Small Mics, Big Voices!
McKinley's Think Together Students Speak Up for Belonging!

McKinley’s Think Together students brought their passion for student voice to an exciting podcast opportunity! With encouragement from Think Together staff, students shared their school experiences, perspectives, and hopes for a campus where ALL students feel welcomed, included, and connected.

Our CJUSD Chats podcast highlights their message of belonging and the impact of Think Together’s diverse learning activities, which give students opportunities to explore their interests, express their creativity, and build leadership skills. We are proud of these students for speaking up for themselves and others, and grateful to the Think Together team for supporting them as they learn, connect, and lead! 🎙️✨

Listen to the podcast and hear directly from McKinley’s students about student voice, community, and belonging!

Thank you for joining us on this episode of CJUSD Chats. We hope you enjoyed it! Please be sure to like and subscribe to our podcast!

We look forward to chatting with you all soon!

Dr. Clark, Coordinator of Equity & Access
Ms. Saldana, Curriculum Program Specialist, EdTech PK-6

CJUSD Chats Instagram Account
CJUSD Chats Website bit.ly/CJUSDChats

CJUSD proudly welcomed families to our Parent Orientation, hosted by Superintendent Dr. Frank Miranda. This special event connected parents and caregivers with district staff, students, families, and community partners while highlighting the programs, resources, and opportunities available throughout our district.

In this BONUS EPISODE of CJUSD Chats, members of our learning community share what they love most about CJUSD. Their reflections celebrate our caring staff, welcoming schools, strong relationships, student opportunities, and the sense of belonging that makes our district so special.

We are grateful to every staff member, student, family, and community partner who participated and shared their voice. Together, we are Serving with Purpose, Together as One District! 💫

Listen to this special bonus episode and discover what our community loves most about CJUSD!

Thank you for joining us on this episode of CJUSD Chats. We hope you enjoyed it! Please be sure to like and subscribe to our podcast!

We look forward to chatting with you all soon!

Dr. Clark, Coordinator of Equity & Access
Ms. Saldana, Curriculum Program Specialist, EdTech PK-6

CJUSD Chats Instagram Account
CJUSD Chats Website bit.ly/CJUSDChats

CJUSD families celebrated the conclusion of our three-part AI Family Workshop Series with an exciting, hands-on AI Expo! Parents and students self-selected from interactive learning experiences designed to build AI literacy, including Understanding AI, AI and Well-Being, Google’s Teachable Machine, NotebookLM Flashcards, AI with iPads, and more.

One of the biggest highlights was “Flip the Script with AI,” led by Colton High School’s Graphic Communications CTE students. Families used artificial intelligence to transform negative self-concepts into powerful, positive affirmations—an engaging experience that demonstrated how technology can support creativity, confidence, and well-being.

Our CJUSD Chats podcast captures parents’ reflections about what they learned, how their understanding of AI grew, and how they plan to use these tools moving forward. We are proud of our CJUSD AI All-Stars for embracing curiosity, learning together, and preparing for an AI-powered future! 💡💻✨

Listen to the podcast and hear directly from our families about their AI learning journey!

Thank you for joining us on this episode of CJUSD Chats. We hope you enjoyed it! Please be sure to like and subscribe to our podcast!

We look forward to chatting with you all soon!

Dr. Clark, Coordinator of Equity & Access
Ms. Saldana, Curriculum Program Specialist, EdTech PK-6

CJUSD Chats Instagram Account
CJUSD Chats Website bit.ly/CJUSDChats

In this inspiring episode of CJUSD Chats, we lift up the powerful voices of Umoja students from Centennial High School as they share their real schooling experiences and words of encouragement for our incoming 9th-grade students, new to the NEW Dual Enrollment Pathway, Umoja. 🖤💛❤️💚

Students speak openly about the impact of the Umoja program, the importance of community, culturally relevant curriculum, academic excellence, and personal growth. 📚🌟 They also share helpful tips about study habits, engaging classroom practices, and what it takes to stay successful in high school.

A special spotlight goes to Counselor Amber Thompson, whose students describe her as being “like a mom” because of the love, support, accountability, and high expectations she brings to the program every day. ✨

Umoja is open to ALL students who want to be part of a learning environment that builds belonging, leadership, culture, and achievement. 🌍🎓

Tune in to hear authentic student voice, uplifting stories, and the transformational power of Umoja! 🎧🔥

💬#CJUSDChats #CJUSDEquity #CJUSD #TellYourStory #ServingWithPurpose

Please be sure to like and subscribe to our podcast! We look forward to chatting with you all soon!

Thank you for joining us on this episode of CJUSD Chats. We hope you enjoyed it! Please be sure to like and subscribe to our podcast!

We look forward to chatting with you all soon!

