Guajome is new to the NCPC family, but the reason we joined is because we see a tremendous amount of potential by partnering with this organization. First and foremost, we will be able to learn from like-minded organizations when it comes to supporting those who need it most within our local community. Additionally, it will allow Guajome to learn from more established organizations when it comes to building the capacity of our own, relatively new, school foundation. Lastly, we hope to build partnerships with other organizations who are a part of the NCPC community in a way that has long-term benefits for everyone involved. In the end, we not only feel like Guajome can learn and grow by being a part of the NCPC community, but we will be able to share resources to help others do the same.
Through innovation and excellence, our mission is to inspire and empower all learners to become responsible, critically thinking, compassionate global citizens who approach the world with curiosity, courage, and resolve.
Guajome is a community school that focuses on competency-based learning. What does that mean? It means that 70% of our student population resides below the poverty line and over 70% of our students are native Spanish speakers. Additionally, nearly 20% of our students identify as LGBTQIA+ and we have nearly 90 families that identify as homeless. Needless to say, many of our students face barriers to accessing their education. We see it as our responsibility to remove as many of those barriers as possible. There is a strong focus on English Language Development, ensuring that our students and families are fed and clothed, providing educational opportunities for our families, supporting our stakeholders when they experience difficult moments, providing more before and after school care, and increasing access to health. These are just a few ways that we try to remove barriers and help gain access to their education.
The next part of this description is the competency-based learning component. Once barriers are removed, students have access to an innovative education that focuses on skills acquisition as opposed to developing content knowledge. We are using the content and information to help develop skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem solving amongst our students. This not only benefits our students who are developing skills and competencies that will lead to success after they graduate, it supports the business community because these students will have transferable skills that will help them grow as well.
The whole year has been a celebration for us as we recognize the organization’s 30th anniversary! We were one of the first charter schools in the state of California and we have been around for the long haul! This is a big accomplishment and something we are extremely proud of. Additionally, in the past six months we have been recognized by the state as a community school, increased academic growth, decreased excessive absences, decreased suspensions, and helped to improve the living conditions for many of our families. All of this has taken place as we have increased our staffing footprint, provided salary bumps for our staff members, and have spent in a way that is sustainable and responsible so we can avoid major cuts.
Guajome’s yearly showcase event, Stakeholders’ Day, will be taking place on Saturday, May 4th from 9:00am – 1:00pm. It is an event where we have the opportunity to share with the community what our school has been building over the past year. The event includes student work, student projects and student performances. Staff, students, parents, and community members all participate in a celebration that recognizes growth and progress as it relates to our organization’s mission. What makes this year extra special is that we are celebrating our school’s 30th anniversary. Mark your calendars and come out for a visit and if you would like to learn more about Guajome, then please visit our website at www.guajome.net or email the superintendent at humphreyke@guajome.net.
