Welcome to the September 2018 issue of
Dateline. This informative newsletter is for all those in Contra Costa County who work in education. Please tell your fellow teachers and administrators, as well as your friends who would be interested in joining our mailing list (
click here, or the link button at the left column). We will return in September.
Special Announcement
Safe Schools for All
The Contra Costa County Office of Education is excited and proud to announce its 2018-19 county-wide school safety initiative entitled "Safe Schools for All." At the core of this initiative is a comprehensive partnership with Sandy Hook Promise. CCCOE's 2018-19 school safety initiative will feature the Sandy Hook Promise 'Know the Signs' programs as we introduce these no-cost programs to middle and high schools throughout Contra Costa County. Look for these programs to be rolled out in schools this fall! Like Sandy Hook Promise, CCCOE is committed to preventing all violence on school campuses, by encouraging and supporting solutions that create safer, healthier homes, schools and communities!
What is the Administrative Leadership Program (ALP)? CCCOE-ALP is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing as a Professional Preparation Program for the Clear Administrative Services Credential (formerly referred to as the Tier II Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential). In partnership with the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), CCCOE-ALP provides high-quality, researched-based professional learning and development for new leaders. Credential candidates expand and deepen their leadership knowledge, skills, and behaviors through individualized, job-embedded induction.
Program highlights include:
One-on-one coaching by an experienced administrator
Assisting and supporting participants in their administrative roles
Advancing the knowledge and skills of participants in relation to the California Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (CPSELs)
Helping administrators lead, reflect, and grow capacity
Candidates complete a portfolio based on an Individual Induction Plan, setting goals and outlining their experiences and growth as new leaders. Upon completion of the two-year program, candidates will be recommended for the Clear Administrative Services Credential.
Fee:
$5,000 per year CCCOE-ALP for 2 years, plus $1,000** per year to ACSA/ACCP; total cost for the two-year program is 10,000
Allies & Advocates: A Contra Costa County Equity Initiative
Due to popular demand, the CCCOE is continuing its partnership with Nancy Dome and Epoch Education with the 2018-2019
Allies & Advocates Equity Retreats - featuring six sessions. Championed by Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata, the initiative will once again feature several events and activities throughout the school year, including four Equity Leadership Retreatsdesigned to support educational leaders to develop their own capacity to become effective champions of equity.
Dates and location: October 1, 9:00
a.m.-3:00 p.m.; October 15, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; November 6, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; January 22, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; February 5, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; March 18, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. - CCCOE, Pleasant Hill
Fee: Multiple early-bird discount and group price points
Foster Youth Services Workshops
The Contra Costa County Office of Education -
Foster Youth Services Coordinating Programs (FYSCP) is happy to announce the foster youth education training schedule for the 2018-19 school year.
As FYSCP, it is our goal to provide technical assistance and professional development to district education liaisons, school staff, and community partners regarding the educational needs of foster youth.
Upcoming workshops:
For info: Contact Yvonne Beals at 925-942-3463, for additional details, as well as workshop registration, visit this Web page
Fee: Free, but all attendees must register
Workshop: Vape Pens & Teens - What Educators Need to Know
This training will provide up-to-date information on e-cigarettes/vape pens, adolescent use, tobacco-free schools policies, prevention strategies, and new resources available. The training will cover the most popular e-cigarette products among teens, including JUUL. Resources will include updated presentation slides, articles, current research, and more. This workshop is geared towards school administrators, teachers, counselors, site supervisors, and community-based organization folks who work with youth in school-based settings.
Dates and location: September 19, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.; CCCOE, Pleasant Hill For info: Contact Emily Justice at 925-942-5328 or visit the program's Eventbrite registration page Fee: Free to Contra Costa County attendees
Training: Brief Intervention for Substance-Using Adolescents
Short-term counseling intervention that consists of two to four sessions aimed at adolescents who use alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and/or other drugs. This approach uses motivational interviewing, cognitive behavior therapy and the stages of change model to meet the needs of adolescents. This training's audience includes TUPE coordinators, administrators, teachers, counselors, school security staff, other interested school staff, and community-based organization staff.
