Inspiration Newsletter Volume 10, Issue 2

Volume 10, Issue 2 | February 29, 2024

At SBCSS, we are continuously striving to develop innovative and inclusive ways to make learning engaging for students.

Our students continue to amaze us with their incredible dedication to education and their commitment to pursuing their passions. This month, whether it was via academics or the arts – it made us incredibly proud to not only see our students showcase just how talented they are, but also see them actively engaged in their learning.

Witnessing our students shine and succeed while doing what they enjoy most, reinforces and drives our mission to transform lives through education.

Be sure to watch the video message above highlighting Academic Decathlon and Honor Band performances. You can also learn more about additional events and programs we offer throughout the county by reading the featured stories below.

In partnership,

Ted Alejandre

County Superintendent

Chaffey H.S. to Compete in State Academic Decathlon

More than 300 students representing 19 high schools from throughout San Bernardino County participated in this year’s Academic Decathlon. Of the 53 competing teams, Chaffey High School Team Black claimed first-place overall in the County.

The theme for the 41^st annual competition was “Technology and Humanity.” Students participated in the 10-event scholastic competition events which included essay writing, panel interviews, objective testing and Super Quiz.

Nine decathletes and a coach from the winning team will go on to represent the County at the California Academic Decathlon State Competition in Santa Clara from March 22-24, 2024.

Congratulations and good luck, decathletes!

View Academic Decathlon Photo Gallery

Students Deliver Poetic Performances

The San Bernardino County Poetry Out Loud Finals competition kicked-off the SBCSS 2023-24 Arts Education season. The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation partnered with the California Arts Council to support the free high school program.

This dynamic competition helps high school students develop their public speaking skills, self-confidence and encourages them to learn about literary history and contemporary life.

Four outstanding students recited incredible pieces in front of an audience and panel of judges.

Congratulations to Maximilian Goodly from Norton Science and Language Academy for placing first in this year’s county finals. We wish you the best of luck as you head to the state competition in March.

View Poetry Out Loud Photo Gallery

Developing Cultural Connections from Across the Globe

Elementary students from San Bernardino County and Nan-Shi, a primary school located in Taiwan, participated in a heartwarming celebration of cultural exchange and friendship during a livestream event. Students from both regions had been engaging in pen pal correspondence for several months, fostering connections across continents.

The event featured a vibrant display of cultural diversity, with a ballet folklorico performance and an insightful student panel that shared more about their day-to-day experiences in their respective schools.

The success of this initiative showcased the power of connecting through shared experiences and understanding among diverse communities.

STEMapalooza Draws in Thousands of Students

Nearly 5,000 students from throughout the Inland Empire are participating in this year’s STEMapalooza. The free virtual STEM experience provides students with exciting learning opportunities. During the annual event, students are able to explore and learn more about STEM careers, the essential skills those careers require, and the pathways that lead to them.

STEMapalooza officially kicked-off on Feb. 1, with new content released each week. Students are learning more about industry sectors such as engineering and architecture, transportation and logistics, building and construction, and public services.

Participants are able to watch incredible keynotes, join in on exceptional digital lessons and engage with hands-on activities with the help of their teachers.

Learn More

The Southern Region Student Wellness Conference (SRSWC) is designed to empower educational partners and the community to address the needs of the whole child.

Grounded in the elements of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model, the conference focuses on the interconnectivity between students, families, communities, and schools in the pursuit of health and wellness.

Apply Now

We are seeking talented individuals to join our SBCSS family!

Join us on April 20 for the San Bernardino Countywide Career Expo, a free event for all job seekers!

A wide variety of opportunities are available including teachers, paraeducators and substitute positions.

A listing of all current job postings can be found by visiting Edjoin.org.

Learn More

The 2024-25 Better FAFSA/Better CA Dream Act Application window is now open. Completing the Better FAFSA/Better CA Dream Act provides students and their families access to various financial aid options.

Applications are due by Apr. 2, 2024.

Learn More

The Cradle to Career Roadmap helps to identify key milestones in a child’s academic and social readiness.

SBCSS encourages partnerships with all sectors of the community to support the goal of meeting the educational needs of all students from cradle to career.

Learn More

Our 2023-2024 Fingertip Facts is now available for download!

The latest version includes up-to-date information and data about our county and school district programs.

The digital file will be updated periodically throughout the year as personnel, data and other information changes.

Listen Here

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools produces various podcasts which feature interviews with students, families and educators from across the county and country.

Please listen to the latest podcast episode from the RIMS AVID Roundtable here.

Click here to explore all SBCSS Podcasts.

Visit the Newsroom

Keep up with the latest stories from our Newsroom. Monthly articles feature staff, students and outstanding work being done throughout our county.

Visit the Photo Gallery

See the latest photos in our official SBCSS gallery. Each month we add images from noteworthy events that highlight staff, students and programs across San Bernardino County.

Visit our Website

County Superintendent Ted Alejandre issues this monthly publication to keep education partners informed about the many services and programs SBCSS provides to our learning community throughout the year.

View the Inspiration archive.