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CREATIVE WRITING DESIGN & PRODUCTION DANCE MUSIC THEATRE VISUAL & MEDIA ARTS CREATIVE WRITING DESIGN & PRODUCTION DANCE MUSIC THEATRE VISUAL & MEDIA ARTS CREATIVE WRITING DESIGN & PRODUCTION DANCE MUSIC THEATRE VISUAL & MEDIA ARTS CREATIVE WRITING DESIGN & PRODUCTION DANCE MUSIC THEATRE VISUAL & MEDIA ARTS CREATIVE WRITING DESIGN & PRODUCTION DANCE MUSIC THEATRE VISUAL & MEDIA ARTS YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE Location EXPLORE Book a campus tour and see where creativity comes to life. Note WATCH Attend one of our captivating performances or creative exhibitions! User AUDITION Show us your passion and take the first step toward joining our arts community. EXPRESSION SDSCPA provides a supportive environment where students are encouraged to explore and develop their creative talents through various artistic disciplines. COMMUNITY SDSCPA nurtures collaboration, encourages mutual respect, and fosters a shared passion for creativity among students and faculty. OPPORTUNITY SDSCPA provides students with opportunities to access to professional networks, real-world experiences, and diverse programs that enhance their artistic skills and career prospects. SDUSD Resources These links connect students and families to helpful San Diego Unified School District resources for both middle and high school. You’ll find information on academic planning, graduation requirements, extracurricular opportunities, and supports that help guide students through every stage of their school journey. Middle School High School

BELL SCHEDULE TRANSPORTATION ACADEMIC RESOURCES STUDENT ACTIVITIES CORE ACADEMY SITE CALENDAR SENIOR CLASS Calendar CALENDAR BELL SCHEDULE A/B Day Early Release/ PD Early Releases Dates - No Late Bus Service TRANSPORTATION SCHEDULE DOWNLOAD CORE ACADEMY Core Academy provides students with an opportunity to receive additional academic support while also recouping a full-day absence. Each session is four hours, and students must remain for the entire session in order to clear a full-day absence. SIGN UP STUDENT ACTIVITIES SDSCPA offers a variety of student activities during lunch and after school, including clubs, tutoring, and staff-supported programs in the Creative Genius Lab. Activities List ACADEMIC RESOURCES Below are helpful online resources for parents and students to support learning, communication, and school success. POWERSCHOOL Stay connected with real-time access to grades, attendance, schedules, and assignments. The portal helps parents and students track progress and communicate with teachers easily. CLEVER Clever is your one-stop hub for all your learning apps and resources. Just log in once to access everything you need for class—assignments, tools, and more—all in one place! CANVAS Canvas is your online classroom. Log in to view assignments, submit work, check grades, join discussions, and message your teachers—all in one place. Stay organized and on track with everything you need for school! SENIOR CLASS WEBSITE SDSCPA ONLINE APPAREL STORE Every purchase you make is not just a style statement but also a step towards helping the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA). A generous 25% of all sales go directly to the school, aiding in enriching educational programs, supporting the arts, and nurturing the dreams of our talented students. SHOP NOW!

