Category: miami dade

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Jesus Zeus Salas Has First EESAC Meeting

When he served as Principal for a Day at the Miami Dade County Public School Juvenile Justice Center last year, Jesus Zeus Salas was invited to serve on the Center’s “EESAC.” The Education Excellence School Advisory Committee is a crucial part of educational administration in the state of Florida, and Jesus Zeus Salas was honored to accept a seat on the committee after his day spent motivating students, assisting with technological concerns, and speaking with vendors to get the school the best possible prices on supplies and equipment.

Jesus Salas at the Miami Dade Public School Juvenile Justice Center
Jesus Salas with Principal S.Payne Miami Dade Public School Juvenile Justice Center

As a member of the Education Excellence School Advisory Committee, Jesus Zeus Salas will be part of the sole governing body of the school. When he sits in on his first meeting on March 13, 2013, Jesus Zeus Salas will assist administrators as they make decisions related to educational improvement and various accountability processes.

The EESAC first became a part of Florida schools in the early 1990s as part of a larger scheme to reform the educational system and better hold teachers and administrators accountable for the success of their students. In addition to general decision making, Jesus Zeus Salas will have a voice in involving stakeholders of all kinds in the decision-making process. Jesus Zeus Salas will also help administrators prepare the School Improvement Plan (SIP) documents on a yearly basis, and review progress throughout the school year. Finally, Jesus Zeus Salas will help to ensure that the Juvenile Justice Center adheres to all state and district goals and standards.

Jesus Zeus Salas looks forward to his continued involvement with the Juvenile Justice Center. In addition to serving on the EESAC, Jesus Zeus Salas hopes to work further with students as he did on his day as principal, helping them to form long-term goals and acquire the skills that they need to achieve them.

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The Importance of Community Involvement in Schools by Jesus Zeus Salas

Jesus Salas
Jesus Zeus Salas with Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho

Although Jesus Zeus Salas has made a name for himself as an award-winning, 20-year veteran of the Spanish-language broadcasting industry, he has taken a recent interest in improving educational opportunities for students in the greater Miami metro area. In light of his recent work with the Miami-Dade County Public School Juvenile Justice Center, Jesus Zeus Salas offers the following insight into why community involvement in schools is so important.

  • Numerous studies have shown that schools do better with community involvement. Drop-out rates are lower and student motivation levels are higher at schools with high community involvement, regardless of whether involvement takes place at the elementary or high school level and regardless of the economic status of the school or its students.
  • With budget cuts, many schools are not getting the support from local municipalities and governments that they need to succeed, and many of the programs that most appeal to students (such as art, music, and sports) are disappearing. Community lobbying, through writing letters to local government officials or attending school board meetings, can help preserve the systemic integrity of public school districts.
  • Community-based initiatives can often help students offer services that can help underprivileged students succeed, such as health clinics, after-school tutoring, book donation programs, and extra meal services. Volunteer hours and resources from parents, friends, and local professionals can make a world of difference for a student who may not have access to appropriate care at home.
  • When open lines of communication exist between parents, teachers, and administrators, school can be “brought home” far more easily. Many working parents don’t have the opportunity to get up to a child’s school for meetings, but regular contact through notes or brief conversations can help parents become more aware of any behavioral issues, homework expectations, and school policies. Likewise, teachers can learn more abut factors at home that may be affecting a student’s ability to perform at school.

For these reasons and more, it’s crucial that parents and local community members get involved in their schools. Today’s students are the leaders of tomorrow, and they deserve that every effort be invested in their success, betterment, and well-being. If you’re interested in finding more information about why community involvement is so important, or examples of ways that you can get involved with the schools in your own community, consider taking a look at the online resources listed below.

www.nea.org/assets/docs/PB11_ParentInvolvement08.pdf

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/community-parent-involvement-essential-anne-obrien

http://teaching.about.com/od/ParentalInvolvement/ht/Promoting-School-Support-Throughout-Your-Community.htm

http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/familycommunity/index_sub1.html

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How to Encourage Teens to Stay in School by Jesus Zeus Salas

Jesus Salas Certificate of Appreciation
Jesus Salas Certificate of Appreciation from Everglades K-8 Career Day

Jesus Zeus Salas is a strong supporter of the Miami-Dade Public School System. Encouraged by his recent participation in the Principal for a Day Program, Jesus Zeus Salas has formed a commitment to improving education in Miami, and encouraging teens to stay in school and take advantage of all the opportunities that a thorough education has to offer. Jesus Zeus Salas offers the following tips for getting teens to stay in school:

1. Focus on the Future

For many teens who want to drop out of high school, there is a distinct disconnect between what they want now and their understanding of how it will affect them in the future. Remind teens that in today’s world, professional success relies heavily on not only a high school but college education, and that earning power is highly correlated with level of educational completion. Plus, teens gain crucial job skills in school, from reading, writing, and math abilities to skills relating to communication and problem solving.

