April 24, 2024
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
680 L Street, Suite C
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Click here for more information
about “SUHSD Transition Night!”
April 24, 2024
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
680 L Street, Suite C
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Click here for more information
about “SUHSD Transition Night!”
Assemblymember David Alvarez visited Southwest High School in the Sweetwater District to witness firsthand the innovative and sustainable practices of the California Partnerships Academy (CPA) Eco Engineering program. This groundbreaking initiative, which originated at Southwestern High School in late 2008 and gained momentum in the 2010 era, focuses on promoting environmental stewardship and hands-on learning experiences for students.
“One of the program’s notable achievements is the implementation of a zero waste program,” said Eric Span, Sweetwater District Nutrition Services Director. “This includes the use of compost bins, a farm barn, chicken coops, and various fruit trees such as citrus fruits, dragon fruit, and passion fruit. This holistic farm approach, in collaboration with Mechanical Engineering, aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable agriculture and engineering principles.” Span and Hector Arias, Southwest High teacher who oversees the program and have both lead the successful initiative.
The farm-to-school project has been a remarkable success, producing approximately more than 500 eggs per week. Students are currently working on pasteurizing the eggs to incorporate them into protein boxes for school meals, with a goal of distributing them to schools across the district. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program housed 400 chickens, with students actively involved in designing and building the coops as part of the engineering pathway. The program holds a California Egg Handler permit, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Through a collaborative effort with the health department and USDA, the program has transformed into a thriving farm that not only serves as an educational hub but also as a sustainable source of produce for school cafeterias. Arias, also works closely with the special education department to provide students with valuable hands-on experiences, such as packaging eggs and engaging in community service activities on weekends.
The community outreach efforts of the program extend beyond the school grounds, with Nestor Elementary students visiting the farm to learn about sustainable agriculture practices. Plans are underway to rebuild a coop that is wheelchair accessible and install a handwashing station to enhance accessibility.
Additionally, towards the end of his visit Assemblymember Alvarez, his team, and Sweetwater Superintendent Dr. Moises Aguirre enjoyed a meal using ingredients sourced directly from the farm, further promoting the farm-to-table concept and fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation within the school community.
Keith Ballard a Music Teacher at Southwest Middle School and Launch Virtual Academy was recently selected as only one of five teachers in the United States to be inducted into the 2024 National Teachers Hall of Fame.
Ballard learned of the honor during a surprise announcement in his classroom on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Southwest Middle School where he has taught since 1998. He is the ninth California teacher to be inducted into the hall of fame. He joins Robert Bruesch, Susie Haas, Alan Haskvitz, Christine Lungren-Maddalone, Larry Statler, Bradley Upshaw, Sergio de Alba and the late Jaime Escalante.
Although passionate about being a music teacher, Ballard went a different direction in college. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in communication from Arizona State University. After working three years in sales, Ballard finally followed his dream. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in instrumental music from Arizona State University, followed by a Master of Arts degree from San Diego State University.
Ballard is a lifelong learner, traveling the world to learn best practices that he brings back to his own classroom. He quickly learned that embracing his students’ culture would help them find success. With a large Latino population in his school, Ballard started a mariachi band program in 1999.
This drive to learn more for his students and leading by example is what sets Ballard apart, according to Dr. Jesus Ulloa-Higuera, principal of Launch Virtual Academy in the Sweetwater Union High School District.
“Currently Keith serves in dual roles, at both Southwest Middle, a high-poverty Latino school located just minutes away from the San Diego international border and Tijuana, Mexico, and at Launch Virtual Academy, the first online school in the Sweetwater District,” said Dr. Jesus Ulloa-Higuera. “This illustrates this teacher’s unyielding spirit of creativity, innovation and his commitment to driving transformative change. Through cultural music, particularly Mariachi Music, this teacher has made an indelible impact on thousands of students and their families.” Founded in 1989 on the campus of Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, the National Teachers Hall of Fame has inducted five U.S. teachers each year since 1992.
“The selection process is inherently challenging,” shared Maddie Fennell, Acting Executive Director of NTHF. “Every year, we are astounded by the caliber of nominees we receive.”
Fennell continued, “Keith’s tireless dedication to fostering student engagement through music has transcended boundaries, resonating not just within his district, but echoing nationwide. With visits to 20 countries and interactions with over 170 high schools, he has shared invaluable insights through various publications. His remarkable endeavors have not only enhanced academic achievement across disciplines but also revitalized parental involvement.
The NTHF Class of 2024 will travel to Washington, D.C., in early May for ceremonies there. They will travel to Emporia, Kansas, in June for four days of events before the formal induction ceremony on June 21 at Emporia State University.