According to the 2015-16 CA Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS), less than 50% of Contra Costa students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) feel SAFE or VERY SAFE at school, as compared to over 70% of their peers who identify as straight/heterosexual.

Dates: October 12, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. * October 15, 1:00-4:00 p.m. * December 1, 1:00-4:00 p.m. * December 4, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

For info: Visit the workshops' Eventbrite link for details and registration

Fee: Free

California Association of Science Educators (CASE, formerly known as CSTA) will hold this year's conference virtually. There will be more than 150 different learning events to choose from.

Dates: October 16-18

For info: Visit the event's website for details and registration

Fee: Multiple price points

We're going virtual! The fall Computer-Using Educators (CUE) Conference brings together the brightest edtech minds in education to share best practices, innovation, and engaging sessions with actionable takeaways you may immediately put to practice in your classroom, school, or district!

Dates: October 22-26

For info: Visit the event's website for details and registration

Fee: $79 for all-access pass (volunteer passes offered)

This training is to continue to build on the skills learned from the one-day Brief Intervention training. Participants will have a chance to interact with other participants who have been trained and implemented. Target Audience: School Administrators, Educators, Staff, Counselors, School Nurses, and Community-Based Organization Staff who have already attended a one-day Brief Intervention training.

Dates: October 23, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

For info: Visit the training's Eventbrite link for details and registration

Fee: Free

Date: November 10, 12:00 p.m.

Registration: Link

Fee: Free

Date: December 8, 12:00 p.m.

Registration: Link

Fee: Free

Revitalize your spirit in a rapidly changing teaching and learning environment! Get ready for three days of energizing moments, remarkable stories of inspiration, engaging sessions aimed at fostering organic interactions and collaborative problem solving, thought leadership, and much more.

Dates: November 13-15

For info: Visit the event's website for details and registration

Fee: $97 for members, $147 for non-members (which includes membership)

This training is to build skills of people working with adolescents. Brief Intervention is a short-term intervention that consists of two to four 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. Target Audience: School Administrators, Educators, Staff, Counselors, School Nurses, and Community-Based Organization Staff. This event is for those who have already completed the Brief Intervention for Substance-Using Adolescents Training (October 23).

Dates: November 13, 1:00-4:00 p.m. and November 18, 1:00-4:00 p.m. (2 part training)

For info: Visit the program's Eventbrite link

Fee: Free

The CA STEAM Symposium will provide excellent peer-led professional learning, highlighting ideas, strategies, and innovations that work for ALL students. Our goal: Advancing STEAM Equity In All Learning Environments. This virtual symposium will include on-demand access to sessions to provide greater learning opportunities.

Dates: December 11-13

For info: Visit the event's website for details and registration #CASTEAM20

Fee: $85 early bird price

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

Join NCTM as they celebrate their Centennial with 100 Days of Professional Learning with live 60-minute webinars presented by selected speakers from the NCTM Centennial Annual Meeting & Exposition program that was to take place in Chicago.

Each webinar will be held at 4 p.m. Pacific time on 100 selected days from April 1 leading up to the October NCTM 2020 Annual Meeting & Exposition in St. Louis. A variety of speakers and topics are geared to meet all grade bands and interests. Webinars will be recorded and made available until the St. Louis Annual Meeting.

For info: Visit their website

Fee: Free

Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Common Sense can help you prepare with remote teaching resources, family education materials, and research-backed strategies to ease stress and encourage learning.

For info: Visit their website

Fee: Free

Nature Journaling is collecting and organizing your observations, questions, connections, and explanations on the pages of a notebook using words pictures, and numbers. The process is creative, fun, and opens your eyes to wonder. It helps you discover, think, remember, and use new information, and integrate it with old. The skills can be learned by anyone and develop with deliberate practice. Audience: TK-12 Teachers and Instructional Leaders.

Dates: Nature Journaling Level 1, October 22 and 29, 3:15-5:15 p.m.

Nature Journaling Next Level, November 3 and 10, 3:15-5:15 p.m.

