Kudos to several Sweetwater District students who recently performed in the Young Artists in Harmony: A Reason to Survive, “Art of Elan” event. The organization believes in the power of the arts and creativity to transform the lives of students, especially those facing adversity.
“This workshop taught me how to put emotions I do not like to talk about on to paper,” said Anastasia Salas. Another student, Jacob Herrera said, “This program has really helped me achieve a goal of improving my time managment skills while writing music and staying dedicated to it.”
Kudos to Anastasia Salas and Reeca Dionisio from OLH, Jdu-an Davis and Jacob Herrera from MVH, and Aiden Fimbres and Jaidy Leyva from BVH.
“The hard work each student put into their compositions was evident,” said Dr. Karen Janney, Sweetwater District Superintendent. “The music and entire event was absolutely phenomenal.”
The process consisted of weekly workshops where advanced music students from SUHSD had the opportunity to be individually mentored by professional Art of Elan musicians in an effort to create new music compositions.
The culminating performance was hosted at the San Diego Art Institute in Balboa Park, which was recorded and available for free download and streaming. Click here for an encore musical experience.
Kudos to Montgomery Middle Special Education Teacher, Mario Lopez for being selected as Max Out My Class Teacher of the Week, thanks to a partnership with Mission Federal Credit Union and 105.7 MAX FM.
MAX Out My Class recognizes the dedication and passion that teachers devote to their students’ future. In addition to the recognition, Lopez received a $200 gift card and an on-air interview focused on the work he’s doing with his students at Montgomery Middle School.
“I am humbled and honored by this recognition,” said Lopez. “I couldn’t do it without the support of my colleagues and my students.”
According to Lopez, his daughter inspired him to become a teacher many years ago. “My daughter has Epilepsy. She’s my daily motivation to serve this specific population of students in our district.”
When Lopez isn’t teaching, you can find him spending time with his family and raising funds to go towards a cure for Epilepsy.
Congratulations Mr. Lopez!
Special Education Teacher, Mario Lopez selected as Max Out My Class Teacher of the Week
WeWork was inspired by Ms. Savino’s commitment to changing her class environment to best suit her students. She teaches two ENG 11 Co-teach classes and an SEI class. They surprised her and gifted her a makeover for a student space of her choice and with a school area of her choice. She will get to work with architects, interior designers and have full access to WeWorks furniture catalog.
Unimaginable Act of Forgiveness Turns into Thriving Foundation Impacting Students in Sweetwater District
If you asked Azim Khamisa before his son was murdered that he’d be running a successful foundation based on the act of forgiveness, with the grandfather of the man who killed his son, he would likely have answered; no.
Recently, students at Hilltop Middle School had the opportunity to participate in a “Peacemakers Assembly” organized by the Tariq Khamisa Foundation.
On the night of January 21, 1995, Khamisa’s son was murdered by the grandson of Ples Felix in Balboa Park. Felix’s grandson was the first minor to be tried as adult in California. Months after the crime, the two men met and Felix pleaded for forgiveness on behalf of his grandson. To his surprise, Tariq’s father granted his request — and made his own plea. “I want to see if you can help me,” Khamisa said.
Since that day, the Tariq Khamisa Foundation has worked to eliminate youth violence, delivering a message of peace and respect to millions of students across the globe. According to Khamisa, forgiveness to him meant transforming his anger and hurt into healing and peace.
“Violence scars the soul,” Khamisa said. “The loss of my son put me on the path to help other young people make good and non-violent choices in life. That’s what the foundation is all about.”
As Khamisa and Felix shared their story, students at Hilltop Middle attentively listened to the two men explain the path they both journeyed together. “It’s such an honor and privilege to have the Khamisa Foundation here with us,” said Louie Zumstein, Hilltop Middle Principal. “Teaching students about conflict resolution and the idea of Restorative Practices is so important especially at this stage of life.”
Zumstein and other Sweetwater District administrators believe in the work of the foundation so much that 7th graders at Hilltop Middle have already began a 10-session educational series called Restorative Workshops. The series teaches students important skills such as; how to manage their emotions, accountability for one’s actions, comprehension of making amends, practicing compassion and forgiveness. Students will also participate in active student lead discussions as well as share personal views, opinions and experiences on various topics.
“Khamisa and Felix’s story is so inspiring and heartwarming,” said Natalie Cruz, Hilltop Middle Restorative Coordinator. “My hope is that our students take away positive key tools to navigate their way through dealing with real life situations.”
When asked what Tariq would think about the work he’s doing in his honor, Khamisa replied, “Proud. Tariq practiced forgiveness and compassion every day. I believe he would be proud that I decided to turn a devastating situation into a positive one changing the lives of young people.”
Azim Khamisa and Ples Felix visit Hilltop Middle School.
