If this email is clipped—or photos are not displayed—click the "View entire message" link at the bottom of the email. School LIFE is the newsletter of the Milpitas Unified School District. If you have stories for our next issue, please send them to Scott Forstner.

WE are all pioneers of the future

I love that in Milpitas WE are generous in sharing our cultures and perspectives. Our drive towards innovation is fueled by our focus on providing the best opportunities for our learners. As pioneers for the future we lead in the classroom and workplace. 

Telugu, Tagalog, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, and English are a handful of the languages spoken in our schools. Understanding other languages gives learners deeper insights into a variety of cultural experiences, preparing them for collaboration in the workplace. Similarly, the language of computer science is essential for MUSD learners to understand so that they are equipped to lead and create throughout their careers. In 2019, our Board of Trustees passed Resolution 2019.48 adopting CA Computer Science (CS) Standards and making MUSD a CS for All district.

CS encompasses Artificial Intelligence, which is a tool that learners and educators are using. Collaboration with others through the use of AI affords people accelerated outcomes as described in this article How to chat with Bots, Stanford Business March 2024.  According to the World Economic Forum, 2030 career skills include collaboration, communication, curiosity about others’ perspectives, and the ability to question and analyze. As we explore the possibilities that AI affords while implementing security measures for protecting our learners, it is essential that they learn how to discern the reliability of information sources and formats. Parents and caregivers are partners with us in having conversations with our children in Talking about Generative AI with Kids and How to use AI Responsibly EVERY time. Currently we have learners and educators throughout MUSD piloting Khanmigo, which is both a production tool for educators and a guide for students. This pilot provides us with a secure learning environment to explore the possibilities of AI in the classroom. 

In early June we will launch our MUSD AI Advisory TaskForce and draw from sources such as the US Dept of Educational Tech, AI and the Future of Teaching and Learning June 2023 and How AI Transforms Education: A 2023 Guide for Parents, Medium, Oct 2023. This will be an opportunity for representatives of our MUSD community to explore AI resources and develop recommendations for the future of learning. 

In community,

One Thousand Words To Infinity & Beyond

In 2012, Eddie Murphy starred in a film called “A Thousand Words.” In the movie his name was “Jack.” I thought it was a pretty good movie because I appreciated the simple plot that every word Jack spoke, a leaf would fall off of a mythical Bodhi tree that only had 1,000 leaves.

This past November, I celebrated a birthday that told me I had less than 4,000 days left on the planet, or approximately 12 years around the sun if I reached my life expectancy as a man of African Ancestry in America. I remember counting up to 2,000 before, it was hard to focus but I did it, and that experience made me realize 4,000 days wasn't that much time. While in my 20s, 30s, and 40s it wasn't. Today, it is my reality. 

And then I thought - what if I could live an infinite life, physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally fit under the condition that I could only say 1,000 words a day, everyday, forever? And every word counted, one letter words, two letter words, slang, words like “ouch” and “oh” would count as well. No exceptions. 

In a day there are 24 hours, 1,440 minutes, 86,400 seconds. I couldn't even say a word a minute. If I slept 8 hours, there would be only 16 hours, 960 minutes, 57,600 seconds. I could say at least one word per minute, unless I spoke out loud in my sleep. 

As of the day of this writing, my wife, 2 kids, mom, sister, dog, and many of my childhood friends are still on the planet and drivers of my purpose for being. On a daily basis, I speak to my wife about her day. My mom is 81 and I call her more and more knowing one day, I won't have that option. My kids have finished high school and just beginning to figure out how to launch. My sister and I connect every few days and have started going to old school hip hop concerts together and I sing almost every word to every song. I have more than 2 years on my current term as a school board member and contemplating running again in 2026 to ensure educational leadership continuity in the place that raised me. I currently have a role in developing California School Boards Association curriculum for student board members, new school board members, and board presidents across the state. I pray in whispers and sometimes out loud at different times of the day. I mentor young people every chance I get. Wow!

Could I figure out how to keep it all? What would I say? When would I say it? To whom would I say it? What would I give up? Who would I give up? Could I use a gadget that could read my mind and say the words for me? Could I just write or use sign language? Would I want to live with only having the ability to say 1,000 words per day? 

