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.

Engaging our learners by exploring new technologies

"I’m the girl you’re talking about!” Tanvi exclaimed as I reached out to shake her hand following the MHS Technology Student Association’s (MHSTSA) inaugural event held on May 25th. Our young group of leaders, with their MHS club advisor Mr. Castleman supporting in the wings, had accomplished a successful first, their own student-led hackathon with more than 200 registrants from across the county. Tanvi was their marketing team member, and she successfully reached a large number of students beyond MHS. Vasista, President of the MHSTSA, invited me to speak as they gave the awards to the winners at the end of the night. I spoke about how I was inspired and delighted by their collaborative and enthusiastic leadership, and that it took ingenuity in developing the expert network they built along with funding resources and support for future events. I challenged them too, to recruit more students from MHS and many more young women as I noted there were only three participating. I know that they will as there were a number of female family members in the audience who had been there throughout the day supporting them in reaching their goals. 

Our learners are intrigued when their interests are engaged in how they learn. So are we. This generation of youth seems to know so much more about technology and social media than their elders; however, AI is a new frontier for all of us. Our youth and teens need their community of educators and caregivers supporting them so that they learn to use AI productively. On June 1st MUSD held its AI Fireside Chat, which engaged 65 participants in a conversation about AI and its place in our children’s lives now and in their future careers. Our panelists were MUSD teacher leader, Victoria Salas Salcedo; Stanford Learning Accelerator and AI professor, Dr. Victor Lee; MUSD Board Trustee and member of the CSBA State AI Taskforce, Chris Norwood; and MUSD Tech Services Director, Chin Song. Together they shared that parents and caregivers are partners with us in assuring we engage in conversations with our youth about what they see on social media, in the news, and in the world around them -- asking questions such as; is it real? How do we know? What other perspectives are there? What’s missing? What would you do? How might you use what you know to create something better? Essential discussions such as these prepare our learners to use AI with a critical lens and in a way that expands their resources so that they have more to draw from as they make meaning and conceptualize new ideas about what they are learning.

As we embark on summer adventures at home or afar, take time to be present with each other and to be curious together about our world. Talk with both sons and daughters about how things work, elevate conversations with them so that they dive below the surface, and push them to think critically by asking why and why again. In this way every one of our learners, regardless of their gender, will see themselves as capable of doing whatever it is that they wish to do in the coming year and beyond. 



In community,

Together, we create an environment

where all students can thrive

Dear MUSD Family, 

As we conclude our promotion and graduation ceremonies for the 2023 - 2024 school year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering leadership, dedication and service to students. This year has presented us with a variety of opportunities to strengthen relationships, stretch our thinking, and inspire families to ensure our students' success.

Although it may not be spoken as often as it should, your tireless efforts never go unnoticed by myself or other board members. From the support staff who ensure our schools run smoothly, to our site admins, counselors, nurses, and teachers who guide, inspire and educate, to the district office team, executive cabinet and Superintendent who provide crucial leadership and guidance, ALL of you play a vital role in "Building A Culture of We." Together, we're creating an environment where ALL of our students can thrive academically, socially, culturally, and emotionally.

As we transition into the summer, some of you will continue to serve our learners in a variety of ways. Thank you. Others will take this time to rest, reflect, and prepare for the exciting possibilities the new school year will bring. Thank you. 

Looking ahead to the Fall, I am excited about our continued progress in early childhood education, reclassification of ELs, mental health support for school sites, adult education expansion, Calaveras Hills HS expansion, and the launch of the MHS extension at the MUSD Innovation Campus. Together, we will continue to innovate, inspire, and lead with purpose, ensuring that our district remains an attractive destination for students, families, and amazing employees! 

As a long-time member of the Milpitas community and being on speed dial for hundreds of parents, I thank you once again for your remarkable contributions and for making our district a place of hope and opportunity for all. 

In the words of John C. Maxwell, "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." Let us continue to lead with vision, a sense of urgency, courage, and compassion.

