Greetings!
Welcome to the May 2021 issue of Dateline.
May is Asian Pacific Islander Month and in this issue we highlight some of the professional learning going on to honor and support deeper learning in that area. Also in this issue, there are numerous online and virtual professional development opportunities for our county’s educators offered during the next few months. Most of these workshops are free and cover a variety of such topics. In addition, you will find valuable resources for educators and students, such as available scholarships and the latest services our county’s libraries are offering.
I'd like to point out that former Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata will be speaking at a virtual Brown Bag seminar on Friday, May 21.
May is also Education Appreciation Month, honoring teachers, support staff and all who make learning happen for our students. I want to express my appreciation and gratitude to all of you for showing up and persevered throughout this last year.
As usual, this issue features additional teaching resources, as well as several available student grants, contests, and scholarships.
Please enjoy and share Dateline and the included opportunities with your fellow educators.
Sincerely,
Lynn Mackey
Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools
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Social Emotional Learning On-line Course Free for Educators |
Through a partnership with the Department of Healthcare Services, Orange County Department of Education, Sacramento County Office of Education, and the Project Cal-HOPE Grant, educators across California have access to a free professional development course in Social Emotional Learning offered by the UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center. The self-paced course comes with study guides and discussion questions and is great for staff, professional-learning communities or individuals to deepen their understanding of Social Emotional Learning.
Fee: Free
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Latin Music Initiative Webinar Series |
Sponsored by The California Arts Project, this series of webinars will explore culturally authentic stylistic nuances and the impact of Latin Music.
Audience: 6-12 music teachers
Dates: May 27; 3:00-5:00 p.m.; (virtual)
Fee: Free
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Common Sense Education Webinar Series |
Explore a series of webinars hosted by Common Sense Education focusing on the unique challenges relating to digital media and citizenship during the pandemic and the 21st century.
Dates: June 9, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.; July 14, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.; August 11, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Fee: Free
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What IS Social Justice Teaching in the Science Classroom? |
Join NSTA for this special four-part, interactive, virtual miniseries, which is jointly hosted by the Association for Multicultural Science Education (AMSE) and NSTA’s Committee on Multicultural / Equity in Science Education. Scheduled throughout the month of June, this miniseries is your source for resources and strategies for motivating and enhancing the participation of traditionally underrepresented students in science through the lens of equity and social justice.
Audience: K-5 teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators
Dates: June 5, 12, 19, and 26; 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; (virtual)
For info: To learn more and register, visit this link
Fee: $70 members, $85 nonmembers
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CCCOE 5 Key Principles for Distance Learning |
Based on the CDE 5 Key Principles for Distance Learning, we created and recorded five Mini-Sessions. Each 30-minute session dives into one big idea of each Key Principle. We offer a practical active learning experience and an interactive resource backchannel. All recordings and resources can be found on this CCCOE December Virtual Mini Sessions Guide. If you would like more information about this opportunity, contact Christen Northrop or Julie Dooley. |
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Distance Teaching and Learning |
In partnership with the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), the California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA) and the University of California Los Angeles Center for the Transformation of Schools (CTS) offered this free online series. These virtual seminars provide families and educators with the tools and strategies they need to ensure greater equity for students who continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 school closures.
For info: Visit their website for numerous recent webinars
Fee: Free
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Recognize APA Heritage Month with CCCOE Virtual Brown Bag |
Join CCCOE for a virtual Brown Bag seminar in recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, featuring former Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata. Her talk is titled, “Life Interrupted. The Power of Education.”
Date: Friday, May 21, Noon (virtual)
Fee: Free
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Code.org's Professional Learning Program |
Code.org's Professional Learning Program is a year-long professional development experience for middle and high school educators interested in teaching Code.org's Computer Science Discoveries (Grades 6-10) or Computer Science Principles (grades 10-12) courses. Participants will explore Computer Science curriculum and tools, experiment with specific teaching strategies, and join a local community of teachers using this curriculum. Workshops are led by experienced Code.org facilitators and prepare all teachers to use the free curriculum and learn CS (no CS experience necessary). Teachers can apply to earn Continuing Education Units for their work.
Date and location: June 21 - June 25, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; CCCOE , Pleasant Hill or Virtual (TBD)
Fee: See web page for price points, as well as scholarship opportunities
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Administrative Leadership Program (ALP)
Clear Administrative Services Credential Program
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Our program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing as a Professional Preparation Program for the 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. Across the two-year program, credential candidates expand and deepen their leadership knowledge, skills, and behaviors through individualized, job-embedded induction.
