December 1, 2023 | Issue No. 7 | | |
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Empowering Student Voices: North Monterey County High School's Impactful Role in California's Community Schools Transformation
North Monterey Unified School District's commitment to community schools is making waves as the district moves towards its first year of implementation with a remarkable start to the initiative's first year, Senior Evelyn Ruelas has been chosen to represent the district at the Statewide Student Advisory Board for the California Community Schools initiative.
Evelyn Ruelas, a senior at North Monterey County High School, is set to play a crucial role in shaping California's Community Schools initiative. Expressing her gratitude, she stated,“I am extremely honored to be chosen for the Statewide Student Advisory Board because I have been given the opportunity to share my voice and opinions. I am super excited to share the good things about this community and the things that need to be changed. I am looking forward to making a change in my community with this awesome opportunity I was given.” Her representation on the Statewide Student Advisory Board is not just a recognition of her leadership but underscores the school's dedication to incorporating student voices in the decision-making process.
North Monterey Unified School District is paving the way for student leadership in community schools, as exemplified by Evelyn Ruelas' representation on the Statewide Student Advisory Board. The district's commitment to incorporating student voices reflects a forward-thinking approach to education, ensuring that the diverse perspectives and insights of students actively contribute to shaping the future of California's Community Schools initiative. Congratulations to Evelyn Ruelas for this impactful achievement!
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Four NMCMS Band Students Selected for the Central Coast Honor Band | |
Talented students of the North Monterey County Middle School Band are celebrating! On the 29th of November, it was announced that five students successfully secured a spot in this year's prestigious Central Coast Honor Band.
The Central Coast Honor Band is renowned for identifying and showcasing the region's most outstanding middle school musicians, drawing participants from Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and San Luis Obispo counties. This year, the spotlight shines brightly on North Monterey County Middle School, as these accomplished students prepare to represent their school and community on a broader stage.
The selected students, all eighth-graders, have exhibited extraordinary skill and dedication to their craft. The following musicians have earned their well-deserved place in the Central Coast Honor Band:
Alyssa Diaz - Flute
Syla Alacaraz - Flute
Giraldiana Garcia - Clarinet
Santiago Gonzalez - Tenor Saxophone
This achievement not only recognizes the individual talent of these students but also highlights the excellence of the North Monterey County Middle School Band as a whole. The rigorous audition process and subsequent selection reflect the students' commitment to musical excellence and the school's dedication to fostering a thriving arts program.
In the upcoming rehearsals, these musicians will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with their peers from across the central coast. Their hard work and shared musical journey will be a spectacular concert, promising an unforgettable experience for both performers and the audience alike. Congratulations to Alyssa Diaz, Syla Alacaraz, Giraldiana Garcia, Santiago Gonzalez, and the entire North Monterey County Middle School Band for this outstanding achievement.
|  | NMCUSD Board of Trustees and Student Board Representatives Attend Annual California School Boards Association Conference | |
The Board of Trustees & Student Representatives of the North Monterey County Unified School District (NMCUSD) recently participated in the annual California School Boards Association (CSBA) Conference in San Francisco. This gathering brought together school board members from across California, providing an opportunity for NMCUSD representatives to attend valuable workshops aimed at strengthening their roles in supporting students.
Martha Chavarria, Board President, along with the newly appointed Trustees Sandra Ruiz and Angelo Dimarco, also joined by Executive Assistant Valerie Bigham and Communications, Outreach, and Community Partners Coordinator, Yvette Padilla and Interim Superintendent Steve Betando. They actively engaged in diverse workshops designed to enhance their skills and knowledge in order to better serve the student community.
Board President Martha Chavarria shared her thoughts on the conference, stating, "The conference continues to evolve, offering many opportunities to learn and collaborate. I love networking with other districts, getting inspired, and being re-energized so we could better support our students, staff, families and community."
