Education | Contra Costa Herald

Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year featured at education summit

August 3, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

On Friday, July 29, Contra Costa County educators were well represented as presenters at CSU East Bay, for the second annual Better Together: California Teachers Summit. Opening the program was Contra Costa County Office of Education’s Deputy Superintendent Pamela Comfort, Ed.D. and the county’s current Teachers of the Year Kate Perry (Liberty Union High School District) and Maria McClain (Antioch Unified School District).

The California Teachers Summit is a free statewide day of learning and networking that is open to all California PreK-12 teachers, teacher candidates, school administrators, and other educators. One of 38 locations across the state, CSU East Bay welcomed hundreds of Bay Area teachers to share ideas, join a teacher network, and learn effective strategies for implementing the new California Standards in their classrooms. The Summit featured keynote addresses by education leaders, TED-style EdTalks presented by local teachers, and Edcamp discussions on timely topics such as the California Standards in English/Language Arts and Math, and the Next Generation Science Standards.

In the early afternoon, Perry and McClain, together, presented a stimulating EdTalk session to all the attending educators. The audience was in full attention as the two gave real-life stories on how they learned to reach some of their most challenging students through the years.

“As we celebrate this day of learning, we want to emphasize the essential lessons that our students can teach us, if we take the time to listen and learn,” McClain said. “Lisa and Lisbeth [student examples] made Kate and I better teachers. They taught us that we must meet students where they are, not where we expect them to be, and then work to support and guide them. We must broaden our focus beyond content acquisition and understand that achievement for all students can only occur once their primary needs are met. California’s new standards represent significant changes in educational content and practice. Successful implementation requires both students and teachers to stretch outside their comfort zones, take risks, and embrace new ideas. As we work to adjust our course content and teaching practices, we must also focus on building classroom environments that are safe, welcoming, and truly value all students.”

Perry also offered her comments.

“Now we know how complicated teaching is, and the many daily pressures that face us all,” she said. “And in the face of these we have both learned that the key to staying in the profession is our connection to our students and colleagues. So, if you take nothing else away from us, today, please remember, listen to your students, listen to your fellow teachers, and find mentors like Maria – people who will listen, support, and challenge you. We all – teachers, students, parents, and administrators – have so much to learn and share with one another and that only happens when we open ourselves to the people around us and really hear what they have to say.”

In addition to, CSU East Bay, Summit locations in the Bay Area include:

Brandman University, Walnut Creek
Mary’s College of California
CSU Monterey Bay
San Francisco State University
Sonoma State University

More information, a list of event locations, and online registration is available at CATeachersSummit.com. Follow #CATeachersSummit for up-to-date information.

Mt. Diablo Unified School District receives California Arts Council “Artists in Schools” grant

July 16, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

State funds support arts education at Meadow Homes Elementary celebrating cultural diversity

The California Arts Council announced, on Wednesday, that it plans to award a grant to Meadow Homes Elementary in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) as part of its Artists in Schools program.

The Artists in Schools program supports projects that integrate community arts resources—artists and professional art organizations—into comprehensive, standards-based arts learning projects for California’s students. This year, the California Arts Council’s Artist in Schools program will allow 144 arts organizations to hire 580 teaching artists that will serve a total of more than 43,000 students in 323 schools across California.

The $6715 grant was awarded jointly to Walnut Creek Civic Arts Education, along with MDUSD’s Meadow Homes Elementary and Tice Creek School in the Walnut Creek school district to offer high-quality, after-school arts learning communities for at least 50 students in grades 1-6. In series of workshops, students will receive standards-based arts instruction in two disciplines, one visual and one performance-based, draw connections between them, and hold a community-based culminating performance/exhibition.

“Civic Arts Education is excited about this opportunity to work with local schools whose goals so closely align with ours. Teaching artists from Civic Arts can’t wait to share visual and performing arts like anime and African drumming to help Meadow Homes students explore their creativity,” said Linda Johnson, Civic Arts Education Program Manager. “We’re grateful to the California Arts Council for making it happen!”

