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METROPOLITAN EDUCATION DISTRICT
April 23, 2026
CTE Newsletter Vol. 12 Issue 8
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- SkillsUSA State Competitors Earn 14 Medals, Top Honors
- Sen. Dave Cortese Recognizes Fire Science/First Responder Students
- SVCTE Inaugural Hackathon
- Student Internship Highlights
- New CBO Announced: Weixiong “Patrick” Yu
- New Taipei Students Visit
- Celebrating Adult Education Week, April 20 to 24
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- Car Show Friday, May 1
- Fashion Pop Up Friday, May 1
- Film Festival Wednesday, May 20
- Animation Festival Thursday, May 21
- Livestreaming Available: May 15 SVCTE Awards Ceremony, and May 28 SVAE Graduation
- SVCTE 2026-27 Registration Open
- High Tea Event Video Out Now
- Follow Us–Social Media
- Share District Stories
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Greetings!
There is something special about this time of year at Metropolitan Education District (MetroED). It is a season where learning becomes visible.
Across our programs, students are stepping onto the stage, literally and figuratively. At Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) center, this is through their participation in Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) competitions. At SkillsUSA, our students are demonstrating not only technical skill, but confidence, professionalism, and pride. We are seeing students advance, place, and win, representing both their programs and the power of high-quality CTE. You will read more about our 14 state medalists with three students advancing to the nationals conference in June in Georgia! At Silicon Valley Adult Education (SVAE), students are working hard to earn final credits in order to take to the stage where they will move their tassel from the right side of the cap to the left side, a small gesture that signifies a large and meaningful next chapter of their life that will soon unfold.
At the same time, students are building something just as important: their future. Through internships, job-shadowing, and other work-based learning experiences, students are gaining real-world skills, expanding their professional networks, and strengthening their résumés and portfolios. These are true launching points, giving students a clearer vision of their career path and a meaningful head start as they prepare for success in life, college, and careers.
One of the highlights of this season is the opportunity to celebrate and recognize our students in a meaningful way. On May 15 at 6:00 p.m., SVCTE will come together for its annual Awards Ceremony to honor outstanding student achievement across our courses. Through the generous support of our partners and community, we are proud to provide cash scholarships, industry tools, and items such as stethoscopes that students will carry with them into the next phase of their journey. These recognitions not only honor what students have accomplished, but also invest in what comes next, reinforcing our belief that every student graduates with a dream and a plan. If you are interested in sponsoring a scholarship for our students next year, please visit the MetroED Foundation at metroedfoundation.org/getinvolved.
This season is also a critical moment for our incoming students and their families. As they begin planning their high school journeys, many are exploring Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways for the first time, asking important questions and discovering opportunities that connect learning to real careers. Choosing a high-quality CTE program is more than selecting courses; it is choosing direction, purpose, and possibility. With opportunities for industry certifications, college credit, and career-connected learning, these pathways open doors early and set students on a strong trajectory for success. For more information on enrolling at Silicon Valley Career Technical Education center, visit the webpage.
What makes this time of year so powerful is the convergence of student achievement, real-world experience, and future planning. Together, they reflect the full promise of our mission: to inspire, engage, and connect students for success in life, college, and careers.
None of this happens without the support of our partners, mentors, employers, and community. Your investment of time, expertise, and opportunity transforms education into experience and helps our students thrive. Thank you for being an essential part of what makes CTE in our community so strong.