For info: Contact Hanna Ma at (925) 942-3396

Fee: Free

Californians Together has witnessed, through various hosted Zoom webinars and meetings, the need for people to be connected and wanting to share and learn from each other. With that in mind, they are offering various opportunities to uplift each other and at the same time make a difference for our students.

Dates: Tuesdays, 4:00–5:30 p.m.

For info: Visit their web page

Fee: Free

Join us for a Zoom conversation about supporting students experiencing homelessness, with a particular focus on practices to improve identification, attendance, and high school graduation (via AB 1806). National expert Patricia Julianelle of SchoolHouse Connection will share effective practices from around the country. There will be time for discussion and problem-solving, as well as for creating plans to address one or more of those issues in your district. On-going assistance will be available to support schools as they implement their action plans. This event is open to school district and charter school homeless liaisons. We also encourage liaisons to bring a small team from your school or district – particularly colleagues who work on attendance/chronic absenteeism, such as school counselors, a registrar, and/or a principal or assistant principal.

Date: October 16, 9:30-11:15 a.m.

For info: Contact Denise Clarke at 925-942-3322 or visit this Eventbrite link

Fee: Free

The Contra Costa County Office of Education and Solano County Office of Education have partnered with the Sacramento County Office of Education and the California Department of Education to support training needs for the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)and English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC). The virtual ELPAC training is for coordinators who have been in their roles for less than 12 months.

Dates and location: November 9; virtual attendance

For info: Contact Jason Murphy at jmurphy@cccoe.k12.ca.us or Tracey Rodgers at trodgers@solanocoe.net – to register, visit their Eventbrite link

Fee: Free

What is the Administrative Leadership Program (ALP)?

CCCOE-ALP 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. Credential candidates expand and deepen their leadership knowledge, skills, and behaviors through individualized, job-embedded induction.

Program highlights include:

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

Dates : Two cohorts will be available for the 2019-2020 school year. The remaining cohort begins in fall with enrollment is currently open.

International ShakeOut Day is always the third Thursday of October (this year: October 15). More than 10.8 million Californians participated in 2019, practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On, as well as other aspects of family, school, and organizational emergency plans. While COVID-19 has brought many uncertainties and challenges, one thing's for sure: ShakeOut is still happening this year! As always, you can hold your Shake Out drill when and where you want. You can choose another date or several dates, and include people in multiple locations (home, work, or school), perhaps through video conferencing. It's actually a good idea to practice earthquake safety in different situations each year, and ShakeOut Organizers are here to support you.

Date and locations: October 15, throughout California

For info: Visit their website

Future college students can learn about their college options from schools that are located throughout the US and from around the globe. More than 600 college representatives will be online to talk with students about their programs.

Dates: October 12, October 18, November 8

For info: Visit their website for additional info and registration

Fee: Free

Sadly due to COVID-19 we won’t be able to gather at larger events like Discovery Day at Oracle Park. However, we remain committed to the importance of science and technology and are preparing for a virtual Bay Area Science Festival!

Date and locations: October 16-25

For info: Visit the event's webpage

About LACOG: In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the California Arts Council (CAC) awarded the Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County a grant as part of the 2020 State-Local Partner Cares Relief Fund. The Commission will administer a sub-grant program (LACOG) to fund general operating support, and/or project-based support to local arts and cultural organizations serving communities of color disproportionately affected by COVID-19. LACOG awardees are paired with Commissioners to receive one-on-one guidance and support.

For info: Contact them at staff@ac5.cccounty.us or (510) 255-1582 or visit their web page

Deadline: October 19

The National School Boards Association (NSBA) Magna Awards recognize school districts for programs that showcase exemplary school district leadership, creativity, and commitment to student achievement. Priority will be given to school districts that help underserved children succeed. The 2021 program will focus on equity in education and recognize district programs that remove barriers to achievement for vulnerable or underserved children. Three grand prize winners will showcase their winning programs at a special master class session during NSBA’s 2021 annual conference next April. All winning districts will be featured in the April issue of American School Board Journal.

