🎙 Cowboy Conversations — Episode 3: The Family Behind the Family

Guest: Ms. Chantay Tucker (Parent Leader & AAPAC Member)

Host: Dr. Chris Jackson, Principal of Cajon High School

🌟 Episode Summary

In this heartfelt episode of Cowboy Conversations, Dr. Chris Jackson sits down with Ms. Chantay Tucker, a parent leader whose voice, presence, and resilience have become a powerful force at Cajon High School.

Ms. Tucker shares why she believes “being present is important”, and how one gesture or conversation can change the trajectory of a student’s day. Together, she and Dr. Jackson explore what it means for families and schools to work as a united community — especially when addressing the real challenges facing African American students.

From discipline disparities to the power of being known, from family expectations to community strength, this conversation highlights that the heart of Cajon isn’t just found in classrooms — it’s found in the families who stand behind them.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

• Presence creates belonging. Students respond when they know their families and their school are on the same team.
• Resilience is built, not inherited. “As long as you got breath in your lungs, you got a chance to do better.”
• Discipline gaps reflect connection gaps. The work is not about blame — it’s about belonging.
• Partnership strengthens equity. Listening, communicating, and showing up bring community solutions.
• Families are the first educators. “Everything is not cookie cutter… it’s not a one-size-fit-all.”

🕒 Episode Breakdown (Approximate)

Time Segment Highlights

0:00 – 1:11 Welcome & Principal’s Corner Dr. Jackson on community, family, resilience, and partnership.

1:11 – 19:17 Interview – Ms. Chantay Tucker Family as foundation, resilience, belonging, and honest dialogue on African American student experiences.

19:17 - end Equity & Innovation Minute + Closing Belonging as strategy; partnership as equity; gratitude + community challenge.

💬 Memorable Quotes

(All quotes pulled directly and verbatim from the transcript)

“Never give up… Plan A doesn't work? Plan B, C, D until it gets the results that you need.” — Ms. Tucker

“Everything is not cookie cutter… it's not a one-size-fit-all.” — Ms. Tucker

“Sometimes from a distance, it's easy to create your own narrative in the absence of information.” — Dr. Jackson

“What better way than to listen — to listen to our community?” — Dr. Jackson

🔑 Call to Action

• Teachers: Reach out to one family this week with encouragement, not urgency.
• Families: Stay present — your presence builds student confidence.
• Community: Let’s keep showing up for our kids with unity and purpose.

🏫 About the Show

Cowboy Conversations celebrates the voices, stories, and vision of Cajon High School — where every kid belongs, every kid learns, and every kid leaves ready to lead. Hosted by Dr. Chris Jackson, Principal and proud Cajon alumnus.

📲 Keywords / Tags

Cajon High School · Cowboy Conversations · Parent Leadership · African American Parent Advisory Committee · Family Engagement · School Partnership · Belonging · Equity · Community Strength · Dr Chris Jackson · San Bernardino Education

Transcript Link