A special message from Dr. Troy Brown, San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools.
Schools across the county are back in session. Here’s a look at the first days back!
Community connections were built at the Downtown Stockton National Night Out block party with over 40 resource vendors to visit with.
A
crew from Greater Valley Conservation Corps is working to improve McKinley Park.
Learn more about upcoming events, meetings, trainings, and workshops for students, families, and educators on the San Joaquin County Office of Education calendar at www.sjcoe.org/calendar.aspx
TROY A. BROWN, Ed.D. San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools
TERRELL MARTINEZ
Deputy Superintendent Business Services
JANINE KAESLIN
Deputy Superintendent Student Programs and Services
JANE CHAMBERLAIN
Deputy Superintendent Professional Learning and Support
ANNIE CUNIAL
Assistant Superintendent Educational Services
MELANIE GREENE
Assistant Superintendent County Operated Schools and Programs
PETER FOGGIATO
Assistant Superintendent Business Services
CHRISTINA TORRES-PETERS Chief Human Resources Officer
The San Joaquin County Office of Education is a regional agency that provides educational leadership, resources, and customized services to assist school districts. The SJCOE promotes student achievement and accountability, serves San Joaquin County’s most vulnerable students, and strives to create an environment in which every student, regardless of circumstances, has an opportunity for a quality education.
I love the energy that comes with the start of a new school year.
The excitement of learning new ideas, meeting new friends, and finding new opportunities is invigorating. Students, educators, support staff, families, and guardians are filled with hope and optimism, not just for the school year to come, but for the endless possibilities unfolding before students as they continue their educational journeys.
No student walks that path alone. We all play a critical role in the successful outcomes of San Joaquin County students. A child’s education is a partnership between students, parents, teachers, support staff, administrators, and the community.
It is key for each student to have a strong connection to those who will assist them on their journey, walk alongside them, and show them the way forward.
During the early days of each school year, these important connections are strengthened, or new connections are made, that are essential to a child's education.
It is inspiring to witness this in action, as students return to school and relationships are built.
I saw this at McFall School, a school operated by San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) Special Education Programs for students ages 3-6. As students left the bus or were dropped off by families, McFall's principal waited outside, greeting all the returning families by name. The young
Collaborative CONNECTIONS
A back-to-school message from San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Troy Brown
students – many carrying backpacks bigger than they are -- headed off into the school, hand-in-hand with the teachers and instructional assistants who build strong relationships with students that will help them reach their educational goals.
At SJCOE's Venture Academy Family of Schools, I joined the TK-5 students from Ventureland Academy as they participated in "Passport Day." This is where students are introduced or are re-acquainted with what it means to be a part of their school community. Their guides are high school students, who pass on their learned experiences while teaching their younger schoolmates about behavior expectations.
Student-to-student connections are important to build a strong school culture and positive learning environment.
The more ways to connect to school, the better, because the back-to-school experience does not look the same for all students. Each student has an individual path to success.
These are only a couple of examples. Similar scenes of relationship-building played out as approximately 153,000 students showed up to 250-plus schools in 14 school districts and charter schools across San Joaquin County.
There are also connections important to education that do not necessarily take place in the classroom. At the SJCOE, we provide training, networking opportunities, and direct support to schools and districts in San Joaquin County where educators learn alongside and from one another.
When we work together as educators and educational institutions, all our students can benefit. I'm excited to see what develops this new school year from a countywide initiative to improve early literacy. Last year, the SJCOE joined with all the county's 14 school districts, San Joaquin Delta College, and Teachers College of San Joaquin to focus on one critical initiative.
It was the beginning of the new San Joaquin County Early Literacy Community of Practice, and I expect great things from this collective effort.
So welcome back students, families, and educators of San Joaquin County. It will be another amazing year in education.
What connections will you build to make it even better?
It is key for each student to have a strong connection to those who will assist them on their journey, walk alongside them, and show them the way forward.
