News Release
Santa Clara County Superior Court Hosts Educator’s Day 2026 to Address Chronic Absenteeism and Advance Civic Learning
SAN JOSÉ, California (November 2, 2026): The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara hosted Educator’s Day 2026 on October 29, bringing together educators, judicial officers, and community partners to examine chronic absenteeism and expand opportunities for civic learning. The full-day program connected school, court, parent, and student perspectives on attendance and highlighted ways educators can engage students with the justice system.
Presiding Judge Julie Emede opened the program with welcoming remarks. The morning sessions focused on chronic absenteeism, its impact on student performance, and strategies for addressing attendance challenges.
Dr. Marena Doxie, Director of Child Welfare and Attendance in the Evergreen School District, shared the school perspective and successes in addressing chronic absenteeism. Citing statistics from the Santa Clara County Attendance collaborative, Dr. Doxie noted:
"If we were creating schools where students felt connected, supported, and engaged, 1,143,668 of our students would not be chronically absent."
Judge Carl Chamberlin and Deputy District Attorney Adam Flores also discussed chronic absenteeism and the court process. A separate session featured parent and student perspectives presented by Judge Kelley Paul and student Diego Ballesteros. Reflecting on his experience, Diego shared:
“When I was having struggles at school, it felt like school had given up on me. Instead of counseling or providing a role model. I was expelled." He described how one teacher changed his entire trajectory by showing interest in him and encouraging him.
Question-and-answer periods and breakout discussions gave participants opportunities to consider lessons learned, share strategies, and provide next steps. During lunch, attendees connected with community partners at resource tables representing the South County Task Force, Behavioral Health Services, Santa Clara County Office of Education, Parent Project, the City of San José’s Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department, and Alum Rock Counseling Center.
After lunch, the program focused on civic education and engagement. Judge Julia Alloggiamento, Chair of the Court’s Community Outreach Committee and Vice-Lead of the Power of Democracy Initiative, emphasized the importance collaboration between educators and the courts to provide opportunities for students for civic education and engagement.
"We all share the goal of having students understand the core principles of our democracy and engage in their schools and communities. Lessons and activities promoting civics demonstrate to students that they have a voice and can be instruments of positive change. Through educational programs and court sponsored activities, we want to help you help your students."
Assistant Presiding Judge Eric Geffon and Judge Alloggiamento recognized Yerba Buena High School, August Boeger Middle School, and Ida Jew Academy and Valle Vista Elementary School (IJAAVE) who all received the 2026 Power of Democracy Civic Learning Award for their commitment to civic education and engagement.
Principal Raquel Topete of August Boeger Middle School discussed the benefits of promoting civic learning and engagement from an educator’s perspective.
Educators were provided with a wide variety of resources to promote civic education and engagement back at their schools and districts. Judge Alloggiamento highlighted statewide opportunities through the Power of Democracy Initiative, including the Civic Learning Award and Judges in the Classroom program. Kristina Ravo presented information on the State Seal of Civic Engagement. Judge Alloggiamento Judge Paul, and Commissioner Thai Van Dat then outlined local opportunities available for schools including Constitution Month, the Color of Justice program. the Young Women’s Power Lunch, and Law Day. These programs provide educators with opportunities to connect students with judicial officers to strengthen their understanding of the courts and their role in civic life and to provide mentorship opportunities.
The Santa Clara County Superior Court is grateful to everyone who made Educator’s Day a success, including the presenters, resource providers, and members of the Court Outreach Committee. The Santa Clara County Superior Court is committed to promoting civic education and engagement to our community. To request a judicial visit to your school or a court tour, educators should go to www.powerofdemocracy.org (Judges in the classroom) or our court website.
