California - Sacramento
SIATech at Sacramento Job Corps 
Center
3100 Meadowview Road
Sacramento, CA 95832
Tel: (916) 394-0770,
ext. 4353
Principal: Ms. Jane Ross
jane.ross@siatech.org
Overview
SIATech at the Sacramento Job Corps Center was founded in 2001. Since then, the dedicated staff team at the Sacramento has worked diligently to ensure that all students are supported in their academic aspirations. Every week, each SIATech teacher conducts one-on-one goal setting meetings with students in their classes to ensure that students know where they are headed in their individualized program. Employability skills such as goal-setting, time management and professional conduct are taught and expected throughout the program.
SIATech Sacramento students experience increased support in their education through:
- Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) program in all classes daily
- Drop-in support from the Success Room staff for students with special learning needs
- Intensive, focused CAHSEE preparation program
- Broad-based graphic arts foundation
- Focus on public speaking skills through numerous presentations
- Increased staffing to ensure additional support in the math program
- Specialized small group instruction for AutoCAD lessons
- Hands-on science experiments
Principal Profile
Jane Ross has worked within the SIATech and Job Corps programs for the past ten years and has strengthened the partnership between the two organizations. In recent years, Jane served as Director of Education Services and was responsible for the oversight of all SIATech programs in California. Prior to joining Job Corps, Jane served in leadership positions at a juvenile correctional facility and group home for severely emotionally disturbed youth. Jane has been recognized as a Site Leader of the Year and Employee of the Year for her performance at the Sacramento Job Corps Center. Jane is a graduate of the University of California at Davis.
Success Stories
Sacramento Job Corps News: DMV Classes Recognized for Excellence and Award for Employee of the Year
The Drivers Ed and Behind the Wheel Program at the Sacramento Job Corps Center received accolades from the DMV Examiner who recently visited the center.
The DMV examiner commented that the students who attend the program "are trained to the highest quality that [he] has ever seen in 12 years working for [the] DMV. Their success rate is the highest of any program."
In other Sacramento Job Corps news, one of our NEWCorp staff members, Laura Stone, received the center-wide Employee of the Year for the entire center. She is a Literacy teacher and was one of the very first to be interviewed and hired when NEWCorp began offering the academic program on center. The senior team based their voting on the nominations from the department heads and the employee's contribution to the center's efforts. Congratulations, Laura!
Keep up the great work, Sacramento staff and students!
Thank you to Education Program Manager Daniel Cacho for forwarding this news from the NEWCorp Academic Program at the Sacramento Job Corps.
SIATech Sacramento Book Club Earns
Travel to the B Street Theater; Some Students Visit Public Library for the First Time
by Armando Ocampo
On February 14, 2012, English instructors Armando Ocampo and Sheila Stein had the privilege of taking 18 eager students for a field trip to watch a play based on the book entitled The Giver. Attendees participated in a book club in the weeks leading up to the event held at the B Street Theater in Midtown Sacramento.
When instructors heard that there was going to be a play based on this book, they jumped on the opportunity. Students were extremely excited because they wondered how the book was going to be portrayed onstage. The book is about a society that is set to protect its citizens from the dangers that arise from having choices, dealing with emotions, war, and survival. They are stripped of what it means to be human. Death was a foreign concept to the community; people were “released” and essentially disappeared. Once the play began, everyone was glued to their seats.
Some book club participants were moved by the novel. Aisha James admitted, "When I read the book, I cried. I thought that killing people for their imperfections was wrong! This is what happened in the Holocaust. People were killed because they did not meet someone else’s expectations."
This book ignited some very intense conversations about culture, beliefs, and history. After watching the play, they walked to McKinley Park to eat lunch and discuss the book. The near mile walk was grueling, and some students opted to be "released" midway there.
Students talked about what they learned from the book and play. They also discussed the cultural aspects of the book and how they could relate to them.
