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February 17, 2017
Volume 1, Issue 3
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Superintendent's Message
The 13th Annual Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) Crab Feed held on Friday, February 10 was a grand success! Over 300 attendees and volunteers ignited the room with their energy and sparkling laughter.
Music performed by Milpitas youth from the South Bay Music School, led by Director Joe Santoro, enhanced the festive chatter. Coach Kelly King and his Milpitas High School football team served as volunteers to ensure that crab was plentiful at every table, while the MHS Key Clubbers prepped the dining hall. MUSD Student Nutrition Director Victor Frausto and his team prepared a delectable salad and pasta dish to accompany the crab.
The grand event was emceed by MHS PE teacher Chuy Zamudio and community member Joseph Weinstein. Several parent volunteers and friends of Kiwanis assisted with donations, sales, and ticketing. The Milpitas Kiwanis, a team of dedicated service leaders led by Crab Feed chairs Dennis Grilli and Mike Mendizabal, were the engine behind this fabulous event.
The magic of the night was that our neighbors, city leaders, school staff and Board came together to raise nearly $30,000 for scholarships and new school clothes to benefit our students in need of financial assistance.
Board President Dan Bobay, the Board, and I are grateful to all who made this a special night; together
We serve our MUSD community!
Thank you to all,
Cheryl Jordan
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Curtner Elementary School celebrates Lunar New Year with festive student assemblies
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Curtner Elementary School held its annual Lunar New Year celebration on February 8, during two separate assemblies for kindergarten- through third-graders and fourth- through sixth-graders.
“Celebrations like this honor the multiculturalism that's reflected in our community and builds confidence and benevolence in our students,” Principal Jackie Vo-Felbinger said.
Sixty-five percent of Curtner students identify as Asian. Each year, from late January to the middle of February, many Asian countries (including China, Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore) celebrate the Lunar New Year as national holidays.
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This year, organization Able2Shine joined in the festivities at Curtner, working closely with the Parent Teacher Association and staff to provide training to students and parents on coordination of the assembly, student performances, and gathering of outside performers.
“We received comments from students of all backgrounds who talked about how much they enjoyed the show and how they want to experience this celebration again,” Vo-Felbinger said. “The celebration shined light on the pride of students who had these experiences as a part of their family traditions, bonding them even more closely to the school.”
More photos from Jason Foy Photography >
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44 students honored during African American Student Achievement Award Ceremony
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Families, Board Members, Superintendent Cheryl Jordan,
Principals, school administrators, and Mayor Rich Tran came together for an evening of celebration during the African American Student Achievement Award Ceremony on February 9 in the Milpitas High School theater.
“There are two awards that students were nominated for: the outstanding academic achievement award and the outstanding accomplishment award,” explained event host Venus Cenizal, MUSD Coordinator of Learning and Development. “Students who excel in at least one academic area receive the outstanding academic award and students who have had a specific accomplishment, demonstrated social and emotional maturity, and/or demonstrated resiliency in the face of adversity are awarded for outstanding accomplishments.”
Board Members and guests from the City of Milpitas formed a receiving line to shake hands with the 44 total students who were recognized that evening, from the elementary to high school level throughout the district.
“I want to tell each one of you young leaders, that you make us very proud and we are glad to be here tonight to celebrate you,” Superintendent Cheryl Jordan said.
Read more >
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Science Olympiad takes first in competition
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By Emmy Yu
Milpitas High School student,
Reporter for "The Union" school newspaper
Members of the Milpitas High School Science Olympiad Team compete to create more than the average vinegar-and-baking-soda volcano. In their recent tournament at Mira Loma High School, students showcased their talents in events that ranged from tower and helicopter building to wind power physics.
“The Mira Loma competition was one of our harder invitationals for sure,” Science Olympiad Co-Captain Long Dang said. “There were two schools that were national champions from past years.” The 4th Annual 2017 Mira Loma Invitational held in Sacramento featured teams from all across Northern California.
“I believe that we’ll see a more accurate representation of our skills in the upcoming competition,” Advisor Christopher O’Connor said, “especially considering how competitive the teams based in the Bay Area are and the amount of teams that compete.” Despite not placing in the Mira Loma invitational, the team went on to participate in the Wicklund Science Olympiad Tournament in Mountain House, winning first overall of the eighteen teams competing.
“One word to describe Mountain House would be ‘unexpected,’” Junior Rachel Chiang said. “A lot of us went through the day thinking we wouldn’t do very well, but it was a nice surprise considering how hard we worked to study for our events.”
Read more >
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From Behind the Dais: Chris Norwood
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Editor’s Note: This is the second article in an ongoing series about our dynamic and diverse Board of Education. The new feature is an opportunity to gain insight into their stories of success and the reasons they enjoy serving Milpitas Unified School District.
***
Chris Norwood readily admits he is guided by past adventures, including as Clerk for the MUSD Board of Education.
“In my opinion, the sign of a great community is based upon the engagement of its residents,” he said. “I am a long-time Milpitas resident and have witnessed its evolution first hand.”
Chris may be in his third year of his first term on the Board, but his commitment to Milpitas community and school-based activities began a long time ago. He was a Cub Scout, member of the Milpitas Citizens Preparedness Action Committee, and played Milpitas Police Activity League (PAL) football, Milpitas High School basketball, and badminton. After graduating from high school and West Valley College, Chris became the assistant Milpitas High School varsity basketball coach under Coach Steve Cain.
“As a person, my wife, kids, and family (dad deceased) are my everyday inspiration,” he added. “I am a big Christian kid at heart who has some intense moments, loves to learn, enjoys great food and rich cultural experiences.”
In his journey, Board Member Chris said “it has been an amazing eye-opening experience to have the opportunity to be a part Milpitas education system.”
Read more >
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Interested in a career in teaching? Attend the
Santa Clara County Office of Education’s “Step into Teaching: Opportunities in Silicon Valley Public Schools.” The event is scheduled for
Saturday, February 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the
SCCOE, located at 1290 Ridder Park Drive. For more information,
visit the website.
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Milpitas Unified School District will host its annual Parent University
6-9 p.m.
Wednesday, March 1 at the District Office, located at 1331 E. Calaveras Blvd. The event, open to parents from throughout the district, will include a resource fair and workshops on topics like "The Teenage Brain"; "Communicating Across Cultures"; "Effective Communication Strategies-Tips for Discussing Alcohol and Other Drugs with Your Youth"; "What is the LCAP?", "ELA and Health Curriculum Adoptions"; and MORE! For more information, contact Nicole Steward at
nsteward@musd.org or (408) 635-2600, extension 6043.
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Alexander Rose Elementary School will host its second annual Bedtime Story Hour in celebration of Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss, and they need YOU! The school is looking for guest readers from the community to come read their favorite picture/story books to their children and families during the event, from 6-7 p.m.
Thursday, March 2. This is a great opportunity to connect with the community and share your love of reading with children of all ages. If you're interested in being a guest reader, contact Principal Nanci Pass at
npass@musd.org or call her at (408) 635-2668, extension 1205.
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Thomas Russell Middle School is seeking volunteers for Career Day
Wednesday, March 8. The goal of Career Day is to provide each classroom with individuals who are willing and able to share information about their education, career path, and job experiences to help students learn about possible career opportunities. Volunteers are being asked to give 40-minute presentations between 8:30 a.m. and 11:10 a.m. that day. If you can present for a portion or the whole time, please contact Career Day Coordinators Dr. Latisha Roberts at
lroberts@musd.org, Chanae Wami at
cwami@musd.org, or Valarie Lamb at
vlamb@musd.org, or call (408) 635-2864, extension 3210.
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