Newsletter | Thursday, July 31, 2025

EdSource Article Reinforces Positive Impacts of MCOE Migrant Education Program

A recent article by EdSource shines a spotlight on the critical importance of migrant education programs across California, affirming the profound impact of the Monterey County Office of Education’s (MCOE) Migrant Education Program. As the federal government recently analyzed potential cuts to education funding, EdSource confirmed the approximately $120 million received this year in California to support students whose families work in agriculture, fishing, or other seasonal industries was instrumental and impactful. These students often face educational instability due to frequent moves, language barriers, and economic hardship.

The MCOE Migrant Education Program plays a vital role in addressing these challenges by providing academic support, tutoring, language services, and social-emotional guidance tailored to the needs of migratory students. The MCOE team works closely with families to ensure instructional continuity and access to resources that promote school readiness and long-term success. In addition to academic support, the program also assists families with basic needs such as school supplies and uniforms, offering a foundation of stability and care.

The EdSource article reinforces the importance of these services, noting that students who benefit from migrant education programs are more likely to succeed when given consistent, culturally responsive support. For many of these students, this program is a lifeline, helping them remain connected to their education and community despite migration disruptions.

MCOE is proud to lead efforts in Monterey County that center student equity and opportunity. We extend our gratitude to the dedicated educators and staff who make this work possible, and we remain committed to ensuring every migratory student has the tools, support, and encouragement they need to thrive. As federal budget discussions continue, MCOE is actively engaged in advocacy efforts to protect and sustain funding for this vital program. Ensuring that our migratory students are not left behind remains a top priority.

Join the next Inside Education Tour

The 2025-2026 Inside Education Monterey County Cohort will host its next tour on Friday, September 12. Guests who sign up to experience this unique hands-on experience will dive deep into the topic of Special Education in Monterey County schools.

Inside Education Monterey County provides participants with a first-hand, interactive look at local educational programs, services, and partnerships. Each half-day session focuses on a specific theme/curricular area and includes site visits. The program is free to participants, with two more tours remaining.

To register to join the next Inside Education Monterey County tour, visit montereycoe.org/inside-education.

Special Carnival Brings Joy and Inclusion to MCOE Students

Big smiles and joyful moments filled the Salinas Expo Grounds on Tuesday, July 15, as nearly 140 attendees, including 32 registered families, gathered for the annual “Special Carnival,” a cherished event for students in the Monterey County Office of Education’s Special Education programs. This private event was exclusively open to MCOE students with special needs and their families, offering them a fun and meaningful day at the carnival.

Now in its 28th year, the Special Carnival is made possible through a long-standing partnership with the California Rodeo Salinas and Carnival Committee Chairman Danny Little. Designed to be a safe, controlled, and sensory-friendly experience, the event allows children with special needs to enjoy the excitement of carnival rides and games alongside their loved ones, honoring a time-honored childhood tradition in an environment tailored to their needs.

“Stuff the Bus” Delivers Hope and Supplies to Students in Need

The Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE), in partnership with United Way Monterey County (UWMC), brought energy, heart, and community spirit to this year’s annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign. Held at MCOE’s main campus, the weeklong effort united hundreds of volunteers to support students experiencing homelessness or housing instability as they prepare for the new school year.

Coordinated by MCOE Director of Program Integration and Supports and Program Coordinator II for Homeless Services Donna Smith, alongside UWMC’s Vice President of Resource Development Lynda Patrick, the event mobilized an incredible network of partners across the county. Together, they filled over 1,000 backpacks with essential school supplies, including notebooks, crayons, dry-erase boards, and more.

Under federal guidelines, students are considered homeless if they are living unsheltered, in motels, shelters, or sharing housing due to economic hardship. For these students, a backpack filled with supplies is more than just school gear; it is a tangible symbol of care and community, helping them start the year with confidence and hope.

The backpacks are distributed throughout Monterey County via school district liaisons who work directly with families. Each backpack represents not only readiness for school, but also the compassion and commitment of the community to ensure every child has a chance to succeed.

It takes just $25 to provide a fully stocked backpack. Community members are encouraged to give, and every donation makes a meaningful difference. To contribute or learn more, visit unitedwaymcca.org/stuff-bus.

Special Education Students Shine at the Special Buckaroo Rodeo

On Saturday, July 19, Monterey County Special Education students enjoyed an unforgettable day of excitement and adventure at the Special Buckaroo Rodeo, hosted by the California Rodeo Salinas.

The day began with a warm welcome for students and their families, featuring complimentary t-shirts and hats, carnival games, hands-on activities, and a petting zoo with friendly farm animals. Students had the opportunity to engage in classic rodeo-style fun, including riding a horse, roping a "dummy" steer, climbing onto a "dummy" bull, and even meeting a gentle real bull named Mudpie.

Each participant received a goody bag and a trophy to commemorate the experience, ensuring they went home with lasting memories and big smiles. The Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) extends heartfelt thanks to the California Rodeo Salinas for their continued generosity in hosting this inclusive and joyful annual event.

MCOE’s Special Education Division provides regional programs tailored for students with significant needs, offering highly specialized and intensive services. Our team of dedicated educators and specialists delivers high-quality instruction and support, including speech therapy, adapted physical education, and occupational and physical therapy, to ensure each child receives the care and resources they need to thrive.

The Special Buckaroo Rodeo is just one of many enrichment opportunities available to students in MCOE’s Special Education Programs, reflecting our ongoing commitment to create meaningful, engaging, and inclusive experiences for every learner we serve.

