SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
OUTLOOK DECEMBER 2025
CONTENTS
DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS SPIRIT OF COMPETITION
NEWS
04
EMOTIONAL REUNIONS AT DCA FAMILY DAY
06
A NEW START IN HEAD START
07
AG CAREERS SUMMIT
08
STEM ON THE MENU
09
LEARNING TOGETHER COMMITTED TO SAFETY
10
CRAFTING CREATIVITY
11
BUILDING READERS THROUGH CONNECTION
12
DEVIOUS MINDS, DEFENSIBLE SYSTEMS
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one.FITNESS
14
FINDING CONNECTION THROUGH THE CHALLENGE
15
WE ARE SJCOE MIKE TOTTEN,
Greater Valley Conservation Corps
FEATURE STORY CODED IN STOCKTON
CodeStack hosted its statewide conference, CSC Live, in the heart of Downtown Stockton.
IN THE CLASSROOM
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JOB EXPERIENCE
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WINTER ART CARDS
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Discover some of the ways students can gain jobrelated experiences that will help plot their way forward.
ABOUT THE COVER:
The annual Winter Art Card Contest is a favorite tradition at the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE). Each year, students throughout the county submit their artwork for the contest. The winning artwork is used on the SJCOE’s official annual winter card and highlighted on the cover of the winter issue of the Outlook magazine. The winner and the runners-up also receive their artwork framed to display and share. Congratulations to the 2025 Winter Art Card Contest winner, Sofia Contreras! Sofia is in grade 9 at Lathrop High School (Manteca Unified School District). Artwork submissions from runners-up can be found on the last page and back cover.
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OUTLOOK
VOLUME 79 | ISSUE 2 | DECEMBER 2025 The Outlook is published by the San Joaquin County Office of Education Public Information Office.
TROY A. BROWN, Ed.D.
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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
CONNOR SLOAN, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent County Operated Schools and Programs
PETER FOGGIATO
Assistant Superintendent Business Services
ANTHONY CHAPMAN
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.
SUBSCRIBE
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SUBMIT A STORY sjcoepio@sjcoe.net
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Let’s stay connected!
OUTLOOK | DISTRICT HIGHLIGHT
SPIRIT OF COMPETITION
Students partner with SJCOE and the district to bring Special Olympics alive in Tracy The cheers thundering in Steve Lopez Stadium at Merrill F. West High School paused as Yamilet and Audrey took to the microphone to recite the Special Olympics oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” The two students were among more than 100 students from special education programs across the county to compete at the event on Sept. 19. Students competed in soccer, running, throwing, and jumping events. “We’re here to promote our students and really put them in the spotlight and watch them shine,” said Zach Franceschetti, coordinator with San Joaquin County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), a part of the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE). The Tracy Special Olympics was organized through a collaboration that includes the SJCOE, Tracy Unified School District, and the Special Olympics of Northern California. It was the first time the district had put on such an event in recent memory.
The students came from district and SJCOE special education programs in Escalon, Lammersville, Lincoln, and Tracy unified school districts. Students from these programs also came to cheer on their friends and help the event happen. Students in young adult special education programs also handed out programs, helped run the events, and performed other tasks as paid support through the WorkAbility I program. The student body at West High turned out in force. They filed into the stadium to watch and support. When each team of competitors arrived, they entered on a red carpet flanked by West High cheerleaders. West High leadership students had been planning for this event for months. They decorated the stadium with posters celebrating each participating school. They also ran the events, orchestrated an opening ceremony, handed out refreshments, staffed a quiet room, and much more. “Everybody has a job. Everybody plays an important role,” said Josh, West High sophomore class president. In addition to being fun, the Special Olympics was all about inclusion and representation, he said. The leadership students have experience organizing dances and rallies at their school, and they focused all their skills on planning a memorable event. “We want to be sure we give our students the best day ever,” said Associated Student Body President Lucia, a senior.
“TODAY’S IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT GIVES A CHANCE FOR EVERYBODY TO BE INCLUDED — NOT JUST THE STUDENTS IN OUR SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM — AND MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS CONNECTED.” Darian, Lincoln High School (Lincoln Unified School District) competitor, took part in multiple events, but the running event was his favorite. He likes running fast, and he said he had fun. He also liked that he got to see a former classmate who was now in a young adult program. When students compete in the Special Olympics, they aren’t judged for their disabilities, said Katie Hoffman, an SJCOE special education teacher at Escalon High School (Escalon Unified School District). “They get to be seen as who they are,” she said. “This was a moment that my kids really looked forward to,” she said. “They’re really proud of themselves and that was really powerful for me to get to watch.”
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OUTLOOK | DISTRICT HIGHLIGHT
“LET ME WIN. BUT IF I CANNOT WIN, LET ME BE BRAVE IN THE ATTEMPT.”