Dr. Nellie Meyer, Superintendent for MDUSD, praised the Artists in Schools grant as a valuable tool to contribute to student achievement and success in school and beyond.

“A strong arts education promotes the skills our students need to be successful, and is essential to promoting self-directed learning, and critical and creative thinking skills. We believe firmly that what students learn in arts education helps them to master other subjects, including mathematics, language arts, and science,” said Meyer. “We could not be more excited about the opportunities this grant will open up for Meadow Homes’ students and families.”

Meadow Homes Elementary serves approximately 900 students, representing 19 different ethnic groups. Principal Sandra Wilbanks applauded the Artist in Schools grant for providing the campus an unparalleled opportunity to expand their existing arts education program to further celebrate the school’s cultural diversity.

“When you tie arts education into all areas of the curriculum, you create a rich environment for student learning that truly celebrates and honors students’ cultural backgrounds and traditions,” said Wilbanks. “Having diverse arts experiences is empowering for students. By exercising creative expression in all subject areas, students can be proud of who they are and how they are developing as young learners and future leaders.”

Wilbanks says Meadow Homes’ existing arts initiatives and grants have had unexpected but happy consequences in promoting second language development among its English Learner population, which accounts for approximately 78% percent of its 900 students.

“What we’ve seen is that, through the arts, students have a stronger connection to school, especially for English Learners. This has, in turn, improved the home-to-school and school-to-home engagement with our families,” she added. “We are absolutely elated about the grant and very excited about being able to partner with the California Arts Council on something that will be so meaningful for our families.”

The news of Meadow Home’s grant was featured as part of a larger announcement from the California Arts Council, which can be viewed online at http://arts.ca.gov/news/pressreleases.php.

“California Arts Council grants provide vital support for projects in diverse communities across our state,” said Craig Watson, Director of the California Arts Council. “This was an historic year of state arts support. We are proud to invest more than $8.5 million in funding 712 grant projects that will stimulate local growth and prosperity, and meet the needs of our communities through deep engagement with culture and creative expression.”

The California Arts Council will continue to grow the reach of its programs in the coming year, as the result of a significant one-time state arts funding increase for 2016-17 announced last week.

Nestled at the base of Mt. Diablo in the suburban East San Francisco Bay Area, the Mt. Diablo Unified School District is one of the largest school districts in the state of California, with over 56 school sites and programs serving 150 square miles, including the cities of Concord, Pleasant Hill, Clayton; portions of Walnut Creek, Martinez and Pittsburg; and unincorporated areas including Lafayette, Pacheco and Bay Point. The district is among one of the more ethnically-diverse in California, with students and their families representing more than 50 languages and dialects. Learn more at www.mdusd.org.

For over 50 years the City of Walnut Creek’s Civic Arts Education program has been the regional center of arts learning — promoting new visions, supporting exploration, stimulating creative thought and encouraging self-expression. Last year more than 8,000 adults, youth and children enjoyed beginning through professional level classes and programs at the Shadelands, Civic Park and Heather Farm campuses. Learn more at by clicking here.

The mission of the California Arts Council, a state agency, is to advance California through the arts and creativity. The Council is committed to building public will and resources for the arts; fostering accessible arts initiatives that reflect contributions from all of California’s diverse populations; serving as a thought leader and champion for the arts; and providing effective and relevant programs and services. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov.

Interim Executive Dean Ted Wieden selected as Interim President for Diablo Valley College

June 16, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Ted Wieden

Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD) Chancellor Helen Benjamin announced the appointment of Ted Wieden, Diablo Valley College (DVC) interim executive dean, to serve a one-year term as the interim president effective Friday, July 1, 2016. Formal approval of the appointment will take place at the Governing Board’s June 22, 2016, meeting. The opportunity became available following current DVC president Peter Garcia’s June 30, 2016, retirement announcement.