BELL SCHEDULE TRANSPORTATION ACADEMIC RESOURCES STUDENT ACTIVITIES CORE ACADEMY SITE CALENDAR SENIOR CLASS Calendar CALENDAR BELL SCHEDULE A/B Day Early Release/ PD Early Releases Dates - No Late Bus Service TRANSPORTATION SCHEDULE DOWNLOAD CORE ACADEMY Core Academy provides students with an opportunity to receive additional academic support while also recouping a full-day absence. Each session is four hours, and students must remain for the entire session in order to clear a full-day absence. SIGN UP STUDENT ACTIVITIES SDSCPA offers a variety of student activities during lunch and after school, including clubs, tutoring, and staff-supported programs in the Creative Genius Lab. Activities List ACADEMIC RESOURCES Below are helpful online resources for parents and students to support learning, communication, and school success. POWERSCHOOL Stay connected with real-time access to grades, attendance, schedules, and assignments. The portal helps parents and students track progress and communicate with teachers easily. CLEVER Clever is your one-stop hub for all your learning apps and resources. Just log in once to access everything you need for class—assignments, tools, and more—all in one place! CANVAS Canvas is your online classroom. Log in to view assignments, submit work, check grades, join discussions, and message your teachers—all in one place. Stay organized and on track with everything you need for school! SENIOR CLASS WEBSITE

DANCE SDSCPA Dance fosters an inclusive and supportive environment for top-tier dance training. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes classical ballet and modern dance, while offering all students, regardless of level, the chance to train and perform with industry professionals, nurturing both their artistry and technical excellence. LEARN MORE What sets SDSCPA apart from the rest? ALL STUDENTS ARE WELCOMED Be welcomed into into a program that lifts students from all backgrounds to successfully complete a dance capstone and be college and conservatory ready regardless of former dance training. FACULTY Department Chair Annette Barcelona Annette Barcelona is the Dance Department Chair at SDSCPA. She earned an MFA degree from The Florida State University's School of Dance where she received the 2015-2016 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award. She received her BFA in Dance Education from Brenau University, in Gainesville, GA, where she was awarded the Carol Smiarowski Memorial Dance Scholarship recognizing both artistic and academic excellence. While at Brenau, she completed her Teaching Licensure in Dance Education K-12 and holds a California Single-Subject Teaching Credential in Physical Education/Dance. She holds a California College Career & Technical Credential (CCTE) in Arts, Media and Entertainment and Fashion & Interior Design. Annette is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 7 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She is a Certified Balanced Body University Pilates Instructor and Progressing Ballet Technique Instructor. Originally from Michigan, Annette received early ballet training from Therese Bullard (Royal Winnipeg Ballet) at The Bullard School of Ballet and later with Carol Radovic (Vaganova Academy) at CAS Ballet Theatre. She has trained in various ballet styles including, Royal Academy of Dance, Vaganova, Cecchetti and Balanchine (Suzanne Farrell). Barcelona attended numerous intensive programs including The Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Vail, The Kirov Academy of Ballet, and The Eglevsky Ballet. She was also accepted into The Boston Ballet School's year round program. Annette's performing career began at a young age touring with The Kalamazoo Ballet Company. She attended and performed as a company member for multiple Regional Dance America Festivals where she earned a full scholarship to the Craft of Choreography Conference at The University of Iowa. She has danced professionally as a principal dancer with Ann Arbor Ballet Theatre and The Gainesville Ballet Company performing leading roles in numerous full-length ballets including The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland and A Midsummer Nights Dream. She has been priviledged to perform works by George Balanchine, Marius Patipa, Anna Sokolow, Marina Leonova, August Tye, Luba Gulyaeva, Anjali Austin (Dance Theatre of Harlem), Anthony Morgan (Martha Graham Company), and Rick McCullough (Nederlands Dance Theatre.) Annette travels nationally for master classes and choreographic commissions for ballet studios, regional companies, universities, and schools. She was a finalist award recipient at The 2018 McCallum Theatre Choreography Festival. Her choreography has been presented at The Regional Dance America Pacific Festival, American College Dance Association Conference, The Regional High School Dance Festival and The Arts School Network Conference. She has choreographed numerous shorter works in addition to two full-length ballet productions, Cinderella and Snow White. Her recent choreography has been performed by Ballet Yuma, North Coast Ballet California, The Tallahassee Ballet, Company Etudes Youth Ballet, The Gainesville Ballet Company, Brenau University, Florida State University and dancers from The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. Mail Dance Educator Annie Boyer Annie Boyer graduated cum laude from The Boston Conservatory with a BFA in Dance in 2001. She earned her Single-Subject Teaching Credential in Physical Education from National University in 2019, and holds a California College Career & Technical Credential (CCTE) in Arts, Media and Entertainment. Annie is also an ABT® Certified Teacher, having successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. Growing up in Maryland, Annie was awarded early-release from high school to attend a pre-professional ballet program. She supplemented her training with workshops and summer intensives with Houston Ballet, BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio, and Suzanne Farrell at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. After graduating high school, she attended the summer intensive at the internationally acclaimed school at Jacob’s Pillow in the Berkshires, and it was then that she first fell in love with modern dance. At The Boston Conservatory, Annie continued her training in both ballet and modern, studying the techniques of Martha Graham, José Limón, and Paul Taylor. She also trained each summer during college with choreographer Seán Curran, formerly of Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company. After college, Annie spent seven years as a company member with Seán Curran Company, performing