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OUTLOOK | NEWS
EMOTIONAL REUNIONS AT DCA FAMILY DAY
Cadets reunite with their families to showcase discipline, growth, and determination Family Day is one of the most anticipated events in each class cycle at Discovery ChalleNGe Academy (DCA), marking the first reunion between cadets and their families since the teens made the life-changing decision to join the program. For families, it’s a long-awaited chance to see the progress their cadets have made. DCA is a free, 22-week residential, quasi-military program in Lathrop for teens ages 16 to 18 who are credit deficient or at risk of dropping out. Through the program, cadets can earn up to 65 high school credits, putting them on track to return to school and earn a diploma or obtain a GED. The academy is offered through a partnership between the California National Guard and the San Joaquin County Office of Education. In addition to academic instruction, cadets take part in workshops focused on coping strategies, job searching, health and hygiene, responsible citizenship, and leadership. Family Day begins with performances from each of the three platoons — the Warriors, Titans, and Vikings — who spend weeks preparing their routines. After the final performance, cadets are released to their families. Reunions are filled with emotion as cadets and their families embrace, share updates, and enjoy favorite meals from home. The afternoon is spent catching up, playing games, and celebrating milestones missed during the session. For many cadets, the day reaffirms their commitment to the work they are doing at DCA — for themselves and for the people who support them on their journey.
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OUTLOOK | NEWS
A NEW START IN HEAD START
CAPK celebrates opening of University Park Head Start facility The Community Action Partnership for Kern (CAPK) celebrated the opening of its new University Park Head Start center. At a September ribbon cutting event, visitors strolled past neatly arranged toys and books in halls that would soon be filled with young children. It also marked the beginning of the expanded partnership between CAPK and Head Start San Joaquin (HSSJ). It is part of the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE), which receives the grant that funds federal Head Start and Early Head Start programs in San Joaquin County. CAPK has been providing Early Head Start services in San Joaquin County since 2015, but now they are providing preschool and other Head Start services in the county. Having the combined services at places like the University Park site provides a more seamless transition for families, saving them time and money, said CAPK officials at the ribbon cutting. “This is not just about opening doors to a new building, it is also opening doors to more opportunities for families and children,” said Yolanda Gonzales, CAPK director of Head Start and state child development programs. “My goal as a director is that every child, regardless of where they are, and every family, are given the same opportunity so that they can grow to their fullest potential.” Head Start helps families break the cycle of poverty, said Gonzales, who was also one of the many current and former Head Start parents at the event. CAPK supports families as well as educates children through the systems the organization builds to deliver wrap-around services, said Lauren Dietrich, SJCOE division director of Early Education and Support, which includes HSSJ. The organization supports its staff, too, providing high-quality professional development that ultimately benefits children. “CAPK has been an integral partner in providing early childhood care, and their commitment goes well beyond the classroom,” she said.
Head Start Preschool and Early Head Start programs promote the school readiness of children, ages birth to five, and expectant mothers by supporting the whole child’s development. The programs offer comprehensive services that include health, social services, nutrition, mental health, and family wellness. For more information about eligibility and enrollment: sjcoe.org/headstart headstartinfo@sjcoe.net 209-468-4933
The other HSSJ partners delivering Early Head Start and Head Start programs are Child Abuse Prevention Council, Lodi Unified School District, and Stockton Unified School District.
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OUTLOOK | NEWS
AG CAREERS SUMMIT
Local FFA chapters explore available agricultural careers in San Joaquin region Students from FFA chapters across San Joaquin County — including Bear Creek, Escalon, Linden, Ripon, St. Mary’s, and more — gathered for the annual AgCareers Summit, an interactive day designed to help students explore the many career opportunities within the agricultural industry. Hosted in partnership with the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) and supported by the Central Valley Mother Lode Regional Consortium, San Joaquin County, California Women for Agriculture, the San Joaquin County Resource Conservation District, and the San Joaquin County Farm Bureau, the event brought together 160 students, educators, and local industry professionals for a day of connection and career exploration. To kick off the morning, students participated in a series of icebreaker activities that highlighted the importance of agriculture in their own backyard — from a “Top Commodities of San Joaquin County” game to constructing a county map and filling in the blanks with updated 2025 crop and ag-industry data. The hands-on start set the tone for an engaging day of learning and discovery.
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Throughout the summit, breakout sessions and professional panels introduced students to a range of ag-focused career paths from mechanics and systems to sales, insurance, and business. Industry professionals shared personal experiences and advice, helping students see the many ways their interests and skills could fit into the ag sector. Brie Hunt, a representative from Corto Olive and a returning supporter of the event, emphasized the value of these conversations. “It’s good for students to hear other people’s journeys, as pathways aren’t always linear,” she said. Omar Luna, from the San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, shared his hope for the students. “I hope students understand that there are many ways they can contribute — find their passion and look to the future.” Lunch was generously donated by the San Joaquin-Stanislaus CattleWomen, giving students and presenters a final chance to connect and celebrate the rich diversity of agriculture in San Joaquin County.
