Newsletter: Friday, May 5, 2023

May is Foster Care Awareness Month. To help serve Monterey County foster youth, MCOE is accepting donations of new or gently used luggage.

Foster youth often have to put their belongings in garbage bags when they change home placements. Your donation will help remove that stigma and allow foster youth to move locations with their belongings in a safe and secure fashion.

To drop off luggage, please contact Justin Parker at:

juparker@montereycoe.org

(831)784-4227

On April 24, members of the California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) Chapter 29 were recognized for their volunteer efforts at the United Way Monterey County Live United Awards event held at the Monterey Marriott.

After dedicated careers in the classroom, local CalRTA members continue to support our local public education system by utilizing their talents to volunteer in classrooms and at community events, as well as advocate for funding that establishes equal educational opportunities for all students.

With hundreds of CalRTA members living in Monterey County, these retired teachers spend an abundance of time volunteering and engaging in the community, and with students. You will see members volunteering at non-profit organizations, lighthouses, hospitals, community events, and schools throughout our county. Even in spite of the pandemic, CalRTA members volunteered daily in our schools.

In addition, CalRTA members participate in our Monterey County Education Coalition, helping to provide valuable insights and form constructive ideas to help address critical issues facing our schools and school districts. 

Thank you CalRTA Chapter 29 for making positive impacts in the lives of Monterey County children.

Pictured are: CalRTA Division 29 President Evie Bolante and Co-President Susan Aremas, alongside County Superintendent of Schools Dr.Deneen Guss

COUNTY BOARD VICE-PRESIDENT JOHN MCPHERSON AND MPUSD BOARD MEMBER DR. BETTYE LUSK ADVOCATE FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION

Monterey County Board of Education Vice-President John McPherson, who also serves as California County Boards of Education (CCBE) President, joined fellow education leaders on a trip to Washington D.C. for the California School Boards Association’s (CSBA) and the Association of California School Administrator’s (ACSA) second annual Coast2Coast Federal Advocacy Trip, where he helped to highlight issues facing our public education students here in Monterey County and throughout California. 

McPherson is pictured with Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Board Member Dr. Bettye Lusk and Congressman Jimmy Panetta. The trip included a briefing on the latest politics affecting federal educational policy, as well as a networking opportunity with prominent legislative figures.

MCOE SUPPORTS SOLDEAD HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO PRESERVE HISTORY OF LOCAL SCHOOLS

Historical societies play a critical role in preserving and promoting the history of a community. Our local Soledad Historical Society is working diligently, through various outreach efforts, to preserve the history and heritage of not only Soledad, but all of Monterey County, and to share their experiences with future generations.  

MCOE is committed to working alongside the Historical Society to spread the word that if you have old photos or artifacts from local schools, to please contact Graig Stephens at the Historical Society at 831-678-3504 or by email: info@soledadhistory.org. 

Please help us preserve the history of our local schools and ensure old photos and artifacts are not lost or forgotten, and that our future generations have an opportunity to learn from our history and better understand our present. 

This week, the Historical Society updated its display at MCOE with new photos and artifacts, including a 1875 photo of the first school in Soledad, along with a yearbook from 1900-1901, a Pacific Grove penmanship notebook from 1896, and a Certificate of Promotion from 1903. Stop by MCOE Main to view the new display of significant historical items.  

MCOE HONORS 25 NEW ADMINISTRATORS FOR COMPLETING ADMINISTRATOR INDUCTION PROGRAM

On Thursday, April 27, MCOE celebrated and honored 25 new administrators in completing their two-year Administrator Induction Program. Over the past two years, these incredible leaders completed a rigorous, cutting-edge program under the Transformative Leadership model. Additionally, they delved deep into the California Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (CPSELs). Topics of mastery included: 1) 21st Century Leadership; 2) Leading for equity and social climate; 3) Fiscal management, budgeting, and LCAP; 4) Personnel Management; 5) How to build mission and vision through fostering positive relationships; 6) Leading by the right data to drive decisions; 7) Multi-tiered Systems of Support from the ground up; and 8) The power of infusing scholar voice.  

The program is designed to give each inductee a two-year master mentor/coach. Each coach provides the participant with at least two hours a month of one-to-one mentoring/coaching to guide the participant throughout the program. The mentor/coach assists in setting up the participant’s Individual Induction Plan and gives innovative feedback and suggestions as the candidate grows their leadership capacity over the two years.

County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss opened the ceremony with an inspiring welcome address and is very excited about the next wave of leaders here in Monterey County. The Induction Coaches were all present as well and they couldn't agree more with Dr. Guss. The ceremony also included an opportunity for the participants to network with each other, especially since they were only in person three times over the past two years due to COVID restrictions. The ceremony concluded with Dr. Núñez, Director of Leadership and School Systems, giving each participant their Certificate of Completion as a symbol of graduation from the program. Participants had family and friends present to support their candidate in this very important professional accomplishment. This was a great time had by all and the perfect way to memorialize the accomplishments of our new Transformative Leaders.