“We are fortunate to have Ted Wieden accept this one-year assignment”, said Governing Board President Vicki Gordon. “Ted knows the college very well, is a respected faculty member and manager, and will ensure there is leadership stability at DVC while we search for a permanent president.”

“Ted has been with our District for over 24 years, taking on a number of leadership roles both at the college and the District Office”, said Chancellor Benjamin. “DVC will be in good hands.”

Wieden is a first generation college student and graduated from Reedley College. After receiving his B.A. and M.A. from California State University at Fresno, he began teaching as an adjunct faculty and later joined DVC as a full-time instructor of Geography/Meteorology. At DVC, he served in many leadership roles including chair of the Physical Science and Engineering Division, interim Senior Dean of Curriculum and Instruction, and interim Executive Dean of Effectiveness/Accreditation Liaison Officer. Wieden also served in management positions at the District Office as interim Special Assistant to the Chancellor, and interim Senior Dean.

DVC has distinguished itself as one of the nation’s most successful community colleges by offering incomparable transfer opportunities and exceptional career-technical programs and degrees to a diverse student body, while responding to an evolving need for robust adult basic skills and English as a Second Language programs. At both the Pleasant Hill and San Ramon locations, local and international students engage with high-quality instruction and support services designed for student learning and success. Faculty from DVC’s various career-technical programs are in continuous dialog with the surrounding community to keep pace with emerging technologies and skill requirements students need to be successful in any job market. The college’s unparalleled transfer programs prepare students in large numbers to be successful in four-year colleges and universities all over the state and the country. DVC continuously ranks among the top transfer pathways to UC Berkeley.

The Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The CCCCD serves a population of 1,019,640 people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. The District is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, as well as educational centers in Brentwood and San Ramon. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez.

John Muir Health gives $10,000 to support high school “Safe and Sober Grad Night” celebrations in Contra Costa County

June 9, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

John Muir Health announced this week, the donation of $10,000 to local high schools across Contra Costa County. The funds will support programs and services related to the schools’ 2016 “Safe and Sober Grad Night” celebrations, which are held to honor the graduating senior class in a safe environment.

Twenty high schools each received a $500 check from John Muir Health to help finance graduation night festivities hosted by the schools, including professional entertainment such as hypnotists, magicians, karaoke, casino games and live DJs.

“Graduation is one of the most celebrated and yet potentially dangerous nights in a teenager’s life,” said Marci Jones, co-chair of the 2016 Grad Night celebration for Ygnacio Valley High School. “Our primary goal is to keep our graduating seniors in a safe and sober environment. Having John Muir Health’s support is a huge testament to our shared interest and concern with keeping our kids out of harm’s way.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of John Muir Health’s trauma center, which cares for critically injured patients in Contra Costa County and parts of Solano and Marin counties. In addition to treating critical injuries, John Muir Health actively works to prevent them. Trauma physicians, nurses and staff are participants in the Every 15 Minutes program to educate high school juniors and seniors about drinking and driving and the impact their decisions have on family, friends and other members of their community. John Muir Health also participates in Beyond Violence, an intervention program for trauma patients treated at the medical center between the ages of 14-25 who are victims of intentional injuries (e.g. gunshot, knife assault) and reside in West or East Contra Costa County. Support for Safe and Sober Grad Nights is another form of injury prevention.

“As a health care provider in the community with the county’s only trauma center, we’re well aware of the dangers involved with teens driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said Kacey Hansen, executive director of Trauma and Transfer Services at John Muir Health. “This is an important time in their lives and we appreciate the efforts by local high schools to provide an appropriate environment for them to celebrate. The last place we want to see members of the class of 2016 on their graduation night is in one of our hospitals.”

The high schools receiving donations included: Acalanes High School, Alhambra High School, Antioch High School, California High School, Campolindo High School, Clayton Valley Charter High School, College Park High School, Concord High School, Deer Valley High School, El Cerrito High School, Freedom High School, Heritage High School, Las Lomas High School, Liberty High School, Miramonte High School, Monte Vista High School, Northgate High School, Pittsburg High School, San Ramon Valley High School and Ygnacio Valley High School.

