Through a partnership with the Department of Healthcare Services, Orange County Department of Education, Sacramento County Office of Education, and the Project Cal-HOPE Grant, educators across California have access to a free professional development course in Social Emotional Learning offered by the UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center. The self-paced course comes with study guides and discussion questions and is great for staff, professional-learning communities or individuals to deepen their understanding of Social Emotional Learning.

For info: Visit their website

Fee: Free

In this 30-minute webinar with KQED staff, get setup for using PBS LearningMedia for online and blended teaching, and get your questions answered. PBS LearningMedia is a FREE, Pre-K-12 online library of trusted, quality, curated resources from PBS and public media stations including KQED. These digital resources include short videos, lessons and

interactive games.

Dates: Wednesdays, 3:30-4:00 p.m.; (virtual)

For info: Visit their website to learn more and register, or contact Nicholas Zefeldt, at (925) 942-5332

Fee: Free

Co-Facilitated by CCCOE, SMCOE, ACOE, & LACOE Math Leaders, will meet with your colleagues to review, provide comments, and suggest edits to the proposed changes in the 2021 Revision of the CA Mathematics Framework. Register for any or all sessions!

Audience: K-12 teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators

Dates: March 2, 9, 23, 30, and April 13; 4:00-5:00 p.m.; (virtual)

For info: Workshop flyer, registration link

Fee: Free

The California Health Education Framework Project aims to shift educators to more advanced student-centered, skill-based teaching, and learning practices, as well as health content, while building a statewide system of support for health education.

A series of professional learning opportunities will be provided in 2020 and 2021. Join these virtual sessions to develop a deeper understanding of the CA Health Education Framework guidance and to connect with other educators to build your health education toolbox. These programs are for administrators, teaching staff, counselors, nurses, and any other interested educator or

community member.

Dates: March 4, May 13; 3:30-5:00 p.m.; (virtual)

For info: Visit their Eventbrite posting

Fee: Free, $150 stipend available

Common Sense Education is celebrating National Reading Month with Common Sense Ambassador Shari Wladis. Join us as we share literature that can act as a lasso to grab students' attention. Choosing a picture book to open or continue a digital citizenship discussion creates a common focus. We will demonstrate with a few picture books how to find the key mentor text points for using these in the classroom to guide students on their digital citizenship education journey.

Audience: K-5 teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators

Date: March 5; 12:00-12:30 p.m.; (virtual)

For info: Register at this link

Fee: Free

Attendees will learn why it is important to offer computer science at the elementary level. Explore and experience Code.org curriculum as a learner and teacher to best support your peers and students. Register for one or both workshops.

Audience: K-5 administrators, instructional coaches, and teachers

Dates: March 11 and 25; 3:30-4:30 p.m.; (virtual)

For info: Workshop flyer, March 11 registration link, March 25 registration link

Fee: Free

The California NGSS Statewide Implementation: Building Student Sensemaking Through Disciplinary Literacy is an online professional learning experience designed for K-12 academic coaches, administrators, curriculum leads, and teacher leaders to deepen their understanding and implementation of teaching practices to advance student science understanding.

Dates: March 16, 18, 23, and 25; 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.; (virtual)

For info: Visit their web page

Fee: Free

Brief Intervention is a short-term intervention that consists of 2 to 4 sessions aimed at adolescents who use alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. This approach uses motivational interviewing, cognitive behavior therapy and the stages of change model to meet the needs of adolescents. Audience: School Administrators, Educators, Staff, Counselors, School Nurses, and Community-Based Organization Staff. This training is provided in two, three-hour sessions. You must attend both days to complete this course. CEUs available. See registration page for more information.

Dates: This training will be provided in two, three-hour sessions: Session 1: Wednesday, March 24, 1:00-4:00 p.m.; Session 2: Thursday, March 25, 1:00-4:00 p.m.; (virtual)

For info: Visit their Eventbrite postings

Fee: Free

Sponsored by The California Arts Project, this series of webinars will explore culturally authentic stylistic nuances and the impact of Latin Music.