Student Jasel Abilar stated, "After the play it helps you look at life differently. Watching The Giver helps you treasure life, emotions, family, and everything. The actors did a great job portraying just how dull life would be without being able to make mistakes and learn from them. After all, how else can we become better people?"
Another reflective student, Santino Gamino, shared, "Their intentions for keeping everyone safe were good, but the result was disastrous. It stripped everyone from their freedom which is something I really value now because I know that in a way, there are societies like this out there in the world." He went on to express how badly he felt for people who live in a society that is lead by a dictator and how they, like Jonas, would like to escape but do not have the courage.
After lunch, they participated in some outdoor recreational activities including tennis, basketball, Frisbee, and football. It proved to be a huge success and it made the Book Club members feel like one cohesive unit. People who would not normally speak to each other on campus were working together as a team. Abby Arrendondo, a soon-to-be graduate noted, "I did not know a few people in the group. As the day went on, I got to know them better and we all got along."
After the time at the park came to an end, everyone returned to the books. They went to McKinley Library, and instructors discovered that many kids had never been to a public library. With assistance, some students were able to get their first library card. Another student, who had lost his card, managed to get a replacement. Students were reading books, relaxing, and enjoying their time in a quiet and peaceful environment. Soon after, it was finally time to go home and savor this memorable experience.
Teachers and students enthusiastically agree that the book club and corresponding field trip was a success. This trip exposed students to opportunities in the community and local theater. They also demonstrated excellent decorum throughout the day.
When it was all over, instead of asking where their next destination would be, students asked what book they were going to read next. It is great to see students who are excited about reading. Students learned that reading does not only involve perusing through text on a book, but rather a hidden world waiting to be discovered through one’s imagination.
Armando Ocampo is an English teacher at SIATech Sacramento.
SIATech Sacramento Robotics Presents Advanced Robots at the California State Fair
by Thomas Mays
During the final week of the California State Fair at Cal Expo in Sacramento, three students fromSIATech Sacramento -Johnny Campbell, Nicholas Goodwin and Charles Vann- and students from the Treasure Island Job Corps campus had the opportunity to demonstrate innovative robots and technology used as part of SIATech Sacramento’s Robotics team.
Students designed, built and operated small programmable robots using the VEX Robotics system while volunteering at the VEX Robotics booth. The VEX Robotics System allows students to apply Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills learned in the classroom and their trade areas to create unique machines built to perform specific tasks. The students readily accepted the chance to participate in this high profile public outreach opportunity. Interest from the public was intense with large crowds gathered around the exhibit throughout the day.
SIATech Sacramento Robotics team member Charles Vann, who studies Carpentry at Sacramento Job Corps Center, noted that, "People were excited about the robots and thought they were cool. Kids were really interested, but the parents liked them too. We allowed everyone to try out the robots."
SIATech Sacramento Robotics team member Johnny Campbell, who studies Office Administration, stated that, "An adult who said he couldn’t work a cell phone was even having fun controlling the robots." Since one of the main goals of the Robotics Club is to make the use and application of STEM skills accessible to all, the positive audience reaction is an indicator that our students were successful in creating projects that stimulated the public’s imagination. And, perhaps it motivated more than a few parents to get their own children involved with STEM programs and Robotics at their local schools.
As SIATech Sacramento Robotics Club member Nicholas Goodwin, also a Carpentry student, indicated, "For anyone interested in tinkering, or anyone who thinks they may be inclined towards engineering, math, science, computers, or who just likes to be creative and hands-on, VEX and Robotics is a fantastic way to meet new friends and colleagues, and have a fun and educational experience."
Thomas Mays is an instructor at SIATech Sacramento. A VEX Robotics event will be held in December at the Treasure Island Job Corps Center. Contact Laurie Pianka for more information. View videos showcasing SIATech Robotics at SIATech's YouTube Channel.
SIATech Sacramento Students Recognized at the California State Capitol
by Sheila Stein
On May 26, 2010, a handful of deserving SIATech Sacramento students joined approximately 50 other local high schools at the California State Capitol Building.
