SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
OUTLOOK SEPTEMBER 2026
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BACK TO SCHOOL PHOTO GALLERY
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BACK-TO-SCHOOL FOR THE 25TH YEAR
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PREVENTION STARTS WITH EDUCATION
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CLAIMING THEIR FUTURE
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A LIVING WORK OF ART
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FINDING THEIR VOICE one.Program students finish year studying civic
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CUTTING EDGE COMPUTING
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EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION
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SUMMER LEARNING
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WE ARE SJCOE
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SNAPSHOT
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CONTENTS
WELCOME TO THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR 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! Venture Academy Family of Schools is kicking off a landmark school year. Students lead first countywide Human Trafficking prevention team. $52M in unclaimed scholarship accounts available to students and children. Natural sculpture at Durham Ferry also habitat for wildlife.
engagement with trip to Washington D.C.
Local students researching quantum computing through partnership with U.C. Davis and SJCOE. Meet the 2026 awardees and finalists recognized as outstanding teachers and classified employees. Plus, meet the School Counselor of the Year. The learning never stops, even during the summer months.
Jacob Bradshaw: Program Manager, Operations. Connect with the SJCOE on social media, and get a glimpse at what you missed this summer.
LOOKING AHEAD Events, trainings, & more!
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.
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OUTLOOK
VOLUME 80 | ISSUE 1 | SEPTEMBER 2026 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
ANNIE CUNIAL
Deputy Superintendent Professional Learning and Support
KATIE WIPFLI
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.
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SUBMIT A STORY sjcoepio@sjcoe.net
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Let’s stay connected!
BELIEVE IN STUDENTS,
believe in education. A back-to-school message from San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Troy Brown
A new school year is always a time of new beginnings. It’s not just students who look forward to new experiences, new knowledge, and new connections. All of us who work in any role in education can feel the excitement as the new year takes off. That feeling never gets old. It is not just because we love the work that we do. We feel that way because we believe we have the opportunity to make a real difference, both in the lives of our students and in our communities. That is why I am starting this year by reflecting on the end of last school year. That is a time of year when I have the honor of talking to students celebrating their achievements at commencement ceremonies, whether they are earning their high school diplomas or passing another educational milestone. At the ceremonies for our alternativeeducation schools, like the one.Program and Come Back Kids, I met students who often overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to get their education. Each student had a unique story, but there was a common thread running throughout all of them: somebody at their school believed in them. Believing in students makes all the difference. That belief can give students the confidence to achieve, to exceed their expectations, and celebrate a future that is brighter because of their education. That belief in students may be all they need to course correct or continue on to a path of success.
If you work in education – whether you are a teacher, paraeducator, administrator, or part of the support team – you hold the key that can unlock a student’s full potential. This is both an honor and a responsibility. Believe in yourself and the difference you can make for the more than 155,000 students in San Joaquin County. Education doesn’t just transform individual lives; it can uplift entire communities. I believe in the power of education, and I know when we stand united in the belief, lives can change. When we work together as educators and educational institutions, all our students benefit. At the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE), we do our best to bring the educational community together while also providing direct services to students. Building relationships among educators is as important as building relationships with students and families. So welcome back, students, families, and educators of San Joaquin County to another amazing year of learning, discovery, and growth. It won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it for everyone. I believe in all of you. Yours in partnership,
I believe in the power of education, and I know when we stand united in the belief, lives can change. 4 | SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Welcome to the
2026-2027
school year!
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SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY’S
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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
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OUTLOOK | NEWS
BACK-TO-SCHOOL FOR THE 25TH YEAR Venture Academy kicks off landmark school year
The Venture Academy Family of Schools (VAFS) campus was buzzing with incredible energy as students returned for the start of the 2026-2027 academic year. This back-to-school season is especially meaningful because it marks the beginning of Venture’s silver anniversary, celebrating 25 years of empowering minds and building community. From eager new faces and young students taking their first steps on campus to returning students reuniting with friends and teachers, you could feel a renewed sense of excitement across all of the academies. Adding to the milestone this year is the opening of a brand-new, state-of-the art culinary lab. Designed specifically for high school
students, this hands-on space will give aspiring culinary professionals and food enthusiasts the chance to learn and innovate in a professional kitchen. Joni Hellstrom, division director of VAFS, said, “As we begin our 25th school year, I am proud of how far we have come together and I am inspired by the commitment of our staff every day. Every year brings new opportunities to support students, and being part of that journey is truly rewarding.” With 25 years of history to build on, a new culinary lab to explore, and an incredible team, VAFS is set for an unforgettable year ahead. Welcome back, Mustangs!