2. Talk About Health

According to the Center for Disease Control, those who complete high school are less likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors like drug abuse and heavy drinking. Young women who stay in school are also less likely to have an unplanned pregnancy. In addition, schools frequently offer a way for financially disadvantaged students to have access to basic health care and healthy meals. Teens may not realize the benefits that school can offer outside of a career path.

3. Offer Support

If the underlying cause of a teen’s desire to drop out of high school has to do with poor grades or a sense that education isn’t “for them,” identify problem areas. Many cities and towns offer free tutoring to struggling students through a school, library, or community center. Encouragement and role modeling at home helps, too. Place an emphasis on education in the home, and consider engaging in family activities like going to a museum or learning a new skill together.

4. Look For Alternatives

It’s entirely possible that an academic career may not be what your teen has their eye on for the future. However, dropping out still isn’t the answer. Talk to your teen about possibilities like trade school instead of a traditional four-year college. While your teen is in high school, find local professionals in a career that your teen might enjoy, and try to find job, internship, or apprenticeship opportunities.

You may follow Jesus Zeus Salas on Twitter @SalasMedia

For more information about the importance of keeping teens in school, and advice on ways to prevent teens from dropping out, check out the following links:

http://www.helium.com/items/2057759-Parenting-Teens

http://www.ehow.com/about_6497711_should-teens-stay-school_.html

http://www.essortment.com/family-parenting-encourage-teen-stay-school-37003.html

http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971669/preventing-school-dropouts

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How to Get Involved in Education by Jesus Salas

Kids who are in school right now are the thinkers, leaders, and doers of tomorrow. But in many places in the United States, the education system simply isn’t receiving the support and resources it needs to provide students with the guidance they need to excel. Jesus Salas, who recently participated in his Miami community’s Principal Day initiative, suggests the following ways that you can get involved in your community’s schools, whether or not you’re a parent.

Jesus Salas
Jesus Salas with Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho

Be a Tutor

Many students today don’t have family members who have the time to help them with their homework after school. If you have a talent for reading, math, or any other subject, think about volunteering your time to help kids brush up on concepts they need to spend a little extra time with. Even if your algebra days are long gone and you couldn’t tell a coordinating conjunction from a transitive verb if your life depended on it, consider helping kids manage their time by showing them the value of making schedules.

Attend School Meetings

As a tax-paying member of your community, you have the right to be involved in school board meetings. Just by showing up, you’ll show administrators that you care about the quality of your community’s education. Feel free to ask questions and voice your opinion about the issues that you feel matter the most. If you’re a parent, joining a PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) can give an extra boost to your administrative involvement.

Support Leadership and Development

This is an avenue for you to push for quality education with your wallet. Help establish scholarship funds to send teachers to workshops and conferences. Or, create a funding pool for students who want to attend outside educational programs they might not be able to afford themselves. This type of fund can also help students cover the cost of college applications.

Stay Informed

It’s especially important for supporters of public schools to stay informed about what’s going on in the government when it comes to education. Currently, many states have bills in their legislative branches that seek to limit certain aspects of instruction, or that are cutting funding from various program. Know what issues are up for vote in your community. If there’s a ballot initiative in your community that affects education, get out and vote.

Talk to Your Schools

Principal Day is just one of many community initiatives that bring individuals and schools together to improve educational opportunities and access. Get in touch with your local schools to see how you can best support them, and what options are available for volunteering or other involvement.

Sources:

http://www.pbs.org/weta/twoschools/getinvolved/empowering/100ways.html

http://www.pbs.org/pov/principalstory/take_action.php#.UMJ1VpPjn9I

http://www.bhg.com/health-family/school/back-to-school/get-involved-in-your-childs-education/?page=2

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Jesus Salas with Chairman Commissioner Sosa
Jesus Salas with Chairman Commissioner Rebeca Sosa distributing toys with Santa.

