Newsletter | Friday, May 24, 2024

Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Receives Esteemed ACSA Award

The Monterey County Office of Education, alongside the Monterey County educational community, is  thrilled to congratulate our very own County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss, who has earned the prestigious Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Dr. William Barr Award for her visionary leadership and steadfast advocacy for students.  

Dr. Guss’ dedication, passion, and tireless efforts have not only earned her this well-deserved recognition but has also set a shining example of how to uplift, inspire, and motivate those that surround you.  From spearheading innovative programs to fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence, her continued leadership as County Superintendent is truly transforming our educational landscape for the better.

Serving her second term of office as our elected County Superintendent of School, Dr. Guss’ passion for strengthening ways in which MCOE provides leadership, support, and services to improve educational outcomes for Monterey County Youth is unwavering.

Dr. Guss was honored at the ACSA Region 10 Spring Fling awards event held on May 3, where ACSA fulfilled one of their priorities to ensure that school leaders are recognized for their excellence,  achievements, and dedication to public education.

Congratulations to our remarkable County Superintendent! This award is a true testament to the incredible impact Dr. Guss is making on our community and beyond.

Watershed Guardians Program Explores Monterey County's Natural Wonders

In collaboration with the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History (PG Museum), migrant students embarked on an exciting journey through the Watershed Guardians program, made possible by a “2024 Tours Route to Parks” grant from Parks California. Forty-one Migrant Education students from Gonzales, Soledad, and King City High Schools participated in this three-day adventure, immersing themselves in outdoor activities and learning about the environmental health of Monterey County's watersheds. This bilingual spring break experience allowed students to explore state beaches, conduct water quality tests, and engage in hands-on learning facilitated by the museum.

The program included workshops at the museum, explorations of Asilomar State Beach, and activities at Garland Ranch Regional Park. Students learned about the intricacies of watersheds, the impact of human activities on water quality, and conducted various water tests. The final day featured instructional workshops and leisure time at the tide pools. Three weeks later, students and their families attended the Annual Symposium at the Museum, enjoying free entry, presentations, and a day of beach activities, with transportation provided from multiple locations to ensure full participation.

Northern and Southern Counties Engage in RTAC Training

On May 15th, educators and administrators from Northern Counties, including Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz, gathered for a day of training led by MCOE’s Regional Technical Assistance Center (RTAC) team at the Embassy Suites in Seaside [a few participants are pictured below]. The focus was on empowering participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive school performance improvements in their respective regions. Following this initial training, on May 21, MCOE’s RTAC team led a similar event for Southern Counties, including San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura, at the Cabrillo Pavilion in Santa Barbara [participants pictured above]. This session mirrored the Northern event in both spirit and content, ensuring that all participating counties received a robust and cohesive training experience.

The workshop was meticulously designed to cover several critical areas. Participants learned the importance of aligning perceptions and understandings within their educational teams, ensuring that everyone works towards common goals with a unified vision. The training also emphasized the need for ongoing professional development that is purposeful and directly linked to improving teaching and learning outcomes. Attendees were introduced to practical tools and methodologies for implementing continuous improvement processes within their schools, fostering a culture of ongoing evaluation and enhancement.

The Monterey County Regional Technical Assistance Center (RTAC) aims to establish a community of practice where the RTAC Team, CCSPP grantees, and prospective CCSPP applicants can support, coach, and empower each other collaboratively and with a focus on shared goals. RTAC is dedicated to providing knowledge, skills, and resources through partnerships with community agencies and educational partners to realize the vision of the Community Schools Strategy. The success of these workshops highlights the commitment of RTAC and the participating counties to continuously uplift educational standards. By fostering shared models and embracing a culture of continuous improvement, schools are better positioned to achieve higher performance and student success.