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY’S 14 SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Banta Unified
Escalon Unified
Jefferson Elementary
Lammersville Unified
Lincoln Unified
Linden Unified
Lodi Unified
Manteca Unified
New Hope Elementary
New Jerusalem Elementary
Oak View Union Elementary
Ripon Unified
Stockton Unified
Tracy Unified
TAKE SJCOE OUT TO THE BALLGAME!
Annual Downtown Stockton National Night Out block party hosted at Banner Island Ballpark
The San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE), in partnership with Downtown Stockton Alliance and Parents by Choice, co-hosted the Annual Downtown Stockton National Night Out block party on August 6 at the Stockton Ports’ stadium– Banner Island Ballpark.
National Night Out is a nationwide community-building campaign to foster positive relationships with neighbors, law enforcement, and military members. The SJCOE and partners identified an opportunity to provide a free, family-friendly event where community members get to rediscover their neighborhood. This is the fourth year the SJCOE has sponsored the community engagement event.
On August 6, nearly 50 vendors lined the concourse around Banner Island Ballpark. From Behavioral Health Services, San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services, and the Uplift All Foundation to the United States Army, Stockton Police Department, and San Joaquin County Probation Department, attendees visited each booth to learn about resources available to them right here in their community.
SJCOE programs were also in attendance
representing the myriad of departments and support the organization offers students, families, and the community. “Visibility is extremely important,” said Jenn DeAngelo, comprehensive health coordinator. “I am here representing the Youth Mental Health Development Academy and hope to connect with our upcoming high schoolers so they know a peer-to-peer mentoring program like this exists.”
Discovery ChalleNGe Academy, a high school credit recovery partnership between the SJCOE and the National Guard, attended in hopes of recruiting for the program and showcasing the continued success of their cadets.
The SJCOE Human Resources and Recruitment booth was also present, highlighting current job openings. “We want the community to know there are wonderful job opportunities at the SJCOE,” said Katie Turner, recruitment coordinator for the SJCOE.
Between visiting resource booths, enjoying ballpark food, and watching an all-American baseball game, the evening was a home run! To learn more about National Night Out, visit natw.org.
WORKING FOR THE COMMUNITY
GVCC work crews doing their part to improve Stockton park
The work crew from Greater Valley Conservation Corps (GVCC) started work early in McKinley Park in Stockton to get a jump on a hot July day.
The work included trimming trees throughout the park. The sound of multiple chainsaws hummed in the air, and an excavator scooped up piles of sheared branches.
"Just trying to make it look nice," said Gabriel, a 21-year-old member of the GVCC who grew up down the street from the park.
The renovation of the oldest and largest park in South Stockton is a city project that will outfit the park with a long list of new and renovated facilities, from a renovated swimming pool to new soccer fields. The GVCC's part in the project is a small piece of the larger project and consists of landscaping work. It includes removing dead and dying trees and planting droughtresistant plants and native trees, like valley oaks. The GVCC will also put in benches and bleachers.
Gabriel said he likes being part of a project helping to make a new and safe place for children to come. "I feel like we are making an effort to change the community."
Many of the projects that the GVCC works on make an impact on the community. They range from clearing brush in fire country to removing litter and blight in urban areas to facilitating recycling events and collection services, to name a few.
Part of the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE), the GVCC is a regional conservation corps serving a five-county area with facilities in Stockton and Sonora. Members of the GVCC get paid while gaining valuable work experience. For young adults ages 18 to 26, GVCC provides access to training, education, and programs to connect members to careers after they exit the GVCC.
"I'm learning how to use a lot of equipment at GVCC," said Aaron, 24. He had gone through training to learn how to properly use a chainsaw and earn certification before joining the McKinley Park crew. Since then, he has been able to use other heavy equipment the GVCC uses to get the job done. He's building up his resumé, he said.
"You just get all these opportunities."
For more information: www.greatervalleycc.org.