About John Muir Health

John Muir Health is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health care organization east of San Francisco serving patients in Contra Costa, eastern Alameda and southern Solano Counties. It includes a network of more than 1,000 primary care and specialty physicians, nearly 6,000 employees, medical centers in Concord and Walnut Creek, including Contra Costa County’s only trauma center, and a Behavioral Health Center. John Muir Health also has partnerships with San Ramon Regional Medical Center, UCSF Medical Center and Stanford Children’s Health to expand its capabilities, increase access to services and better serve patients. The health system offers a full-range of medical services, including primary care, outpatient and imaging services, and is widely recognized as a leader in many specialties – neurosciences, orthopedic, cancer, cardiovascular, trauma, emergency, pediatrics and high-risk obstetrics care.

Community College Board announces progress in Chancellor search

May 26, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

The Governing Board (Board) reports progress is being made on the search for the next chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District (District) following Chancellor Helen Benjamin’s December 31, 2016, retirement announcement. The Board is committed to conducting an equitable, inclusive, and transparent national search that will attract a strong pool of outstanding candidates.

“The selection of our next chancellor is one of our most important responsibilities,” said Governing Board President Vicki Gordon. “We encourage our students, staff, and community members to participate in the process.”

Community input on the following two questions can be submitted online through the District’s website by clicking onto “Chancellor Search,” or you may send an email directly to search consultant Dr. Pamila Fisher at pamfisher@bresnan.net as soon as possible.

The questions are:

What are the major issues and challenges facing the District and its colleges in the next three to five years?
What characteristics, qualities, attributes and skills do you think are critical for the new chancellor’s success?

Progress reports and updates will be posted on the District website, and members of the community can meet the chancellor finalists at public forums during the last stage of the process.

The Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The CCCCD serves a population of 1,019,640 people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. The District is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, as well as educational centers in Brentwood and San Ramon. Each college is individually accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez.

Contra Costa students participate in LearnStorm math challenge

May 21, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Khan Academy, Google.org, 49ers celebrate Bay Area students who have demonstrated hustle, grit and mastery of math

A student (left) from Pleasant Hill Elementary School collaborates with a teammate during the carnival at Khan Academy’s LearnStorm Final event at Levi’s Stadium on Saturday, May 7th, 2016. photos by David Kong

By John Cogswell & Nicole Villanueva

Students from Pleasant Hill Elementary School, Live Oak Elementary School in San Ramon and Highland Elementary School in Richmond, were among 300 students from across the Bay Area, who attended Khan Academy’s LearnStorm Final event at Levi’s Stadium, to recognize their math accomplishments, on Saturday, May 7, 2016. These students were among the 75,000 students that registered in the Bay Area for LearnStorm, a free, 9-week math challenge that celebrates student progress, mastery, and hustle learning math on Khan Academy.

Unlike traditional math competitions, LearnStorm is breaking new ground by rewarding not only the knowledge students attain, but the learning skills they need to attain it. LearnStorm is powered by the Silicon Valley-based educational nonprofit Khan Academy, which seeks to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.

A student (middle) from Live Oak Elementary School participates in a team-building activity.

Notable representatives from the Google.org, the San Francisco 49ers, including Jesse Lovejoy, director of STEM Education and the 49ers Museum, and Khan Academy CEO, Sal Khan helped celebrate the achievements of these students. The LearnStorm 2016 Finals were hosted by the 49ers who lent additional support this year alongside lead funder Google.org.

Other Stats:

Over 40% of the Bay Area students that enrolled in LearnStorm attended schools that had at least 50% of their student populations qualifying for the National School Lunch Program.
Over 15 million problems completed by students registered for LearnStorm Bay Area 2016
Over 200,000 hours spent on Khan Academy by students registered for LearnStorm Bay Area 2016.