Monterey County Students Participate in the Inaugural Misinformation Day

On Tuesday, May 9, the inaugural Misinfo Day was held at the Monterey County Peninsula Unified School District Services Building in Del Rey Oaks, marking a significant step in addressing the crucial need for media literacy education in K-12 grades. Over 90 high school students and educators participated from various school districts in Monterey County, including Marina High School and Monterey High School from Monterey Peninsula Unified School District and Alisal High School, Everett Alvarez High School, and Rancho San Juan High School from Salinas Union High School District. Monterey County Office of Education Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ralph Porras joined numerous sponsors in attendance, demonstrating our strong support for the event's mission. The experience aimed to equip attendees with essential skills for navigating the digital landscape. The initiative took inspiration from the pioneering efforts in media literacy undertaken by the Center for an Informed Public at the University of Washington, renowned for its expertise in uncovering online misinformation.

Led by Journalist and Community Activist Susan Meister and her esteemed team, the event featured workshops led by media literacy experts, which covered topics such as identifying fake content and combatting scientific misinformation. Despite the initial lack of media literacy skills, students demonstrated remarkable engagement and enthusiasm, highlighting the potential for this generation to combat the pervasive issue of misinformation online. As California moves towards implementing media literacy education statewide, events like 'Misinfo Day' serve as crucial milestones in empowering individuals to critically analyze and navigate digital information responsibly, ultimately shaping a more informed society.

MCOE's Special Education Field Day Held at Rabobank Stadium

[Pictured: Teacher and students from MCOE's Special Education Program at Ruth Andresen Elementary School in Salinas]

MCOE's Special Education Field Day, held at Rabobank Stadium in Salinas on Friday, May 10, was filled with joy and excitement. Each year, students from across Monterey County's Special Education Program, representing their respective school sites spanning across various school district locations, come together for a day of fun-filled events and activities. This year, the theme of MCOE's Field Day was "If I Had Fun, I Won," infused with a delightful Hawaiian vibe. 

As the day unfolded, student participants were greeted with cheers and encouragement from their teachers and parents. The festivities began with a lively parade featuring students from all of MCOE's participating school sites. Adding to the sense of community, seniors from Carmel High School generously volunteered to assist with various Field Day stations, which included a diverse array of activities such as ball toss, noodle jousting, basketball, soccer, ring toss, and sprinting races. As a special recognition, Carmel High School senior volunteers were given a resolution to honor their volunteerism each year. “This recognition celebrates the values we want students in our District to hold tight, including inclusivity, relationship building, volunteerism, and community involvement.,” said Carmel Unified School District Superintendent Sharon Ofek, “By participating in Field Day, whether as an athlete, a volunteer, or a spectator, we can join together to build a world that values inclusion, excellence, and acceptance.”

Pictured: Carmel Valley High School Volunteers]

At the conclusion of the games, every student attendee was honored with a certificate and a medal in recognition of their active participation. Notably, retired P.E. Teacher and Coach Craig Johnston from Carmel High School, along with his wife Patty, an Adaptive P.E. and Special Education Teacher at MCOE, played instrumental roles in creating and nurturing the Special Education Field Day, leaving a lasting legacy of inclusivity and joy.

Law Day 2024 Celebrates Voices of Democracy in Monterey County

Students, educators, elected officials, and members of the law community gathered for this year's Law Day event at California State University Monterey Bay. The event brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage students in a day of learning and reflection on the principles of democracy and civic law. The theme for this year's Law Day was "Voices of Democracy," emphasizing the collective responsibility to uphold justice, equality, and liberty for all. 

Event coordinators collected student submissions in the art and essay categories. First through third place high school student winners were selected for each category. MCOE extends a warm congratulations to the following winners:

High School Art Winners

1st Place: Samantha Vallasin, North Salinas High School

2nd Place: Betzy Campos, North Salinas High School

3rd Place: Abril Ordaz, North Salinas, High School

High School Essay Winners

1st Place: Leonardo Lopez-Sepulveda, North Salinas High School 

2nd Place: Isaiah Velasquez, Palma High School

3rd Place: Kianno Montano, Palma High School

Congratulations to the 10th Annual Migrant State Speech and Debate Tournament Winners!

