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.

Three years from onset of pandemic has given

us many opportunities to adapt and innovate

Three years ago our global community experienced a seismic shift in how we learn and work. In 2020, while we were limited in our travels due to the pandemic, researchers could study the blue skies possibilities that curbing transportation might have in resolving air pollution. People went outdoors and as they walked they met others who live in their communities. People need to express themselves and connect with others, as these window concerts in COVID illustrate. Humanity paused for a collective moment -- we witnessed beauty as well as horror such as George Floyd’s murder and Asian hate crimes. In Milpitas, we made a concentrated effort to be present with one another, to stand alongside and to make this journey in life one that matters, especially on behalf of our MUSD learners. 

Three essentials for teaching and learning that we carry forward from MUSD’s nimble response to the pandemic and its persistent changes are mindfulness, technology as a tool for learning, and increasing pathways to career. Encompassing all of these is our Culture of We, which holds diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at its core. 

Since 2020, we have embraced the need for learners (children and adults alike) to be in the moment, to learn how to recognize when emotions such as stress or anxiety cloud thinking and deter us from being our best selves. Mindfulness strategies can take less than five minutes to learn and practice, while yielding so much more. Pausing for a moment to listen, to experience nature, just as we did in 2020 provides our brains with the opportunity to downshift the emotional wash and turn up our cognitive function. Connecting with one another before diving into subject matter fosters belongingness. 

Technology tools such as Google Workplace/Classroom, Nearpod, Slido, Flipgrid, and Padlet provide learners and educators with the ability to learn, communicate, and collaborate from anywhere -- across the desks, from home, and across countries. MUSD EducatEveryWhere, developed during the pandemic, is the symbol of our ability to adapt and innovate. It now houses our independent study program and represents one of many pathways we strive to provide for our learners. Every student in MUSD has a district-issued digital device which can go home if needed. Our teachers use Google Classroom as a way for learners to organize their work, prepare for learning and demonstrate creative ways of applying what they learn. 

COVID data in Silicon Valley where 48% of all service sector jobs were lost, while the health care and tech industries saw an increase in jobs, is a reflection of why MUSD Strategic Goal #3 building pathways for all learners is top of mind. The MUSD Innovation Campus will house Milpitas Adult Education, Calaveras Hills High School, and the MHS 2nd Campus -- its phase I buildings are 4 months away from completion! While this campus illustrates ingenuity, every one of our school programs has an element of signature practices and deeper learning. Every MUSD family, every MUSD team member, and every MUSD student has been an essential part of our evolution since 2019-20. Our Schools are Our Community, and together WE persisted throughout the COVID crisis. We are MUSD and We are on the Move!

In community,

We Are Always On The Move!

Each year Milpitas Unified School District experiences movements. Movements caused by life happenings, economics, circumstances and growth opportunities. As I enter into my 9th year on the Board, I am always curious to what movements will occur for the following year. I am always hopeful the movements will ultimately benefit the children and families we serve for years to come. Continuity is something school systems always pursue. Equally as important, I am hopeful where the movements occur, new leaders from within are inspired to emerge and build upon previous good work. 

There are tens of thousands of parents in the Milpitas community that appreciate good work and observe our movements. Each day they see our classrooms; the cleanliness of the grounds; the busses traveling around town; they hear about the nutrition; witness some of our challenges; they notice the friendliness and the knowledge level of the administrators and staff. 

Last weekend at the Science Olympiad at Milpitas High School, I was deeply moved by the MUSD team and its volunteers. Not only did the high school team earn a trip to the state competition, many of their parents helped to host simultaneously. I learned that MHS volunteered to host the tournament because the planned venue fell through. Kudos to Letta (Meyer) and her team! 

The way we deal with movements directly affects our ability to serve. And the way we serve directly affects our ability to deal with movements.  

In community,

Chris Norwood

Four exceptional MUSD leaders

honored with ACSA Region 8 Awards

The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) annually recognizes education leaders throughout the state, starting with regional winners. Region 8, which is Santa Clara County, has announced its awardees, and four of them are MUSD leaders: Giuliana Brahim (Adult Education Administrator of the Year), Mary Jude Doerpinghaus (Student Services Administrator of the Year) and Kelly Ng (Classified Administrator of the Year) and Cheryl Jordan (Superintendent of the Year).

“Each of these exceptional leaders are an integral part of our MUSD team,” said Supt. Jordan, who has devoted her decades-long educational career to the staff, students and families of Milpitas. “They set the bar for leadership in their respective departments and are more than deserving of this amazing honor.”

These four 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.

Click to read more about our ACSA Award Winners

Girls Empowerment Leaders Club:

Empowering Girls to Lead and Grow

The Girls Empowerment Leaders Club (GEL) at Milpitas High School is an organization that serves to uplift other girls to become confident leaders. With over 20 members, the officer cabinet strives to spark leadership skills, prepare girls for future careers, and help girls feel at home in the MHS community.

To grow leadership skills, members participate in activities to communicate effectively and learn about successful women’s journeys. Members are also inspired by influential female leaders in all industries in the Empowering Quote Series.

The club also recognizes the importance of career preparation, and members are able to prepare for their future through GEL’s Informational Series that features various career pathways and high school tips. Members are also able to learn from leading experts in a variety of fields, such as politics and medicine. 