For info: Visit the grant web page to learn more

Deadline: October 30

The Contra Costa County Community Awareness and Emergency Response (CAER) provides up to $2,500 grants to improve the preparedness of Contra Costa County schools and agencies in responding effectively to shelter-in-place emergencies. The proposed drills and exercises must have a stated list of objectives and goals that must be addressed.

For info: Contact Lori McDonald at (925) 313-9296 or visit CAER's website

Deadline: February 12

The Horatio Alger National Scholarships are specifically for deserving high school seniors. Students involved in co-curricular and community activities are eligible for this scholarship, which also aims to support students with demonstrated financial aid. The Horatio Alger National Scholarships rewards students who demonstrate integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity. The available 106 scholarships are worth $25,000 each.

For info: Visit their website

Deadline: October 25

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based $20,000 scholarship awarded to 150 qualifying high school seniors who will pursue a degree at a post-secondary institution in the U.S. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities.

For info: Visit their website

Deadline: October 31

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

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is searching for top youth volunteers in grades 5 through 12 in the areas of serving those in need, promoting health and safety, protecting the environment, and more. The awards program, sponsored by Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, is the largest youth-recognition program in the country and is based exclusively on volunteer community service. The nomination process begins at the school level, and candidates can advance to state- and national-level judging. Two California winners will receive a $1,000 scholarship, a medallion, and a trip to Washington, D.C. Additional awards will be given at the national level.

For info: Visit the Prudential awards website

Deadlines: Student applications are due November 10

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

ecoSolution™ Grants (previously called "Small Grants") have been the defining basis of Captain Planet Foundation's work over the last 25 years. In that time, they've funded more than 2,100 projects that have impacted 1.2 million youth around the world - actively fulfilling their mission to build the next generation of environmental stewards and change-agents. The grants range from $500-$2,500 and are intended to support solution-oriented, youth-led projects that result in real environmental outcomes. They are available to educators working with youth in the United States (international projects are by invitation only).

For info: Visit their website

Deadlines: Cycle 1: Opens September 15-Closes January 15 * Cycle 2: Opens March 15-Closes July 15

ecoTech™ Grants were created to combat the notion that students needed to choose between "the screen" or "the green" and to encourage educators and students to explore the role technology can play in designing and implementing solutions to some of our most pressing environmental challenges. We believe that technology can present innovative ways to address environmental challenges - and that when dealing with digital natives, we do ourselves a disservice by asking them to unplug. ecoTech™ Grants are specifically offered to engage children in inquiry-based, STEM-related projects that leverage technology and/or use nature-based design to address environmental problems in local communities.

For info: Visit their website

Deadlines: Cycle 1: Opens September 15-Closes January 15 * Cycle 2: Opens March 15-Closes July 15

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 CourAGE Youth Health Coalition is excited to announce the annual video Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest! The contest is open to all Contra Costa County students in grades 6 – 12 and the top scoring middle school and high schools winners will both receive $250.

For info: Visit their website for submission guidelines, submission form, and additional resources

Deadline: October 30

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

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

The Burn Institute offers free fire and burn-prevention programs to students in grades K to 6. Fire Safe Kids is a 25-minute presentation currently being provided remotely and designed in a fun, interactive format to teach children about fire safety through video clips, music, and colorful illustrations.

For info: Visit their website for more information and to request a free virtual presentation for your class; additional educational tools are also available at The Burn Institute website

Fee: Free

To help keep the online interactions of kids and teens safe, productive, and positive, @CommonSenseEd offers helpful guidance for families on social media basics. Learn about the latest apps and websites, and get tips on talking to your kids about sharing, posting, and avoiding digital drama.

For info: Visit their website

Fee: Free

With the global coronavirus pandemic pushing kids' lives even more online, it's safe to say that the need for easily accessible mental health tools is more critical than ever. @CommonSenseED has identified a handful of resources designed for kids that allow for immediate support whenever and wherever they need it.

