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.
SEPTEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER
2024 National Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15 to October 15, San Jacinto Unified School District is proud to join the nation in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month. This annual observance is a time to honor the history, culture, and significant contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to our society.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated at this time to coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15, followed by Mexico on September 16 and Chile on September 18. This period is also an opportunity to recognize the profound impact that Hispanic and Latino Americans have had on the United States in areas such as arts, education, science, public service, and beyond.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize the impact that Hispanic and Latino Americans have had on the country in various fields, including politics, education, science, arts, and culture. As culturally proficient educators, it is important that we incorporate the histories, cultures, and contributions of all cultures throughout the year. Hispanic Heritage Month is another opportunity to highlight Hispanic and Latino/a or Latinx Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our Nation and society. We encourage you to identify materials in your existing core curriculum that can be used to highlight National Hispanic Heritage Month. Below are additional resources that you may find helpful.
Resources:
National Hispanic/Latino/a/x Heritage MonthLessons to Celebrate
National Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic HeritageNPS Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Teacher Lessons Hispanic and Latino Heritage
Events:
Hispanic Heritage Celebration Riverside Public Library-Sept. 21st
California Native American Day-September 27th
We are honored to observe California Native American Day on Friday, September 27. This day is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the rich history, culture, and contributions of Native American communities in California.
California is home to a diverse array of Native American tribes, each with its own unique traditions, languages, and histories. On this day, we take the time to acknowledge the profound impact that these communities have had on our state’s heritage and continue to have in shaping our society.
San Jacinto Unified School District acknowledges the Cahuilla and Luiseño people of Soboba as the traditional inhabitants and caretakers of the San Jacinto Valley. Attached is a poster that was created by students in the Four Directions club. California State University, San Bernardino will be hosting a California Native American Day celebration on their campus on Friday, September 27th from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Resources:
9/11 Patriots Day
9/11 Patriots Day commemorates the tragic events of September 11, 2001, honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the terrorist attacks and paying tribute to the heroes who responded. It is also a day for reflecting on the resilience and unity that emerged in the aftermath of this national tragedy. 9/11 Patriots Day was established by Congress in December 2001 as a day of remembrance for the victims of the 9/11 attacks. On that fateful day, four coordinated attacks by the extremist group al-Qaeda targeted the United States, leading to the destruction of the Twin Towers in New York City, damage to the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the crash of United Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers heroically fought back against the hijackers.
This day is not a federal holiday, but it is observed nationwide with moments of silence, memorial services, and flags flown at half-staff. It is a day for all Americans to remember, reflect, and honor the courage and sacrifice of those who lost their lives and those who responded with extraordinary bravery.
Teaching 9/11 Patriots Day in the Classroom
For many students today, 9/11 is an event they know only from history books or stories passed down by their families. As educators, it’s essential to approach the subject with sensitivity, providing a space for students to learn about the events, understand their significance, and reflect on the broader themes of heroism, resilience, and unity.
Here are some strategies to effectively teach about 9/11 Patriots Day:
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Age-Appropriate Content: Tailor your lessons to the age and maturity level of your students. For younger students, focus on the concepts of heroism, community, and helping others in times of need. For older students, you can delve deeper into the historical and political context, the impact of the attacks on global relations, and the ongoing effects on American society.
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Use Primary Sources: Incorporating primary sources, such as news footage, personal stories, and images from the day, can help students connect with the event on a more personal level. Many educational organizations and museums provide curated resources that are suitable for classroom use.
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Discuss the Role of First Responders: Highlight the bravery of firefighters, police officers, medical personnel, and ordinary citizens who responded to the crisis. Their actions provide powerful examples of courage and selflessness, which can inspire discussions about what it means to be a hero.
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Promote Empathy and Understanding: Encourage students to consider the human impact of 9/11, not just in terms of loss, but also in terms of how communities came together in the aftermath. Activities that involve writing letters of thanks to first responders or creating art that expresses themes of unity and hope can be powerful ways for students to process the material.