The 10th Annual Migrant State Speech and Debate Tournament, organized each year by the California Department of Education, culminated in a grand awards ceremony held at the Embassy Suites in Seaside on Saturday, May 4. The event opened with a warm welcome from Masters of Ceremonies Ximena Arriola-Cabrian and David Nery Rangel from Gonzales High School, Migrant Education Program Region 16. MCOE’s Migrant Education Program Senior Director Constantino Silva delivered the opening remarks, setting an inspiring tone for the evening. The keynote address was delivered by KION 46 News Channel's Evening News Anchor Veronica Macias, who shared motivating words with the participants and attendees.

The State Tournament is a competition between students who placed first in their respective categories in each region and allows them to connect with peers across California who share similar experiences and backgrounds.

Heartfelt congratulations are in order for all the award winners whose hard work and dedication shone brightly at the tournament. Special thanks were given to the 2024 State Speech and Debate judges and coaches for their invaluable contributions. Their guidance and support played a pivotal role in each student's success. The event celebrated the remarkable achievements of all the student winners, highlighting their exceptional skills and promising futures.

Rainbow Connections Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Youth Wellness in Monterey County

[Picture from left to right: Language and Literacy Program Coordinator Dr. Jennifer E. Figliomeni, Behavioral Health Services Manager Kacey Rodenbush, Rainbow Connections Logo Designer Jasmin 'Alize' Saldana, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss]

Rainbow Connections at Monterey County Behavioral Health hosted the LGBTQIA+ Student Wellness Expo at MCOE on Wednesday, May 8, drawing students, vendors, and supporters from across the county to learn, gain insight on available resources, and show their support. With the tireless efforts of Behavioral Health Services Manager Kacey Rodenbush and her support team, the event dazzled with her vision of a vibrant room setup, which featured rainbow-themed food, decorations, disco balls, and a festive bubble machine, all of which added playfulness and positivity to the room. Resource tables offered programs in both Spanish and English, showcasing materials from over 25 vendors. A highlight of the expo was the presentation of a Commendatory Resolution by Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss, presented to Jasmin 'Alize' Saldana from North Salinas High School, winner of the Rainbow Connections Logo Design Challenge. Saldana's winning design, prominently displayed on various take-home items, symbolized the initiative's mission with exceptional creativity. Love and support for LGBTQIA+ youth flowed throughout the space, uniting students, staff, and community members. This collective vision, profoundly uplifting and awe-inspiring, underscored the power of alignment and shared intention. Heartfelt gratitude extends to all staff from diverse agencies whose support and participation enriched the event. 

The Rainbow Connections project, launched in January 2024 by the Monterey County Behavioral Health Bureau, seeks to provide a comprehensive range of LGBTQIA+ affirming services and supports for Monterey County youth and their caregivers. This initiative aims to enhance access to quality mental health and medical services, nurture inclusive, bully-free learning environments, foster youth leadership and empowerment, and promote family acceptance through a culturally grounded, healing-centered approach. As part of its inaugural program, Rainbow Connections invited talented students from across Monterey County to participate in the 2024 Logo Design Challenge, culminating in the selection of Alize Saldana's artwork for its exceptional representation of the initiative's mission and vision. To learn more about available supports and resources, please visit the Monterey County Behavioral Health LGBTQIA+ resources page.

Celebrating MCOE's May Employees of the Month

MCOE Employees of the Month are honorably recognized and nominated by their coworkers for outstanding job performances. Each month, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss, the MCOE Communications team, and the awardees' managers and team members visit each awardee for a special surprise visit at their work location with balloons, a certificate, and an MCOE bag of swag. This month, MCOE is proud to recognize three extraordinary employees.

See MCOE’s employee of the month webpage.

