Students at ALBA, a San Diego Unified community school in Normal Heights, recently hosted their Phoenix Forum: Create. Cultivate. Celebrate. The event featured student-produced films, a student-built paper mache phoenix, a student-run market with handmade T-shirts, bags and other items, and fresh produce harvested from the school's aquaponics garden.
“What a day to celebrate family, collaboration, and growth! One of my favorite days of the year!” said Meghan Voeltner, principal at ALBA.
Students took the lead greeting guests and handing out ALBAponics tote bags. The work on display was made possible by two California Teachers Association (CTA) Institute for Teaching (IFT) grants totaling $40,000 awarded to ALBA teachers this school year.
Through the Phoenix Forum, students practiced public speaking, leadership and collaboration by presenting their work to families and community members. These experiences align with the district’s Goals and Guardrails, which set measurable targets for student wellness, literacy, problem-solving, math and college and career readiness.
Teacher Anne Armstrong received the $20,000 IFT grant to build a sustainable aquaponics garden on campus. Students have been growing fresh produce and learning about biology, environmental science and food systems as part of an environmental learning cohort. At the Phoenix Forum, students harvested produce for guests and made sure everyone had something to take home.
“The IFT grant helped us build more than an aquaponics system. It helped us build community,” said Armstrong, IFT Grant Coordinator at ALBA. “Our students grew food for their families, invited neighbors to share in the harvest, and will soon bring everyone together for a shared meal. Along the way, they’ve grown in confidence, responsibility, and pride. They’re not just learning about sustainability. They’re living it.”
Teacher Mark Hoskisson received a separate IFT grant for digital media production. The funding was used to purchase cameras and sound equipment, creating a student film studio on campus. Students have been writing, shooting and editing their own films throughout the school year, and their work was screened at the event.
Three organizations partnered with ALBA on the projects showcased at the event. Media Arts Center San Diego (Digital Gym) has worked with ALBA for four years, bringing film and media production into the classroom. ArtReach collaborated with students to create the paper mache phoenix that served as a centerpiece of the event. Aquaponics 4 Life, a nonprofit, serves as a mentor to Armstrong and the school’s aquaponics program.
ALBA is part of San Diego Unified’s first cohort of community schools. The model brings together families, educators and local organizations to support students through academic programs and wraparound services.
More than 50 guests, including families, community members and district leaders, attended the student-led showcase at the Area D campus.
In May, ALBA students will plan and prepare a community lunch using fish and produce harvested from the school’s aquaponics garden. The IFT grant funding must be used by July.
Article written by a communications team member on behalf of the San Diego Unified School District Strategic Communications and Information Department.