Project ALERT is a classroom-based substance abuse prevention program for 7th and 8th graders that is proven to reduce the experimental and continued use of drugs. Through a series of comprehensive lessons, Project ALERT motivates students against drug use, cultivates new non-use attitudes and beliefs, and equips teens with the skills and strategies they will use to resist drugs.
Dates and location: October 23 & April 23, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; CCCOE, Pleasant Hill For info: Contact Emily Justice at 925-942-5328 or visit the programs' Eventbrite registration page Fee: Free to Contra Costa County attendees
Training: LGBTQ+ Inclusive Classrooms
Increase understanding and skills to create safer, more inclusive classroom environments for young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ). According to the 2015-16 CA Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS),less than 50% of Contra Costa students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) feel safe or very safe at school, as compared to over 70% of their peers who identify as straight/heterosexual. Our learning environments must be places where all students feel safe and included and this training focuses on just that. This training is for TUPE coordinators, teachers, counselors, other interested school staff, and community-based organization staff.
Dates and locations: October 19, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Charities of the East Bay, Richmond * December 7, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; East County TBD * March 1, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., CCCOE, Pleasant Hill
Project TND is an effective, interactive classroom-based substance abuse prevention program for 9th graders and students attending non-traditional (i.e. continuation) schools. Project TND focuses on three factors that predict tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use, violence-related behaviors, and other problem behaviors among youth, including:
Motivation factors (i.e., students' attitudes, beliefs, expectations, and desires regarding drug use);
Skills (social, self-control, and coping skills); and
Decision-making (i.e., how to make decisions that lead to health-promoting behaviors).
Dates and location: October 24 & April 18, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; CCCOE, Pleasant Hill For info: Contact Emily Justice at 925-942-5328 or visit the programs' Eventbrite registration page Fee: Free to Contra Costa County attendees
Computer Science Fundamentals for K-6 Educators
As a Regional Partner with Code.org, the CCCOE is hosting a one-day workshop for K-6 educators interested in teaching computer science. This workshop will cover Code.org's CS Fundamentals courses A-F.
Code.org's elementary school curriculum allows even the youngest students
to explore
the limitless world of computing. Courses blend online, self-guided and self-paced tutorials with "unplugged" classroom activities that require no computer.
Dates and location:September 18, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; CCCOE, Pleasant Hill
This workshop is to introduce Administrators and Counselors to Code.org's Computer Science (CS) curriculum and professional learning program. Learn how your site can access Code.org's program for you Middle and High School CS programs, enroll your teachers in a professional learning cohort, and increase access to CS for all your students. Attendees will learn about Code.org's Middle School and High School computer science courses and explore tools to build computer science courses for the 2018-19 school year. Discover how CCCOE is supporting computer science in Contra Costa County. Participants will receive materials to share with their community about computer science.
Dates and location: October 9, 8:30-10:30 a.m.; CCCOE, Pleasant Hill
For info: Contact Hilary Ditoat 925-942-3396, or visit the Code.org's
web page ,
for additional details and sign up
Fee: Fee
Teaching Thinkers of Tomorrow
How might we teach if we thought of ourselves as teachers of thinkers? Come explore how we can support all of our students to think and talk in ways that ensure engagement and achievement-for today and tomorrow. This session will engage participants in an exploration of processes that develop when learners co-construct and deepen meaning and are engaged in a variety of richly dialogic, literate situations.
Date and location: October 30, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; CCCOE, Pleasant Hill
Digital Citizenship: New 3rd-5th Grade Lessons for a Changing World
Interested in integrating digital citizenship in your classroom? Common Sense Education has recently updated their third, fourth, and fifth grade digital citizenship curriculum. Come experience sample learning activities and explore all the resources that Common Sense Education has to help students, educators, and families navigate life in the 21st century. This training is co-facilitated by Common Sense Education.
Date and location: October 11, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; CCCOE, Pleasant Hill
Contra Costa County Teacher Appreciation Day at Cal
Calling all Contra Costa County Teachers! The University of California Football Program is throwing a Teacher Appreciation Day in your name! During the Cal vs. Idaho State game, tickets will be offered to teachers and their family and friends for just $22.