Marta Puga [pictured left], Executive Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education, has worked for MCOE for over 20 years and has earned a reputation for her positivity, strong work ethic, and collaborative spirit. Karen Mocettini [pictured middle], a Monterey County Home Charter School (MCHCS) Teacher, has been with MCOE for over two decades and is an integral member of the MCHCS. Sean True [pictured right], Manager of the MCAET Fab Lab Program, is dedicated to providing educators and students with access to immersive STEAM learning experiences.

AIM Design Challenge Shines Spotlight on Youth Mental Health

Congratulations to Nizhoni Madis, the first place middle school winner of the 2024 AIM Design Challenge [pictured left, alongside her parents].

Since 2018, the Carmel Sunset Rotary Club, in collaboration with AIM Youth Mental Health, has been raising awareness about youth mental health through an annual art contest. This initiative has provided a platform for young artists to showcase their talents and foster meaningful discussions about mental health within the community. Conversations around mental health are becoming increasingly vital, and the power of art helps communicate relatable emotions and experiences. 

AIM Youth Mental Health is bridging the gap between research and access to care for youth struggling with their mental health by finding, funding, and implementing evidence-based treatments, empowering youth to discover their own mental health solutions, and training caring adults to create safe communities. The Carmel Sunset Rotary Club hosted the 2024 AIM Design Challenge Exhibition and Reception to showcase the work of youth who are promoting mental health awareness and elevating student voices in the movement to end the silence and stigma surrounding mental health disorders. 

Carmel Sunset Rotary Club Charter President Rose Clark warmly welcomed the attendees followed by Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss who joined the conversation as the event’s keynote speaker. Dr. Guss continues to pledge to raise awareness, particularly in her engagements with educators and lawmakers, as it is abundantly clear that when our youth are mentally and physically healthy, their capacity for learning, growth, and overall well-being flourishes. 

Attendees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in over 200 original drawings and graphic designs created by talented teen artists from Monterey County and beyond. The diversity of artistic expressions served as a reminder of the complexity of mental health experiences and the importance of destigmatizing conversations surrounding them. The framed artwork will be displayed at the Monterey County Office of Education, located in Salinas, ensuring that their messages endure beyond the confines of the event.

MCOE Celebrates First Full-Size Transit Electric Vehicle Bus

[Pictured from left to right: Bus drivers Luis Puga Meza, Maria Luna, Marisol Ceja, and Diana Ledesma, and Fleet Maintenance Technician Luis Castillo-Zavala]

MCOE is celebrating a brand new full-size Electric Vehicle Transit bus, which was delivered on Monday, May 6. MCOE’s Transportation Manager Jarrett Garife, along with former Transportation Manager Patrick DeBerdt, initiated efforts to introduce electric buses into MCOE’s fleet. Their collaborative push led to the acquisition of two initial electric buses, one of which, an EV Blue Bird bus, has been in operation for approximately three years, the other is a 2024 International IC CE2608 42 passenger wheelchair bus that was delivered this year. Upon acquiring further grant funding, the MCOE Bus Yard now totals four electric buses. The latest addition is a 2023 BYD Type D Transit Style School Bus that holds up to 72 passengers and has a 130-mile range

Funding for these eco-conscious endeavors has been secured through two grants. One bus was supported by the HVIP set-aside program, while the other received funding from the MBARD's Community Air Protection Program (CAAP) Grant. These grants require the retirement of an aging diesel bus in exchange for EV school bus funding. With a commitment to increasing our electric fleet, MCOE plans to procure another International wheelchair bus through the Monterey Bay Air Resource Board.

