Cajon Cowboy Conversations

🎙 Cowboy Conversations — Episode 5: Learning Together — Becoming a Distinguished School

Guest Host: VP Vince Warsaw

Guests: Claudia Whited (Counselor), Trang Nguyen (Teacher/Instructional Coach), Zeth Verdon (Student)

🌟 Episode Summary

In this special episode, VP Warsaw leads a thoughtful conversation about what learning really means at Cajon High School. Counselor Claudia Whited, instructional coach Trang Nguyen, and student leader Zeth Verdon share honest reflections on curiosity, risk-taking, grades, and the kind of culture that helps students grow.

Claudia challenges traditional ideas about achievement, noting:

“Some classes, you might have a C and you did the most learning.”

Trang speaks to the emotional side of learning:

“The most learning happens when you take those risks and you’re okay with making mistakes.”

Zeth brings the student perspective to life:

“I’m always talking about how math can improve my triple jump… and that helps me learn the math.”

Warsaw ties it all together with a powerful message:

“Learning doesn’t just require learning content, but learning each other.”

This episode centers on one truth: A Distinguished School is built when everyone—students, staff, and families—learns together.

🕒 Episode Breakdown

Times to be updated after editing.

• Welcome — Curiosity, learning culture, connection
• Interview — Grades vs. learning, curiosity, IB/CP pathways, real-world relevance, risk-taking, relationships
• Equity & Innovation Minute — Belonging → courage → learning
• Closing — Hope, unity, and Cajon’s path to becoming a Distinguished School

💬 Memorable Quotes

“If you’re curious about something, you’re going to want to learn about it.” — Claudia “Sometimes grades hinder learning.” — Trang “Math helps my triple jump — and triple jump helps my math.” — Zeth “When we focus on learning together, the sky is the limit.” — VP Warsaw

🗝️ Takeaways

• Curiosity drives deep learning
• Grades don’t always reflect mastery
• Risk-taking builds growth
• Relationships make learning safe
• Real-world connections motivate students
• Distinguished Schools grow through collective learning

🔑 Call to Action

• Students: Focus on curiosity over perfection — real learning is messy.
• Teachers: Build relationships that make risk-taking safe.
• Families: Celebrate learning, not just grades.
• Community: Support Cajon’s journey toward becoming a Distinguished School.

🏫 About the Show

Cowboy Conversations highlights the people, stories, and learning that make Cajon High School extraordinary — where every student belongs, every adult models growth, and learning happens together. Hosted by Dr. Chris Jackson and the Cowboy Leadership Team.

Transcript Link

🎙 Cowboy Conversations — Episode 4: Stories That Save Lives — The Future of Cajon Media

Guests: 🎬 Mr. Jonathan Moline, Video Production Teacher 🎥 Brymer Sindanum, Award-Winning Student Filmmaker Host: Dr. Chris Jackson Length: ~28 minutes

🌟 Episode Summary

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Chris Jackson sits down with Video Production teacher Mr. Jonathan Moline and student filmmaker Brymer Sindanum to explore the power of storytelling, creativity, and purpose at Cajon High School.

Together, they unpack the real-world impact of Cajon’s award-winning Every 15 Minutes short film — a project created to raise awareness around the life-and-death consequences of drunk driving. Though Mr. Moline is in his first year leading the Video Production program, he speaks candidly about stepping into a legacy of excellence built by students like Brymer, sharing how he felt “humbled, intimidated, and inspired” by the work they’d already done.

Brymer reflects on the responsibility he and his team felt to honor the seriousness of the topic, saying, “We didn’t want to be that school that didn’t take it seriously.”

This episode shines a light on what happens when students create with purpose and when teachers empower them to use their gifts to impact the world.

🕒 Episode Breakdown (Approximate)

TimeSegmentHighlights

0:00 – 1:32 Welcome & Principal’s CornerCreativity, relevance, and belonging as the heart of learning

1:32 – 26:04 Joint Interview — Moline & BrymerLegacy of the program, emotional weight of the film, student leadership, teamwork

26:04 - end Equity & Innovation Minute | Closing Message Relevance → engagement, belonging → courage, purpose → excellence | Pride, gratitude, challenge to keep creating real-world impact

🗝️ Key Takeaways

• Creativity becomes powerful when tied to purpose.
• Students rise to the level of trust placed in them.
• Belonging fuels courage — especially in high-pressure projects.
• Continuity matters: programs thrive when legacy meets new leadership.
• Real-world work prepares students for life beyond campus.