In Service,

Chris Norwood

State Board Member of Year Blog

Calaveras Hills High School

MUSD Middle College High School

Milpitas High School

Rancho Milpitas Middle School

Thomas Russell Middle School

U.S. News & World Report ranks Milpitas High School among the 2024 Best High Schools

Milpitas High School has been ranked 1,026th in the nation and 136th in California 2024 Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings evaluate nearly 18,000 schools at the national, state and local level.

“MUSD Strategic Goal #1 is to Build a Culture of We, resulting in exceptional learning outcomes for students of diverse backgrounds,” said Superintendent Cheryl Jordan. “We provide our students with experiences that develop not only academic skills for success, but career skills that will set them on a path to leading in and creating the work of the future.”

Milpitas HS, which includes 3,026 students in grades 9-12, was also ranked 361st of 2,000 in STEM High Schools. MHS has one of the most ethnically and economically diverse populations in the country at 96.7%, making it a rich environment for learners. 

Click to read more about 2024 Best High Schools

MUSD Alumni Profile: Matt Grilli, Milpitas HS Class of 2003

As an Associate Professor of Psychology at The University of Arizona since 2015, Milpitas High School Class of 2023 alumnus Matt Grilli performs a mix of research, teaching, and service to the broader university and scientific community.

The now 39-year-old’s research lab has a broad focus of: 1) uncovering how and why the brain stores and retrieves memories; 2) understanding the impact of aging and brain injury on memory and cognition; and 3) identifying effective interventions for improving cognition in everyday life.

“I use a bunch of methods in my research, including neuropsychological testing, brain imaging techniques (MRI), smartphone data collection tools, and measures of blood health,” Grilli shared. “I teach undergraduate courses on cognition and the brain, and I oversee the mission and vision of the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program at the University of Arizona through my role as Director of Clinical Training.”

Grilli, who attended Curtner Elementary School and Thomas Russell Middle School prior to MHS, holds a B.A. in Psychology from The University of California, Irvine, where he was summa cum laude (2007) and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The University of Arizona (2013).

Click to read more about Alumnus Matt Grilli

MUSD receives $820k via Golden State Pathways Program

Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) was recently awarded $820,000 in grants through the Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP), designed to improve opportunities for students and prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow. MUSD was one of 302 districts awarded grants for exceptional program design.

The MUSD grant will support the Educator/Social Worker, Computer Sciences and Health Sciences Pathway programs at MUSD Middle College High School, as well as the Computer Sciences and Advanced Manufacturing Pathway programs at the Milpitas High School Extension at the MUSD Innovation Campus.

“Our MUSD Team persistently applies for grants that will fuel our MUSD mission to assure every learner sees themselves in what they learn and is afforded opportunities to experience learning pathways that will support them in their future careers,” said Superintendent Cheryl Jordan. “We are thrilled with this recent grant award that will support the development of skills identified by the World Economic Forum as the three must haves for success in the workplace -- problem solving, collaboration, and adaptability.”

The GSPP program integrates college preparatory coursework meeting the A-G course requirements for admission to state universities and the opportunity to earn 12 college credits with career exploration, career technical education courses, and work-based learning, according to the California Department of Education (CDE).  



Click to read more about MUSD's Golden State Pathways Program

Milpitas Xtreme Robotics battles world's best and brightest at 2024 VEX World Championship

Milpitas High School's Milpitas Xtreme Robotics Team 1669X compiled a record of 8-3 against the world’s top teams over three days of intense competition at the VEX World Championship in Dallas, Texas.

"Our resilient squad of nine students showcased exceptional engineering ingenuity and collaborative spirit, further solidifying Milpitas High School's reputation as a robotics leader," MHS Engineering teacher and MXR advisor Paul Okoye. "MXR Team 1669X takes great pride in representing #Milpitas on the global stage with an astounding 117,000 attendees."

This marks MXR’s third consecutive year competing at the World Championship. Among 13,769 teams from 79 countries contending in the 2023/24 season, only 800 teams from 40 nations qualified to compete at this prestigious event.

"The invaluable experience gained from this competition serves as a cornerstone for our diverse team, offering unparalleled learning opportunities and igniting inspiration for future generations of innovators," Okoye shared.

