Asia to the intricate traditions of the Pacific Islands, each cultural heritage holds unique stories, customs, and values that enrich our collective human experience.
Moreover, this month is a time to amplify the voices and experiences of AAPI individuals, particularly in the face of persistent challenges such as discrimination, xenophobia, and invisibility. By shining a spotlight on the achievements and struggles of the AAPI community, we can foster greater understanding, empathy, and solidarity among all members of society.
Celebrating Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month also underscores the invaluable contributions of AAPI individuals to every facet of society. From pioneering advancements in science, technology, and medicine to shaping art, literature, and cuisine, the impact of AAPI innovators and trailblazers reverberates worldwide. By recognizing their achievements, we honor their legacy and inspire future generations to reach new heights.
Furthermore, this month-long celebration serves as a call to action for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities. By embracing the richness of AAPI cultures and identities, we reject stereotypes and prejudices, fostering environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
In essence, Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month is not just a celebration—it's a commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable world. By honoring the past, embracing the present, and shaping the future together, we can create a society where every voice is heard, every culture is celebrated, and every individual is valued.
As we embark on this journey of celebration and reflection, let us reaffirm our dedication to unity, solidarity, and justice for all. I encourage you to identify materials in your existing core curriculum that can be used to highlight Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Below are some additional resources you may find useful.
PBS ABC's of AAPI--Coloring pages & Lessons for Elementary
National Educational Association AAPI Resources
May is National Foster Care Month (NFCM). There are over 391,000 children and youth in foster care. This month, we take the time to acknowledge foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and other members of the community who commit to support and raise awareness of children and youth in the foster care system. National Foster Care Month was an initiative started by the Children’s Bureau. The Children's Bureau sought to bring awareness to the nation's foster care system issues. During the month of May, the Children’s Bureau highlights the important roles individuals play in the lives of children in foster care. This year’s National Foster Care Month theme is “Engaging Youth, Building Supports, Strengthening Opportunities.”
On-going efforts of the Children’s Bureau to ensure foster youth leave care with strengthened relationships, holistic support and opportunities remain the highest of priorities. With nearly 20,000 foster youth making the transition out of care each year, transitional planning and resource availability are integral to the success of foster youth entering adulthood. Moreover, the emotional, psychological, and developmental preparation needed to exit care are areas of growth that are continually being addressed to properly assist foster youth in a meaningful transition out of care. To help spread the word about National Foster Care month, individuals can educate their communities and colleagues on how to build connections and improve the quality of life for children and families in foster care.
For more information, click on the links below.
As May unfolds, so does a vital observance: Mental Health Awareness Month. In today's fast-paced world, mental health is more important than ever. This month provides us with an opportunity to prioritize self-care, support one another, and break the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. The past years have brought to the forefront the profound impact that mental health has on academic success, personal well-being, and overall quality of life. For students, navigating the pressures of academic performance, social dynamics, and personal growth can be daunting, particularly in the midst of a global health crisis. Similarly, educators face their own set of challenges, balancing the demands of teaching, supporting students, and managing their own well-being amidst uncertainty and change.
Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a critical reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health in educational settings. It's not merely about addressing crises or providing reactive support—it's about fostering environments that promote resilience, well-being, and flourishing for all members of the school community.
For students, access to mental health resources and support services is essential for navigating the complexities of adolescence and young adulthood. Whether it's through counseling services, peer support groups, or wellness initiatives, schools play a pivotal role in equipping students with the tools and strategies they need to cope with stress, build resilience, and thrive academically and personally.
Equally important is the well-being of educators, who are often tasked with shouldering the emotional and academic needs of their students while managing their own stressors and challenges. Recognizing the humanity of educators and providing them with the necessary support, professional development opportunities, and self-care resources is essential for creating healthy, sustainable learning environments. Moreover, fostering a culture of open dialogue and destigmatizing conversations around mental health is paramount. By creating spaces where students and educators feel safe to share their experiences, seek help without fear of judgment, and access culturally responsive care, schools can cultivate a sense of belonging and connectedness that is foundational to mental well-being.