in New York City and touring throughout the United States. Additionally, she performed with The Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Opera. Annie then moved across the country and joined Jean Isaacs San Diego Dance Theater. She performed with the company from 2007 to 2018, and worked with renowned choreographers such as Monica Bill-Barnes, Gabe Masson, Greg Sample, and Gina Bolles Sorenson and Kyle Sorenson of somebodies dance theater. Throughout Annie’s professional performing career she taught dance to university students around the country, most notably at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, as well as other professional dancers. While living in New York, she taught dance to children, preschoolers and elementary age dancers in private dance studios. Later on, living in San Diego, she and her wife co-founded and directed DANCE FIERCE, an after school program for middle and high school students, in affiliation with San Diego Dance Theater (SDDT) from 2010 to 2013. Lastly, Annie has also been teaching dance as a Guest Artist for over a decade at schools all over San Diego, including Canyon Crest Academy in Carmel Valley, Coronado High School and Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA), and others, and she conducted her student teaching at Creative Performing Media Arts Middle School (CPMA). Mail Dance Educator Jessica Curiel Jessica Curiel is a dancer, choreographer, and faculty member at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. She began her dance training at O’Farrell SCPA at age 10 and followed SDSCPA to the Dusk Drive campus in its inaugural year. She continued her dance education in college, graduating with university and department honors from the University of California, San Diego with a double major in Dance and Ethnic Studies. Her collegiate awards include the Stuart Award for choreography and the Leandra Smith Award for excellence as a dancer, dance educator, and choreographer. Ms. Curiel graduated Magna Cum Laude from National University with a teaching credential and Master’s of Education in Cross Cultural Curriculum. Ms. Curiel’s dance training includes a year of independent study at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater School (Graham and Horton modern dance techniques, ballet, yoga, Pilates, and jazz dance), over 25 years of study with Jean Isaacs (Graham/Limon based technique), Teacher Training Intensives at the Martha Graham School in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2023, and the Teacher Training Intensive in 2022 with the José Limón Foundation. Ms. Curiel’s performing career includes performing works on the professional stage by Monica Bill Barnes & Company, Jean Isaacs, Lavina Rich, and others. In addition, Ms. Curiel has appeared in several dance festivals such as Trolley Dances, Live Arts Fest, and Art Power’s WOW (WithOut Walls) Festival. Ms. Curiel's choreographic work has appeared on the SDSCPA stage and the stages of many schools in San Diego County, at the Young Choreographer’s Contest and Prize, and at Liberty Station’s First Friday Artwalk. For her efforts in bridging SDSCPA with the professional dance community, Ms. Curiel was awarded the Visual and Performing Arts Spotlight Award for Community Engagement in 2018. She has, also, earned two Visual and Performing Arts Foundation Enhancement Grants in 2019 and 2021, which were used to fund guest artist experiences for SDSCPA dance majors. Ms. Curiel has been influential in developing a dance education curriculum that provides SDSCPA Dance Majors with conservatory training, performance opportunities, and professional skills that support success in the students’ postsecondary experiences and dance careers. Ms. Curiel is enthusiastic about continuing to refine the SDSCPA Dance Program’s curriculum, producing the extra curricular performance season, and, of course, working with the amazing SDSCPA Dance Majors! When Ms. Curiel is not dancing or teaching, she enjoys traveling, hiking, going to the beach, laughing with friends and family, and practicing yoga. Mail

STUDENTS EARN AN AVERAGE OF 17 UNITS OF COLLEGE CREDIT 32 WEIGHTED COURSES ARE OFFERED 100% GRADUATION RATE $14.4 MILLION OF SCHOLARSHIP MONEY EARNED LAST YEAR THE ART OF THINKING CRITICALLY At SDSCPA, we take pride in developing sophisticated, literate, and critical thinkers ready to engage in the global economy. Our rigorous academic program challenges students to think deeply, communicate clearly, and apply intellectual curiosity across all disciplines. Rooted in a culture that values both scholarship and creativity, our students graduate prepared to innovate, lead, and make meaningful contributions to the world. ACADEMICALLY RIGOROUS AND ARTS INTEGRATED CURRICULUM We offer students a wide range of opportunities to expand their academic horizons. Through our partnership with San Diego City College, students can enroll in dual-credit courses that fulfill both UC/CSU admission and high school graduation requirements—over 90% of SDSCPA students complete at least one college course. Our curriculum also includes Honors and Advanced Placement options in the arts, English, mathematics, science, and history/social science, as well as innovative UC Curriculum Integration (UCCI) courses that combine academic rigor with creative, arts-based learning. HONORED FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA) holds the highest level of accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)—a comprehensive review process that affirms our commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, and student achievement. WASC accreditation ensures that our academic programs meet the highest standards of quality and continuous improvement recognized across California and the nation. SDSCPA is also recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s “Best High Schools,” an honor that highlights schools demonstrating exceptional academic performance, college readiness, and equitable access to opportunity. These distinctions reflect SDSCPA’s dedication to preparing students for success in both higher education and the creative industries. STUDIO HABITS OF MIND At the heart of our work is the Studio Habits of Mind framework, which cultivates students’ ability to develop craft, persist, envision, express, observe, reflect, and explore. These habits build the intellectual discipline of a scholar. Students learn to question deeply, think critically, and translate ideas into action through curiosity and reflection. By engaging in these habits, they strengthen analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication—skills essential to all academic and creative pursuits.

