It is hard to visit ChangeMakers Academy without meeting Jaylen. He is incredibly charismatic and his love of learning is absolutely contagious. He can tell you exactly why the sky is blue, and how rainbows are separated from beams of white light. He also makes sure to use ALL CAPS in his writing to show that he is "REALLY SERIOUS about something". It is no surprise that Jaylen went from finishing Kindergarten to starting 2nd grade because his teachers, administrators and family were confident that he was prepared for 2nd grade material. When he isn't reading, Jaylen loves watching Cartoon Network at his grandma's house. He lives in Fairfield with his mom and sister, Alana.

Words about Jaylen from his Teachers

• Jaylen's love for learning is as big as his personality! He is insightful and curious, and his infectious giggle reminds me that there is so much joy to be found in learning new things. 
• Jaylen Yarbrough is an exceptional individual. He is fun and brilliant, with a deep sense of curiosity. He consistently asks questions, explores concepts and embodies critical thinking and excitement for learning. It is impossible to meet Jaylen and not be enthralled in his energy, stories and genuine curiosity for life. He LOVES to talk, share his perspective, debate opinions and READ. At 7:30 in the morning, Jaylen is the one student who comes through school gates running and greeting others along the way. If you visit Jaylen's class you won't be able to miss him. He is the little boy with his hand always raised adding on to his peers comments and endlessly explaining his reasoning! 
• Jaylen is an incredibly talented student. He is dedicated to doing his very best in math and reading. He loves to participate, and adds such great insight to our class discussions. Jaylen is charismatic and has a contagious smile and laugh. It has been a pleasure having Jaylen in our class community.  

All About Jaylen! 
1. What is your favorite thing about going to school at Caliber?
I enjoy Reflex. It's a website with REALLY fun math games. There's a coach that teaches you the math facts before you play the game. 

2. What was your favorite subject?
My most favorite subject ever is math. Well, actually reading and math. Reading books is just like heaven to me; I love to learn.

3. What is your favorite memory associated with music (maybe a memorable concert, or playing an instrument yourself!)?
I haven't gone to a concert or played an instrument, but I do have an acoustic guitar. When I grow up, I'm going to start a band and play the electric guitar. 

4. If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go?
 I would like to go to the Island of Maui. I've been there before. My mom told me a fact about it: rainbows mostly show up on Maui. I know it's true because when I was there, I looked out of my window 10 times and every time I saw a rainbow! I was so surprised because it wasn't even raining! 

5. What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area?
I love when it rains in the Bay Area because I love jumping in puddles after it's been raining! 

6. What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you?
One fun fact about me is that I have a beautiful voice! I love to sing JuJu on that Beat.

Keep up the hard work, Jaylen!! 

Markus "keeps the trains running on time" at Caliber Schools as the Chief Operations Officer. It is hard to believe that Markus joined the Caliber team 3 years ago. After many years of working in the business world, Markus became increasingly curious of the Charter education space. He was connected with Co-Founders, Ron Beller and Jennifer Moses by happenstance... and who knew that the perfect opportunity would be right in his backyard?! Markus grew up less than 2 miles from Beta Academy and went to Fairmont Elementary school before his family packed up and moved to Albany.  He is grateful to serve the neighboring East Bay community of Richmond! 

Words about Markus from Staff

• Markus is a cornerstone of the Caliber community in every possible way. Not only does he literally keep it operating, but he is always thoughtful, patient, and thorough with everything that he takes on -- whether it's a big project or simply an email asking for thought-partnership. I aspire to be more like Markus in every way.
• Markus is the strongest leader and hardest worker I know. Not only does he do everything right the first time, he takes the time to coach his team. He does so much behind the scenes and remains incredibly humble.
• There are no words to say how grateful I am to work with Markus! He's never too busy to stop and help his team, always has the answer no matter how tricky the question, and somehow always manages to stay CALM no matter what fires are thrown at him. Most importantly, he's kind and thoughtful which makes our office a really great place to be.

All about Markus!
1. What is your favorite thing about working at Caliber? 
It's the energy level: hands down.  I've never worked with a group of people who are so committed to what they are doing, and it's infectious.  I'm working harder than I ever have before and loving every minute of it.

2. What was your favorite subject growing up? 
I'm a bit ashamed to admit it, but my favorite subject was always math, but only because it was easy for me.  It wasn't until I was done with my formal education that I found the lifelong learner inside me.  Since then, I'd have to say that my favorite subject has been computer coding.  I don't have as much time as I'd like to tinker with it, but it's been one of the things that has resonated with me most about Caliber's academic model.

3. What is your favorite memory associated with music?   
I come from a camping family, and many of my fondest memories are sing-alongs around the campfire.  A few years I even got up the nerve to learn some guitar and get in on the action (badly, but hey, it's the effort that counts, right?).

4. If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go? 
That's a hard one.  I've actually had the good luck to travel more than any person sensibly should, and I actually don't have a "bucket list" of travel left to do.  One thing that I am really excited for, though, is taking my daughters where they want to go and re-seeing some of the old places through new eyes.  It's one of the great joys of parenthood to be able to get to do life's "firsts" over again!

5. What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area? 
I'm an outdoors person, so the weather has to be my #1 favorite thing about living here.  I can get outside pretty much 365 days a year, and we have access to so much natural beauty and such many different outdoor things to do.  Especially here in the East/North Bay!