Venture Academy Family of Schools serves 1,662 students from transitional kindergarten (TK) through 12th grade. VAFS is a WASCaccredited charter school that offers 13 academies and a variety of learning sites designed to foster academic growth and creative exploration so that all students have a path towards success. Learn more at VentureAcademyCA.org.
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PREVENTION STARTS WITH EDUCATION
OUTLOOK | NEWS
Students lead first countywide Human Trafficking prevention team
The San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) is blazing a trail in student safety, establishing the state’s first human trafficking high school prevention taskforce. SJCOE is the only county office of education with a dedicated position focused entirely on human trafficking prevention, ensuring tailored training is accessible for local districts. This first group of students completed an intensive, weeklong training over summer alongside the established Youth Mental Health Development Academy cohort. Together, students learned critical warning signs, peer outreach strategies, safety planning, and how to effectively connect a peer with trusted adults and law enforcement. Equipped with this knowledge, team members are now prepared to bring potentially life-saving resources back to their home districts and high schools. A highlight of the summer training was guest trainer and speaker John Michael Lander, an Olympian diver, survivor, and vocal advocate for human trafficking awareness. Lander, who tragically experienced trafficking while competing on the national stage, stayed throughout the training to guide students through heavy topics. He addressed breaking down social stigmas, navigating tough peer conversations, and identifying how modern trafficking aggressively targets youth in digital spaces. “Human trafficking is happening everywhere, and it’s time to end the denial,” said Jennifer DeAngelo, SJCOE Human Trafficking Prevention coordinator. “As the first cohort of its kind, these students will play a crucial role in spreading awareness and saving lives.” By empowering high schoolers to lead presentations and foster open discussions among peers, educators, and local law enforcement, this groundbreaking taskforce aims to bridge critical information gaps between students and adults. This will ultimately build a stronger, more informed community while protecting our local youth from the heinous crime that is human trafficking.
SAVE THE DATE!
9th Annual End It Summit Wednesday, January 20, 2027 Hutchins Street Square, Lodi SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION | 9
OUTLOOK | NEWS
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
FOR CHILDREN BORN ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 2022
All children born in California on or after July 1, 2022, have a CalKIDS Scholarship waiting in their name. There are no income restrictions, but parents must claim their child's CalKIDS Scholarship Account to access up to $175. Information Needed to Check Eligibility: • County where the child was born • Their birthdate • One of the following: • The 13-digit Local Registration Number (LRN) on the child’s birth certificate • The unique registration code on the notification letter mailed to the parent’s home address.
CLAIMING THEIR FUTURE
$52M in unclaimed scholarship accounts available to students and children
More than $52 million in scholarships is available and waiting for students and children across San Joaquin County – only they may not know it. The money is available through the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS), a state-funded initiative designed to make higher education and career training more accessible. Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, CalKIDS automatically awards scholarships worth up to $1,500 to eligible California public school students and up to $175 for all children born in the state on or after July 1, 2022. The funds can be used to cover qualified education expenses, including tuition and fees, required books and supplies, and computer equipment, helping to reduce financial barriers for families. Checking eligibility is fast, easy, and secure. Refer to the information on the right to learn more about eligibility. Once families and students have gathered this information, they can confirm eligibility and claim their account directly on the CalKIDS website. CalKIDS accounts may be claimed until eligible individuals turn age 26. For more information, contact your child’s school or visit the CalKIDS website at calkids.org.
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FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS Two groups of California public school students may be eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship up to $1,500: 1. Students enrolled in grades 1-12 during the 20212022 academic year 2. Students enrolled in the 1st grade during the 2022-2023 academic year and every school year thereafter. Information Needed to Check Eligibility: • County where the student attended school based on this chart: Academic Year
Grade
On this Date
2021-2022
1-12
Oct. 6, 2021
2022-2023
1
Oct. 5, 2022
2023-2024
1
Oct. 4, 2023
2024-2025
1
Oct. 2, 2024
2025-2026
1
Oct. 1, 2025
• Their birthdate • One of the following:
º Their 10-digit Statewide Student Identifier (SSID) number, which can be obtained by contacting the child’s school º The unique registration code on the notification letter mailed to the student’s home.