Audience: 6-12 music teachers

Dates: March 25, April 22, May 27; 3:00-5:00 p.m.; (virtual)

For info: Register at their Web page

Fee: Free

Our fourth virtual TUPE parent/family live webinar will focus on a panel of local adult and youth experts discussing the impact of alcohol, cannabis, and prescription drugs on young people in our communities. The webinar's special guest speakers will be April Rovero, Founder and Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse, Brian Gleason, Program Manager for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Richard Ceballos, Project Co-Director for Stanford Tobacco Prevention Toolkit and Cannabis Awareness & Prevention Toolkit and CourAGE Youth Health Coalition members. The event will be in English, with simultaneous interpretation in Spanish.

Dates: March 30, 5:30 p.m.; (virtual)

For info: Visit their Eventbrite postings: English link * Spanish link

Fee: Free

This training will provide the opportunity for participants to increase their understanding and skills to create safer, more inclusive classroom environments for young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI+). The training will cover three main areas: 1) Foundational Concepts, providing important information regarding terminology and state law; 2) Health disparities, including increased alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use; 3) Specific strategies for expansive allyship and resources available. Virtual sessions will be interactive and an optional follow up group consultation will be available to all participants for technical assistance after the initial training.

Date: April 16, 1:00-4:00 p.m.; (virtual)

For info: Visit their Eventbrite posting

Fee: Free

Continue to build on the skills learned from the one-day BI training and interact with other participants who have been trained and implement BI. (This training is a repeat of the Advanced/Booster Training held in October.) Audience: School Administrators, Educators, Staff, Counselors, School Nurses, and Community-Based Organization Staff who have already completed the full Brief Intervention training.

Date: April 14, 1:00-3:00 p.m.; (virtual)

For info: Visit their Eventbrite posting

Fee: Free

Attendees will learn about courses, tools, and professional learning opportunities offered by Code.org to bring computer science to your school and/or district.

Audience: K-12 Administrators and/or Counselors

Date: April 29, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.; (virtual)

For info: Workshop flyer, registration link

Fee: Free

Join NSTA for this special four-part, interactive, virtual miniseries, which is jointly hosted by the Association for Multicultural Science Education (AMSE) and NSTA’s Committee on Multicultural / Equity in Science Education. Scheduled throughout the month of June, this miniseries is your source for resources and strategies for motivating and enhancing the participation of traditionally underrepresented students in science through the lens of equity and social justice.

Audience: K-5 teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators

Dates: June 5, 12, 19, and 26;11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; (virtual)

For info: To learn more and register, visit this link

Fee: $70 members, $85 nonmembers

Based on the CDE 5 Key Principles for Distance Learning, we created and recorded five Mini-Sessions. Each 30-minute session dives into one big idea of each Key Principle. We offer a practical active learning experience and an interactive resource backchannel. All recordings and resources can be found on this CCCOE December Virtual Mini Sessions Guide. If you would like more information about this opportunity, please Christen Northrop or Julie Dooley.

In partnership with the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), the California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA) and the University of California Los Angeles Center for the Transformation of Schools (CTS) offered this free online series. These virtual seminars provide families and educators with the tools and strategies they need to ensure greater equity for students who continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 school closures.

For info: Visit their website for numerous recent webinars

Fee: Free

ASCD's free webinar series brings experts in the field of education to a screen near you. These webinars address timely and relevant topics like student engagement, classroom technology, and instructional strategies. Webinars are archived and available as professional development on demand.

For info: Visit their website

Fee: Free

The Contra Costa County Office of Education - Foster Youth Services Coordinating Programs (FYSCP) is happy to announce the foster youth education trainings will start up again in early 2021! FYSCP, it is our goal to provide technical assistance and professional development to district education liaisons, school staff, and community partners regarding the educational needs of foster youth.

March 11, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon; (virtual)

April 1, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon; (virtual)

For info: Contact Yvonne Beals at 925-942-3463 or visit their registration page to sign up

Fee: Free

Code.org's Professional Learning Program is a year-long professional development experience for middle and high school educators interested in teaching Code.org's Computer Science Discoveries (Grades 6-10) or Computer Science Principles (grades 10-12) courses. Participants will explore Computer Science curriculum and tools, experiment with specific teaching strategies, and join a local community of teachers using this curriculum. Workshops are led by experienced Code.org facilitators and prepare all teachers to use the free curriculum and learn CS (no CS experience necessary). Teachers can apply to earn Continuing Education Units for their work.

