WBL December 2023 Newsletter

From our Work-Based Learning program to the heart of the Santa Fe community, we send warm holiday greetings and heartfelt wishes for a joyous New Year. It has been a year of growth, collaboration, and learning, and we are grateful for the support and dedication of our community. As we celebrate the spirit of the season, may the holidays bring you moments of happiness, relaxation, and connection with loved ones. Looking ahead to the coming year, we extend our hopes for continued success and fulfillment. Happy holidays and a prosperous New Year to all in our Santa Fe community!

Each month, we spotlight different employers and their interns.

Between academics, cheer, and her ECC internship, Alysha keeps a busy schedule. She really likes her internship. “What I enjoy most about working with kids is that in a way they teach you things while you try to help them. You get to be a peer they rely on. You get to do new things with them: play on the playground, read books to them, play inside with the blocks.” Her internship has also shown Alysha how much work goes into teaching. She is always busy at work. “Working with kids means you have to keep your eyes on them and always have a positive attitude.” Alysha says that the teachers she works with work incredibly hard, covering for each other when necessary. “This internship has taught me about leadership in multiple ways such as responsibility, time management, and communication.”

Rosie came to the ECC with experience, having been a teacher at the Children’s Museum prior to this job. Rosie has been surprised by how many people she already knows in the education community. “There have been tons of parents that either used to teach me or who know my parents (both teachers) and I think that’s really cool.” When asked what she likes about working at ECC, she says, “I think I enjoy talking to the kids the most. They’re all such bright personalities and I love hearing what they have to say about whatever we are doing that day.” She describes one such interaction: “I have a student who is 2 years old that can name any dinosaur off the top of his head. I can have full conversations with this little guy about animals and dinosaurs and he knows more than I do about them as a toddler."

This is Dulce's second year in the Early Childhood Center, and she is also a babysitter for three families. She plans to continue working with children after high school, either as a nurse or a teacher. "I enjoy seeing the kids hitting milestones, and I enjoy watching them go from speaking a few words to full conversations." She says that sometimes, she's surprised by how much the kids know! "I did not know the kids knew my name until the youngest kid in the two-year-old classroom said, 'Hey Dulce can you help me with my shoe?' I started laughing because I did not know he knew my name!" Dulce is saving her money for college, but also enjoys treating her family. "Last summer I saved up enough to go to a concert in Phoenix and paid for the hotel, concert, and all expenses for me and my family." Amazing, Dulce!

Issy works hard to balance school, basketball, and her internship at ECC. Issy is already experienced at working with kids, having interned at the Children's Museum this past summer. She plans to get her degree in Early Childhood after she graduates. "Something I enjoy most about the internship is getting to see the way the kids think and how that translates to how they play and how they interact with the other children." Along with gaining experience working with children, Issy has strengthened her employability skills. "This internship has taught me time management, communication within different levels like talking to the kids, teachers, and the parents, and it’s taught me advanced planning with my schedule."

Michelle is our first intern for Work-Based Learning. An aspiring photographer, Michelle says that what she enjoys most about her internship with WBL is leaving school and photographing interns at their workplace and at special events. "This internship has changed my view on how I see the community, in a way. I now see that people are trying their best to support high school students and help them be able to do things that will help them in the future." She says she's also learned a good deal about leadership and "how difficult it is to manage things properly and on time." Michelle is saving her paychecks for college, but she also enjoys buying gifts for family and friends.

Thank you, Michelle, from the WBL team! It is a joy to work with you! 💗

Annalisse is a hard worker and a return intern with a good deal of work experience. She says she has many children in her family which helped prepare her for her work at Children's Museum. Annalisse has always wanted to be an elementary teacher. She enjoys watching children play and learn, and she enjoys their conversation as well. "A lot of them love to tell me everything about their life." Annalisse says that her internship has taught her a lot about leadership and how to work with kids. She is using her wages to pay off her car and buy things for her family.

Shaunti is enjoying her internship at Reading Quest. She says that one thing that stood out to her about her internship at Reading Quest is "how energetic children can be." She likes chatting and reading with children in the cozy spaces at Reading Quest, and she enjoys the people she works with. "It's nice seeing a community of people who're truly working towards good." After high school, Shaunti plants to work in the arts. She is saving her paychecks for "school and fun things."