| | With gratitude and pride in our students across Santa Clara County, | | |
Erin O'Neill
Superintendent
| | Student Achievement and Recognition | | SVCTE Shines at SkillsUSA State Competition with 14 Medals and Top Honors | |
 | | Nearly 140 students from SVCTE delivered outstanding performances at the 2026 SkillsUSA California State Leadership and Skills Conference from April 9 to 12 in Ontario, California. Students earned a total of 14 medals across individual and team categories, including two gold, seven silver, and five bronze. Gold medalists Minh Au from Yerba Buena High School in East Side Union High School District, Kai Carter from Pioneer High School in San Jose Unified School District, and silver medalist Siying Ni from Independence High School In East Side Union High School District will go on to represent SVCTE at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, taking place June 1 to 5 in Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, Sonia Korat from Branham High School in Campbell Union High School District, Andrew Roberts from Pioneer High School in San Jose Unified School District, and Eduardo Suarez-Duenez from Yerba Buena High School in East Side Union High School District will be attending the Immersive Experience: Construction from June 2 to 4, a three-day, hands-on workforce development program at the national conference that provides students with a hands-on introduction to the construction industry.
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Melanie Pack (pictured left), a Medical Assisting student from Pioneer High School in the San Jose Unified School District, was elected to the honor of California SkillsUSA Region 1 State Officer. SVCTE was also recognized with a Chapter of Distinction Silver recognition, one out of 24 schools statewide to receive this honor and Forensic Science teacher and SVCTE SkillsUSA Coordinator Ashley Auguste was named Region 1 Advisor of the Year, representing 11 counties across Northern California.
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“What stands out most regarding these extraordinary students is not just the medals they earned, but the growth in skill and leadership they experienced along the way,” said MetroED Superintendent Erin O’Neill. “The students challenged themselves, supported one another, and stepped into their potential. That’s exactly what we strive for every day at SVCTE.”
Congratulations to all of the student participants in this year’s SkillsUSA state competition. Read the News Release.
| | Senator Dave Cortese Honors SVCTE Fire Science/First Responder Students for Community Service | | Innovative Programs and Learning Experiences | | SVCTE Hosts Inaugural Hackathon | | |
On April 21, nearly 80 students attended the inaugural Hackathon hosted by SVCTE's AI Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Mechatronics Engineering courses.
Students worked in teams from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. to create projects, using code and AI to solve real-world problems. They presented their projects to SVCTE Assistant Principal Nick Laskowski, CTE Coordinator/Assistant Principal (temporary) Olivia Santillan, MetroED Computer Network Technician Khuong Nguyen, and our industry partners from NVIDIA, Evergreen Valley College, Palo Alto Networks, Silicon Valley Educational Foundation, and the Silicon Valley Certification Hub.
| | Students Gain Real-World Experiences Through Internships | | During the second half of each school year, SVCTE students gain real-world experience through internships across a wide range of professional settings and industries. We are featuring these experiences in a series across our social media channels. | | |
Click image, view video
(0:56 seconds)
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Click the image (left) to view the first Medical Science/Health Careers video (0:56 seconds), featuring student Lucila “Lucy” Cortes-Morales from San Jose Unified School District, who shares her insternship experience at a local preschool.
Follow along on Facebook and Instagram as we visit additional internship sites and hear directly from students.
Thank you to their teacher, Dr. Madeleine Dasalla, for supporting students in these hands-on opportunities that contribute to their future career pathways.
| | District Highlights and Leadership | | |
MetroED Announces New Chief Business Official:
Weixiong “Patrick” Yu
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Weixiong “Patrick” Yu will serve as Metropolitan Education District’s Chief Business Official, effective July 1, following the approval of his contract at the Governing Board Meeting on April 15. He will be formally introduced during the MetroED Governing Board Meeting on May 19. Yu brings more than a decade of increasingly responsible experience in school finance, most recently serving as Director III of Fiscal Services at the Alameda County Office of Education. Yu holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in accounting. He is also fluent in Mandarin.
| | New Taipei Students Visit | | Celebrating Adult Education Week, April 20 to 24 | |
Adult Education Week is a time to recognize the impact of adult education and the students and staff who continue to inspire, engage, and connect. In recognition of this important work, the MetroED Governing Board officially passed RESOLUTION #19-04-15-26 affirming Adult Education Week. While the official resolution aligned with our spring break, we hosted on-campus celebrations from April 20 to 24 so that all staff and students can join the festivities.
| | Upcoming Events and Community Engagement | | 20th Annual Car Show: Friday, May 1, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. | | |
Get ready to rev your engines for the The Bob McTaggart 20th Annual Custom & Classic Car Show hosted by SVCTE on Friday, May 1, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. This event is not just a car show; it’s a vibrant celebration of automotive excellence that brings together the most outstanding custom and classic vehicles in Silicon Valley.
