Capo Unified Gives Biannual Report on Cultural Proficiency Measures

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Since the Board of Trustees adopted a cultural proficiency plan in December 2020, the Capistrano Unified School District has made strides toward its goals to increase inclusion and understanding with cultural differences and diversities.

One point of progress has been the translation of district documents into Spanish, including 38 CUSD Insider articles and 18 news updates and family messages, district staff mentioned to the trustees on July 19.

Interpreters, the district noted in a biannual report, have also provided Spanish support at the past 12 board meetings.

Additionally, CUSD Insider has published articles showcasing English learner graduates and success stories,

Native American cultural events in elementary schools, and Positive Behavior Intervention Support programs and certifications.

“Our dedicated counselors implemented cultural proficiency lessons at our district’s kindergarten through grade 12 school sites,” said Refugio Gracian, executive director of Cultural Proficiency, Access, Equity, and Social Emotional Learning.

Counselors have also been trained in suicide prevention since mental health has been a focus of the cultural proficiency plan. To aid in further mental health capabilities, professional learning courses are also being offered this summer on mindfulness, youth mental health, and trauma-informed care.

Representing the City of Dana Point will be Mayor Frost, who said that while the harbor is owned by the county,“we at the city deal with all the stakeholders in the Harbor and want to help ensure a successful project for everyone.”

Jon’s Fish Market owner Shala Manseur and Westwind Sailing Executive Director Diane Wenzel were selected to represent businesses in the harbor.

Having run Westwind Sailing in the harbor for 37 years, Wenzel said she’s seen a lot of changes over the years.

“I’ve dealt with everything as a business owner, from changes from Parks to Harbor Department to all the different changes and navigating all of that,” Wenzel said. “Just seeing a lot of things coming and going and changing in the harbor and learning from folks along the way; met a lot of people along the way.”

As a small business owner focused on boating safety, Wenzel said she’s excited to focus on marine safety and public access to the harbor.

Wenzel added that as the harbor has become crowded with more kayak and stand-up paddleboarders, she hopes to keep the various watercrafts moving safely on the water.

“I really want to see this harbor stay very accessible and available to our community and that small harbor feel and serve our constituents that utilize our harbor,” Wenzel said.

“I’m just really appreciative of Supervisor Foley for her commitment to our harbor and transparency and our harbor community,” Wenzel continued.“She really is putting effort into learning about what’s going on and doing what’s best for our harbor and the people that utilize it.”

Manseur said that after a lot of misunderstanding with the public on the harbor

“We would like to commend the amazing CUSD site administrators and their staff for engaging and reflecting and implementing the cultural proficiency initiatives, as noted in the addendum, where all schools completed their cultural proficiency site goals,” Gracian said.

Schools will continue working to enhance those goals for the upcoming 2023-24 school year.

The biannual report also noted numerous schools such as San Clemente High School and RH Dana Elementary School have been certified as No Place for Hate, which is a national program that stands against bigotry and discrimination.

CUSD also intends to increase student access to college and career counselors for the 2023-24 school year.

“Counselors provide lessons focused on college admissions, financial aid, essay writing, building college lists, career exploration, and community college,” the revitalization, she felt the committee would be “a great communication tool.” Manseur added that she’s excited to help facilitate communication with the public and give her input as a business owner and help navigate the changes to come in the harbor.

“We’re dealing with a very small harbor with big ideas,” Manseur said, adding that she’s excited to offer ideas on how to improve on the harbor.

“I’m really proud to be a part of it, because I have a lot of love for the Partners and what they’re doing and what they are trying to do so far,” Manseur continued. “They’ve shown nothing but care for the long haul.”

A 43-year-old business in the harbor, Jon’s Fish Market has seen a lot of changes over the years, Manseur said.

“I embrace change and functioning change and trying to bring a better round of things,” Manseur said.“I love to see growth happen in a healthy way.” report said.

San Clemente resident Robert Langan and Dana Point resident Dennis Parks were selected to represent boaters. San Juan Capistrano residents Darcie Harris and Colin Harris are to serve as the public representatives. Marshall, the Ocean Institute president, will represent the educational nonprofit, and a boatswain of the Mariners 936 Sea Scouts was selected as an honorary member.

Foley explained that for the time being, the plan is for the committee to meet monthly and prepare public reports that will be published on her website and newsletter.

The committee was scheduled to hold its first meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 2.

In addition to the committee meetings, Foley aims to have two town halls every year to discuss the harbor project.

The district and College and Career Advantage Program will continue providing career technical education tours for counselors and school staff, so they become aware of career programs to share with students.

“A career fair will also be provided in the 2023-2024 school year where students