Episode description

• Dr. Ciriza shares her excitement and gratitude for her new role, emphasizing the community's support.
• She describes her previous role as Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Programs, focusing on student mental health, wellness, safety, and special education.
• Dr. Ciriza highlights the importance of the community school strategy and the support provided to vulnerable children through juvenile court and community school programs.
• She discusses the preparation and perspective gained from her previous role, which has helped her in her current position.

• Dr. Ciriza explains the role of the County Office of Education in supporting all 43 school districts in San Diego County.
• The office provides services such as teacher credentialing, professional development, and fiscal resources.
• She mentions the importance of supporting small school districts, which may not have the infrastructure of larger districts.
• Dr. Ciriza shares her plans to visit small districts like Mountain Empire to understand their needs and provide support.

• Dr. Ciriza discusses the North Star goal of addressing poverty through an educational lens, focusing on social exclusion rather than material wealth.
• She emphasizes the role of schools in creating a culture where students and families feel they belong.
• The concept of community schools is introduced, where schools act as hubs for various community services and activities.
• Dr. Ciriza highlights the importance of celebrating the cultural diversity within the county and bringing communities together around these differences.

• Dr. Ciriza shares her personal journey, starting as a teacher and being inspired by friends to pursue higher education.
• She attended Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, known for its teacher education programs.
• After teaching in Mexico City, she returned to San Diego and began her administrative career.
• Dr. Ciriza encourages teachers to step into new opportunities with courage and passion, emphasizing the importance of being open to growth and leadership roles.

• Dr. Ciriza discusses the importance of creating a culture of belonging, starting with self-reflection and recognizing personal biases.
• She mentions the book "Designed for Belonging" by Susie Wise, which provides insights into creating inclusive environments.
• Dr. Ciriza emphasizes the role of relationships and environment in fostering a sense of belonging.
• She highlights the need for intentional design in creating spaces that make people feel welcome and valued.

• Dr. Ciriza identifies chronic absenteeism as a significant challenge and discusses strategies to address it.
• She emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes and working with districts to implement best practices.
• Dr. Ciriza shares her recent meeting with the Office of Youth and Community Restoration to study the issue of chronic absenteeism.
• She stresses the need for community engagement and co-creation in designing solutions to support student attendance.

• Dr. Ciriza encourages community members to engage with local schools and participate in community events.
• She highlights the role of community support in creating a positive school environment and addressing challenges.
• Dr. Ciriza emphasizes the importance of showing up for schools and being part of the school community.
• She shares her vision of schools as hubs for community activities and support, benefiting both students and the broader community.

• Dr. Ciriza thanks the audience for their support and emphasizes the collective responsibility to care for children.
• She encourages listeners to focus on relationships with children in their lives and support their aspirations.
• Dr. Ciriza highlights the importance of professional and community engagement in creating a supportive environment for children.
• She concludes by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share her vision and work, and encourages continued support and collaboration.