Rancho MS students excel in academic competitions

By Tejus Karadi

Rancho Milpitas MS 7th Grader

My Rancho Quiz bowl team comprised of Kashvi Agarwal, Stavya Dangaria, Parth Baheti, and myself attended the NAQT MSNCT (Middle School National Champion Tournament) over the Mother’s Day weekend in Chicago, IL.

It was an amazing experience. 160 teams from all across the USA competed at the nationals. This was our first time at MSNCT and before this event, we did not know what to expect. We had studied all year for this and competed in many local and online tournaments. The last three months we played tournaments pretty much every weekend which kept us very busy. But participating in so many events had also given us a feel for how fierce the competition can be.

Overall we played very well and placed nationally in the top 20% of the teams with an overall ranking of 33. We were thrilled with the outcome. After the tournament, I felt great about how we did. I had done a lot of learning and significantly increased my knowledge.

Playing as a team is a lot of fun. Our coach (my mom), Padma Subbaraya, put a tremendous amount of effort into helping the team get ready.

Click to read more about Tejus Karadi

April Academy infuses state mathematics

standards with Project-based learning

Nearly 200 Transitional Kindergarten through 6th Grade students participated in Milpitas Unified School District’s 2024 April Academy over Spring Break (April 15-19) at Burnett Elementary School.

MUSD educators utilized the California State Math Framework to shape Project-Based lesson plans for the week-long enrichment program, which concluded with a special Student Showcase on Friday. Families who attended the Showcase asked learners about their work and their inspiration for the projects.

“The week went really, really well,” said second grade teacher Kristin Nieva. “The unit that was chosen for second grade was appropriate and the students looked at it as not even really being at school. They were just having a lot of fun with cooking, eating, and trial and error. They did a lot of learning without even knowing they were learning.”

Click to read more about April Academy

Milpitas HS Academy of Travel and Tourism present pitches to business professionals at Showcase

Milpitas High School's 11th and 12th grade students in the Academy of Travel and Tourism were front and center for the annual Business Showcase at SJCC-Milpitas Extension.

Working in U.S. History, English, and Hospitality Marketing, MHS juniors selected a person of importance to a State and conducted research; created an original attraction idea including two areas of hospitality (ex. food, entertainment); and conducted market research in their state to pick the ideal location and target audience. Juniors created a product proposal that included market research and target audience; mission statement and news release; company name, logo and business card; social medial post, commercial and brochure; menu that ties in with their attraction’s theme; and a biography page about their famous person.

Seniors developed a sustainable business plan with a connection to the hospitality industry. They included an elevator pitch; mock-up; mission statement, logo, SWOT analysis, target market, CSR statement, commercial, one marketing strategy, and an ‘About us’ section.

Quartet of MUSD administrators win ACSA Region Awards

Burnett Elementary School Assistant Principal Brandi McMillan (Elementary co-Administrator of the Year); Coordinator of Early Childhood Education and Family Engagement Vanessa Espitia (Central Office Administrator of the Year), Coordinator I of Student Services Yvonne Sugimura (Student Services Administrator of the Year), and Sinnott Elementary School Assistant Principal Gina Sainten (MUSD Rookie Administrator of the Year) were selected as Region 8 winners in the annual Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Awards.

These four 2024 award recipients are now eligible for state-wide recognition among 19 geographic regions that comprise ACSA, the driving force for an equitable, world-class education system, and the development and support of inspired educational leaders who meet the diverse needs of all California students.

Sinnott Elementary student creators showcase

talents at 2024 Ancient Robot Adventures

Sinnott Elementary School student creators showcased their talents at the 2024 Ancient Robot Adventures PBL Exhibition, where visitors can watch as Sinnott Wildcats explain how they creatively integrated their narrative writing, history, research, coding, public speaking, critical thinking, and collaboration skills to produce an exciting and immersive experience.

As an attendee, you will have a chance to participate in a choose-your-own-adventure set in ancient times. As you progress through each story, your choices will determine where a robot moves on the student-created maps. There are 12 teams exhibiting, with each story taking between 15-25 minutes to complete.

Milpitas High School Post-Grad Destinations 2024

Milpitas Unified School District Culture of WE!

World Languages at Randall

Pathways at Middle College HS