OUTLOOK | NEWS
A LIVING WORK OF ART Natural sculpture at Durham Ferry also habitat for wildlife
Durham Ferry Outdoor Education Center has a new installation that is a living work of art, built by students and the community with guidance from professional artists to be a permanent attraction for visitors and a natural habitat for wildlife. From end to end, the living sculpture is 85 feet long and consists of thousands of salvaged branches and logs that have been stacked about a yard high in a snaking line that loops back in on itself. Hundreds of live willows harvested from the river are woven into low archways that contain the pile and give it shape. It was built over the course of the school year by community members hauling branches alongside students from Lathrop High School and Manteca Adult Transition Program (Manteca Unified School District) and the San Joaquin County Office of Education’s (SJCOE) Venture Academy Family of Schools, Building Futures Academy/YouthBuild, and Discovery ChalleNGe Academy.
“It loses its identity as a man-made object and turns into a habitat,” said Don McCormick, who, along with Mary O’Brien, is part of the artist duo Watershed Sculpture that guided the project. The sculpture was made possible through a $103,500 grant through Arts in California Parks. The grant-funded project included events throughout the year, community work days, and other activities, culminating in the Durham Ferry Art and Heritage Festival on May 16. At the festival, students and community groups danced, made music, and shared their stories in live performances. In addition to viewing the living sculpture, attendees were able to create their own art during hands-on activities facilitated by local artists. “Culture and heritage are what unite us all,” Stepping said. “And nature is a wonderful place to bring people together to celebrate each other.”
“They all came together and helped shape our willow thicket,” said Kristine Stepping, environmental literacy coordinator with SJCOE STEM, Workforce Development, and Innovation. “The purpose of that project is for the community to come together and build something that will benefit nature.” Named Willow Loop at Lizards’ Lair for the reptiles spotted scurrying along the fallen branches that make up the sculpture, it will accommodate more wildlife as it grows and changes. Branches will decompose as the willows grow into a new grove where birds and other animals will find a home.
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OUTLOOK | NEWS
FINDING THEIR VOICE
one.Program students finish year studying civic engagement with trip to Washington D.C. The Lincoln Memorial is much more than a famous statue. Seeing it in person felt like stepping into history, said Nate, a senior at one.Choice who was on a summer trip to Washington D.C. with a group of his classmates. It’s part of the trip that sticks with Nate, because just being there – reading Lincoln’s words etched in stone on the walls of the memorial in the heart of the nation’s capital – inspired thoughts and discussion about freedom and liberty, and how those words are still relevant today. The June trip capped off a year of student civic engagement for the students, where they discovered they had a voice while learning about government, politics, and more through their school in the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) one.Program. It all came together on the trip to Washington, Nate said. “You could see this is our capital. This is where everything is going on,” he said. “I was really there.” Civic education is not just important – it is critical, said their teacher, Eric Kjeldgaard.
“What I tell my students is to find your voice and use it. Because if you don’t use your voice, you are left with whatever everybody else is saying.”
meeting at Stockton City Hall, and met with officials at both the city Community Development Department and the Housing Authority of San Joaquin.
Students had a chance to use that voice when they met with California Senator Alex Padilla and Rep. Josh Harder, who represents most of San Joaquin County in the House of Representatives. They also met with staff from California Senator Adam Schiff’s office.
It tied in with their classwork, where they identified issues that resonated with them and learned how individuals could make an impact in these areas. The students chose housing affordability and the cost of trade schools.
Every museum visit or stop at a memorial spurred conversation about history, government, and how national issues impact Stockton.
The local visits were coordinated with assistance from the SJCOE’s civic engagement coordinator. And the one.Choice students have done the work to earn a golden State Seal of Civic Engagement marked in their diplomas and transcripts when they graduate.
“They’re not just seeing the sites. They are tying this to their home state and their home district,” Kjeldgaard said. Through the national organization the Close Up Foundation, the students toured the city and heard from speakers alongside students from Nebraska, Indiana, and Philadelphia. The trip was only the latest of stops on the civic engagement journey for the one.Choice students. During the school year, they toured the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters’ Office, participated in a mock city council
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The experiences made students more comfortable in voicing their opinions to those in power. Making that connection is the most important thing to understand about civic engagement, Nate said. “More leaders need to talk to more people. And more people need to reach out to their leaders.”