Two SIATech Sacramento students, Francisco Guerrero and Emanuel Orozco (pictured above with Senator Darrell Steinberg), were recognized at the “Sixth Senate District Annual Graduation Recognition Event” hosted by State Senator Darrell Steinberg on the West steps of the Capitol. Another one of our students sang the national anthem (Starla Grihlo). In addition, some students provided the catering through their trade (Culinary Arts). It was all organized by the center's Business and Community Liaison Brian Broadway.
The two commendable students of SIATech at Sacramento Job Corps recently earned their high school diplomas at SIATech. Both Francisco Guerrero, a Heavy Equipment Mechanic, and Emanuel Orozco, a cement mason, demonstrated their commitment to academic achievement throughout their classroom tenure and earned high praise from their instructors.
Among his teachers, Francisco Guerrero was widely known for his sense of humor and unparalleled interpersonal skills. He was an active member in class who asked questions and engaged in intellectual discussions. In addition, he always communicated with his teachers to establish effective timelines and goal setting. In all of his classes, Francisco produced work of the highest quality. His research and essays, along with his technical projects, exhibited a reflectiveness worthy of college work. In particular, his oral presentation entitled “How to Start and Run a Weld with S.M.A.W.” at the culmination of his English class was outstanding and showcased his extensive trade knowledge as well as his confidence, poise, and skillful articulation.
Emanuel Orozco made a similar impression upon his instructors. An active thinker, Emanuel always engaged new concepts and knowledge, thoughtfully applying them to his essays and projects. He was an independent student with a calm, quiet demeanor who sought first to understand. Given any task, Emanuel paid close attention to directions and, with a methodical approach, produced exemplary work that was shown to peers as models for their own coursework. And it was in one-on-one tutorials that Emanuel revealed his charm and wit; he is a personality that will be missed in the classroom.
We wish both Emanuel and Francisco the best of luck in their future academic and work endeavors, and it was a pleasure and an honor working with them both.
SIATech School Site in the Spotlight:
Sacramento
by Sheila Stein
The high school and academic programs at Sacramento Job Corps Center have been busy these past months. From a grant to help increase the safety of teen drivers to a heartwarming Veterans Day remembrance to a celebratory graduation, Sacramento's students and staff demonstrate the impact and contributions of our programs.
SAVE Grant. Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) and Allstate Foundation awarded a grant to the NEWCorp academic program at Sacramento Job Corps. This grant will support the SAVE program in our school with specific attention to teen safe driving awareness. The Sacramento Job Corps SAVE Chapter plans to educate students about the hazards of texting and cell phone use while driving. This is very important work. Statistics from the Allstate Foundation revealed that 82% of teens reported using cell phones while driving. Sacramento's planned activities include a campaign week, assembly, and rally. Congratulations to Education Program Manager Melissa Farrar, Driver's Education Teacher Alison Guernsey, and the entire Sacramento team! Learn more about the SAVE announcement.
Veterans' Day Remembered. SIATech at Sacramento Job Corps Center celebrated Veterans’ Day on November 11, 2010, by participating in a service learning event in which students began their school day with SSW (Sustained Silent Writing) instead of the usual SSR. All students were given the same prompt, asking them to write a letter of support to military personnel serving abroad. Teachers agreed that nearly all students eagerly participated and that their work was thoughtful, heartfelt, and impressive. Just as in SSR, teachers also participated in the event, writing their own letters to soldiers. This is the second time SIATech Sacramento has participated in a school-wide writing event. Last year, students wrote similar letters on October 20, 2009 to commemorate the National Day on Writing sponsored by the National Writing Project.
