Newsletter | Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Region 5 Expanded Learning Partnerships Hosts Another Successful 29th Annual ReV Up Conference

The Region 5 Expanded Learning (ExL) Partnerships team, part of MCOE’s Educational Services department, along with a conference committee and volunteers, proudly hosted its 29th Annual ReV Up Conference on Saturday, September 13, 2025, bringing together over 700 dedicated Expanded Learning educators from across Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties.

The success of the ReV Up Conference is a testament to the enduring commitment of Region 5’s Expanded Learning Partnerships team. As the field has grown exponentially (from 241 to more than 600 school sites), the conference remains a cornerstone capacity building event, equipping, energizing, appreciating, and inspiring ExL educators to transform Expanded Learning year-round spaces into environments where TK-12 students have the opportunities and support needed, every single day of the year, from before, after, intersession (weekends and holidays) to summer.

The ReV Up conference was a full-day event with 32 specialized professionals that led 76 dynamic workshop sessions. Through shared learning, innovative practices, engaging, rigorous, and hands-on project-based workshops, participants learned new strategies, tools, and resources to strengthen their skillset and ensure that every student receives the necessary support, enabling them to thrive academically and personally.

Workshops were designed around the key components of Expanded Learning, with an emphasis on academic support, academic enrichment, nutrition/physical education, social-emotional learning, mental health, wellness, and a whole child approach. Seven focus strands were offered to meet the diverse needs of the region 5 ExL field: (1) academic support & engagement, (2) youth voice & leadership, (3) STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), (4) social emotional learning & wellness, (5) professionalism & program management, and (6) healthy, safe & inclusive environments. These strands align with California Department of Education (CDE) Quality Standards for Expanded Learning, ensuring programs continue to advance high-quality practices, support services, and programming.

The ReV Up Conference is the staple to the start of the school year, ramping up the school year with an infusion of capacity-building opportunities, empowering ExL educators with the knowledge and skills to provide opportunities and support for all students. Through shared learning and innovative practices, attendees walked away with newer strategies, tools, resources, motivation, and empowerment to ensure meeting the mission to prepare students every day for academic and personal success.

Get Ready for MCOE’s 2025 Wellness Fair!

MCOE is excited to host its annual Health and Wellness Fair on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 901 Blanco Circle in Salinas. This event is open to all MCOE employees, school district employees, and community members who are covered by MCSIG and California Valued Trust (CVT) insurance plans.

The fair will feature a wide range of health and wellness community partners, each offering valuable resources, fun giveaways, and expert insights. Attendees can take advantage of free health screenings, including cholesterol checks, osteoporosis risk assessments, skin evaluations, and more, all designed to promote early detection and prevention.

We hope to see you there for an afternoon dedicated to health, wellness, and community connection!

Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the Monterey County Office of Education’s Early Learning Program has been proud to honor and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

On September 15, MCOE’s classrooms came alive with vibrant colors as children arrived dressed in traditional clothing. Teachers led hands-on activities that explored cultural traditions through music, dance, art, and storytelling. This long-standing celebration is a cherished part of our program, offering young children meaningful opportunities to learn about the world around them and to embrace cultural heritage with pride and curiosity. We thank our staff for their continued support and participation in making this celebration so special!

Exploring Small Rural Schools in Monterey County

Dr. Deneen Guss, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools, and Dr. Bettye Lusk, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Board Member and California School Boards Association (CSBA) President, visited two small rural school districts, Graves and Lagunita, to explore their unique educational environments.

At Graves School District, new Superintendent/Principal David Smith, along with his dedicated staff and enthusiastic students, welcomed the visitors. The mixed-grade classrooms were alive with energy, showcasing personalized learning tailored to each student’s needs despite limited resources. Dr. Guss and Dr. Lusk observed hands-on teaching methods, where students were known, valued, and encouraged to thrive.

The journey continued at Lagunita School, a historic schoolhouse vibrant with modern educational spirit. Joined by Monterey County Board Member Heather Owen, representing Trustee Area Three, they met with Superintendent/Principal Daniel Stonebloom. He shared the challenges of running a small rural school, including balancing a tight budget, retaining qualified staff, and ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities. Lagunita’s close-knit school community and passionate educators create a nurturing environment where students excel.

Inspired by these visits, Dr. Lusk is committed to advocating for small, rural schools. She plans to bring the insights she uncovered to the CSBA, ensuring the needs of small districts like Graves and Lagunita are prioritized in statewide education policy discussions.

Monterey County Families Enjoy a Day of Wellness and Fun at the Service Carnival

On Saturday, October 5, the Monterey County Office of Education partnered with Lions Club District 4-C6 to host the Service Carnival, a community event dedicated to promoting health and wellness for all ages.

The free, all-day event offered a variety of health screenings, including diabetes, vision, and hearing tests, ensuring families had access to essential preventive care in a fun, welcoming setting. Attendees also enjoyed booths highlighting health and well-being resources, along with interactive activities for children such as face painting, coloring, and games.

A highlight of the event was the comprehensive eye clinic and vision testing provided by volunteer professionals. Their efforts made a profound impact, with attendees receiving complete eye exams and leaving with new glasses, gaining not only clearer vision but also a renewed sense of confidence and well-being.

The Service Carnival provided an opportunity for families to connect with local organizations and wellness services, highlighting the importance of community partnerships in promoting healthier lifestyles. The event’s success was made possible by the generous volunteers of Lions Clinic 4-C6, whose dedication continues to make a meaningful impact across Monterey County. To learn more about the Lions Clinic and its community service programs, visit www.lions4c6.org.

