Unity in the Community
Dr. Ben Churchill
We are entering into the busiest time of the year at our high schools—including proms, AP testing, and graduation activities.
This year, for the first time, a senior class will be graduating on two campuses: one at Carlsbad High School, and one at Sage Creek High School. In Carlsbad Unified, families can now select from two comprehensive high schools, each with its own school culture, educational opportunities, and extracurricular activities. We recognize that it is important for our school community to foster school spirit at each of our comprehensive high schools, as well as to maintain positive relationships between the schools.
In late February, student leaders from our high schools participated in a training that focused on building community and communication among all of our schools. John Vandenburgh facilitated a workshop called PLUS (Peer Leaders Uniting Students), which encourages students to “Protect, Connect, and Educate.” Students participated in small group discussions about “taking their school’s pulse,” collecting data to monitor topics such as school climate, safety, inclusion, healthy rivalry, and the power of social media. Students then brainstormed solutions to campus challenges. They did so collaboratively and positively.
I am continually impressed with the intelligence, enthusiasm, and school spirit evidenced by our student leaders.
It has been my honor as Superintendent to work with the Student Superintendent Advisory Council (SSAC), made up of students from Sage Creek High School, Carlsbad High School, and the Carlsbad Village Academy, all who have an important voice in the development of a variety of school district initiatives.
The Associated Student Body (ASB) leaders at each of the high schools work hard to represent the students at their schools, and to organize meaningful and fun activities and events. These students set a high bar for student involvement and excellence.
The Lancer Leaders (CHS) and Champion Bobcats (SCHS) serve as mentors for elementary and middle school students, with a positive message of community involvement and school connectedness.
Many students have become involved in the innovative new Carlsbad Student Leader Academy, supported by the City of Carlsbad, where young people tackle real life challenges and search for real solutions to local issues.
And the Carlsbad Educational Foundation (CEF) has recently started a Student Leadership program, made up of 20 CUSD high school students, to support and volunteer at CEF events, and to work together with the CEOs and businesses in our community.
Our young leaders represent the future of Carlsbad, and I am proud of them. I believe that these leadership experiences offer our young people opportunities to build their leadership skills, grappling with difficult issues and finding creative solutions. Our future is in good hands.
Photo: Some of the Carlsbad High School and Sage Creek High School ASB Leaders at the PLUS workshop on February 28, 2017. Pictured staff include (from left to right) Mr. Danny Kung, SCHS ASB Advisor; Mr. Oscar Felix, CHS Assistant Principal; Mr. Cesar Morales, SCHS Principal; Mr. Jesse Schuveiller, SCHS Assistant Principal; Mr. Cory Leighton, SCHS Athletic Director, and Dr. Josh Porter, CHS Principal. Also in attendance (not pictured) was Mr. Jeff Riccitelli, CHS ASB Advisor.
