April 2024

Left to right: Adina Austin, Katie Kleinsmith, Blanca Silva Guzman, Karen Grandoli, Lindsey Ballinger, Irma Vega-Moreno, Stephanie Walker, Jennifer Sarhadi, student, student, Krystal Lomanto, and Cielo Gonzalez.

San Benito County Office of Education (SBCOE) embraced an enriching exchange of ideas as it welcomed visitors from San Luis Obispo grantees on March 11th. Superintendent Lomanto initiated the dialogue, accompanied by Assistant Superintendent Baquiran, SBCOE Mental Health Coordinator Adina Austin, and Principal Garret Quindimil, setting the stage for an insightful exploration of the county's wellness initiatives.

Following Superintendent Lomanto's opening remarks, the spotlight shifted to two students deeply engaged with the wellness centers, who provided first-hand perspectives and valuable insights, sparking meaningful discussions.

The journey began at San Andreas Continuation School, where visitors immersed themselves in the comprehensive wellness center and pantry, discovering the breadth of resources and community partnerships tailored to student needs. Transitioning to Tres Pino Elementary School, guests observed the intentional design behind wellness resources catering to K-5 students, underscoring a commitment to holistic well-being from an early age. The tour concluded at Hollister Prep, where innovative wellness corners showcased adaptable approaches to wellness programming, even in spaces with limitations.

Visitors expressed heartfelt appreciation for the enlightening experience and extended their gratitude to the San Benito County Office of Education for its warm hospitality and steadfast commitment to fostering wellness throughout the educational community.

Update: Consolidation of STAC Capacity Building Strategies

Based on feedback from grantees, community partners, and RTACs, the STAC team has consolidated the Capacity Building Strategies from nine strategies to five strategies. This decision was based on feedback that suggested that Five Capacity Building Strategies would more succinctly highlight the interconnected nature of the strategies. New features were also added for each Capacity Building Strategy, including progress monitoring measure descriptors and links to helpful resources.

The Capacity Building strategies are the foundation of the Annual Progress reporting (APR). The APR was released to LEAs on April 2, 2024 and will reflect the Five Capacity Building Strategies.

Further discussion on the five Capacity Building Strategies and the APR will take place at:

>Upcoming STAC collective learning space. Register here

>Upcoming STAC webinar. Register here

For a copy of the 5 Capacity Building Strategies, click here

View a 5 minute STAC video overview of the 5 Capacity Building Strategies, here

The Annual Progress Report was emailed to all grantees from CDE on April 2nd.

• Planning Grant Cohort 1 and 2: APR and Expenditure report due June 30, 2024 (LEA only)
• Implementation Cohort 1 and 2: School Site-level APR due June 30, 2024
• Implementation Cohort 1 and 2: LEA/Consortium-level APR, due July 31, 2024
• Implementation Cohort 1 and 2: Annual Expenditure Report, due July 31, 2024.

All Central Coast Grantees are invited to join the RTAC walk-in Office Hours to get answers to any questions they have regarding APR:

• May 1st at 9:00-10:00 am. Register here.
• June 5th at 3:00-4:00 pm. Register here.

North Monterey County Unified School District collaborates with UC Davis for Parent Focus Groups

On March 12th, the North Monterey

County Unified School District partnered with the SOAR Lab from UC Davis to host parent focus groups. These groups were specifically designed for families with children in grades 6-8, aiming to gather insights into the Community Schools transformational model. The event proved to be enriching, with over 75 parents participating.

The North County USD team worked together to make this event possible. Teachers, counselors, community liaisons, middle school administrators, mental health specialists and district staff, worked together to facilitate the focus groups. This collaborative effort ensured that every voice was heard and that all responses were carefully documented.

"The turnout, the success of the focus groups, and the leadership demonstrated are truly commendable," remarked Dr. Maciel M. Hernandez from UC Davis. "This is a testament to your collective efforts with facilitators, staff, and parents."