Local Student Earns Second Place at Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair

Angelina Tseng [pictured right], a junior at Santa Catalina School and mentored by Dr. Christian Reilly, emerged as the top winner at the county-level science fair. Following her victory, she earned a sponsorship to participate in the prestigious Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2024. This year's Regeneron ISEF was held in Los Angeles and featured 1,699 high school finalists from 67 countries, regions, and territories. These finalists presented their projects to expert judges, who conducted interviews throughout the day to determine the top projects across 22 categories. At the Grand Awards Ceremony held on Friday, May 17th, Monterey County's representative Angelina Tseng won second place in her category, Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics. Her project, titled “AI-Powered Magnetic Inspection Robot for Advanced Structural Health Monitoring of Ferromagnetic Structures,” earned her a $2,000 cash prize, showcasing the exceptional talent and innovation of our local students. MCOE’s STEAM Program Coordinator Maria Parker [pictured left] from the Educational Services Division was in attendance to support Monterey County students and to learn about the process to continue improving our local science fair experience.

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo Festivities 

MCOE’s Special Education program at Gabilan School in King City celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a lively salsa contest that brought staff together for a day of delicious flavors and friendly competition. The event featured 15 different salsas, each crafted by talented participants hoping to win a highly sought-after prize basket.

Staff members enthusiastically tasted and voted on their favorite salsas, enjoying the variety of flavors. After all the votes were tallied, Itzel and Livi Ortiz [Pictured left] emerged as the winners, earning a spa gift basket for their exceptional salsa. The contest added a fun and festive spirit to the day, making it a memorable Cinco de Mayo celebration at Gabilan School.

Meanwhile, MCOE's Social Committee organized their own exciting Salsa Showdown [pictured right] during a communal lunch, featuring a wide array of delicious salsa entries for staff to enjoy. Winners were rewarded with delightful Mexican candy variety packs to commemorate their flavorful creations.

Pacific Grove Middle School Honored with 2024 California Distinguished School Award

Pacific Grove Middle School (PGMS) in the Pacific Grove Unified School District (PGUSD) has been recognized with the prestigious 2024 California Distinguished School Award. This honor reflects the school's exceptional performance and progress on state indicators, including assessment results, suspension rates, and overall school conditions and climate, as specified in the California School Dashboard and the State’s accountability and continuous improvement system. The school was honored at the Exhibit Hall Disneyland Resort in April.

Pacific Grove Middle School (PGMS) in the Pacific Grove Unified School District (PGUSD) has been recognized with the prestigious 2024 California Distinguished School Award. This honor reflects the school's exceptional performance and progress on state indicators, including assessment results, suspension rates, and overall school conditions and climate, as specified in the California School Dashboard and the State’s accountability and continuous improvement system. The school was honored at the Exhibit Hall Disneyland Resort in April. 

PGMS offers a rich array of programs, engaging instruction, student-led clubs, and extracurricular activities, challenging all students to develop new skills and knowledge for a productive life. The entire school community is involved in creating meaningful connections and promoting academic achievement. Known as the Home of the Junior Breakers, the school is dedicated to the success and advancement of every student through high expectations and striving for educational excellence. With a focus on excellence, effective instruction, a nurturing culture, and collaborative leadership, PGMS fosters a growth mindset and prepares students to become impactful contributors to society. MCOE extends our heartfelt congratulations to PGMS  for this prestigious state recognition.

[Pictured middle/Top photo: Pacific Grove Middle School Principal Sean Roach holding a resolution adopted by the MCOE Board of Education. MCOE Board member Anette Ye Steck is seen standing alongside Mr. Roach]

[Pictured left in the bottom photo: MCOE’s Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ralph G. Porras and PGUSD Superintendent Dr. Linda Adamson. Pictured right in bottom photo: PGMS Science Teacher Lisa McBride and PGMS Teacher On Special Assignment/U.S. History Teacher Mr. Brice Gamble]

MCBC Celebrates MPUSD and SUHSD at the 28th Annual Gala and Economic Development Awards

Monterey County Business Council (MCBC) honored the incredible efforts of “Community Builders,” businesses, nonprofits, and individuals who have made significant strides in addressing the county's housing challenges. Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) and Salinas Union High School District (SUHSD) were both awarded for their dedication to innovative housing solutions. 