S T E M
OUTLOOK | NEWS
ON THE MENU
Students learn about paths to careers at annual Dinner with a STEM Professional STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) has already sparked a love for learning in Evelin, an eighth grade student in the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program at Madison Elementary School (Stockton Unified School District). At the annual Dinner with a STEM Professional event hosted by the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE), she met with inspiring volunteers who showed her some of the places where that passion could take her one day. “I loved hearing everybody’s stories and how they had gone on to learn about their passions and the pathways to get to where they are,” she said. At the annual event, microbiologists, doctors, science professors, athletic trainers, and many others from a wide array of STEM professions hobnob with middle and high school students from across the county. The pros bring hands-on activities while sharing stories, answering questions, and having a conversation over a meal with middle and high school students. “It builds community,” said Bella Githere, STEM coordinator at the SJCOE. “Students feel like
they are a part of this community. They can identify as a STEM student who could be a STEM professional in a career they might never have heard of before,” she said. “They can have the idea that ‘I’ve met somebody in this profession and why can’t I do that, too?’” In between courses, students also took part in a fun competition, racing windpowered cars they built in a few minutes and propelled by blowing air through straws. In total 110 students and 24 STEM pros attended. The students came in small groups accompanied by 10 teacher-chaperones from schools across the county. “I want to make sure the students I teach have exposure and as much opportunity as possible,” said Franklin Phillips, Evelin’s teacher from Madison Elementary. The event benefits students, but it can also benefit the community too, said Dr. Maggie Park, a volunteer professional at the event who is also the San Joaquin County Public Health Officer. These students could become health professionals working in San Joaquin County, she said. “We can grow a team of people
who will end up staying here, and maybe even enter the public health field.” Having a chance to talk to working professionals is exactly what students have asked for before making important life decisions, said Erin LeBron, who teaches in the Medical and Health Services Academy at Kimball High School (Tracy Unified School District). “They would love to talk to more people in science and STEM to make sure that the choices they are making are putting them on the right path because they are nearing the time they get to college.” That desire to know what to expect was shared by students earlier in their academic pursuits, too. MaryJene, and eighth grader at A.G. Spanos Elementary (Stockton Unified School District) enjoys her science class – especially the experiments. She thinks she might want to go into the medical field. But she had questions, and she was ready to ask them to the volunteers at the event. “Like, how they got to that point and what steps they took to get there.”
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COMMITTED TO
SAFETY
OUTLOOK | LEARNING TOGETHER
SJCOE’s fifth annual Safe Schools Summit brings together educators and law enforcement partners for a day of learning and collaboration The San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) hosted its fifth annual Safe Schools Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 22, bringing together educators, administrators, and staff across San Joaquin County’s 14 school districts and charter schools with law enforcement partners and safety-focused vendors dedicated to supporting secure learning environments. This year’s keynote speaker, Sean Burke, president of the School Safety Advocacy Council, shared insights drawn from more than three decades in law enforcement and over 25 years of school safety experience. A nationally recognized expert and founding member of the U.S. Department of Justice School Safety Technical Working Group, Burke delivered a thought-provoking presentation on developing strong situational awareness across school campuses. He emphasized the critical role every staff member plays—from bus drivers to front-office personnel—in identifying and communicating potential threats before they escalate into crises. Breakout sessions throughout the day provided practical tools and training. From learning how to recognize and report concerning behaviors to identifying risk factors, signs of human trafficking, and resources available to schools and families, attendees gleaned important knowledge from industry and law enforcement experts. To close the day, attendees heard from a student panel featuring high school students from across the county. Moderated by Peer Leaders Uniting Students (PLUS) school counselor Jillian Glende, the students spoke candidly about their experiences with school safety, how measures are implemented at their sites, and their perceptions of overall campus climate.
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One recurring theme from the discussion was students feel safer when they understand why safety drills and procedures are in place. “When teachers take the time to explain things in a way that feels supportive, it changes how we see safety on campus,” one student shared. “Creating safe and secure schools while also maintaining welcoming and supportive environments requires balance,” said Virginia “Jenny” Rich, event organizer. “Working together is the best way to meet the safety challenges our school communities face.” The Safe Schools Summit will return in October 2026 for its sixth annual event.
