March is recognized statewide as Arts Education Month, and, like many in my line of work, I am strong believer in the value of arts in education. Exposure to the wondrous experience of creating enriches a child forever. Also, a strong arts presence in school helps reduce the dropout rate - a key component of the SCCOE's commitment to closing the achievement gap. Now, it is more important than ever to protect and nurture the arts in our schools. So, we have launched Artspiration, a countywide initiative to give every student access to quality arts experiences. We invite you to join us in our vision of a world in which the arts are a part our children's daily lives. |
Upcoming at the County Office
What: My 21st Century Classroom
When: Two sessions on April 22, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: County Office of Education, 1290 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, 95131.
Why: Presented by Google, the Technology for Learning Partnership and the SCCOE, the event will combine presentations, hands-on training and a vendor technology showcase, all in support of teaching in today's classrooms. A special focus will be on the use of interactive whiteboards, student response systems, document cameras, and netbooks/tablets.
More information: Register online for the free event. For more information, contact Paula Hundley by e-mail or call (408) 453-6589.
SCCOE honored for food drive participation
If helping to battle local hunger weren't reward enough, the SCCOE has been honored for its recent participation in a local food and fundraising drive.Second Harvest Food Bank has awarded the SCCOE a bronze-level certificate for its assistance, including a record number of financial contributions, in the annual Holiday Food and Fund Drive last fall.SCCOE participants donated 1,005 pounds of food and contributed $617 in November 2009.Money donations from the SCCOE in 2009 increased nearly 25 times over contributions in 2008, marking the highest totals in the SCCOE's 11-year tradition of participating in the drive.
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Links of InterestH1N1 InformationGet the latest information, links and resources regarding the influenza virus also known as swine flu.Gilroy Business
and Education PartnershipBusinesses, educators, employees and students can find links to services for job training and support at this new site. | |
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Recruitment fair connects teachers, districts
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 Santa Clara County Teacher Recruitment Fair organizers expect nearly 1,000 job hunters to meet with representatives from about 25 school districts March 20 at the County Office of Education.
The 23rd-annual event connects qualified teaching professionals with hiring representatives from local school districts.
Pre-register by 5 p.m. March 16 to ensure fair admittance at 9 a.m. Those without pre-registration can enter the fair at 11 a.m. once their eligibility is confirmed. The event runs until 2 p.m. at the SCCOE, 1290 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, 95131.
Visit the SCCOE's Web site to learn more about the fair and eligibility requirements, and get tips to help maximize the experience. Interested professionals can also pre-register online.
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Board renews charters, changes school names
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Here's a recap of the Santa Clara County Board of Education's actions at its Feb. 17 and March 3 meetings: - Honored the Office of Education's Employee of the Month for March, Jivan Dhaliwal, a mathematics coordinator.
- Renewed the charters for Rocketship Mateo Sheedy Elementary School and University Preparatory Academy for the period of July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2015.
- Approved name changes for five Alternative School sites.
The Board of Education is the elected governing body of the Office of Education. Its seven members serve four-year terms and are elected by different regions of the county. Learn more about the members, and view their meeting schedule, agendas and minutes online. |
Fair to host Silicon Valley student scientists
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 More than 1,000 middle school and high school students will show off their science smarts at Santa Clara County's regional science fair March 16-17 in San Jose.
Synopsys Silicon Valley Science and Technology Championship participants will compete for ribbons and medals, as well as more than 250 special prizes valued at up to $50,000.
The public can view projects from 4:30 to 6 p.m. March 17 in the south hall of the McEnery Convention Center.
High school winners will be invited to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair and the California State Science Fair, both in May.
The county fair is organized by the Santa Clara Valley Science and Engineering Fair Association, a nonprofit celebrating its 50th anniversary.
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Mock Trial state finals to be held in San Jose
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 Did a comedian kill an arts critic whose blistering online reviews might have cost him bookings? That's the question high school students will tackle this month at the Mock Trial state finals in San Jose.
Aspiring legal eagles from throughout the state - including Lynbrook High School, the winning team in the county finals - will take to San Jose's downtown courtrooms March 19-21 to hash out a legal drama that focuses on Fourth Amendment issues.
Learn more about the Mock Trial program sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation.
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Celebrate the arts this month
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 Join the SCCOE and the California Arts Council this month - recognized statewide as Arts Education Month - in celebrating, nourishing and preserving the prominent role that arts play in education and skill development.
In that vein, the SCCOE has recently launched Artspiration, a county-wide initiative to bring quality arts experiences to all public school students from pre-K to grade 12, regardless of school district, ethnicity, academic performance level, or socioeconomic status.
 Love the arts too? Become a fan of Artspiration on Facebook, and follow its progress on its blog and on Twitter.
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SCCOE staffer joins broadcasting panel
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 The KQED Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Patti Murphy, executive director of Communication Services for the SCCOE, to its Community Advisory Panel (CAP), a representation of the communities served by the Northern California Public Broadcasting (KQED, KTEH, KQET and KQEI).
CAP members ascertain and advise the Board of its effectiveness in meeting the diverse educational and cultural needs of the communities it serves. Members participate in outreach and community relations activities, and organize and participate in forums, speaker bureaus and committee assignments.
Lisa Gonzales, a SCCOE Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator, has served on the panel for nearly two years.
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Since 1852, the Santa Clara County Office of Education has provided vital services and resources to the county's 31 K-12 public school districts and more than 250,000 students. The SCCOE strives to provide: advocacy and leadership on education issues, student programs that are models of excellence, and indispensable services to schools and community partners. The SCCOE takes pride in being a premier employer and a champion for children, schools, and community. |
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