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Message from
Wally Holbrook
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Read any good books lately?
I think I may have mentioned how much I enjoyed reading "Quiet" by Susan Cain. The author describes the power of introverts and their influence in our society. It was one of those books that I think could have a profound influence on how we teach and treat our children. If you are looking for a good book, give it a look.
I now have a new favorite book! "Square Peg" by Todd Rose
The author, now a Harvard Professor and founder of Project Variability, tells a heart-wrenching story of his childhood and the trials and tribulations of growing up being known as the "misfit", "weirdo", "troubled", worst kid in school. He looks back at being categorized and being perceived as a failure at an early age, and the difficulty, if not impossibility, of changing that stereotype. He also points out those rare individuals who, in his childhood, never gave up on him. One example was his mother, who could always find the good in him, no matter how bad his antics were. The author made me think how quick we are to pass judgment on people, especially children, and what long term effects that may have on a child. I loved this book because it reminds me of the power of the positive message. If you truly believe that every child can succeed, than this book is for you.
Speaking of good books, don't forget in October we celebrate the "Big Read" with "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan. The "Big read" is a wonderful opportunity to experience the many events and activities that can be designed around just one really good book. Check out the article below for dates and times of the October events. If you attend the Pear Festival in Kelseyville, stop by the "Big Read" booth and say hi.
Thanks, have a good week!
Wally
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LCOE at the Lake County Fair
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Education is a Priceless Treasure
The theme of the Lake County Fair was Hidden Treasure, and our booth was designed to support the theme while highlighting the importance of education in Lake County. Laurie Allen, from the LPC/Communications office at LCOE, designed the "treasure map" that highlighted the treasures and jewels of Lake County -- our schools and educators.
I know any volunteer would attest to the joy of watching a child's or an adult's face light up when asked if they want to honor their favorite teacher. It was a living example of the legacy that all of you are creating in Lake County.
"Like" our FaceBook page to see more photos and comments from Lake County students and parents.
You can also view the full exhibit in the Kesey Room at Lake County Office of Education through the month of September.
 | | Mrs. Buffalo, Lakeport Elementary |
 | | Anna Sabalone, Upper Lake High School |
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The Big Read Ready to Launch
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The Lake County Big Read is a grant funded program of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to restore reading and the role of literature in American culture and to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment.
The Lake County Office of Education is one of 77 selected organizations in the U.S. to receive a grant this year.
The Big Read provides citizens with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book within their communities for approximately one month. Our program month is October and the reading selection is The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan.
Kick-off events, major events devoted specifically to the book (panel discussions, author reading, and the like); events using the book as a point of departure (film screenings, theatrical readings, art exhibits, culinary activities, and so forth); book discussions in diverse locations and aimed at a wide range oudiences (including K-12 districts and colleges, libraries, etc.) are designed to support widespread community involvement.
Get involved with The Lake County Big Read! Copies of the novel are available at your local library, bookstore and can be obtained at the LCOE office in Lakeport.
For more information on Big Read activities and to get involved, go to www.NeaBigRead.org and www.lakecoe.org. Link
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Little Read is a special part of Lake County's Big Read,
designed especially for elementary students and featuring two
picture books celebrating the Chinese Moon Festival: Moon
Cakes by Loretta Soto and The Moon Lady by Amy Tan, a story from The Joy Luck Club rewritten for children. Help your
students become part of the Little Read community by sharing
these outstanding read-alouds with them in October!
Join us as we present a variety of activities designed to make it
easy and fun to share the Little Read books with your students!
This workshop includes:
- A complimentary copy of each Little Read book (one set per Lake County public elementary school).
- An activity guide for both books for each participating teacher.
- Fabulous refreshments!
This is a free event, but please register so we'll have materials
and snacks for you!
To register, contact Carla Hoff via email: c2hoff@yahoo.com
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HUD offers chance for home ownership to educators through the Good Neighbor Next Door Program.
Law enforcement officers, pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and firefighters/emergency medical technicians can contribute to community revitalization while becoming homeowners through HUD's Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program. HUD offers a substantial incentive in the form of a discount of 50% from the list price of the home. In return you must commit to live in the property for 36 months as your sole residence.
Click the link for more information Link
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Expository Reading
and Writing Course
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You are invited to join in a partnership between California State Universities and our local high schools. The Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC) includes twelve self-contained modules based on robust, relevant, and newly updated contemporary expository selections that are available to teachers who complete the three-day workshop. Each module provides in-depth study of expository, analytical, and argumentative reading and writing that includes formative assessments, as well as final reading/writing assessments. The two-month workshop timetable allows teachers the opportunity to teach, reflect on and revise instruction within a supportive cohort of colleagues.
