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Happy New Year! I hope this year brings you health, wealth and happiness!
The new-year brings many new challenges and opportunities in education. All indicators seem to say that education funding may be on the rise. While it is still early in the budget process, the Governor's recent proposal reflects modest gains for education next year. Let's keep our fingers crossed!
Hey, let's go Bowling!
Thanks to the 40 LCOE'ers who made our bowling night a great success! We had a good time and raised over $500 for our scholarship for a LCOE graduating student. Congratulations to Andy Goodwin who bowled a 169 for top honors! Also, Kudos to TEAM HANCE for the classy matching bowling shirts!
 | | Team Hance! Andy Goodwin, Rob Young, Victoria Garrison, and Nancy Hudson |
 | | Jase Reese giving lead bowler, Andy Goodwin, a run for his money! |
Annual Report
The Annual Report has recently been released for the 12-13 year. As in the past the Annual Report is a communication tool to report to the community the status of education and schools in Lake County. The report highlights many fine programs and activities at our school districts and Lake County Office of Education. The report has a couple of new features this year that I think you will find informative and inspiring. This year's report includes a "Look Forward" as well as a "Look Back." With all the new changes such as education funding (LCFF), implementation of the Common Core and the new Local Accountability Plan, we have included more information about these important initiatives. In addition, there are several heartwarming stories drawing specific attention to services provided to students, teachers and parents through our fine LCOE programs. You can review the entire report on the LCOE website. Thank you Shelly and Laurie for a fantastic job!
Move More 20+14
Lake County has embarked on a countywide fitness initiative called "Move More 20+14." The intent of the initiative is to encourage individuals - young and old, employee groups, and community groups to join in and be physically active for at least 20 minutes a day for 14 weeks. LCOE is a key partner in encouraging participation for our staff and all students. Please review the information in the article below to register and see how you can be a part of this endeavor. If you have an idea for a group activity or fun way for us to "move more" please share online or contact our "Move Motivator" Kandee Stolesen at kandees@lakecoe.org or call 707-262-4151.
Thanks and have a great week!
Wally
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Lake County has gone Google! Seven of the eight Lake County school districts have recently completed the move. LCOE has so far migrated nearly 5 million of your email messages, contacts, and calendars. As Google Apps for Education becomes available for you or your classroom, you will have access to the following services:
Google Docs - allows users to create and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, presentations, forms, and drawings in real-time.
Google Drive - upload, store, and share any file type.
Gmail - provides gigabytes of email storage, highly effective spam filtering, and powerful search with integrated instant messaging, voice, and video chat.
Google Calendar - allows easy scheduling, meetings and events online.
Google Sites - easily develop and customize simple web sites - no HTML required.
The use of Google Apps within Lake County allows students, faculty, and staff to easily collaborate using a single platform in an environment tailored to keep pace with today's rapidly changing technology.
Any other questions? Click here to check out LCOE's Google FAQ.
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 Lake County Office of Education announced the release of the 2012-13 Annual Report to the Community on Tuesday, January 14. The 28-page booklet begins with reflection on the achievements, expenditures, events, initiatives and demographics of the 2012-13 year. The report will be presented at each of the county school boards in the weeks ahead. Read More |
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Lake County Mock Trial Launches Year Two
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 | | Mock Trial students from Upper Lake and Middletown High Schools at last week's scrimmage, preparing for the official competition on February 12. |
The Lake County Mock Trial Program is returning for its second year, with teams gearing up for the main competition event in February.
The Mock Trial event was first held last year, after many community members and local officials - from judges to deputy district attorneys, private attorneys and educators - spent more than a year laying the groundwork, as Lake County News has reported. Middletown High School and Upper Lake High School will take part again this year.
According to LCOE's Stephanie Wayment, community support is critical to ensure our winning team can represent Lake County in the statewide competition at the end of March. We need help to offset the cost of travel for our team of students.
If you can help Sponsor a Future Attorney through the Lake County Mock Trial Program, please contact Stephanie Wayment at swayment@lakecoe.org. Any amount will help.
