By TR Robertson
The final YES meeting for 2023 heard a presentation from the two principals from the Carlsbad Unified School District high schools, Julie Redfield from Carlsbad High School and Josh Way from Sage Creek High School. Each principal presented detailed information on how their schools are preparing students for an ever-changing future. The presentation began with a short video showing what is happening in some businesses using robotics, A.I and other innovative technology to do work once using live employees, showing what the future may look like for all lines of work; meaning the world we live in, and the workplace will look completely different as the years pass on. Josh pointed out the challenge of education today is to find the best ways to prepare students for this changing world and trying to predict what direction schools need to take to provide a dynamic, inclusive experience for these students.
Each principal presented the Mission Statement, Vision and Core Values developed for their schools, beginning with the Mission Statement for students in the Carlsbad Unified School District, “To provide every student an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment”. Julie showed those in attendance the Carlsbad High School Mission Statement, “We are engaged in building a positive and supportive environment where all Lancers are valued, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential in the classroom and beyond.” Each principal emphasized the need to continue to meet all students’ needs. The CHS Vision is to be “prepared for success”, be “engaged, self-directed learners”, have “staff members that demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to student growth”, and demonstrate that “our community and its traditions are deeply connected to our schools”. Josh provided the Mission Statement for Sage Creek High School, the “Sage Creek Team exits to intentionally create an interconnected learning community that prepares students to thrive as responsible citizens in an everchanging world.” The Sage Creek Team is “committed to innovation, academic rigor and application. The Team strives for excellence in preparing students for college and career success. The Sage Creek experience challenges its members to ‘dare to be great’”. Their Core Values are listed in “B.E.S.T. C2.A.T.S. – Be your B.E.S.T., Establish community, Show respect, Take responsibility, Critical thinkers who Communicate effectively, Adaptable, Technologically agile, Scholars who are college and careen ready.”
How is all of this accomplished at both schools? It is a combination of multiple similar programs and extracurricular activities each school has. Both schools has or has in some version, Academic Placement, AVID, Career Pathways, English Language Development, Film Academy, Special Education, Academy Internship Programs, Seal of Biliteracy, College Articulated Courses, Dual Enrollment Opportunities and much more. Sage Creek offers Career Technical Education, Broadcast Journalism, Business, just to name a few of the programs as well as those listed for Carlsbad High School. In a unique Career Pathways program Sage Creek offers such courses as Computer Science, Engineering, Digital Photography and Biomedical Science. Sage Creek’s Genius Project gives the seniors involved a chance to develop and present a project they have developed in their English class. Carlsbad High offers a similar program with their AP Capstone Project.
Both principals spoke with pride about their Extra-Curricular Opportunities. Julie said C.H.S. has 60 Academic, Arts, Science and Special Interest Clubs and Organizations. Josh said Sage Creek has 95 active student clubs and organizations on campus. In the area of Athletic, the principals were equally proud of their student involvement and the success of their various teams. Carlsbad High offers several sports Sage Creek does not offer, such as football and water polo. Sage Creek offers field hockey which Carlsbad High does not offer. Principal Redfield also told the audience about the numerous Spirit Awards C.H.S. has accumulated like San Diego and National awards for Best Student Sections and a San Diego Battle of the Fans Award. Josh and Julie stated that offering a wide variety of extra-curricular clubs, organization and sports programs goes hand-in-hand with offering a wide range of academic opportunities to develop a well-rounded student who is given the opportunity to explore a number of different avenues.
As the presentation drew to a close, Principal Redfield pointed out the Graduate Profile, important to the District in supporting the District’s Mission Statement, as well as both school’s Mission Statements. This Profile ensures each student becomes an “Effective Communicator and Collaborator, Lifelong Learner, Critical Thinker, College and Career Ready Scholar, Ethical and Responsible Citizen and Self-Directed Individual”. The enthusiasm and positive energy Julie and Josh show in supporting and speaking about each of their schools is evident and the programs they presented show why each school has become a leader in a variety of ways in both San Diego County and the State of California. Information about Carlsbad Unified can be found at www.carlsbadusd.k12.ca.us and for each school, www.chs.carlsbadusd.net or www.schs.carlsbadusd.net.
The next YES Meeting will be Thursday, January 18, 2024, in the Carlsbad Senior Center, and Carlsbad City Council Member District 1, Melanie Burkholder will be the speaker.