6. What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you?
Most people can't spend much time with me before hearing about my awesomely large family.  I have something like 60-70 relatives who live in or within 15 minutes of Richmond, and I see my family literally 4-5 times a week.  What you might not know is that odds are that you probably see them too!  Pretty much every week someone in my family is telling me about a connection to Caliber that I didn't know about.  I've found out that one of you used to babysit for my cousins when you were in high school.  One of your siblings dated another cousin.  Many of you have worked with, went to school with. You might have met my family at the grocery store, or received a visit from my cousin the Richmond firefighter (without incident, hopefully!).  It's another thing I love about Caliber.  It feels like Caliber is a natural part of my extended family circle!

Thanks for all you do for Caliber, Markus! 

Emmanuel is a thoughtful and compassionate 2nd grader at Caliber Beta Academy. Recently, he decided to launch a fundraising campaign to support communities in Mexico in the aftermath of the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that rocked the region. "I was watching the news and saw there had been an earthquake. I asked my mom how we could help because my cousins and grandparents live in Mexico. I wanted to help families like mine." Emmanuel brought a jar to each classroom to for donations.  Thanks to Emmanuel, Caliber Beta Academy raised over $1,000!! In addition to philanthropy, Emmanuel loves to play basketball. He lives in Richmond with his mom, dad and sister.  

Words about Emmanuel from his teachers
"Emmanuel is a leader in our classroom! Students often notice how focused and hard-working he is and that makes him a great role model for his peers. Emmanuel is always caring and compassionate. He is the first one to offer to be another student's partner and will gladly work with any student in the class. Emmanuel succeeds academically because he gives 100% of his attention to his school work. He regularly participates in class and adds great insights to class discussions. We love having him in our classroom!" 

All about Emmanuel!
1. What is your favorite thing about going to school at Caliber?
I like going to school with my cousins. They are in 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade.

2. What was your favorite subject?
PE!! I love being outside. 

3. What is your favorite genre of music?  Do you play any instruments? 
I actually rap.
Oh yeah? Where did you learn how to rap? 
I started watching rap videos on youtube and learned from there.

4. If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go?
I would go to Universal Studios because they have rides and you can win prizes in the arcades. Sometimes, you can see the the TV actors and characters in real life.

5. What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area?
Six Flags: Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo. My favorite ride is the Fast and Furious rollercoaster! 

6. What is one fun fact that most people might not know about you?
I did a speech at the WCCUSD board meeting to get cleaner, safer school facilities. My mom was doing a speech so I was inspired to do one as well. 

We are so proud of you, Emmanuel! 

Claudia is the first face you see walking into ChangeMakers Academy. She manages competing priorities of the front desk with finesse. As her colleague said, "Claudia is just a fast as Wonder Woman... probably faster!! She's like a shooting star always ready to spark and sparkle!!" Claudia grew up the South Bay before moving out to Fairfield with her family. She studied Child Psychology and Early Childhood Education and has always had a passion for working with students and families. Before joining Caliber, Claudia worked as a pre-school teacher and in the Mental Health field for Solano County. She is blessed with 3 young men in her life: her husband, her son and her 1st grandson, Andre.

Words about Claudia from staff
"Claudia is always wiling to step in and take on any project to support our students and community. Whether translating documents to ensure CMA is servicing all families, tending to student illnesses and concerns, organizing school data and records, or addressing the multitude of questions and comments that come through the front office, Claudia is a wizard in time management and flexibility. One of the more unique components to Claudia's continued success is having a high degree of humility. Aspects of the role are almost thankless -- navigating parent concerns and questions, addressing stakeholder issues, and putting out "small fires." Her responsibilities may not always allow her to experience the joy many of our teachers find in nurturing our students throughout the day, but to instead continuously problem solve. While the fruits of her labor may not always be fully self-evident, we at CMA are incredibly grateful and thankful for all her work. She is one of the first members to ever join the CMA team and to witness the indelible mark she has made from the very beginning when she hit the pavement to recruit our initial families to now continuing to build and improve our front office has been nothing short of tremendous."

"You can tell she cares deeply about all students and families and their well-being. She is a quick learner and does things right the first time. We are so lucky to have her as a staff member and teammate."

"Claudia is the front office glue! As a founding staff member she has always jumped in when needed, even if it's not in her job description. She always gets the job done and with grace while wearing a hundred hats! She is so appreciated!"

All about Claudia!
1. What is your favorite thing about working at Caliber?
Working in the front office gives me the opportunity to work closely with both our students and families. I love that our families are so appreciative of the work we do here at ChangeMakers Academy.

2. What was your favorite subject growing up? 
I loved writing. There’s no right or wrong and I was able to express myself without any criticism.

3. What is your favorite memory associated with music?
My favorite memories associated with music came from watching my son Sergio perform throughout his school years. It was always a proud parent moment when he would play a solo on his flute or any of his other instruments. 

4. If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go?
My dream vacation would be a trip to Greece. It looks so beautiful and calm. One day I’d love to go there
with my husband... Our honeymoon is way overdue!

5. What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area (or specifically Vallejo!)?
I love diversity that both the Bay Area and Solano has. Let’s not forget the food!!!!

6. What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you?
I played sports and was even captain of the basketball team! 

Thank you, Claudia!