Learning Communities for School Success Program (LCSSP)
Grant Term: July 2023-June 2026
Funding Source: California Department of Education (CDE)—Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act (Proposition 47)
Purpose: To support evidence-based, non-punitive programs and practices to keep the state’s most vulnerable pupils in school; programs and practices must complement and enhance the actions and services identified in the district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP)
San Juan Unified School District’s Student Support Services implements the LCSSP grant in collaboration with the district’s Department of Continuous Improvement and LCAP to fund the following programs at middle and high schools:
Year 2: 2024-2025
Where Everybody Belongs (WEB)— (LCAP Action 3.21) Student WEB leaders assist in middle school transition for 6th graders and new students. In addition to an orientation event focused on community-building, WEB leaders use a three-pronged approach of academic follow-ups, group social follow-ups, and individual outreach throughout the school year to help students feel welcomed and supported.
Participating Sites: Arcade, Arden, Barrett, Carnegie, Churchill, Katherine Johnson, Pasteur, Rogers, Starr King (6th-8th grades), Sylvan
San Juan Youth Voice Advocates (SJYVA)— (LCAP Action 3.22) In partnership with Innovation Bridge, SJYVAs facilitate a qualitative data collection process that engages students in district and school improvement efforts. Skill-building includes facilitation, data collection, analysis, and reporting, cultural responsiveness, and community-building. SJYVAs facilitate site-based and priority population listening sessions to elevate student voice and work closely with the district’s Department of Continuous Improvement and LCAP to integrate their data into systems that help inform district decision making.
Participating Sites: Bella Vista, Casa Roble, Del Campo, Encina, El Camino, Mesa Verde, Mira Loma, and Rio Americano will facilitate listening sessions at 32 schools districtwide with students in grades 4-12.
Black Student Union (BSU) Community of Belonging— (LCAP Action 3.23) In partnership with Black Students of California United, secondary BSU advisors are provided workshops, consultation, and resources to develop, enhance, and sustain their BSU. Utilizing culturally responsive best practices, the community provides a continuous system of supports from middle to high school, including districtwide BSU gatherings and learning opportunities.
Participating Sites: High Schools—Bella Vista, Casa Roble, Del Campo, Encina, El Camino, Mesa Verde, Mira Loma, Rio Americano, San Juan; Middle Schools—Barrett, Carnegie, Churchill, Katherine Johnson, Pasteur, Rogers, Sylvan; K-8s (6th-8th gr.)—Gold River, Kingswood, Sierra Oaks, Starr King
School Climate Teams— (LCAP Action 3.26) Site-based student teams take an active role in improving school culture and climate through Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR). Teams design and implement an action plan relevant to the challenges of their school community. Students engage in skill-building workshops, data collection, and staff presentations.
Participating Sites: Del Campo, Mesa Verde, Mira Loma
Signs of Suicide (SOS) Program— (LCSSP Action only) In collaboration with the district’s Mental Health and Wellness Team, secondary school staff participate in professional development to increase recognition of the signs of a student in crisis and how to respond, and review and refine site-based crisis plans. Family Education Nights provide awareness to families and community members. A student education component focuses on responding to a peer in crisis and connecting to an adult for help. Student groups develop an awareness campaign to increase awareness of mental health supports in their school community.
Participating Sites: Mira Loma
Leadership Series— (LCAP Action 3.25) Students engaging in LCSSP supported student groups are invited to attend leadership enhancement workshops. 2024-25 workshops include: Youth Engagement and Partnerships, a 3-part series for advisors and students with Youth Development Network, and LifeWork, a 3-part self-development series with Easley Done & Co.
Participating Sites: Open to students participating in the above programs
Evaluation and outcomes can be found in San Juan Unified’s LCSSP Annual Report:
SJUSD LCSSP Cohort 7 Annual Report 2023-24
LCSSP Grant Coordinator:
Christina Sparks, Coordinator, Special Programs & Grants
Student Support Services, San Juan Unified School District