SUMMER AT SKY MOUNTAIN
The SJCOE’s Sky Mountain Outdoor Education Center hosts summer camps
Surrounded by 62 acres of forest in Placer County, the Sky Mountain Outdoor Education Center is home to Science Camp, where the San Joaquin County Office of Education's STEM Programs department provides a unique educational experience to thousands of San Joaquin County students each year.
But that is not all that Sky Mountain has to offer. Since first opening up Sky Mountain to Science Camp in the 2021-22 school year, the SJCOE has worked to expand year-round opportunities.
During the summer, the lake opens up to recreational activities and a whole new world of experiences for students around the campfire and along the hiking trails winding through the forest. In 2024, the SJCOE hosted more summer programs than ever before and outside groups also made use of the mountain resort.
For more information about educational opportunities at Sky Mountain Outdoor Education Center and private group reservations go to https://outdooreducation.sjcoescience.org/SkyMountain.
STEM Programs
For the first time, SJCOE STEM Programs offered the “Sky Mountain Summer Camp –Connect with Nature” in 2024.
Staffed by the same team that offers Science Camp, the summer camp’s naturalists provided an educational experience for students who also had plenty of time to paddle canoes, swim, hike, and sing songs around the campfire over four days and three nights.
“It’s so we can provide more opportunities for students to get outside,” said Lissa Gilmore, STEM Programs director and Sky Mountain principal. “Everybody should have access to nature.”
Art Camp
Student Leaders in Youth Mental Health
More than 40 students from various San Joaquin County schools spent their summers developing their knowledge and skills in mental health leadership and advocacy.
As members of the second cohort of the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) Youth Mental Health Development Academy, these students were preparing to mentor and support their peers this school year. Part of their intensive training included a trip to Sky Mountain, where they engaged in lessons from Every Monday Matters and enjoyed hiking and other outdoor activities.
“This year, I’ve been learning about getting comfortable with [mental health] topics and talking about it with your parents, and even therapists,” said Markus, a senior at Lincoln High School who returned to the academy for a second year. “I wanted to learn more and how else I can help.”
The third annual Color the Summer Art Camp took over Sky Mountain Outdoor Education Center in June.
From gradients and shading to pastels and painting, students in sixth to eighth grade from across the county were encouraged to explore and be creative! Each of the 12 activities and crafts were rooted in the elements of art to expand students’ understanding of art principles before middle school and high school.
“Arts are incredibly important to student learning and growth,” said Erika Chapman, director of the SJCOE’s Student Engagement and the Arts department. “These art camps provide students hands-on learning experiences in a space where creativity is encouraged and embraced.”
Color the Summer Art Camp held their day camps for students in third to fifth grade at Durham Ferry Outdoor Education Center in Manteca. In total, over 140 students participated in both camps. To learn more about upcoming student events, visit sjcoe.org.
OUTLOOK | NEWS
Department Retreats
This summer, two SJCOE departments took daytrips up to the Sky Mountain Outdoor Education Center for activities centered on connection and exploration.
The SJCOE’s Information Technology (IT) department ventured to Sky Mountain on July 12, but they weren’t alone. They were joined by IT members from Lincoln Unified School District, River Islands Academies, and the SJCOE Academic Technology team. “Our goal of the visit was threefold,” said Ed Babakhan, division director of the SJCOE’s IT department. “We wanted to learn the layout of Sky Mountain for when we need to provide technology support whether it is in-person or remote, discover the enrichment opportunities San Joaquin County students have when they visit the camp, and collaborate with the teams who were able to attend.”
Just one week later, the SJCOE Operations department enjoyed a day of team bonding at Sky Mountain. The day kicked off with a warm welcome from the Sky Mountain team, followed by a guided hike to a waterfall and a tour of the facilities. The team also had the opportunity to participate in many activities typically available to students during camps, such as swimming and archery. “It was a really nice experience,” said Jessica Marson, clerk typist in our Operations department. “It was nice to get away and get to know each other more.”