Morgan Taylor is a return intern at Reading Quest. Morgan says that her internships at Reading Quest have made her more certain that she wants to work with children in the future, and she is currently exploring becoming a pediatrician or child psychiatrist. Morgan says of her work, "The most enjoyable part of my job so far is being able to create such amazing connections with the kids. Not only do I get to be a part of the reason each of my students can continue their love and learning for reading, but I also get to develop genuine friendships with the children and that's awesome." Morgan shared a fun memory from this past summer: "I had left my phone on a table during recess to run inside with another student and I returned to loads of .5x photos in my camera roll of different kids. It was HILARIOUS and I still love those pictures."

Abby is in her second internship at Reading Quest; she not only tutors but also trains peers to be tutors as well. Abby believes strongly in helping children see reading as a positive experience. "I enjoy giving children the opportunity to not only learn how to read, but how to feel confident in doing so. I feel that every person should have the opportunity to learn how to read, but sadly this is not the case. Reading can be such a magical and transforming tool, and everyone should be able to experience that." In addition to reading with students, Abby gets to have interesting conversations as well. "One session I was tutoring this kid who gave me a whole speech of why porcupines are much uglier compared to hedgehogs. No matter what I said, she would not change her opinion." Abby is saving her money for college. "There are many fantastic music conservatories I would like to attend, however tuition does play a big part in the decision. "

Isa has been a tutor at Reading Quest for 7 years. She says she is grateful to have a chance to earn academic credit to do this work she loves. "I love the kids I tutor and the community I work with. I feel that I work for a very important cause, and this gives meaning to my time as a tutor." Isa is grateful for what she's learned as a tutor. "The most difficult aspect of my job is switching up teaching methods for different kids. Although it is a challenge, I enjoy the process of adapting and tuning into each kid's learning style." Isa says she believes that teaching will likely be a part of her future. She's using her paychecks to put gas in her car and buy Christmas presents.

"Maya has helped make student activities. Her input has helped us to reformat our activities to be more appealing and reflective of high school aged student interests."

"Positive interaction with guests, on one of Elijah's first shifts a guest told me he was a keeper."

"Melody has helped our administrative staff with organization of materials [...] Melody also learned about 911 call-taking and has already taken non-emergency calls with little to no assistance."

"Morgan has a student who she started tutoring in October and that student is already going to graduate from our program in December!"

"Christopher always asks questions and goes out of his way to ensure a job is done correctly."

"One of Isa's students recently moved here from Guatemala and did not speak any English. Thanks to Isa she is now speaking English and has made a ton of progress in reading!"

"Positive feedback and stellar guest reviews on Gabby's customer service and helping attitude."

"Charles is a quick study. He understands the Open Table system and the rotation of servers and is very nice with the clientele."

"Kevin is always in a great mood and has a positive attitude."

"Grace quickly learned the basic process of redactions and quickly completed tasks each day in the office. This lead to assignments of more difficult tasks requiring more attention to detail and are often time consuming. Grace continues to excel in completing tasks and has been a wonderful addition to the City Attorney's Office."

“Mariana helped set up polling sites for the local election with us around the county, and she was a quick and intuitive learner. The election cycle can be a high-stress, high-pressure time, but she adapted well!"

"Jocelyn demonstrates clear social capacity and has helped fellow interns in the office come out of their shell. She has also become braver about communication and asking questions when she needs help."

“When asked to help with some of our holiday craft experiences, Tenzin did a great job of setting up a good craft experience and expressing her creativity.”

“Eddie has learned many new techniques, and every day that Eddie comes he continues to grow his experience in the kitchen.”

Each month our internship supervisors receive an evaluation tool that rates our student interns soft skills development. This real time data lets us know where we need to improve, and also tells us our interns' strengths. Another benefit from this tool is it keeps us in close communication with our supervisors. The chart (above) displays an average score for all our interns for the month of November. It is clear that our interns' strengths are professionalism and work ethic. We are learning in the time management and self-directed learner categories. Lots of work ahead to get these averages up!

Interns, make sure you communicate clearly to your managers about your holiday work schedule. Employers, although many of our interns are traveling or with family over the break, some are able to work up to 30 hours per week during the holiday break.

Interns, be sure to keep track of your hours and have your supervisor sign off on your hours. Parents, thank you for helping your interns remember to submit their timesheets on time! Remember interns, timesheets submitted late are not paid until the following pay date.