As we look toward the future, let us recommit ourselves to prioritizing mental health in education. Let us amplify our efforts to create inclusive, supportive learning environments where every student and educator can thrive, learn, and grow. May Mental Health Awareness Month serve as a catalyst for action, advocacy, and positive change in our schools and communities. I would like to thank our educators who provide mental health support for our students, thank you to educational therapists, school counselors, and school psychologists! Below are some resources you may find helpful:
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Mental Health Resources for Youth
*SJUSD eligible employees can reach out to Employee Assistance Program by calling 1-800-999-7222 or visit anthemEAP.com (login REEP)
If you need assistance finding a mental health care provider, contact Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential mental health care coordination service provided by SJUSD: Call 888-515-0595. Support is available 24/7/365 in any language or visit www.caresolace.com/
As June approaches, we embark on a month-long celebration of love, acceptance, and equality: Pride Month. This annual observance holds profound significance for our students and communities as we come together to honor the LGBTQ+ community and advocate for equality and inclusion. Pride Month is more than just a series of colorful parades and festivities—it's a time to acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions within our communities. For LGBTQ+ students, this month serves as a beacon of affirmation and visibility, offering a sense of belonging and validation in a world that too often marginalizes their identities.
In educational settings, Pride Month presents a unique opportunity to foster inclusivity, support, and understanding among students and staff alike. By creating a school environment that embraces diversity and celebrates individuality, we send a powerful message of acceptance and respect to all members of our community. For LGBTQ+ students, feeling safe and supported at school is essential for academic success and overall well-being. Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately affected by bullying, discrimination, and mental health challenges, highlighting the urgent need for schools to prioritize LGBTQ+ inclusion and support services.
Moreover, celebrating Pride Month provides educators with an opportunity to integrate LGBTQ+ history, literature, and experiences into their curriculum, fostering a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students. By incorporating diverse perspectives and narratives, we empower students to challenge stereotypes, cultivate empathy, and embrace the richness of human diversity. As we honor Pride Month this June, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating safe, supportive, and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ students and all members of our school community.
Resources:
Check out this article that our very own teacher, Jackie Gardner wrote for CTA about supporting LGBTQ+ students. Jackie Gardner is not only an amazing teacher, she is a student advocate who strives to ensure that each and every student feels accepted, and is treated with kindness and respect.
Also, California Department of Education has a great hub of resources for educators.
The 2024 Black History Month Celebration took place on Saturday, February 3rd and was a huge success! Over 300 people were in attendance. Students from SJHS, MVMS, SJLA, NMMS, SJE and Park Hill Elementary school performed dance routines, recited speeches, and poetry. Over 20 community vendors attended this event. A big thank you and shout out to our AMAZING San Jacinto African American Advisory Council leaders for helping to organize this wonderful event!
Did you know that Expanded Learning Opportunity Programs provide equitable supports for students and families? According to a 2021 report published by the Afterschool Alliance, Expanded Learning Programs in the state of California, provide services to 1,121,071 students across the state and are a lifeline for working families (Afterschool Alliance, 2021). In our community we serve approximately 1,800 students which accounts for 26% of the student population in grades TK - 8. Keeping the lights on for families in our community is celebrated every October 26th with an event named Lights On.
Supporting Foster Youth
According to the Children’s Law Center on any given day there are nearly 437,000 children in foster care in the United States. In California there are approximately 60,000 students in foster care. In San Jacinto Unified School District as of date we have 105 students in foster care placement. One of SJUSD’s LCAP goals is to provide support to our Foster Youth students in order to exit differentiated assistance. Last year SJUSD was placed in differentiated assistance for foster students, due to foster students scoring very low in meeting the grade level status in English Language and Mathematics on the CAASPP, and having a very high rate of chronic absenteeism. Students in foster care have experienced abuse, neglect, and other adverse childhood experiences that can negatively impact their health. SJUSD is committed to supporting our foster youth students. This year we have hired a school counselor, Alyana Arrington-Harris, whose sole focus is on supporting foster students and working closely with community agencies to coordinate services. During the week of October 16th RCOE sponsored a college field trip for six of our high school foster students. They were able to visit University of California, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles Trade and Technical School, Pepperdine University, and California State University, Long Beach. Additionally, RCOE provided training to SJUSD’s school counselors regarding assembly bill requirements that we must adhere to in order to support foster youth.
Book Vending Machines--Creative Ways to Provide Books to Students
Creating literate students at each grade level with a focus on proficiency by 3rd grade is a School Board priority and one of SJUSD’s LCAP goals. During our LCAP Parent and Family engagement meetings parents and families requested that their children have access to more literature that reflects their children’s culture. SJUSD purchased more diverse literature for our libraries and purchased book vending machines for each elementary school and for each middle school. The books are free and can be earned when students meet their reading goals and are also used as PBIS incentives for positive behavior.