OUR SEASON Welcome to our vibrant season of theatre, dance, and creative art! Get ready to be mesmerized by the creativity and talent of our students as they bring stories to life through captivating performances, expressive movements, dynamic writing, and stunning visual art. Join us in celebrating the power of the arts to inspire, provoke thought, and ignite imagination. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to the scene, we promise an unforgettable journey through the magic of theatre, the beauty of dance, and the depth of artistic expression. Welcome to a season filled with creativity, passion, and endless possibilities! BUY TICKETS ONLINE

OUR SEASON Welcome to our vibrant season of theatre, dance, and creative art! Get ready to be mesmerized by the creativity and talent of our students as they bring stories to life through captivating performances, expressive movements, dynamic writing, and stunning visual art. Join us in celebrating the power of the arts to inspire, provoke thought, and ignite imagination. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to the scene, we promise an unforgettable journey through the magic of theatre, the beauty of dance, and the depth of artistic expression. Welcome to a season filled with creativity, passion, and endless possibilities! BUY TICKETS ONLINE

WORLD LANGUAGE Our mission is to foster language proficiency by engaging students in regular, meaningful practice that promotes both written and oral communication in the target language. We are committed to supporting each student's growth through clear expectations, self-assessment, and collaborative review, ensuring high standards in both participation and academic performance. By working closely with counseling staff, we aim to place students in courses that best support their language development, equipping them for success in their language-learning journey. FACULTY Annie Burnham World Language Educator Mail Violetta Perez-Smith World Language Educator Mail Maria Ramos World Language Educator Mail

STUDENTS EARN AN AVERAGE OF 17 UNITS OF COLLEGE CREDIT 32 WEIGHTED COURSES ARE OFFERED 100% GRADUATION RATE $14.4 MILLION OF SCHOLARSHIP MONEY EARNED LAST YEAR THE ART OF THINKING CRITICALLY At SDSCPA, we take pride in developing sophisticated, literate, and critical thinkers ready to engage in the global economy. Our rigorous academic program challenges students to think deeply, communicate clearly, and apply intellectual curiosity across all disciplines. Rooted in a culture that values both scholarship and creativity, our students graduate prepared to innovate, lead, and make meaningful contributions to the world. ACADEMICALLY RIGOROUS AND ARTS INTEGRATED CURRICULUM We offer students a wide range of opportunities to expand their academic horizons. Through our partnership with San Diego City College, students can enroll in dual-credit courses that fulfill both UC/CSU admission and high school graduation requirements—over 90% of SDSCPA students complete at least one college course. Our curriculum also includes Honors and Advanced Placement options in the arts, English, mathematics, science, and history/social science, as well as innovative UC Curriculum Integration (UCCI) courses that combine academic rigor with creative, arts-based learning. HONORED FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA) holds the highest level of accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)—a comprehensive review process that affirms our commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, and student achievement. WASC accreditation ensures that our academic programs meet the highest standards of quality and continuous improvement recognized across California and the nation. SDSCPA is also recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s “Best High Schools,” an honor that highlights schools demonstrating exceptional academic performance, college readiness, and equitable access to opportunity. These distinctions reflect SDSCPA’s dedication to preparing students for success in both higher education and the creative industries. STUDIO HABITS OF MIND At the heart of our work is the Studio Habits of Mind framework, which cultivates students’ ability to develop craft, persist, envision, express, observe, reflect, and explore. These habits build the intellectual discipline of a scholar. Students learn to question deeply, think critically, and translate ideas into action through curiosity and reflection. By engaging in these habits, they strengthen analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication—skills essential to all academic and creative pursuits.

