Inside this Issue

• Sen. Adam Shiff Representative Visits
• CalWORKs Receives County Award
• SVAE Student Aiyanna Magee Receives County Award
• SVCTE Courses All UC A-G Approved
• Nissan Donates Car
• SVAE Medical Assisting Class Returns in the Afternoon
• New SVCTE Alumni Page
• CA SkillsUSA Historian and SVCTE Student Silvano Rojas Travels to Washington, D.C.

• Board Meeting Livestreams Return
• SVCTE Back to School Night
• MetroED Campus Tours Oct. 15
• SVAE Open House Nov. 19
• SVAE Career Fair Dec. 2
• SVAE Showcases New Adult Educator Evaluation at CAEP Summit
• SVAE Financial Literacy Workshop
• Breaking Down the Walls Event
• Suicide Prevention Month Resources
• Follow Us—Social Media

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News and Highlights

MetroED Welcomes Senator Shiff's Regional Director Edwin Sevilla

MetroED hosted Edwin Sevilla, Northern California Regional Director for U.S. Senator Adam Schiff this month. Sevilla toured SVCTE classrooms and saw firsthand the industry learning opportunities available to students across Santa Clara County alongside MetroED Board Member Katherine Tseng, Board Vice President Linda Goytia, and Superintendent Erin O'Neill (pictured, left to right). View more photos here.

CalWORKs Team Honored as County of Santa Clara Partner of the Year

MetroED’s CalWORKs team was recognized as Partner of the Year at the County of Santa Clara’s 35th Annual CalWORKs Achievement Awards this month. The honor was presented by District 1 County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, who praised the team’s dedication:

“MetroED goes above and beyond to meet students where they are and guides them through the CalWORKs program while reaching their educational goals.”

This award highlights the team’s commitment to supporting students in achieving both personal and academic success. MetroED is proud of its CalWORKs staff and the positive impact they make every day. Read the Press Release.

SVAE Student Aiyanna M. Magee Receives County CalWORKs Achievement Award

SVAE student Aiyanna M. Magee was recognized with the Individual Client Award at the County of Santa Clara’s 35th Annual CalWORKs Achievement Awards this month. Magee is currently pursuing Medical Assisting at SVAE after graduating with her High School Diploma in 2024.

District 2 County Supervisor Betty Duong presented the award, noting Magee’s determination to overcome challenges, sharing "Grappling with post-partum depression and lacking support from her new school while working part-time, Aiyanna couldn't find the success she was seeking. Wanting better opportunities for herself and her son, Aiyanna enrolled in CalWORKs." 

Her CalWORKs site representative, Alex Mendoza, commended her accomplishments, stating "Aiyanna is right on it. Her communication is great and she passed her first module in Medical Assisting right after completing her HSD. She is an outstanding student." 

Magee’s advice to others: “Keep pushing. There are obstacles that will be thrown at you but you can overcome them even if it takes a little longer than other people. You can do it.” Read the News Release.

SVCTE Courses Now All UC A-G Approved

All courses at SVCTE are now UC a–g approved! This means that students can earn credits that count toward UC/CSU admission requirements while building hands-on career skills.

A–G-approved CTE courses are important because they prepare students for success in both college and career pathways. By integrating rigorous academic standards with hands-on technical skills, these courses ensure that students are ready for higher education if they choose to pursue it, while also equipping them with practical, industry-relevant skills that make them immediately employable. This dual focus gives students the flexibility to choose their path after high school.

Our courses offer UC a-g credit in:

• c=Mathematics
• d=Science
• f=Visual and Performing Arts
• g=College Prep Elective

Nissan Donates Infiniti Q60 to SVCTE EV/Automotive Services Class

Students in SVCTE’s Electrical Vehicles/Automotive Services course are taking their training to the next level thanks to a generous gift from Nissan Motor Corporation, which recently donated an Infiniti Q60. The vehicle will allow students to learn on a modern vehicle with advanced features that mirror the technology they will encounter in today’s automotive industry.

This is the second vehicle Nissan has donated to the program. Last year, through the efforts of Amandeep Gosal, District Technical Service Manager at Nissan North America, students received a Nissan Leaf EV to help strengthen their skills in electric vehicle technology. Together, these donations provide invaluable learning opportunities with industry tools and equipment, and a direct connection to future career pathways at Nissan dealerships. View more photos here.

Adult Education Medical Assisting Class Returns in

the Afternoon

SVAE is excited to welcome back its popular afternoon Medical Assisting course! After a two-year pause, the program returns stronger than ever—ready to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals and open doors for eager students on the waitlist. This one-year program prepares students for healthcare careers through flexible start dates across nine modules, each lasting four to five weeks, with hands-on experience in front and back office procedures, culminating in an externship.

Dr. Nazila Safari, who leads the course, emphasizes essential qualities like discipline, empathy, patience, kindness, and care. “The rest of it, if you don’t remember, you can learn,” she says.

Students are already benefiting from the program. Aliyah Ponce says, “Originally I signed up because of injections; I had an interest in phlebotomy. I also had an interest in getting exposed to just the medical field. I want this to basically take me to getting some clinical experience for X-rays.”