CUTTING EDGE
OUTLOOK | NEWS
COMPUTING Local students researching quantum computing through partnership with U.C. Davis and SJCOE Through a program connecting students to emerging technologies, two high school students from Lodi Unified School District spent their summer coming to the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) to learn about quantum computing. Besides a love of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), both students also share a passion for discovery while learning about a new technology that will continue to evolve in their lifetime. The possibilities are endless. “I feel like when you explore and discover something new that’s never been done before, you have freedom to explore everywhere, try different things, and build new knowledge,” said Eva, a student from Middle College High School. She and Cyrus, from Tokay High School, were learning the basics of quantum physics and computing in the SJCOE FabLab. The pair earned this opportunity through the U.C. Davis BE-STARSE program, which is part of the National Science Foundation-funded Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) program to equip students with the skills needed to excel in emerging technologies. By participating in a six-week BE-STARSE program in spring that was offered at the SJCOE, they qualified to become two of only 13 high school students in the region to be named ExLENT junior fellows. While Eva and Cyrus dove into quantum computing at the FabLab, another group of fellows focused on artificial intelligence while working on a project with city government in Tracy. A third group was with U.C. Davis faculty, studying biosensors, plasmonics, and advanced sensing technologies. Quantum computing can process information exponentially faster and more securely than traditional computers. Understanding quantum computing is complicated, as it is built on knowledge of quantum mechanics – which looks at the physics of particles on a very small scale. The increased speed found in the emerging technology of quantum computing could be used to solve complex problems. Its potential to address real-world issues has drawn attention and investment into this technology. “It is definitely a totally new world,” Cyrus said. Since it is a new technology, there aren’t that many quantum computers in the world. So, Cyrus and Eva focused their research on building an application to model quantum calculations, which they learned to write and run using IBM’s Qiskit. Between researching the topic and working on the project, Cyrus and Eva were also working with junior high students in a BE-STARSE summer camp in the FabLab.
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OUTLOOK | FEATURE
SARAH COOK
Teacher of the Year Tracy Unified educator named San Joaquin County Teacher of the Year
In Sarah Cook’s second-grade classroom at George Kelly Elementary School (Tracy Unified School District), students will tell you that mistakes are celebrated because they are proof that the brain is growing. Cook has spent 34 years proving that students learn best when they aren’t afraid to mess up. By putting genuine relationships first, she has helped every student feel valued, acknowledged, and like they belong. It is also why she was named the 2026 San Joaquin County Teacher of the Year. Cook knows her students well and uses both that knowledge and data from assessments to plan targeted lessons for each learner. She engages her students with games, songs, and excitement for teaching and learning. That passion for education also extends to her peers, who trust that any teaching initiative she champions will be good for students. Outside of the classroom, Cook volunteers on the school’s early literacy, anti-bullying, and curriculum-adoption committees, and is an advocate for research-based reading instruction. “She continually seeks opportunities to learn and collaborate, modeling lifelong learning for her students and peers,” George Kelly Elementary Principal Brittani Ryan said in Cook’s nomination. “Mrs. Cook’s commitment to excellence, her passion for literacy, and her unwavering dedication to students make her an exceptional educator.” Cook’s impact lasts long after students leave her classroom. “She made me feel really safe in class, like I could talk to her about anything in my life,” said Emma, one of Cook’s former students. Sarah Cook was named teacher of the year at the 2026 Excellence in Education Awards Celebration Dinner, held at the SJCOE on Thursday, April 9. The annual awards honor the best of the best in the education profession and celebrate all the talented, caring, and committed educators and school personnel who make a difference in the lives of their students and the community. Self-Help Federal Credit Union, event co-sponsor, provided $500 to each classified employee of the year winner, each teacher of the year finalist, and the school counselor of the year. The teacher of the year received $1,000.
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OUTLOOK | FEATURE
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OUTLOOK | FEATURE
FINALISTS FOR TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Of all the nominees submitted every year, a handful of extraordinary educators are selected to be San Joaquin County Teacher of the Year finalists. In 2026, they are:
CHRIS BROWN
LAN PHAN
Ripon High School
Ronald E. McNair High School
“Whether he is guiding students through the complexities of AP Environmental Science or fostering a sense of belonging through our esports and academic teams, Mr. Brown’s dedication to ‘the whole student’ is unparalleled,” said Keith Rangel, Ripon High principal. “He possesses the rare ability to inspire deep critical thinking while ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and capable of success.”