MUSIC The SDSCPA Music Department inspires passion through rigorous programs in instrumental, vocal, and music production. With courses in theory, piano, and ensembles, students gain artistry, resilience, and professionalism, preparing for excellence in college, careers, and lifelong musical journeys. LEARN MORE What sets SDSCPA apart from the rest? MULTIPLE PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES Perform both on stage and throughout the San Diego community as a soloist, in small chamber groups, and in large ensembles FACULTY Vocal Educator Elena Correia Elena Correia holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from The Juilliard School and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from SDSU. With 15 years of experience as an opera singer, Ms. Correia has captivated audiences worldwide, earning 35 international awards, including an Independent Grammy Award. In addition to opera, Elena has a deep love for all music genres, which led to the creation of the jazz band J.E.T. As an educator, Ms. Correia has 20 years of teaching experience in all genres of vocal performance. She is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. Ms. Correia is dedicated to providing joy and education through vocal art and guiding others to find their unique path in the world of music. Mail Band & Jazz Educator Chaz Cabrera Chaz Cabrera's professional career started at the age of 18 when he formed a group named Jazz Avenue with five of his close friends. They competed in the national competition SchoolJam USA 2012 (sponsored by the National Association of Music Merchants), where they won the prestigious title of Best Teen Band and were given the opportunity to perform at the Musikmesse Convention in Frankfurt, Germany. Cabrera graduated with a high school degree from the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts in 2011. He continued his studies at Grossmont College, originally as a Biology Major, but changed his major to music education in 2015, inspired by his professor, friend, and colleague Derek Cannon. He attended San Diego State University in 2017 and graduated in 2020 with a BM in Music Education. He earned his Career Technical Education credential in 2021 and achieved his Masters in Music for Jazz Performance from San Diego State University in 2024. Cabrera is now director of jazz studies at his alma mater, the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. He was recognized as Jazz Educator of the Year in 2021 by the Southern Board of California Music Educators Association. Cabrera notably arranges for the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus, San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Legoland, and SeaWorld. Cabrera directs his own big band known as the JazzKatz Orchestra and performs with San Diego's premier groups, such as the Gaslamp Quarter Jazz Orchestra, Bill Yeager Jazz Orchestra, Chameleons of the San Diego Zoo, The Legoland Brass Band, and SeaWorld. Mail Vocal Educator Sarah Lehman Sarah Lehman is a dedicated choir teacher with a profound passion for music education. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Music (Magna Cum Laude) with a concentration in Vocal Performance from California State University at San Marcos and furthered her education with a Teaching Credential and a Master’s Degree in Teaching from San Diego State University. Having found solace and inspiration in choir during her youth, Sarah is committed to creating a supportive and enriching environment for her students, fostering their musical and personal growth. Mail Piano Educator Justin Hansen Justin R. Hansen is an accomplished pianist, composer, and educator with a diverse background spanning classical performance, composition for film and television, and music instruction. Throughout his academic career, Justin explored a variety of instruments, including clarinet, saxophone, jazz piano, and percussion. His talent was recognized early, earning him a full scholarship to college, where he played piano, bassoon, cello, and percussion. During his associate’s degree studies, Justin had the honor of performing Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto with the Southwest Symphony Orchestra in Kyoto, Japan and Rhapsody in Blue with the university symphonic band. During his Bachelor’s studies, Justin expanded his focus to include composition and conducting, alongside his Piano Performance degree. One of the highlights of this period was co-writing the score for the original musical Nathan Hale. After completing his degree, Justin performed his senior recital in London and Oslo, and upon returning, was invited to perform Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto with the Southwest Symphony Orchestra. Following his degree, Justin was appointed as a faculty member at Utah Tech University, where he taught music theory, ear training, and private piano lessons. In addition, he served as a piano accompanist and vocal coach for music majors. It was during this time, under the mentorship of composition instructor Shannon Roberts, that Justin’s passion for writing music grew, leading him to pursue a Master’s Degree in Composition. With a lifelong admiration for film scores, Justin sought a graduate program specializing in writing for film and television. He was accepted to both the Berklee School of Music and the Seattle Film Institute, ultimately choosing the latter to further his education in a city he cherished. Under the mentorship of Emmy Award-winning composer Hummie Mann, Justin earned his Master’s Degree in Film Composition. During