Jesus Salas Joins Toy Giveaway for Less Fortunate

Jesus Salas was the Master of Ceremony for the Children and Youth Life Christmas event toy giveaway. This event began 16 years ago for disabled, terminally ill and disadvantaged children to be able to experience a Magical Christmas that due to dire needs they would never have had. The foundation President Lillian Vila along with Dr. Garcia have worked diligently to make this event a success each year.

“A lot of these children do not have a long life due to medical illness or condition and this is a chance to put a smile on these beautiful children” Jesus Salas said.

For Jesus Salas, charity and kindness are traits that are a part of regular, everyday life. Always willing to help someone out of a jam, Jesus Salas will put aside anything in order to help your situation.

Jesus Salas with Marine Gunnery Sergeant Victore
Jesus Salas with Marine Gunnery Sergeant Victore

As a highly successful achiever, Jesus Salas knows that there’s a lot to be said for hard work. However, Jesus Salas doesn’t put so much stock in hard work that he forgets about the role of charity. After all, not everyone can turn around their immediate situation with a good dose of hard work. Some people are truly down on their luck, and need a helping hand to pull them up and get them “back in the game.”

Jesus Salas Giving Toys
Jesus Salas Giving Toys

Currently, Jesus Salas is in the process of planning a Gentlemen’s Night Fund raiser for this coming April that will benefit the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation. As the event’s co-chair, Jesus Salas Miami has a lot of organizational and strategic responsibilities. Fortunately for Jesus Salas Miami (and the Foundation) those are his strengths!

Jesus Salas with Lillian Vila of Children Youth Life Foundation
Jesus Salas with Lillian Vila of Children Youth Life Foundation
Jesus Salas with Fanny Navarro animal trainer Zoo Miami (former Metro-Zoo)
Jesus Salas with Fanny Navarro animal trainer Zoo Miami (former Metro-Zoo)

Jesus Salas serves as Executive Vice President of Programming at Spanish Broadcasting Systems while doing all of the other things Jesus Salas enjoys. In 2012 alone, Jesus Salas Miami received two high-profile industry awards, adopted a new pet, and has been busy as a volunteer.

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Jesus Salas at the Miami Dade Public School Juvenile Justice Center
Jesus Salas (right) and Steven W. Payne Jr.

Location: Miami, FL

Jesus Salas is honored to announce that he was chosen to serve as Principal for a Day in the Miami-Dade County school system. A professional in communications, Jesus Salas believes in investing time and energy in children and their education.

“Education is a huge part of the opportunity to excel personally and professionally for kids today,” said Jesus Salas. “Investing in education means investing in the economy, and helping the leaders of the future achieve success.”

Principal Day gives over 400 business and community leaders the opportunity to see firsthand a day in the life of a Miami-Dade County public school. In conjunction with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, small business owners, corporate executives and elected officials can translate their ideas and interests into direct resources for schools.

As Principal for a Day, Jesus Salas had the chance to participate in the daily activities of students at the Miami Dade County Public School Juvenile Justice Center. Here, he was greeted warmly by Site Administrator Mr. Steven W. Payne Jr, and then received a whirlwind tour of the school, visiting classes and interacting with students. Jesus Salas provided assistance to students and teachers in the realm of technology, provided motivational exercises, and told the kids about his own work in a question and answer section.

“The students were very attentive in our conversations and interactions,” Jesus Salas remarked. “Future goals and dreams are a big part of their lives, and they wanted to know more about how they can achieve those goals. The students were very interested in the entertainment business, in particular, and I answered questions about getting into various aspects of the field, from writing, rapping, singing and acting, to wanting to take business administration classes. It was an excellent experience.”

A proponent of excellence in education and community service in general, Jesus Salas valued the learning experience, and hopes to continue his involvement with the school. At the end of the school day, Jesus Salas met with the Superintendent Daryl Borroff Wolf. Superintendent Wolf invited Jesus Salas to join the Advisory committee for the Center, an offer that he was delighted to receive.

About: Jesus Salas is the Executive Vice President of Programming at Spanish Broadcasting Systems.