Prospect High School students and staff were recognized and asked to provide the keynote address at the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) State Inclusive Collaborative Conference on Thursday, October 24. The Inclusion Collaborative of SCCOE promotes a culture that values all children by strengthening, sustaining, and ensuring inclusive practices.
Special education teacher Bobby Joe Stewart shared the process of building a co-teaching model to ensure all students receive rigorous learning standards. JV Football head coach and student aide Rob Mendez also spoke about his experience at Prospect and his focus on inclusion as a coach and aide for students.
Students Janelle Schumacher, Lauren Duisenberg, and Haley Stringer were also spotlighted at the conference for their leadership in the Best Buddies club, which provides an opportunity to bridge the gap between general education students and students with disabilities. Student football captain "Toa" Tautolo also spoke about seeing people for their potential on and off the football field.
“It was an incredibly proud moment for Prospect, “ said Principal Paul Pinza in an email to all Prospect staff. “This team of Panthers was great exemplars of the work you all do to maintain that culture that welcomes and supports every single learner on our campus. All of us make inclusion happen every day.”
Great job panthers and thank you for your continued effort to ensure all students feel safe, supported and valued at Prospect High School!