- Cost: $25 per entry and you can pre-register via Venmo @MetroED760 (write “Car Show” in ‘What’s this for?’) by April 24 or grab your tickets at the gate, opening 4:30 p.m. that day.
- Spectators are FREE
- Please no pets
- There is limited spectator parking; please carpool.
The car showcases many types of impressive vehicles, including cars, trucks, bikes, and motorcycles. It also supports SVCTE’s Student Competition Group SkillsUSA. Previous events have raised more than $10,000. Attendees can expect a fun-filled evening of raffles, prizes, delicious food from SVCTE’s Culinary Arts students, and live music from Cold Storage, all in support of educational excellence and community unity.
MetroED is seeking sponsors and would love for you to make a tax-deductible donation through the MetroED Foundation, a nonprofit organization with tax ID 77-0320022. Please specify that the donation is for the SVCTE Annual Custom & Classic Car Show. If you prefer to donate online, you can do so through PayPal at metroedfoundation.org/donate, or send a donation via mail:
MetroED Foundation
760 Hillsdale, Avenue, Building 400
San Jose, CA 95136
Questions? Reach out to Nick Laskowski at 408-723-6418 or nlaskowski@metroed.net.
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SVCTE Fashion Pop-Up, Friday, May 1, 8:00 to 10:30 a.m.,
1:00 to 3:45 p.m., and 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
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SVCTE’s Fashion Design and Textile Art students invite you to shop and support their creative work at a special student pop-up.
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Date: Friday, May 1
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Three available times: 8:00 to 10:30 a.m., 1:00 to 3:45 p.m., and 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. (Visitors must check in with the SVCTE front office during school hours.)
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Location: Room 101
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Payment: Accepting cash or Venmo: @MetroED760 (write "Fashion Pop-up" in the memo)
| | Purchase unique, student-made pieces including jewelry, keychains, tote bags, hoodies, and screen-printed T-shirts. Each item reflects the creativity, craftsmanship, and design skills students have developed in the course. | |
SVCTE Film Festival Wednesday, May 20, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.,
Red Carpet at 5:30 p.m.
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SVCTE’s Film and Video Production students are rolling out the red carpet for a special evening showcasing their creativity and hard work.
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Date: Wednesday, May 20
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Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (red carpet starting at 5:30 p.m.)
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Location: Auditorium, Room 201
Throughout the evening, students will premiere the videos they have created over the course of the year, highlighting a wide range of storytelling, technical skills, and innovation.
| SVCTE Animation Festival Thursday, May 21, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. | | | | |
Get ready for a night of imagination in motion. SVCTE’s Animation students will take center stage at the annual Animation Festival.
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Date: Thursday, May 21
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Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
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Location: Auditorium, Room 201
The event will showcase a collection of student-created animations, highlighting their storytelling talents, artistic creativity, and technical mastery. From character-driven shorts to dynamic visual effects, each project will spotlight students’ ideas come to life!
| | Major Milestones and Broadcast Events | | |
Join Us Live: May 15 SVCTE Awards Ceremony and May 28
SVAE Graduation
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Watch us recognize students at SVCTE’s 57th Annual Awards Ceremony at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15. The event will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person, with an archived recording available afterward for convenient viewing. Access the livestream and bookmark the page at bit.ly/SVCTEAwardsCeremony. Event photos will be available after the event at bit.ly/2026AwardPhotos
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Watch at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28 as we celebrate SVAE’s Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony. The event will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. View the ceremony at bit.ly/SVAEGraduation, and bookmark the page for easy access. Event photos will be available after the event at bit.ly/2026GraduationPhotos.
| | SVCTE 2026-27 Registration Now Open | | |
Registration for the 2026–27 school year at SVCTE is now open. View the courses’ brochure here. It is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese. SVCTE is open to all 10-12th-grade students in Santa Clara County.
