I am excited to share an update on our recent districtwide staff workday, where our dedicated employees participated in their first Equity Team (E-Team) meeting of the year, led by Courtney Caldwell from Courageous Conversation. This training day was a significant step in our ongoing commitment to promoting equity and inclusion throughout our school district.

During this intensive training session, members from our site E-Teams embarked on their journey of professional learning that will play a crucial role in transforming the culture of their respective campus communities. The overarching goal of these efforts is to embrace schoolwide transformation that prioritizes equity and inclusion for all students and staff.

Our E-Teams are dedicated to critically examining their individual site's policies, practices, programs, structures, climates, and culture. Through continuous collaboration and reflection, they will work tirelessly throughout the year to bring about systemic change within their schools and across the entire district. Our vision is to build upon our district of excellence through equity, where every student and staff member thrives and achieves their full potential.

If you would like to learn more about Courageous Conversation and their valuable work, we encourage you to visit their website for additional information. We are also pleased to share some photos from this Wednesday's E-Team training below, giving you a glimpse into the commitment and enthusiasm of our dedicated staff members.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to you, our community, for your unwavering support in JUHSD's ongoing mission to engage, educate, and empower all students, with a specific focus on those who have been historically underserved, inadequately served, or disenfranchised by educational institutions and systems. Together, we are committed to eliminating disparities in educational outcomes and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey toward a more equitable and inclusive future. Have a great weekend!

Warm regards,

Toni Presta

Superintendent

@superintendent_tonipresta

In the coming days, students will notice signage and banners displayed prominently at their school sites. These signs will feature two QR codes that will enable students to access the STOPit system conveniently:

1. QR Code for App Download: By scanning this QR code, students can easily download the STOPit app onto their smartphones. This app will serve as a user-friendly platform for reporting concerns.

2. QR Code for Real-Time Reporting: The second QR code will allow students to report concerns in real-time. This feature will ensure that feedback reaches us promptly, enabling a swift response to issues.

We believe that STOPit will provide an additional layer of safety and support within our district. Please take some time to explore this reporting system further by checking out this YouTube video. As always, all are encouraged to share student safety concerns with the school's site administration team.

From selling Spam musubi and guava cupcakes, to Lilikoi juice and Furikake chex mix, along with donations from staff and parents, students collected $297 that will be donated to directly to Maui victims. Asian Club Advisor Marlene Gutierrez gave a special shout-out to all who made this happen and is very proud of club students for taking the initiative to spearhead these efforts to support those in need.

Photo: Eliana Rivera (12), along with Haley Anderson (10) and Gabby Dyogi (10), place the finishing touches on their fundraising table in front of TNHS Office on Friday, September 8.

Every year from September 15 to October 15, we recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America as part of Hispanic Heritage and Latino Heritage Month.

This is a time to honor the many Hispanic and Latino Americans who have been integral to the prosperity of the U.S. Their contributions are immeasurable and they have left an indelible mark on the U.S. culture and economy. Learn more about the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month.

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Recognizing when people in our lives are struggling with emotional pain and helping them feel comfortable to talk about it, can help prevent mental health crises, including suicide. Learning the warning signs, knowing how to start a conversation, and knowing where to get professional help can make a powerful, life-changing difference.

Learn more about:

• Youth warning signs
• Risk & protective factors
• LGBTQI+ warning signs

For crisis support:

• Call the lifeline at 988 or text "HELP" to 741741 for free crisis counseling 24/7/365
• Call 9-1-1 and request a crisis-trained responder
• Go to your local emergency room
• Care Solace

September is National Preparedness Month! Schools play an important role in planning and responding to emergencies. Key to readiness is understanding, promoting, and implementing The Big Five emergency preparedness protocols. Let’s raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for emergencies and disasters that could happen at any time. Learn more about The Big Five at https://bit.ly/38yHgS3.