Portraits of a Division

At Journey Middle School, students aren’t just learning math, reading, science, and history. They’re also learning what it’s like to have a daily job with tasks and responsibilities.

One such student is sixth-grader Alex Cruz Cabarello, who took on the inaugural job of tidying Principal Ashby Johnson’s office and watering her plants.

“I like to clean and be helpful,” Alex said. “And I really like to work with Mrs. Johnson.”

As it turns out, Alex already had some experience. He likes to clean at home and water the plants there, too.

“Actually, taking out the trash is my favorite chore,” he said. However, he does enjoy watching plants thrive under his care. 

Alex completes this daily task as part of the Jaguar Jobs program, which allows students to take on additional roles and responsibilities around the school. Students who have Jaguar Jobs take on a variety of roles like plant caretaker, affirmation artists, library aids, office aids, and room organizers, just to name a few.

Students at Journey have always had jobs and tasks around school, but staff wanted to make the program more official with the 2024-25 school year.

“We want our students to increase their sense of belonging here at Journey,” said Patricia Joseph, a Mental Health Support Specialist at Journey and the coordinator of Jaguar Jobs. Through these jobs, students can find a place in their community by taking ownership of the space.

And Alex has found that spot. He can’t even walk down the hallway without a teacher or fellow student greeting him with a “Hey, Alex!” and a smile. He’s even been recruited by a few other staff members to help take care of their plants after seeing how great Mrs. Johnson’s plants look under his care.

This sense of community and additional purpose, Alex said, is why he loves Journey so much.

“When I do my job, it makes people happy and then I feel happy too,” he said. 

Right now, Alex’s favorite subject is math. His favorite topic so far? Ratios. “They’re fun to do,” he said, “And I’m good at it.”

Alex’s interest in math is helping prepare him for his desired career in construction. “I want to build buildings and do that kind of work,” he said.

But for now, Alex will continue to tidy office spaces, water plants, and learn math so that when the time comes, he’s ready to step right into a career.