OUTLOOK | LEARNING TOGETHER
CRAFTING Creativity
A vibrant partnership with University of the Pacific brings new textures, techniques, and inspiration to educators countywide The San Joaquin County Office of Education’s (SJCOE) Student Engagement and the Arts department has expanded its professional development offerings, opening new avenues for teachers to explore and integrate the arts into their classrooms. Now a six-person team, the department has broadened its reach across multiple artistic disciplines, with a focus on supporting both specialized and non-specialized teachers through hands-on, high-impact training. This fall, the team partnered with the University of the Pacific’s Department of Art, Media, Performance and Design to offer a series of workshops led by university professors. Thirty-six teachers from across San Joaquin County participated in sessions on ceramics, monoprinting, suminagashi, logo animation, and introductory 3D modeling. The partnership allows educators to access professionalgrade equipment, expert instruction, and classroom-ready strategies. For many educators, including Ripon High School art teacher Sydney Castle, the experience was transformative. Now in her third year of teaching — and her first year leading an advanced art course with ceramics included in the curriculum — Castle said the workshop provided essential time to build confidence and experiment. “Being able to practice these techniques before bringing them to my students is invaluable,” Castle said. “PDs like the ones SJCOE hosts are incredibly beneficial, and I absolutely want to participate again.” Lodi High School art teacher Missy Selles echoed that sentiment, noting the joy of returning to the learner’s role. “Today, we get to be the students,” she said.
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OUTLOOK | LEARNING TOGETHER
BUILDING READERS THROUGH CONNECTION
Early Literacy Institute brings together teachers from across California to deepen their practice with research-supported, student-centered tools Teachers across the country follow Jake Daggett on social media for his engaging classroom lessons based solidly in the science of learning and reading. As the keynote speaker at the second-annual Early Literacy Institute at Teachers College of San Joaquin (TCSJ) on Sept. 6, he started off his high-energy presentation with ways to get students clapping, laughing, and — most of all — tuned-in and ready to learn using physical-response engagement strategies. Getting students’ attention and establishing a safe learning environment is the first and most important step to teaching them to read, especially if it might mean asking them to perform a task that’s difficult for them, he said. “’But you just made me laugh, so now I’m ready to try it.’” This was the second Early Literacy Institute, held in collaboration with the California Kindergarten Association, that drew educators from across the state. Daggett was part of a day of presenters and breakout session leaders focusing on the evidence-based research and application of teaching young students to read. “The learning of this event was to engage and reinforce all the good that occurs in the classroom when we establish expectations and validate a safe learning environment as well as plan, teach, and cumulatively rehearse desired outcomes,” said Michelle Jones, TCSJ
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coordinator and event organizer. “Then students can easily retrieve and respond to the academic rigor.” The intent is attendees will come back to their school sites with evidence-based strategies for their classrooms and to share with colleagues. That’s exactly what Tully C. Knoles School (Lincoln Unified School District) kindergarten teacher Michelle Hausauer had in mind when she signed up for the institute. “I’m always looking for ways to improve, and I’m continuing my education to help my students,” she said, saying that the day’s agenda looked promising to do just that. “They just have so much information that helps educators continue to grow.” Improving early literacy is a shared priority of San Joaquin County’s 14 school districts — which along with the SJCOE, San Joaquin Delta College, and TCSJ — signed on to a countywide declaration of support of early literacy. “This is the most important work we can do,” said San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Troy Brown at the event. “And we want to support you every way we can.”
OUTLOOK | LEARNING TOGETHER
DEVIOUS MINDS, DEFENSIBLE SYSTEMS
Annual Cybersecurity Symposium unites school leaders in fight against cybercrime
Nearly 200 information technology professionals, district leaders, and support staff gathered Sept. 19 for the fourth annual San Joaquin County Schools Cybersecurity Symposium, themed around Disney’s most iconic villains. Held at the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) Wentworth Education Center, this year’s focus, “Securing Tomorrow: Navigating the Intersection of AI and Cybersecurity,” highlighted the rapidly evolving threats facing school systems.
The presentation reinforced a message central to the symposium: cybercriminals continue to set their sights on school systems, and while tools are improving, preparedness must evolve just as quickly.
The day opened with a keynote address from James Hetrick, Ph.D., a particle physicist and tenured professor of data science at the University of the Pacific. His speech, titled “The Neural Kingdom: Past, Present, Secured,” explored how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping cybersecurity for both defenders and attackers.
Participants then attended villain-themed breakout sessions where experts shared practical strategies on incident response, multi-factor authentication, data protection, and emerging AI-driven threats. Sessions covered topics such as strengthening security with Apple, identifying deepfakes with Firestorm, and recognizing threats against K-12 education with the California Cybersecurity Integration Center (CalCSIC). Attendees walked away with insights directly applicable to their daily work — and opportunities for districts to learn from one another.
“Cybersecurity is a journey, not a destination,” Ed Babakhan, division director of Information Technology, reminded attendees. “It’s a shared responsibility that demands ongoing vigilance and adaptation.”
After lunch, a leadership panel titled “Behind the Magic Mirror: A Leader’s Reflection” brought together technology executives from across Northern California to discuss cybersecurity trends, resource challenges, and district-wide planning. Panelists included Burt Lo, Technology & Learning Resources division director at the Stanislaus County Office of Education; Ed Babakhan, Information
Technology division director at the SJCOE; Jerry Jones, Technology Services executive director at the Sacramento County Office of Education; and Laura Assem, Technology Services executive director at Roseville School District.