STRUCTURED LI - TER - A - CY
Summer trainings teach educators and school leaders the science of reading
Seated in small groups, district and site leaders from across San Joaquin County worked together to segment the sounds of each letter, or phoneme, for a list of short words.
“Buh… buh… buh.”
“Ih… ih… ih.”
“Guh… guh… guh.”
Participants then blended the sounds together to make a word – big! This may seem simple to a proficient reader, but the process of decoding words is just one of several complex steps that students must master – and be explicitly taught – to learn the life skill of reading.
This phonemic awareness exercise was part of the Reading Fundamentals Leader Institute, a three-day intensive literacy training designed specifically for district administrators, site administrators, and instructional coaches. The institute aimed to equip participants with a solid understanding of the science of reading, structured literacy, and strategies to support classroom teachers with program implementation.
The institute was one of two literacy-focused trainings taught this summer by CORE Learning at the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE). Both trainings, rooted in the evidence-based practices of the science of reading, aimed to introduce or refresh participants on the key components of teaching students to read. Over 100 educators and leaders took part in these learning opportunities.
The second training was a five-day Elementary Reading Academy for TK-3 educators on the fundamental knowledge of effective, standards-aligned, and evidencebased reading practices for all learners.
This was the first time Nancy Rodriguez, a kindergarten teacher at Corral Hollow Elementary School (Jefferson Elementary
School District) had undergone intensive training in the science of reading. “There’s a lot to absorb, but the tools and strategies we’ve learned about are incredibly helpful,” Rodriguez said.
Both were offered by the SJCOE to support the countywide initiative to improve early literacy in San Joaquin County. Learn more about the initiative at sjcoe.org/ Superintendent/earlyliteracy.aspx.
CARI BRIGHT
The team of educators at one.Dream encourages their students to reach for their own dreams by taking advantage of the dual enrollment program at San Joaquin Delta Community College.
For many of the students in the one.Program, the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) alternative-education program, taking college classes while still in high school never seemed possible. For some, attending college at all seemed, at best, a dream.
But teachers like one.Dream's Cari Bright show students that it is possible, if they want it, even if the challenges they might be facing in their teens seem insurmountable.
She's living proof that it's possible and that education can change their lives.
"For them to see that come true for me, it makes it a little more realistic for them, too, because I came from a difficult background and didn't think I'd go to college."
Money was scarce growing up. And she had a "tumultuous" relationship with her parents, she said, with a mother who struggled with addiction and homelessness. It's a story that resonates with students because they have often faced similar challenges. She didn't stop at Delta College. She went on to get her bachelor's and master's degrees and recently received her administration credential.
Bright, who has been teaching in the one.Program full-time since 2019, said she shares her story with her students because showing honesty and vulnerability builds the kind of positive relationships that form the foundation of success, both in school and beyond.
"It just takes just one teacher, one caring adult, to change the perspective of a young person," she said. For Bright, her English and creative writing teacher at Manteca High School (Manteca Unified School District) was that person. It's who she wants to be for her students, she said.
Bright has an impact on education that expands outside the classroom. She's been active in the one.Program's professional learning communities and accreditation renewal. She's a restorative practice trainer and she is a teacher in the teacher intern and residency programs at the Teachers College of San Joaquin.
Whether it is a high school student or a new teacher, Bright wants to be the one they turn to for support, she said.
"It takes nothing extra to be kind and to let somebody know: You're supported; even through the scary times you may be experiencing, you're supported, you're cared for, and you're loved."
WE ARE SJCOE
We Are SJCOE is a regular feature in the Outlook to celebrate members of the San Joaquin County Office of Education community. If there is someone you would like featured, email sjcoepio@sjcoe.net. #WeAreSJCOE
MARIA RAVELO
Manteca Unified educator named county Teacher of the Year for inspiring and supporting students
Maria Ravelo worked the fields near French Camp as young as 12 years of age, and her education began in the migrant camps here in San Joaquin County.