Feedback from parents was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing feeling heard and understood. One parent shared, "It went extremely well, and I enjoyed being a part of it. I felt welcomed and was able to speak freely." She expressed her desire to participate in more events in the future and be more involved in her child's school.

The UC Davis team will analyze the data from the parent focus groups, as well as the data collected from parents via empathy surveys (100 participants so far). Empathy survey participants will be rewarded with a $30 gift card, courtesy of UC Davis. The results of these analyses are anticipated to be available by June 2024. This data will be instrumental in informing the direction of the North Monterey County Middle School efforts within the Community Schools transformation model. 

This collaborative effort exemplifies the importance of partnerships and resource sharing with community partners like UC Davis. By working together and leveraging each other's strengths, the school district and UC Davis can ensure that efforts are aligned, resources are effectively utilized, and the needs of the community are met! This collaboration sets a positive example for future endeavors aimed at improving education and support services for students and families.

Thank you to Julia Carrillo, an alumni of North Monterey County USD, and her team at UC Davis for leading the way!

Follow NMCUSD on Instagram for more exciting updates!

Tres Pinos School is proud to announce its flourishing partnership with Point Blue Conservation Science, marking a pivotal step in cultivating environmental awareness and stewardship among its student body. This dynamic collaboration traces its roots back to the school's inception of community gardens, laying the groundwork for a transformative journey towards ecological enlightenment.

Initiated in 2015, the alliance with Point Blue has opened myriad avenues for students to delve into pressing issues such as climate change, watershed dynamics, and restoration projects. Through immersive field trips and in-class workshops, students have been immersed in the mission of STRAW (Students and Teachers Restoring a Watershed), an initiative empowering communities to actively engage in ecological restoration efforts.

According to Point Blue's website, STRAW serves as a catalyst for healing ecosystems, fostering cleaner water sources, and nurturing the next generation of conservation leaders. Through hands-on experiences and exposure to scientific inquiry, Tres Pinos students have emerged as champions of environmental conservation, equipped with a deep-seated understanding of their role in preserving natural habitats.

The partnership between Point Blue and The Nature Conservancy has enriched the educational journey of Tres Pinos students through engagement in restoration planting projects on local ranches. This collaboration expands students' scientific knowledge and instills a sense of responsibility towards safeguarding biodiversity.

This year, Tres Pinos proudly boasts a participation rate of 61% among its Grade 3-8 students in the STRAW program. Through activities focused on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), students hone essential skills such as cooperation, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and resiliency. From planting native vegetation to navigating dynamic weather conditions, students embrace the challenges of environmental stewardship with unwavering determination.

Beyond Point Blue, Tres Pinos has forged meaningful partnerships with local organizations including the San Benito Cattlewomen, the San Benito County Farm Bureau, and EduGrow (South Valley Fleurs Group). These collaborations underscore the school's steadfast commitment to outdoor and agricultural education, supported by generous contributions from local farmers and community grants.

Under the visionary leadership of Principal Nancy Wilcox, Tres Pinos has cultivated a rich tradition of hands-on learning through its onsite garden, nurturing a generation of eco-conscious citizens from Kindergarten through 8th grade. With each interaction with nature, students gain invaluable insights into the delicate balance of ecosystems, the impact of agriculture, and strategies for mitigating environmental disruptions.

As Tres Pinos continues to sow the seeds of environmental stewardship, its partnerships serve as beacons of inspiration, illuminating pathways towards a sustainable future for generations to come.

School principal, Andrea Hernandez, (on the left) having her coaching meeting with Ashlind Martinez, the 6th grade Humanities teacher.

At Navigator Watsonville Prep School in Santa Cruz, a revolutionary approach to classroom instruction is taking shape, setting it apart from traditional educational models. With an aim to provide personalized learning experiences, Watsonville Prep has implemented a unique classroom structure that maximizes student engagement and learning outcomes.

