Feb 2025

Ventura County: Wellness Center tours

All people will benefit from life-long learning

VCOE vision statement

Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) site-based Wellness Centers represent a pioneering effort to enhance student well-being by seamlessly integrating a wide array of services into a cohesive and accessible framework. This innovative approach not only simplifies the process of obtaining vital support but also fosters a holistic environment where students can thrive. By combining on-campus programming with robust community partnerships, the Wellness centers ensure that students have access to essential health and mental health services tailored to their unique needs. From comprehensive mental health screenings and crisis intervention to educational resources and outreach initiatives aimed at supporting at-promise youth, the Wellness Centers are committed to empowering students. Wellness Centers are a proactive strategy to promote student engagement and success, reinforcing the idea that utilizing the whole child lens approach is the best way to support students and families.

Fillmore High School Wellness Center:

A Hub for Student Support and Well-Being

Wellness center space at Fillmore High School. Photo courtesy of the Fillmore High School Wellness Center website

Principal Keith Derrick and Nancy Luna led an insightful discussion and walk-through of the Fillmore High School Wellness Center, situated on campus in Classroom 2. Designed as a retreat for students, the Wellness Center provides a tranquil environment where students can decompress from daily stressors, access vital community resources, and connect with mental health and well-being services.

The Wellness Center not only provides essential community resources but also fosters connections to mental health and well-being services, which are crucial for student success. In addition to the physical space, the dedicated website acts as a virtual extension of the Wellness Center, ensuring that students have uninterrupted access to invaluable resources and information. This initiative reflects a commitment to nurturing the holistic well-being of students, empowering them to thrive both academically and personally. The center is not just a physical space; it embodies a holistic approach to student well-being by offering a virtual wellness space that serves as a rich resource for stress management and mental health support. Here, students can access an array of informative videos focused on stress relief, alongside curated resources specifically designed for teen mental health. The center further enhances the experience by introducing monthly themes that keep the content fresh and relevant, while also providing updates on engaging upcoming events that promote community and connection.

Wellness center signage at Fillmore High School. Photo courtesy of the Fillmore High School Wellness Center website

Importantly, all services and visits are conducted with strict confidentiality, creating a safe and trusting environment where students can openly seek the support they need without fear or hesitation. This initiative not only empowers students to prioritize their mental health but also fosters a culture of understanding and resilience within the school community.

Photo courtesy of the Fillmore High School Wellness Center website

Barbara Webster Elementary School Wellness Center:

A quiet space, a space to take a break, a space of resources,

a space to gain mental health education.

The Santa Paula Unified School District (SPUSD) has made remarkable strides in enhancing student success by prioritizing wellness, academic achievement, and community involvement. A recent visit to Barbara Webster Elementary School illuminated this commitment. This school visit was led by three enthusiastic 5th-grade peer leader students. The students warmly welcomed the RTAC, Ventura County COE team members, and SPUSD team members. On this visit, team members were able to tour the impressive Student Wellness Cente r and the Student Learning Center.

The Wellness Center stands as a hub of support and community and was designed to foster a sense of belonging among students. It serves not only as a safe space where individuals can openly express their feelings and concerns but also as a vital resource hub for those seeking assistance for themselves or their loved ones. Within its welcoming walls, students are encouraged to embrace their authentic selves, cultivating an environment that champions inclusivity and understanding. Here, the ethos of "come as you are" resonates deeply, allowing each visitor to navigate their personal journey without the weight of judgment, ultimately nurturing emotional resilience and well-being in a compassionate atmosphere.

Our 5th-grade student guides expertly articulated a streamlined process that empowers students to easily access essential resources, particularly illustrating how to sign in using an iPad. This method not only simplifies the entry point but also promotes a sense of independence among students. Students also introduced their School Counselor, Ms. Eva Hernandez.

