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May 26, 2017
Volume 1, Issue 9
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Superintendent's Message: Opportunity and action necessary to continue creating remarkable schools
Space, lighting, furniture, color, and climate impact our mindset and set the stage for how we learn and work.Think about how this is true in different coffee shops around town: some have spacious seating areas and high ceilings, others have quaint interiors with small cubbies for study and soft chatter. Then there are those that are stark and utilitarian, with faucets or toilets that aren’t always in good condition; consequently, they are not inviting spaces for learning and the community.
With the passing of Measure E in 2012, the community support enabled Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) to create a learning center at every school in which the physical environment is inviting, flexible, and inspiring. When the learning space was opened at Rose Elementary School, Principal Nanci Pass said the students were thrilled and she heard exclamations such as “Wow!” and “We get to learn in here?!” The library at Milpitas High School was transformed and is now a media center with quiet areas and small meeting alcoves, similar to those at our public library on Main Street. These spacious and flexible learning centers inspire collaboration amongst students and offer teams of teachers a place to bring their students together for interdisciplinary projects. Our learning centers mimic the kind of work environment that exists at many companies in Milpitas such as Flex, Cisco, and View Dynamic Glass. In that sense, they are preparing our students for future work requiring creativity and collaboration, and using technology as a tool for learning.
The funds from Measure E provided our students with school improvements and enabled us to address many projects in need of repair or renovation. Additionally, Measure E allowed us to secure land and build Phase I of our 10th elementary school, Mabel Mattos Elementary, scheduled for opening the fall of 2018. View our public service announcement at this link for an overview of all the work we completed with Bond 2012 funding; we are truly grateful for the community’s support!
MUSD is ever evolving and seeking innovative ways that we can improve the conditions for learning and working in our schools. There are many areas of need for the future, and additional infrastructure improvements must be made to maintain our capacity for growth. For example, routers and switches are being replaced this summer so that our staff and students can access the Internet without interruption. However, we will need to replace 50 percent of our student Chromebooks in the next four years, about 4,000 to 5,000 devices. Our upper elementary grade students living in the Mattos Elementary School enrollment area will not be able to attend their home school without the construction of Phases II and III. We are excited about future teaching and learning pathways for our high school students, and we will need to provide them with additional classroom space while renovating existing structures to meet the needs that new opportunities for teaching and learning present.
We are now at the crucial point of opportunity and action. Let’s engage in conversation about how we can think differently about time, space, and place to create a remarkable school learning experience in the future for our Milpitas youth. This summer we will have opportunities for the staff, students, parents, and community to do just that, starting with a Town Hall meeting on June 5 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Milpitas San Jose Evergreen Community College Extension at Ben Gross Education Park, 1450 Escuela Parkway, to discuss future facilities plans. On August 9, we will have a second Town Hall meeting for those who would like to come but are not able to attend on June 5. Additionally, on August 7 we will hold a MUSD Community Convening to envision a day in the life of our future students; please email Lori Porter at lporter@musd.org if you are interested in attending.
We are also reaching out to staff, parents, and the community (we have developed a separate survey specific to students) through a survey. Your input will help inform our facilities planning for future repairs, remodeling, and school buildings. Please access the survey by clicking here, and be sure to complete by June 30, 2017.
Warmly,
Cheryl Jordan
Superintendent
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Francis Rojas of James Logan High School appointed MHS Principal, effective July 1
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By Shannon Carr
Board Support & Communications Specialist
Francis Rojas will become Principal of Milpitas High School (MHS) on July 1 after a 15-year career in education at James Logan High School, considered one of Northern California’s largest high schools with nearly 4,000 students and among the most diverse student populations in the Bay Area.
In Closed Session on Tuesday (May 23), the Milpitas Unified School District Board of Education approved Superintendent Cheryl Jordan’s recommendation for Rojas, currently schoolwide Vice Principal at James Logan High School in Union City, as the new Principal.
