Jayna Gaskell

Executive Director

A Message from your Executive Director

As we continue into Fall 2025, I’m excited to share the latest news and updates from Pivot North Bay. This newsletter highlights the progress we’re making on campus, including new programs, an expanded facility, and the staff and students who make our school community so strong.

In this newsletter, you’ll also read about our new Grad Track program, designed to support students in ways that fit their individual needs as they work toward graduation, as well as our new Pivot-wide arts programming that is already making a difference. Alongside these developments, you’ll have the chance to learn more about Hunter Stapko, a thriving Pivot student, as well as our incredible new Director of Special Education, Carol Castro Ballard, who is innovating our Special Education program with leadership and dedication.

Read the Full Letter Here

Pivot Expands Arts Education Across All Campuses

Across our sites, students have the opportunity to engage with the arts through strong community partnerships:

At North Bay, visiting artists and digital animation classes are offered through collaborations with the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts and ConnectED.
North Valley is expanding access to digital drawing for A-G VAPA classes with new digital drawing pads that connect to Chromebooks available at the resource center. The site also partners with Chico Arts Center, Sky Cave Arts, Chico Art School, and Chico Creative for enriching field trips and classes.
Riverside students integrate art across subjects in partnership with the Riverside Art Museum and explore creative learning through the museum’s Walk and Wonder program.
In San Diego, residency artists from Art Reach San Diego and the SPARK initiative bring real-world artistic experience into the classroom.

Read the Full Article Here

Staff Spotlight: Carol Castro Ballard

When Carol Castro Ballard first joined Pivot Charter Schools as Director of Special Education five months ago, she immediately began reimagining how students with unique learning needs could be supported in a flexible, independent study environment.

“My path into special education started on the school bus,” Carol shared. “Seeing students’ personalities, strengths, and potential every day made me realize how important it is to provide meaningful support. That experience inspired me to dedicate my career to helping students thrive.”

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Lights, Learning, Action! A Student Spotlight on Hunter Stapko

This fall, Pivot is proud to spotlight Hunter Stapko (he/they), a dedicated and multi-talented student who exemplifies the power of personalized education. Since enrolling at Pivot in 2021, Hunter has demonstrated incredible passion and growth in both academic achievement and performing arts.

A gifted performer, Hunter has taken part in an impressive 16 musical theater productions over the past few years. From special effects and stage makeup to bass guitar and acting, their commitment to theater and performance has stood out to staff and peers alike.

Read the Full Article Here

Kudos Corner

Israel Gutierrez (12th Grade, Pivot North Bay)

Israel has maintained perfect attendance this year while also holding a job—showcasing his dedication, balance, and commitment to success.

Landon Franco (6th Grade, Pivot North Bay)

After two years of learning from home, Landon has joined the middle school program and is regularly attending a school site for the first time! His enthusiasm and positive attitude have made a wonderful addition to the Pivot community.

Enrollment Update:

There is no longer a waitlist at Pivot North Bay! Enroll now or spread the word to friends and family.

Click Here to Enroll

Pivot North Bay Rolls Out 'Grad Track' Program

Pivot Charter School North Bay has launched the Graduation Track Program (Grad Track), a new initiative designed to provide students who need targeted support with some extra structure in order to reach graduation.

Grad Track is tailored for seniors who are more than 65 credits away from graduating, as well as fifth-year students who need a clear, guided plan to earn their diploma. Each student in the program is paired with a dedicated Graduation Specialist, who helps break down large challenges into smaller, attainable goals. Students receive individualized time and attention, customized learning plans, and one-on-one guidance to graduate strong.

“Grad Track is about removing barriers and creating a clear path to graduation,” explained Isabelle Beckner, Graduation Specialist at Pivot North Bay. “It’s not just about catching up, it’s about building momentum toward the finish line.”

Even though the program is in its first year, early results have been remarkable. Some students have completed more credits in one block than they had in an entire semester, changing the trajectory of their high school experience.

While earning a diploma is the immediate goal of Grad Track, the program is about more than credits alone. It also focuses on renewing confidence, building life skills, and fostering connections with mentors and peers.

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Pivot Charter Schools Opens Expanded North Bay Facility

Pivot is excited to announce the opening of its newly expanded North Bay facility, designed to provide a safe, welcoming environment for its growing student body. What began as a single suite has now grown into a spacious 15,619 square feet, offering room for students from elementary through high school to learn and thrive.

“We moved into this space with the intent of creating a comfortable environment for both students and staff,” said Jayna Gaskell, Executive Director of Pivot Charter Schools. “The primary goal of the new facility was to expand the number of students who could come to campus each day and receive support from credentialed teachers. We also created a more welcoming space with stand up desks, collaboration tables and sitting areas for teachers to collaborate.”

Read the Full Article Here

Pivot Charter Schools

Pivot@PivotCharterSchools.org