As leaders within a prekindergarten through grade 12 system, we recognize the importance of the learning that happens in a child’s early years. In fact, research shows that children are more successful in school and beyond if they are given a strong foundation in the earliest years of their lives. In addition, high-quality teaching and learning programs can support brain development. The state of California has embraced this knowledge and responded with the passing of Assembly Bill 130, which works to allocate funding for Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) in all California public local educational agencies (LEAs) by 2025-26.

This means that close to 400,000 4-year-olds in the state will be eligible to attend UTK in their neighborhood schools. Currently, transitional kindergarten (TK) is offered for students who turn age 5 between Sept. 2 and Dec. 2. With UTK, the timeline is extended, which allows for greater access and opportunity for our youngest learners.

LEAs across the state are in the initial stages that involve planning around vision and coherence, working to collect and synthesize demographics, facilities needs, as well as teacher credentialing data. Where is your LEA in this process? What conversations might need to be had with school staff as we welcome a new grade level to our comprehensive elementary campuses in the next few years? What might you need to learn and do as a leader to prepare yourself, your staff, and your community for UTK?

To learn more, please listen to the latest Princples for Principals podcast.

The Principles for Principals podcast from SDCOE's The TIP Sheet team is designed for school leaders whether they're a veteran or novice.

In Episode 5 we have a conversation with Lucia Garay, executive director for Early Education Programs and Services with the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE). Listen as we discuss the importance of early education, the rollout of universal prekindergarten, and the implications for school leaders.

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

The TIP Sheet team

Access the following resources and read more around universal prekindergarten and practices:

The 19th annual Early Years Conference will be held virtually on March 11 and 12 and is anticipated to draw over 900 professionals. The theme for this two-day conference is Social Justice in Early Learning and Care. Social justice in early childhood education is about ensuring that all children and families receive educational and social opportunities that are responsive to their cultural identity. High-quality programs put social justice teaching front and center by prioritizing anti-bias and culturally sensitive teaching.

Please visit the Early Years Conference website to learn more and register.

SDCOE's Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) Program​ is designed to prepare experienced educators for the challenges of school leadership. The credential allows you to serve in a variety of administrative roles, which may include principal, assistant principal, program manager, coordinator, and others depending on your district. Gaining your PASC will expand your opportunities as an educator.

If you know any future administrators that might be interested in obtaining their credential, there is an informational session on Feb. 16. See the flyer for details.

Join hundreds of educators, parents, students, policymakers, advocates, and community members to advance educational equity for California’s students at the 2022 Equity Conference on May 12-13 at the San Diego Convention Center. The Equity Conference will be an opportunity to grow and learn as we work to make our campuses safe spaces for all students, staff members, and families, where they feel honored and valued.

Language experts in Spanish, Mandarin, Filipino, and French will be on-hand during this new, virtual series to support student interaction and collaboration. Participants will gain tools and strategies to plan and enact effective student-to-student interactions that facilitate language learning. The four-part series runs from February through April. Get session details and registration information.

We invite you to sign up for SDCOE's Universal Prekindergarten to Third Grade publication. This publication is designed to provide local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools with the most up-to-date information pertaining to the implementation of universal transitional kindergarten (UTK) as it relates to the California Department of Education requirements.

Our goal is to provide the most current and relevant content around universal transitional kindergarten and establish a network across San Diego County to support you in establishing of creating a new grade level. This newsletter will be published about once a month as needed.

The leadership and professional development opportunities calendar highlights offerings from SDCOE that may be a good fit for your staff.

Find school or education grants that may be a good fit for your students and staff. Throughout the year, this document will be updated with funding opportunities.  

This month we are excited to spotlight Ms. Lorrah Hogue, principal at Del Rio Elementary School PK-5th grade in the Oceanside Unified School District. This is her first year as a principal, and previously served as an assistant principal for three years with the same district.

We asked Hogue what is one belief that she lives by as principal and she shared, “I believe that relationships are the key to everything that we do in education. My goal is for each student, staff, and family member to feel connected, valued, and safe at school. To do that, you must build a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment where people want to be each day. It is hard work, but the payoff is immeasurable.”

