Ribbon cutting launches formal beginning of Opportunity Youth Academy
Only 7 years after immigrating to the United States, Nayeli found herself homeless at age 14. Earning her high school diploma paled in comparison to more urgent matters, such as where her next meal would come from and where she would sleep each night. She didn't complete school.
 But Nayeli's story doesn't end there. In fact, it has a new beginning thanks to a new Santa Clara County Office of Education program that is re-engaging students aged 16-24 to help them earn their high school diploma. Now 18, Nayeli told her compelling story at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Opportunity Youth Academy in Gilroy on Nov. 6, one of three academies around the county to open this fall. With the individual attention the program provides, Nayeli is on track to graduate with a dream of going to college and ultimately helping others get out of the same circumstances she experienced. "We need a lot more programs like this," said Superintendent of Schools Jon R. Gundry. "I'm happy to be involved in this work and making sure that young people who become disconnected from the system have an opportunity to be brought back in and given a path to success."  The Opportunity Youth Academies offer students a blended program of teacher-directed instruction and online credit accrual and recovery options. The individualized support of teachers, counselors, navigators, liaisons and access to the services of SCCOE partners from community-based organizations is the hallmark of this unique program. The focus is ensuring that students leave the program with a high school diploma, not a GED and a path to post-graduation college or career. The classes students complete satisfy admission requirements for California public universities and military service. Beginning two years ago with the support of the Board of Education, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mary Ann Dewan brought together top SCCOE administrators and community partners to develop the plan for Opportunity Youth Academy to serve the 2,200 students who had dropped out of school in Santa Clara County. Most of these students were under 18 years old, and made up part of the 4,500 young people in the community who were not in school nor employed. Two additional sites recently opened in San Jose and other sites are planned throughout Santa Clara County. Interested 16- to 24-year-olds who would benefit from the Opportunity Youth Academy program should call 1-844-OYA-4UUU (1-844-692-4888) or email oya@sccoe.org.
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Chinese Star Contest winners celebrated at awards ceremony
 The hard work of hundreds of students, from kindergarten through high school, was rewarded as local education and community leaders gathered at the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) on Saturday, Nov. 14, to honor the winners of the Second Annual San Jose - Silicon Valley Chinese Star Contest. Co-sponsored by the SCCOE and the Confucius Institute at San Francisco State University, the contest encourages the exploration of Chinese language, art, poetry and culture by K-12 students.
 Almost 300 students submitted more than 480 entries in the five contest categories: Calligraphy (pen/brush), Painting/Drawing, Chinese Poetry Recital, Speech, and Team Video. This year, organizers added a Team Video category, offering students the chance to apply 21st century skills in researching and creating a video. In October, the SCCOE was transformed into a cultural exposition as students came to present their entries and have them judged.
"The Chinese Star contest offers the opportunity for youth to apply their perspectives of global awareness and multilingualism," said Superintendent of Schools Jon R. Gundry. "Student products demonstrated the ability to creatively and effectively communicate with diverse audiences through real-life application, research, and technology."
Representatives from the Confucius Institute, Chinese Consulate General of San Francisco, California Department of Education, and local school districts attended the award ceremony. Assembly member Kansen Chu, Cupertino Mayor Rod Sinks and Vice Mayor of Cupertino, Barry Chang, also attended and presented winners with official certificates of recognition.
"This contest has received strong support from our partners and sponsors, and we are grateful for their commitment to our students," said Dr. Yee Wan, Director of Multilingual Education Services.
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Educare honors SCCBOE, Superintendent Gundry for commitment to early learning
 Leaders from Educare California at Silicon Valley honored the Santa Clara County Board of Education (SCCBOE) and County Superintendent of Schools Jon Gundry for their leadership role in establishing California's first Educare preschool. The special recognition was part of the Nov. 18 SCCBOE meeting.
"Educare California at Silicon Valley is a landmark for early education; by that I mean we are making a clear statement that high quality early learning opportunities should be available for all our kids," said Jolene Smith, Board Chair of Educare California at Silicon Valley and CEO of FIRST 5 Santa Clara County. "Thank you for your leadership and your commitment to the children of this community - not only the 168 children in our classrooms now, but for generations to come."
Superintendent Gundry and trustees were presented with a plaque featuring student artwork. In addition, they received glass clocks with the Educare logo, symbolizing the minutes, hours and months that Educare students will be in the classroom receiving high-quality instruction that they may not otherwise have been able to access.
The new preschool is California's first Educare School, serving high-need students and families to ensure they have the best possible preparation for primary school. The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) has been engaged in this project since its inception five years ago and has helped to lead this robust public-private partnership that is dedicated to improving the quality of early education, child development and family engagement for all children.
 The SCCOE is also leading the charge for expanded access to high-quality early learning through its Strong Start coalition, comprised of community leaders, early education providers, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, members of the business community and other key stakeholders who share the belief that excellent learning opportunities for children ages 0 to 8 is Santa Clara County's number one priority as a community.
For more information about early learning in Santa Clara County and what you can do to help make access to high-quality preschool possible for all children, visit the Strong Start website.
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Updates from the County Board of Education
Here's a summary of actions taken by the Board at its recent meetings.
Nov. 4:
- Held public hearing on the renewal of Summit Public Schools: Tahoma's school charter.
- Renewed the charter of Silicon Valley Flex Academy.
- Approved primary and alternative appointments to RDA Successor Agency Oversight Boards
Nov. 18:
- Recognized Employee of the Month, Rob Marshall.
- Honored Student Recognition Honoree, Adrian Hurtado.
- Received recognition from Educare California at Silicon Valley staff.
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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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 SCCOE 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 SCCOE is committed to serving, inspiring and promoting student and public school success.
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