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Facilitate Open Discussions: Create a safe space for students to ask questions and express their thoughts. Some students may have personal connections to the events of 9/11 through family members or friends, and it’s important to handle these conversations with care and empathy.
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Highlight Acts of Service: Use 9/11 Patriots Day as an opportunity to promote community service. Many schools and organizations encourage acts of service on this day to honor the memory of those who were lost and to carry forward the spirit of unity that followed the attacks.
Resources for Educators
9/11 Memorial Museum Lesson Plans
National Suicide Prevention Week (9/8-14)
National Suicide Prevention Week (NSPW), observed from September 8 to 14 this year, is an annual campaign dedicated to educating the public about suicide prevention and raising awareness about the rising rates of suicide. This year’s theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” Sponsored by the American Association of Suicidology, the week’s activities focus on reducing the stigma surrounding suicide and promoting mental health support. Since its inception in 1975, NSPW has aligned with World Suicide Prevention Day, held every year on September 10, to amplify its message and reach a broader audience.
The history of suicide awareness can be traced back to the 1950s, although the act of suicide itself has deep historical roots. Mentioned in ancient legends and historical accounts, such as the suicides of Ajax the Great during the Trojan War and Lucretia in 510 B.C., suicide has long been a subject of societal debate. Over time, attitudes toward suicide have evolved, with differing views during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods regarding its morality and legality. It wasn't until the mid-20th century that organized suicide prevention efforts began in the United States, paving the way for the observance of National Suicide Prevention Week.
Know the Signs:
Warning signs of suicidal thoughts indicate that someone might be in acute danger and urgently need help, and they can vary by age, gender, sexuality & cultural identity.
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Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
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Looking for a way to kill oneself
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Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
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Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain, wanting it to end or not wanting to wake up
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Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
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Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
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Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless
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Sleeping too little or too much
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Withdrawing or feeling isolated
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Talking about being a burden to others
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Displaying extreme mood swing
Find the Words:
If you are worried about someone's mental health, it is essential to have the courage to start the conversation, share what you are noticing, listen empathetically, and offer help.
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Ask about how they are doing if they are having thoughts of suicide, ending their life, or pain
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Express your concern about what you are observing in their behavior
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Listen attentively and non-judgmentally
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Reflect on what they share and let them know they have been heard
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Tell them they are not alone- let them know there are people and treatments available that can help
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If you are or they are concerned, guide them to additional professional help
Reach Out For Help:
Keep a list of crisis and local resources to refer to if needed.
For crisis support:
Call the lifeline at 988 or text "HELP" to 741741 for free crisis counseling 24/7/365
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Call 9-1-1 and request a crisis-trained responder
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Go to your local emergency room
For ongoing therapeutic support:
Care Solace is a 24/7/365 coordination service for finding local mental health programs and counseling services. It will help you quickly find an appointment matched to your unique needs, regardless of circumstance. The Care Solace team can help in any language and with all types of care.
Students, staff, and families can access Care Solace services for free.
Call (888) 515-0595 to speak with someone from the Care Companion team. Visit your custom district link: www.caresolace.com/
Resources for staff/teachers:
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OCTOBER 2024 NEWSLETTER
October is Filipino American History Month
SJUSD is proud to recognize and celebrate Filipino American History Month which is observed annually in October and honors the history, accomplishments and legacy of Filipinos in the United States. This celebration commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States. Filipino-Americans were known as Luzones Indios and many were Filipino sailors who were enrolled into the Spanish Navy as native laborers during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade. From the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza, they came to the shores of what is now Morro Bay, California, on Oct. 18, 1587.