Also, this year marked the attendance of Student Board Members at the conference. Representing the student voices of NMCUSD were Brysma Ramirez from North Monterey County High School and Londyn Janisch from North Monterey County Middle School. Their participation reflects the district's dedication to including student perspectives in shaping policies and initiatives.
The NMCUSD's presence at the CSBA Conference highlights its ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and dedication to student success. By actively participating in workshops and including student representatives, the board demonstrates a proactive approach to staying informed and connected with the broader educational community. This engagement ensures that NMCUSD remains well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of its students and families.
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Welcome back, NMCUSD! We trust you had a delightful Thanksgiving Break, filled with warmth and connection. As we approach the end of 2023 and draw near to the holiday season, we want to express our deep gratitude for the entire NMCUSD community—students, teachers, staff, and families alike. Your unwavering support and commitment make our educational journey truly meaningful.
While vacations are a cherished part of this season, we also want to stress the importance of regular school attendance for students. Education is a gift that continues to enrich lives, and your student's daily attendance plays a vital role in this journey. Together, let's make the remainder of 2023 a time of shared joy, learning, and support.
In the spirit of togetherness, we want to emphasize that during this festive season, we are here for you. If you or someone you know is facing challenges and needs assistance navigating the holidays, please reach out to our Family Resource Center at (831) 633-5975. We are dedicated to supporting you and your families.
| Let's Stay Connected NMCUSD! | Our NEW Website is Closer than you think! | Join us in transforming our website! Our launch date is coming in very very soon & we need your help! The NMCUSD Communications Team has been working tirelessly to revamp our site with a focus on accessibility, language inclusivity, and cutting-edge design. Your input is vital in shaping the final product. Share your thoughts via our survey that remains open to help create a community-focused online platform. Be a part of this exciting journey! | Prioritizing Health: A Winter Reminder and Overview of Sick Policies | As the chill of winter settles in, we are mindful of the onset of cold and flu season. Your child's health and well-being are of utmost importance to us, and we want to assure you that we are taking proactive measures to maintain a healthy learning environment in our classrooms. In our collective effort to combat the spread of illness, we kindly ask you to review our Sick Policies. These guidelines are designed to assist parents and guardians in making informed decisions about when to keep their students home from school. By adhering to these policies, we can collectively contribute to the well-being of our school community. We understand the importance of daily attendance for academic success, but we also recognize that a healthy student body is crucial. Please join us in promoting good health practices at home and in the school community. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, we can ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all. | | |
NMCUSD Appreciation Corner | |
NMCUSD Collaborative Connections |  | |
Vistra and its Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility are honored to partner with the North Monterey County Unified School District to support educational programs, such as the Community Resource Festival. Support for education is one of Vistra’s key community giving priorities, particularly STEM education, and the company is proud to invest in the next generation and help inspire local students to pursue careers in the energy fields, such as those at the Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility.
Vistra, a leader in the energy sector, recognizes the transformative power of education and is honored to prioritize community support through its partnership with NMCUSD. The company places a special emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, considering it a key pillar of its community giving priorities. By investing in educational initiatives, Vistra aims to contribute to the development of the next generation and inspire local students to pursue careers in energy-related fields.
Vistra is proud to be a market leader in battery energy storage, as the company now owns the second-most energy storage capacity in the country. Learn more about the company’s Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility and Phase III expansion by click on the button below.
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FAFSA Changes for 2024-25 and Beyond | |
As we approach the 2024-25 academic year, our graduating seniors and their families need to be informed about the changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). These modifications, initiated by the FAFSA Simplification Act passed on December 27, 2020, aim to enhance the financial aid application process and eligibility criteria.
According to the Federal Student Aid Office, the key changes for 2024-25 on the FAFSA are as follows:
- Starting from the 2024–25 award year, a revised measure called the Student Aid Index (SAI) will replace the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), altering the calculation methodology for college financial aid, eliminating the consideration of family members in college, setting a minimum SAI of -1500, and introducing distinct eligibility criteria for Federal Pell Grants.