Maria De Latorre, who has taken the class for nearly a year, shares, “I always like to help others, and I think this is the right way. To be honest I love pretty much everything, all the areas. She’s great (Dr. Safari).” Working alongside De Latorre was Jalynn Otero, just a month into the program: “All my family is basically in the medical field, so it’s what I want to work toward someday. I want to be a registered nurse, like a baby mother where you take care of the babies after the delivery.” That day, they were practicing veining punctures and mastering the steps involved.

Dr. Safari notes the program equips students with skills that can start at $35/hour or more, while giving them the confidence and real-world experience to succeed. Many alumni return to share their successes, inspiring current students with stories of achieving their dreams.

Learn more and register today to secure your spot in the next module! 

SVCTE Students in Action

New Alumni Page Celebrates Student Stories

SVCTE, formerly known as Central County Occupational Center (CCOC), has a long history of preparing students with the skills and confidence to pursue college, careers, and lifelong success. Now, SVCTE is shining a spotlight on those stories through its newly launched Alumni Page.

The page highlights inspiring journeys of former students who have taken what they learned in SVCTE classrooms and applied it in meaningful ways—whether advancing in higher education, launching into rewarding careers, or making an impact in their communities.

SVCTE is also inviting alumni to join the celebration by sharing their own stories. By contributing, former students can inspire the next generation while staying connected to the SVCTE community. 

These stories are also being shared regularly on social media, including 2024-2025 Culinary Arts Alumni Cesar Alessandro Machado Garcia.

CA SkillsUSA Historian and SVCTE Student Silvano Rojas Travels to Washington, D.C.

SVCTE Fire Science/First Responder student Silvano Rojas, from East Side Union High School District, traveled to Washington, D.C. September 20 to 24 to take part in SkillsUSA's Washington Leadership Training Institute (WLTI) conference.

As the elected SkillsUSA State Historian, Rojas is one of only a handful of students representing California at this prestigious national conference.

During WLTI, he has taken part in leadership training sessions and member briefings; met with Taylor Reed, aide to Representative Josh Hardner, to share the SkillsUSA mission and advocate for skilled trades cand career and technical education; toured historic landmarks, including joining fellow California State Officers in paying tribute at Mount Vernon; and built connections with student leaders from across the country.

Rojas, pictured in the red, white, and black jacket, exemplifies the leadership, dedication, and career-ready skills SVCTE fosters in its students. We are proud to see him representing both SVCTE and the state of California on the national stage. View more photos here.

Film & Video Production Students Kick Off 2025-2026 Board Meeting Livestreams

Livestreams have returned for Governing Board meetings in the 2025-2026 school year, spotlighting courses and students from SVCTE and SVAE.

The first livestream kicked off at the September meeting, featuring SVCTE’s Film & Video Production class. Stay tuned for more opportunities to see our students in action throughout the year.

Watch the video (30:09 minutes)

SVCTE Welcomes Families for Back to School Night

Excitement filled the campus as SVCTE hosted its annual Back to School Night on September 3. Students welcomed their families into classrooms and shops, eager to showcase the skills they’ve been building since the start of the school year.

From demonstrating state-of-the-art equipment to sharing projects in progress, students gave their families a firsthand look at the extraordinary opportunities and learning that make SVCTE unique. The evening was not only a chance to celebrate what students have accomplished so far, but also an opportunity for families to glimpse the bright futures their students are preparing for. 

Additionally, SVAE Transition Specialist Arezoo Miller hosted a table at the event to share information about adult programs with attending parents. View more photos here.

Events

Tour Industry Learning in Action Wed., Oct. 15

You’re invited to explore SVCTE, where 10th–12th graders and adults discover how education meets the real world.


Date: Wednesday, Oct. 15

Time: 9:00-10:30 a.m. OR 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Location: 760 Hillsdale Avenue, San Jose

For more information and a sneak peek: Visit here

What you’ll experience on the tour:

• Discover Opportunities — Explore diverse training programs preparing students for the workforce.
• Forge Partnerships — Connect with educators & leaders to collaborate on workforce needs.
• Community Impact — See how SVCTE strengthens the local economy & supports student success.
• Hands-On Learning — Witness creativity and innovation with cutting-edge, real-world training.

Don't miss out! Spaces for the tour are limited, so we encourage you to register quickly to secure your place.


Come see how SVCTE is shaping the future of careers and the community.

Attend SVAE's Open House and Tour Wed., Nov. 19

SVAE invites you to visit our classrooms, connect with staff, and learn more about the wide range of educational programs and student support services we provide. 



Date: Wednesday, Nov. 19

Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m. presentation; 10:30-11:00 a.m. tour

Location: 760 Hillsdale Avenue, San Jose

Register here

Silicon Valley Adult Education (SVAE) offers education classes free of charge or at a low cost to adults 18 years or older. It is an adult school offering career technical education and free English as a Second Language (ESL), High School Equivalency (HSE), and High School Diploma (HSD) classes. SVAE primarily serves adults in the San Jose Unified School District. SVAE is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a member of the South Bay Consortium for Adult Education (SBCAE). 

