December 18, 2023 | Issue No. 8 | | |
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NMCHS Science Teacher Victoria Decklemann Awarded KION & CCFCU $500 Classroom Makeover
We are thrilled to share some exciting news from our very own NMC High School. On Wednesday, December 15, Science Teacher, Victoria Deckelmann, was awarded the $500 Classroom Makeover by The Central Coast Federal Credit Union (CCFCU) in collaboration with KION 46.
Victoria Deckelmann was nominated by someone who recognized her dedication and deemed her a deserving candidate for the Classroom Makeover Award. This award not only acknowledges the hard work of our teachers but also highlights the challenges they face in providing quality education with limited resources.
The Classroom Makeover initiative, a joint effort by KION & CCFCU, reviews nominations monthly and selects one teacher to receive a Classroom Makeover award. We are particularly proud to announce that for the first time in NMC High School history, one of our outstanding teachers has been recognized with this honor, showcasing our commitment to supporting and appreciating the educators who play a vital role in shaping our students' futures.
Teachers, including Ms. Deckelmann, often go above and beyond, dedicating their time, energy, and personal funds to provide the best possible learning environment for our students. According to the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, elementary school teachers spend an average of $500 annually on classroom supplies out of their own pockets. The Classroom Makeover Award aligns to alleviate this financial burden and ensure our teachers have the necessary resources to excel in their roles.
At North Monterey County Unified School District, we take great pride in our educators. Victoria Deckelmann's recognition is a testament to the outstanding individuals who contribute to the success of our students. This award not only brings honor to Ms. Deckelmann but also shines a spotlight on the collective efforts of our entire teaching community.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Victoria Deckelmann for this well-deserved honor, and we look forward to continuing our support for our dedicated educators.
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Another North Monterey County High School Student Takes Leadership Role in California Community Schools Initiative | |
We are delighted to share the exciting news that another North Monterey County High School continues to make a significant impact on the Statewide Student Advisory Board for the California Community Schools Initiative. Our very own 10th grader, Nancy Hernandez, has been selected to represent our school, joining Evelyn Ruelas as the two outstanding individuals representing North County.
Nancy and Evelyn are the sole representatives for our region out of the six designated regions in California, making their accomplishment truly noteworthy. This achievement is a testament to their dedication and the caliber of leadership they bring to the table.
In Nancy's own words, "I am very thrilled to say that I have been selected to be a part of the Statewide Student Advisory Board for the California Community Schools Initiative. I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to use my voice and ideas to make a positive change in our community and throughout schools in California. I look forward to working together to improve and create better schools. I am astounded to represent an important role in our community and influence the 2024 Community Schools Summit."
Nancy's enthusiasm and commitment to making a positive impact on education and community development are commendable. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Nancy Hernandez for this well-deserved recognition and wish her success in her role as a representative on the Statewide Student Advisory Board.
|  | Building Bridges: State Policymakers Visit Castroville Elementary to Strengthen Collaboration and Address Educational Challenges | |
In a collaborative effort to connect state policymakers with local educational needs, key representatives, including Dominic Dursa, District Director, and Misty Feusahrens, Policy Consultant from the office of Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas, visited Castroville Elementary School. Accompanied by Dr. Deeneen Guss, Monterey County Superintendent, Erica Lee, Castroville School Principal, and Dr. Chandalee Wood, Interim Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, the visit aimed to deepen understanding of the challenges, successes, and aspirations of the school district.
The visit focused on comprehending the specific needs and challenges faced by Castroville Elementary, with an emphasis on issues arising from state policies and budget constraints. Dr. Guss contributed valuable insights into local concerns related to state policies and budgets, shaping discussions around Castroville's educational landscape.
The visit by the representatives of the Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas underscores a commitment to fostering collaboration between state and local education. By engaging with key stakeholders, the initiative seeks to address challenges stemming from state policies and budget constraints, ultimately contributing to the improvement of educational systems not only in Castroville but also beyond.
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A letter from Interim Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Regarding Winter Break | We are officially on Winter Break and we already miss you! Make sure you stay connected with us and we will see you back on January 9, 2024! | NMC Community Alliance Meeting: Unity For Opportunities | |
The NMC Alliance, recently met on December 5th to discuss how they can provide hands-on learning experiences for our students. The meeting featured Youth Ambassadors sharing their dreams and highlighting the crucial role community partners play in shaping students' lives.