Ms. Eva Hernandez, the dedicated School Coordinator at Barbara Webster Elementary School, underscored the importance that students have a space on site where they can explore the various aspects of mental health and wellness in a supportive environment. Ms. Hernandez approaches her role with wonder, optimism, and a profound curiosity that truly honors each student's unique journey. Her enthusiasm for connecting with every individual is palpable as she seeks to explore the vast array of possibilities that this space offers to the campus community. By fostering an environment where mental wellness is not only prioritized but also made engaging and enjoyable, Ms. Hernandez encourages students to embrace their well-being with open hearts and minds. This innovative approach not only enriches the educational experience but also inspires a collective commitment to mental health, inviting everyone to participate in a journey of discovery and growth together.

Additionally, the introduction of school interns to support services for Wellness Center participants has been met with enthusiasm from students, further enhancing the array of support services available. This thoughtful and

collaborative approach to supporting students results in a nurturing and empowering atmosphere for all learners, reinforcing the importance of collaboration within the educational community. Such initiatives exemplify the district's unwavering commitment to nurturing a vibrant environment where every student is equipped to thrive and reach their fullest potential.

Photo courtesy of the SPUSD Wellness Center Website

Barbara Webster Elementary is also home to a highly successful intervention center known as the Learning Center. The Learning Center is comprised of 6 teachers and tutors who provide small-group, targeted instruction to over 100 students a day in core subjects, such as reading and math. Throughout the year, the Learning Center support team strategically invites high-need students to participate in the enriching offerings of the Learning Center. The Learning Center team meets regularly to track progress and identify new students in need of academic assistance.

Student Leaders introducing visitors to the Learning Center space.

Learning Center staff explain some learning center process'

Learning Center outcomes have been nothing short of inspiring, with numerous success stories emerging from this collaborative work. One of the Learning Center team's proudest achievements is students who, through their hard work, commitment, and the resources available to them, finish the school year at grade level —an accomplishment that reflects not only their resilience but also the effectiveness of the Learning Center's support services. It's truly an inspiring journey of growth, and the Learning Center staff have been key in playing a pivotal role in each student's unique path to success!

Good luck to all CCSPP Cohort 4 RFA applicants!

Application due February 7, 2025

As we embark on this exciting journey with the CCSPP Cohort 4 RFA applicants, we want to extend our heartfelt wishes of good luck to each Central Coast region applicant. This opportunity will provide awardees with a chance to connect, learn, and make meaningful contributions to our field and to other Community School champions across the Central Coast region and the State! Your dedication and passion are commendable, and we encourage you to embrace the challenges ahead with optimism and perseverance.

A big thank you to all current CCSPP grantees who have extended support to potential applicants. Let's continue to support one another and strive for excellence!

In partnership,

The Central Coast RTAC team

To learn more about the community school strategy, review this community schools fact sheet, provided by the Institute for Educational Leadership.

The strategy, led by the California Department of Education, offers grant funding to support school transformation by establishing whole child, whole family, and whole community connections at the school sites. CCSPP is equity-driven and aims to improve educational outcomes for California's students.

Awardees for cohort 4 will be announced at a May 2025 State board of Education Meeting

Coherence: Alignment of Initiatives and the Impact

on Sustainability

Coherence in education systems that prioritize the "whole child" is not just important; it's absolutely essential for nurturing well-rounded students. By addressing every facet of a student's academic, social, emotional, and physical development in a harmonious and synchronized manner, we create a seamless learning environment that champions their overall well-being and unleashes their full potential.

This holistic approach transforms education from a transfer of knowledge into a space of vibrant, interconnected learning that fosters deeper understanding, paving the way for remarkable outcomes.

Coherence involves clear communication, inclusive collaboration, and strategic alignment, enabling schools and districts to streamline their efforts and make meaningful connections across various programs and frameworks.

Coherence in education systems is linked to sustainability because when all parts of an educational system work together seamlessly, with aligned goals and practices, the outcome is a more stable and long-lasting impact on student learning; essentially, a coherent system is less likely to experience fatigue or require major overhauls to function effectively over time.

This resource, Strengthening Coherence Across Initiatives: A whole-child lens, aims to support educators at all levels of the educational system so they identify:

>Common threads of whole-child practice through their work

>Align their efforts around a whole-child purpose so that initiatives are mutually reinforcing instead of disjointed and in competition with each other

>Building on the excellent work that is already happening

This resource acts as a pillar of clarity, or north star, illuminating the concept of whole-child approaches that champion the comprehensive development of each student. Educators are inspired to embrace this integrated vision, stepping forth with renewed confidence and purpose, ready to make a lasting impact in their students' lives—because when we prioritize the whole child, we cultivate a future brimming with potential, promise, and possibilities.

