Superintendent discusses district action plan

Courtesy Photo Migrant Director Esmerelda Martinez and English Language teacher JoAnn Lopez pose with bi-lingual night guest speaker Jesus Escarcega.

Empowering Bilingualism Family Night held

CENTER — In November, Center Schools Superintendent Carrie Zimmerman unveiled the first item of a district action plan created to carry out strategies to prepare all students for the future. The school plans to do this by providing students the knowledge, skills and perseverance they need to meet the challenges of today’s society.
The district continues to work on the improvement strategies set forth in the plan:
1. Evidence Based Practices
2. Post-Secondary and Work Force Readiness
3. Multi-Tiered System of Supports
4. Recruitment and Retention
In November, Zimmerman explained the implementation of evidence-based practices. This week she focuses on the second improvement strategy, which she describes below.

Post-secondary and workforce readiness
The second improvement strategy relates to post-secondary and work force readiness. These efforts are focused on working with students to help them develop the necessary skills so that they are capable of pursuing post-secondary options when they graduate.  These skills will ensure that they are equipped to be productive members of society.  
One of the ways to work with students in this area is through ICAP days. ICAP stands for Individual Career and Academic Plan. It is a multi-year process that intentionally guides students and families in the exploration of career, academic and postsecondary opportunities. With the support of adults, students develop the awareness, knowledge attitudes and skills to create their own meaningful and powerful pathways to be career and college ready.  
Center Schools has seven ICAP days scheduled throughout the school year and these days provide focused, intentional activities and experiences so that students are on the right track for future options. Katrina Ruggles, the school’s secondary counselor and teacher, and her team, help to organize the ICAP days. This month’s ICAP will be a leadership retreat with guest speakers. During the November ICAP day, middle school students had the opportunity to go on college visits. Students visited Pueblo Community College, Western State University and Northern New Mexico College.
Center Schools is able to provide students with excellent learning experiences through career technical education courses.  These classes provide Center students with academic and technical skills, and the knowledge and training necessary to succeed in future careers and become lifelong learners. CTE prepares students for the world of work by introducing them to workplace competencies and makes the content accessible to students through hands-on learning.  
Some of the classes the school offers include construction and mechanics, thanks to Mr. Mark Jones’ guidance.  Digital photography and computer design are offered by Dennis Schoenfelder. The school also provides a coding class in which students are able to work with software engineers in the field. This is thanks to a grant written by HS Principal Kevin Jones.  
The class is facilitated by Ms. Dolan and the students have the opportunity to design computer programs and games, tell animated stories through codes, and problem solve together. High school counselor Ms. Adele Alfson, does a lot of work in this area as well.  She works on partnerships with TSJC and Adams State University in programming to provide students with college class opportunities through concurrent enrollment.  
High school students have the opportunity to earn college credits and take college classes thanks to these efforts.  Not only does she help with this programming, but Ms. Alfson also teaches a culinary arts class.
All of these opportunities are relevant experiences that are preparing students to be successful in the real world.  Center Schools will continue to develop and improve in this area and ensure these opportunities are available for all students at all levels and in all facets of life.  

Focus on the fabulous
The Empowering Bilingualism Family night was put together by the English Language team and was held on Jan. 9. Families had the opportunity to hear from Jesus Escarcega, who shared his experiences growing up in Arizona as an English language learner.  He provided words of encouragement and advice to students and families and provided personal experiences about the challenges he faced in education.  
He also shared the benefits of being bilingual and the power and opportunities that can offer students.  He encouraged students to work hard to develop their English skills, but also to maintain their native language.  Mastering two languages provides greater prospects for academic and career success, as well as life-long cognitive prowess.  
Students were recognized for their accomplishments in the English Language Program. Students from all grade levels received plaques and certificates to honor their achievements. The student who earned the top score in middle school was Maximiliano Almanza and the high school student was Jose Sotelo-Fierro.  
Students who demonstrated the most growth were Uyuki Chavez and Moises Ramon-Miguel.  The student who earned the Best Overall award was Jose Valadez-Gonzalez. The Migrant Education Program presented and parents, students and staff were treated to fabulous food and entertainment.  Mariachi dancers wowed the crowd once again with their festive dances.
Thanks goes out to Mr. Luis Murillo, Ms. JoAnn Lopez, Mrs. Anna Bishop, and Mr. Garrett Myers for their hard work in putting on this valuable event for the Center community.