The focus was on aligning community resources to improve student outcomes and attendance, aiming to ignite a passion for school. We appreciate our dedicated community partners for their ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on our students and communities.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to our steadfast community partners who are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of our students and communities. Together, we continue to make a difference.
| Let's Stay Connected During Break NMCUSD! | Prioritizing Health: A Winter Reminder and Overview of Sick Policies | 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. 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 | |
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Celebrating the Legacy of Estella Torres: A 24-Year Journey of Dedication
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On Friday, December 15, the North Monterey County Unified School District bid a heartfelt farewell to a cherished member of its family. Estella Torres, a dedicated school bus driver, officially retired after 24 years of service. Her departure leaves an indelible mark on the district, as colleagues and students alike remember her as more than just a driver—she was a beacon of positivity, kindness, and unwavering dedication.
Estella's career as a school bus driver was not just about transporting students; it was about fostering connections, spreading joy, and embodying the true spirit of caring for the world's most precious cargo—our students. Colleagues and staff members shared their sentiments about Estella's impact on the NMCUSD community.
Mrs. Espinoza, a staff member and alumna, reminisced, "Ms. Estella was a bus driver for some of our alumni, like me. She still remembers how kind and loving she was to their students. She absolutely loves working with Estella and knowing her students had such a great bus driver."
Regina Perez expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Estella, for your kind smile. Thank you for getting our students to school and home safely. We will miss you!"
Kayla Daniels, reflecting on Estella's exceptional commitment, remarked, "Thank you, Estella, for ALWAYS going above and beyond for our students! Your hard work never goes unnoticed. It feels like just yesterday you were my bus driver for basketball and volleyball games. Enjoy retirement; you deserve it!"
Monica Gutierrez extended her appreciation, stating, "Thank you, Estella, for everything you have done for our students. Enjoy your retirement and your time with your grandkids!"
Joel Rivas, a fellow staff member, expressed gratitude, saying, "Ms. Estella, thank you for everything you have done for our students and us Para's here at the middle school. Thank you for always being very welcoming. I hope you enjoy retirement!"
Estella Torres leaves behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and a smile that brightened the lives of everyone she encountered. As NMCUSD celebrates her well-deserved retirement, her impact will continue to resonate within the hearts of those she served for over two decades.
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North County is the right place to grow... | |
Throughout the various campuses and programs within the North Monterey County School District, the Holiday Season was joyfully embraced in unique ways. North Monterey County Middle School fostered unity through a lively dress-up week, while Elkhorn Elementary brought in the festive spirit with crazy hair days and PJ days. Castroville Elementary showcased winter concerts, and NMC High School, amidst gearing up for final exams, also joined in the dress-up festivities.
The collective celebration resonated with the spirit of the NMCUSD family, and as we bid farewell to the year 2023, let's reflect on how we collaborated as a close-knit community. Experience the highlights in the video below, featuring a song crafted by Jeremy Perez, our talented Expanded Learning Supervisor.
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Unveiling Insights: Impact Monterey County's 2022 Community Aspirations Assessment | |
Discover the latest insights from Impact Monterey County's (IMC) 2022 Community Aspirations Assessment, where over 1,700 adults and youth from Monterey County shared their thoughts on community needs and challenges. Notably, 91% of youth respondents were from North Monterey County.
The NMC DELAC Parent Committee played a crucial role as a focus group for the assessment. Sandra Cuevas, Administrator of Parent Engagement and Adult Education, highlighted the committee's perspectives on the most pressing issues in the community. These encompass concerns such as housing affordability, rent payments, access to affordable childcare, the cost of food, and the desire for equal and respectful treatment in the community. The report sheds light on the multifaceted challenges faced by community members, providing a valuable foundation for future initiatives and interventions. The data can help address gaps in support for students, families, and communities in North County.
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Watch our latest NMCUSD Update! |
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Experience the latest happenings and remarkable achievements within our school district through our engaging video presentations - NMCUSD Updates!
In every captivating episode, we shine a spotlight on a distinguished student or staff member who not only presents the updates but is also highlighted for their outstanding contributions!
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