A student from Highland Elementary School enjoyed the carnival.

Khan Academy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to change education for the better by providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. We believe that students of all ages should have free, unlimited access to the best educational content, and that they should be able to consume and master this content at their own pace. In addition, we believe that there are incredible opportunities to use intelligent software development, deep data analytics, and intuitive user interfaces to more effectively surface and present these educational resources to students and teachers around the world. Our library of content covers kindergarten to early college math, science topics such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and reaches into humanities with tutorials on economics, finance, music, philosophy, and art history. To date, we have delivered more than 750M lessons and more than 5 billion practice problems. For further information, visit www.khanacademy.org.

Community College District Board begins search for new chancellor, public invited to participate

May 16, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

The Governing Board (Board) has officially begun the search for the next chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District (District). The Board is committed to conducting an equitable, inclusive, and transparent national search that will attract a strong pool of outstanding candidates, and encourages members of the community to participate in the selection process.

Assisting the District in the chancellor search is the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). ACCT has conducted over 400 community college executive searches and brings a wealth of information and expertise to the process. Working directly with the District is Dr. Pamila Fisher, a longtime California community college educator, who recently assisted in the search for the new president of Contra Costa College. A search committee is currently being identified using District policy guidelines, representing a cross-section of constituents, including students and community members. During the summer months the primary activity will be recruitment led by ACCT, and the search committee’s work will occur in September and October with the goal of announcing our new chancellor by the end of the year.

Open public forums are being held on May 23rd and May 24th with Dr. Fisher to learn more about the search process and to share ideas on the challenges and opportunities facing the District and the ideal characteristics desired in the new chancellor. Here are the dates, location and times of the public forums.

Date	Location	Time	Room
May 23	LMC	10:00 am – 11:30 am	L-109
May 23	CCC	12:30 pm – 2:00 pm	Three Seasons, AA-239
May 23	DO	3:00 pm – 4:30 pm	Board Room
May 24	DVC	11:00 am – 12:30 pm	Diablo Room

For those unable to attend one of the public forums, you may provide your comments by clicking here.

The questions for you to consider are:

What are the major issues and challenges facing the District and its colleges in the next three to five years?
What characteristics, qualities, attributes and skills do you think are critical for the new chancellor’s success?

The District is seeking a new leader following Chancellor Helen Benjamin’s December 31, 2016, retirement announcement.

Progress reports and updates will be posted on the District website. Members of the community will also have an opportunity to meet the chancellor finalists at public forums during the last stage of the process.

Contra Costa students honored for excellence at annual Career Technical Ed/ROP awards ceremony

May 16, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

On Thursday, May 12, the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) honored 41 high school students, representing 27 schools in Contra Costa and Alameda counties, with the Students of Excellence Awards for their outstanding achievement in their CTE/ROP (Career Technical Education/Regional Occupational Program) classes. The celebrated students were each presented a certificate of merit and a $250.00 scholarship award. Scholarship funding was provided by Honda Walnut Creek, John Muir Health, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Walnut Creek Honda, and C&H Sugar.

More than 200 attendees were on hand at the Concord Senior Center. Along with the honored students and their families, the students’ teachers and ROP business-partnership representatives were also on hand. Welcoming remarks were made by Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata, County Board of Education President Christine Deane, Assembly Member Jim Frazier, and CCCOE Director of Student Programs Janet Haun.

Superintendent Sakata individually presented the awards and checks to each student on stage, followed by a short speech from each of the awardees. The common themes of the heart-felt speeches were their gratitude of their parents and families, as well as their appreciation for their CTE/ROP courses and teachers. Many of the students said their CTE/ROP courses were the highlight of coming to school, and that the classes made their future career goals much clearer.

