How the Gender Gap in STEM Might Get its Start in Elementary School | MindShift

By Matthew Barnum

On average, girls do as well as boys on elementary- and middle-school math tests. But by the time students enter the workforce, a big gender gap has emerged, with men earning nearly 80 percent of bachelor’s degrees in engineering and computer science.

A new study offers evidence that the disparity might be getting its start in elementary school classrooms.

The paper offers data from a single district, but the pattern it uncovers is striking. Girls are less likely to be nominated for, selected for, and continue in the district’s advanced math program. Despite their comparable math scores, the program loses girls at every step — a phenomenon that could contribute to fewer women entering math-focused fields later in life.

Source: How the Gender Gap in STEM Might Get its Start in Elementary School | MindShift | KQED News

Vallejo school superintend defends calls on outage, bad air days – Times-Herald

By Richard Freedman

When Dr. Adam Clark decided it was best to open Vallejo schools Monday despite a power outage, close them later in the day because of poor air quality, and keep schools closed all Tuesday because of the air, he didn’t consult a psychic, do rock-paper-scissors with a third grader or base his decision by arm-wrestling a middle school parent.

Or, as Clark said, “I’m not making this stuff up. I didn’t flip a coin.”

Shutting down a district with about 11,500 students “is one of the toughest decisions I have to make,” Clark said. “I don’t make it in isolation. I talk to my own ‘cabinet’ — folks at the sites. I ask the board if it has concerns. It really is a collaborative effort. There really is a thought process.”

Clark sat for an hour chat at his district office on Mare Island early Wednesday afternoon, explaining the decisions in reacting to air quality from area fires to the apparent new reality of PG&E power outages.

Source: Vallejo school superintend defends calls on outage, bad air days – Times-Herald

RHSEU: U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West Mentors REU – Daily Republic

By RHSEU Boosters Communications Officer

For the Fall 2019 Marching Season we have the opportunity to collaborate with outstanding musicians from the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West. During the first hour of our Thursday night practices until the end of the season they will be working with different sections of the REU helping to refine the students’ techniques. Over the next several weeks we will be posting a short submission highlighting each one of these Airmen-musicians. We are also working on a blog for our website. Coming soon.

The U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West is stationed at Travis Air Force Base here in Fairfield, CA and is the only active duty Air Force Band west of the Rockies. With a history dating back to 1941, the current band is a descendant of two different Air Force Bands: the 15th Air Force Band and the North American Air Defense Command Band. It is comprised of 60 talented and versatile Airmen-musicians and is under the command of Major Joseph S. Hansen. They have performed in civilian communities in California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona and Nevada in over 250 annual performances for 1.5 million listeners. In addition to performing, the band supports 13 Air Force bases, 8 Air Force Reserve Wings and 6 recruiting squadrons.

Source: Good News: RHSEU: U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West Mentors REU

Solano career fair focuses on auto tech positions – Daily Republic

A career fair offered by the Solano County Workforce Development Board focusing on jobs in the automobile tech field will occur Nov. 15 at the Auto Tech Center at the Solano Community College campus in Vallejo.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The auto center is located at 1687 N. Ascot Parkway.

Eighteen businesses are scheduled to participate, with jobs in more than 16 categories, ranging from auto/diesel mechanics to body shop and paint work, to parts clerks and sales, to school bus technician.

Source: Solano career fair focuses on auto tech positions

City Reactivates Emergency Operations Center – SFGate

The city of Vallejo reactivated its Emergency Operations Center on Tuesday following PG&E’s second Public Safety Power Shutoff in the past week due to high winds that could cause the utility company’s equipment to spark a wildfire.

Significant areas of Vallejo were still without power leading to the second power shutdown. Additional areas may lose power and restoration may take longer, Vallejo officials said.

A city information center for status updates and information on available resources for the public, and commercial services and water billing will be open at City Hall between noon and 5:15 p.m. Tuesday. All other city facilities remain closed.

Source: City Reactivates Emergency Operations Center – SFGate

New, Strong Evidence For Problem-Based Learning – Forbes

By Michael T. Nietzel

Two new large-scale reports provide convincing empirical evidence that problem- or inquiry-based learning is effective and that teachers, students and parents prefer it as an instructional method – along with other active, immersive techniques.

Problem-based learning works.

Using randomized experimental trials, the gold standard in this type of research, economists Rosangela Bando, Emma Naslund-Hadley and Paul Gertler conducted ten field experiments in four countries (Argentina, Belize, Paraguay, and Peru) covering more than 17,000 students.

They randomly assigned preschool, 3rd and 4th grade classes to receive either problem-based instruction or traditional instructional methods in both math and science and then compared the standardized test scores of students after they had experienced seven months of each method.

Source: New, Strong Evidence For Problem-Based Learning

Rollout and Webinar Series – CA School Dashboard and System of Support (CA Dept of Education)

This letter is to notify you of the timeline for the release of preview data on the state indicators for the 2019 California School Dashboard (Dashboard) and invite you to participate in the Dashboard webinar series. During the month of November, the California Department of Education (CDE) will release the state indicator data on a rolling basis. The Dashboard public release is scheduled for the week of December 9, 2019.

