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Students, Staff Highlight Career Pathways, Arts and Outdoor Programs at Lemon Grove Academy Middle
Summary
Lemon Grove Academy Middle School presented student testimonials and a program overview to the board, showcasing CTE biomedical pathway, dual‑immersion, color guard (one of three middle‑school programs nationally), outdoor outreach, and staff coaching and professional learning.
Principal Dr. Vanessa Ruiz and staff from Lemon Grove Academy Middle School presented a program overview and student testimonies to the board, emphasizing career technical education (CTE) pathways, a newly launched dual‑immersion pathway, visual and performing arts offerings and social‑emotional supports.
Ruiz introduced student and alumni speakers who described how school programs affected them. Student ASB president Madison Arcey (video testimony) praised travel opportunities, athletics and debate; alumni Evie Womack described a personal turnaround from poor attendance and behavior to becoming a freshman at Steele Canyon High School with a 4.0 GPA and participation in basketball and BSU, crediting staff interventions. Students also presented short video testimonials about the biomedical CTE pathway, visual and performing arts (noting the school is one of three middle schools in the nation with a color guard program), and extracurriculars such as outdoor outreach, spring camp and leadership training.
Social workers and counselors described after‑school and weekend leadership camps, outdoor experiences (rock climbing, kayaking and surfing) and partnerships with Positive Movement and community organizations that funded trips, staff wellness and school events. Instructional coach Mrs. Gallardo described weekly coaching supports for teachers, coaching cycles, instructional walks and a school‑wide focus on reading comprehension and teacher professional learning.
Board members thanked staff and students and praised the school’s emphasis on belonging and whole‑child approaches. Trustee Smith and Trustee Preciado singled out social workers and extracurricular programming for enabling student success beyond the classroom. The board accepted the recognition and received a certificate and student artwork before the school and board posed for a photo.
The presentation was informational; trustees used remarks to commend the school’s approach and to encourage continued investment in pathways and student supports.