- Anticipate adjustments in FAFSA formulas, as changes to how a student's family size is determined will now align closely with the information reported on the student/parents' tax returns.
- The FAFSA Simplification Act, starting from the 2024–25 award year, will broaden access to Federal Pell Grants by linking eligibility to family size and the federal poverty level, allowing incarcerated students to receive grants from the 2023–24 award year, and restoring lifetime eligibility for students affected by school closures or misinformation from the same award year.
- The FAFSA Simplification Act, effective from the 2024–25 award year, streamlines the FAFSA form by mandating the use of IRS data for Pell Grant eligibility and the SAI calculation, facilitated by the FUTURE Act, while also eliminating questions about Selective Service and drug convictions and adding non-eligibility-affecting questions about sex, race, and ethnicity from the 2023–24 award year.
Understanding that these changes may prompt questions and concerns, the College & Career Team at North Monterey County High School is actively monitoring communications from the Federal Student Aid Office. Multiple workshops have been held throughout the school year for both parents and students, offering crucial information to better prepare our college-bound students.
We encourage ongoing attendance at workshops and communication with the College & Career Team. As more information becomes available, our teams stand ready to assist you and your students.
For further assistance and inquiries, please contact Alexandra Solis, College & Career Counselor, at alexandra_solis@nmcusd.org. Your collaboration and assistance are invaluable as we navigate these changes together.
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In the world of a teenager, they deal with various challenges that echo in their behavior. As parents, staff, and community members, fostering an environment of understanding and support is crucial. Parents can initiate open conversations with their teens, creating a safe space where concerns can be shared openly. Recognizing warning signs of distress, such as changes in academic performance or social withdrawal, empowers parents to act proactively. Encouraging teens to adopt the "See Something, Say Something" model reinforces the importance of reporting concerns promptly.
For school staff, building trusting relationships with students is foundational. Providing conflict resolution tools and mental health awareness training equips staff to address challenges and contribute to a positive school climate. Regular check-ins with students foster open communication, enabling staff to identify and address issues early on. By collaboratively embracing these strategies, parents and school staff become active participants in creating an environment where every teen can thrive academically and emotionally.
| Empowering Math Education: Highlights from NMCUSD's First Town Hall Meeting | |
On November 28, 2023, the North Monterey County Unified School District held its first Townhall Meeting with the subject of focus being, Math. With a robust turnout of over 50 participants, including parents, teachers, and staff, the event served as a dynamic platform for jumping into comprehensive Math data. The agenda covered a spectrum of critical topics, from reviewing the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) reports and performance tasks to engaging in focused discussions on Math courses, interventions, and supports at both elementary and secondary levels.
The town hall's success was not only evident in the fruitful academic discussions but also in the holistic experience it provided. Special recognition goes to Nutrition Services for serving delectable snacks and wraps, ensuring attendees were fueled for thoughtful participation. Additionally, NEST's engaging childcare, featuring Math games, and the invaluable interpretation support from Bilingual Community Liaisons highlighted the district's commitment to inclusivity. As the district looks ahead, the insights gained from this event will be shared in the coming weeks, fostering transparency and paving the way for future collaborative discussions. Stay tuned for announcements on upcoming town halls as the district continues its journey toward excellence in Math education.
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December 4 | DELAC Meeting
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December 4 | NMCHS Girls Soccer Spirit Home Game
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December 8 | Elkhorn Elementary Winter Concert at NMCHS
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December 8 | NMCHS Boys Basketball Spirit Home Game
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December 12 | NMCHS Girls Basketball Home Spirit Game
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December 13 | Echo Valley Elementary Winter Concert at NMCHS
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December 14 | NMCUSD Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting
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December 15 | NMCHS Boys Soccer Spirit Home Game
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December 16 | Winter Break Begins
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January 9 | Winter Break Ends
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