So many things to consider for this opportunity! So much reflection on the times when I talk too much, or talk to myself when I'm alone, or singing in my car or when I would get into a deep conversation with others that inspires me.

What would you do if you had the opportunity to use a 1,000 words to infinity and beyond?

Chris Norwood

State Board Member of Year Blog

Milpitas High School junior Alena Kononenko

starts up own 3D Printing business

Milpitas High School junior entrepreneur Alena Kononenko wanted a new 3D Printer with more capabilities than the old one she had received after attending a summer class at Stanford University a few years earlier.

Her parents were willing to listen, but they wanted to know how serious Alena was to determine if it was a sound investment. So the now 17-year-old developed a business presentation that eventually won over her parents who purchased a new Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D Printer with Automatic Material System (AMS) for Christmas.

“I started selling my prints just to my friends,” said Kononenko, who would print fidgets and other small items upon request. “They would pay me $2/hour plus the cost of plastic, and I would print anything for them.”

The Randall Elementary School and Rancho Middle School alumna then turned to her teachers at Milpitas HS and asked them if they needed any small items for their classrooms.

Click to continue to read this 3D Printing feature

TRMS recognized as 2024 California Distinguished School

Thomas Russell Middle School (TRMS) was one of only 16 secondary schools in Santa Clara County – as well as 293 middle schools and high schools throughout the state – honored as a 2024 California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education.

“This is a testament to the years of hard work and diligence of our Russell staff, families, and other community members,” said TRMS Principal Shangrila Mia-Ramzan. “It is an absolute honor and privilege to be a member of such an amazing team. It truly takes a village, and the WOLVERINES know how to do it!”

The California Distinguished Schools program recognizes schools for their excellent work in one of two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance. Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students.

“The CA Distinguished School award reflects our commitment to establishing learning environments that foster a belief that through perseverance and teamwork, we can achieve remarkable outcomes,” said Superintendent Cheryl Jordan. “TRMS celebrates community through its signature practices of interdisciplinary team and personalized learning platform strategies for learner pathways.”

Click to read more about TRMS

Calaveras Hills HS honored as Model Continuation School

Calaveras Hills High School (CHHS) was one of only two schools in Santa Clara County – and 31 schools throughout the state – recognized as a 2024 Model Continuation High School by the California Department of Education for providing comprehensive services to at-risk youth through the use of exemplary instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, and guidance and counseling services.

“Calaveras Hills HS is a school that helps students holistically to find their voice and a belief in themselves that they can be successful in school and in life,” said CHHS Principal Carl Stice. “This Model School award reflects CHHS's commitment to continuous improvement.”

Principal Stice credited a new instructional model of Project Based Learning as a CHHS signature practice “that helped lead to this statewide recognition, and I could not be more proud of our staff, our students, and our families. Everyone has to be on board to ensure success for our students, and we have that.”

Click to read more about Calaveras Hills HS

MUSD School Resource Officer Asefi continues

to build bonds with students, staff

The first time Officer Mostafa Asefi stepped on the MHS campus it was for community safety training. The Tracy, CA native who joined the Milpitas Police force in 2013 returned to Milpitas HS several more times through the years for service calls.

Three years ago, when an opening for a School Resource Officer position opened up at MHS, Asefi jumped on the opportunity and began shadowing former SRO and fellow officer Jonathan Muok.

Asefi was already working with children: on the job through the MPD’s Public Community Relations Department for such events as Recess with a Cop; and on his own conducting private basketball lessons to pass along skills he developed as a high school, collegiate and professional international basketball player.

“The most enjoyment I get is to see kids grow. Kids are like a sponge. You can teach them something, they can take it and get better at it. That’s the kind of feel good story that I like,” said the 37-year-old officer who is in his third year as SRO. “I told myself that I’m going to do it now while I’m young so I can still engage with the students, and it just kind of worked out.”

Click to read more about Officer Asefi

Milpitas HS star Keryssa Li wins CIF State Spirit of Sport Award, up for Student Athlete Volunteer Scholarship

Milpitas HS scholar athlete Keryssa Li, a two-sport athlete and captain of the cross country and track teams, became the second ever CIF State Spirit of the Sport Award Winner from MHS since the awards inception in 1998. She is the only Central Coast Section recipient honored this year, and the first one from CCS since Fall 2020. This award recognizes one male and one female state-wide winner during each season of sport (Fall/Winter/Spring). Student-athletes are selected based on exemplary sportsmanship, school/community service, and leadership.