Date and location: June 21 - June 25, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; CCCOE , Pleasant Hill or Virtual (TBD)

For info: Contact Hilary Dito at (925) 942-3396 or Christen Northrop at 925-942-3435 or visit the program's registration page

Fee: See web page for price points, as well as scholarship opportunities

Our program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing as a Professional Preparation Program for the Clear Administrative Services Credential. In partnership with the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), CCCOE-ALP provides high-quality, researched-based professional learning and development for new leaders. Across the two-year program, credential candidates expand and deepen their leadership knowledge, skills, and behaviors through individualized, job-embedded induction.

For info: Contact Julie Dooley at (925) 942-3357, or visit the program's web page

Dates: The enrollment window for the 2019-21 winter cohort is open through January 30, 2021, this cohort starts in January 2021

The Integrated Student Support and Programs Office at the California Department of Education (CDE) would like to invite you to the following webinars. These webinars are designed to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) with the requirement of Section 11432(g)(6)(A)(ix) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which states that LEA personnel, including the homeless liaison, must be provided professional development opportunities in identifying and meeting the needs of homeless children and youths.

There is no registration fee! Just mark your calendars!

Topic: School Counselors and Homeless Education

Date: March 10, 2:00–3:30 p.m.; (virtual)

Zoom meet particulars: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84322131995

Meeting ID: 843 2213 1995

Passcode: 719353

Topic: Homelessness in the Classroom for Teachers and Paraprofessionals

Date: April 14, 2:00–3:30 p.m.; (virtual)

Zoom meet particulars: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86736836660

Meeting ID: 867 3683 6660

Passcode: 879639

Topic: Collaboration with Community Partners and Service Providers

Date and time: May 12, 2:00–3:30 p.m.; (virtual)

Zoom meet particulars: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86021523786

Meeting ID: 860 2152 3786

Passcode: 973496

Topic: Homeless Education and Early Education

Date and time: June 2, 2:00–3:30 p.m.; (virtual)

Zoom meet particulars: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85160847733

Meeting ID: 851 6084 7733

Passcode: 232046

March 2 is National Read Across America Day, a day to celebrate our favorite activity. The day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading. The day occurs each year on the birthday of beloved children’s book author Dr. Seuss, so a perfect way to celebrate is to don a Seussian hat and read one his famous tales, like One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. On National Read Across America Day, students, teachers, parents, and community members around the nation come together to read books and celebrate the joy of reading — join us!

For info: Visit the NEA's website

Date: March 2

Do you know a high school senior, trade school or college student looking for financial assistance of up to $10,000? Please share! The Contra Costa Association of Realtors Scholarship Foundation has been supporting higher education for over 50 years! The scholarship Application Period is Now Open to all Contra Costa residents.

For info: For eligibility requirements and application, visit their website

Deadline: March 31

With over $5 million in awarded grants, the Voya Unsung HeroesTM Awards Program has proven to be an A+ program with educators. The program's "alumni" have inspired success in the classroom and impacted countless numbers of students. Each year, 100 educators are selected to receive $2,000 to help fund their innovative class projects. Three of those are chosen to receive the top awards of an additional $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000.

For info: Contact them by email or phone (507) 931-1682, or visit their website

Deadline: April 30

Safeway funds grant applications for communities where stores are located. Grants should focus on Safeway's priorities, including education. The Safeway Foundation's Grants are accepted throughout the year. Typical grants are between $2,500 - $10,000

For info: Visit their website

The Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is offering scholarships up to $1,000 for seniors graduating from Contra Costa high schools. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. Since 1990, we have awarded more than $72,000 in scholarships in Contra Costa County because we celebrate educational excellence. The eligibility requirements are that students must attend a high school within Contra Costa County, have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 and provide a personal statement essay and two letters of recommendation.