For info: C
ontact George Adkins at (510) 642-2677 or visit the CCCOE group purchase link
Students Invited to Serve as Election Day Poll Workers
The Contra Costa County Elections Division is offering many students, ages 16 and older, the opportunity to serve as poll workers on Election Day, November 6. Participants will receive a stipend for their service, a certificate to include with future college applications, and the opportunity to earn community service hours. Student poll workers are encouraged to attend a kick-off meeting that will explain the program and include recognition from several county high school faculty members.
Date and location (kick-off meeting)
: September 6, 7:00 p.m.;
CCCOE, Pleasant Hill
For info: C
ontact Elections Processing SupervisorJose Gonzalez at (925) 335-7814
Contra Costal County High School Model UN
The Contra Costa County Model United Nations program is an exciting, educational way for high school students to learn about global issues. The Model UN simulates the activities of a UN body such as the Security Council or the General Assembly. Students assume the roles of diplomatic representatives to the UN as they consider contemporary international concerns. Through this role-playing event, students develop a greater understanding of world challenges and the complexity of international relations. All Bay Area schools are welcome to submit a Model UN team. #cocomun
Dates and location: November 2, 3:30-8:30 p.m., November 3, 12:00 -6:30 p.m.;
Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill
Fee:$150 per team before September 21, $200 per team after September 21 - $40 per Delegate (student) before October 12 and $50 per Delegate after October 12
Deadline: Schools must register by October 16
34th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day
Every year, on the third Saturday in September, people join together at sites all over California to take part in the State's largest volunteer event, California Coastal Cleanup Day. In 2017, more than 68,000 volunteers removed nearly 1,143,000 pounds of trash and recyclables from California's beaches, lakes, and waterways. Families, friends, coworkers, scout troops, school groups, service clubs, and individuals come together to celebrate and share their appreciation of California's fabulous coast and waterways. The event is part of the International Coastal Cleanup, organized by the Ocean Conservancy, which is the largest volunteer event on the planet!
Date and locations: September 15, 9:00 a.m.-noon; various water sites
A 2005 act of Congress states that all educational institutions receiving federal funding must observe September 17 as Constitution Day, which celebrates the 1787 signing of our founding document. According to the guidelines put forth by the Department of Education, teachers, and schools are free to design Constitution Day programming that best addresses the needs of their students. To assist, the Constitution Day program offers plenty of related learning materials, activities, teaching plans, and much more.
More than 200 science, technology, and engineering organizations from across the Bay Area will present the fun and excitement of science, through hands-on and interactive exhibits, science-themed performances and demonstrations, and family-oriented entertainment.
Dates and locations: October 26-November 3, calendar of events; held at numerous sites throughout the Bay Area
Fee: Check specific events for admission fees, but many are free
$5 FIRST FRIDAY at Chabot Space & Science Center
Each $5 First Friday at Chabot Space & Science Center is an exciting and immersive experience for all ages! Join them each month for hands-on activities and live demonstrations that are fun for the whole family. Each month there will be new things to explore!
For info: Visit the program's
web page to review program subjects and to register
Fee: $5
The California ShakeOut
The California ShakeOut drill is held annually on the third Thursday of October each year. (Other states are also holding ShakeOut drills.) More than 10.5 million Californians participated in 2017, practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On, as well as other aspects of family, school, and organizational emergency plans.
Date and Location: October 18, 10:19 a.m.; throughout California
Contra Costa Community Awareness Emergency Response (CAER) invites all schools to practice and improve their on-site emergency procedures for shelter-in-place drills by taking part in this 17th annual county-wide exercise. Guidelines for this program have recently been sent out to all districts and school principals. Schools can use the time for training, running brief drills, or conducting more detailed emergency exercises. Date: November 7, 11:00 a.m. For info: Contact Lori McDonald at (925) 313-9296 or visit the CAER website
Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society
The Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society will gladly organize an astronomy night for your school, youth group, or community organization. The organization's members volunteer their time and their telescopes to bring the universe to you. They also provide knowledgeable speakers and activities on various astronomy topics, either in a classroom or in a meeting setting.
