Newsletter | Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Donna Smith Honored Among Women of Monterey County

The Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) proudly celebrated Donna Smith, Director of Program Integration and Supports and Program Coordinator II for Homeless Services, as one of this year’s Honoring Women of Monterey County award recipients. Donna was recognized at the YWCA Monterey County’s annual luncheon at the Asilomar Hotel & Conference Center, held on October 24, where inspiring women from across the region were celebrated for their leadership, resilience, and service to others.

Donna’s career reflects an unwavering commitment to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community. Through her work with MCOE’s Homeless Services Program, she has led efforts to ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness have access to education, stability, and hope. Her leadership has strengthened partnerships with schools, community agencies, and service providers to create a coordinated network of support for students and families in need.

MCOE is deeply proud of Donna’s recognition and the lasting difference she continues to make in Monterey County. Her compassion, dedication, and advocacy embody the values of equity, inclusion, and service that define the Monterey County Office of Education.

Community Schools Coordinators Strengthen Collaboration and Implementation

The monthly Community Schools Coordinator Network Meeting, held on October 14, brought together Community School Coordinators from across Monterey County to share best practices and strengthen implementation efforts. Created in response to coordinator feedback, these gatherings have become a valuable space for collaboration, learning, and peer support.

During this month’s session, Ismael Garcia, Coordinator at Jack Franscioni Elementary in Soledad Unified School District, shared strategies for developing an effective site-based Advisory Council, including who to invite, how to structure discussions, and ways to collaborate with school staff such as the social worker and parent liaison. He also reflected on challenges, such as sustaining parent engagement when families transition to other sites, and described how he fosters a space where families feel welcomed, heard, and connected.

Yvette Ramos, Community Schools Manager at Salinas Union High School District, highlighted her district’s efforts to establish a district-level Advisory Council that brings together representatives from multiple schools. She emphasized how this structure promotes alignment across sites, shared decision-making, and meaningful partnerships with families and community organizations through clear goals and consistent communication.



Unlike other trainings, this ongoing monthly series supports both new and experienced coordinators, offering practical strategies, shared learning, and inspiration to continue building thriving Community Schools across the region.

Students Shine at Math Festival

On Saturday, October 11, the Monterey County Office of Education’s (MCOE) Educational Services Division hosted its 6th Annual Math Festival for students across Monterey County. The festival began with a warm welcome from Lora Carey, event coordinator and Math Educational Administrator. Throughout the day, participants engaged in a variety of math-related activities, including group games, math art, and collaborative problem-solving at rotating stations, led by MCOE staff and volunteer facilitators from California State University Monterey Bay and Hartnell College. The math competition featured two tracks for middle and high school students: a group collaborative competition and an individual competition. Each participant or team received a math task to solve and created a poster to explain their reasoning and solution. Winners were selected using a rubric-based evaluation.

Congratulations to home school students, Elijah Rassbach and Sophia Rassbach, who took first place in the high school and middle school individual competitions, respectively, and Rancho San Juan students, who won the group math competition, as well as all of the winners from Rancho San Juan and Cesar Chávez Elementary School from the Greenfield Union School District. MCOE’s Math Festival is open to all Monterey County students in grades 6 to 12. Registration for next year's Math Festival, scheduled for Fall 2026, will open next August. 

Infant Program Families Enjoy Fall Fun at the Pumpkin Patch

On Thursday, October 16, families from the Monterey County Office of Education’s (MCOE) Infant Program visited Borchard Farms for a fall festive field trip. Families were welcomed by fields of pumpkins big and small, a winding corn maze, and playful scarecrows that added to the autumn fun. It was a beautiful day to explore the farm, make connections, and pick out the perfect pumpkin.

The Infant Program, part of MCOE’s Special Education Division, provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers from birth through age three. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children who are diagnosed with developmental delays or considered at high risk are eligible for support governed by an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Through these services, MCOE works closely with families to promote developmental growth and provide early support that makes a lasting difference.

This fall outing provided families, staff, and specialists with an opportunity to connect beyond the classroom, celebrating both the season and the shared journey of early learning and development.

Family Summit Empowers Students for a Successful High School Journey

The Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) was proud to partner with Montage Health’s Community Health and Wellness and Ohana prevention teams to host the first-ever Family Summit community event for 8th and 9th-grade students and their families. The event, “High School Unlocked: Keys to Success,” took place on Saturday, October 18 at Monterey High School and welcomed over 90 students and their family members.