Dr. Colleen Stanley Honored with CCSESA BASC STAR Award

The Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) is thrilled to congratulate Dr. Colleen Stanley on receiving the prestigious Business and Administration Service Committee (BASC) STAR Award from the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA). This honor, announced at the 2025 Annual Awards Reception on September 30, recognizes Dr. Stanley's exceptional contributions in business and administration services, where she has gone above and beyond to support the mission of serving California's students.

Selected by a committee of county superintendents from nominations across all 58 county offices, the STAR Awards celebrate subject matter experts who embody dedication and innovation. Dr. Stanley joins Liann Reyes of Santa Cruz County as a co-winner in the BASC category, highlighting her outstanding leadership and impact on educational administration.

MCOE is immensely proud of Dr. Stanley's unwavering commitment and tireless efforts that elevate our students, staff, and communities. Thank you, Dr. Stanley, for your outstanding performance and for inspiring us all to reach new heights in service to education!

MCOE Advocates for Migrant Students on Air

On Wednesday, October 11, Dr. Ralph Porras, Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Ernesto Vela, Assistant Superintendent, and Mr. Constantino Silva, Senior Director of Migrant Education, were featured guests on the “Comunidad Alerta” radio show, broadcast on Radio Bilingüe. This station reaches audiences across several western states, providing an important platform to share the impact and value of the Migrant Education Program.

During the discussion, Dr. Porras emphasized the importance of continued federal funding for the Migrant Education Program and encouraged ongoing advocacy efforts to sustain this vital support for migrant students. Mr. Silva highlighted several successful initiatives coordinated through the Monterey County Office of Education’s (MCOE) Migrant Education Program and partner school districts, including the Speech & Debate Program, which strengthens students’ public speaking, critical thinking, and collaboration skills.

Dr. Vela spoke about the program’s essential role in supporting students’ academic and social-emotional growth, sharing a personal story from his own experience as a former migrant student. His message underscored the transformative power of these programs in helping students reach their full potential.

MCOE's participation in “Comunidad Alerta” served as an opportunity to amplify the importance of the Migrant Education Program and to highlight the meaningful difference it makes in the lives of migrant students and their families throughout Monterey County and beyond.

MCOE Hosts Stop The Bleed Training

MCOE proudly hosted two half-day Stop the Bleed training sessions for management team members and members of the MCOE Safety Committee. The sessions, led by instructors Howard Main and Maggie Kelly from Health Educational Services, featured hands-on practice with life-saving equipment and real-world scenarios.

The training incorporated videos and curriculum from the American Heart Association, covering a wide range of emergency response skills. Participants learned first-aid basics, cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), the Heimlich maneuver, and proper use of an AED. The sessions also emphasized the importance of personal safety, including how to correctly wear and remove protective gloves.

In addition, attendees practiced techniques to control bleeding through direct pressure and bandaging, how to apply a tourniquet, and how to administer naloxone to someone experiencing an opioid overdose. Training also included the proper use of an epinephrine auto-injector for individuals suffering from severe allergic reactions.

By equipping team members with these critical skills, MCOE reinforces its commitment to safety and preparedness. Ensuring staff are ready to respond in emergencies helps protect the well-being of students and colleagues alike. To see more information on stop the bleed training, visit stopthebleed.org.

Monterey County Schools Shine on the 2025 California Honor Roll

The Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) extends a congratulations to the outstanding school districts and individual schools in our community that have been recognized on the 2025 California Honor Roll. Presented by the Educational Results Partnership (ERP), this program highlights schools and districts that are not only driving academic success but also equipping students with the essential skills to thrive in the workforce and beyond.

This year's Honor Roll, released on October 9, draws exclusively from objective student achievement data provided by the California Department of Education through the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). Unlike other recognition programs, there is no nomination or submission process. ERP's data-driven methodology automatically identifies top performers by analyzing results from the 2023-2025 school years in English Language Arts and Mathematics.

In Monterey County, we are proud to spotlight five schools that were recognized:

Tularcitos Elementary School in the Carmel Unified School District
La Mesa Elementary School in the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
Forest Grove Elementary in the Pacific Grove Unified School District
Rose Ferrero Elementary in the Soledad Unified School District
Salinas High School in the Salinas Union High School District

MCOE applauds these districts and schools for their unwavering dedication to student-centered excellence.

KION 46, FOX 35, Telemundo 23, and Chevron want to recognize the hard work of Monterey County students through the Student of the Month Program. Selected students will exemplify outstanding qualities both as scholars and as citizens of their community, demonstrating the ability to balance the many aspects of student life while maintaining excellence in the classroom.

Learn more about the Monterey County Student of the Month Program, and stay tuned for October’s honorees!

Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) 2025 is a free, day-long conference and career fair for girls in grades 5-10, taking place Saturday, November 15 at Hartnell College in Salinas from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features hands-on STEM workshops and opportunities to meet female role models in science, technology, engineering, and math. Registration opens Tuesday, October 28 at 8 a.m. and fills quickly, so early registration is encouraged. Workshop details are available at Lyceum.org/EYH.

At the Monterey County Office of Education, we value sustainability and work to ensure that materials get a second life whenever possible. Our Surplus webpage helps school districts recycle and reuse unneeded textbooks, supplies, and other resources. This helps to keep items out of storage rooms and landfills. Note that each school district follows its own board policies for declaring surplus items. Explore what’s available and help us put resources back into circulation by visiting the MCOE Surplus webpage.

The 5th Annual Ocean Arts Festival, presented by SpectorDance and the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at 600 Camino El Estero, Monterey. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the ocean through art, featuring performances and visual works by over 200 young artists from across Monterey County. Attendees can enjoy science tables, live music, ocean-themed face painting, and local food vendors. The festival highlights the power of creativity to inspire ocean stewardship and deepen understanding of ocean science. Learn more at spectordance.org/oaf.html.

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