Newsletter | Monday, December 8, 2025

Dr. Guss Continues to Advocate for Immigrant and Migrant Education Needs in the Community

Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss was invited to speak at a “Lunch and Learn” hosted by the League of Women Voters on November 12 in Carmel. The luncheon, titled “Recent Changes in Immigration Policy and Their Impact on Monterey County Education and Agriculture Communities,” centered on the role of migrant education and the urgent need for continued federal funding. Dr. Guss provided an in-depth overview of the critical importance of supporting immigrant and migrant students, outlining the advocacy efforts, funding priorities, and challenges facing both the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) and the state in the upcoming year. Dr. Guss also emphasized that changes in federal policy could significantly affect key programs serving vulnerable student populations, making strong advocacy more vital than ever.

Joining her was Jerry D'Amore, an agriculture industry representative and independent consultant specializing in produce growing, marketing, and distribution. He offered insights into the needs and challenges immigrant families face in the agriculture sector, underscoring the interconnectedness of education, economic stability, and community well-being. In correlation, MCOE serves over 72,000 students during the 2024-25 school year, with migrant students making up approximately six percent of the county’s student population. Dr. Guss reaffirmed MCOE’s commitment to advocating for these students and ensuring that essential programs remain supported and funded.

Career Day Inspires Students at Mary Chapa Academy

Greenfield Union School District hosted its annual Career Day at Mary Chapa Academy, marking another successful year of connecting students with real-world career opportunities. The event brought together community members from across the county representing a wide range of professions, offering students firsthand insight into potential future paths. Hearing from adults in diverse fields helps students broaden their understanding of what is possible and consider new aspirations for their own lives.

Presenters included SPCA staff, firefighters, law enforcement representatives, healthcare professionals, independent business owners and employees, restaurant managers, and MCOE’s own Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ralph Porras. Dr. Porras spoke about his background and childhood, his field of study, the challenges he overcame, and the qualifications, skills, and training required for his role today. Students also had the opportunity to ask questions and engage with Dr. Porras and other presenters.

This ongoing annual event continues to provide a meaningful opportunity for students to explore the many possibilities available to them as they begin to imagine their future careers.

MCOE and District Staff Strengthen Their Skills at Procurement & Construction Workshop

On Friday, November 14, the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) and school district staff from across Monterey County gathered in MCOE’s Conference Rooms A & B for a lively and information-packed morning workshop on Navigating Procurement & Construction: Legal Insights and Best Practices. Led by attorney Sam Santana of Dannis Woliver Kelley (DWK), the session offered both foundational knowledge and advanced guidance to ensure that our teams remain fully informed, confident, and compliant when managing purchasing and construction matters.

The workshop covered everything from the essentials of purchasing equipment and services to the complex legal frameworks behind construction projects. Participants especially appreciated the in-depth exploration of real-world topics, including exceptions to bidding, the effective use of change orders, allowances, and contingencies, as well as strategies for avoiding common missteps that even seasoned staff occasionally encounter. Sam delivered legal insight with clarity, leaving participants relieved to understand the often-mysterious world of bidding rules and construction contracts.

Events like this reflect MCOE’s commitment to ensuring that employees who handle procurement and construction processes receive the high-quality training they need. Whether participants were seeking a solid grounding or looking to sharpen their advanced skills, the workshop provided practical tools to help keep our schools’ projects running smoothly, legally, and efficiently.

By staying proactive with professional development, we continue to support the districts we serve and ensure that no one has to navigate the complexity of public contracting alone.

Parents Complete PIQE Series at Salinas Community School

The Monterey County Office of Education’s (MCOE) Alternative Education Department proudly celebrated the graduation of 11 parents from the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) series at Salinas Community School on Tuesday, November 4. Throughout the program, families participated in a series of interactive workshops designed to strengthen home-school partnerships, help parents navigate school systems, and provide strategies to support their children’s academic and personal success.

Graduating parents shared their appreciation for the valuable tools and insights they gained during the sessions. Many expressed enthusiasm for continuing their learning journey by attending additional PIQE workshops planned for the spring. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the PIQE facilitators and the Salinas Community School staff for their dedication and teamwork in making this empowering program possible. Together, they continue to build strong connections between families and schools to support student growth and achievement.