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LCOE Career and College Readiness CNA Graduation Congratulations to the recent graduates of the Certified Nurse Assistant Program offered through the Lake County Office of Education Career & College Readiness Department. On Thursday, December 20th students, families and staff gathered at the new training center in Clearlake to celebrate the course completion of six students. This session's graduates include Elizabeth Cornell, Denisse Herrera, Julia Johnson, Taylor McKissick, Katelin Miles and James Ramirez. Brock Falkenberg, Senior Director of Student Services and Human Resources at LCOE, addressed the students with words of wisdom and encouraged them to strive for success as they enter the medical field. Instructor, Shirley Hardy, presented the certificates to the students and raved about the natural compassion of this small group.  A new CNA class will be starting on February 24, 2014. The 13-week course will take place at the LCOE Workforce Training & Career Center located at 14092 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturdays. For more information, contact Tammy Serpa at 994-9001 x101, email tserpa@lakecoe.org or visit our website at lakecoe.org.
Group Photo (R to L): CNA Students - Front Row: James Ramirez, Denisse Herrera, Julia Johnson, Taylor McKissick, Elizabeth Cornell, (not pictured) Katelin Miles. Back Row: Superintendent of Schools Wally Holbrook, Brock Falkenberg, Shirley Hardy RN
Other Photo: (R to L): CNA students Denisse Herrera and Julia Johnson |
Lakeport Lions Support Literacy at Lakeport Elementary School
During the month of January the members of the Lakeport Lions Club will be presenting approximately 40 new books to the Lakeport Elementary School in support of the Lake County Reads initiative through the Lake County Literacy Task Force. Read more at LakeCoNews
 | | Pictured from left: Lion Trina Collins, Anita Swanson, Principal - Lakeport Elementary, Lion Ed Collins, Lion President Kandee Stolesen |
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First 5 Lake Celebrates their 15th Year
This year marks the 15th year anniversary of First 5 in Lake County, It is a great time to celebrate the young children and remember what a difference we can make in their lives. First 5 Lake funds local programs that educate parents, grandparents, caregivers and teachers about the critical role they play during a child's first five years. Here in Lake County, First 5 Lake supports important programs, including Steps to Quality and the Children's Oral Health Project. Click the links below to find out more.
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Calendar Highlights
Affordable Care Act Public Information Session with Congressman Thompson and health care leaders
January 25 | 1:00PM - 2:30PM | Lakeport Senior Center,
527 Konocti Ave., Lakeport
To RSVP, contact: Maira Ayala at 707-226-9898 or
RSVP.LakeCounty@mail.house.gov
Window to the Universe -
Voyager: 36 Years of Discovery
January 25 | 8:00PM - 11:00PM | Taylor Observatory
Read more
Arts Integration through the
Common Core State Standards
February 06 | 9:00AM - 4:00PM | MCOE, River Room
Read more.
California Preschool Instructional Network, Preschool Foundations Training: New Science and Social Science
February 06 | 5:00PM - 8:00PM | LCOE, Kesey Room
Read more
Student Discipline with Special Education Focus
February 12 | 10:00AM - 1:00PM | LCOE, Kesey Room
Read more
My Future, My Way
February 22 | 8:30AM - 3:30PM | Mendocino College, Lake Center
Read more
STEAM Exhibition for students K-14
May 3 | 1:00PM - 4:00PM | Terrace School, Lakeport
More information coming soon. Contact Stephanie Wayment, swayment@lakecoe.org
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Kick-start the new year with 11 expert tips to help you be more productive in 2014. Who doesn't want to figure out how to get more done? Or get things done more efficiently? See what some of the most productive people do to tackle the new year's work here. |
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Hank Smith
Upper Lake Union Elementary School Teacher of the Year
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Hank Smith has a positive impact on our school, students and this community. Hank's reputation makes parents eager for his influence on their children with comments such as, "he made a difference with my older children" and "my friends told me he makes learning exciting for kids!"