To support local education agencies (LEAs) with the rollout of the state indicators, the CDE will host a webinar series. Following each webinar, the PowerPoints will be made available on the California School Dashboard and System of Support web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/cm/. Information on accessing the webinars is provided in Attachment 1 along with the dates and times.

The Dashboard preview, along with downloadable data files, will be available on password-protected web sites. The link and single password to access these sites will be sent in a separate email to Dashboard and Secure Accountability Coordinators on November 5, 2019.

Source: Rollout and Webinar Series – California School Dashboard and System of Support (CA Dept of Education)

Power outage fails to stop learning at Vacaville schools – The Reporter

By Nick Sestanovich

The power may have been off at Willis Jepson Middle School Monday, but the learning was still on.

In preparation of high gusts of winds this weekend, Pacific Gas & Electric shut off power to nearly 1 million customers Saturday evening, including several throughout Solano County. When classes resumed Monday, students at three Vacaville schools — Alamo, Orchard and Jepson — had to return to classrooms without electricity. However, teachers still found creative ways to impart lessons to their students in an era that has relied heavily on digital technology.

At Jepson, the lights were off and the glow of computer screens could not be seen. To compensate, students read textbooks and did worksheets.

Source: Power outage fails to stop learning at Vacaville schools – The Reporter

Schools open, then close because of poor air quality – Times-Herald

By Richard Freedman

Solano County Public Health issued a warning Monday with air quality dropping because of smoke from the Kincade Fire.

Residents should remain indoors and limit outdoor activity, especially those deemed “sensitive to smoke.”

After opening all public schools Monday, Vallejo City Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark dismissed all students approximately 11:15 a.m.

“Due to the smoke and poor air quality, we have decided to cancel school for the remainder of (Monday) and (Tuesday). All student absences for Monday will be excused,” Clark said in a release to all schools and parents.

Source: Schools open, then close because of poor air quality – Times-Herald

Bay Area School Closures Due to PG&E Power Shutoffs and Kincade Fire – NBC Bay Area

By Mandela Linder

Thousands of customers across California are experiencing planned power safety shutoffs as PG&E cuts power due to high fire danger, and thousands more have been evacuated in the North Bay as the Kincade Fire rages. Due to these events, many evacuation centers have opened and schools have closed.For list of evacuation centers click here.

Source: List: Bay Area School Closures Due to PG&E Power Shutoffs and Kincade Fire – NBC Bay Area

Students get a kick out of soccer at Fairfield Special Olympics event – The Reporter

By Nick Sestanovich

The athlete oath for the Special Olympics is “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.

”That motto was definitely reflected in Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District’s annual Special Olympics soccer event at Fairfield High School’s Schaefer Stadium. The event was less about competition than it was about providing students with special needs a chance to have fun and strive for successful athleticism in a supportive environment, although the competitive aspect was certainly there.

Approximately, 400 students from nine elementary schools in the district turned out to participate in the fifth annual event, which was the first unified sports event held after FSUSD became a part of the Special Olympics Northern California Schools Partnership Program in 2015.

Source: Students get a kick out of soccer at Fairfield Special Olympics event – The Reporter

Kaiser Permanente Awards Grants in Napa & Solano Counties | Napa Valley, CA Patch

By Chyresse Hill

Kaiser Permanente has awarded $1 million in grants to 42 local nonprofit organizations providing services and programs that improve the health of under-served communities throughout the Napa Solano area, including several serving the residents of Napa.

Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit grants are awarded every year to local organizations working on specific programs and projects that align with Kaiser Permanente’s mission and goals. Funding priorities are informed by the tri-annual Community Health Needs Assessment.

All the grants help fund projects in the following categories: Access to care and coverage, Community and family safety, Mental health and wellness, Healthy Eating Active Living

Source: Kaiser Permanente Awards Grants in Napa & Solano Counties | Napa Valley, CA Patch

Buckingham RoboKnights Fundraise for a Spooky Spaghetti Feed – Daily Republic

The RoboKnights of Buckingham Charter Magnet High School’s have just finished Cap City and are hosting their annual spaghetti feed.

The annual spaghetti feed will be on Saturday, October 26 from 6PM-8PM at 188 Bella Vista Road, Vacaville 95687.

“They [fabrication, coding, and electrical departments] have worked for Cap City. The Public Relations and Business Department is ready to show off at the Spaghetti Feed. We’re going to blow everyone away.” says Andrei, the business lead of robotics.