The day concluded with Jafar’s Hypnotic Game Show, hosted by the SJCOE’s very own “Jafar,” Dimel Kiryakous, coordinator in the Information Technology department. He led an interactive Kahoot session that reinforced key lessons through friendly competition. While the Disney Villains theme added fun throughout the event, the message remained clear: protecting student data requires constant vigilance, shared expertise, and a united front.
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OUTLOOK | LEARNING TOGETHER
FITNESS one.Program expansion of physical education component more than just exercise On a recent Monday morning, students at one.Discover brushed away the weekend cobwebs by working out. Three coaches from Stockton’s Factory Institute of Training (F.I.T.) guided the students through triceps dips, pullups, pushups, and other exercises. For 15-year-old Traiveonna, it was the difference between a good day and a bad day. She woke up angry and frustrated, but she was ready for school after the workout, she said. “It loosened my mood and got some frustrations out, and now I feel more easy-going and calm.” The trainers from F.I.T. didn’t leave when the workout was finished. They stayed to talk to students, joining the circle discussion where students check in with their teachers about how they are doing at the start of the day. “They are immersed, and they become a part of the team that is here to provide support for the students,” said Juan Jauregui, division director of County Operated Schools and Programs at the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE), who oversees the
one.Program, the SJCOE’s alternative
education program. “They are able to build those one-on-one relationships and able to connect with kids.” That’s an important aspect of the one.Program, he said. “So that every student has an adult they can go to for trust, for guidance, and for support.” That mix of physical education from qualified trainers with relationshipbuilding mentors is why the one.Program has been bringing the F.I.T. team into more sites. It added elementary school classes last school year and added a middle school site this year. Marcus Bonillas, a F.I.T. coach, can share examples of one.Discover students who caught the fitness bug and took advantage of the chance to show serious improvement. But Marcus also shares
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that he knows that the challenges he faced when he was in high school have helped him connect with students dealing with challenges of their own. “I want to give my knowledge to the kids to help them with their futures,” he said. Just outside Stockton, elementary students at a one.Field of Dreams site with a different group of F.I.T. coaches led a group of students in some exercises and a spirited game of dodge ball. After a lot of running, jumping, and laughing, the students talked about the fun they had and how they like the chance to get their energy out. One student, Stefani, enjoyed the games, but said she also liked the ongoing conversation she had been having with one coach about somebody she follows on YouTube. When Malik, another student, was asked what his favorite part of PE class was, he motioned over to the coaches and said: “Them.”
OUTLOOK | LEARNING TOGETHER
FINDING CONNECTION THROUGH THE CHALLENGE
Parents discover new tools and a sense of belonging through Parent Project After dropping their children off at Discovery ChalleNGe Academy (DCA) for 22 weeks, many parents leave with a mix of pride and heartache — proud of their child’s decision to change their life, yet feeling as though a piece of their heart is missing. For a few of these parents, that sense of loss became an opportunity for growth. By enrolling in Parent Project, a 10week program designed to help families rebuild and strengthen relationships, they found a new community. For Robert and Tiffany, two parents in the current cohort, the experience has been life-changing. Both shared similar stories of watching their children commit to transformation at DCA — and realizing they wanted to do the same. “During orientation, my son was hesitant about joining, so I told him I would sign up for Parent Project while he was here,” said Tiffany. “It was a way for me to be there with him without being there with him.” Like many in the class, Tiffany initially felt isolated, but quickly found that she wasn’t alone. “We’re all dealing with our own struggles and we have a sense of community,” she said. For Robert, that shared understanding was also key. “Our kids need something different, and this provides that,” he said. “They give you ingredients and skills that can apply across multiple issues. You learn to coach instead of just reacting to problems at home.”
I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to share the gift of Parent Project multiple times a year, and I have no plans on slowing down anytime soon.
Lindsey Clark Program Manager
What surprised both parents most was the honesty and openness within the group. “I wasn’t expecting the level of intimacy and transparency,” Robert said. “We were all living the same experiences from different places.” Parent Project would not be possible without the leadership of Lindsey Clark, Family Engagement program manager at the San Joaquin County Office of Education. “I have been facilitating Parent Project classes for several years, and I believe in this program to my very core,” she said. Being a parent herself, Lindsey knows firsthand that raising kids is not easy. She is honored to be able to provide a space where parents can strengthen their relationships with their children
If you, or someone you know, is interested in joining Parent Project, please reach out to Lindsey Clark at 209-292-2660 or liclark@sjcoe.net.
