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Welcome to Dateline!
Greetings!
Welcome to the April 2012 issue of Dateline. This informative newsletter is for all those in Contra Costa County who work in education. Please tell your fellow teachers and administrators, as well as your friends who would be interested to join our mailing list ( click here, or the link button at the left column).
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Professional Development / Opportunities
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Astrobiology Summer Science Experience for Teachers (ASSET)
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ASSET is an institute for high school teachers, that will be intense and exciting, interactive, and content rich, with presentations by leading astrobiology researchers from the SETI Institute, NASA, and the California Academy of Sciences. Scientists will share the latest in astrobiology research on the origin of life on Earth, the extreme conditions in which life exists, Mars exploration, the formation of planetary systems around Sun-like stars, and the search for life in the universe. Participants receive the entire Voyages Through Time (VTT) curriculum and complementary astrobiology materials, for use in their classrooms. VTT is a standards-based integrated high school science curriculum, delivered on CDs. Curriculum, travel, and room and board expenses are grant funded. Three graduate credits are available for a very reasonable tuition fee. Dates and location: July 23-28, San Francisco State University
For info: Contact Pamela Harman at (650) 960-4523 or visit their website
Deadline: Application deadline is April 13
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Espresso Elementary
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Contra Costa County Office of Education is hosting a hands-on workshop for Espresso Elementary. Attendees will experience all the new interactive, multimedia resources now aligned to be Common Core State Standards. Participants do not need to be Espresso Elementary subscribers.
Date and location: April 24, 3:30-6:00 p.m.; CCCOE, Pleasant Hill
For info: Contact Rovina Salinas at (925)-942-5332, or visit the event's online flyer
Fee: Free
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Best Practices in Teaching Leadership BTSA Saturday Seminar Series
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This seminar series provides a broad range of opportunities for professional educators to learn research-based techniques and strategies from local and national professionals. Keynote and breakout sessions cover a variety of topics and grade levels, and provide practical and purposeful tools for both general and special educators to improve teaching practices. Networking opportunities with educators from other schools and districts are another key benefit. The program meets BTSA Induction professional development requirement. Graduate academic credit or continuing education units may also be earned.
Dates and location: May 5; Saint Mary's College, Moraga
For info: Contact Lydia Wiley at (925) 631-8124, or visit their website
Fee: $60 for individual sessions
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Upcoming Events / Field Trips |
10th Annual Day of the Teacher Conference
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The 10th Annual Day of the Teacher Conference is an incredible opportunity for current, new, and prospective teachers, as well as credential students to gain invaluable skills and techniques, while networking with various school districts. Featured speakers will include Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph A. Ovick and current Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Deborah Bordeau. Attendees will be able to access workshops and workshop materials, as well as take in the Education Fair. Lunch will be provided.
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Mitchell 20 - Teacher Quality is the Answer
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The University of Phoenix College of Education, Bay Area is hosting the screening of Mitchell 20 - Teacher Quality is the Answer. The documentary tells the story of sacrifice, commitment, leadership, and hope in a high-poverty school in the Isaac School District, located in urban Phoenix. The film features Daniela Robles and the 19 teachers she inspired to work toward National Board Certification.
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COOL Nite
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College Offers Opportunities for Life (COOL) Nite is a special evening for middle-school students and their families to learn about the students' transition into high school, as well as opportunities for college and careers.
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Foster Youth Community College Education Summit
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Foster youth, who are high school juniors or seniors, and their caregivers are invited to an information day about local community colleges and vocational programs. Attendees will learn about the college's on-campus foster youth services and resources, the college experience, and entrance requirements. There will also be a tour of the campus. In addition, food will be served during registration and a Target gift card will be given to eligible foster youth attendees. (Caregivers who attend will receive three hours of continuing education credit.)
Deadline: Register before April 20, space is limited
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Law School Mock Trial Looking for High School Jurors
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U.C. Berkeley School of Law's criminal practice instructors are looking for high school students (16-18) to volunteer as jurors for a full-day mock murder trial. Produced by the Contra Costa County Public Defender Robin Lipetzky, this is a tremendous opportunity for students who are on their school's Mock Trial team or just interested in the criminal justice system.
Date and location: April 21, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; Bray Courthouse, Martinez
For info: Contact Robin Lipetzky, at (925) 335-8035
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Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society
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The Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society will gladly organize an astronomy night for your school, youth group, or community organization. The organization's members volunteer their time and their telescopes to bring the universe to you. They also provide knowledgeable speakers and activities on various astronomy topics, either in a classroom or in a meeting setting.
