For students and staff alike, the semi-annual exhibitions of student learning known as Design Jams are something to look forward to.

“The Jams are my favorite, and I was not disappointed,” said 37ECB Principal Gretchen Rhoads. “When we provide learning environments and opportunities to share what is learned, our students shine.”

Students at 37ECB and across the region showcased their learning through writing, math, art, photography, and more.

“Our students wrote essays, poems, made Nicho boxes on identity, recorded their essays and poems, and had students performing their beats with the DJ,” Rhoads said.

This season’s Design Jam, with the theme Our Passion, Our Innovation, was a cross-curricular effort designed to engage students at JCCS in relevant learning. With the focus on researching and informing, students and teachers can choose how they want to participate and exhibit their final product.

The main objective is to create projects utilizing multiple subjects and answering the essential questions, which this time were: What inspires me? What makes me unique?

About a dozen SOUL Academy students presented in a seminar room at the Malcolm X Branch Library in Encanto, sharing photos and thoughts of three different locations they had taken field trips to – Encanto, Chollas Lake Park, and Balboa Park.

The students collaborated to pick emcees and put together the presentation.

“It gives the kids a purpose and they take the project so much more seriously knowing that they will have the opportunity to present it,” Principal Theresa Fox said.

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More than 2,000 high school students from across San Diego County connected with representatives from more than 30 historically Black colleges and universities, as well as UC and Cal State schools, at the Sixth Annual San Diego Black College Expo college fair on Jan. 26.

There were thousands of dollars in scholarships awarded, and many students were accepted on the spot to one or more colleges. More than 3,000 registered for the event, which included students, parents, and school staff.

Students from districts across San Diego County, including from JCCS, San Pasqual Academy (SPA), and Monarch School, attended the in-person event.

SPA students Princess Galvan and Kaylie Thaxton-Barney attended the event and are considering attending a HBCU.

Galvan said she is willing to go anywhere in the country that will support her dream of becoming a psychologist to help her community and where there is more representation that aligns with her mixed African American and Mexican heritage.

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Ilde Ojeda, a support specialist in the North Region, received the Turnaround Support Staff award at SDCOE’s Equity Conference.

The award is given to an individual who actively supports all students, in pursuit of academic and/or social and emotional excellence. Ojeda was recognized for his work in providing mentorship and resources students need to succeed in the academic world and in the global economy.

North Region Principal Oscar Felix said of Ojeda “He inspires teachers, counselors, students, and parents to persevere as critical thinkers who collaborate and solve real-world problems and knows that every student can learn regardless of socioeconomic background, intellectual abilities, or motivation level. He is a driven, compassionate educational leader with the ability to build relationships with site leadership, students, staff, and parents to drive the organization forward. Mr. Ojeda is truly a lighthouse for students, staff, and families.”

The Turnaround Support Staff award is one of nine Lighthouse Awards handed out at the Equity Conference to spotlight champions for educational equity in our schools, districts, and communities. SDCOE created the Lighthouse Awards to showcase the amazing people doing the work to lead others in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Juvenile Court and Community School student representative on the San Diego County Board of Education for January was Alex, a sophomore at La Mesa Community School.

Alex was selected as student representative because of his ability to adapt to changes and roll with life’s challenges. He started at the school this past fall and plans to return to his hometown of San Bernardino soon to finish high school.

Principal Roberto Carrillo says Alex maintains a positive attitude and continues to rely on his mantra of “patience.”

“Alex enjoys creative hands-on learning experiences. Over the last several months, he’s excelled in the CTE graphic design course and has enjoyed working with the Aja Project,” Carrillo said.

Alex says he feels supported by the teachers and staff at the school in a way he hasn’t been before.

“I really respect the school. Everyone is positive. This makes me want to do the work and not have a bad day,” he said.

His advice to other students? Stay low key and stay out of the drama.

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most important thing a student can do to get money for college. Most students receive some type of financial aid, such as grants, work-study funds, federal student loans, and certain state-based aid. It’s free to fill out and could be a requirement for some schools and private scholarships. It’s for everyone! And it’s first-come, first-served so finish your FAFSA ASAP.

Another important acronym is the CADAA, which stands for the California Dream Act application. This allows undocumented students, DACA recipients (valid or expired), U Visa holders and students under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), who qualify for a non-resident exemption under Assembly Bill 540, Senate Bill 2000, and Senate Bill 68, to receive certain types of financial aid such as: private scholarships funded through public universities, state administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants. In addition, the California Dream Act, allows eligible students to pay in-state tuition at any public college in California.

Access FAFSA Resources.