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OUTLOOK | WE ARE SJCOE
MIKE TOTTEN Coordinator, Greater Valley Conservation Corps
When Mike Totten joined the Greater Valley Conservation Corps (GVCC) in 2011, he thought it would be a temporary stop on his way to another job. Thirteen years later, he leads one of the program’s largest and fastest-growing divisions — a role that reflects both his dedication and GVCC’s expanding impact across the region. Totten, now a coordinator IV with GVCC, first connected with the program while earning his GED through the San Joaquin County Office of Education’s (SJCOE) alternative education program YouthBuild. “I felt at home at YouthBuild,” Totten said. “It gave me purpose and direction. It’s also where I met Nick Mueller, who is now GVCC’s division director.” During Totten’s 13 years with GVCC, he has supported the organization’s evolution from a primarily recycling-based operation into a regional leader in fire mitigation, forestry, and landscaping services. Today, the Natural Resource Division manages 32 landscape sites, a fleet of 35 vehicles, and a staff of more than 30 who oversee 100 corpsmembers. Crews complete a wide range of projects, including shaded fuel breaks, vegetation management, and the installation of a new community garden on the SJCOE main Stockton campus. Totten said one of the most rewarding parts of his job is mentoring young corpsmembers and watching them grow. “I tell my crews all the time — you represent me, GVCC, and the SJCOE,” he said. “Your past cannot be an excuse. You pave your own road.” Beyond his leadership in the field, Totten continues to expand his professional skills, earning contractor and applicator licenses while overseeing contracts with agencies such as CAL FIRE and the City of Stockton. “I take great pride in being part of the SJCOE and in giving back to this community,” Totten said. “From Thornton to Merced, I can look around and see the difference our teams have made.” Outside of work, Totten enjoys camping, hiking, and boating with his family. Newly married and a proud new father, he continues to find purpose in both his work and his life in Stockton. The Greater Valley Conservation Corps (GVCC) helps young adults, 18 to 26 years old, with green job training, employment opportunities, academic support, industry recognized certifications, life skills, and much more. To learn more, visit www.greatervalleycc.org
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CODED in STOCKTON
OUTLOOK | FEATURE
CODESTACK PUTS STOCKTON CENTER STAGE AT NEW HEADQUARTERS AND CONFERENCE CodeStack isn’t just a technology department in the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE). It is a software engineering organization with national reach. No matter how much the department has grown in the past 23 years, its heart and roots remain firmly in Stockton. That hometown pride was on full display in October, when CodeStack hosted its statewide conference, CSC Live, in the heart of Downtown Stockton. The conference culminated with a restoration ceremony less than 10 blocks away to celebrate the construction project for the future home for CodeStack.
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OUTLOOK | FEATURE “DOWNTOWN STOCKTON IS THE IDEAL HOME FOR CODESTACK AND CODESTACK ACADEMY, WHICH IS TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERS.”
- DR. TROY BROWN, SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
CODESTACK CELEBRATES NEW HOME IN DOWNTOWN STOCKTON
The crowd at the construction site was not the only audience. The restoration ceremony was also streamed live to the Adventist Health Arena, where hundreds of educators from the state came to attend CodeStack’s annual CSC Live conference.
The San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) was joined by community leaders on Friday, Oct. 3, to celebrate the project to build the new headquarters of CodeStack, relocating the software development department and its CodeStack Academy coding school to Downtown Stockton.
CodeStack is currently located at the SJCOE’s South Stockton campus, which is home to most of the county office’s facilities and its Venture Academy Family of Schools. CodeStack’s move will free up additional space on the SJCOE campus.
The restoration ceremony marked the recent beginning of the project to transform and expand the existing building at 201 N. California Street to open CodeStack Academy on the ground floor and include office space to house the software developers and other team members providing services to schools, districts, and other agencies in California and beyond.
2025 CSC Live Conference held in Stockton, a first in 17 years
Restoration ceremony celebrates project to relocate CodeStack’s headquarters
“Downtown Stockton is the ideal home for CodeStack and CodeStack Academy, which is training the next generation of software engineers,” said Dr. Troy Brown, San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools. “We are excited to be part of the growth in the vibrant heart of Stockton.” The project to renovate the three-story building will increase useable space from approximately 14,000 to 30,000 square feet. Three of the four walls will be preserved, including the north facade containing a distinctive mural that has been part of the downtown landscape since 2018. Dr. Brown was joined by elected officials and representatives from federal, state, and local offices as well as community leaders excited for the latest addition to Downtown Stockton. They each grabbed hardhats and golden sledgehammers for the brief ceremony.
