Springs’ Public Safety and Medical pathway students stepped into the roles of forensic scientists by participating in a professional-grade DNA Electrophoresis lab, reported CTE teacher Bernard Hamill.
“By connecting classroom science to the San Diego Zoo’s real-world California Condor conservation efforts,” Bernard shared, “our students gained invaluable insight into the high-stakes world of forensics and wildlife preservation.” CTE teacher Jenny Younker also helped lead this effort.
Springs’ Journey Homeschool High School student Abigail Bryson is part of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force, shared Nicole Collins. CAP is a nationally recognized program that focuses on four key areas: leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness, and character development.
Springs’ Magnolia Student Center held an All-Star Talent Show featuring 25 acts, reported Principal Jamie Secoda Martinez. Students sang, danced, read a self-created comic book, told jokes, and played instruments. Jamie said, “It was quite the show … it was amazing to see our Falcons cheer each other on.”
Springs’ Otay Ranch Academy for the Arts (ORAA) has a new U.S.A. map painted on the ground in its pick up and drop off area, reported Principal Brynne Dukes. The map was painted by teacher John Proctor’s son, who is working towards being an Eagle Scout with Boy Scout Troop #895.
Springs’ Cherry Valley Student Center has begun construction on a variety of improvements on its site, including adding six classrooms, a main office, an outdoor gathering area, staff parking, and an outdoor performing arts center, reported Principal Tammy Slaten. Construction is expected to be completed by mid-fall 2026.
Springs’ Classical Community of OC has been “buzzing with engaging learning across grade levels,” reported Linda Larson, Homeschool director. In history, students wrapped up a hands-on study of the 13 colonies with younger students exploring colonial life through jobs, quill writing, and sewing, while older students researched regions, created projects, and presented their learning. The educational focus has now shifted to events leading up to the American Revolution, with interactive activities helping students understand colonial perspectives.
Katherine Kim is the new principal at the Santa Ana Student Center. She is in her third year with Springs and also serves as principal of the Flabob Airport Preparatory Academy (FAPA). She has previously worked as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator for the Los Angeles Unified School District and Arizona State University Preparatory Program. She was also an Associate Professor of Education at Cal State University, Los Angeles, and Loyola Marymount University. Katherine earned her bachelor’s degree from UCLA and her master’s from USC.
Shana Diallo, Study Zone aide at the Pathfinder High School Learning Lab, shared a success story from the school’s “Eat the Frog” ritual, popularized by Brian Tracy’s book, “Eat That Frog.” Eating the Frog symbolizes doing the hard things first; to commemorate tackling their toughest assignments, students ring a celebratory bell upon completing a mastery assignment or major project.
Riverside Classical Humanities classes participated in National History Day at the Pathfinder Student Center, “celebrating the research, creativity, and hard work students have invested throughout the semester,” shared Erin Hill, instructional aide. Students explored significant historical topics of their choice, she said, conducting in-depth research using libraries, archives, and museums to better understand the past. They presented their findings through papers, exhibits, podcasts, performances, documentaries, or websites, advancing through contest levels where their work was evaluated by professional historians and educators.
Novy Fanicon, a 1st-grade student at the Rancho Cucamonga Student Center, is the February 2026 Student Artist of the Month. Her artwork is entitled “Dream Team.”
Novy likes to draw rainbows, “everything pink,” herself and her brother in the park using Sharpies, crayons, and paint. And, she said, you “can’t forget the glitter.” Besides art, she enjoys collecting stickers and making organic makeup (e.g., lip balm, lip gloss, and blush).
Springs Charter Schools are parent choice schools where the community is our classroom. Our mission is to foster the innate curiosity of our students, empower their parents, and promote optimum learning by collaboratively developing a personalized learning program for each student.
Eagle = Choice, Freedom, Initiative
River = Community
Book = Empowering Parents (Knowledge is Power)
Torch = Curiosity, Passion for Learning
Hands = Collaboration
Keys = Personalization, Unlocking the Student’s Potential
Oak Branches = Continuous Lifelong Learning
