THE ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
LATEST ISSUE   /   September 2026

Your next
chapter starts here.

Meet alumna and business owner Karla Rios, catch up with Highlands, and explore your next career opportunity.

Once Highlands. Always connected.
ALUMNI
CONNECTION
ISSUE 02
D’Primera Mano Magazine cover featuring Highlands alumna Karla Rios
Class of 2025 · Alumni spotlightKarla Rios
Alumni invitation · October 6, 2026

Once Highlands.
Always together.

Highlands alumni, join us in Sacramento.

The Advisory Commission on Charter Schools (ACCS) will consider Twin Rivers’ appeal of the Sacramento County Board of Education’s decision overturning the revocation of our charters. This is the first public step at the state level. The ACCS will make a recommendation to the California State Board of Education, which will make the final decision later in the process.

When
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Arrive at 8:45 AM · Meeting begins at 9:30 AM
Where
California Department of Education
Room 1101 · 1430 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

We’ll keep you posted on the outcome and what comes next for Highlands.

Highlands alumni—join us! October 6, 2026 ACCS meeting in Sacramento. Meeting details are provided alongside this flyer.View the full invitation
01 / Alumni spotlight

From a dream
to her own business.

Karla Rios featured on the cover of D’Primera Mano Magazine
Karla RiosHighlands · Class of 2025
Read the magazine feature

An education. A new set of skills. The confidence to build something of her own.

Featured in D’Primera Mano Magazine, Karla Rios shared her journey from Mexico City to the United States—and her determination to create a better future.

At Highlands, Karla completed her graduation requirements while pursuing Career Technical Education through the Federico Beauty Institute, earning professional credentials in nails and lashes. Today, she owns her own beauty business and salon, turning a longtime dream into reality.

“It is never too late. As long as you have life, you can always start something new.”

“Nunca es demasiado tarde. Mientras tengas vida, siempre puedes comenzar algo nuevo.”

Karla Rios · Highlands alumna

Karla remains a proud advocate for Highlands and the opportunities adult education can create. Her journey shows what can happen when education, career skills, and determination come together.

02 / Around Highlands

Good things are
happening here.

New connections. Shared purpose. More ways to move our community forward.

Staff, students, and supporters attending the CALA petition presentation
Community in action

CALA takes the next step.

Highlands presented its new CALA petition to the Sutter County Board of Education, with staff, students, and friends there to show their support.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day special. We’re excited about what’s ahead and look forward to the next meeting.

The NonProfit Podcast Network

“It’s never
too late.”

Executive Director Jonathan Raymond joins host Jeff Holden to talk about adult education, Highlands’ growth, and the remarkable persistence of our students.

High School for Adults
Highlands Community Charter & Technical Schools

Listen or watch
03 / Community partnership

Creativity comes
full circle.

Welcoming David Garibaldi back to Highlands.

Internationally recognized performance artist and Highlands alumnus David Garibaldi returned alongside his longtime mentor and educator, Shawn Sullivan.

Together, they met with Highlands leadership to explore a partnership that could bring new art courses and creative learning opportunities to students. They also surprised an art class with a visit, showing the lasting impact of mentorship and arts education.

We look forward to welcoming David back in a new role: helping inspire the next generation through art.

04 / Career corner

Make your next move.

Build your confidence, meet employers, and explore what comes next.

Tip of the month

Build professional confidence.

  1. Practice introducing yourself professionally.
  2. Speak positively about your skills and accomplishments.
  3. Recognize the value of your past experiences.

Career events in this issue

September–November 2026 · Pacific time
SEP302026
September 30, 2026

Folsom Cordova Job Center Career Fair

10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Folsom Cordova Job Center
10826 Gadsten Way
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

OCT142026
October 14, 2026

PRIDE Industries I AM ABLE Disabilities Career Fair

11:00 AM–2:00 PM

SAFE Credit Union Convention Center
1400 J Street, Hall A
Sacramento, CA 95814

Register before attending
OCT212026
October 21, 2026

Construction & Trades Career Fair

4:00–7:00 PM

Scottish Rite Center
6151 H Street
Sacramento, CA 95819

NOV052026
November 5, 2026

SacJobs Fall Career Fair

11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Scottish Rite Center
6151 H Street
Sacramento, CA 95819

A little support can go a long way.

For employment assistance, connect with Cayce, Career Development Coach.

Email Cayce
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Your experience can move someone else forward.

There are many ways to reconnect with Highlands and inspire current students.

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