She continued to learn as a student at Lathrop Elementary and East Union High Schools (Manteca Unified School District). Upon graduation, Maria attended University of the Pacific and was the first in her family to graduate and obtain a degree.
In 1994, Maria was hired as a teacher in Manteca Unified School District. She has dedicated her nearly 30-year career teaching and advocating for her students. She is known as a mentor for her colleagues. “What I most regard about Maria is her exceptional ability to stimulate learning in all students,” said teacher Brian Bilbao. He continued, “She has mastered the art of teaching, and reaching struggling students, with complete professionalism and empathy.”
In 2024, Maria Ravelo was named the county Teacher of the Year. She teaches mathematics to seventh graders at Mossdale Elementary School, in the same school district where she, herself, was a student. “This love of education has led Maria to a life of service, giving back to the community that raised her,” wrote Mossdale Elementary Principal Anthony Chapman, when nominating Ravelo for Teacher of the Year. “She has served in countless leadership and mentoring roles for both students and staff, using her quiet, yet powerful, demeanor to inspire those around her.”
“Math is something students may struggle with, and you need to see different ways to introduce that subject,” said Ravelo, when asked what motivates her instruction style. “Show me how this topic, this subject, applies to your life. And I think that’s why my students feel more of a freedom in my class. It’s not just about what the answer is- it’s about how we get to find the answer and use it within ourselves, as well.”
Students feel safe, respected, and supported in Maria’s classroom, Chapman wrote. “Simply stated, she cares about kids and dedicates everything she has to help them succeed.”
SUPPORT COMPASSION
FINALISTS FOR TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Only a handful of extraordinary educators are named Teacher of the Year finalists. In 2024, they are :
HEATHER HALEY-BADEN
Waterloo Middle School
Linden Unified School District
“Heather’s ability to ignite students’ passion for science is truly commendable,” said Shannon Roberson, principal at Waterloo School. “What sets Heather apart is the combination of professionalism and heart she brings to her role as an educator.”
JULIE CARNIGLIA
Lodi Middle School
Lodi Unified School District
“Mrs. Carniglia has an exceptional ability to engage and support students, while promoting social development and responsibility,” said Cassandra Iwamiya, principal at Lodi Middle School. “She is every positive adjective you read about teachers… and MORE!”
JOANN TAVAZIA
Venture Academy Family of Schools
San Joaquin County Office of Education
“Joann is a lifelong learner that values equity and education. She sees students as individuals,” said Amy Thompson, director at Venture Academy. “She has been intentional in finding ways to reach students while upholding the culture of Venture Academy.”
SAN JUANA ROSALES
Monte Vista Middle School
Tracy Unified School District
“Ms. Rosales goes above and beyond her required duties as an educator,” said Heather Reyburn, assistant principal at Monte Vista Middle School. “She is a well-respected teacher with excellent instructional skills who truly advocates for her students.”
2024 CLASSIFIED SCHOOL
Tricia Johnston
Transportation Services
Linden Unified School District
Tricia has been supporting Linden Unified educational community as a school bus driver for 12 years. “Tricia is the rare individual who leads with her whole heart,” said Shannon Roberson, principal of Waterloo Middle School. “She is dedicated and passionate about creating a welcoming bus for students and staff.”
Favian Moreno
Technical Services
San Joaquin County Office of Education
Favian currently serves the SJCOE as a hardware support technician and has been with the organization for over 25 years. “Favian is a consistently hardworking, collaborative employee who ensures the job is not only completed, but executed in a manner that goes above and beyond expectations,” said Information Technology Division Director Ed Babakhan.
Sherry Hurd
Paraprofessional
Jefferson School
Sherry has served as a paraprofessional for nearly 16 years in the Jefferson Elementary School District. Sherry is a dedicated employee with a heart for her students. “Sherry’s friendly and open personality make her a person that students, parents, and staff are all ready to confide in, to ask for help and guidance, and to trust implicitly,” said SDC Teacher Lori Scott.