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

High profile acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved-ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Parents and school personnel can help children feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security and talking with them about their fears.

For info: Visit their website

Fee: Free

When a large-scale tragedy occurs, it can cause strong and deeply felt reactions in adults and children. How adults express their emotions will influence the reactions of children and youth. Caregivers can help youngsters manage their feelings by modeling healthy coping strategies and closely monitoring their own emotional state and that of those in their care.

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

Samsung challenges teachers of grades 6 to 12 to show how science, technology, engineering, and math can be applied to help improve and give back to their local communities. Full-time teachers of public middle and high schools are eligible to apply. Winners and finalists will be chosen at the state and national levels and will receive technology prize packages.

For info: Visit their website

Deadline: October 27 

Lamorinda Idol is a singing program open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade who either attend school or reside in Contra Costa County. Singers may enter as soloists or in groups. Students from outside Contra Costa are permitted to participate in the group categories, provided that at least one member of the group meets the residential requirement. The Lamorinda Idol Winter Edition will run from October 2020 – March 2021 and is a virtual program. Singers will submit videos and judges will select winners in each category who will receive cash prizes. Categories will include K–2nd grade soloists, 3rd–5th grade soloists, 6th–8th grade soloists, 9th–12th grade soloists, alumni soloists, K–5th grade groups, 6th–8th grade groups, 9th–12th grade groups, and alumni groups.

For info: Visit their website

Deadline: Registration for Lamorinda Idol Winter Edition will be open from October 1-31

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

The FBI's Safe Online Surfing program promotes digital citizenship by educating students in grades 3 to 8 on the essentials of online security. Students play interactive, grade-level games that teach them about online safety. For teachers, the program provides a ready-made curriculum that meets state and federal internet-safety mandates, including online testing, and a competition at the national level to encourage learning and participation.

For info: Visit their website

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

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

The Contra Costa County Library is celebrating Discover & Go Month virtually this October. The Library's ongoing partnership with Bay Area museums and cultural venues looks a little different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s celebration will include a variety of online events for all ages. It also includes a fun trivia quiz with a chance to win prizes, and a partnership with the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano to collect food for those in need.

Tuesday, October 8, 10 a.m. - A garden themed Storytime for kids featuring storyteller, Miss Amy. tinyurl.com/CCCLIB-GardenStorytime

Thursday, October 17, 10 a.m. - A Zoom webinar by the Charles M. Schulz Museum for kids called Cartooning with Peanuts. tinyurl.com/CCCLIB-CartooningClass

Tuesday, October 20, 6:30 p.m. - Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art: A Presentation by the Asian Art Museum. tinyurl.com/CCCLIB-AsianArt

Tuesday, October 27, 1 p.m. - A Zoom webinar on historic art by the Legion of Honor called Last Supper in Pompeii: From the Table to the Grave.

Saturday, October 31, 10 a.m. - A Zoom webinar by Ruth Bancroft Garden for called Basic Design Principles - Gardening in Small Space.

Some other Discover & Go venues are open and as health orders expand more venues such as the California Academy of Sciences will reopen. Patrons can find out which venues are currently participating and check for pass availability by logging on to Discover & Go at: ccclib.discoverandgo.net.

Those who participate in our Discover & Go trivia quiz will be automatically entered into our prize drawing. Prizes include a free annual membership to Ruth Bancroft Garden, Oakland Zoo passes, Safeway gift cards, tote bags, t-shirts and more.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Library is unable to collect food items at the libraries. However, you can donate food in person at the Ruth Bancroft Gardens, at 1552 Bancroft Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598: ruthbancroftgarden.org/ or visit the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano’s website at foodbankccs.org/.

Discover & Go is a nationally recognized partnership between libraries and museums offering free and low-cost passes for world-class cultural venues to library cardholders from every community and background. The program was created by the Contra Costa County Library in 2011 and libraries across the state and country now participate in or mirror the program.

For more information about the program, please contact library staff by emailing ask@library.cccounty.us or call (800) 984-4636.

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