The quotes below were shared at recent workshops and presentations that took place across the Central Coast region. Take a moment to reflect on the quotes. What resonates with you and your Community School work?

"This opportunity taught me to not be afraid. . . this experience has pushed me to start a cultural club in my school." Elementary student sharing her experience participating in a leadership-building series of workshops at ther school.

"The key is to have systems and structures in place to impact the classroom to support teachers as facilitators of knowledge vs keepers of knowledge." Teacher participant at a recent Inflexion workshop.

"It is important to understand the history of the school community. Many of the front office staff have been with the school for decades and have this history." New Community School Coordinator at an onboarding session in reference to the 20 years 10 lessons resource

Regional Technical Assistance Center Calendar:

Valuable Learning Opportunities for the School Year

Required: Mandatory Capacity

Building Workshops with Inflexion

Mandatory for all Implementation Grantees, these full-day, in-person sessions are essential for advancing your work this year.

Who Should Attend? Principals, Vice Principals, Community School Coordinators, Liaisons, Teachers, School Administrators, Family Engagement Coordinators, MTSS/PBIS Coordinators, Wellness Center Staff/Coordinators, Welcome Center Staff/Coordinators, Parents, Community Partners, Extended Learning Coordinators, Students, District Administrators, & COE Administrators.

Highly recommended events: Virtual Community

of Practice Sessions

COE Sessions are specifically for COE Administrators and COE Coordinators

Dates: Oct 9th, Dec 4th, Feb 12th, April 9th

Time: 2:30-4:30 PM

General Sessions are open to all Grantees, Site Administrators, Community School Coordinators, LEAs, and other interested parties.

Dates: Oct 22nd, Feb 18th, April 22nd, and May 20th

Time: 2:30-4:30 PM

Zoom Office Hours

Get the support you need! Open to all grantees, these office hours provide an opportunity to ask questions about the Request for Application (RFA), Annual Progress Report (APR), and other important topics.

Additional Opportunities to Connect

Bright Spots

We’re looking for schools to showcase! Volunteer your school for a site visit and share your success story with the broader education community. Your achievements could inspire others. Interested? Let us know if your school would like to participate here

Community School Visits

Curious about how a Community School operates? If you're interested in visiting a Community School to see best practices or bright spots in action, fill out the interest form to receive more information.

A copy of the 24-25 RTAC/Grantee Events calendar can be found here

Heads up: CCSPP Annual Progress Reporting

to be released in late May or early April

CCSPP APR reporting" refers to the Annual Progress Report (APR) that schools participating in the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) are required to submit, documenting their progress in implementing the community school model and the impact on student outcomes across areas like integrated student supports, positive school climate, and community engagement; essentially, it's a report detailing how well a school is utilizing CCSPP funding to achieve its goals.

Key points about CCSPP APR reporting:

Purpose: To track the progress of schools implementing the community school model

Who is involved: representation from key stakeholder groups should be included. Community School Coordinators lead this process

What it includes: Data on student achievement, community partnerships, services provided, and overall school climate improvements.

In order to prepare for working on this report, it is highly recommended that your Community School Advisory Council team utilize the STAC self-assessment documents throughout the school year. This way, you can review all 5 Capacity Building strategies with your team over time, building their understanding, purpose, and goal of each of the strategy. These STAC documents can be found below and on the https://acoe.org/15721_4

Attend the 2025 STAC APR webinar on March 4th by registering here

You can also review the STAC APR webinar for 2024 to get a basic understanding of the APR:

2024 STAC Webinar on APR (starting at 19:58)

A few additional best practices for working on the APR include:

Review the APR questions with your Advisory Council team members. Document the work that has occurred during that school year and if you met your goals.

If you did not meet your goals, reflect on this with your team members. Identify potential obstacles and barriers and some possible action steps.