“In my conversations with Francis this week, he has already embraced MHS and Milpitas as his school and community,” Jordan said Wednesday. “He refers to them as ‘our school’ and ‘our community’; this speaks to his commitment to US. I'm thrilled for the students, parents, and staff at MHS. With Francis, we have an opportunity to collaborate in a way that will forge a renewed compact with one another grounded in a Culture of We.”
During her report in Open Session, Jordan introduced and congratulated Rojas on the appointment. After being recognized,
he came forward to thank the Superintendent and Board Members during a brief speech.
“Aside from the similarities between the demographics and size of James Logan and Milpitas high schools, it is the ‘Culture of We’ that really attracted me to seek out this principalship as the next chapter in my vocation as an educator,” Rojas said. “On the evening of Friday, March 24, I experienced first hand the ‘Culture of We’ at Milpitas High School’s Trojan Olympics. I saw school spirit, unity, cooperation, collaboration and so much more from the students, staff, and parents who were participating. I have never seen that level of engagement and positivity at a student led event in my life. And that’s coming from an activities director.”
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MUSD partners with City of Milpitas
for Summer Meal Program
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Seamless Summer Feeding Option (SSFO) Meal Program can help feed your children healthy meals, at no charge, during the summer. This program will serve all children through age eighteen. No application or registration is required but all meals must be consumed on site. Children will receive a complete, wholesome meal, while parents receive help stretching their food dollars.
The District's Student Nutrition Services Department will operate three Seamless Summer sites during the following days and hours:
- Robert Randall Elementary School (1300 Edsel Drive):June 5-July 21 (Monday-Friday) from 11-11:30 a.m.
- Alexander Rose Elementary School (250 Roswell Drive): June 5-June 16 (Monday-Friday) from 10:45 a.m.-11:15 a.m.
- Calaveras Hills High School (1335 E. Calaveras Blvd): June 12-July 21 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
*Closed on Tuesday, July 4, 2017.
For more information, call (408) 635-2894.
Read more >
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More than 350 Milpitas High School students honored during Senior Awards Night
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By Shannon Carr
Board Support & Communications Specialist
Approximately 354 Milpitas High School seniors were honored for earning a combined total of more than $2 million in scholarships during Senior Awards Night on May 17.
"It is one of my favorite events during the year,” Board President Daniel Bobay said. “We get to see the achievements of our students in their senior year and it’s very nice to see the kids that are going off to college at some of the most prestigious institutes in the world from our high school. It’s very encouraging. It always refuels me at the end of the year, and it puts a big smile on my face.”
In opening the event, Principal Phil Morales talked boastingly about the accomplishments of the Class of 2017.
“This year’s senior class is truly impressive,” he said. “In the fall of next year, we will have approximately 82 students attending a UC, approximately 155 attending a CSU, 24 will be at private universities, at least 12 will be heading out of state, four will attend art schools, 254 have plans for community colleges, and eight will be moving into their military careers.”
From those, a student who will be attending Yale, two who will be heading to Stanford, three to Santa Clara University, 91 to San Jose State University, and many others who will be spending their college life in various locations across the United States.
The 2017 Valedictorian is Justin Tso who earned a 4.55 weighted grade point average (GPA) and will attend University of California at Los Angeles and the Salutatorian Kinbert Chou earned a 4.53 weighted GPA and will attend Stanford.
"Our students are the pride of our Milpitas community,” Superintendent Cheryl Jordan said. “They are who we in MUSD work for, and on nights such as the Senior Awards, I feel tremendous joy, and a strong sense of connection to all those who have touched the lives of each of these determined students. Congratulations to our seniors and their families!"
Read more >
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Josephine Guerrero Family Resource Center hosts celebration for Milpitas children, families
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On Wednesday (May 24), local leaders joined young children and their families at the Josephine Guerrero Family Resource Center for an open house celebration featuring food trucks, resource tables, Potter the Otter, and free games and activities.
The resource center, which held its ribbon cutting in November 2016, provides free resources for children under age six and their families, including developmental screenings, parent and caregiver workshops, referrals to affordable children’s health insurance programs, and fun and educational family engagement activities. The Family Resource Center is a partnership between the Milpitas Unified School District, the Health Trust, and FIRST 5 Santa Clara County.