his time in Seattle, Justin was commissioned to compose a piece for women’s choir, strings, and piano. Titled The Myth, the work, inspired by poetry from Emily Dickinson, was premiered in 2019 by the Ancora Women’s Choir and the Northwest Corner String Quartet. Now based in San Diego, California, Justin is an active composer, performer, and educator. He collaborates with the Logos Trio, San Diego Opera, the San Diego Music Society, and the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. Additionally, he serves as the music director and instructor for WrightWay Coaching, based in New York City. Mail Orchestra Educator Tamara Paige "Every child deserves a champion; an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be." -Rita Pierson Ms. Tamara Paige has been a music educator in the San Diego area for nearly 18 years directing a wide range performance ensembles and creating collaborative experiences within the community. Ten of those years were spent here at SDSCPA where Paige taught and directed several award winning ensembles and served as orchestra, jazz and band director from 2001-2012. She then worked at Francis Parker School where she built a robust strings program for students grades 3-12. Tamara was also instrumental in establishing a new music program at the Academy of Our Lady Of Peace where she served as choral and instrumental director. She is honored to return SDSCPA this year as strings and orchestral studies director for both Middle and High School students. Her music programs over the years celebrated for its professional level of performance, have received top honors and national recognition and have sent scores of students onto successful college and professional musical careers. Tamara’s own passion and energy for teaching and learning has led to many highlights her career including Site Teacher of the Year at SCPA in 2007. In 06’ and 09’ she was awarded the California Music Educators Association’s “Orchestra Educator of the Year” and in 2010 was guest conductor for San Diego Unified School District’s first Middle School Honor Orchestra. She conducted an all-student pit orchestra for the San Diego Repertory Theater’s professional productions of Hairspray: The Musical (2010) and Tommy (2011). Both productions won the prestigious Craig Noel Award in several categories including “Outstanding Musical” and Tommy received “Best Musical Direction”. Ms. Paige also had a unique opportunity to serve as Master Teacher for the Point Loma String Project, a program designed for Point Loma Nazarene University Music Majors seeking to gain real hands-on experience teaching elementary aged children. Under her mentorship, aspiring teachers were able to work weekly with nearly 100 students. Tamara’s commitment to serving the community also led her work with the California Youth Conservatory Theater by joining and recruiting young musicians from all over San Diego County to perform in several of their Productions. Their production of Les Miserables was awarded San Diego Bravo Award’s “Best Musical Production” (2013). Ms. Paige is excited to return to SDSCPA as the new chair of the music department. https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2018/apr/19/blurt-music-teacher/?amp&page=all Mail Band Educator Claire Tongpalad Bio forthcoming Mail

MATHEMATICS The Mathematics Department at SDSCPA provides a rigorous, Common Core–aligned curriculum that builds a deep understanding of concepts and skills across all grade levels. Through the Math Practice Standards, we emphasize critical problem-solving, creativity, and perseverance, fostering a growth mindset and resilience in every learner. Our mission is to help students approach math with confidence, seeing it as both an academic discipline and a real-world tool. Through collaboration, inquiry, and authentic applications, we prepare students to reach their full potential and succeed beyond the classroom. FACULTY Bryan Constantino Math Educator Mail Emil Mayor Department Chair Mail Jean Dugan Math Educator Mail Lindsay Ten Math Educator Mail David Flores Math Educator Mail Priscilla Aguillar Math Educator Mail Kelly McNeil Math Educator Mail

ADMINISTRATION Mail Principal Timothy Farson Timothy Farson brings an unwavering sense of commitment and passion to his role at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA), a nationally renowned institution celebrated for its ability to personalize artistic and academic achievement for a highly diverse student body. Under his leadership, SDSCPA maintains the highest expectations for students and staff, fostering an environment where something truly extraordinary happens each day. Raised in a small rural town in Ohio, Farson experienced firsthand the transformative power of the arts. For him, the arts provided a place of belonging, self-discovery, and the freedom to explore beliefs, curiosities, and personal voice. Inspired by his high school drama teacher, Ms. Meggitt—who recognized his leadership potential and created opportunities despite his own self-doubts—Farson developed a deep appreciation for the role the arts play in empowering student voices, whether expressed through visual art, performance, or leadership. Farson began his university studies in Philosophy at Kent State University before transferring to New York University in search of a more urban and artistic environment. His life took a profound turn on September 11, 2001, when he witnessed the fall of the World Trade Center towers. This experience brought a deep awareness of humanity’s universal need for connection and voice—an