In all Kinder through 5th grade level classes at Watsonville Prep, there are 30 students accompanied by two instructors – one specializing in STEM subjects and the other in humanities. This setup ensures that students receive comprehensive exposure to various disciplines throughout their day. What truly distinguishes Watsonville Prep is its innovative classroom structure, emphasizing small group instruction and personalized learning.



At Watsonville Prep, the classroom setup for students in grades K-5th is meticulously structured to facilitate extensive small group instruction, enabling students to seamlessly transition between various centers and activities throughout their day. Led by a teacher and a small group instructor, these centers consist of approximately 10 students each, enabling focused attention and tailored instruction. While students rotate through these centers, they also engage in an independent center, where they work on their individualized blended learning programs. This approach not only fosters academic growth but also promotes self-directed learning and goal setting among students.

The small group instruction model at Watsonville Prep allows instructors to deliver targeted support to students, leveraging real-time data to adjust teaching strategies as needed. This dynamic environment encourages active participation and facilitates deeper understanding of academic concepts.

At Watsonville Prep, the Squad model is introduced to middle school students, starting with the 6th graders with plans for extension to include 7th and 8th graders in the near future. Developed by Navigator Schools, Squads are student-led academic teams aimed at cultivating leadership skills and fostering collaborative learning. In Squads, students take charge of their own learning journey, with minimal teacher intervention. This approach prepares students for success in higher education and the workforce by nurturing autonomy and critical thinking skills.

Schools interested in adopting the Squad model can refer to the Navigator Squads Model (pg 35) for guidance. Establishing Squads requires a commitment to student autonomy, clear expectations, and effective communication with parents. While technology can enhance the Squad model, it is not a prerequisite for implementation.

Moreover, at Watsonville Prep, continuous improvement is ingrained in the school culture through weekly coaching sessions for instructors. Coaches work closely with teachers to refine instructional practices, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes.



In conclusion, Watsonville Prep's innovative classroom structures prioritize personalized learning, student autonomy, and continuous improvement. By embracing these principles, the school is shaping a new paradigm in education that prepares students for success in the ever-evolving global landscape.

Embracing Wellness: Inside Mountain Vista Elementary's Inspiring Transformation

Experience the transformative vision of Mountain Vista Elementary School, where every student is nurtured to become a well-rounded, confident, and responsible individual poised to achieve their full potential.

At the heart of this vision lies the daily pledge, a solemn commitment echoing through the halls, guiding students towards empathy, respect, and excellence:

"I will listen to what others have to say.

I will treat others as I would like to be treated.

I will respect the diversity of all people.

I will remember that I have people that care about me in my family, school, and community.

I will do my best."

But Mountain Vista doesn't stop there. In December 2023, the school unveiled its beacon of holistic support: The Wellness Center. This enriching space, crafted through collaborative efforts involving counselors, principals, teachers, and the indomitable Ms. Silvia Gonzalez, empowers students to navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace.

The Wellness Center isn't just a space; it's a sanctuary of healing and growth. Students flock here, drawn by the promise of guidance and understanding. With 60-80 visitors daily, the center buzzes with activity, offering a spectrum of services from individual check-ins to group counseling sessions on topics like grief, coping skills, and healthy relationships.

Yet, the center's impact extends beyond the school gates. Parents too are invited into this nurturing embrace, offered avenues to engage with mental health resources and workshops. Despite initial hurdles, Ms. Gonzalez tirelessly champions stigma reduction and accessibility, leveraging social media, school platforms, and community events to foster a culture of wellness.

The ripple effect of Mountain Vista's success reaches far and wide. Ms. Gonzalez simultaneously spearheaded the creation of the Piru Elementary Wellness Center. Both centers stand as beacons of support and continuous improvement, crafted with the same dedication and commitment to nurturing the holistic health of every student. At Mountain Vista, the journey towards holistic well-being is not just a mission; it's a way of life. And as they forge ahead, guided by their unwavering commitment to student welfare, the legacy of compassion and resilience they instill will resonate for generations to come.

Highlight of Community School a best practice:

Community Walks!