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CODESTACK HOSTS CALIFORNIA IN STOCKTON
Sunlight sparkled off the water in downtown by day and fireworks dazzled in the sky over Banner Island Ballpark at night at the 2025 CSC Live conference in Stockton in October. Hundreds of educators came from across the state to attend the annual conference put on by CodeStack, a technology department of the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE). But the 17th annual CSC Live was the first time CodeStack hosted the three-day event in its hometown of Stockton. CodeStack develops well-known education jobs application EDJOIN as well as applications, like Special Education Information System (SEIS), which are vital to the day-to-day business of education for thousands of schools. “It’s education software for educators, by educators,” said CodeStack Division Director Johnny Arguellas. “They are not only our customers but our partners. Nothing we do is possible without their support, feedback, and collaboration.” The annual conference informs attendees and strengthens their
OUTLOOK | FEATURE connection to CodeStack, allowing the department to keep their technology on the cutting edge of meeting the needs of schools. While the technology created by CodeStack brought the attendees together to learn about the applications, the sessions offered at the conference covered a wider range of topics.
WHAT IS CODESTACK? Part of the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE), CodeStack is a software engineering department focused on web, mobile, and software application development; graphic and multimedia design; and video production. CodeStack works
The sessions often featured presenters who weren’t software engineers or technology experts. Whether tech experts or not, the presenters shared how the users could make the best use of the technology as educators. For example, a glance at sessions in three adjacent conference rooms at the University Waterfront Hotel showed a sampling of the breadth of session topics.
with public agencies across the nation and has developed over 20 Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications used by over 5,000 school districts nationwide. The CodeStack team is the developer of systems like EDJOIN, SEIS, Beyond SST, the California School Dashboard, and dozens more. CodeStack provides service to all 58 California county offices of education, 106 of the 120 California special education local plan areas (SELPAs), over 1,100 California school districts, and over 700 California private and charter schools.
In one room, CodeStack Coordinator Gary Flores walked people through the steps to make an effective post on the EDJOIN recruitment website. Just a few feet away, SJCOE Human Resources Coordinator Katie Turner gave tips on how to use Canva, a design application, to help schools find employees for open positions. “There are so many ways we can leverage EDJOIN and help people understand the position when they apply,” she said in her session room. Next door, Melissa Hulsey, special education compliance officer from Visalia Unified School District, offered an interactive session about how to best use the Beyond SST application. She said her session helps people use the technology and information about students to make accurate assessments and referrals – to ensure students who might be eligible for special education will be able to receive their education in the least-restrictive environment possible. She has been a presenter at the conference since 2018, because she wants to give others the information to ensure students don’t get misplaced. Hulsey isn’t just a presenter. She comes to the conference every year to stay up to date on the ever-changing rules related to special education and the updates to CodeStack’s SEIS software, which is used to manage student information for students in special education. With sessions covering topics from the California Department of Education (CDE) and
It includes CodeStack Academy, an accelerated software engineering school established in 2018 to grow the technology workforce and create career opportunities by providing students affordable, immersive coding instruction.
CodeStack experts – she has it covered at the conference. “I need everything from CDE and everything from SEIS, because that is my job,” she said.
More information: www.codestack.org www.codestackacademy.org
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OUTLOOK | IN THE CLASSROOM
JOB
EXPERIENCE
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OUTLOOK | IN THE CLASSROOM The path to careers begins in the classroom. But knowing more about what to expect along that path helps students make informed choices about where they are going. That information can come from skilled professionals sharing what the path looked like for them. Students also learn by doing. Sampling a career while still in school can make the pathway clearer from the beginning. The In The Classroom feature of this Outlook looks at some of the many ways students can catch a glimpse of life after high school by getting out of the classroom and gaining jobrelated experiences that will help plot their own way forward. FALL TRADES DAY CONNECTS STUDENTS TO COLLEGE AND MORE Day of career exploration for high school students brought together by Builders’ Exchange and Delta College
The exact path from their high school classrooms to real careers was as clear as day to the hundreds of high school students at Fall Trades Day in September. Organized by the Builders’ Exchange of San Joaquin and held at San Joaquin Delta College – the event brought together representatives from businesses, public agencies, and the individuals who make a living in the trades. It gave students a chance to ask questions and explore. Between going from station to station to meet with people and try handson activities, the high school students also toured Delta College and met with faculty and college students.
“It’s opened my eye,” he said when talking about the event. “It shows us different pathways and different options.”
BUILDING FUTURES THROUGH APPRENTICESHIPS
High school students discover how apprenticeships bridge education and employment through practical, industryaligned training ARCH Launches into the New Year “I don’t need permission. I already have influence.” That mantra echoed throughout the day during the Apprenticeships Reaching Career Horizons (ARCH) Apprentice Kick-Off event in September, reminding students of the impact they carry as both learners and members of the workforce.
Hosted by the San Joaquin County Office of Education’s College and Career Readiness department, apprentices participated in a full day of learning, reflection, and empowerment designed to strengthen their pathways into high-demand careers. The workshops were facilitated by Colleen Lawson, a local high-performance coach, who guided students through sessions on personal influence, interview skills, professional conduct, and making lasting impressions. Students also received their first professional headshots. “We wanted our apprentices to understand the influence they already have and how to grow into their respective fields as leaders,” said Christie Fuso, coordinator for ARCH.