Jason Cheeseman
Custodial and Maintenance Services
North Elementary School
For over 10 years, Jason has served North Elementary School (Tracy Unified School District) as the custodian and security person. “Jason takes immense pride in being part of the North School’s community,” said Susan Hawkins, principal of North Elementary. “He is a prime example of a team player who is always positively available to complete anything asked of him.”
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY SCHOOL COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR
JORDAN BLEVINS
Pacific Law Academy
Stockton Unified School District
School counselors provide necessary support systems for students in education. Preparing students for success requires a focus on the whole student, and school counselors are the backbone of ensuring the wellbeing of students and staff on campuses.
When nominating Jordan Blevins for School Counselor of the Year, Maryann Santella, director of Student Records at Stockton Unified School District, said, “Ms. Blevins inspires students, staff, families, and her colleagues to make a difference in our community.” She continued, “Advocating for and representing school counselors at the state level drives Ms. Blevins because she believes that students need to have access to positive and uplifting school counselors.”
Jordan was also named California School Counselor of the Year by the California Association of School Counselors.
EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR
Michael Lehr
Skilled Trades
Manteca Unified School District
Michael has served Manteca Unified School District as a construction/energy technician for five years. He has been tasked with overseeing modernization projects across the district. “Michael is a man of character and encompasses the values of safe, responsible, and respectful with every interaction,” said Melanie Smith, George McParland principal.
Jeffrey Irving
Food and Nutrition Services
Franklin High School
Jeff Irving has been a dedicated food service assistant for 30 years. His presence is a staple in the halls of Franklin High School (Stockton Unified School District). “Mr. Irving is a kindhearted and caring individual who is highly regarded by those he works with every day,” said Thomas Arganda, director of Children Nutrition/Food Service.
Reneé Villarreal
Health and Student Services
San Joaquin County Office of Education
Reneé began her career as Student Services Technician in 2018. She is known as a natural leader and reliable resource for students. “Reneé is the epitome of the concept of one,” said County Operated Schools and Programs (COSP)
Assistant Superintendent Melanie Greene. “When individuals join together and work as one, miracles can occur!”
Lorena Casillas
Security Services
McKinley Elementary School
Lorena has served McKinley Elementary School (Stockton Unified School District) as campus security technician for six years. “We can always count on Ms. Casillas to support our school community,” said Brandy De Alba, principal of McKinley Elementary School. “She is a trusted employee who follows school safety standards and helps students do so as well.”
Miriam Soto
Clerical and Administrative Services
Weston Elementary School
Miriam has been a dedicated Weston Elementary School (Ripon Unified School District) employee for 13 years. “Miriam knows that her support has a direct impact on student learning,” said Lisa Fereria, Weston Elementary School principal. “She works diligently with students and staff making sure that students’ needs are met.”
Classified employees play key roles in our schools. These individuals help create environments that support the development of the whole child and promote student achievement, health, and safety. This year, nine San Joaquin County classified employees were honored. Each Classified Employee of the Year received $500 from event co-sponsor Self-Help Federal Credit Union.
JASON CHEESEMAN NAMED A CALIFORNIA CLASSIFIED SCHOOL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Jason Cheeseman was named the 2024 California Classified School Employee of the Year in the Custodial and Maintenance Services category. Jason was one of nine classified school employees to receive an award from the California Department of Education. He takes pride in ensuring North Elementary School (Tracy Unified School District) is a clean and safe environment for all students and staff to thrive.
CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE PAGE FOR FEATURE VIDEOS!
Couldn’t make it to the San Joaquin County Classified Employees, School Counselor, and Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration Dinner? Visit the San Joaquin County Office of Education YouTube page at youtube.com/@SJCOE to watch the honoree videos that were featured at the event.
