From the desk of
Charles Weis, Ph.D. County Superintendent of Schools Earlier this month, 95 students were recognized in Santa Clara County Office of Education graduation ceremonies. The COE's Special Education Department honored 30 students, and the Alternative Education Department honored 65 students. I had the honor of addressing graduates at the latter event. The Alternative Education Department provides educational programs for students who are under court supervision, or who are not attending regular school for a variety of reasons. Although their circumstances may vary from those of students at a "regular" high school, the atmosphere at their graduation is no less exciting. Many of them had to overcome very difficult circumstances to reach this stage, and their hard work and dedication paid off with a diploma. I made one request of the graduates: Remember the people and the institutions that helped them along the way. I urged them to "come back, and give back," and help to enable those who follow them to earn the same success. Beyond that, my message was brief (which I'm sure was appreciated) and simple. I encouraged the graduates to pursue their passion in life, and get the training they will need to make that their career. If your career allows you to do what you love, you'll never have to work a day in your life. I have been lucky enough to find such a career. I hope this year's graduates, throughout our county, have the same great fortune. 
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Workshop focuses on school librarians
School library staff members will learn how to partner with public libraries, incorporate technology into the library, spruce up their space, and much more at an upcoming workshop.
Cohosted by the COE and the San Mateo County Office of Education, the ninth-annual Library Summer Camp runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 4 at the COE, 1290 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose.
Registration costs $50. Sign up online, and contact Lonni Gause by email or (408) 453-6800 for more information.
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Links of Interest Pertussis immunization requirements This online resource guide can help parents, teachers and school districts understand legislation that requires all students entering seventh through 12th grade this coming school year to be immunized against pertussis, an illness more commonly known as whooping cough. 
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SJ2020 report reveals growth, challenges
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 Major strides have been made in the effort to eliminate the achievement gap in San Jose schools within the decade, but significant challenges remain, said education and city officials recently.
San José Mayor Chuck Reed and Dr. Charles Weis, Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools, announced the release of the "SJ2020 Annual Report" and "Baseline Metrics" report June 3 at Anderson Elementary in San José.
Both the Annual Report and the Baseline Metrics report are available online.
In late 2009, the Santa Clara County Office of Education, the City of San José, educators, business leaders and community organizations launched SJ2020, a joint initiative to eliminate the achievement gap in San José by the year 2020.
The achievement gap refers to the disparity in academic achievement between lower-performing Hispanic and African-American students, and higher-performing Asian and White/non-Hispanic students.
 Here's a quick snapshot of SJ2020 progress as outlined in the Annual Report:
- Identification of four focus areas (Early Learning, Home and Community, School and Classroom, and College and Career Success);
- Launch of the Early Learning Master Plan;
- Creation of a series of evaluation metrics to track progress and effectiveness; and
- Formation of an executive committee from leaders throughout the community.
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What do you think about Education Bulletin?
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 Please share your opinions about Education Bulletin by taking a brief and anonymous online survey.
The three-question survey is available here.
Your valuable feedback will be used to improve future issues of the Education Bulletin, an electronic newsletter published monthly since November 2009 by the COE.
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Inclusion Collaborative partners celebrated |
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 A "Celebrate Inclusion" luncheon, hosted last month by the Inclusion Collaborative of Santa Clara County, celebrated the group's accomplishments and recognized community leaders who have supported its efforts.
California State Assembly Member Jim Beall delivered the keynote address, which was held at the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose. In his address, Beall recognized Jolene Smith, FIRST 5's Executive Director, and the FIRST 5 Santa Clara County Commission; Mary-Anne Bosward, the COE's Special Education Director; and Charmaine Warmenhoven, philanthropist.
See video of the celebration here.
 Housed at the COE, the Collaborative focuses on including children with special needs in child care, preschool programs and the community through education, advocacy and awareness.
The luncheon also gave participants the opportunity to sign a "Pledge of Respect for Students with Disabilities." The pledge outlines how people can use respectful language by employing "person-first" terminology, or placing the person before the label (for example, saying "a child with autism" instead of "an autistic child").
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'Head of the Class' features Inclusion partner |
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 When children with and without special needs learn and play together, everyone benefits -- including their parents and teachers, Charmaine Warmenhoven said in the latest episode of "Head of the Class."
Watch the video here.
Charmaine, one of the main donors behind the COE's Inclusion Collaborative, is profiled in this month's episode of the online news program. Read more about Charmaine's contribution to the program, as well as her longtime passion for inclusion.
"Head of the Class" showcases programs and initiatives at the SCCOE and in school districts throughout the county. |
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Board honors staffer, OKs charter contracts |
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Here's a summary of the Santa Clara County Board of Education's actions at its June 1 and June 15 meetings:
- Recognized Mary Jimenez as June's Employee of the Month
- Approved operating contracts for five charter schools: ACE; Communitas; Downtown College Prep-Alum Rock; Silicon Valley Flex Academy; and Summit Public School: Tahoma
The Board of Education is the elected governing body of the COE. 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.
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Young county scientists excel at science fair
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 Eight local high school students recently won awards at a prominent science fair that drew entries from about 1,500 students from 65 countries.
The victorious students were among 10 budding Santa Clara County scientists who claimed a chance to compete May 8-13 in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair after winning at the local Synopsis Silicon Valley Science and Engineering Fair in March.
The students' projects focused on a wide range of topics, including bioengineering, molecular biology, astronomy and organic chemistry.
Half of the eight winners won grand awards, which range in value from $500 to $75,000, the top prize won by students from Lafayette, Calif. The fair's special awards include scholarships, summer internships, equipment grants and trips. |
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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 COE 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 COE takes pride in being a premier employer and a champion for children, schools, and community. |
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