“Young children and families are at the heart of the Josephine Guerrero Family Resource Center,” said Jolene Smith, Chief Executive Officer of FIRST 5 Santa Clara County. “FIRST 5 is dedicated to working with local families and the Milpitas Unified School District to strengthen and support the healthy development of our youngest children and support parents and caregivers in their role as their child’s first and most important teacher.”
The resource center was dedicated in memory of Josephine Guerrero (November 18, 1919 - September 8, 2016), who was committed to serving her community and an advocate for families. Guerrero was the first woman to serve on the Milpitas Planning Commission in 1954, and was Woman of the Year for the City of Milpitas. She also served as an assistant postmaster and President of the Milpitas Chamber of Commerce.
“Today, we dedicate the Family Resource Center in memory of a woman who lived her life to support her family and community in times of peace and in times of war,” Milpitas Unified School District Board President Daniel Bobay said. “It is a fitting way to honor this woman who was a diamond with so many facets.”
Read more >
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'Hamilton' visits Rancho Middle School
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Isaiah Johnson, who stars as George Washington in the cast of nationally touring musical "Hamilton," visited Rancho Milpitas Middle School staff and students on Wednesday (May 24).
The visit was the result of a contest, held April 17 through May 5 among 667 schools in the Bay Area.
The top three schools with the most Newsela articles read (there were points given for correct answers on the quiz/assessment that students took after reading an article) received a visit from a cast member of Hamilton. Rancho came in second place, with more than 22,000 articles read in the contest.
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Pomeroy sixth graders conclude project
'Let's Get Active' with successful 5K run
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Sixth graders from Pomeroy Elementary School concluded their Project Based Learning project "Let's Get Active" about the Body Systems with a 5K run on May 19.
That morning, every sixth grader was able to complete the run, cheered on by the entire school, according to Snemer Anand, Pomeroy science teacher and event organizer.
"The Project Based Learning brought real life connections to the students," Anand said. "By being physically challenged they were able to understand the need to study all the systems. It generated a lot of enthusiasm and a feeling of accomplishment."
Leading up to the event, sixth graders put forth arguments supported by evidence as to how the body is a system of interacting subsystems. Instead of just stating facts they came up with Thinking Maps and PowToon videos. They also trained for 12 weeks before school and during physical education for running the 5K. They documented changes in mood and energy levels, and measured heart rate before and after exercise.
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Annual Milpitas High School art show
a 'feast for the eyes'
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By Irene Hentschke
Milpitas High School art teacher
This year's annual Milpitas High School (MHS) art show, held May 16-18, was a feast for the eyes. It featured artwork from a program which has over 1,000 students taking Art Exploration, Drawing, Painting, Digital Art, Photography, Ceramics and AP Drawing classes.
The Glee Club performed with irresistible tunes to visiting Zanker students and ceramics teacher Jeff Albrecht demonstrated throwing on the wheel to a captured audience. Visitors kept the small gym filled with inspired crowds. Many parents came to support their artists.
In addition, this year freshly painted benches found permanent homes at MHS next at administrative offices, the library, Career Center, P.E. locker rooms and teacher classrooms. Seven painting scholarships went out to talented MHS students from this outstanding program.
We are very proud of our MHS artists who demonstrated their creativity and personal expression throughout the diverse portfolio displayed at this year's MHS Art Show.
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Curtner Elementary School holds end of year (rootin tootin) family Barn Dance
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By Caroline Younan
Curtner parent, PTA Member, and Volunteer of the Year
From cowboy and cowgirl hats to hay bales, Curtner Elementary School’s Barn Dance was a big hit on May 13!
There was food, music, games, and fun for all ages and this was a great way to spend a few hours hangin’ out with the Curtner community.
The Barn Dance idea was proposed at a Curtner PTA board meeting and it was the effort and hard work from PTA members and school staff that brought this idea to fruition. All children under 5 years had free admission; the dessert table was complimentary for all attendees and was provided by Curtner’s generous parents.