Hank brings a level of professionalism and creativity to his teaching. He has a gift for using humor balanced with clear expectations to meet students where they are in their understanding and bringing them to the next level. Hank's goal is "that every child, from a child with no exposure to academics to a child who is already reading, feel they are equal members of my classroom family. At the end of the year, my kids walk out of my classroom with a thirst for knowledge and a joy of learning... hopefully they leave me with as many questions as answers."
Valerie Gardner, Upper Lake Superintendent, believes the most valuable impact Hank has had on students' lives is his experience as a father of an autistic son. Through this experience he has written a book (Sticks and Stones) that describes his journey as a father and educator navigating the education system with an autistic child. As Hank explains, ' these kids have so many challenges, but along with those challenges come many gifts. Living with my son, and working with these kids.. I can't begin to put into words how rewarding it can be." Click here to view a website with more information on Sticks and Stones.
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LCOE opens new Clearlake Workforce Training and Career Center in partnership with WorkForce Lake
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at
Workforce Training & Education Center
14092 Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake Monday January 13th
On Monday, January 13, staff, supporters, and community members gathered to celebrate the opening of the Workforce Training and Education Center. The facility, located at 14092 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake, is a partnership between the Lake County Office of Education Career & College Readiness Department and Workforce Lake Business and Career Center (managed by MPIC, Inc.). Together these agencies provide services that help people find work, improve their employability skills, connect employers with qualified applicants and offer a variety of trainings. Congratulations to LCOE team members, Tammy Serpa and Amy Kiss, whose vision and determination made this important work possible. For more information on the Workforce Training and Education Center, email tserpa@lakecoe.org
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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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Anti-bullying campaign at Mountain Vista Middle School
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 Article submitted by: Berdie Guerrero Healthy Start - Family Advocate Krista DeLuna AmeriCorp Member with Healthy Start spear headed an Anti-Bullying Campaign in November, and ended with an anti-bullying assembly on December 11 at Mountain Vista Middle School. Invited to speak at the Assembly were Kelseyville High School students; Blair Brooks, Kyle Schmidt and Preston Herdt. They spoke about their own personal experiences with bullying, and the affects it has on an individual. They also spoke on their future aspirations, and afterschool activities they're involved in. They were greeted with enthusiasm, and the middle school students were engaged and connected to their stories. They also passed out anti-bullying bracelets to the crowd. Thank you to the staff at Mountain Vista Middle School for supporting this Campaign! Also, thank you Krista, for your dedication toward the Anti-Bullying Campaign and your efforts in stomping out bullying in our school!  
 Click here for information on suicide Prevention, Mental Health Awareness and Internet Resources through LCOE
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The Healthy Start News
Fall 2013 Edition
Click the link to read the latest news
about our Healthy Start programs.
- Dental Sealant Clinics
- Nurturing Parenting Class Schedule
- Foster Youth Tutoring
- And more!
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News from the State Board of Education
Bullying & Hate-Motivated Behavior Prevention. Provides resources for parents, administrators, and students on how bullying can be prevented and addressed. Resources include publications, sample policies, and frequently asked questions. See the resources here. Invest in California STEM Education:
Local Control Funding Formula: LCFF is California's new school funding formula, enacted in 2013. Actual funding allocations, when available, will be available via the Principal Apportionment page. Stay up-to-date here |
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Free Lessons - Violin, Viola, Cello
For beginning students with little or no musical experience. 4th grade through high school.
Classes to begin in February at different locations around the lake. Instruments not included but available for rent or purchase from local stores.
Presented by Lake County Symphony Association in conjunction with a grant from the Lake County Wine Alliance.
For more information contact Sue Condit sccondit@yahoo.com.
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0-8 Task Force Survey Drawing Winners Announced on December 20
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 | | Jennifer Valdez receives a $100 Visa gift card from the 0-8 Task Force. |
 | | Erica Boomer receives a $100 Visa gift card from the 0-8 Task Force |
The 0-8 Task Force collected surveys from parents around Lake County as part of an information gathering process to design parent engagement programs that support Lake County Families. Parents who completed the survey were entered in a drawing for a $100 Visa gift card. The winners were Erica Boomer and Jennifer Valdez.