“Every student who enters Ms. Phan’s classroom knows that she will do everything in her power to help them be successful throughout their high school career,” said Nicole Verter, McNair High principal. “Ms. Phan is not only determined to help her students to be successful, but she has a strong desire to help the school community grow and be successful.”
DAVID BO
EUGENE HART
Ripon Unified School District
El Dorado Elementary School Stockton Unified School District
“Mr. Bo is deeply data-driven and relentlessly student-centered, using assessments not as an endpoint, but as a roadmap to support every learner,” said Thuyen Tran, El Dorado Elementary assistant principal. “Mr. David Bo is the kind of educator who reminds us why this work matters.”
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Lodi Unified School District
Lincoln High School
Lincoln Unified School District
“Mr. Hart has created a collaborative design studio-like classroom that mirrors professional design workplaces. He encourages teamwork and models respectful communication and accountability,” said Kat Bender, Lincoln High principal. “Beyond the classroom, he builds and sustains strong relationships with industry leaders and local companies, creating partnerships that enhance learning and create opportunities for students.”
OUTLOOK | FEATURE
CLASSIFIED SCHOOL EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR Mayra Bravo
Stephanie Williams
With more than 22 years of service at Escalon Unified School District, Bravo has spent the past nine years as attendance secretary of Dent Elementary School, where she had once been a student. “Growing up in the community in which she now serves offers a unique perspective to the families and the students we welcome to our campus each day,” said Anthony Varni, Dent Elementary principal. “Mayra takes pride in the fact that she relates to what our students, especially our English language learners, experience at our school.”
A food service worker with 31 years of experience, Williams has worked in several Ripon Unified School District sites since 1999, including at her most-recent post at Colony Oak Elementary School. “With every new year, she continues to set the standard for excellence in food service. Her attention to detail, reliability, and genuine care for students are unmatched,” said Kim Ott, principal of Colony Oak Elementary. “Parents often share stories of her kindness, noting that their children look forward to seeing her each day.”
Lisa Gori
Maria Sousa
A paraprofessional for more than 9 years at Banta Elementary School, Gori works primarily with students in grades 7-8. “Her strong relationships with students are evident—she knows every middle schooler by name and takes the time to listen, support, and guide them through both academic and personal challenges. Students trust her deeply and often turn to her when they need someone who will understand and help them problem-solve,” said Dr. Rechelle Pearlman, superintendent-principal. “Her unwavering dedication, teamwork, and heart for children make her an invaluable member of the Banta Elementary community.”
As custodian-gardener at New Hope Elementary School, Sousa has been an important part of the close-knit school community for eight years. “Maria’s personal warmth and care foster a sense of family within the school. Her gestures—bringing homemade soup, sharing horticulture advice, or decorating offices with flowers— strengthen morale and create a supportive environment,” said Dr. Khushwinder Gill, superintendent-principal. “Her knowledge, experience, and genuine concern for students, families, and staff make her not only indispensable but also deeply beloved.”
Oralia Montanez
Russell Speed
Lead bus driver for Linden Unified School District, Montanez has driven a school bus an estimated 600,000 miles across the district over 25 years. “What sets Oralia apart is not just her experience or her leadership but the heartfelt connections she builds with the students she transports,” said Kareen Schaede, district transportation manager. “Oralia Montanez embodies everything a school bus driver should be, dedicated, compassionate, reliable, and a true leader.”
A campus connection technician with nine years experience, Speed gives a friendly greeting to everyone who arrives at the one.Lodi site in the San Joaquin County Office of Education’s one.Program. “He is the first point of contact when anybody enters our school. This has allowed Russell to build strong and lasting relationships with our students and their families,” said Shanna Hurtado, school principal. “Russell can easily talk to a student when in crisis and can connect them with the appropriate staff and/or resources. Our site runs safely and smoothly and a huge component of that is Russell’s presence.“
Clerical and Administrative Services Escalon Unified School District
Paraprofessional Banta Unified School District
Transportation Services Linden Unified School District
Food and Nutrition Services Ripon Unified School District
Custodial and Maintenance Services New Hope Elementary School District
Security Services San Joaquin County Office of Education
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OUTLOOK | FEATURE
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY SCHOOL COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR FRANK MARTINEZ Weston Elementary School Ripon Unified School District
The role of a school counselor has evolved significantly over the years. In addition to serving as academic advisors and helping students plan for their futures, they equip students with the tools to handle emotional challenges, personal obstacles, and more. This comprehensive, whole-child approach gives students the tools to thrive in school on campus and beyond. “Frank is deeply invested in every student’s academic, emotional, and personal growth,” said Lisa Fereria, principal of Weston Elementary School, in her nomination letter. “He consistently goes beyond traditional counseling duties to mentor students who struggle with motivation or behavioral challenges by checking in with them before school, after school, and during lunch breaks.”