Dates: The enrollment window for the 2021-23 fall cohort will open July 1, 2021.
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211 Online Resource Database Training |
This training is offered online once per month. If your organization is interested, we can schedule a group training session online. 211Database Resource Training is provided at no cost.
Sessions Covers:
- Current COVID-19 Icon resources
- Search techniques
- Creating easy access lists for frequently requested resources
- How to share information to cell or email
- Updates to your agency listing
- Adding a new program to the database
- Training your clients to use search
Dates: Held every 2nd Thursday of the month; (Virtual)
Fee: Free
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Suicide Prevention, Risk Assessment, & Intervention Trainings |
The Contra Costa Crisis Center invites you to participate in any of our upcoming online suicide prevention presentations and trainings, free of charge, through June 30. This program is made possible by Contra Costa County’s allocation of Mental Health
Services Act (MHSA) funding.
Dates: Presentations held held on six dates, April-June; (Virtual)
Fee: Free
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Homeless Education Training |
The Integrated Student Support and Programs Office at the California Department of Education (CDE) would like to invite you to the following webinars. These webinars are designed to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) with the requirement of Section 11432(g)(6)(A)(ix) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which states that LEA personnel, including the homeless liaison, must be provided professional development opportunities in identifying and meeting the needs of homeless children and youths.
There is no registration fee! Just mark your calendars!
Topic: Homeless Education and Early Education
Date and time: June 2, 2:00–3:30 p.m.; (virtual)
Meeting ID: 851 6084 7733
Passcode: 232046
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Virtual Book Discussion of "Front Desk" by Kelly Yang |
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Contra Costa County Library is excited to launch the first Community Reads for Kids featuring Front Desk by Kelly Yang. Our community reading program strives to get everyone in the County to read and discuss the same book. The program includes a virtual book discussion and a live Zoom event with the author.
Date and time: May 20 and May 25, 4:00 p.m.
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Grants / Scholarships / Awards |
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Krylon Clear Choice Art Scholarships |
Students must be enrolled or accepted and seeking a degree at a U.S. or Canadian university, college, or art school as a declared major in a visual arts program such as painting, drawing, sketching (excluding graphic design, fashion design, interior design, film, music or the performing arts). Five $1000 scholarships will be awarded. In addition, the art program at each winner’s school receives a $500 grant and a large gift package of Krylon Artist Sprays and Adhesives. Ten students and their schools will receive gift packages of Krylon Artist Sprays and Adhesives.
For info: Visit their website for details
Deadline: May 31
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The Safeway Foundation's Grants |
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
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Ross Store-Based Giving Program |
The Ross Store-Based Giving Program provides donations to eligible schools and government programs within 25 miles of a Ross Dress for Less store. Funding is intended to build academic achievement and life skills in economically disadvantaged youth, ages 3-24. Schools must be either Title 1 designees or have at least 40% of their students participate in free or reduced lunch. Programs with a focus on literacy, STEM, tutoring, stay-in-school efforts, and college readiness can qualify. Support is provided primarily in the form of gift cards.
Deadline: Applications are ongoing
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The California State Library has launched a new website that streamlines all available state agency grants for education, small businesses, nonprofits, individuals, tribal governments, and more!
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County Library System Celebrates Pacific Islander Voices & Cultures |
The Contra Costa County Library has put together a list of recommendations celebrating Pacific Islander voices and cultures. The staff-created list will allow you to discover the rich identities of Polynesians, Melanesians, and Micronesians with these stories of culture, history, resistance and tradition.
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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.
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CCCOE's Coronavirus Web Page |
The Contra Costa County Office of Education is working closely with Contra Costa Health Services to keep our communities informed regarding the Coronavirus emergency. The CCCOE is providing updated information and resources to schools and school districts in our county so they can offer accurate news to their communities.
The CCCOE Coronavirus web page features:
- Meal Services Information
- Learning Resources and Distance-Learning Plans
- School Updates
- Wellness Resources
- COVID-19 Outreach Toolkit
- Parent/Guardian Communications
- CCCOE Employee Communications
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Directing Change Program and Film Contest |
The California Department of Education (CDE) is pleased to continue supporting the annual Directing Change Program and Film Contest. This event is sponsored by Each Mind Matters: California’s Mental Health Movement and the California Mental Health Services Authority as part of a collaborative statewide effort to prevent suicide, reduce stigma and discrimination related to mental illness, and promote the mental health and wellness of students. This statewide program invites California students from grades seven through twelve to create 60-second films about suicide prevention, mental health, and related cultural perspectives. The primary goal of the Directing Change Program is to support implementation and expansion of mental health and suicide prevention awareness efforts on school campuses.