MCOE Staff Celebrate Summer and Connection

Employees from across MCOE’s Main and West Campus came together to kick off the summer season with a fun and meaningful breaktime event hosted by the Superintendent’s Office. In line with MCOE’s ongoing commitment to employee wellness and connection, the gathering offered staff a chance to unwind, enjoy refreshing juice and fruit, and connect with colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere. A cheerful, summer-themed selfie backdrop added to the celebration, giving staff the perfect opportunity to snap photos together in honor of National Selfie Day.

This event is part of a growing series of monthly wellness and engagement activities designed to keep MCOE employees healthy, connected, and informed. By creating space for casual connection and shared experiences, MCOE continues to cultivate a workplace culture rooted in community, care, and collaboration.

MCOE Honored with 2025 Business Excellence Award

The Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) was proud and honored to receive the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious 2025 Business Excellence Award on Thursday, July 17, during a celebratory evening at the Embassy Suites in Seaside.

MCOE was one of three distinguished nominees in the Education category. Accepting the award on behalf of the agency was Monterey County Superintendent of Schools, joined by County Board of Education members Annette Yee Steck, Mary Claypool, John McPherson, and Virginia H. Mendoza, along with MCOE Chief Business Official Colleen Stanley.

In a strong demonstration of community collaboration, MCOE shared the honor with its valued partner, First 5 Monterey County, who was also a nominee. Congratulations as well to our fellow nominee, Chartwell School, for their outstanding support of children in our community. Together, we continue to work in partnership to support the well-being and success of children, students, and families across the region.

Outdoor Education Partnership Brings Growth and Healing to Alternative Education Students

Thanks to a powerful partnership between the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) and Ventana Wildlife Society (VWS), students in MCOE’s Alternative Education Programs now have greater access to hands-on environmental learning experiences designed to spark curiosity, build resilience, and nurture emotional healing.

With renewed funding secured for the next three years, this collaboration continues to bring dynamic, outdoor-based curriculum to students in Monterey County youth programs. Blending classroom instruction, hands-on workshops, and immersive field excursions, the program invites students to explore the natural world while building essential life skills. Ventana enriches the experience by bringing elements of the local environment, such as water samples, leaves, and other natural materials, directly into the classroom when needed. The curriculum is both rich and varied, covering topics like natural history interpretation, wilderness survival, environmental conservation, leadership, self-discovery, and team-building.

Whether it’s kayaking in Elkhorn Slough, hiking along the Salinas River, or observing wildlife in their natural habitats, students are engaging in experiences that deepen their understanding of the environment and their place in it. These lessons also improve academic engagement, with schools reporting higher attendance and greater participation from students involved in the program.

One of the most recent field excursions for the Bob Hoover Academy at MCOE and Ventana Wildlife Society Outdoor Education program took students to Seacliff State Beach in Aptos, located in Santa Cruz County. At the heart of this unique coastal experience is the historic SS Palo Alto, a World War I-era concrete ship intentionally grounded in 1929 to become part of a larger pier complex. Over the decades, the structure has weathered storms and time, transforming into a vital marine habitat that now supports a variety of coastal wildlife.

In addition to learning about the ship’s history and ecological role, students also explored the beach’s rich fossil beds, where ancient remnants are easily visible along the shoreline. The trip offered an engaging opportunity to blend natural science, local history, and environmental observation, further deepening students’ connection to the world around them.

More than just science or outdoor education, this program is a lifeline for many young minds and a chance to reconnect with nature, learn by doing, and grow in confidence. By weaving together environmental literacy, social-emotional learning, and academic development, the partnership offers students a unique path to healing, empowerment, and success.

Together, MCOE and VWS do not simply teach students about nature but instead aim to help students discover their potential, using it as a powerful tool for growth, healing, and self-discovery through hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity, build resilience, and foster connection. This meaningful partnership is making a lasting impact on students in MCOE’s Alternative Education Programs, creating opportunities for personal and academic development in and beyond the classroom. To learn more about these programs, visit montereycoe.org/divisions-services/alternative-education, and to explore the work of Ventana Wildlife Society, visit www.ventanaws.org.

Highlights from the Classified Job Fair

On Saturday, July 12, the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) hosted a Classified Job Fair at Hartnell College, welcoming curious and qualified individuals to explore career opportunities and apply on-site for a variety of open positions. The event brought together teams from MCOE’s Special Education and Early Learning Programs, as well as representatives from local school districts, all working collaboratively to connect with prospective candidates.

MCOE is currently hiring for several key roles, including paraeducators, bus drivers, food service workers, maintenance staff, and administrative and accounting positions. With competitive benefits and a supportive work environment, MCOE offers a strong foundation for those looking to grow their careers in education.

To view all current openings and apply, visit www.edjoin.org/montereycoe.

Monterey County Rape Crisis Center's (MCRCC) therapy services for children offer free trauma-informed therapy for children and youth (under 18), services available in English and Spanish, in person (Monterey & Salinas) or virtual, and safe, confidential, inclusive, compassionate, and culturally responsive care

MCRCC also serves children under 18 who have either experienced or been impacted by sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, witnessing domestic violence, human trafficking, bullying, and crime. Learn more at mtryrapecrisis.org.

The community is cordially invited to this free event being held on August 16. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. The show will be held primarily in Spanish with local artists showcasing from Folklorico dancers, writers, painters, pianist, original musical presentations, and Mariachi Muratalla.

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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