SUPERINTENDENT HONOREE DR. JIM BRIDGES
Jefferson Elementary School District The annual Excellence in Education Awards Celebration highlights extraordinary individuals serving in public education within San Joaquin County. During the 2026 event, Dr. Jim Bridges, retiring superintendent of Jefferson Elementary School District, was among those recognized. Bridges’ 12-year tenure as superintendent is a remarkable fullcircle journey, returning to lead the district where he first began his career as a teacher in 1995. Throughout his leadership, he focused on empowering teachers and administrators and building a supportive environment that encourages student success. His lasting impact includes creating a reading model to support students’ reading by third grade, building a collegegoing culture, and equipping teachers with technology to elevate classroom instruction.
CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE PAGE FOR FEATURE VIDEOS! Couldn’t make it to the Excellence in Education 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.
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OUTLOOK | FEATURE
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OUTLOOK | IN THE CLASSROOM
SUMMER LEARNING
The learning never stops, even during the summer months. Schools, districts, and the San Joaquin County Office of Education fill those long summer days with fun opportunities to find knowledge and new experiences for young students and lifelong learners. Classroom doors stay open during summer break. Summer school helps students stay on track to reach academic goals or catch up on credits. There are also opportunities for students to accelerate their learning and use summer school to reach even farther. Learning doesn’t just happen in a classroom. Summer camps offer a chance to explore new horizons while having a lot of fun. Students can dive deep in a lab, discovering their own sense of wonder. Or they can explore the outdoors, learning how to find adventure, solace, or inspiration in the natural world. Educators love teaching and learning. Professional Learning offered in the summer months gives educators a chance to follow their passion, advance in their careers, and build up their skillset before the first bell of the new school year rings. What did you learn this summer?
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OUTLOOK | IN THE CLASSROOM
SUMMER SCHOOL
on field trips around the county and beyond or in their classrooms. Students and staff at one.Discover shared meals with each other, cooking meals in class that reflected the different cultures in their class and community.
“I APPRECIATE HOW EVERYONE HELPED ME OUT, GAVE ME ADVICE, AND PUSHED ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU.” -Ikaika, one.Program student who earned enough credits during summer school to earn his high school diploma
SPECIAL EDUCATION
When the regular school year ends, SJCOE Special Education Programs keep the learning going through its extended school year (ESY) program. It helps students stay on track to meet their goals and continue to learn. Classes are consolidated in a smaller number of sites in places like Neil Hafley Elementary School (Manteca Unified School District), where students make good use of the playground equipment and, on Fridays, have plenty of room to play in the water on splashpads and have fun with their friends.
“WE OFFER IT TO STUDENTS TO MINIMIZE AS MUCH REGRESSION AS POSSIBLE OVER THAT LONG SUMMER BREAK. IT MIGHT BE ACADEMICS. IT MIGHT BE BEHAVIORS. FOR SOME, IT MIGHT BE THAT THEY JUST NEED TO KEEP IN A ROUTINE OF COMING TO SCHOOL. BUT WE ALSO PUT IN SOME FUN ACTIVITIES SO THEY CAN PRACTICE THEIR SOCIAL SKILLS.” -Shelly Reier, an SJCOE Special Education Director
ACCELERATED SUMMER SCHOOL IN TRACY UNIFIED
At the Tracy Unified School District accelerated summer program, students cover the same amount of material in a single day as they would during a whole week during the regular school year. The intensive summer program allows students to take the prerequisites to higher-level coursework, moving them toward college. The program offers classes in algebra, geometry, enhanced chemistry, and Spanish 2. It’s fast-paced, but teachers keep it fun and engaging with everything from games to practice Spanish vocabulary to headto-head competitions to keep geometry students on their toes.