Li is President of the Math Club, a member of the LEO Club at MHS and founder and President of Sage Education, a nonprofit providing extracurricular educational services for K-12 students. Additionally, she plays four instruments and is a National Merit Semifinalist.

“Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate this ambitious side of myself,” states Li. “Through high school sports, I’ve learned that my competitive spirit is one to be admired. It has provided me with the resilience and optimism I’ve since carried to other aspects of life…”

Li was nominated for the Lexus Stevens Creek Student Athlete Volunteer of the Year Scholarship.  She needs our help to vote her to victory.  You may vote as many times as you would like until April 22nd.  Please vote for Keryssa Li here.

Sinnott, Curtner Elementary School students excel

at Odyssey of the Mind problem solving competition

A pair of students teams from both Sinnott Elementary School and Curtner Elementary School teams placed in the Odyssey of the Mind Regional tournament and qualified for the State tournament. Odyssey of the Mind is a STEAM-based competition that provides opportunities to sharpen problem-solving skills and creativity.

Sinnott Wildcats winning teams were: 1) First graders Atreya Raja, Zuhayr Hafiz, and Layaa Vijayshankar along with second graders Aarini Mankad and Adviti Surapaneni. They took third place in Division 1; 2) Second graders Akira Pradeep, Tashvi Shah, Vivian Huynh, Orion Kapoor, Arjun Baheerathan, and third grader Maya Pillai and first grader Sloka Potluri. They placed second in D-1.

Curtner's qualifying teams were comprised of: 1) Krisha Praveen, Ananya Madabusi, Ahana Mathur, Shivansh Rai, Aanya Shinoy, Ayatri Upadhyay and Sabareesh Venkatesan; 2) Isaac Tran, Arsh Fahim, Merul Kotha, Aarav Manek, and Supan Shah Aangi Shah; and 3) Atharv Bagotra, Nyssa Bagotra, Dhruvi Parsoya, Aaniya Ayarekar, Stelly Fong, Vivaan Gupta and Kireeti Kotha.

Milpitas HS NJROTC cades take tour of NASA Ames Research Center, welcome Assemblymember Alex Lee

Milpitas HS Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC)'s 47 Cadets had an enriching and unforgettable field trip to NASA Ames research center, where they met a variety of experts, including aeronautical engineers, physicists, aviation, and many more esteemed professionals including one NASA Research scientists who was a #MHS Alumni Class of 2004.

"This experience not only offered our cadets a glimpse into the fascinating world of space exploration and research but also provided valuable insights into various STEM fields and career possibilities," said Masterchief Jimmy Whitney U. S. Navy (Retired). "Interacting with such distinguished individuals has undoubtedly inspired our cadets and enriched their educational journey. ... Together, we strive to foster a spirit of exploration, curiosity, and continuous learning within our NJROTC community."

State Assemblymember Alex Lee also made a special visit to the NJROTC class to give insight into state government. Lee is a MHS NJROTC alumnus.

Learn more about NJROTC

Sponsor our NJROTC program

Superintendent Jordan among 5 leaders to watch in 2024

MUSD Superintendent Cheryl Jordan was among the "5 superintendents to watch in 2024" from across the nation to be featured by K-12 Dive. Longevity, commitments to school culture and innovation, and turnaround imperatives are just a few reasons to keep an eye on these leaders.

“In MUSD everyone is a learner, whether they are in a student seat or an educator in or in support of the classroom,” Jordan said. “All team members in MUSD are educators. Every parent/caregiver is a partner in working with us towards achieving this goal.”

Click to read more about Superintendent Jordan

Buy A Brick - Leave A Legacy at MUSD Innovation Campus

Become a permanent part of Milpitas Unified School District history by purchasing a personalized, engraved paver brick for the MUSD Innovation Campus. Individuals, as well as groups and organizations, may purchase a brick that will be engraved with a personalized message. These commemorative bricks will be installed on campus and be a permanent part of the Innovation Campus. All proceeds go directly to the development of the MUSD Innovation Campus! Click to order.

World Languages at Randall

Pathways at Middle College HS