For info: Visit their website for submission guidelines and contest details
Deadline: April 20
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CCCOE’s Health & Wellness Matters e-newsletter
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We encourage anyone who is interested in receiving monthly updates on adolescent health and wellness-related issues, including upcoming professional development opportunities and parent/family webinars to check out Health & Wellness Matters.
For info: To learn more and subscribe to Health & Wellness Matters, visit their web page
Fee: Free
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Digital Media Subscriptions for Teachers and Students |
The New York Times is working with Verizon to provide qualifying high school students and teachers with a free digital subscription through September. 1, 2021 — helping them stay connected to the world, even as it continues to change. Teachers or school administrators must first create a free account to be verified and then will be able to send their students an invitation email to access the subscription.
Fee: Free
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New Tools for Teachers Website |
Tools for Teachers is a new website featuring lessons and activities designed to enhance instruction, save time, and boost student learning. This online collection is the new formative assessment component of the Smarter Balanced assessment system and was developed with teachers across the state. Resources are aligned with the California Standards to help K–12 teachers target student needs using the formative assessment process. Formative assessment and accessibility strategies are embedded in every instructional resource and can be used in distance or hybrid learning environments.
Fee: Free
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East Bay Regional Park District Digital Learning |
East Bay Regional Park District is committed to the idea of lifelong learning and helping people make their own discoveries about our local parks. These resources are designed to be used at home, in a classroom, or part of any online education. Use these resources to build your own learning opportunities.
Fee: Free
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CASEL CARES is a new initiative that connects each of you in our global community with experts to address how Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) be most helpful in response to today’s circumstances. The program is filled with free resources and a weekly webinar.
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Cash for College Workshops |
Cash for College workshops provide students and their families an opportunity to receive free, professional help to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CA Dream Act Application.
For info: A full list of upcoming workshops in your area is available online
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KidsGardening.org is a website that has plenty of ideas about plants and gardens, teacher resources, and grant opportunities. |
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Educational Programming of edTV |
Looking for some additional quality Monday-Friday educational programming at home or in the classroom? Check out the latest edTV broadcasts here.
Programs scheduled include (times are approximate):
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Number Talk, presented by the Khan Academy and CCCOE , K-5 math lessons in English and Spanish: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
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Food Kids, lessons in purchasing, growing, and preparing healthy meals: 12:00-12:30 p.m.
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STEM in 30, Emmy-nominated program produced by the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum: 12:30-1:00 p.m.
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National Arts Gallery, outstanding stories about artists and art movements from around the world: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
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Number Talk (repeat of morning broadcast), presented by the Khan Academy and CCCOE , K-5 math lessons in English and Spanish: 2:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (replay from the morning)
edTV can be found on Contra Costa County cable channels 32 (Comcast) or 99 (AT&T U-Verse)
For info: Daily schedule can be found here
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Message from the Contra Costa County Library |
Grab & Go Library Service to Launch April 26
Beginning Monday, April 26, Contra Costa County Library will reopen many community libraries to the public for Grab & Go service. The libraries will be open with limited occupancy and offer select services. Patrons will be asked to limit their time in the library to no more than one hour and to abide by all safety protocols including social distancing and mask requirements.
Available services will include:
- Computer use for no more than one hour
- Reference and account help
- Holds pick up
- Check out and returns
- Browsing
- Copies and printing
Expanded Printing and Scanning Services
The Library has expanded printing and scanning services, via Front Door Service, to include 21 library locations. Visit ccclib.org/computer-printing-and-wifi/ for locations, and details on how to use it.
Wi-Fi Hotspots
The Library is now lending Wi-Fi Hotspots. The hotspot provides internet access to families and library patrons who don’t have a connection at home. The lending program will allow students, parents, teachers and families working and studying remotely, access to a free and reliable internet connection. The portable hotspots connect Wi-Fi enabled devices such as laptops, tablets or smartphones to the internet. The hotspots can connect up to 10 devices at one time and work almost anywhere in the continental U.S. Hotspots are available for checkout at ccclib.org or by contacting library staff any community library. Patrons must have a library card in good standing in order to check out a hotspot. The lending period is 21 days, and they are available for renewal if there is no waitlist.
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Contra Costa Community Warning System |
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
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Published by the Contra Costa County Office of Education Communications Office |
CCCOE
77 Santa Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill, California 94523
Lynn Mackey, Superintendent of Schools
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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Contra Costa County Office of Education
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