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METROPOLITAN EDUCATION DISTRICT
March 31, 2026
CTE Newsletter Vol. 12 Issue 7
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- Employer Advisory Board Members Attend Partner Social
- MetroED Earns Statewide Communication Awards
- SVCTE 2026-27 Registration Open
- FREE CTE Summer Exploration Registration Open
- Save the Date: Car Show Fri., May 1
- Justice Professionals Offer Students Career Insight
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San Francisco Bay University Reps Visit
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- SVAE Strengthens Digital Literacy
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MetroED Hosts County Communicators Meeting
- Culinary Arts Students Place at ProStart Competition
- SVCTE Film Alumni Participants in Film Festival
- Follow Us–Social Media
- Share District Stories
| | If email is clipped or photos are not displayed, click "View entire message" link at the bottom of the email. | | |
Greetings!
Inspire. Engage. Connect.
These three words are at the heart of everything we do at Metropolitan Education District (MetroED), and this month's newsletter brings them to life in ways that fill me with pride.
Meaningful, authentic career technical and adult education succeeds because partners come together—bringing their expertise, their commitment, and a shared belief in our students. Together, they create opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom and into the world. We cannot do this work alone.
This issue highlights the power of those partnerships.
Nearly 50 Employer Advisory Board members gathered on our campus to hear directly from students and instructors, ensuring our programs reflect what the workforce truly needs. Justice professionals, including judges, attorneys, and probation officers, stepped into our classrooms to open students' minds to career possibilities. San Francisco Bay University representatives toured our campus and connected with student ambassadors in ways that can shape a young person's future.
And our students? They showed up with their skills, leadership, and courage. They placed seventh in the statewide ProStart culinary competition. They earned spots in a prestigious film festival. Nearly 150 students will compete with peers across the state at the California SkillsUSA competition in April. Our students demonstrate, again and again, exactly why this community keeps showing up for them.
As MetroED works toward being the model for career and adult education, we will succeed because school districts, universities, volunteers, employers, and community organizations believe, as we do, that investing in our students uplifts our whole community.
If you are interested in learning more about MetroED, including our career technical programs or adult education, and how you can partner to uplift students, please visit our web page or complete this form. I look forward to connecting soon!
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Erin O'Neill
Superintendent
| | Employer Advisory Board Members Attend SVCTE Community Partner Social | | |
Thank you to the more than 50 Employer Advisory Board (EAB) members who joined us for SVCTE’s Community Partner Social on March 18, hearing firsthand how their organizations, community services, and colleges support our students and teachers while bringing our mission to inspire, engage, and connect to life. During the event, guests were treated to testimonials by students who shared their experiences about SVCTE and a lunch prepared by the Culinary Arts students.
EAB members are industry and business professionals who collaborate with MetroED to support Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. They provide crucial insights into current labor market trends, validate curriculum to meet industry standards, and offer mentorship to teachers and students. Interested in getting involved? Learn how to become a partner today. More event photos
| | MetroED Receives Statewide Honors for Excellence in Communications | | |
MetroED was honored to receive two Awards of Merit from the 2026 California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) Excellence in Communications Awards program. The awards were presented at the organization’s annual conference and awards gala on March 13 in San Jose.
“Receiving two Awards of Merit from CalSPRA is a true honor, and recognition of the creativity and dedication of our Communications team and the talented students at SVCTE who helped bring these projects to life,” said MetroED Superintendent Erin O’Neill. “When our students produce professional-quality content for an authentic audience, that is our mission in action.”
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Left to right: MetroED Superintendent Erin O’Neill; Communications Media Specialist Kara Huynh; Communications Coordinator Shannon Carr; and Metropolitan Education District’s Governing Board President Linda Goytia.
Not pictured: Lisa Ketchum, MetroED Executive Director of Human Resources/Communications.
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The Award of Merit for the MetroED High Tea Event Video highlights a project-based collaboration between the District’s Communications Department and advanced students in SVCTE's Film and Video Production course last year, led by teacher Jonathan Furtado, providing students with applied production experience.
The Award of Merit for the SkillsUSA Board Livestreaming Video recognizes the District's Communications Department for hosting livestreamed presentations at monthly Governing Board Meetings throughout the school year. These presentations showcase programs and student achievements across SVCTE and SVAE. The SkillsUSA chapter is led by adviser and Forensic Science teacher Ashley Auguste.
Read the News Release.
| | SVCTE 2026-2027 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.
| | Free CTE Summer Exploration Program | | |
Registration for MetroED’s FREE CTE Summer Exploration is now open (lunch and transportation included) for incoming 9th through 12th-grade students from all Santa Clara County school districts.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Dates
Monday through Friday, June 8-26
- Session One: June 8-12
- Session Two: June 15-18 (No class Friday, June 19)
- Session Three: June 22-26
| | Click image, view video (3:09 minutes) | | |
Daily Schedule
- AM: 8:30-11:25 a.m.
- Passing Period: 11:25-11:30 a.m. (5 minutes)
- Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (30 minutes, student lunch provided)
- Passing Period: 12:00-12:05 p.m. (5 minutes)
- PM: 12:05-3:00 p.m.
How It Works
SVCTE will offer incoming students a total of three weeks (14 days) to explore two different career technical education (CTE) courses per week. Each day, students will attend a different pathway program; one in the morning AM class and another in the afternoon PM class.
Courses Offered
Other Details
- Thanks to the generous support of the Santa Clara Office of Education (SCCOE) and San Jose Unified School District, the entire CTE Summer Exploration program, including transportation and lunches, are free for all students.