For info: Visit their website

Deadline: April 15

The Ross Store-Based Giving Program provides donations to eligible schools and government programs within 25 miles of a Ross Dress for Less store. Funding is intended to build academic achievement and life skills in economically disadvantaged youth, ages 3-24. Schools must be either Title 1 designees or have at least 40% of their students participate in free or reduced lunch. Programs with a focus on literacy, STEM, tutoring, stay-in-school efforts, and college readiness can qualify. Support is provided primarily in the form of gift cards.

For info: Visit their website

Deadline: Applications are ongoing

The California State Library has launched a new website that streamlines all available state agency grants for education, small businesses, nonprofits, individuals, tribal governments, and more!

For info: Visit their website

Scholastic has launched the "Vaping's Not My Thing" Student Challenge. Students are asked to create a poster that convinces teens not to vape because of the health risks. Entries will be judged on scientific content and persuasiveness.

For info: Visit their website to learn more and enter

Deadline: March 22

The San Ramon Valley Street Smarts program is once again calling on aspiring young filmmakers to show off their talent and submit work for the 16th annual “Be Reel!” video contest. Street Smarts is accepting submissions from middle and high school students in the San Ramon Valley, who are encouraged to create 60-second public service announcements encouraging traffic and pedestrian safety, with this year's theme being "Biking with Family!"

For info: Visit their website to learn more and enter

Deadline: April 22

The 2021 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest offers high school students a chance to win cash prizes while learning how the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution has helped shape their education. “What Does Our American Community Ask of Us?” is the theme of a civics contest focusing on these important issues. Students are encouraged to discuss these themes with reference to the Constitution, and to consider the historical

examples identified above, or other relevant events in American history, in their

entries. In preparing an essay or video submission addressing the theme, students

are encouraged to explain what part they believe each of us plays in working

toward the “more perfect Union” described in the Constitution.

For info: Contact the Ninth Circuit Office of the Circuit Executive, (415) 355-8873 or civicscontest@ce9.uscourts.gov or visit their website

Deadline: March 25

Jack London State Historic Park has announced the opening of its 2021 Young Writers Contest. The announcement comes on the 145th birthday of the park’s namesake.

The program, now in its sixth year, encourages middle school students (grades 6-8) to exercise their writing skills by creating an original 2,000-word story inspired by the works of Jack London. This year’s theme is “Coping with Isolation.” In Jack London’s famous short story, To Build a Fire, the main character battles the fierce winter landscapes of the Yukon with only a few supplies and his wit and will to guide him. Even with the obstacles and pitfalls in his way, the greatest challenge is being alone on the journey with only the company of a weary dog. All students who enter the contest will receive a free pass for admission to the park, located in Sonoma County, which includes one carload of guests. The prizes are $200 for first place, $150 for second place and $100 for third place

For info: Visit their website to learn more and enter

Deadline: March 31

This scholarship opportunity is perfect for creative students. There is no required “theme,” but check out the Gallery website so that your card creation falls under one of the card lines featured. The Gallery website states that while Christmas cards are their biggest sellers, birthday and anniversary cards are also popular. Have a penchant for sympathy or “get well” messages? Those themes are also welcome.

For info: Visit their website

Deadline: March 9

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) website lets users create and administer online tests to their students and then compare their students' performance to national norms. You can assemble tests by selecting questions from more than 700 items that have been developed by AAAS Project 2061 to measure what students know in 16 key science topics.

For info: Visit their website

The Contra Costa County Office of Education is working closely with Contra Costa Health Services to keep our communities informed regarding the Coronavirus emergency. The CCCOE is providing updated information and resources to schools and school districts in our county so they can offer accurate news to their communities.

The CCCOE Coronavirus web page features:

For info: Visit our web page at cocoschools.org/coronavirus

The California Department of Education (CDE) is pleased to continue supporting the annual Directing Change Program and Film Contest. This event is sponsored by Each Mind Matters: California’s Mental Health Movement and the California Mental Health Services Authority as part of a collaborative statewide effort to prevent suicide, reduce stigma and discrimination related to mental illness, and promote the mental health and wellness of students. This statewide program invites California students from grades seven through twelve to create 60-second films about suicide prevention, mental health, and related cultural perspectives. The primary goal of the Directing Change Program is to support implementation and expansion of mental health and suicide prevention awareness efforts on school campuses.