As a site leader, she is especially proud of her staff and their commitment to student success. She stated, "Our team has built a system of intensive intervention for students that is provided by each classroom teacher. We have an art and a STEM teacher, who see each class two times per week. That allows for a 40-minute, intervention block four days per week, in which my classroom teachers identify specific skills that students need to focus upon, and develop appropriate interventions for them to deliver in small groups. Teachers have been very intentional about using data to identify an area of need, and use formative assessments to measure the effectiveness of their interventions. Students benefit from this model, as they receive targeted intervention from the teacher who knows them the best, and teachers take ownership for the needed interventions. And all students benefit from the art/STEM enrichment!”

Building relationships is a key component to Hogue’s leadership. When asked how she cultivates relationships with students, staff, and parents, she said, “I think that listening is so important. I have an open door policy and let all stakeholders know that I am here to break down barriers to their success. Sometimes people just need a partner to think through a challenge, and other times, I can listen to identify the ways that I can provide additional support. I make it a point to spend as much time as possible in classrooms, outside at dismissal and arrival, and on the playground because that is where the magic happens! Being visible helps everyone to feel like I am accessible. Being in the classrooms and everywhere that students and teachers are working to build success helps me to understand what the individual needs are across the campus. As a staff, we are focused on relationship building through a system of positive behavior supports and Restorative Practices. Every class starts the day with Breakfast as a Class and a Morning Meeting. Students and staff check-in, share how they are feeling coming into school, and build a community that loves and supports each other.”

This year, the students and staff at Del Rio Elementary are working diligently to maintain a focus on equity and inclusion. Hogue has led her staff through some intensive work, examining unconscious bias, culturally responsive teaching, as well as how to address microaggressions within the school. “It is another step in our continuing efforts to build relationships and honor, affirm, and value each member of our community. Our students, staff, and families have lived through some really challenging times. We are taking the time to examine the unique strengths and needs of each student, making sure that we are connecting with those strengths, incorporating culturally relevant materials, and maintaining high expectations for all,” she said.

Hogue loves working with other administrators across her district. This collaboration has been helpful as she transitioned to her new role as principal. She shared that she has been able to build strong connections with several other principals and assistant principals, and it is so helpful to have people to lean on when things get stressful. She shared that as a team, they “work together to problem solve through student challenges, brainstorm professional development, and just listen when we need to vent! It has also been so helpful for me to connect with several district level admin so that I know right where to go when I need support.”

When Hogue is not leading her school, you can find her at home spoiling her family, friends, and staff. She loves to bake! In fact, she is famous for her cakes and cupcakes and finds that baking is therapeutic for her. She commented, “I am famous for my cakes and cupcakes. I find it therapeutic to plan for and bake different flavors and design treats for my staff. I enjoy the process, and my staff enjoys the finished products that I bring to school on a regular basis!” Sounds amazing! Our TIP Sheet team would love to try one of your creations sometime.

In addition, you can find her on Twitter. Hogue shared, “I'm a big fan of Twitter for ideas related to leadership development. Following other educational leaders and building a professional learning network has been a huge benefit to me. There are a variety of chats that draw leaders from all over the world, and it is an opportunity to connect with a wide variety of perspectives.”

We were pleased to feature Hogue in this issue. As a first-year principal, she has accomplished so much in her short time. We asked what her goal was for this year and she said, “As a first-year principal, my goal right now is to continue to work with my staff to do great things for our students and our community! I feel so fortunate to have been selected to lead this school, and to work with such a motivated and positive group of educators. I want to continue to build my own capacity to lead them toward increased student success.” The TIP Sheet team wishes you all the best as you finish up the second half of the school year! Thank you for all you do Ms. Hogue!

Have questions for Hogue or just want to reach out? Follow her on Twitter or send her an email at lorrah.hogue@oside.us. Want to know more about Del Rio Elementary? Follow the school on Instagram @delrioelementary.

If you have any questions or comments about The TIP Sheet newsletter, email SDCOE Executive Leadership Coach Erin Dare or call 858-295-8913.