The music, provided by Keith Canda AKA DJ Krucial, was continuously rockin’ for the whole party, which took place in the school's multi-use room.
It was certainly a memorable party and a great way to end the school year. With all the positive feedback this party received, Curtner’s PTA and Staff are looking forward to arranging other successful events that will bring the school’s community together.
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Every Student Succeeding Breakfast embodies MUSD's spirit of perseverance
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By Nanci Pass and Damon James
Principals, Rose Elementary School and Thomas Russell Middle School
Milpitas Unified School District held its Every Student Succeeding Breakfast on May 12.
Officially, each elementary school nominates one student while middle schools nominate two students, the high school nominates four students, Cal Hills nominates one student, and Adult Ed nominates one student. Every school uses a different nomination criteria; it is open to any student who has shown remarkable growth and perseverance despite challenges and obstacles in their lives.
The event was created several years ago by the Milpitas Management Association and really embodies and represents the spirit of perseverance and the District’s beliefs of every student being valued, challenged, and successful. The Every Student Succeeding program honors students who exceed our expectations and the adults who support them along the way. They face life’s challenges head on and this recognition is an opportunity to highlight the young men and women who have overcome great obstacles to succeed. Their stories are remarkable and their futures are bright.
Damon James, Principal of Thomas Russell Middle School, shared the following firsthand account of his student who Nanci Pass, Principal of Rose Elementary School, said was inspirational to hear about:
Victor Zamora
Gregory Peck said, “Tough times don’t last, tough people do!” Victor is one tough young man. Every student has a unique story that helps to shape that individual’s character. For Victor, his life changed dramatically in the fourth grade. For that was they year, that his father was deported. Sometimes we all make mistakes, and unfortunately Victor’s father one that caused him to be separated from his family. The following year in fifth grade, Victor, his 8 siblings, and his mother were evicted from their apartment in East Palo Alto due to some questionable actions of his older brothers. Emotionally, he was distressed about seeing his father leave, and some of his sibling were demonstrating some out of control behavior at home.
Fortunately, his mother sought the members of her church for support, and she was able to place the children in varied homes temporarily. Victor was placed with teacher Catherine Petersen, who Victor refers to as his guardian for about one year. Shortly afterward, Victor’s aunt was able to raise the funds to have Victor’s father return. And from there, Victor and his entire family were reunited to a dwelling in Stockton. But, his older siblings continued to be an issue, affecting the entire home, so Victor’s parents placed them in group homes. Victor’s first year back with his family was OK. Victor maintained somewhat average grades, but the following year, Victor failed every class except for physical education.
Read more >
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Trustees recognize winners of the SCCOE's 21st Annual Young Artists Showcase
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The Board
recognized winners of the Santa Clara County Office of Education’s 21st Annual Young Artists Showcase.
Milpitas student winners include first graders Sydney Majaya from Sinnott Elementary for "Cocoa, My Neighbor's Dog" and Tristan Borja from Zanker Elementary for "My Art... Our Hearts"; second grader Katie Lee from Sinnott Elementary for "Deep in the Sea"; fifth grader Tanisha Varma from Sinnott Elementary for "Poppies in Wilderness"; and eighth graders Tiffany To from Rancho Milpitas Middle School for "My Life Matters Too" and Cariza Lugtu from Rancho Milpitas Middle School for "Drained Emotions."
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From thousands of submissions, 30 pieces of art were selected from the elementary and middle school student artists, focusing on the theme “Heart,” demonstrating how art comes from the heart. 24 high school student works were selected from the ArtNow contest held in conjunction with the New Museum Los Gatos High School Art Competition; high school art focused on the theme “Choices.” Each of these winning works will become a part of the permanent collection housed at the SCCOE Ridder Park location.
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Amanda Chen earns second place in Lockheed Martin Leadership Association Speech Contest
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The Board recognized
Milpitas High School student Amanda Chen
for earning second place in the Lockheed Martin Leadership Association Speech Contest on March 20.