The Contra Costa County CTE/ROP serves nearly 12,000 students annually with classes in 34 high schools throughout Contra Costa and Alameda counties. Currently, there are 393 state-of-the-art career development classes in this program. CTE/ROP focuses on career preparation and exploration, hands-on experience, and academic excellence to prepare students for success in college and future careers. CTE/ROP provides students with the newest equipment, rigorous academic standards, and classes in emerging technologies. All of the CTE/ROP classes and programs are directed by and funded through the CCCOE. For more information about CTE/ROP classes, visit their website.

The following outstanding students received certificates of merit plus $250.00 in scholarship awards for the CTE/ROP courses they excelled in during the current school year:

ANTIOCH
Mark Jovero, Art & Animatio,
Antioch High School – Erin Susoev, Instructor

Angelita Yarborough, Careers in Teaching
Antioch High School – Tamsen Armstrong, Instructor

Shyriah Vaughn, Cosmetology
Delta Beauty College – Tamara Reaves, Instructor

Jacqueline Villaseñor, Sports Medicine
Dozier-Libbey Medical High School – Kim O’Leary, Instructor

Jordan Bjorklund, Television Production
Deer Valley High School – Kiel Olff, Instructor

Noah Lema, Marketing
Deer Valley High School – Steve Kish, Instructor

BERKELEY
Milo Whitburn-Thomas, Advanced Digital Photography
Berkeley High School – Gabriel Berent, Instructor

BRENTWOOD
Miranda Breves, Robotics Engineering
Heritage High School – Rob Pardi, Instructor

Christianna McFarland, Law Enforcement Careers
Heritage High School – Matt Carr, Instructor

Joseph Gliedt, Fire Science
Liberty High School – James Scarbrough, Instructor

Tianna Nelson, Automotive Technology
Liberty High School – Jonathan Dorr, Instructor

CLAYTON
Miya Adolphson, Game Design
Clayton Valley Charter High School – Evan Hughes, Instructor

Andrey Pristinsky, Civil Engineering & Architecture
Clayton Valley Charter High School – Scott Farquhar, Instructor

CONCORD
Jake Gorospe, Computer Applications
Concord High School – Laurie Harris, Instructor

Zachary Ruiz, Robotics Engineering
Concord High School – Tom Trowbridge, Instructor

Yoselin Tamayo, Careers in Teaching
Ygnacio Valley High School – Thatcher Palmer, Instructor

Claire Rader, Biotechnology
Ygnacio Valley High School – Maria Fletcher, Instructor

DANVILLE
Grant Hayes, Architectural Design
Monte Vista High School – Mike Huntsman, Instructor

Katie Parker, AP Environmental Science
San Ramon Valley High School – Cindy Egan, Instructor

EL CERRITO
Lucy Tabor, Art of Video Production
El Cerrito High School Theodore Grover, Instructor

LAFAYETTE
Julia Lauer, Digital Arts/Design for the Web
Acalanes High School – Susan Lane, Instructor

MARTINEZ
Elizabeth Doty, Automotive Technology
Alhambra High School – Brian Wheeler, Instructor

Matt Webb, Construction Technology
Alhambra High School – Jay Heeb, Instructor

MORAGA
Holly Moore, Advanced Sports Medicine
Campolindo High School – Ray Albiento, Instructor

OAKLEY
Kaleigh Rubio, Careers with Children
Freedom High School – Elizabeth Rodriguez, Instructor

PIEDMONT
Kaitlyn De Mello, Culinary Careers
Piedmont High School – M’Lisa Kelley, Instructor

PINOLE
Marina Boudsady, Publications
Pinole Valley High School – Alexander Van Hook, Instructor

Shalvena Sharma, Law Enforcement Careers
Pinole Valley High School – Patricia Blades, Instructor

PITTSBURG
Shudipto Rahman, AP Computer Science
Pittsburg High School – Romeo Simionas, Instructor

RICHMOND
Luis Arreola, Hospital Health Services
De Anza High School – David Pintado, Instructor

Simranpreet Kaur, Hospital Health Services
De Anza High School – Fathom Riordan-Ng, Instructor