awareness that would later inform his belief in art’s ability to give expression to diverse perspectives, including those often silenced. In 2009, Farson began his teaching career at SDSCPA as an English and middle school science teacher. Over the years, he has served in numerous leadership capacities, including Journalism Adviser, ASB Student Government Adviser, School Site Council member, and Department Chair. Throughout his tenure, he has been a steadfast advocate for preserving and enhancing the school’s distinctive and transformative learning environment. Farson leads from the heart, guided by the philosophy that engaging hearts engages minds. This approach extends beyond the classroom into his daily work with staff, students, families, and the broader arts community. A philosopher by nature, he continuously reflects on ways to amplify student voice, create innovative learning environments, and establish sustainable infrastructure in the face of challenges such as inadequate education funding. Farson is deeply committed to uniting the SDSCPA community through a shared vision of delivering a transformative arts and academic education—one that inspires hope, fosters connection, and empowers the next generation of creative leaders. Mail Associate Prinicipal Roxann Hatfield Mrs. Hatfield is the newest member of the SDSCPA administration. She is not a stranger to the SDSCPA family having taught in the Science Department for 12 years and then serving as the school’s Graduation Coach for the past 6 years. She is excited to be part of such a visionary team. She has served on a variety of committees and organizing 6th and 9th grade Bridging Days. She believes that all students can learn and each student has a special path/ journey in place for them but it is up to them to take the first step. Educators serve as the facilitators in molding our young people into well-rounded individuals who can take on the world. Mrs. Hatfield holds a Bachelors of Arts in Biochemistry from UCSD and earned her Administrative credential and Masters in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University. She is a native Californian. Mail Associate Principal Richard Ojeda Looking toward a future grounded in equitable opportunity, Mr. Ojeda approaches education with a strong commitment to fairness, honesty, collaboration, and accountability. A lifelong San Diegan, he attended Brooklyn Elementary School, Roosevelt Middle School, and graduated from Hoover High School in 1992. Mr. Ojeda enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Watch and was later stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After receiving an honorable discharge, he pursued higher education and discovered his passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs. As an Education Specialist, Mr. Ojeda worked closely with students with significant cognitive and physical disabilities, partnering with families to promote inclusion and ensure all students have equitable access to education. He also earned a master’s degree in special education and continues to serve the community through dedicated administrative leadership. Mail Instructional Coordinator Laura Schiavo Laura Schiavo is a violinist who whole-heartedly believes in the power of arts education and its ability to transform lives. She started the violin at age three and has been in love with music ever since. Laura was born in California, but spent most of her childhood moving around the country as an Army kid. She always felt challenged in making new friends and starting over at new schools every few years and longed for a true sense of belonging. When she moved to North Carolina in 1997, she joined her 7th grade orchestra at school. For the first time, she felt like she had a place at school where she was meant to be. She was around like minded people who loved music in the way she did, in the same way that music spoke to her heart. This experience and finding this sense of belonging and community in her middle school orchestra was the beginning of her journey to become an orchestra teacher herself. Her passion for education began with the desire to give the same gift of belonging and love to students that changed her whole life. She was thrilled to join the SDSCPA team in the 2022-23 school year as Instructional Coordinator for the Academics to support teachers and students in ensuring the highest quality instruction in every classroom in communities where everyone is loved and valued. She loves being part of the SDSCPA team to continually create that feeling of belonging and community in our entire school that she experienced first in orchestra. Laura loves the intersection of arts and academics and strives to honor students as artists through the lens of everything they study at SDSCPA. Education has been her lifelong passion and she began her teaching career in the San Diego Unified School District in 2008. Prior to coming to SDSCPA, Laura was a Resource Teacher for the MSAP Grant in SDUSD’s VAPA Department and had been a classroom teacher for thirteen years. She taught orchestra and math at CPMA Middle School for five years and taught elementary orchestra for eight years at Paradise Hills, Penn, Perry, and Zamorano Elementary. Laura has a BA in Music from Point Loma Nazarene University with a concentration in Music Education, and an MA in Educational Leadership and Administration from Brandman University. She holds an Administrative Credential and California Single Subject Teaching Credentials in both Music and Foundational Level Mathematics. In 2012, Laura received the