Amanda was out ill, and Coach Charles
Schletzbaum accepted the certificate on her behalf.
He shared this picture of Amanda with the certificate this week.
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Join BAPS Charities
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Saturday, May 27 at Ed Levin Park in Milpitas for its annual
walkathon. The event will support Milpitas Unified School District in addition to
The Nature Conservancy's efforts to plant one billion trees by 2025 through their Plant a Billion Trees initiative. For more information, click on the
flier.
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From 2002-2011, the California Alliance of African American Educators (CAAAE) offered summer institutes at Stanford University and University of California at Los Angeles featuring some of the nation's best and brightest education researchers and practitioners.
The 12th Summer Institute, taking place June 12-13 at the Center for Educational Research at Stanford University (CERAS), will further that tradition with educators who will share critical knowledge and strategic resources that focus on all aspects of the Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs) with an emphasis on reducing suspensions and expulsions of African American students, improving school culture and climate, and enhancing parent engagement.
For more information, click on the flier or visit the website.
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Santa Clara Adult Education in collaboration with Mission College has announced the continuation of
Early Childhood Education classes. The next scheduled class is "ESL 950EC: ESL for
Child
Development: Intro" (description below). The class, taught by Marina Broeder, is scheduled 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from
June 20-July 28 in Room L2 at the Santa Clara Adult Center on Benton Street.
PLEASE NOTE: This is an ESL credit class, but it does not count for the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Permit. The purpose of this class is to
prepare ESL students to enter the ECE pathway.
ESL 950EC: ENGLISH FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT: INTRO
This intermediate course develops oral and written English language skills necessary to communicate about a child’s development. Students practice skills to introduce, objectively describe, and reflect on children, their actions, and their interests. ESL 950EC focuses on language skills for communicating about children and their development.
For more information, read the flier. Contact the Welcome Center at (408) 855-5083 to ask about registration. To ask about classes, call (408) 855-5317 or email juliane.rosner@wvm.ed
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Join Milpitas Unified School District during the Santa Clara County Office of Education's third Step into Teaching: Opportunities in Silicon Valley Public Schools Event to help you learn and prepare for the joys of a teaching career. The event, taking place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, June 24, will help attendees navigate the credentialing process, opportunities with potential employers, compensation, and retirement. You will also have the opportunity to interact with classroom educators and experts about the rewards and challenges of a career in the classroom. Registration is required. For more information or to register, visit the website.
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The
Santa Clara County Office of Education has launched a
Curriculum and Instruction Professional Development Portal, with information about upcoming workshops divided by the following categories: Career Technical Education, Curriculum and Instruction, English Language Arts, History, Learning Multimedia Center, Mathematics, Multilingual Education Services, Science, STEAM, and Visual and Performing Arts. Visit the
page to view related professional development training and resources.
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NOROVIRUS GUIDELINES: Recently there has been an increase in norovirus and other viral gastrointestinal (GI) outbreaks throughout the state. The Milpitas Unified School District would like to remind our readers not to go to work or school if you or your children are feeling nauseous or have stomach cramps. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus and the leading cause of diarrhea and vomiting (commonly called the "stomach flu") in the United States. Anyone can get infected with this virus and get sick. Some people who are infected with the virus do not have any symptoms at all. For most people who get ill, the symptoms are minor, lasting only a few days. To learn more about norovirus, visit the
Santa Clara County Public Health webpage or click on the
flier.
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BART PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE: Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is nearing completion on the southernmost BART stations, and has
begun testing the rails in Milpitas and San Jose. The testing requires VTA to energize (power on) the rail. Touching the track way or third rail may result in death by electrocution. Unlawful entry into the fenced-in BART trail way area may result in prosecution. For more information, click on the
public safety notice.
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The Santa Clara County Safe Drug Disposal Program, operated by MED-Project, provides residents a
safe method for disposing of unwanted or expired medications. The organization will add locations to their website where medications can be dropped off or envelopes picked up in Santa Clara County as they ramp up operations. In the meantime, visit
www.med-project.org for more information.
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