The summit focused on helping students and their families understand that preparing for high school involves building healthy habits, fostering strong relationships, and developing lifelong skills for success. Breakout sessions covered topics such as social media literacy, substance use risks, teen wellness, and safe decision-making. Attendees participated in engaging workshops, enjoyed a free lunch, and accessed family resources, childcare, and prize giveaways. The event provided a supportive and informative space for families to learn together, leaving students empowered and ready to thrive as they transition into high school.

Costumes, Candy, and Community at MCOE’s Spooktacular Celebration

The Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) celebrated Halloween with creativity, teamwork, and plenty of festive spirit. Departments across the organization transformed their workspaces for a costume and decorating contest, bringing a mix of friendly competition and laughter to the day. Employees enjoyed a roving potluck lunch, sharing homemade dishes and seasonal treats as they visited each themed department. The highlight of the day came when trick-or-treaters from Laura’s Barn Preschool and Childcare Center, along with family members of MCOE staff, toured the decorated offices. Children collected goodies and enjoyed being greeted by MCOE staff dressed in costumes that matched their department’s theme. The event was a wonderful opportunity for team building, creativity, and community connection, making it a memorable celebration for staff and families alike.

Fentanyl High Hits Home for Monterey County Families

On Tuesday, October 14, students and families from Monterey County Office of Education’s (MCOE) Alternative Education Department attended a special screening of Fentanyl High at Sherwood Hall, a powerful community documentary that explores teen fentanyl use through real-life stories of peer pressure, family struggles, stigma, and the urgent need for education and support.

This impactful film was created for teens, parents, and the broader community to raise awareness and spark conversation about the ongoing fentanyl crisis. Thanks to MCOE’s partnership with Central Coast Overdose Prevention (CCODP), this important event brought together students, families, and community members to learn, reflect, and take action toward prevention.

 Celebrating Dr. Guss on Boss’s Day

In honor of Boss’s Day, held on October 16, we take a moment to honor Dr. Deneen Guss, who leads MCOE with heart, vision, and purpose by empowering students, supporting educators, and strengthening communities across Monterey County. Her dedication reminds us each day what it means to lead with both excellence and empathy. Dr. Guss’s unwavering commitment to student success and her focus on building strong, inclusive learning communities exemplify the values of service and collaboration that define the Monterey County Office of Education. Thank you, Dr. Guss, for being an inspiring leader and for making a difference in the lives of many people you encounter each and every day.

ShakeOut Drill Strengthens Earthquake Preparedness

On Thursday, October 16, the Monterey County Office of Education, along with several local school districts, participated in California’s Great ShakeOut, the state’s largest earthquake preparedness drill. The event provided an important opportunity to test and strengthen crisis communication systems, ensuring that schools and districts are prepared to respond effectively in any emergency.

During the drill, employees and students practiced the essential “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique, simulating the actions to take during an earthquake. Participants then evacuated buildings and confirmed that everyone was safely accounted for. Exercises like the Great ShakeOut reinforce the importance of safety, preparedness, and swift response, which are core priorities for MCOE and Monterey County schools as they continue to promote resilient and secure learning environments.

Students Share Their Voices at CAASFEP Student Panel in Monterey

Students from Bob Hoover Academy and the Migrant Education Program had the opportunity to share their experiences and ideas at the California Association of Administrators of State and Federal Education Programs (CAASFEP) Student Panel held on October 29 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey. During the panel, students spoke about school programs that have made a meaningful impact on their education, offering insight into which programs inspired, supported, or provided opportunities for them.

They also shared their thoughts on programs they would like to see offered in the future, as well as discussed areas such as speech and debate, dual enrollment, aviation, and career and technical education (CTE) pathways, providing administrators and educators with valuable feedback to guide the development of student-centered programs. The event brought together students, educators, and administrators to highlight the importance of student voice in shaping educational programs and ensuring schools meet the diverse needs of all learners. 

The other students present represented schools from across Monterey County, including Marina, Monterey, and Seaside High Schools, while the Migrant Education students represented communities in Soledad and Gonzales.

The event brought together students, educators, and administrators to highlight the importance of student voice in shaping educational programs and ensuring schools meet the diverse needs of all learners. Panel participants enjoyed breakfast and received recognition for their contributions as key partners in educational planning.