According to the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) Filipino Americans make up the second largest Asian American community in the United States. Celebrating cultural heritage months like Filipino American History month in classrooms and schools can help students and families feel seen, heard, and valued--and creates a space for all students to learn about the contributions of the Filipino Americans to our country’s prosperity and spirit. SJUSD celebrates the legacy and accomplishments of Filipino Americans and is committed to supporting our Filipino students and families. We encourage you to identify materials in your existing core curriculum that can be used to highlight Filipino American history. Below are additional resources that you may find helpful.
Resources:
Filipino American National Historical Society
Duty to Country: Filipino Veterans’ Untold Story
National Public Radio (NPR): Filipino Farmworkers
PBS Docuseries: Out of the Boondocks
Twinkl Teaching Resources Video: What is Filipino American History Month?
California Teachers Association
10 Ways to Celebrate Filipino American History Month
Indigenous Peoples’ Day--October 14, 2024
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a time to celebrate the culture, teachings,history, and contributions of Indigenous peoples, as well as a time to reflect on the atrocities that colonists have perpetrated against Indigenous communities throughout history. On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the sovereignty, resilience, and immense contributions that Native Americans have made to the world and recognize the importance of celebrating and learning about Indigenous peoples’ throughout the year.
California is home to 109 federally recognized tribes and more than 70 non-federally recognized tribes. San Jacinto Unified School District values and appreciates the rich and diverse culture and contributions of the Cahuilla and Luiseño people of Soboba. We acknowledge that our district sits on the beautiful lands of the Cahuilla and Luiseño people of Soboba, the traditional inhabitants and caretakers of the San Jacinto Valley. Below are some resources you may find useful.
Ideas to Honor Indigenous Peoples Day
7 Essential Understandings for California Indian History and Culture
NEA Resources for Teaching About Indigenous Peoples
October 10th is World Mental Health Day! It is a day to highlight the importance of mental health and raise awareness. It is a time for us to improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive action that promote and protect everyone’s mental health. SJUSD is fortunate to have School Counselors, Educational Therapists, and School Psychologists to help support the emotional well-being of our students. All staff can contribute to supporting Mental Health by providing Social Emotional Learning by building positive relationships with our students, and by connecting our students to mental health resources. This year, the theme is "It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace." As employees spend a significant portion of their lives at work, prioritizing mental health in the workplace is critical to fostering a supportive, productive, and healthy environment for all. By recognizing the importance of mental health, employers can help reduce stress, burnout, and stigma while promoting well-being.
As educators it is also important that we take care of our own mental health by practicing self care. SJUSD has many resources to support students, families and staff. Check out the resources below.
Care Solace--is a service that students and staff have access to connect to mental health services. Click here for information on how to access Care Solace for staff. Click here to access Care Solace for Students and Families.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)--SJUSD employees have access to mental health resources provided by the EAP Program. Click here for more information.
Resources:
National Alliance on Mental Illness
CTA Mental Health Resources to Support You
National Institute of Mental Health
Disability Employment Awareness Month
Disability Employment Awareness Month, observed every October, highlights the critical importance of inclusive workplaces and the valuable contributions of individuals with disabilities. It raises awareness about the barriers people with disabilities face in gaining and maintaining employment, while promoting the need for equal opportunities in the workforce. For businesses and organizations, this month is a reminder to prioritize accessibility, embrace diverse abilities, and challenge misconceptions about what individuals with disabilities can achieve. By fostering inclusive hiring practices, workplaces become richer, more innovative, and reflective of the broader community, benefiting both employers and employees alike.
Bully Prevention Month
October is Bully Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and taking action against bullying in schools and communities. Bullying can have lasting impacts on students' mental health, self-esteem, and academic performance. By promoting kindness, inclusion, and respect, we can work together to create safer environments for all students. Bullying can leave devastating and often long-term effects such as loss of self-esteem, increased anxiety, and depression. We all have a hand in creating mentally and physically safe schools for our students by increasing understanding and empathy for each other. Click here to learn more about bully prevention.