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Students can earn up to five credits on a non-A-G pathway (see your counselor).
| | SAVE THE DATE: Car Show Fri., May 1, 5-8 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 Jeff Arnett at 408-723-4237 or jarnett@metroed.net.
| | Justice Professionals Share Firsthand Career Insights with Students | | |
The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara joined justice system partners at SVCTE as part of Career Technical Education (CTE) Month for a career exploration event that connected students with professionals working across the legal system. The event provided SVCTE students with a firsthand look at career pathways within the justice system and an opportunity to engage directly with professionals about their personal and professional journeys.
Panel participants included:
- The Honorable Julia Alloggiamento, Judge, Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara and Chair of the Court’s Community Outreach Committee
- Miguel Rodriguez, Assistant Public Defender, Santa Clara County Public Defender’s Office
- Melissa Castillo, Deputy District Attorney
- Jesus Sanchez, Supervising Probation Officer
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“We are so grateful to Judge Alloggiamento and her team for their generosity in joining our Careers in Justice panel at SVCTE,” said SVCTE Counseling Program Coordinator Pat Freitas. “Their insights and real-world experiences gave our students an inspiring look into careers in the justice system while supporting our district’s commitment to strong community partnerships.”
She added: “Collaborations like this bring authentic career technical learning to life and help prepare our students for a future of excellence and service to their communities—making this a highlight for our students during CTE Celebration Month.”
Read the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara News Release. More photos
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San Francisco Bay University Representatives
Visit Campus
| | MetroED welcomed representatives from San Francisco Bay University, including former Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, for a tour to see the exciting hands-on learning happening across campus. Our guests also heard from SVCTE student ambassadors, who shared the certifications they earn in their programs and the skills they’ve been developing throughout the year. More photos | SVAE Strengthens Digital Instruction Through California Department of Education | | |
OTAN, the Outreach and Technical Assistance Network, a California Department of Education initiative that provides training, resources, and technical support to adult education programs, is helping SVAE strengthen digital literacy in the heart of Silicon Valley. As part of this effort, SVAE provides each student with a computer, making it essential that both students and teachers are proficient in using digital tools.
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Through the 2024–26 program, the SVAE DLAC team developed a structured Canvas training program after identifying gaps in onboarding. With support from OTAN, the team introduced “bite-sized training” sessions during staff meetings. These short, focused breakouts help teachers build practical skills, such as creating and using Canvas start pages for daily lessons.
As a result, teachers are more confident using Canvas, and students benefit from a more consistent and streamlined learning experience across classes.
| MetroED Hosts First-Ever Off-Site County School Communicators Meeting | |
MetroED hosted the first off-site Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) School Communicators Meeting, which includes all 31 districts in Santa Clara County. The meeting included a presentation about MetroED and SVCTE, and a campus tour highlighting some of our CTE courses and facilities told through the lens of our student ambassadors and teachers. More photos
| | Culinary Arts Students Place Seventh at 2026 CA ProStart Competition | | |
Culinary Arts students from SVCTE brought the heat, both sizzling in the kitchen and having a prime-time appearance alongside more than 250 high school students from 20 schools across the state at the 2026 CA ProStart Cup. The team placed seventh out of 25 in the high-stakes culinary arts and restaurant competition held March 2 and 3 at the Proud Bird in Los Angeles, and was also featured on FOX 11 Los Angeles News.
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“To be placed in the top 10 for our second year competing is very good,” said SVCTE Culinary Arts teacher Chef Danielle Clark. “I am still learning all the ins and outs of the competition. One of the challenges we faced was not getting enough practice time together as a whole team. Students were out sick a lot in January and February, which was a big challenge, but they still placed seventh. That's amazing, and I am super proud of them.”
SVCTE student participants and their team roles included:
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Manager: Leia Wilde from Westmont High School in Campbell Union High School District
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Starter: Saul Diaz from Del Mar High School in Campbell Union High School District
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Main: John Thieu from Evergreen High School in East Side Union High School District and Connor Holleman from Branham High School in Campbell Union High School District
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Dessert: Alicia Bui from Independence High School in East Side Union High School District
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Additionally, Gerardo Castaneda from Oak Grove High School in East Side Union School District and Scarlett Gray from Leland High School in San José Unified School District participated in the individual Habit Burger Competition, a 10-minute quick-fire challenge in which students had to create a new burger concept for the restaurant The Habit.
Read the News Release. More photos
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SVCTE Film and Video Production Alumni Entrants
in 2026 Poppy Jasper Film Festival
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Click image, view video
(4:56 minutes)
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Click image, view video
(4:15 minutes)
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2023-2024 Alumni
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Allison Daisy Crick, The Room Tone, She has gotten her films in two years in a row | 4-6 p.m. Thursday, April 9 at Morgan Hill Community Playhouse
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Click image, view video
(24:17 minutes)
| | 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: April 15, at 7:00 p.m. | In-person, SVCTE Auditorium, Room 201
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April 6 | Legal Holiday (Campus Closed)
April 6-10 | Spring Break (No Classes SVCTE and SVAE)
April 15 | Tax Day
May 1 | Car Show (5:00-8:00 p.m., MetroED Campus)
May 4-8 | Certificated Appreciation Week
May 15 | SVCTE Awards Ceremony (6:00 p.m. start)
May 18-24 | Classified Employee Appreciation Week
May 20 | Film Festival (6:00-8:00 p.m.; Runway at 5:30 p.m.)
May 21 | Animation Film Festival (6:00-8:00 p.m.)
May 25 | Memorial Day (Legal Holiday/Campus Closed)
May 27 | SVAE End Semester
May 28 | SVAE Graduation (6:00 p.m. start)
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