These rich adaptable resources, developed by a collaborative group of CSU and high school faculty, supports College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for CA CCSS, and can be offered as a self-contained "B" course or shared among all ELA staff for grades 9-12.
October 16, 17 and November 20. For more information, click here.
Special Opportunity for Returning Teachers
This invitational 3-hour workshop is intended for English teachers who have participated in professional learning for the Expository Reading and Writing Course. The workshop will provide information on the second edition of the ERWC for grade 12 and materials developed for grades 9-11. Co-sponsored by the California State University and the California County Offices of Education. Teachers will receive binders for both Semester One and Semester Two of the course. In addition, teachers attending this workshop may also access grade-specific modules via the Online Community as they become available. For more information, click here.
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SAVE THE DATE
November 2
Lake County Educator of the Year Event November 2, 6:00 pm at the Soper Reese Theater in Lakeport.
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Big Read Presents Celebrate Mothers and Daughters
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Please join us on October 2, at the Lake County Office of Education Kesey Room for an exhibit of Lake County's Mothers, Daughters, Grandmothers, sisters and Aunt, inspired by The Joy Luck Club, the Lake County Big Read selection.
To participate, please bring your framed photograph of Mothers, Daughters or special women in your life, to share before September 27th. Drop off your loaned photo at Lake County Office of Education in Lakeport or at Carle High School, attention Robin Shrive.
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Lake County's Window to the Universe is held on the third Saturday of each month. The evening's event includes a science topic presentation, a planetarium experience and astronomical viewing. Public Events are held regardless of weather. Please dress accordingly.Suggested donation is $5 per Adult and $3 per child under 12 yrs.
For more information, visit www.taylorobservatory.org or call 707-262-4121
October 26, 2013 6:30PM - 8:30PM | Taylor Observatory 5725 Oak Hills Lane, Kelseyville CA 95451
Enjoy a "Spook-tacular Evening" with refreshments and Halloween decorations. See our 'Scary Night' show in our Full Dome Planetarium. Shows will play every hour on the half hour. View Deep Sky Objects through our telescopes. Enjoy the musical entertainment and sounds of Halloween.
Costumes are encouraged to engage in the spirit of Halloween. Join in our Children's Costume Contest. Children under 12yrs will recieve a treat bag. Ticket prices $5 Adults and $3 Children under 12 years. |
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FREE FLU SHOT CLINICS
Take a shot at avoiding the flu, get your FREE flu shot. Flu shots are being sponsored by SISC Health Smarts program and are FREE to all permanent employees. Retirees and dependents who are at least 9
years and older are also eligible for a FREE flu shot if they are enrolled in a SISC health benefit plan. To schedule your flu shot click here Clinics are offered at LCOE, Lakeport Unified, Upper Lake Union Elementary and High School, Kelseyville Unified, Middletown Unified and Mendocino Unified.
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Look what's new at Upper Lake Union Elementary School
There are many fresh and interesting new items on the menu at Upper Lake Union Elementary School! New Food Director, Mechelle Finney, has brought in healthy recipes and is looking forward to working with farm to school this year as well.
The menu pictured above includes Oriental Chicken Salad with fortune cookie, fresh Pineapples and milk.
Submitted by Mechelle Finney
Food Service Director
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Travis Lyons
Konocti Unified Teacher of the Year
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The 2013-14 Konocti Unified School District Teacher of the Year is Travis Lyons from Pomo School.
For many years, Travis has served the most challenging and fragile students in the Konocti District. Travis doesn't give up on students, in fact that thought doesn't even occur to him.
Travis is very skilled at utilizing all engagement strategies. He uses his promethean board, white boards, group work, or partners, and is always keeping his students on task -- somehow. He does this while teaching mixed grade level groups with differing educational needs and deficits. Visiting teams of trainers or teachers often comment that they didn't know they were observing a special education classroom or they didn't notice the extreme challenges the students have.
Travis gives up his lunch every day to allow a group of students to eat their lunch in his room. This is often a refuge for students with social skills challenges, but has also turned into a cool place to be.
Everyone knows that Travis will not give up on a student. Through phone calls and home visits, Travis forges a relationship with uninterested parents. He shows the parent their child's strengths and soon parents that have never participated in school begin to show their pride in their child.
Lake County is fortunate to have Travis Lyons supporting our students, family and programs.
Consider attending the Educator of the Year Award night to support Travis and the other district teachers of the year, November 2, 2014. Click here for more information and to RSVP. |
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Submit articles for future issues of The Education Briefs
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Do you have an interest story, event or relevant information to share in an upcoming issue of the Education Briefs? We would love to hear from you. Click here to complete the Media Request Form, or contact Shelly Mascari at smascari@lakecoe.org.
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Click here for more information. |
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