Run for healthier school lunches
 Studies show that kids who eat healthy meals have better educational outcomes and perform better on standardized tests. Introducing more salad bars into K-8 schools here in Santa Clara County is one of the easiest ways to increase kids' consumption of fruits and vegetables, while encouraging healthier eating habits. New nutrition standards double the amount of fruits and vegetables required to be served in school lunches, and salad bars are a simple way for schools to comply, but each salad bar station costs $2,625. In the last 30 years, the percentage of overweight or obese children in America has tripled. Another positive outcome of increasing children's intake of fruits and vegetables is that it will help address this epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also found that there is a 15% reduction in school absences when kids eat nutritious lunches. To register for the Heart & Soles 5K and support bringing salad bars to schools, click here. Proceeds from registration and sponsorships will provide salad bars to schools across the county that want them. Volunteers will also be needed on the day of the event, click here for more details.
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Eight-county early learning forum
 State legislators from across the Bay Area will participate in an open dialogue about pending state legislation focused on early education, as well as the January budget proposal and its impact on early care and education programs. Legislative panelists include State Senators Jim Beall and Mark Leno and State Assemblymembers Joan, Buchanan, Paul Fong, Rich Gordon, Kevin Mullin and Mark Stone. A keynote address will be given by Ted Lempert of Children Now. Register today for this informational forum, which is co-hosted by the Local Child Care Planning Councils of Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.
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Board denies charter petition
Here's a summary of actions taken by the Board at its Jan. 15 meeting:
- Voted 4 to 3 to deny a charter petition from Navigator Schools to open a school in the city of Morgan Hill;
- Recognized special education teacher Juana Lazaga-Kaanapu of Gateway School as Employee of the Month for January;
- Heard an update on the School District Consolidation Report; and
- Presented appointments to the County Board committees for the 2014 calendar year.
The Board of Education is the elected governing body of the SCCOE. 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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Classified School Employee of the Year nominations open
Each year, the California Department of Education (CDE) invites county offices of education across the state to participate in the annual Classified School Employee of the Year (CSEY) program. The CSEY program highlights the contributions of classified school employees who provide essential services and support to the education of California's K-12 public school students.
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2012's recognized employees |
Each county office is invited to submit nominations for both internal staff and staff from the individual school districts located within the county. The CDE reviews all nominations from across California and identifies six exemplary classified school employees for the statewide award. Staff in the following categories will be honored: Child Nutrition; Maintenance, Operations and Facilities; Office and Technical; Para-Educator and Instructional Assistance; Support Services and Security; and Transportation.
This year's nominations are due to the Santa Clara County Office of Education by Monday, Feb. 24, with finalists moving on to the CDE in March. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson will announce the six Classified School Employee of the Year awardees in April, who will be honored at a ceremony on May 22 in Sacramento. All classified school employees across the state will be celebrated during Classified School Employee Week from May 19-23.
For more information on how to submit a nomination as a district, including nomination instructions and forms, click here. Please contact the Santa Clara County Office of Education's Media & Communications department at (408) 453-6814 for more information.
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Young Artists Showcase seeking submissions for 2014
 Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers are encouraged to submit original student artwork for selection into the SCCOE's permanent collection. Submissions are limited to one piece of art work per student, and 10 submissions per school. All Santa Clara County public/charter schools and public pre-school programs are eligible to participate.
Submissions will be accepted from Feb. 1 through April 5, with judging occurring the second week in April. Students will be notified of their selection during the week of April 18.
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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 is commited to serving, inspiring and promoting student and public school success. |
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The Santa Clara County Office of Education has partnered with the 
The County Office of Education's 