From the desk of
Charles Weis, Ph.D. County Superintendent of Schools As we take time this week to count our blessings and remember that for which we should be thankful, I want to acknowledge all of those who dedicate their time, energy and resources to the service of public education. Our schools may not be perfect, but they are better than they often are given credit for -- thanks to the teachers, administrators, support staff and everyone else who keep them going day-in and day-out. I'm also thankful that we have an education system that, for all its faults, is uniquely dedicated to the proposition that all students -- whatever their race, socioeconomic status or disability -- have the right to an education that will improve and enrich their lives.
I hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and that your life is abundant with reasons to give thanks.
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Stop by the COE for story time
Stop from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 3 for a special holiday program. The monthly program is designed for children aged 2 and older, and includes stories, songs, poetry and puppets. The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day.
The center is located on the first floor of the COE, 1290 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, CA 95131.
The center also has books, educational games, DVDs and activities available for checkout. It's open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and beginning in January, until 7 p.m. on Thursdays.
Also, beginning Jan. 7, the center will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month.
Call (408) 453-6800 for more information.
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Links of Interest
The State of Education
Check out data of vital interest to education planning efforts in Santa Clara County.
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Student artists shine at 15th annual event |
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 Budding Pablo Picassos and Georgia O'Keeffes showed off their talent earlier this month, when the COE recognized their creativity at the 15th annual Young Artists Showcase.
Twenty-four pieces of art submitted by students from 15 school districts were added to the COE's permanent gallery of student artwork, which now numbers nearly 900 pieces.
See photographs of the ceremony, and students posing with their creations.
A panel of judges selected the winning pieces from about 200 submissions this year; throughout the program's 15-year run, submissions have totaled about 2,000.
 A gallery of the latest additions is available online.
For the occasion, student artists and their families were treated to tours of the COE's student art gallery as well as special commendations from local elected officials.
The COE's student art gallery is believed to be California's largest collection of permanent artwork from public school students.
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| COE professional development system, district parent program earn state awards |
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A COE professional development system for teachers of English learners has been honored by a state educators' group.
 The A Look at Learning (ALL) collaborative is a recipient of the California School Boards Association's 2011 Golden Bell Awards.
For 32 years, the awards have promoted excellence in education by recognizing outstanding programs in California school districts and county offices of education.
ALL was selected as the winner in the Golden Bell's "Closing the Achievement Gap" category, which recognizes efforts to ensure the academic achievement of economically disadvantaged students, English language learners and other ethnic sub-groups of students.
 Evergreen School District is also a Golden Bell winner in the "Parent Involvement" category for its Parent University Program. Through workshops and classes conducted by teachers and administrators, Parent University teaches adults how to help their children succeed. View a video to learn more about Parent University.
ALL, led by COE Multilingual Programs Coordinator Yee Wan, and Evergreen will be recognized at a December luncheon in San Diego.
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| Board approves charter petitions, honors achievements of employee, student |
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Here's a summary of the Santa Clara County Board of Education's actions at its November 2 and 16 meetings:
- Recognized Toan Nguyen as the November Employee of the Month
- Honored COE Special Education student Carlos Cotero
- Approved countywide charter petitions for Rocketship 6, 7 and 8
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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COE Special Education student honored
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A student enrolled in the COE's Special Education program has earned state recognition for overcoming obstacles to obtain academic success.
 Chi Diem Hang was named a 2011 recipient of the Association of California School Administrators' Every Student Succeeding Awards for Region 8. The awards program honors students who exceed expectations, as well as the educators who support them. A pupil from every ACSA region is honored.
Chi's support team includes Principal Darci Hammond, and teachers Leslie Anido and Ronald Maloney.
Born with cerebral palsy and no use of her arms, Chi's potential was discounted in her native Vietnam. But upon her immigration to the United States and subsequent enrollment in the COE's Orthopedic Impairments program in October 2007, Chi found the support she needed to succeed.
Since her enrollment, Chi has learned English; taken pre-algebra; and used her feet to write, drive her electric wheelchair, and operate her "talker," a machine that vocalizes typed words.
The county Board of Education also honored her achievements last year. Watch a video that was played at the November 2010 ceremony, and learn more about Chi's accomplishments.
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| COE event showcases latest mobile technology |
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 Information technology professionals, teachers and administrators are invited to learn about the latest in mobile technology at an upcoming COE event.
The Nov. 29 Mobile Technology Vendor Show & Tell will feature information about cloud computing, mobile technology trends, and new systems and devices.
Presented by the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) Northern Section Purchasing Professional Council and the Santa Clara County Joint Purchasing Board, the free event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the COE, 1290 Ridder Park Drive in San Jose.
Vendors expected to attend include Apple, Dell, CDWG, Google, D &D Security, Microsoft, Samsung, Troxell, and Office & Tech Depot.
Attendees must register online. For more information, contact Vy Robles by email or (408) 453-6855. |
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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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