Most importantly, the club ensures that each and every member’s voice is heard. The club collaborated with an art club for a penpalling activity to help girls bond and connect with others in the diverse MHS community. In addition, GEL’s Member of the Semester program recognizes stellar members who actively participate in bondings and meetings, fostering a culture of empowerment and inclusivity.

Finally, the club plans on celebrating the achievements of women who have shaped the world we live in today. Last year, the club created a video at the MUSD Board of Education about Women’s Rights. This year, the club is planning to host informational meetings and fun bondings to increase awareness around women’s achievements. 

Through all these activities, GEL is dedicated to empowering girls and ensuring that they have the resources to reach their dreams.

Fiona Chan, Girls Empowerment Leaders Club President

Milpitas Xtreme Robotics competing among state's best

Milpitas Xtreme Robotics Club’s Team 1669X has done it again!

The team has earned an impressive high Robot Skills score at the VEX State Championships and are currently ranked 15th in the state of California, securing a qualifying spot in the upcoming VEX Robotics World Championship. Team 1669X, the official Milpitas High School robotics team, has qualified for the world championship once again.

Last year, the team emerged victorious in the state championship along with winning and also reached the division quarterfinals in the world championship held in Texas. The team this year, led by Eusern Ng, Kush Mahajan, and Sawan Srivastava, are eager to compete against the best teams from around the globe at the world championship.

"The team has been putting in long hours, perfecting their robot, and fine-tuning their strategies to ensure a successful run at the competition," said MXR President Arav Musale. "We are proud of Team 1669X and wish them the very best at the world championship."

Korean contingent observes

Milpitas educators, students in action

A 33-member contingent of educators from Gyeongbuk, Korea observed our Milpitas Unified School District educators and students in action as they toured Mattos Elementary School, Milpitas High School and Milpitas Middle College High School on Thursday, February 16.

Connected through Google Workspace for Education, MUSD Technology Director Chin Song organized the one-day visit along with Gyeongbuk, Korea Superintendent Jongsik Lim with a goal of exchanging educational strategies and tools for the betterment of global education. Google Workspace for Education is a collaborative of educators that utilize Google tools and services tailored for schools to collaborate, streamline instruction, and keep learning safe.

“MUSD is honored to have you here with us today, so that we can learn from you and you can learn from us,” said MUSD Board of Education President Chris Norwood, who referenced MUSD Strategic Goal #1 Building a Culture of WE. “Our goal in public education is to ensure that all of our children see themselves in the things that they are learning and doing, and preparing them for the world tomorrow.”

Click to read more about the Korean educators visit to MUSD

Construction Concepts seminar introduces students to career pathways while touring MUSD Innovation Campus

Students from Milpitas High School, Calaveras Hills High School, Milpitas Middle College High School, as well as Rancho Milpitas Middle School and Thomas Russell Middle School, were invited to a BLACH Construction Concepts seminar on Tuesday, February 28 at the site of the MUSD Innovation Campus on E. Calaveras Blvd.

There were 13 student representatives from each of our middle and high schools who attended the session.

Electricians, architects, plumbers and construction managers showcased their respective work that is being done at the new campus and spoke about the career paths and opportunities they took to get into their fields. This was one in a series of MUSD-BLACH Construction learning opportunities for our secondary students.

MUSD Executive Director Doerpinghaus shares perspective as part of 'Leading with Equity' panel

MUSD Executive Director of Inclusive Services for All Learners Mary Jude Doerpinghaus was among a distinguished panel for the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 8’s Spring Leadership Forum: Leading with Equity on March 7.

Other panelists were: Vern Caruz, Elementary Principal at Stipe Elementary, Oak Grove SD; Roxane Fuentes, Ed.D, Superintendent, Berryessa USD; and Jamal Splane, Ph.D, Director, School Culture & Climate/C&I at Los Gatos-Saratoga UHSD.

The panel focused on: 

• What is your definition of equity?
• How do we embed an equity lens into the norm of school culture?
• How would you explain the importance of equity vs equality to a skeptic stakeholder?
• As educational leaders, how do you lead the charge to motivate your colleagues and staff to help identify areas of need to make positive change?

“While my background has centered around special education, my career has always focused on empowering staff and families to partner as ‘one team’ that focuses on assets and belief in the potential of each and every child each and every day,” Doerpinghaus shared. 

Click to read more about Leading with Equity Panel

Celebrating the significance of Black History Month in our Culture of WE compilation

MUSD  Board President and Milpitas HS Alumni Class of '83 Chris Norwood, born in Spokane, Washington, shares that Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. is his favorite African American historical figure "because he cared deeply about the health, wellbeing, safety and economic mobility of others." The movie Hidden Figures is inspiring because "it showed STEM contributions of African American women in space race."

Click to read from our Black History Month 2023 compilation

Danny Lau Memorial Scholarship accepting applications from MUSD senior students

Applications for the Danny Lau Memorial Scholarship 2023 are now available to Milpitas High School (MHS), Calaveras Hills High School (CHHS) and Milpitas Middle College High School (MMCHS) students!

All Milpitas Unified School District senior students can submit their scholarship applications online  by the April 16, 2023 deadline.