Resources:
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed every October, is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer, its risks, early detection, and treatment options. The initiative emphasizes the importance of regular screenings, such as mammograms, which can lead to early diagnosis and significantly improve survival rates. Through various events, educational programs, and fundraisers, Breast Cancer Awareness Month promotes public understanding of the disease while also supporting research efforts and honoring survivors, those currently battling the illness, and remembering those who have lost their lives to it. The pink ribbon, a symbol of solidarity, unites communities worldwide in this fight against breast cancer. According to the Komen Foundation (2023) 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. That is one person every two minutes in the United States. To learn more about breast cancer prevention and early detection check out the resources below.
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Staff BIPOC Affinity Group will be held on Monday, October 21st from 4:30-5:30 p.m. virtually. (See Flyer)
Staff LGBTQ+ Affinity Group will be held on Monday, October 28th from 4:15-5:15 (See Flyer) Location will be attached to invite.
SJHS’s Four Directions Club will be hosting the Annual Gathering of the People on Saturday November 16th from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at SJHS There will be cultural exhibitions, Bird Singers, Food, Craft Vendors, Games, and More!--Free Entry
NOVEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER
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Excellence Through Equity Conference
RCOE held its annual Excellence Through Equity Conference on September 19-20th. Two members from each school site’s equity task force team attended this amazing event to use the information to help inform their Closing the Gap plan at their sites. Two of the SJUSD teams presented at the conference. Our very own equity co-leads, Luke Smith, Ben Pla and Vanessa Gomez presented to a full house on “Disrupting Inequities: Leading Highly Effective Teams for Positive Climate and Student Growth.” Dr. Emily Price, principal at Megan Cope Elementary School and Dr. Tu Price, Coordinator of Equity & Access in Temecula Unified did an amazing job facilitating a workshop titled, "Synergy: Students Must Maslow Before They Can Bloom.” SJUSD is proud of each of our site’s equity task force team!
Supporting Foster Youth
Hello All! My name is Alyana Arrington-Harris and I am your District Foster Youth Counselor. I am diligently working to provide additional support to our All Star (foster youth) and families. My focus is to assist the site school counselor in progress monitoring foster youth students, coordinating services, and providing case management. I am on campuses weekly to build connections with foster students and to begin the process of scheduling All Star Student Success Plan meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to help students and their families identify areas of strength and growth. Together we can identify specific needs of individual students for intentional intervention implementation and resource referral/coordination.
Another facet of my role is to provide All Star Students access to activities and services that enhance social emotional learning. On July 29th, our Foster Youth Liaison, Crystal Ackerman, coordinated a back to school event. Students had the opportunity to participate in our Resource Fair. Backpacks, haircuts, shots, dental care and more were available to students in preparation for the new school year. Community partners distributed resource information to families as well. Upcoming during the fall and spring, the All Is Well Wellness Events which will provide vital information and activities on the importance of mental health. These events will take place on each campus throughout the district. Also, to acknowledge and celebrate each All Star’s birthday, a Birthday Box will be delivered to students within their birthday month. Field trips will be planned to enhance learning.
You may notice that I refer to our foster youth as All Stars. I heard this terminology in a conference years ago from another school district who does amazing work for this population. I thought what a wonderful way to destigmatize how our foster youth are looked upon, while honoring the struggles they have faced and are yet going through. They are truly my team of All Stars!
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SJUSD Foster Youth Counselor (Alyana Arrington-Harris) and District Lead TK12, McKinney-Vento, African American Counselor (Angela McClaron) play a crucial role in supporting students of SJUSD who are in foster care or experiencing homelessness. These counselors advocate for the educational stability and success of these vulnerable populations by ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need. They work closely with schools, families, and community agencies to address barriers to education, such as enrollment challenges, attendance issues, and lack of basic needs. By providing academic support, emotional support, and connecting students to services like transportation, tutoring, and mental health care, they help create a stable and supportive environment where foster youth and homeless students can thrive academically and personally.
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