Join Us for the SVAE Career Fair Tues., Dec. 2

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 2

Time: 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Location: 760 Hillsdale Avenue, San Jose

Mark your calendar! Silicon Valley Adult Education (SVAE) is excited to host its Career Fair, bringing together employers and adults ages 18 and older who are ready to take the next step in their career journey.

For Employers:

We are looking for industry professionals to host a table and connect directly with motivated, skilled candidates. By participating, you will: 

• Build your future workforce by meeting qualified candidates face-to-face.
• Share your company’s mission, culture, and opportunities with job seekers.
• Strengthen community connections while supporting professional growth.

Employers: Register here

For Job Seekers:

SVAE students and the general public are invited to come explore opportunities, network with employers, and take the next step in your career. Whether you’re looking for a new role or just want to learn more about local industries, this is your chance to connect.

Job seekers: Invite coming soon. Keep an eye out for a signup form on the SVAE website.

SVAE Showcases New Adult Educator Evaluation at CAEP Summit

SVAE is presenting at the California Adult Education Program (CAEP) Summit, held September 24 to 26. This statewide professional development event is bringing educators together to strengthen adult education across California.

SVAE’s team is sharing their work on the new teacher evaluation tool and process.High School Equivalency Teacher Marisa Hankins shared that the aim is to assist other adult education institutes by helping to create a process that's more of a partnership between teachers and administrators.

The project was a collaborative effort led by Hankins and Kiran Grewal (Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services), Maliheh Vafai, Ph.D (Director of SVAE), Lars Guntvedt (AE Coordinator/Assistant Principal), Kerry Le Cussan (ESL Teacher), and Arezoo Miller (Transition Specialist).

SVAE Launches Financial Literacy Workshop Series

On August 25, SVAE launched its first financial literacy workshop, presented by BMO Bank. Designed for Advanced English as a Second Language (ESL), General Education Development (GED), and High School Diploma (HSD) students, the free workshop introduced the fundamentals of banking and essential financial skills that will support both college and career goals. On September 8, there was a second workshop, focused on budgeting.

This series is closely aligned with part of the Adult Education Consortium’s COAAP financial literacy objectives, supporting our ongoing dedication to equipping adult learners with the critical skills needed for financial independence and success. Students explore key topics such as budgeting, saving, understanding credit, and protecting their identities from financial scams. The series aims to give learners the confidence and knowledge they need to make smart financial decisions in everyday life.

SVCTE Fosters Student Connection, Inclusion, and Leadership with Breaking Down the Walls Event

On August 29, 25 student leaders and 116 student participants from SVCTE spent six hours breaking down barriers and building meaningful connections through a structured series of activities, team-building exercises, and personal storytelling during the Breaking Down the Walls (BDTW) event, organized by ignite2unite. The day before, the student leaders completed a three-hour training to prepare them to guide their peers through the full day of activities and co-facilitates part of the curriculum, supporting MetroED’s mission to "Inspire, Engage, and Connect." 

For more photos from BDTW, visit here and here, and watch a reel about the student leaders’ experience and a reel about the participants’ experience.

“SVCTE is about preparing students for their futures, not just with technical skills but also with personal growth and collaboration,” said Jesus Correa, SVCTE Mobile Apps & Web Development teacher. He led the event along with Jasmine Montuy, SVCTE program representative. “Breaking Down the Walls aligns perfectly with our mission by building community, fostering respect, and helping students grow into compassionate, confident leaders.” 

Correa said student leaders were nominated by their teachers and staff for their leadership potential, positivity, and willingness to support their peers. 

“Their role was crucial because they set the tone for the activities, encouraged participation, and helped create a safe environment for honest conversations,” he said.

Correa believes the connections made during BDTW will ripple out into classrooms and beyond, into an “inclusive culture that will last beyond just these two days.” Read the News Release here.

Resources

Suicide Prevention Month

Every September, communities across the nation come together to recognize Suicide Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness, offer hope, and remind one another that help is always within reach.

Mental health challenges touch people of all ages, and by talking openly and supporting one another, we can break down the stigma that too often prevents individuals from seeking help. Even small acts of kindness—checking in with a friend, listening without judgment, or sharing resources—can make a life-changing difference.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to provide free and confidential support. Learn more here.

Free live webinar: Understanding Depression 

• Date: Thursday, Sept. 25
• Time: 9:30 a.m. Pacific Standard Time
• Available to: Parents, educators, and community members alike
• Register: Free. Click here.

In The News

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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

• Campus Monitor, Mon.-Thurs., 1:00-9:30 p.m.; Fri., 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Program Registrar - Adult Education (Part Time, PM)
• CTE/ROP Substitute Teacher - In Person, San Jose, $250/day

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: Wed., Oct. 8 at 6:00 p.m. | In-person, SVCTE Auditorium, Room 201

Upcoming Dates

October 6-10 | Fall Break (No Classes)

October 15 | MetroED Campus Tours (9:00-10:30 a.m. and 1:00-2:30 p.m.)

November 4 | Election Day

November 11 | Veterans Day (Federal Holiday/Campus Closed)

2025-2026 School Year Instructional Calendar