💬 Memorable Quotes

“It was humbling, intimidating, and inspiring walking into a program where students were already creating professional work.” — Mr. Moline

“We didn’t want to be that school that didn’t take it seriously.” — Brymer Sindanum

“Creation is greater than consumption.” — Dr. Jackson

🔑 Call to Action

• Students: Use your voice. Your creativity carries influence.
• Teachers: Give students meaningful work — they will rise to it.
• Families & Community: Support creative pathways; they build confidence, connection, and purpose.

🏫 About the Show

Cowboy Conversations celebrates the voices, creativity, and community of Cajon High School — where every kid belongs, every kid learns, and every kid leaves ready to lead. Hosted by Principal Dr. Chris Jackson.

Transcript Link

🎙 Cowboy Conversations — Episode 3: The Family Behind the Family

Guest: Ms. Chantay Tucker (Parent Leader & AAPAC Member)

Host: Dr. Chris Jackson, Principal of Cajon High School

🌟 Episode Summary

In this heartfelt episode of Cowboy Conversations, Dr. Chris Jackson sits down with Ms. Chantay Tucker, a parent leader whose voice, presence, and resilience have become a powerful force at Cajon High School.

Ms. Tucker shares why she believes “being present is important”, and how one gesture or conversation can change the trajectory of a student’s day. Together, she and Dr. Jackson explore what it means for families and schools to work as a united community — especially when addressing the real challenges facing African American students.

From discipline disparities to the power of being known, from family expectations to community strength, this conversation highlights that the heart of Cajon isn’t just found in classrooms — it’s found in the families who stand behind them.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

• Presence creates belonging. Students respond when they know their families and their school are on the same team.
• Resilience is built, not inherited. “As long as you got breath in your lungs, you got a chance to do better.”
• Discipline gaps reflect connection gaps. The work is not about blame — it’s about belonging.
• Partnership strengthens equity. Listening, communicating, and showing up bring community solutions.
• Families are the first educators. “Everything is not cookie cutter… it’s not a one-size-fit-all.”

🕒 Episode Breakdown (Approximate)

Time Segment Highlights

0:00 – 1:11 Welcome & Principal’s Corner Dr. Jackson on community, family, resilience, and partnership.

1:11 – 19:17 Interview – Ms. Chantay Tucker Family as foundation, resilience, belonging, and honest dialogue on African American student experiences.

19:17 - end Equity & Innovation Minute + Closing Belonging as strategy; partnership as equity; gratitude + community challenge.

💬 Memorable Quotes

(All quotes pulled directly and verbatim from the transcript)

“Never give up… Plan A doesn't work? Plan B, C, D until it gets the results that you need.” — Ms. Tucker

“Everything is not cookie cutter… it's not a one-size-fit-all.” — Ms. Tucker

“Sometimes from a distance, it's easy to create your own narrative in the absence of information.” — Dr. Jackson

“What better way than to listen — to listen to our community?” — Dr. Jackson

🔑 Call to Action

• Teachers: Reach out to one family this week with encouragement, not urgency.
• Families: Stay present — your presence builds student confidence.
• Community: Let’s keep showing up for our kids with unity and purpose.

🏫 About the Show

Cowboy Conversations celebrates the voices, stories, and vision of Cajon High School — where every kid belongs, every kid learns, and every kid leaves ready to lead. Hosted by Dr. Chris Jackson, Principal and proud Cajon alumnus.

📲 Keywords / Tags

Cajon High School · Cowboy Conversations · Parent Leadership · African American Parent Advisory Committee · Family Engagement · School Partnership · Belonging · Equity · Community Strength · Dr Chris Jackson · San Bernardino Education

Transcript Link

Transcript

🎙 Cowboy Conversations — Episode 2: Teachers as Rockstars — From Legacy to Launch

Guests: Mrs. Griffitts (Theater Director) & Mr. Erick Jordan (Social Studies Teacher & Cajon Alumnus) Host: Dr. Chris Jackson, Principal of Cajon High School Length: ≈ 49 min 16 sec

🌟 Episode Summary

Dr. Chris Jackson spotlights two educators who show what persistence, purpose, and belonging look like in action. Veteran Theater Director Mrs. Griffitts shares three decades of lessons on courage, creativity, and humor—reminding us that action cures fear. Then Cajon alum Mr. Erick Jordan, a first-year Social Studies teacher and former ASB President, reflects on returning home after UCLA to give students the same belief and consistency that once changed his life. Together, they embody Cajon’s core truth: Tier 1 excellence starts with people who persist and pull together.

🕒 Episode Breakdown

0:00 – 1:30 - Welcome & Principal’s Corner - Dr. Jackson sets the tone: mid-year fatigue, collective persistence, and why Cajon’s gains prove “we > me.”