The WBL program was invited by the City of Santa Fe to be the inspirational keynote at the National League of Cities: Good Jobs | Great Cities Symposium on Monday, December 4th, 2023 at the Santa Fe Convention Center. Our WBL Coordinator shared our program's history and structure, and our WBL Specialist moderated a panel discussion from some of our young professionals. The overall goal for this presentation was to highlight our successes of implementation, advocate for expansion and funding, and to hear directly from our student interns on the impact work-based learning is having on their current and future decisions. "We were quite successful telling our story to several business, government, and education leaders locally and from around the state and U.S. Capitol. Our student interns were exemplary in their professional tone and speech, and their message resonated with the audience. We are grateful to Director of OED, Johanna Nelson, and the city for the opportunity to share our passion!" Jose Villarreal, WBL Coordinator

On Tuesday, December 5th, K-8 and middle school student council officers attended a "Commitment to Student Engagement Training" led by SFPS' work-based learning program and SFPS' student Board members on how to be advocates for themselves. "The kids loved it and asked for it to be done again the spring," said Deputy Superintendent Vanessa Romero. The WBL program trained student council on professional etiquette and public speaking techniques. A testament to the WBL program's versatility and dexterity.

In summary, The Santa Fe Public Schools Commitment to Student Engagement is intended to promote quality student engagement for the purposes of improving their educational experience and promoting the physical, emotional, and social well- being of students, as well as enhance their engagement in their learning and all aspects of their school life. This policy was developed with the input and collaboration of students. By promoting meaningful student engagement, Santa Fe Public Schools strives to enhance a healthy, safe, and supportive learning environment so that all students reach their full potential.

"We're excited to welcome our students councils and hear from them about their experiences in SFPS. Through Reimagining SFPS, the Board has provided the framework to hear students' unfiltered voices in a systemic way and ensure their influence in decision-making district wide," said Superintendent Hilario "Larry" Chavez.

More on: SFPS new BOE Policy 356.

Jose is a native New Mexican, and is passionate about creating life changing opportunities for our New Mexican youth. "Work-based learning creates a shift in the traditional education paradigm by providing opportunities to students for practical hands-on learning in the workforce. Any student that decides to join our program has an opportunity to earn their internship and prove their talents to the world, and that is both powerful and life changing."

Michelle has been in education for over 16 years and has two children of her own in Santa Fe Public Schools. "WBL provides young people an opportunity to learn what they are good at and discover what they love to do. Our interns are contributing to and gaining a better understanding of our community. Every day, interns stop by or text me about their accomplishments on the job. It's an honor to be a part of this program. WBL provides these young people a bridge into the adult world, helping to insure their success and make our community stronger."

Marquita has deep roots in our community. She is a former Capital High student and has had many roles as an educator in SFPS. "I am very grateful to be a part of the WBL program which is beyond innovative, engaging, and dynamic. Being able to work closely with students in this unique setting brings a whole other perspective to teaching and learning. WBL takes education to another level while raising the bar with real world applications of our students’ education, talents, interests, and grit. I’ve observed our kiddos being able to shine bright while reaching and exceeding their potential. They are gaining skills and tools that create abundant opportunities and enhance the high school experience."

Linda has been an educator for 24 years. She has served our students as an administrator, a classroom teacher, and special education teacher. She has been a part of the WBL team since 2022. "I love the WBL program because it provides students opportunities to make informed choices about their long-term career interests through authentic learning experiences in a real-world environment."

Tammy teaches Computer Technology and Work-Based Learning/ACE at Capital High. She joined the WBL program this year, and fully believes in it's potential. "As a high school Deca student I was exposed to the world of work in my Junior year. I love getting students to explore the world of work before they graduate. It is an invaluable experience."

Work-based learning (WBL) is a structured internship program that collaboratively engages local high-value employers and SFPS high schools offering junior and senior high school students quality internship, job-shadow and mentorship experiences. Our program is currently active in 4 public high schools: Capital High, Santa Fe High, Early College Opportunities, & Desert Sage Academy.

WBL interns are paid ($14.03/hr) by a grant with the City of Santa Fe, and interns earn an elective credit for completing their internship. Student interns are covered with Workers Compensation Insurance and Student Blanket Accident Insurance. Students participate in a "bootcamp" preparing them for their interviews and employment, and they maintain close contact with their WBL teacher throughout their internship. We help them get the job and also support them in succeeding & growing at their job.

Our program is growing! This WBL program started in Summer 2022 with 4 business partners & 22 student interns. For the 22/23 school year, we had 14 business partners & 35 interns. In the summer of 2023, we had 35 business partners & 100 interns. For the 23/24 school year, we have 40+ business partners & 75 student interns. We plan to have 150 interns this summer, and our list of business partners continues to grow every month.