Source: Press Release: Buckingham RoboKnights Fundraise for a Spooky Spaghetti Feed

RHSEU: Sweeps 2019 Del Oro Spectacular – Daily Republic

Saturday, October 19, 2019, the Rodriguez HS Entertainment Unit attended the 41st Annual Del Oro High School Spectacular in Loomis, CA and they took the show! Starting with the morning events, REU Percussion took 1st Place Street Percussion Overall. It’s been over six years since the REU have performed in the Street Percussion category. Pit Captain Taylor Slight performed solo with Battery in Del Oro, however the routine is still being refined and will soon include more members from Pit. (video on our Facebook)

Source: Good News: RHSEU: Sweeps 2019 Del Oro Spectacular

Buckingham RoboKnights Assembled for Cap City Classic – Daily Republic

Buckingham Charter Magnet High School’s RoboKnights assembled for Cap City Classic from October 19-20.

Capital City Classic is an off-season tournament for robotics teams to come and compete for a weekend. It’s a great way to start off the new year.

“We grew together as a team in the face of adversity.” says Elizabeth Deards, president of the RoboKnights.

During the off-season tournament, the RoboKnights competed with other North Bay teams. Returning members know Capital City is a great way to return to competition, and it’s a great way for RoboKnight recruits to learn what robotics is all about: having fun.

Source: Press Release: Buckingham RoboKnights Assembled for Cap City Classic

Dixon Lions Club members given $100 each to spend on local charity acts – The Reporter

By Nick Sestanovich

Lions Club International is one of the most philanthropic organizations across the world. Beginning this month, the Dixon chapter will be allowing its individual members to donate money for good causes as part of its 4th annual Random Acts of Kindness program.

As part of the program, members are given $100 to spend on whatever cause they hold dear. Scott Smith, Dixon Lions Club’s secretary and membership chair, said the idea came from a Lions Club in the Midwest that did a Random Acts of Kindness program and was featured in LION Magazine.

“We just did the same thing they did,” he said.

Usually, Smith said, the Lions Club receives requests for funding from organizations in need and the board votes to write a check for a specific group. However, as part of the Random Acts of Kindness, each member will receive $100 in cash and a card telling them, “You have been selected for a Random Act of Kindness from the Dixon Lions Club.”

Source: Dixon Lions Club members given $100 each to spend on local charity acts – The Reporter

Always Something To Celebrate – Times-Herald

By Richard Freedman

Kaiser Permanente has awarded $1 million in grants to 42 local nonprofit organizations that provide services and programs to improve the health of under-served communities throughout the Napa Solano area. The grant recipients include local non-profits, public health agencies, school districts, and human service organizations.

Local recipients include, from Vallejo:

Fighting Back Partnership, which will use its funding to increase the health of underserved Vallejo communities by expanding capacity to provide comprehensive case management and social emotional learning activities to 20 low-to-moderate-income families and 500 high school youth within the Vallejo City Unified School District.

Source: October 24 Arts and Entertainment Source: Always Something To Celebrate – Times-Herald

Attendance Awareness poster winners announced – Daily Republic

By Daily Republic Staff

The Solano County Office of Education this week announced the winners of the 2019 Solano Countywide Attendance Awareness Poster Contest, according to a press release.

September was Attendance Awareness Month and SCOE hosted the contest to provide school districts the opportunity to engage students in conversations about the critical role that school attendance has on student achievement. 72 students from school districts across Solano County submitted posters for consideration in the contest.

There were three categories in the contest with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each category. These students will be recognized at their respective district school board meetings.

Source: Attendance Awareness poster winners announced

Shanine Coats Appointed as New CFIRD Director – Year 2019 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that he has appointed Shanine Coats as the new Director of the Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources Division (CFIRD) at the California Department of Education (CDE).

“Like many of our talented staff here at the CDE, Shanine is and always will be a teacher with a passion for student achievement,” said Thurmond. “That drive will be invaluable as she guides the development of instructional resources for California’s schools. With her experience, she will be instrumental in making connections not only with state and federal programs but between curriculum, instruction, assessment, and accountability as a whole. We are very fortunate to have her leadership.”

As Director of CFIRD, Coats is responsible for the development of statewide policies, goals, and objectives for standards, curriculum, instructional resources, and translation programs. She is also responsible for providing leadership to advisory committees, including acting as Executive Director of the Instructional Quality Commission. In addition, Coats will provide administrative direction and supervision to approximately 60 employees who are organized into five offices.

Source: Shanine Coats Appointed as New CFIRD Director – Year 2019 (CA Dept of Education)

Record-breaking 803 Superintendents Pledge to Prioritize Attendance in 2019-20 School Year – Attendance Works

Today Attendance Works and nine national Attendance Awareness Campaign partners are pleased to announce that 803 superintendents across the country have signed the Superintendents Call to Action. These local superintendents are raising their voices to lead the effort to improve attendance starting in the early grades.

The top ten states with the most superintendents who signed the Call to Action are: California (133), Oregon (97), Kentucky (49), Washington (49), Connecticut (35), Georgia (35), West Virginia (27), Mississippi (26), Iowa (25), and Michigan (25). Find the complete list of superintendents on pages 3-11 of this press release. The names are also listed on our website.

Source: Attendance-Works-Superintendent-PR-2019.pdf