GARDEN LEARNING
Community of practice helps teachers build and grow school gardens
In a lush oasis of growth and greenery in west Stockton, teachers from across the county swapped stories and updates about their progress in building and growing school gardens on their campuses.
"Next week everything is going into the ground!"
"Just having the truck come and dump the dirt was an event!"
"The kindergarteners pulled out the shoots!"
They shared stories of radishes, squash, tomatoes, dahlias, and more. On one campus, the students pretended to look for buried treasure when using the soil sifters. On another, the students kept an eye out for a turtle, a frog, and a lizard that live in the garden.
Teachers shared their stories and asked questions, which were fielded by Aubrey Kimball, farm program manager at the Edible Schoolyard Community Garden in Boggs Tract.
Then they got to work transplanting tomatoes and putting seeds into the soil.
This was at the May meeting of the School Garden Community of Practice, offered through a partnership of the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) and the nonprofit Edible Schoolyard Project.
Through the nonprofit, the teachers were able to earn a stipend as well as receive help purchasing materials for their school gardens. Kimball worked in concert with Katie Wipfli, then-director of SJCOE College and Career Readiness, building the syllabus and lesson plans for the yearlong community of practice.
"The community of practice is an opportunity to support educators in the county who are enhancing, improving, revitalizing, or even starting their school garden programs," Wipfli said. "It also brings us all together to learn how to incorporate students to make gardens a place for hands-on learning and an outlet for students to be outside, be engaged, and get their hands dirty."
In addition to what they learned at the monthly meetings of the community of practice, the participants are now part of a network of support that spans the county and continues after the program.
The teachers are from elementary schools, comprehensive high schools, and other programs.
"It's good for the kids to see living, growing things and to know where food comes from," said Joan Norris, a teacher in the SJCOE one.Program.
They also had a wide range of gardening experiences.
This was all new to Camira Hill and her firstgrade students at Aspire Apex Academy in Stockton.
"We're learning together," she said. And they have been learning about more than just gardening. Hill said when planting seeds it doubled as a math lesson. Her students put rulers into the dirt to learn about measuring while making sure they were planting seeds at the proper depth.
Mable Barron Elementary School (Lincoln Unified School District) already had an established school garden when teacher Jeni Bonilla joined the community of practice. "This has helped me take action and keep
it going," she said. "The kids are in there, composting and watering every week."
Students have jobs working in the school garden, but it is also a peaceful place for them to go outside, said Farron Moore, one.Program teacher. "They love going out into the garden," she said. "It's a place for students to go to de-escalate."
The food produced in the gardens brings other opportunities, too. One of the lessons in the community of practice focused on bringing cooking demonstrations to students.
And teachers saw how school gardens could help fight food insecurity in their communities.
Learning how to garden is helping students to understand that food doesn't have to come from the store, said Kristy Lauron, a fourth grade teacher at Washington Elementary School (Stockton Unified School District).
The community of practice is helping her get the garden started. She's hoping that it will eventually grow into something to help bring fresh produce to families. In addition to providing food for student families, this would help her students build a strong connection with their community, too, she said.
The materials, knowledge, and network of support provided through the community of practice is bringing Lauron closer to that goal.
"This community is also helping me build community," she said.
PLANT THE SEEDS OF LEARNING
WHY PLANT A SCHOOL GARDEN?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the research shows benefits to students include:
• Increased fruit and vegetable consumption
• Improved nutrition knowledge and vegetable preferences
• Increased science achievement scores
• Improved social skills and behavior
• Improved environmental attitudes
Don't have a garden, yet?
The hands-on educational experiences found in gardening can also be found in the classroom and at home.
The following activity teaches students about the food they might have at home – and that these food scraps can still sprout and grow. Find this and many more activities in and out of the garden at the Edible Schoolyard Resource Library at bit.ly/Edible_ ResourceLibrary.