ONE.PROGRAM
Summer school for students in the one.Program is a lot more than a time to continue earning credits to stay on track to graduate high school. It provides a safe place for students to go and maintains the strong relationships between students and their school and teachers. Students also have opportunities to explore new experiences, either
“I WANT TO GET AHEAD. I WANT TO GET THE SEAL OF BILITERACY, WHICH TAKES FOUR YEARS. BY DOING THIS EARLY, IT’S GOING TO LEAVE MORE OPTIONS FOR ELECTIVES WHICH I CAN DEFINITELY USE TO TAKE MORE ADVANCED CLASSES, LIKE STATISTICS AND AP COMPUTER SCIENCE.” -Takshpreet, Incoming freshman at Kimball High School taking Spanish 2
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OUTLOOK | IN THE CLASSROOM
SUMMER CAMPS for the arts and sciences. Activities ranged from practicing the fundamentals of music to honing theater skills through improvisation to learning the science behind making art using nothing but fragments of nature, photosensitive paper, and sunlight. And there was still plenty of time for swimming, canoeing, and campfire songs. A separate day camp was held for students in grades 3-5 at the SJCOE’s Durham Ferry Outdoor Education Center. “Science and art go well together, because both are very important. They use different parts of the brain. If you’re using both of them, you’re using your whole brain.” -Clara, a cabin leader at the camp and a recent graduate from Middle College High School (Lodi Unified School District).
WONDERWORKS
At the new Wonderworks STEM Academy in June, students experienced a fun day of exploration designed to instill a sense of awe to inspire students to keep exploring the world. In groups named after the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, students went to different activities, from using micro:bit mini computers to studying earthworms to making “sun prints,” or works of art made by pressing plant clippings onto photo sensitive paper in the sun. The free camp also supports the STEM Programs goal to increase opportunities and access for STEM education. “I love projects like this, so I’m going to give it a 10 out of 10,” -Nyla, fifth grade, August Knodt Elementary School (Manteca Unified School District).
CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) San Joaquin County students recently got a head start on their futures through a brand-new summer career exploration camp! Funded by the WE Will! K-16 grant, this first-time offering from STEM concepts to life by seamlessly crossing over with CTE and workforce development.
COLOR THE OUTDOORS STEAM CAMP
Tahoe National Forest’s beauty inspired students to create works of art and explore science at the Color the Outdoors STEAM sleepaway camp in June. Students in grades 6–8 spent three days at SJCOE’s Sky Mountain Outdoor Education Center, rotating through a series of activities led by high school students and recent graduates who share a passion
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Campers dove into high-demand fields through fun, interactive projects. They analyzed clues as forensic evidence technicians, brought ideas to life with 3D printing, discovered health sciences pathways, and drafted real structures in architecture and blueprinting. By building, creating, and designing, students walked away with real-world skills, newfound confidence, and a spark of curiosity. “Of all the activities, students raved about the drone obstacle course. We can’t wait to bring this camp back next summer and expand on the types of careers and experiences students can participate in.” -Christie Fuso, coordinator for SJCOE’s STEM, Workforce Development and Innovation department and co-camp leader.
OUTLOOK | IN THE CLASSROOM
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
LAMMERSVILLE UNIFIED READING ACADEMY
Teachers passionate about teaching their students how to read spent part of their summer break as students, themselves, at the Science of Reading Academy at the Lammersville Unified School District. Over three days, teachers from kindergarten through fifth grade took a deep dive into structured literacy and evidence-based teaching practices. The intensive professional development is part of the district’s focus on literacy and push to ensure teachers have the tools they need to reach all students. At the same time, the district also held a summer Building Thinking Classrooms academy focusing on mathematics instruction. “I teach students how to read. I heard a lot about the science of reading and I wanted to know more about it … I just think it’s fascinating, and I really want to help these children succeed in life.” - Kelly Reinbolt, Kindergarten Teacher, Bethany Elementary School.