Jacqueline Hopkins, Digital Photography
Kennedy High School – Steve Pinto, Instructor

Mariana Romero, Advanced Photography
Richmond High School – John Ohlmann, Instructor

SAN RAMON
Annissa Bensalah, Journalism Productions
California High School – Brian Barr, Instructor

Kathryn Lew, Analytical Forensic Science
California High School – Andrew White, Instructor

Emily Lai, Introduction to Business
Dougherty Valley High School – Jeff Silverman, Instructor

Bethany Vega, Computer Graphic Arts
Dougherty Valley High School – Jeff Silverman, Instructor

WALNUT CREEK
Jaclyn Leonard, Medical Technologies
Las Lomas High School – Kathleen Mooney, Instructor

Makena Paynton, Sports Medicine
Northgate High School – Glen Barker, Instructor

Roya Stoops, Veterinary Science
Northgate High School – Melanie Scott, Instructor

Five honored as Contra Costa County Classified School Employees of Year

April 26, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Each year, the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE), in partnership with the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), participates in the California State Classified School Employee of the Year (CSEY) program, coordinated by the California Department of Education. Recently, the CCCOE and ACSA announced this year’s honored employees.

Contra Costa County Classified School Employee of the Year Honorees

Steve Waters, Campus Resource Assistant, Pittsburg Unified School District, Campus Resource Category

Norma Arreguin, Instructional Aide, Brentwood Union School District, Para-Educator and Instructional Assistant Category

Mark Mortenson, Maintenance Craftsman, Orinda Union School District Maintenance, Operations and Facilities Category

Vickey Corker, Secretary, Student Services, Byron Union School District, Office and Technical Category

Jeri Sutherland, Library Media Coordinator, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Support Services and Security Category

Maxine Williford, Business Office Technician, John Swett Unified School District, Transportation Category

Contra Costa County Classified School Employee of the Year Nominees

Maintenance, Operations, and Facilities Category:

Donald Howard, Welder, West Contra Costa Unified School District

Jeanette Navarro, Custodian I, Pittsburg Unified School District

Greg Wiggs, Lead Custodian, Contra Costa County Office of Education

Office and Technical Category:

Ellena Ashley, Maintenance & Operations Technician, Pittsburg Unified School District

Martha Collins, Human Resources Assistant II, Contra Costa County Office of Education

Jenny Goodspeed, District Advisor, Contra Costa County Office of Education

Lina Gramatikova, District Payroll Audit Specialist, Contra Costa County Office of Education

Lisa Gruen, Human Resources Technician, West Contra Costa Unified School District

Brenda Kozak, School Administrative Secretary, Contra Costa County Office of Education

Sylvia McClaflin, Special Education Administrative Technician, West Contra Costa Unified School District

Janice Rodriguez, Senior Accounting Assistant, Contra Costa County Office of Education

Debra Shelby, Administrative Assistant II, Contra Costa County Office of Education

Michelle Snyder, College & Career Coordinator, Liberty Union School District

June Stephens, Electronic Communications Specialist, Contra Costa County Office of Education

Jennifer Wall, Administrative Assistant III, Contra Costa County Office of Education

Heidi Wise, Office Manager, Martinez Unified School District

Para-Educator and Instructional Assistance Category:

Stone Chandler, Special Education Assistant, West Contra Costa Unified School District

Raquel Enriquez, Instructional Aide, Pittsburg Unified School District

The CSEY program, sponsored by the CCCOE/ACSA, highlights the contributions of exemplary classified school employees that support and play a key role in promoting student achievement, safety, and health in California public schools, from preschool through 12^th grade.

“We are proud to participate in the Classified School Employee of the Year Program,” said Karen Sakata, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools. “These amazing individuals are instrumental in promoting student learning and ensuring that our schools, districts and county offices operate smoothly and efficiently.”

All nominees will be recognized at a reception sponsored by the CCCOE, on April 28. The California state’s awardees will be honored at a luncheon in Sacramento, during Classified School Employee Week, May 15-19, 2016.

