Newsletter | Friday, August 23, 2024 | |
Register Now to Attend MCOE's Parent Symposium | |
The Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE), in collaboration with community partners, will host a Parent Symposium and Resource Fair on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Hartnell College in Salinas. This event aims to provide parents with tools and insights to support their children's educational success.
With the theme "Our Children, Our Community, Our Future," the symposium will feature an inspiring keynote speaker, engaging workshops, and a comprehensive resource fair. The event is free, including child care and complimentary meals for registered attendees.
Don’t miss this chance to empower your family and connect with a supportive community. We hope to see you there!
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MCOE Employee Honored with CSEA’s 2024 Member of the Year Award | |
The Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) is proud to recognize and help honor Irenea Herrera, Administrative Assistant III for the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), who was awarded the California School Employees Association’s (CSEA) prestigious 2024 Member of the Year Award. This honor was presented to her at CSEA's 98th Annual Conference held in San Jose in late July.
Each year, CSEA awards the Member of the Year title to a select few members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to California’s students, community involvement, and union activism. Nominees are active members in good standing and are evaluated on job-related skills, character, community involvement, and their participation in local chapter activities. This year’s conference saw over 200 leaders in attendance, where the award is a highlight of the annual conference and is often accompanied by a video tribute. See Irenea’s video tribute below.
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Irenea’s decade-long journey with MCOE and CSEA is marked by her unwavering dedication to her profession and community. As a key member of the SELPA team, she supports the governing board, assists with public meetings, and serves as a vital liaison between special education administrators, families, and local agencies, ensuring students with disabilities receive essential support. Irenea has also played a crucial role in enhancing communication efforts within SELPA, as well as CSEA Chapter 35, where she serves as Communications Officer.
Irenea’s deep commitment to CSEA includes serving on the County Office of Education (COE) Committee, where she quickly rose to the position of Co-chair. Her effective communication and event organization skills have earned her two prestigious CSEA Communications Awards. Irenea Herrera’s selection as CSEA’s Member of the Year is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her work, community, and union. Her journey exemplifies the power of commitment and leadership, and MCOE proudly congratulates Irenea on this well-deserved honor.
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MCOE Educational Services Team Shares Creative Insights at Fab Lab 2024 Conference |  | |
The international Fab Lab 2024 Conference held at the Instituto de Diseño e Innovación Tecnológica (IDIT) of Ibero Puebla University in Mexico from August 3 to 9 brought together leading voices in digital manufacturing, future skills, and cultural equity. As one of the largest events of its kind, it featured a wide array of discussions, workshops, and presentations from industry leaders. Each year the Media Center for Art, Education, and Technology (MCAET) team participates in this learning experience through a sponsorship provided by the Fab Foundation and Chevron.
Among the conference highlights were presentations provided by the MCAET Fab Lab team, including Emiliano Valdez, Director of MCAET and Sean True, Manager of the Fab Lab Program, who both presented innovative offerings to highlight MCOE’s work in digital fabrication, showcasing the power of storytelling and cultural representation in technology.
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During the conference, Sean True appeared in a podcast that delved deeper into his transformative work in digital manufacturing through the arts. He offered listeners an inside look at the creation of Luna, a vibrant Mexican folk art sculpture of a mythical creature, and its fascinating journey. Originally conceived as a character in children's literature, Luna has evolved into a tech-enhanced alebrije and now stands as a symbol of a unique blend of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education.
The podcast further explores Luna's cultural significance, highlighting how this innovative mascot bridges the gap between traditional art forms and modern technology. Through Luna's design and story, the MCOE team aims to inspire a new generation of learners to explore the intersections of creativity and technical skills.