BUILDING THINKING CLASSROOMS
On a summer Saturday, more than 60 math educators and administrators visited the San Joaquin County Office of Education for an immersive, high-energy workshop on the Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) framework. Led by framework creator Dr. Peter Liljedahl, the session offered a unique opportunity to step out of their teaching role and experience the framework from a learner’s perspective. Rather than walking through theoretical scenarios, Liljedahl demonstrated several live lessons throughout the day. Through this hands-on approach, Liljedahl equipped attendees with the practical tools and confidence to implement BTC on any day of the school year, “not just on a good day.” Grant funding through the California Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science (CALMSCS) made this event possible. “I was super excited because Peter is here! It’s always great when you get to meet the author of the book you’ve been reading and studying … Seeing him and interacting with other people who are also excited about this is great, too.” –Sara Brisby, Instructional Coach, ABLE Charter
EDUGROWTH
The EduGrowth Conference at Teachers College of San Joaquin (TCSJ) provided educators with a powerful space to build their networks, access resources, and gain inspiration before the new school year. A conference built for educators by educators, every session topic was structured around TCSJ’s four core values: Rigor, Relevance, Relationships, and Reflection. To maximize learning, this year’s conference welcomed virtual speakers from leading education and tech platforms, including Adobe, and introduced new 30-minute “Grab and Go” sessions built to provide immediate, actionable strategies and tools for educators and administrators, alike, on topics like building classroom tools with AI, strengthening retention, teaching through grief, and more. Join TCSJ for EduGrowth 2027 on April 17, 2027. “I like the idea that this [event] is so close and that it’s over summer, so I don’t have to find a sub. And I like the mini sessions so we can get a lot within one day.” –Kari Pryor, fourth grade teacher, Ripon Christian Schools
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OUTLOOK | IN THE CLASSROOM
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OUTLOOK | IN THE CLASSROOM
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OUTLOOK | WE ARE SJCOE
JACOB BRADSHAW Program Manager, Operations
From his early days as an Apple Store “Genius” to seven years supporting Ripon Unified School District, Jacob Bradshaw brings nearly two decades of technical experience to his role as program manager in Operations. Holding a degree in computer information systems from Stanislaus State, his focus centers on systems and program management, making him a behind-the-scenes “Jacob of all trades” for events held at the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE). Bradshaw’s personal tech pursuits, like Twitch streaming and exploring video software, elevate his work. Whether delivering seamless transitions for the Excellence in Education videos and presentations or configuring the updated video control systems at the Wentworth Education Center (WEC), his focus is always on production quality. “I make sure guests see what our teams want them to see,” Bradshaw said when asked about his role. He takes pride in how quickly his team can pivot when an unexpected need arises, consistently ensuring both internal departments and outside community organizations experience flawless events.
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Born and raised in Visalia and now living in Turlock, Bradshaw is a train enthusiast, from exploring heritage railways to catching the world’s largest steam locomotive in Roseville. He is an avid Disney fan – WALL-E and Lilo & Stitch are notable favorites – and enjoys bonding with his daughter over basketball and Minecraft. His family owns and operates Bradshaw Honey Farms, and his love for technology was an asset to their business. “I always tried to figure out how something worked, and it usually ended with me helping friends and family with their technology,” said Bradshaw. Always learning, Bradshaw’s thoughtfulness, responsiveness, and passion for his work make him an incredible asset to the SJCOE. “I look forward to the WEC’s expansion and playing a part in upscaling these future events,” he said. With Bradshaw and team managing the production booth, organizers can count on a reliable and smooth experience every time.
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.
OUTLOOK | SNAPSHOT Exciting things are cooking at Escalon Unified School District! Escalon Unified held a ribbon cutting to celebrate their brand-new Food Science Lab and Emergency Medical Response classroom. County Superintendent Dr. Troy Brown, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Katie Wipfli, and more SJCOE staff toured the facilities and connected with the dedicated Escalon Unified team. These state-of-the-art spaces open up hands-on opportunities for students. From mastering culinary science to preparing for healthcare careers, Escalon students are getting a head start on their futures!
LET’S
Future Scientists and Engineers! Students at the UC Davis summer camp designed and 3-D printed wind turbines, explored aerodynamics, and built a LEGO Mars rover as well as an AI robot.
SOCIAL Here’s a snapshot of what you’ve been missing if you’re not following the SJCOE on social media!
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Unsung heroes of the classroom! The SJCOE hosted its first Paraeducator Summit for paraeducators and instructional assistants to spend a day learning, and celebrating the work they do.
GET Building their future! Representative Josh Harder visited students in the YouthBuild program to see the impact of Career Technical Education firsthand. Students receive diploma support and job training.
Scan to follow the SJCOE on Instagram!
Beep, beep! It’s back-to-school time! The smiling face of an SJCOE bus rider starts the school day for many students in SJCOE Special Education Programs. Bus riders kicked off the year with an orientation.
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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.
To find out how your school can participate or to purchase a ticket, call (209) 468-4802. Sales will be ongoing through Friday, March 26, 2027. Make all checks payable to SJCOEEF. Winners will be announced at www.sjcoe.org on Friday, April 23, 2027. 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.
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