For more information on the parent engagement initiative and to get involved, contact Shelly Mascari at smascari@lakecoe.org. |
Academic Decathalon Volunteers Needed
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It's not too late to volunteer at the Lake County Academic Decathlon Competition, and we need you! The speech and interview portion of the competition will be held January 25th. We are looking for approximately 60 volunteers for this date. Read more and VOLUNTEER here. |
Join the MOVEment to Move More in 20+14
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Physical Activity is good for you, and most of us don't get enough. This is why we're asking everyBODY in Lake County to take the Move More 20+14 Challenge:
Get 20 minutes or more of moderate
physical activity daily for 14 weeks. You don't have to do it all at once, and you don't even have to do it every day. 10 minutes of activity at a time is fine. Or, you may choose to walk for an hour 3-4 days during the week.
Register and learn more HERE |
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2014 Early Childhood Educator of the Year Award Program -- Nomination form now available
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Nominations are now being accepted for the 2014 Early Childhood Educator of the Year Award Program!
Click here for more information and to nominate a deserving child care provider.
For more information and to support this important program, contact Shelly Mascari at smascari@lakecoe.org.
Paper nomination forms are also available. Contact us for more information. 707-262-4162 |
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AmeriCorps marks 20th anniversary of giving back to the community
It's an exciting year for AmeriCorps, which is marking its 20th anniversary.
In 1993, the Corporation for National and Community Service developed the AmeriCorps program as a way for Americans to give back to their communities.
Every day in communities across America, AmeriCorps members are making a powerful impact on the most critical issues facing our nation.
Read more in LakeCo News here
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Youth Summit Brings Student Leaders Together for Impact
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 | | Students from Upper Lake and Lower Lake High Schools working together to find solutions. |
The Lake County Youth Summit was held on January 15 at the Lake County Fairgrounds. The event is open to all Lake County high school students, and this year 13 students from Upper Lake and Lower Lake High Schools participated.
According to Jolene Chappel from The Harbor on Main, "Youth feel the issues that adults struggle to solve. This is an opportunity for the students to express their ideas and come up with solutions that are meaningful to them."
This day-long event begins with students connecting with one another, followed by an interactive "What makes you a leader" activity. The answers included qualities such as taking initiative, showing up, being honest, and getting involved.
Students were also asked to consider what barriers are preventing other students from becoming leaders. The work then focused on addressing issues that are impacting their lives and the lives of all Lake County Youth.
Theresa Ly, MPH, from Know the Signs Suicide Prevention, also gave a special presentation to the students during lunch time. She emphasized that fellow teens are often the first to notice if someone is acting different, and her goal is to give students the tools to recognize the signs and get help.
Previous years' Youth Summits addressed issues such as teen safety and drug use. Once the students select the issues they want to address, the participants break into small groups and work on solutions. Solution presentations include skits and artistic representations. The goal is to take it back to the schools and inform teachers and leaders about their findings and solutions.
Jim Gessner, from Lake County Behavioral Health, says, "Young people have issues and people have to hear it -- the information needs to get back to the schools and the teachers."
The Youth Summit, now in its third year, has the potential for incredible impact in Lake County, according to Rob Young from the Lake County Office of Education: "Our goal is for every school to participate, and take the student feedback seriously. We have tremendous student leaders through the county, and we need every one of them working to address these important issues."
The students this year identified two barriers to their education: distractions (such as cell phone use) and marijuana use by students. Within the next two months, the facilitators will join the student leaders on their campuses to engage more students and staff, and help identify solutions to these challenges.
The collaborative sponsors of the Youth Summit are: Lake County Behavioral Health, The Harbor on Main, and Lake County Office of Education.
 | | Theresa Ly, MPH, Know the Signs; Jolene Chappel, The Harbor on Main; Jim Gessner, Lake County Behavioral Health; Rob Young, Lake County Office of Education |
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