Although English teacher and Writing Project Teacher-Consultant Sheila Stein organized the event, she acknowledged that the idea of the letters came from Nanette Wiesner, who teaches social studies and the site’s principal, Jane Ross. As a group, they believed the service writing event could support the troops while heightening students’ awareness of the importance of writing—and of their own thoughts and feelings—as they realized that there existed a real-world audience for their work. Ms. Stein believes that the second annual event was another smashing success due in large part to the enthusiastic involvement of all staff.
SIATech Students in Sacramento. SIATech staff and students spoke to legislators about dropout recovery high schools at the California State Capitol on Thursday, December 9, 2010. This panel provided an inside look at dropout recovery high schools like SIATech. Legislators were encouraged to reduce the disincentives to dropout recovery and to encourage more districts and schools to re-enroll out-of-school youth. (Pictured: Dr. Linda Dawson with students Shane Chavez and Preacher Balos.)
Congratulations Graduates! SIATech had a combination graduation with Job Corps on January 25. It was a great celebration of this educational milestone for our students. Best of luck to all the graduates!
Front row (left to right): Preacher Balos, Heather Gurkin, Latanya Nunn, Adolfo Valenzuela, David Dyer, Daniel Calbillo, Xavier Smith, Myesha Lomack, Rose Ashurst. Middle row (left to right): Luisa Ramos, Rosio Hernandez, Lorie Cox, Veronique Douglas-Hodge, Patricia Bernal, Jessica Cruz, Stephen Owens III, Stephanie Schaeffer, DeMarco Mackey, Beatriz Ruiz. Back Row (left to right): Sophia Covington, Chue Vang, Martha Garcia, Naomie Pina-Mendoza, Bridgette Martinez, Giovanny Orozco, Sam Lavanh, Crystal Landingham. Staff (left to right): Kim Moore, Nancy Flores, Emily Armond, Jane Ross, Armando Ocampo, Margaret Buggy, Scharmela Edwards, Tom Mays, Jeremy Hinshaw, Nanette Wiesner, Sheila Stein, Ioana Robles, Parneet Nagra, Megan Nayebkhel. Photo courtesy of Bill Smith Photography
A 2009 graduate from the Sacramento site, Crystal Clark, was highlighted this year as a student panel member at the fall Board workshop for SIATech. She courageously shared her story of success in overcoming challenges to the workshop of over 100 people and explained how SIATech made a difference in her life. She indicated that the staff at SIATech Sacramento was what made the difference as she stated, “The staff really care about you and your success and really want to see you succeed not only in high school but in life.”
Recent News
Induction Spotlight: Teacher Inquiry
The Induction Spotlight is a wonderful resource for the latest news from SIATech's professional development programs. The Summer 2010 issue provides several examples of how burgeoning teacher leaders use Teacher Inquiry to improve their practice.
“Teacher Inquiry,” also referred to as “Action Research,” is defined as a systematic study by teachers of their own practice. The 2009–2010 SIATech Induction participants and New Teacher Cohort participants engaged in exploring aspects of their teaching through these inquiries. Supported by their mentors, each instructional staff member reflected on their practices weekly and developed new applications and strategies based on the evidence of learning they documented. This “Inquiry Stance” toward teaching helped all to move towards an increased understanding of their own instructional practice and possible solutions to support the learning of their students.
The question explored by Kallie Newell from Sacramento was: "How will incorporating manipulatives and visual aids during small group instruction support students in meeting their weekly goals?"
Students were able to complete AutoCAD assignments four times as fast with the use of visuals and hands-on manipulatives. Evidence of this was calculated and recorded/posted on their weekly scoreboard. Because they were able to progress at a faster pace, they were able to meet or exceed their weekly goals.
I observed that students have more fun with math when these additional resources are readily available, and behavioral management problems have decreased. In addition, their sense of accomplishment has increased as students use these resources to solve problems independently.
Support Provider Nan Wiesner said, "The Induction program offered us the unique opportunity to learn together, build on ideas, and strengthen our relationship as educators. Kallie met all her challenges through professional, creative, and passionate voice and action."
Read more in the Induction Spotlight.