Determine what sections of the report each team member will support/complete

SAMPLE APR OUTLINE for a Planning Grantee

verses an Implementation Grantee

Current PLANNING GRANTEES

COHORT 2

No School-level report is due.

LEA LEVEL APR for Planning Grantees.

The LEA will be submitting a District-level APR report. One per LEA.

The LEA will also be submitting a District-level Expenditure report. One per LEA

This reporting information will be emailed to LEA Superintendents at the end of March 2025 or the beginning of April 2025. The due date for these reports is the end of June 2025,

TIP:

Annual Progress Report questions will be shared out by the STAC as a word document. Schools may want to make a copy of the word document and meet regularly with their Advisory Council team to reflect on their Site Implementation Plan and progress made

Know your Cohort as you may be required to submit your report based on what Cohort you are a part of

Current IMPLEMENTATION GRANTEES

COHORT 1, 2, and 3

SCHOOL LEVEL APR for Implementation Grantees. Schools in Implementation Cohorts 1, 2, and 3 will be submitting a Site-level APR report. One per School. Information on the report should reflect progress in the Community School strategy during the current school year.

Schools in Cohort 1, 2, and 3 will also be submitting a new Site Implementation plan. One per school. Collective priorities and goals in this updated plan should reflect those of the school for the upcoming school year. New Site Implementation plans must be presented to your local Board of Education.

Schools in Implementation Cohort 1 and 2 ONLY: Schools in these cohorts will be submitting a Sustainability Plan. One per School.

LEA LEVEL APR for Implementation Grantees.

LEAs in Cohort 1, 2, and 3 will be submitting a District-level APR report. One per LEA.

LEAs will also be submitting a District-level Expenditure report. One per LEA. Information on the report should reflect progress in the Community School strategy during the current school year.

This reporting information will be emailed to LEA Superintendents at the end of March 2025 or the beginning of April 2025. The due date for this report is the end of July.

TIP:

Annual Progress Report questions will be shared out by the STAC as a word document. Schools may want to make a copy of the word document and meet regularly with their Advisory Council team to reflect on their Site Implementation Plan and progress made

Know your Cohort as you may be required to submit your report based on what Cohort you are a part of

This reporting information will be emailed to LEA Superintendents and designated school contacts at the end of March 2025 or the beginning of April 2025.

More inspiring Community Schools work happening in the

Central Coast region!

Monterey County - At the North Monterey County Union School District Community Partner Alliance Meeting, two CCSPP Statewide Student Advisory Committee members, Brisma and Valentin, presented to a group of over 100 community members on their work to improve collaborative leadership and student voice components at their district and high school. The students explained their role in the partnership with the S.O.A.R program. This work was led by S.O.A.R. program staff who provided students with an invaluable platform for youth engagement and empowerment. Brysma and Valentin were selected to join a cohort representing South County and North County as part of the Wallace Foundation Asset Mapping initiative, a youth participatory research project led by Dr. Jennifer Lovell from CSUMB and consultant Rosemary Soto. This initiative, supported by the Hartnell College Foundation and key partners, aligns with the Salinas Valley 5 Cities Collective Impact and Bright Futures of Monterey County's seven community goals. Centered on advancing authentic youth civic engagement, leadership development, youth-led positive change, opportunity equity, and inclusive economic mobility, the survey evaluated resources and support available to youth in Monterey County. By focusing on career exploration, skill-building opportunities, financial literacy, academic support, and access to job or internship resources, the survey identified gaps in community support and informed strategies to enhance youth development, fostering shared prosperity and equitable opportunities for all. Thank you for your contribution to the project Brisma and Valentin!

Santa Cruz County - Ceiba College Prep

Principal Josh Ripp and CS Coordinator Raquel Arenas-Humphrey shared the Collaborative Leadership and Practices for Educators and Administrators. A strong example of this is the professional development provided in which 15 teachers and four administrators received training in curriculum practices designed to enhance student outcomes. In an inspiring initiative aimed at cultivating a vibrant culture of continuous learning and personal growth, the school is dedicated to ensuring that every student emerges not just as a graduate but as a well-rounded individual poised for success in college, career, and life. By emphasizing effective collaboration among educators, they are laying the groundwork for an enriching environment that not only enhances teacher development but also significantly boosts student outcomes. Together, they are crafting a dynamic educational landscape where curiosity thrives, aspirations soar, and the pursuit of knowledge becomes a lifelong adventure for all.