MPUSD received the Creative and Innovative Award for their trailblazing initiatives, including a safe parking and hotel voucher program tailored to support homeless students and their families, ensuring they have access to vital resources. [Pictured left: MPUSD leaders and staff]

SUHSD received the Education Award for their lead in offering groundbreaking workforce housing for teachers and staff. This initiative, featuring 50 units in the City of Salinas, marks a significant step forward in supporting education professionals. [Pictured right: SUHSD leaders and staff]

Read the full story of each school district awardee on the MCBC event program or see images on the MCBC Facebook Event page.

Greenfield High School Team Competes in Academic WorldQuest National Competition

The World Affairs Council of Monterey Bay Area (WACMB), with the help of the Monterey County Office of Education, held a local Academic World Quest (AWQ) Competition earlier this year. The winning local team was sent to the national competition held on Saturday, April 20th. The Greenfield High School team tied for 30th in the national competition with a total score of 53. The WACMB Annual Awards Dinner for AWQ took place on Tuesday, May 14, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Monterey to honor the Greenfield team.

The World Affairs Councils of America’s flagship youth education program is a fun, fast-paced team competition for high school students. Academic WorldQuest™ tests players’ knowledge of current international politics, geography, global economics, history, and world cultures. Some 50 World Affairs Councils hold local Academic WorldQuest™ (AWQ) competitions for high school students in their communities. Since 2003, winning teams have traveled to Washington, DC, every April to vie for the national championship. To learn more about the World Affairs Councils of America and the Academic WorldQuest competition, please visit worldaffairscouncils.org.

Point Lobos Summer Adventures Camp

The Point Lobos Summer Adventures program is an outdoor day camp for kids and teenagers. Its goal is to expose the next generation to the joys of exploring and recreating in Point Lobos and other local parks. During this program, campers will meet new people and make lasting friendships, go hiking in new places, be creative with nature art projects, and explore the world of undersea life, birds, and mammals found around Monterey Bay through various field trips, including whale watching and kayaking. Visit the Summer Adventures website to learn more.

Session Dates:  

Session 1 (Ages 8-12): June 17-28, cost $600

Session 2 (Ages 8-12): July 8-19, cost $600

Session 3 (Ages 13-15): July 22-26, cost $300 

Point Lobos Summer Adventures Camp

CalFresh benefits can assist families across Monterey County in purchasing food for their school-aged children during the summer. Sun Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a new program. Families who apply will receive $120 for each eligible child to purchase groceries during the summer.

To apply, contact Rosemarie DeFranco, Community Benefits Branch Director, at defrancor@countyofmonterey.gov or 831-755-4403.

CalFresh wants to ensure that all families are aware of two opportunities to double their purchasing power with these SunBucks cards. See the flyer for details.

New Ardiuino Robotics Summer Camp

The Lyceum has added a brand-new Summer Camp that focuses on robotics, coding, and electronics. This is a five-day summer camp that takes place Monday, July 15 - Friday, July 19, from 9:30am - 2:30pm. Space is limited.

Ages: 11 - 14 (For students currently enrolled in Grade 6, 7, or 8)

Dates: July 15 - 19, 2024

Hours: 9:30am - 2:30pm

Instructor: Ryan Solymar

Location: The Lyceum

Class Size: Limited to 8 students

Fee: $325

Learn more at lyceum.org/summer-camps-all/arduino-adventures-2024

Creative Fun with Collage Art

The Lyceum invites you to an art camp to join collage artist and instructor Lisa Handley for this week of creative expression and enjoyment. You will experiment with shape, color, size and composition and explore a variety of collage techniques and designs in paper, mixed media and “everyday ephemera” such as maps, postage stamps, magazines and old book pages.

Ages: 11 - 15

Dates: June 10- 14, 2024

Hours: 9:30am - 2:30pm

Location: Lyceum

Instructor: Lisa Handley

Class Size: Limited to 8 Students

Fee: $285

Learn more at lyceum.org/summer-camps-all/collage-art-summer-camp-2024

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