To learn more about the types of learning experiences offered by MCOE through the Central Coast Mobile Fab Lab, you can view the full podcast and visit our website at centralcoastmobilefablab.org.
| Here's why you should join an Inside Education tour: | Inside Education Monterey County offers a unique opportunity for community members to learn about the current challenges, intricacies, and the remarkable work educators and school administrators are doing to improve the education and well-being of students. Participants are provided with a first-hand, interactive look at local educational programs, services, and partnerships. Learn more and register using the link below. Register and learn more at montereycoe.org/inside-education. | |
PreScribe Safe and MCOE’s MCAET Create New PSA Videos on Fentanyl Awareness | As part of our ongoing commitment to protecting the health and well-being of our community, the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) is thrilled to announce the release of a powerful video series, developed in collaboration with Montage Health’s Prescribe Safe. These educational public service announcements (PSA) are specifically designed to raise awareness about the dangers of lethal synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl. The video series not only highlights the severe risks associated with fentanyl use but also provides crucial information on the proper use of naloxone (Narcan), a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. |  | |
In addition to these impactful PSAs, Prescribe Safe offers comprehensive Substance Use Awareness Education tools tailored for middle and high school students. These resources are essential as local education agencies continue to confront the challenges posed by the opioid and fentanyl crisis affecting Monterey County’s youth. The lesson plans available, in both English and Spanish, are designed for flexibility, allowing educators to incorporate these lessons throughout the academic year. This toolkit is a valuable resource for educators, parents, and community members who seek to deepen their understanding of substance use and prevention strategies.
The fight against opioid addiction and overdose is far from over, but through education, awareness, and proactive measures, we can make a significant impact. By utilizing these resources and spreading the word, we can protect our community, especially our youth, from the devastating effects of fentanyl and other dangerous substances.
To view the PSA Videos and for more information, please visit the MCOE Parent Resources webpage or the Prescribe Safe website.
| MCOE Celebrates Employees for Years of Service |  | |
Over the past several weeks, MCOE celebrated its dedicated employees in a series of heartfelt ceremonies during back-to-school department gatherings, honoring their unwavering commitment and milestone service. Led by County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ralph Porras, Chief Human Resources Officer Leigh Butler, and division leaders, employees were recognized for reaching significant milestones in their careers at MCOE.
Starting at 5 years and continuing every 5 years, these remarkable team members were awarded special certificates and distinctive service pins, each adorned with a gemstone representing their tenure: Sapphire Blue for 5 years, Garnet for 10 years, Emerald for 15 years, Amethyst for 20 years, Crystal for 25 years, Onyx for 30 years, Alexandria for 35 years, and the prestigious Gold for an incredible 40 years of service.
The celebrations will continue in the coming weeks as more honorees are recognized. Check out the full list of honorees by department to see who was celebrated!
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Safe Place Youth Navigation Center Opens in Salinas | |
In late July, Community Human Services (CHS) of Monterey County celebrated the grand opening of its new Youth Navigation Center–Safe Place Salinas, located at 212 North Main Street in Salinas. The event was a resounding success, attracting a supportive crowd that included community leaders like Monterey County Board of Education Member Annette Yee Steck, Trustee Area 1. CHS, aligning with MCOE’s mission and vision of preparing students for success, continues to be a vital community partner and resource.
Safe Place Salinas is designed as a lifeline for homeless and at-promise youth in Salinas, offering a wide range of services to help young people ages 18 to 24 meet their basic needs and build a brighter future. The center’s dedicated staff connects youth with essential resources, such as housing, employment, and educational opportunities. Programs and resources offered include street outreach, crisis intervention, food, clothing, hygiene products, laundry services, and access to computers. Additionally, the center provides counseling, family reunification services, and aftercare to ensure ongoing support. Youth at risk of commercial sexual exploitation are also assessed and provided with appropriate interventions.
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A key feature of Safe Place Salinas is its youth shelter, open seven days a week, offering a safe haven for young people. The program emphasizes life skills and drug and alcohol education, helping youth make positive choices and gain the skills necessary for independent living. Importantly, all services at Safe Place Salinas are offered free of charge, ensuring accessibility for those who need it most.
The grand opening of Safe Place Salinas marks a significant milestone for Community Human Services and the Salinas community, underscoring the collective effort to support and uplift the next generation. By providing these essential services, Safe Place Salinas is helping to create a safer, more supportive environment for vulnerable youth in Salinas. For more information about CHC’s Youth Navigation Center–Safe Place Salinas, visit chservices.org/homelessness/safe-place.