Finalists for 2016-2017 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year honor named

April 18, 2016 By Publisher Leave a Comment

The following four teachers have been named as the 2016-2017 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year (TOY) Finalists: Shauna Hawes, Mt. Diablo Unified School District; Gina Minder-Maldonado, Oakley Union Elementary School District; Summer Rodriguez, Liberty Union High School District; and Joyce Rooks, San Ramon Valley Unified School District. Two of these four finalists will be chosen in late September, and will represent Contra Costa County in the California State TOY Program.

Shauna Hawes teaches computer applications/technology to grades 6-8 at Valley View Middle School, in Pleasant Hill. The 18-year teacher has been with the Mt. Diablo Unified School District during her entire teaching career. Prior to her current position, Hawes taught 6th grade core (English, history, and reading) at Valley View. Before coming to Valley View, she taught 5th grade (all subjects) at Hidden Valley Elementary, in Martinez, from 1998-2007.

Gina Minder-Maldonado will soon be finishing her 25th year of teaching. For the past 17 years, Minder-Maldonado has taught 2nd grade at Oakley Elementary School, in Oakley. Her former teaching experience includes preschool and transitional kindergarten grades, as well as elementary after school and summer school instruction.

Summer Rodriguez has been an educator for 16 years at Liberty High School, in Brentwood. Rodriguez has taught all levels of high school English, AP English language and composition, and AP English literature and composition. In addition to her education duties, she has served as director of the school’s student activities.

Joyce Rooks began her career in teaching after serving as a senior programmer analyst/senior systems analyst for Mervyns, as well as an independent computer-training consultant. She is currently in her 13th year teaching for the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, where she has served as an instructor for Dougherty Valley High, California High, and Coyote Creek Elementary. She has been teaching first and second grades for the past five years at Creekside Elementary, in Danville.

The county’s TOY program is directed by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE). With such a high caliber of teaching professionals to draw from, the CCCOE’s TOY program uses a three-stage selection process, with a point and percentage system to determine the final candidates as follows:

I Application Screening:

On April 8, a committee of 14 judges, representing the county’s education, business, and public-sector partners meticulously reviewed the applications submitted by the school districts. This committee independently rated each application. After the application screening and scoring was completed, these four teachers were selected to advance to the next two phases as TOY finalists.

II Classroom Observation and Interview:

During the months of April and early May, a small committee of education specialists and business partners will observe the four finalists interacting with their students during class, followed by interviews with the TOYs. The committee and finalists will discuss topics such as their teaching philosophies and student-progress techniques.

III Speech Presentation:

On August 15, the four TOY finalists will each give a three- to five-minute speech to another panel of a dozen educators, business, and public-sector representatives who will judge the finalists on their speech and presentation skills.

On the evening of September 22, 2016, all 21 TOYs, accompanied by their families, friends, and co-workers (an audience of close to 500) will be honored at the annual Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Dinner Celebration, held at the Hilton Concord. Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata, who serves as master of ceremonies, introduces the TOYs by sharing a special story that reflects her classroom visits of each teacher during the current spring and summer months. This will be followed by the four finalists giving their three- to five-minute speeches (same speeches given in August) to the filled banquet room. Finally, the night will come to a dramatic close with the announcement of the two 2016-2017 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year.

Currently, there are approximately 8,400 teachers educating more than 174,800 students in Contra Costa County’s public schools. To recognize their efforts and bring much-deserved honor to the teaching profession, the participating school districts in the county recently named their Teachers of the Year (TOY) representatives. (See entire list of the county’s TOYs on our earlier news release.) This year’s 21 TOYs represent 16 Contra Costa County school districts, the Contra Costa Community College District, and the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE). Twenty of these representatives, those who teach grades pre-K thru adult education, are eligible to compete in the Contra Costa County TOY competition. The two winners of the county TOY program will represent Contra Costa County in the California State TOY Program this coming fall.