Fee: Free
For info: Contact Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society by email or visit their website
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Toshiba America Foundation
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Toshiba America Foundation is currently accepting applications from teachers who are passionate about making science and mathematics more engaging for their students. Do you teach grades 6-12 science or math? Do you have a wish list of instructional equipment that will make learning more exciting for your students? If the answer is yes to these questions, Toshiba America Foundation would like to hear from you. Grades 6-12 applications for $5,000 or less are accepted on a rolling basis, throughout the calendar year. Grants requests of more than $5,000 are reviewed twice a year.
For info: Contact (212) 596-0620 or e-mail, or visit their website
Deadlines: Applications for grants of more than $5,000 are due August 1st and February 1st each year.
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ING's Run for Something Better
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Working in partnership with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, ING will provide a minimum of fifty grants (up to $2,500 to each school) to establish a school-based-running program or expand an existing one through the ING Run for Something Better program. The program is open to elementary and middle schools (K-8) in the United States. Programs may be facilitated by a physical education teacher, coach, classroom teacher, or school administrator. Programs should culminate in a running event as a final test to help participants realize what they have accomplished.
For info: Visit ING's website
Deadline: May 15
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The ING Unsung Heroes honors excellence in education by selecting 100 K-12 educators to receive $2,000 to help fund their innovative classroom projects. Of these 100 finalists, 3 will be chosen to receive an additional $5,000, $10,000, and $25,000.
For info: Visit ING's website
Deadline: April 30
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The Warren W. Eukel Teacher Trust Fund
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The Warren W. Eukel Teacher Trust Fund annually distributes three separate $10,000 grants to outstanding teachers. The Trust will select nominees who exhibit extraordinary commitment of personal time and energy on behalf of their students. Teachers can self-nominate, or be nominated by an administrator, colleague, or student. The award may be used in any manner the recipient wishes.
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The Synopsys Outreach Foundation Grants
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The non-profit Synopsys Outreach Foundation is awarding ten grants to California K-8 teachers in the amount of $2,000 each to help them undertake class or school-wide projects intended to have a positive and measurable impact on the environment.
For info: Visit their website for details
Deadline: April 16
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Drama Workshops
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The Berkeley Repertory Theatre has developed a wide range of free and low-cost outreach classes to Bay Area schools that cover multiple California content standards through hands-on, dynamic workshops. Whether bringing dramatic text to life or developing students' original work, their professional teaching artists help students to expand their creative potential by challenging them to explore complex ideas and universal themes in literature and life. Using theatre arts techniques that encourage teamwork and ensemble-building, students will gain self confidence and understand not only the importance of human connection, but the joy of dynamic engagement with their creativity.
For info: Contact the outreach department at (510) 647-2972 or visit the program's website
Fee: First hour free, sliding scale of $55-$60 per hour, for additional hours
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Fire Safety Programs
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The Contra Costa Fire Protection District is offering a number of in-class or auditorium programs for schools in Antioch, Pittsburg, Bay Point, Concord, Clayton, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, San Pablo, El Sobrante, and North Richmond. There are presentations for pre-school to high school students, as well as PTA meetings.
For info: Contact the CCFPD at (925) 941-3327 or review the programs on their website
Fee: Free
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Get Active!
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The East Bay Regional Park District are calling for Contra Costa and Alameda County kids (12-18) to demonstrate how they Get Active! Participants can do so through poster art, rap/spoken word, or video/skit. There will will be more than $1,000 in cash and prizes awarded to the winning entries. Finalists will be promoted on the East Bay Regional Park District's websites, as well as featured in the East Bay Regional Park District's Healthy Parks Healthy People Festival. An additional exhibition is planned for fall 2012 in Tilden Regional Park's Environmental Education Center.
For info: Contact Allen Meyer at (415) 503-4170, ext. 114 or visit the contest website
Deadline: May 15
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Fight the Bite Poster Contest
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Through this national contest, students, grades 5-6, across the country are encouraged to help others learn ways to protect against tick and mosquito bites and the diseases they can transmit. State-contest-winning students, one from each grade, will earn a $50 prize, and will then be eligible for the national grand prize of $1,000.
For info: Contact contest administrator at (800) 789-3300 or visit the event website
Deadline: April 18
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The Caldecott Fourth Bore Medallion Competition
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Visuals and Voices Contest
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Published by the Contra Costa County Office of Education Communications Office77 Santa Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill, California 94523Joseph A. Ovick, Ed.D., Superintendent of SchoolsEditor: Peggy Marshburn; Writer/Layout: Jonathan Lance, (925) 942-3429;Diane Morrell, Designer; June Stephens, Web Developer Dateline is distributed during the school year to all public schools in the county by the Communications Office. Information must be received by the first of the preceding month. Publication does not signify the Contra Costa County Office of Education endorses the event or program mentioned. Sincerely,
Jonathan Lance CCCOE
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