Region-wide - The third installment of our transformative Capacity Building workshop series with Inflexion occurred in January 2025. This empowering session, titled "Empowering Learning: Cultivating Student-Centered Instruction and Amplifying Student Voices," focused on supporting educators and school leaders on their journey to uplifting transformative teaching environments. The workshop explored the art of fostering a student-centered atmosphere. Culturally responsive teaching strategies that elevate educational experiences and outcomes for everyone involved were also examined.

A Board of Education presentation slide depicting the work of Elkhorn Elementary School with the National Compadres Network and the Joven Noble Program

Monterey County - Elkhorn Elementary School implemented the National Compadres network Joven Nobles program this school year. El Joven Noble is a comprehensive healing-centered, indigenous-based youth leadership development program that supports and guides youth through their initial step of a “rites of passage” process while focusing on the prevention of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, relationship violence, gang violence, and school failure.

The school took a collaborative leadership and shared decision-making approach from the start. Stakeholder feedback was considered when it came to determining what staff members and existing program operation support was needed, as well as identifying criteria for determining student eligibility in the program. With the support of all involved in this process, 12 students were selected to participate in the 6-week program.

The program incorporated many needs identified via the needs and assets assessment process. Key needs expressed by students included access to leadership skill building, social-emotional support, and nature integration.

The program's field trips proved to be a transformative experience for participants, igniting a spark of hope and possibility thinking that is essential for their future. Over the 6-week program, students discovered their leadership potential and embraced the idea of pursuing and filling new student leadership roles that will empower them to shape their own path.

The engagement didn't stop at the conclusion of the 6-week program - students and their parents reported on the impact of the program to the Board of Education. In their report, they emphasized that their participation filled them with a desire to continue applying their leadership skills by supporting local community service organizations.

Being invited by the Community Schools Coordinator to co-create and co-plan activities and envision what they hoped to gain from the program resulted in a very powerful and inspiring experience the students will never forget. A vibrant cycle of positivity, inspiration, and collaboration has blossomed among these students, creating an enriching environment that fosters growth and creativity. As they embark on their educational journey, they not only nurture their own potential but also illuminate a pathway of hope and possibility for others to follow.

County CCSPP Coordination

Grant Highlight

Monterey College of Law informational sessions to support the work of

CCSPP grantees

On January 24, the Monterey County Office of Education, in partnership with Monterey College of Law, hosted a Family Law Clinic at Alvarez High School. The event provided valuable information on tenant rights, with a focus on the eviction process and other landlord-tenant legal issues.

Attendees learned that immigration status does not affect a person’s lease and that it is illegal for landlords to discriminate based on documentation status. The presentation covered key topics such as tenants’ rights, the eviction process, current legal developments impacting renters, and essential checklists for moving in and out of a rental property. To further support participants, copies of official landlord-served eviction forms were provided, helping individuals recognize and understand these critical documents.

Translation services were available to ensure accessibility for all attendees, and the community well received the event. Many participants shared positive feedback, expressing that the information presented was highly useful and relevant to their experiences. Law professors and students from Monterey College of Law facilitated the discussion, answering questions and equipping families with the knowledge needed to navigate housing challenges confidently.

The Family Law Clinic demonstrated the power of community collaboration in providing essential legal education and resources, reinforcing the importance of tenant rights awareness in Monterey County. Additional sessions will be hosted throughout Monterey County for the rest of the 2024-2025 school year.

Future STAC Events

Summary of event and fees here

Registration link

A list of hotels in the area for you to consider

2025 EMPOWER Summit Registration is Now Open!

The State Transformation Assistance Center (S-TAC) is excited to announce the opening of registration for the California Community Schools EMPOWER Summit!

Late Registration Deadline: April 30th, 2025.

Intended Audience: CCSPP grantees, RTACs, educators, community partners, students, parents/caregivers who support community schools

Dates: June 12th and 13th

Location: Fresno Convention Center

Future RTAC Events