Empowering Student Voice Through Governance Training at MCOE

The Monterey County Office of Education hosted a Student Board Member and Associated Student Body (ASB) Training designed to support student leaders in understanding their roles and responsibilities in school governance. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ralph Porras welcomed Dr. Diann Kitamura, retired Superintendent of Santa Rosa City Schools and an executive leadership coach and systems designer with Next Level Client Services from Fagen, Friedman & Fulfrost LLP (F3 Law), who facilitated the training on Thursday, November 13. The full day of activity-based learning brought together eighteen students from six school districts.

Throughout the training, students explored how district board meetings operate, the key components of the Brown Act, and the governing protocols and procedures that guide effective leadership. Participants also learned essential elements of student advocacy and practiced building strong communication skills.

Superintendents Ruben Pulido, Randy Bangs, Dr. Matt Turkie and Dr. Linda Adamson joined their students at the event, showing support for developing student voice and leadership across the county. This learning opportunity equipped students with the knowledge and confidence needed to engage meaningfully in board discussions and serve as effective representatives for their peers.

Third-Grade Students Get Hands-On Learning at Salinas Farm Day

The Salinas Rodeo Grounds welcomed a full group of local third-grade students on Thursday, November 6, for the annual Salinas Farm Day event. Each year, this memorable day brings together thousands of young learners to explore and experience the world of agriculture. Event organizers, local agricultural businesses, and volunteers, including several from the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE), join forces to make this educational event possible.

Farm Day serves as an engaging showcase of Monterey County’s rich agricultural industry. Local businesses and organizations collaborate to enhance students’ agricultural literacy and awareness by teaching key topics, including food safety, processing, and healthy eating. Through a variety of hands-on exhibits and interactive demonstrations, students also learn about recycling, agricultural technology, and the vital role farming plays in daily life.

One of the highlights for many students is the opportunity to interact with farm animals. Their excitement and curiosity come alive as they see and touch animals up close, experiencing a moment that deepens their appreciation for the people and processes behind the food they eat.

Organized and funded by Monterey County Agricultural Education, a nonprofit made up of agriculturalists, educators, and dedicated community members, Farm Day provides students with an invaluable learning experience. The event connects children directly with the industry leaders who grow and distribute the food that nourishes our community, fostering both awareness and pride in Monterey County’s agricultural heritage.

Head Start Early Learning Program Welcomes Families at Policy Council Orientation

On Tuesday, November 4, the Monterey County Head Start Early Learning Program welcomed parents to its Policy Council Orientation at the Salinas Child Development Center. Program Director Anabel Garcia greeted new and returning families, expressing gratitude for their continued partnership and dedication.

Mrs. Garcia provided an engaging overview of the Head Start program, founded in 1965 and now serving more than 40 million children nationwide. She also introduced families to the program’s organizational structure and service areas, explaining how each team supports children’s learning, health, and family well-being. Key program elements such as funded enrollment, governance, and current budget and fiscal reports were also reviewed.

Parents gained a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities of serving on the Policy Council and the meaningful impact members have in shaping program policies and decisions. The Early Learning Program currently serves 421 children across 25 classrooms.

Carmel High School Teams Earn Top Academic Honors from Central Coast Section

The Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Carmel High School’s varsity athletes for earning top academic recognition from the Central Coast Section (CCS). Three Carmel teams were honored with Keith Matthews Scholastic Championship Team Awards for the 2025-26 fall season, celebrating exceptional teamwork in both athletics and academics.

Carmel’s award-winning teams include:

Girls Tennis - Highest team GPA in CCS (3.945)
Girls Flag Football - 4th highest team GPA (3.718)
Football - 5th highest team GPA (3.439)

These impressive accomplishments highlight the dedication, discipline, and resilience of Carmel’s student athletes, who continue to excel far beyond the playing field. MCOE also recognizes the teachers, coaches, and families whose support has helped shape such a strong culture of academic and athletic success. We applaud Carmel Unified School District and its student athletes for this remarkable achievement, which is a true testament to their hard work, commitment to excellence, and the collective encouragement of the entire school community.