“Students are seeing themselves in those roles and if it is a good fit for them,” said Michelle Castanon, program manager for career technical education (CTE) and workforce development at Delta College. The industry partners helped students see that there are great careers waiting for them, and that they are local, said Shannon Hurles, CEO of Builders’ Exchange. “It’s showing what they can do here locally so they can stay here and work here.” Edgar, a welding student at Franklin High School (Stockton Unified School District), asked the people he met where to find the specific jobs where he could put those skills to work.
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OUTLOOK | IN THE CLASSROOM After a day focused on developing soft skills and mapping career growth plans, apprentices joined their families, district leaders, and employers for an evening celebration that included dinner, recognition, and awards. ARCH is a first-of-its-kind high school apprenticeship program that connects students to skilled careers while they earn wages and gain real-world experience. Students currently serve as registered apprentices in occupations such as information technology support specialist, teacher’s aide/paraprofessional, assistant farm manager, and hospitality and marketing. To learn more about ARCH and available opportunities, visit sjcoe.org. 20th Annual Construction Trades Career Fair Introduces Students to Careers High school juniors and seniors from across San Joaquin County explored hands-on pathways into the skilled trades at the 20th Annual Construction Trades Career Fair on Nov. 6 at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds. Organized by the San Joaquin Area Apprenticeship Coordinators Association in partnership with the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) College and Career Readiness department and the San Joaquin Building Trades Council, the fair highlighted 18 construction and apprenticeship programs serving the region. Students from high schools throughout the county rotated through booths led by professionals representing a wide range of trades, where they received overviews of career options and learned how to enter apprenticeship programs — often referred to as “the other four-year degree” because participants earn wages while they learn. The hands-on stations were designed to showcase the skills, opportunities, and long-term career potential available through the construction trades, some booths even allowing students to operate machinery, put their electrical skills to the test, and meet with employers.
As soon as students arrived, they fanned out through the Wentworth Education Center on the SJCOE main campus in Stockton. All the day’s offerings focused on life after high school. In a large conference room, approximately 20 businesses and other organizations were ready to answer questions and map out a pathway to college and careers. Elsewhere in the building, students sampled entry-level job skills using hands-on activities from the SJCOE’s Vocational Skills Lab. In another room, the students put on virtual reality goggles and enjoyed simulated tasks in a wide range of careers. Down the hall, in a room equipped with spotlights and backdrops, the students had professional head shots taken by photographers. Other features of the day included a presentation from San Joaquin Delta College representatives who showed students that there is a path for students with disabilities to thrive in college. Expo-goers also sat down one on one with volunteers for a mock job interview, where they received immediate feedback. “I love events like this,” said Khalil Abouhamad, a special day teacher from East Union High School (Manteca Unified School District). “This is a perfect bridge to all the theory they are learning in the classroom.” He said that trying out these experiences helps students work through those job-interview jitters. And they can take what they’ve learned from these experiences back to the classroom, he said. “Now we know what to work on, now we know how to really help them when they are still in that supportive environment.”
“This fair shows students that there are many pathways to a successful career,” said Carly Sexton, SJCOE director of Workforce Development. “Our partnership with the Building and Construction Trades Council ensures students get real, hands-on experiences that help them understand how to enter and thrive in these fields.”
EVENT CONNECTS STUDENTS TO THEIR FUTURES
WorkAbility Bridging Futures Work Expo links students to employers, college, and job experiences At the WorkAbility Bridging Futures Work Expo on Oct. 28, students in special education programs in the county spent the day meeting with employers, participating in job-related tasks, and more. More than 225 students attended the second-annual exposition. It is sponsored by the WorkAbility I program through the San Joaquin County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), part of the SJCOE. WorkAbility I is a state program that provides students ages 12 to 22 vocational services and places students 16 and older in paid positions with local employers. “Everything about today is about exposure to different career opportunities and setting them up for success once they leave the classroom,” SJCOE WorkAbility Coordinator Zach Franceschetti said.
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Everything about today is about exposure to different career opportunities and setting them up for success once they leave the classroom. Zach Franceschetti WorkAbility Coordinator
2025 WINTER ART CARD CONTEST RUNNERS-UP: From top (left to right)
Isaac Aguayo - Grade 4, Dent Elementary School Leia Orozco - Grade 4, Ripona Elementary School Stephanie Kuang - Grade 12, Middle College High School Brisbana Gomez - Grade 5, Banta Elementary School Aadya Tadi - Grade 8, Corral Hollow Elementary School Jayden Smith - Grade 3, Victory Elementary School Jasmine Warren - Grade 8, Williams Middle School Ayanna Vasquez - Grade 11, Lathrop High School* *Artwork is pictured on the back cover
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