Attention teachers and administrators in Contra Costa County! History Day Competition Contra Costa County is expanding, and encouraging all students in grades 4-12 to submit projects for the 2019 competition! This is a great way to infuse an engaging project into a history/social studies curriculum, and for students to participate in a low-stress, national competition while learning about piece of history. Each student or student group project develops an historical thesis about an historical event or person and then supports it with primary and secondary source documentation. Cash prizes awarded for exceptional projects. Students can then present their historical thesis and research in one of six formats:
Safeway funds grant applications for communities where stores are located. Grants should focus on Safeway's priorities, including education. The Safeway Foundation's Grants are accepted throughout the year. Typical grants are between $2,500 - $10,000
ecoSolution™ Grants (previously called "Small Grants") have been the defining basis of Captain Planet Foundation's work over the last 25 years. In that time, they've funded more than 2,100 projects that have impacted 1.2 million youth around the world - actively fulfilling their mission to build the next generation of environmental stewards and change-agents. The grants range from $500-$2,500 and are intended to support solution-oriented, youth-led projects that result in real environmental outcomes. They are available to educators working with youth in the United States (international projects are by invitation only).
Deadlines:
Cycle 1: Opens July 16-Closes January 15 * Cycle 2: Opens January 16-Closes July 15
ecoTech™ Grants
ecoTech™ Grants were created to combat the notion that students needed to choose between "the screen" or "the green" and to encourage educators and students to explore the role technology can play in designing and implementing solutions to some of our most pressing environmental challenges. We believe that technology can present innovative ways to address environmental challenges - and that when dealing with digital natives, we do ourselves a disservice by asking them to unplug. ecoTech™ Grants are specifically offered to engage children in inquiry-based, STEM-related projects that leverage technology and/or use nature-based design to address environmental problems in local communities.
Deadlines:
Cycle 1: Opens July 16-Closes January 15 * Cycle 2: Opens January 16-Closes July 15
Resources / Contests
edTV
The CCCOE coordinates local education programming for the Contra Costa County Education Channel, edTV. Along with support from Contra Costa Television (CCTV), edTV provides quality pre-K through college educational programming to residents, students, educators, and stakeholders in Contra Costa County. edTV can be accessed on basic cable TV service on Comcast Channel 32 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99, and is available throughout most of Contra Costa County.
For info: To learn more about viewing edTV or submitting video content or postings to the channel's televised bulletin board, visit the channel's
website, or c
ontact Jonathan Lance at (925) 942-3429
California Transitional Kindergarten Stipend Project
Are you a Transitional Kindergarten teacher or California State Preschool Program teacher in Contra Costa County? Are you interested in being reimbursed for Early Care and Education/Child Development coursework? Have you attended or plan on attending any Early Care and Education/Child Development related Professional Development? If you answered YES to any of these questions, you may be eligible for an educational or professional development reimbursement opportunity through the California Transitional Kindergarten Stipend Project. This funding opportunity is retroactive to July 1, 2014, and will be available through March 31, 2019, as a one-time-only funding or until all available funds have been expended.
For info: Visit the Contra Costa County Local Planning and Advisory Council for Early Care and Education
website, or contact
Marissa Frias at (925) 942-5331
The American Association for the Advancement of Science
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) website lets users create and administer online tests to their students and then compare their students' performance to national norms. You can assemble tests by selecting questions from more than 700 items that have been developed by AAAS Project 2061 to measure what students know in 16 key science topics.
The Contra Costa County Community Warning System (CWS) is a comprehensive system designed to alert the public in the county of imminent threats to life or health. The system was developed by the Community Awareness and Emergency Response organization (CAER) and is operated by the Office of the Sheriff. The CWS mission is to alert the public of imminent threats to life or health, inform the public of basic hazard information and guide them to resources to gather more detailed information. The CWS uses a variety of tools to reach the public as quickly and reliably as possible such as:
Telephone notification (cell and landline)
Email
Texting
Social Media (Facebook and Twitter)
Sirens
Radio and TV
NOAA Weather Radios
Cable Television
For info: Contact the CWS Staff at (925) 313-9622 or visit their website
77 Santa Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill, California 94523
Karen Sakata, Superintendent of Schools
Editor: Terry Koehne; Writer/Layout:
Jonathan Lance, (925) 942-3429;
Diane Morrell, Designer; June Stephens, Web Developer
Dateline is distributed during the school year to all public schools in the county by the Communications Office. Information must be received by the first of the preceding month. Publication does not signify the Contra Costa County Office of Education endorses the event or program mentioned.
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