Monterey Peninsula College Breaks Ground on New Music Building

On October 29, Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) celebrated a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of its new Music Building, marking the beginning of a new era for music education and the performing arts on campus. The ceremony brought together college leaders, community partners, and supporters to commemorate the launch of a long envisioned project that will enhance learning opportunities for students.

The new facility is designed to provide state of the art spaces for instruction, practice, and performance, strengthening MPC’s commitment to the arts and expanding access to high quality music education.

Representing the Monterey County Office of Education was Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ralph Porras, who joined local partners in showing support for MPC’s investment in student success. His presence highlighted the strong collaboration between educational institutions across the region.

The groundbreaking marks the start of an exciting chapter for MPC, its students, and the broader community, setting the stage for a future filled with creativity, innovation, and expanded opportunities.

MBCS Celebrates 10 Years as a NOAA Ocean Guardian School

On November 4, Monterey Bay Charter School (MBCS) celebrated a major milestone during its annual ReGen and Ocean Guardian Assembly: 10 years as a NOAA Ocean Guardian School. MBCS is the only school on the Central Coast to achieve this distinction and just the second in the nation. To honor the occasion, Congressman Jimmy Panetta presented students with a Congressional Award recognizing a decade of commitment to ocean stewardship. He also met with Student Council leaders to discuss ongoing conservation work and future sustainability goals.

Over the past three years, MBCS has advanced its zero waste efforts by improving recycling systems, reducing trash, and implementing food scrap separation in partnership with Waste Management and ReGen Monterey. These efforts have helped decrease landfill waste and reduce single use plastics.

MBCS also continues its partnership with Save Our Shores through the California Coastal Commission’s Adopt A Beach Program, proudly stewarding Del Monte Beach for the past three years.

MCOE extends heartfelt congratulations to MBCS, its Student Council, and the entire school community for their outstanding dedication to protecting our oceans.

Hartnell College Provides Basic Needs Support For Student Success

Hartnell College’s Open House on Giving Tuesday, December 2, an event highlighting the college’s Safety Net for Student Success program. Led by Hartnell students, the open house welcomed community members to learn how the college supports students in staying enrolled and achieving their goals while navigating challenges such as food insecurity, housing instability, and financial hardship.

The event emphasized the powerful impact of coordinated support systems and demonstrated how even small contributions can create life changing opportunities for students. Hartnell’s Office of Basic Needs serves as a central resource connecting students to essential services related to food access, stable housing, financial assistance, and overall wellness, helping them remain focused on their educational path.

MCOE is proud of the strong partnership between Hartnell College and the Monterey County Office of Education. Both institutions are deeply committed to student success, working together to expand opportunities and strengthen support networks across the county.

Hartnell’s open house showcased how collaborative community efforts can make education more accessible, equitable, and sustainable for all learners.

Nominate the Next

Champions of the Arts™ to recognize local individuals, organizations, and businesses who inspire creativity through the arts. See award nomination details.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is hosting a free virtual Ending the Silence presentation on Monday, December 8 from 4 to 5:30 PM. Register here.

Visit montereybayparent.com for the latest December issue of the Monterey Bay Parent Magazine to see activities, contests, and family fun in Monterey County.

On December 18th at 4:30 pm in the Carmel Barnyard CASI will present a comprehensive assessment of nuclear power in the USA. The three distinguished scientists who will convey the complexities of nuclear power and how we can optimize its use in our energy mix. Register and learn more about the CASI Nuclear Power Live Panel.

Gladeo Monterey County offers students career profiles, videos, and tools that inspire exploration and connect them with local opportunities. By highlighting high-growth industries and partnering with businesses and schools, MCOE aims to expand access to career information, especially for students facing barriers.

Register for the RTAC/CABE Community Schools One-Day Conference on February 2, 2026 at MCOE will bring together educators, advisory members, support staff, and community partners to strengthen community schools and foster culturally responsive, inclusive environments. Registration is $250 per person.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Sharing information with the community is important to us. If you have information pertaining to education in Monterey County, such as events or scholarship opportunities that you would like to see featured in the MCOE newsletter, please email the information, including photos or flyers, to communications@montereycoe.org, and we will review your request. Thank you for your support!

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