MCOE’s Health & Wellness Fair Offered Resources for a Healthier Future

The Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) Human Resources Department hosted its annual Health and Wellness Fair on Thursday, October 16. The event was open to all MCOE employees, school district employees, and community members covered by MCSIG and California Valued Trust (CVT) insurance plans. The fair focused on increasing workplace wellness and raising awareness about various health conditions. Numerous health and wellness community partners participated, offering valuable information and fun promotional items to attendees. Participants could also receive comprehensive health screenings, including cholesterol checks to monitor heart health, osteoporosis risk assessments to prevent bone diseases, skin evaluations to detect early signs of skin conditions, and receive vaccinations for flu and COVID-19. In addition, a generous donation of fresh produce was available at a special booth thanks to Taylor Farms, Tanimura & Antle, Dole & Nature's Reward.

Upon check-in, attendees received an MCOE bag to collect materials and giveaways from each vendor. They also had the chance to enter exciting raffle prize giveaways, with prizes donated by vendors. MCOE extends a big thank you to the Human Resources team for organizing such a fantastic event, and to the donors, vendors, and participants who contributed to making the Health and Wellness Fair a great success. Mark your calendars for next year's Health and Wellness Fair, scheduled for September 24, 2026!

United Nations Day Inspires Cultural Understanding and Inclusion at ABI School

Every year, Special Education students from MCOE’s Arthur B. Ingham (ABI) School and San Benancio Middle School’s Special Day Class join together for a series of exciting and educational activities leading up to the celebration of United Nations Day. With a series of engaging lessons that explore the richness of global diversity, students are able to explore the many different cultures and traditions that make up our global community. Through music, art, food, and storytelling, they gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of an interconnected world while celebrating the values of respect, empathy, and unity.

The event, held at ABI School on Friday, October 24, began with a lively traditional clothing parade, where students proudly dressed in attire from their chosen countries and marched under the theme "Build Our Future Together." The school was transformed by staff with beautifully decorated bulletin boards and displays representing different nations. Throughout the week, students embarked on a journey across countries represented at various booths, where their passports were stamped upon learning about the country. They also got creative by designing flags from various countries, showcasing both their artistic talents and their growing cultural understanding, and were treated to tasty sensory-friendly global bites from treats around the world.

Teachers and staff gathered to cheer on the students, whose enthusiasm and pride reflected the power of learning through connection and creativity. The United Nations Day celebration at ABI School continues to be a cherished tradition that not only honors global cultures but also reinforces the importance of inclusion, understanding, and working together to build a brighter future for all.

Fremont Elementary Grand Reopening Brings Community Together

The Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) joined in celebrating the grand reopening of Fremont Elementary School in east Salinas on October 15, 2025, following a decade-long modernization project led by the Alisal Union School District. Led by Alisal Unified School District Superintendent Mónica Anzo, the event brought together city and district leaders, school staff, and community members to commemorate the completion of a multi-phase construction effort funded by Measure M, a $70 million bond dedicated to upgrading and repairing local school facilities.T

Representing MCOE, Deputy Superintendent Ralph Porras attended the ceremony to show support for Alisal USD’s commitment to providing safe, modern, and welcoming learning environments for students. The redesigned Fremont campus now features new classroom buildings, a library, an administration office, and outdoor spaces, all built to modern standards and designed to enhance safety, accessibility, and student engagement. The celebration reflected the strong community partnerships that continue to strengthen education across Monterey County, which will remain a valuable investment in both the present and future success of local students.

The Carmel Jewish Film Festival is offering FREE admission to high school and college students who present a valid student ID. For questions, contact Donna Shore at donna@carmelbethisrael.org. Learn more at www.carmelbethisrael.org/cjff

MCOE's Infant Program is accepting donations until December 5. Drop off new or unwrapped toys, books, and diapers for children ages infant to 3 at 901 Blanco Circle in Salinas.

The Salinas Holiday Parade of Lights is seeking high school volunteers. High school students will need to bring their volunteer form on the day of the event to receive their volunteer hours. This is a FREE community event open to all ages. The Parade begins Sunday, Nov 30 at 1 Main Street at 6:00 PM.

The Lyceum is hosting its 14th Annual Expanding Your Horizons STEM Conference and Career Fair for Girls in 5th to 10th grades at Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Hartnell College.

Share the Fair is the giving program built into the Scholastic Book Fair, empowered by contributions from people like you! These funds support students at our school who need help getting new books. Your contribution helps even more kids take home a book from the Fair.

The County of Monterey has shared updated Food Resource Flyer for those in need. Additional food security resources can be found on the County of Monterey website.

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