GROWING FROM FOOD SCRAPS ACTIVITY
Did you know that a lot of the produce in your kitchen will sprout new growth just by putting it in water or soil? This activity explores growing food from the ends and scraps of produce in your kitchen.
Student Learning Goals & Objectives:
• Support students in practicing, creating, and undertaking projects that have tangible results both in the kitchen and garden
• Encourages students to feel that cooking and gardening are more accessible
• Support students to learn hard skills in growing and preparing food
Materials:
• Jar, shallow container, and/or soil (depending on the vegetable you're using)
• Potatoes, green onions, ginger, or another one of the 12 vegetable options included in full activity
Green Onions
Take the white ends of the plant where roots are attached. Place in a jar of water. Replace the water every couple of days. Once you can start to see roots and new shoots, transplant into soil.
Potatoes
It is best to use older potatoes where you can see little sprouts from the “eyes” of the potato. Cut the potato into two or more pieces, making sure that each piece has at least one eye. Leave the pieces on the counter overnight until dry. Plant them in a container of soil at least 4 inches deep, once you see some leaves, plant outside.
Ginger
Take a piece of ginger and place it in potting soil. Make sure the bud of the ginger is facing up. In a week or so, you should notice new shoots and roots. Leave in the container or re-pot in a larger container. Ginger grows best in warm climates. Depending on where you live, it is best to keep it indoors and not transplant outside.
* Download instruction materials, including a handy worksheet to record observations at https://bit.ly/FoodScrapsActivity.
Hospitality and Marketing Specialists! Two students from the one.Culinary program became the first-ever Hospitality and Marketing Specialists in the state!
Playtime fun at McFall School! Thanks to a donation from the California Lions Camp, students with special needs, ages 3-6, will be getting new tricycles, sandboxes, basketball hoops, and more!
CodeStack Camp for Aspiring Teen Coders
This summer, CodeStack launched an exciting new summer camp, opening its doors to high school students and young adults eager to explore the world of technology and programming. Instructors developed four accessible projects, including participants to game development and web design, over a fourweek period.
“It was amazing to see how quickly students were able to pick up the tools and start creating games,” said Tony Mannor, CodeStack’s marketing and communications specialist. Several of the summer camp participants enrolled in the upcoming CodeStack Academy’s software engineering certification program. “Next year, they may be walking across the graduation stage, ready to embark on exciting new careers!”
To learn more about CodeStack Academy, visit www.codestackacademy.org.
LET’S
SOCIAL GET
Here’s a snapshot of what you’ve been missing if you’re not following the SJCOE on social media!
Going for gold! During the two-week Great Valley Writing Camp in Escalon Unified School District, students learned about Paris and wrote stories about Olympic sports.
Scan to follow the SJCOE on Facebook!
Scan to follow the SJCOE on Instagram!
Welcome new teachers! Over the summer, the SJCOE held orientations for new teachers from Venture Academy, County Operated Schools and Programs, and Special Education Programs.
Outdoor Education
FUNDRAISER
Looking for fundraising opportunities to help your students participate in Outdoor Education?
The San Joaquin County Office of Education Educational Foundation invites your school to participate in the Outdoor Education Fundraiser. Your school will receive 100% return for their efforts towards the trip to Outdoor Education (formerly known as Science Camp) or other outdoor education activities.
It is simple! Students sell tickets for $5 each for a chance to win one of three prizes: $3,500, $1,000, or $500. The three lucky tickets will be drawn in April, but your students are the real winners because your school will receive 100% of the ticket sales to help send kids to Outdoor Education. This fundraiser is open to all schools in San Joaquin County.
Sales will be ongoing through Friday, March 28, 2025. Make all checks payable to SJCOEEF. Winners will be announced at www.sjcoe.org on Friday, April 25, 2025. Winners will be subject to pay all applicable Federal and State gambling taxes prior to taking possession of prize. Must be 18 years or older to play. No refunds.