MCOE GIVES FINAL INSIDE EDUCATION TOUR OF THE SCHOOL YEAR

On Friday, April 28, MCOE’s Inside Education cohort visited three Monterey County Charter Schools: International School of Monterey, Bay View Academy, and Monterey Bay Charter. Participants observed the various unique styles of instruction across all grades, all of which incorporate various forms of art and outdoor learning. Principals at each site, along with MCOE team members, led the tours and provided an overview of the various effective models for learning from team development during physical education classes to Shakespeare play recitals to student-led nutritional services. Inside Education is a free and unique program offering half-day school tours with a focus on a specific theme/curricular area. Community members are invited to attend. This tour was the last of the school year. Inside Education Tours will begin again in August. To find out more, visit Monterey County Office of Education/Inside Education.

Read about District News and Engagement

SEASIDE HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR CHOSEN FOR NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA

Andrea Chavez, a senior at Seaside High School, was selected as a member of the 2023 National Youth Orchestra 2 summer program.

Chavez has played the double bass for six years. She participates in the advanced orchestra at Seaside High School and is a member of the chamber group at Youth Music Monterey County. Last year, she was invited to perform at the Youth Artist’s Showcase by the Carmel Bach Festival and has also performed in the California All-State Ensembles for two years.

Chavez, along with musicians from across the country, will spend July in New York City rehearsing and preparing to perform in Carnegie Hall. Teens in the program also serve as music ambassadors for the United States as they travel the world and take part in youth exchange and cultural diplomacy activities.

Read More

Read about Community News and Engagement

PAID INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS 18-24 YEARS OF AGE

The Cadre is a paid internship program that offers the opportunity to learn key job skills, receive training to earn a certification and establish new connections. There are several programs that occur throughout the year, and each may have a different industry focus. Whether interested in the Social Media, Health, or Aerospace Manufacturing Cadre, individuals will get paid, and there is no cost to participate. Participants must be ages 18-24 and out of school. Below is some information and the links to where they can apply.

Health Cadre Program

The Health Cadre program provides young adults access to entry-level positions in the direct patient healthcare industry and begins May 1st.

❚ 7 weeks total

❚ CNA training and certification are at no cost

❚ Must have high school diploma and be fully vaccinated

Learn more

Aerospace Manufacturing Internship

The Aerospace Manufacturing Internship is a summer opportunity to develop aerospace manufacturing skills. The application deadline is May 17th.

❚ Program begins June 5th

❚ Partnering with Joby Aviation

❚ Interest in a career in aerospace manufacturing or hospitality

❚ $17/hour and 36 hours per week

Learn more

Social Media Internship

The Social Media Internship is for those interested in developing digital marketing skills. The application deadline is May 15th.

❚ Program begins May 29th

Training in digital marketing, social media

❚ $17 per hour and up to 32 hours per week

❚ Complete CompTIA A+ training course to receive $500 stipend

Learn more

VIRTUAL RECOVERY RUN AND NARCAN GIVEAWAYS PROMOTE OPIOID AWARENESS

Monterey County, CA, April 30, 2023 - Community Human Services (CHS), along with Montage Health’s Prescribe Safe Initiative, Salinas Valley Health, and IHeart Radio are inviting the community to participate in the 2023 Virtual Recovery Run to help spread the word about the opioid crisis in our community. Runners can choose to complete a 5k or 3k run/walk by May 20th and receive a commemorative race tee shirt and medal. 

Proceeds from the Recovery Run will go to support Community Human Services’ efforts to provide harm-reduction methods to the community, such as Narcan, the opioid overdose reversal medication, as well as high-quality, free, and low-cost drug treatment options for Monterey County residents. 

Registration is open through May 20.

Register Here

Narcan will be distributed free of charge at the following Opioid Memorial Flag Ceremonies:

Seaside City Hall, Saturday, May 6th, 1 – 3 p.m.

Hartnell College in Salinas, Thursday, May 11th, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sherwood Park in Salinas, Saturday, May 20th, 1 – 3 p.m.

SANTA RITA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOSTS LAST VACCINATION CLINIC OF THE SPRING SEASON

MCHD Public Health's last vaccination clinic of the spring season is happening this Saturday. Everyone 6 months of age and older is welcome. Special thanks to Santa Rita Elementary School for being such an amazing host!

HARTNELL'S PRESCHOOL ACCEPTING FALL 2023 APPLICATIONS

Priority registration is underway for Fall 2023 which begins August 21 at the Hartnell College Child Development Center. Registration packets can be requested by calling (831) 755-6945 or by email to cdc@hartnell.edu.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE HOSTING ANNUAL RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Now in its 4th year, Norwegian Cruise Line is once again hosting Norwegian’s Giving Joy, the annual recognition program awarding educators across the U.S. and Canada who demonstrate their passion and motivate their students every day. Each year during Teacher Appreciation Week, NCL encourages people to nominate and vote for teachers who have made an impact in their life for a chance to win a well-deserved cruise vacation. This year, Norwegian’s Giving Joy contest launches on May 8, 2023. Learn More.

To be included in future e-newsletters and on MCOE social media feeds, email a photo with a caption or full story to Teri Pimentel at tpimentel@montereycoe.org and Sarah Barnhart at sbarnhart@montereycoe.org