Dr. Clark, Coordinator of Equity & Access
Ms. Saldana, Curriculum Program Specialist, EdTech PK-6

CJUSD Chats Instagram Account
CJUSD Chats Website bit.ly/CJUSDChats

🎓💛 Bloomington High School Scholars🎓💙

In this episode of CJUSD Chats 🎙️, we highlight the impact of our Dual Enrollment pathway, Early College, and the incredible opportunities it creates for Bloomington High School students 🌟. This conversation showcases how Early College allows students to earn college credit while still in high school, building confidence, expanding access, and preparing them for success beyond graduation.

Featured guests include Bloomington High School students 👩🏽‍🎓👨🏾‍🎓, counselors 🧑🏽‍🏫, and CJUSD Chats hosts🏫 who share their firsthand experiences with the Early College program. Together, they discuss how dual enrollment supports academic achievement 📈, reduces barriers to college, and empowers students to take ownership of their future through real college coursework 🎯.

Tune in to hear how CJUSD is expanding opportunities 🌍 and supporting students in getting a head start on their college and career journey through Early College 🎓✨🎧

Thank you for joining us on this episode of CJUSD Chats 💙. We hope you enjoyed it! Please be sure to like 👍🏽 and subscribe 🔔 to our podcast!

Thank you for joining us on this episode of CJUSD Chats. We hope you enjoyed it! Please be sure to like and subscribe to our podcast!

We look forward to chatting with you all soon!

Dr. Clark, Coordinator of Equity & Access
Ms. Saldana, Curriculum Program Specialist, EdTech PK-6

CJUSD Chats Instagram Account
CJUSD Chats Website bit.ly/CJUSDChats

In this episode of CJUSD Chats, we celebrate the success of the California Young Reader Medal (CYRM) Book Club and the educators who are helping students discover the joy of reading. This conversation highlights how the CYRM program encourages students to explore diverse literature, share their perspectives, and participate in selecting their favorite books across California.

Featured guests include Mrs. Palma, Library Media Technician at Crestmore Elementary School, Mrs. Northcott, EdTech Curriculum Program Specialist (TK–6), and Ms. Van Velkinburgh, EdTech Curriculum Program Specialist (7–12). Together, they discuss how the CYRM Book Club builds excitement around reading, supports student voice, and creates meaningful literacy experiences across grade levels.

Tune in to hear how CJUSD educators are inspiring a love of reading and empowering students to become thoughtful, lifelong readers. 📚🎧

Thank you for joining us on this episode of CJUSD Chats. We hope you enjoyed it! Please be sure to like and subscribe to our podcast!

We look forward to chatting with you all soon!

Dr. Clark, Coordinator of Equity & Access
Ms. Saldana, Curriculum Program Specialist, EdTech PK-6

CJUSD Chats Instagram Account
CJUSD Chats Website bit.ly/CJUSDChats

We had the BEST time with the amazing Terrace View Associated Student Body (ASB) students as they joined us for a special Friendsgiving conversation! 🦃✨

These student leaders shared what friendship, gratitude, and school community mean to them — and trust us, their voices will warm your heart. 💛💙

Tune in to hear their stories, laughs, and reflections as we celebrate the power of student leadership and connection across CJUSD. 🫶🏽

Thank you for joining us on this episode of CJUSD Chats. We hope you enjoyed it! Please be sure to like and subscribe to our podcast!

We look forward to chatting with you all soon!

Dr. Clark, Coordinator of Equity & Access
Ms. Saldana, Curriculum Program Specialist, EdTech PK-6

CJUSD Chats Instagram Account
CJUSD Chats Website bit.ly/CJUSDChats

From two students with a dream in 2020 to a full movement of compassion today — the Kindness Ambassadors of Cooley Ranch Elementary School, led by counselor Nina Torres, are making a BIG impact! 🙌

Born during the pandemic, this student-led group began as a simple search for ways to show kindness to others. 💬✨ It has now evolved into a powerful force for positive school culture and community connection, spreading joy throughout their campus and neighborhoods. 🏫💞

🎙️ Tune in to our latest CJUSD Chats episode to hear what kindness means to them — and how these young leaders are turning empathy into action every day.

💬#CJUSDChats #CJUSDEquity #CJUSD #KindnessAmbassadors #TellYourStory #ServingWithPurpose #TogetherAsOneDistrict #FamilyEngagement

Thank you for joining us on this episode of CJUSD Chats. We hope you enjoyed it! Please be sure to like and subscribe to our podcast!

We look forward to chatting with you all soon!

Dr. Clark, Coordinator of Equity & Access
Ms. Saldana, Curriculum Program Specialist, EdTech PK-6

CJUSD Chats Instagram Account
CJUSD Chats Website bit.ly/CJUSDChats