For info: Visit their website for submission guidelines and contest details

Deadline: April 20

We encourage anyone who is interested in receiving monthly updates on adolescent health and wellness-related issues, including upcoming professional development opportunities and parent/family webinars to check out Health & Wellness Matters.

For info: To learn more and subscribe to Health & Wellness Matters, visit their web page

Fee: Free

The New York Times is working with Verizon to provide qualifying high school students and teachers with a free digital subscription through September. 1, 2021 — helping them stay connected to the world, even as it continues to change. Teachers or school administrators must first create a free account to be verified and then will be able to send their students an invitation email to access the subscription.

For info: Visit their website

Fee: Free

Tools for Teachers is a new website featuring lessons and activities designed to enhance instruction, save time, and boost student learning. This online collection is the new formative assessment component of the Smarter Balanced assessment system and was developed with teachers across the state. Resources are aligned with the California Standards to help K–12 teachers target student needs using the formative assessment process. Formative assessment and accessibility strategies are embedded in every instructional resource and can be used in distance or hybrid learning environments.

For info: Visit their website

Fee: Free

East Bay Regional Park District is committed to the idea of lifelong learning and helping people make their own discoveries about our local parks. These resources are designed to be used at home, in a classroom, or part of any online education. Use these resources to build your own learning opportunities.

For info: Visit their website

Fee: Free

CASEL CARES is a new initiative that connects each of you in our global community with experts to address how Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) be most helpful in response to today’s circumstances. The program is filled with free resources and a weekly webinar.

For info: Visit their website

Cash for College workshops provide students and their families an opportunity to receive free, professional help to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CA Dream Act Application.

For info: A full list of upcoming workshops in your area is available online

Looking for ideas to engage your students across the curriculum? Check out Creative Educator for project-based learning, professional development, and other resources. Articles include Five Hallmarks of a Creative Project and The Power of Play.

For info: Visit their website

Looking for some additional quality Monday-Friday educational programming at home or in the classroom? Check out the latest edTV broadcasts here.

Programs scheduled include (times are approximate):

edTV can be found on Contra Costa County cable channels 32 (Comcast) or 99 (AT&T U-Verse)

For info: Daily schedule can be found here

Contra Costa County Library News Front Door Service is available at 24 libraries across the county. Visit www.ccclib.org to place holds, check hold status or make an appointment for pick-up.

The Library is now lending Wi-Fi Hotspots. The hotspot provides internet access to families and library patrons who don’t have a connection at home. The lending program will allow students, parents, teachers and families working and studying remotely, access to a free and reliable internet connection. The portable hotspots connect Wi-Fi enabled devices such as laptops, tablets or smartphones to the internet. The hotspots can connect up to 10 devices at one time and work almost anywhere in the continental U.S. Hotspots are available for checkout at ccclib.org or by contacting library staff any community library. Patrons must have a library card in good standing in order to check out a hotspot. The lending period is 21 days, and they are available for renewal if there is no waitlist.

The Library is also lending Raspberry Pi’s. A Raspberry Pi is a tiny and affordable computer that you can use to learn programming through fun, practical projects. It is capable of doing everything you'd expect a desktop computer to do, from browsing the internet and playing high-definition video, to making spreadsheets, word-processing, and playing games. The Library kits come with a Raspberry Pi, SD card, keyboard, mouse, monitor, HDMI cable, and coding kit all in a rolling case. Check one out or place a hold at ccclib.org.

Get book recommendations chosen just for you by using the Library’s Personalized Picks service. Simply fill out a quick questionnaire here https://ccclib.org/personalized-picks/ and within four days you’ll get a list of five books based on your interests.

Library book drops are open. Please return any long overdue library materials to your local community library. The Library does not charge daily overdue fines. Replacement and processing fees for long overdue items will be removed when the items are returned in good condition. Visit any of the 24 libraries open for Front Door Service to return items.

For info: Contact the CWS Staff at (925) 655-0111 or visit their website