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Monterey Bay Parent Magazine Offers Insights | Visit montereybayparent.com for the latest issue of the Monterey Bay Parent Magazine. | Money for College – Your Child May Be Eligible for $500+ | |
As a California public school student, your child may be eligible to receive $500 to $1,500 for
use towards their future education expenses. The California Kids Investment and Development
Savings Program (CalKIDS), funded by the State of California, provides eligible low-income
students with funds to promote a college-going culture.
Checking eligibility and claiming their money is easy. All you need is your child’s 10-digit
Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), which can be obtained from your child's school site.
For more information and to check your eligibility, visit CalKIDS.org.
| Learn More About the Fentanyl Crisis | |
Visit Montage Health's Prescribe Safe representatives at the Del Monte Shopping Center farmer's market in Monterey on Friday, August 30, 8 a.m. to noon, where they will be answering questions about the fentanyl crisis and passing out free naloxone.
Watch the naloxone training video and visit www.montagehealth.org/prescribesafe for more information and resources.
Be the reason someone survives! Let's all unite to bring awareness to the challenges of substance use in our communities, and work collectively to protect and educate our youth, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources needed to make healthy, informed choices.
| BZP Community Celebration Invitation | Join the Blue Zones Project on Sunday, Sept 8, from 11 am to 2 pm at Central Park, 420 Central Ave in Salinas, for their free, family-friendly event to celebrate Salinas becoming a certified Blue Zones Community. There will be entertainment, giveaways, activities, food trucks, bike rodeo, and more. Register here. | |
Calling all Middle School and High School Musicians |  | |
Monterey Jazz is excited to announce audition opportunities to join their remarkable Regional All-Star ensembles in the 2024-25 school year! Middle school and high school musicians currently enrolled in a music ensemble at their school are encouraged to apply. The All-Star members will enjoy performance opportunities at various venues including Monterey Jazz Festival, San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, Forest Theater, Folktale Winery, and Sunset Center to name a few. The deadline for application and video submission is 11:59 PM on Sunday, October 13, 2024. Please see the audition criteria. Please contact Claire Kim-Shin, Director of Education at claire@montereyjazz.org if you have any questions. The application process does NOT require any fees! Applicants must submit the application form AND audition videos to be considered.
MJF Regional All Star Band Application Form
MJF Regional All Star Vocal Ensemble Application Form
MJF Regional All Star Middle School Combo Application Form
| Free Substance Use Prevention Class for Parents | Parents are invited to join a class at Ohana about fostering a substance-free lifestyle among youth on August 27 at 5:30 p.m. Topics include current trends in youth substance use, how the teenage brain is wired to experiment, risk and protective factors, and how building mental fitness can help youth avoid substances. Learn more and register: Preventing youth substance use (montagehealth.org) | Purchase Tickets for the 2024 Relay for Life Kick-off Mixer | |
Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back. Join the collaboration event of 201 Main, Salinas Chamber, ACS, and The Relay for Life on Thursday, August 29th to explore the Paint The Town Purple Mixer at 201 Main with painting, trivia, raffles, & more and to celebrate our cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against every cancer as we come together for every life. Welcome to all friends and family!
The mixer will take place at 201 Main Street, Salinas CA 93901, from 5:30pm-8:00pm.
Tickets cost $40 per person and includes unlimited tacos, 1 beverage ticket, a painting canvas, a Relay for Life Shirt, and a door prize (raffle) ticket. Purchase tickets here.
| Blood Drive Located at MCOE | Register for the upcoming Blood Drive on September 11, which will be hosted at 901 Blanco Cir. in Salinas, from 9 am to 2 pm. Register here. | |
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! | |
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Sharing information with the community is important to us. If you have information pertaining to education in Monterey County, such as events or scholarship opportunities that you would like to see featured in the MCOE newsletter, please email the information, including photos or flyers, to communications@monterecoe.org, and we will review your request. Thank you for your support!
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