Cesar Chavez Elementary (CCE), a unique Spanish immersion school in DJUSD, has an inherent focus on Civic and Cultural Awareness. CCE’s stated goal - to develop socially responsible, lifelong learners who embrace multiculturalism, and Spanish and English biliteracy - is codified in its Mission Statement. But you can also feel this commitment as you walk through campus. Your eyes feast upon signs, visuals, and art in different languages and aesthetics, and your ears are delighted by the richness and complexity of multiple languages and expressions.  The CCE mission is not two-dimensional text: rather, it is lived by the Chavez Community. A particularly bold and immersive example of Civic and Cultural Awareness happens during CCE’s Cesar Chavez Week Celebration, a time when the community honors the school’s namesake and heroic activist, Cesar Chavez, and the motto “Sí se puede” that is associated with the farm labor movement he and others inspired.

Sra. Chavez and her 4th grade Spanish Immersion students deepened their Civic & Cultural Awareness this year by reflecting on their growth mindset, both inside and outside of the classroom.  Students took inventory of their experiences in sports, music, relationships, academics, and personal life. Then, they began to reflect on where they had encountered challenges and how they were able to overcome them and grow. In the project, students were offered the opportunity to express how they have used the school’s mantra “¡Sí se puede!” to overcome or persevere through one of their challenges.  
Student expressions were captured in written expression or as individual art pieces to show their version of “yes, it can be done.”  As students recognize and respect the legacy of César Chávez and the farm labor movement, in fighting for justice, they also develop and establish an awareness of the responsibilities of contributing individuals in a diverse society.  By engaging in this reflection and creative expression, students become more aware that cooperation within a community can lead to great change. As they learn about each other’s challenges and growth, they come to appreciate the differences in values that may exist between themselves and people from other countries or from varying social and cultural backgrounds. And, finally, through this work, many students recognize that their own growth mindset has been nurtured along the way with the support of family, friends, and other members of the community.

__________________________________________________________________________________
"I yearn to give my students an opportunity to apply their knowledge of César Chávez and the UFW in a tangible way. In other words, through this project, students were encouraged to see reflections of themselves and their experiences through the lens of "¡Sí se puede!". In doing so, students would feel more seen, valued, and affirmed in their differences, and to also recognize and respect the differences in others."
- Sra. Chávez
__________________________________________________________________________________

"It was really fun to paint! It brought me back to the many memories I have of playing basketball. Now that I play basketball, I am reminded of that moment I sat down and painted my canvas. I am forever reminded of the "Sí se puede!" spirit whenever basketball becomes challenging." 
- Luke Pinkerton
__________________________________________________________________________________

"When life throws you soccer balls kick them in the goal! In the canvas, it shows my difficult soccer trials. It was an opportunity for not only forming new friendships but overcoming physical challenges when playing soccer. I was reminded of "Sí se puede!" in that moment and continue to be reminded now being on a soccer team!"

- Cyra Ruebelt