1:30 – 26:00 - Interview – Mrs. Griffitts - Laughter, vulnerability, and legacy. How the arts teach confidence, connection, and the courage to try again.

26:00 – 48:00 - Interview – Mr. Erick Jordan - Returning home as a teacher. Belonging, empathy, and the responsibility to be “the good 50 minutes in a student’s day.”

48:00 – 49:16 - Equity & Innovation Minute + Closing - Dr. Jackson on Tier 1 belonging, autonomy, and persistence; gratitude and challenge to the Cajon family.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

• Persistence is power. Progress comes from consistent, collective effort.
• Belonging fuels engagement. Students thrive when classrooms feel like community.
• Legacy meets launch. Veteran wisdom + new energy = Tier 1 excellence.
• Action cures fear. Growth happens when we act, reflect, and try again.
• Autonomy + relatedness = strength. Trust and connection keep teachers united.

💬 Memorable Quotes

“Action cures fear.” — Mrs. Griffitts “I want to be the good 50 minutes in their day.” — Mr. Erick Jordan “Tier 1 excellence is the fairest system we can build.” — Dr. Chris Jackson

🔑 Call to Action

• Teachers: Share one classroom win with your PLC team this week.
• Students: Take a creative risk—perform, present, or speak up.
• Families: Thank a teacher who helped your child feel they belong.

🏫 About the Show

Cowboy Conversations celebrates the voices and vision of Cajon High School—where every kid belongs, every kid learns, and every kid leaves ready to lead. Hosted by Dr. Chris Jackson, Principal and proud Cajon alumnus.

📲 Keywords / Tags

Cajon High School · Cowboy Conversations · Teacher Leadership · Persistence · Belonging · School Culture · Student Engagement · Dr Chris Jackson · San Bernardino Education · Tier 1 Excellence · RIGOR Framework

Transcript

🎙️ Cowboy Conversations — Episode 1: Belonging, Leadership, and Carrying Cowboy Pride

Guest: Giselle Muñoz, ASB President Host: Dr. Chris Jackson, Principal of Cajon High School Length: ~30 minutes

🌟 Episode Summary

In the very first episode of Cowboy Conversations, Dr. Chris Jackson welcomes Cajon High School’s ASB President, Giselle Muñoz, to explore what it truly means to belong, lead peers, and carry Cowboy Pride. Giselle opens up about patience, kindness, and empathy as cornerstones of leadership—and how listening to quiet voices matters just as much as amplifying loud ones. Together, they connect the dots between student leadership and schoolwide culture, showing that when belonging and psychological safety come first, innovation and excellence naturally follow.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

• Belonging is foundational. Before instruction or innovation can thrive, students must feel seen, safe, and connected.
• Leadership begins with patience and empathy. Giselle emphasizes giving peers space to grow and learn from mistakes.
• Every voice matters. True leaders create opportunities for quieter students to share their ideas.
• Balancing tradition and innovation. Holding onto Cowboy Pride while welcoming new ideas keeps the culture dynamic and inclusive.
• Failure = First Attempt In Learning. Growth comes from experimentation, reflection, and forward movement.
• Kindness is leadership. Great leaders “take blame and give credit.”

🕒 Episode Breakdown (Approximate Timestamps)

• 00:00 – 04:00 | Welcome & Principal’s Corner Dr. Jackson introduces Cowboy Conversations, shares his doctoral framework around belonging, and sets the theme for the show.
• 04:00 – 24:00 | Interview with Giselle Muñoz
  • Lessons in patience and human connection
  • Listening to every student voice
  • Balancing Cowboy traditions with fresh ideas
  • Leading through experimentation and growth
  • The power of kindness and empathy
• 24:00 – 28:00 | Lightning Round Giselle shares her favorite events, mentors, and advice for new Cowboys.
• 28:00 – 30:00 | Equity & Innovation Minute + Closing Dr. Jackson ties the episode to the deeper mission: belonging as the heartbeat of equity and innovation at Cajon High School.

💬 Memorable Quotes

“Patience is the heart of leadership.” – Giselle Muñoz “Great leaders grow other leaders.” – Dr. Chris Jackson “Leadership starts with you, but it doesn’t end with you.” – Giselle Muñoz

🔑 Call to Action

• Students: Invite someone new into your circle this week.
• Staff: Ask your students, “What do you think?” at least once per lesson.
• Families: Ask your student, “When did you feel like you belonged this week?”

🏫 About the Show

Cowboy Conversations shares the stories, voices, and vision of Cajon High School—where every kid belongs, every kid learns, and every kid leaves ready to lead. Hosted by Dr. Chris Jackson, Principal and proud Cajon alumnus.