Developing plans to improve the school, guidance chair Sam and Assistant Principal Youlin Aissa are the new faces on campus. 

Speaking of his transition into the head counselor position from the Institute of Business, Management, and Law, Sam believes that some of the challenges he faces are “bringing a different philosophy to the school” and “trying to understand the culture and traditions of Stagg.”  

As head counselor, he recognizes that “our students want to do better” and so he has been hard at work to bring successful practices from his old school to Stagg. “We’re making a big push,” said Sam. “Every week we have something going on for seniors.” 

One project that Sam is involved with is attempting to meet with students to inquire about their plans for graduation and high school. While seniors develop career plans, freshmen will be focusing on completing personal assessments and graduation plans. “Every year will be progressive toward the end.” Sam said.

Meanwhile across campus, the newest assistant principal meets with students sent to M-1 for disciplinary issues. Wearing a multi-colored wig for crazy hair day, Aissa wants to improve the school’s atmosphere. “My plans are to help with the continued improvement plans and bring back a sense of spirit and culture to Stagg High.” 

Aissa describes Stagg as “a school that has the potential to be a model school.” She recognizes dedication, spirit, and “a lot of drive both among staff and students.” 

Before coming to Stockton, Aissa worked in the nearby small towns of Waterford and Patterson. She was previously a social studies teacher before earning her administrative credential from CSU Stanislaus. Her change in profession came from her desire to impact more students. “I wanted to do things to reach a larger portion of students not just the ones in my classroom.”

A common element between Sam and Aissa is their commitment to what they call “student ownership.” Aissa says that “too many of our students don’t take ownership of our school.”

Sam reflects that during his tenure at IBML, he was able to get “the students to take ownership of the school” by encouraging them to care about campus events. He recognizes that the only difference between students from each school is the amount of effort given to academics. “This is my challenge: how do I get these students to make a commitment and gain a better future?”