Schuchman Award for Excellence in Music Education from SDUSD and also received the CMEA Elementary Music Specialist Award. She received the CMEA Middle School Specialist Award in 2020. In 2017, Laura traveled to Washington D.C. to be on a team of teachers working with NAfME and the Library of Congress and she became a Teaching with Primary Sources Curriculum Writer; her curriculum can be found on the NAfME website. She was a member of the 2018 California Department of Education Visual and Performing Arts Standards Advisory Committee as the standards were revised, which are now the adopted California Arts Standards. Mail Artistic Coordinator Sam Robles Sam Robles is a Grammy-nominated musician, educator, and arts leader whose career bridges world-class performance and transformative arts education. As a performer, he has recorded and toured internationally with acclaimed artists including Solange, Ziggy Marley, Lauryn Hill, Kamasi Washington, Kelis, and Weezer, with his work featured on Grammy-nominated albums and film scores. A founding member of the Tropi-Funk ensemble Jungle Fire, this band has been recognized by the Los Angeles Times as one of LA’s best live bands, captivating audiences across the globe. Equally dedicated to education, he serves as Instructional Coordinator for the Arts at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, where he co-designs curriculum, coaches teachers, and advances pre-conservatory training aligned with national arts standards and accreditation. His leadership has extended statewide through roles with The California Arts Project and traditional comprehensive high schools, where he developed innovative, culturally relevant programs, secured major arts funding, and guided thousands of students and educators. Rooted in his belief that excellence in the arts transforms lives, Mr. Robles continues to inspire the next generation of artists while maintaining an active and vibrant performance career. Mail MSAP Grant Instructional Coordinator Susan Strasser Susie Strasser received her B.A. in English and Psychology from UC Davis in 2000. She returned to San Diego and received her Masters in Education from UCSD in 2003 and her Administrative Credential from SDSU. Since starting at SCPA, she has taught AP English Literature, AP English Language, AP Psychology, American Literature, 9th grade English, Martial Arts, PE, and AVID. Susie is also head of the Creative Writing Department, which inducted its first majors in the 2011-2012 school year and teaches all the Creative Writing classes. In addition to teaching high school, Susie also teaches Kung Fu and Tai Chi at a local martial arts school. Over the past decade, she has competed in international tournaments in California, Florida, and Taiwan and has performed in China. Mail CGSP Grant Instructional Coordinator Acacia Thede Acacia Thede is an accomplished education professional with over two decades of experience as a teacher, administrator, and human resources leader. She currently serves as Instructional Coordinator for the San Diego Unified School District, where she leads the Golden State Pathways Program, fostering strategic partnerships and expanding college and career opportunities for students. A former Chief Human Resources Officer, Acacia has advanced equity initiatives, designed teacher pipeline programs, and championed workforce diversity. She also teaches as a Lecturer in the School of Teacher Education at San Diego State University. Holding a Master of Arts in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Iowa, Acacia is committed to ensuring all students have access to meaningful college and career pathways that prepare them for future success. Mail VAPA Facilities Manager Aaron Rumley Aaron Rumley brings a rich blend of theatrical production, technical expertise, and organizational leadership to his role as Visual & Performing Arts (VAPA) Facilities Manager at SDSCPA. With more than twenty years of experience in theatre production and stage management, Aaron ensures that the school’s performance spaces, technical operations, and artistic environments run smoothly and creatively. Professional Background: •Theater Production Specialist – Previously served as Production Manager at North Coast Repertory Theatre, where he managed all aspects of staging, scheduling, technical coordination, and logistics across diverse productions. •Stage Management and Design – Skilled in both sound design and hands-on production, Aaron has supported shows ranging from Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Great Nome Gold Rush to Rabbit Hole and Wit. •Technical Coordination – Known for his ability to merge artistic vision with practical infrastructure, ensuring performances meet both creative and technical standards. •Leadership and Collaboration – At SDSCPA, Aaron partners closely with faculty, students, and staff to uphold the highest standards of performance practice, safety, and resource management. Aaron’s leadership keeps SDSCPA’s creative heartbeat strong—ensuring that students and faculty have the technical excellence and supportive environment needed to bring their artistic visions to life. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT Cruzanne Conrique Mail Administrative Assistant Riza Gonzales Mail Site Tech/Parent Portal Maria Avina Ramirez Mail Attendance Clerk Lashawn White Mail Transportation/Enrollment Maria Reyes Barajas Mail Receptionist Eric Schlumpf Mail Finance Clerk Andrea Gutierrez Mail Auditions Coordinator Mark Raines Mail MSAP Grant Resource Teacher Anne Marie Manibusan Mail Enrollment