We’re proud to share that all courses are UC “a–g” approved, giving students the opportunity to meet college entrance requirements while gaining hands-on, career-connected experience taught by industry professionals. Students explore interests, build practical skills, and get a head start on college or a career. Each year, nearly 1,500 students from more than 45 schools participate and have opportunities to:
- Earn college credit
- Gain industry certifications
- Build real-world experience through internships, pre-apprenticeships, and projects
- Prepare for higher education or careers after graduation
- Learn from industry experts
SVCTE continues to expand career-connected learning opportunities for students. Students enrolled in Metals Technology will have access to a newly approved Field Ironworkers Pre-Apprenticeship program, authorized by the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS).
Next school year, we’re excited to launch a brand-new AI Engineering course, approved under the UC "d" category, where students will design intelligent systems, apply Python programming, and use machine learning to solve real-world challenges—preparing them for high-demand careers in emerging technologies.
| | Lights, Camera, High Tea! | | It showcases the incredible creativity across classes that teach the soft and technical skills needed to apply learning in the real world. The film was produced by our talented Film and Video Production students: Samantha Nunes from Willow Glen High School in San Jose Unified School District; Lukas Leu from Santa Clara High School in Santa Clara Unified School District; and Kyle Repman from Independence High School, Samuel Rodriguez from Andrew Hill High School, Jonary Ruiz from Silver Creek High School, and Renata Castellon from Santa Teresa High School, all from East Side Union School District. | | Get Even More Updates—Follow Us on Social Media! | | |
Love this monthly newsletter? There’s even more to see! While we share key highlights here, our social media channels keep you connected every day with real-time updates, events, student stories, and more.
Every student has a story, and the photos above capture some of the learning, creativity, and determination happening across our CTE and adult education programs shared on our social media. We look forward to connecting with you.
Don’t miss a moment—click on the icons below to follow us today!
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Shine a Spotlight: Share the Stories That Make
Our District Shine
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MetroED is celebrating the amazing work happening across our District through the Shine a Spotlight campaign. From innovative classroom projects to student achievements and behind-the-scenes efforts, countless stories showcase creativity, dedication, and impact.
We invite our community partners, school leaders, and stakeholders to share your stories so we can highlight the people and programs making a difference.
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Positions are Available at MetroED!
We are currently seeking applicants that would be an excellent fit for our team. The district pays full health benefits to eligible employees and their dependents, including dental, life, and an employee assistance program. You can click below to learn more.
MetroED Current Openings
| | MetroED Governing Board Information | |
MetroED Governing Board Meeting
To see past meeting minutes and agendas, please visit our webpage. You can also view upcoming MetroED Governing Board meeting agendas and Governing Board Policies.
Next meeting: May 19, at 7:00 p.m. | In-person, SVCTE Auditorium, Room 201
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May 1 | Car Show (5:00-8:00 p.m., MetroED Campus)
May 1 | SVCTE Fashion Pop-Up (8:00 to 10:30 a.m., 1:00 to 3:45 p.m., and 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Room 101)
May 4-8 | Certificated Appreciation Week
May 15 | SVCTE Awards Ceremony (6:00 p.m. start, South Lawn)
May 18-24 | Classified Employees Appreciation Week
May 20 | SVCTE Film Festival (6:00-8:00 p.m., Auditorium Room 201)
May 21 | SVCTE Animation Festival (6:00-8:00 p.m., Auditorium Room 201)
May 25 | Memorial Day (Legal Holiday/Campus Closed)
May 27 | SVAE End Semester
May 28 | SVAE Graduation (6:00 p.m. start, South Lawn)
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