Vallejo adult school to be renamed for former teacher – Vallejo Sun

By John Glidden

The Vallejo City Unified School District voted to rename a school catering to adult learners to honor a former teacher on Wednesday, despite one school board trustee calling the move “rushed,” and part of “dirty politics.”

The Vallejo school board voted 4-1 to rename the Vallejo Regional Education Center to the Vallejo Adult School at Al Berenguer Educational Center.

The lone ‘no’ vote came from Trustee John Fox who argued Berenguer’s name shouldn’t be added because the school has a 70% Hispanic student population. Berenguer, a beloved Filipino educator, died in April 2018 at the age of 89. He taught in the district for 50 years, including at the adult school, which currently has a Filipino student population of 2%.

“Changing the name to a Filipino name at the Vallejo Adult School would not promote any student achievement for Filipinos,” Fox said. “But it would not represent the 70% Hispanic students that go there daily, that person does not represent them, they have no connection to that person.”

Source: Vallejo adult school to be renamed for former teacher

Citizens committee recommends renaming school to Vallejo Adult School – Vallejo Sun

By John Glidden

A special citizens advisory committee recommended that the Vallejo City Unified School District Board of Education rename a school catering to adult learners as the Vallejo Adult School, 10 years after the district changed the name.

The five-person committee appointed by the district to recommend a new name formally presented its recommendation during the Nov. 2 Vallejo school board meeting. The school was previously called the Vallejo Adult School until the district changed the name to the Vallejo Regional Education Center a decade ago. But school board trustees and administrators expressed an interest in renaming the school again in 2021.

Source: Citizens committee recommends renaming school to Vallejo Adult School

Fairfield-Suisun Adult School hosts parenting class graduation – Daily Republic

Thirteen people graduated this week from the Effective Black Parenting Program offered by the Fairfield-Suisun School District.

The course started in last November. A recognition ceremony happened Tuesday at the Fairfield-Suisun Adult School.

This course is a direct result of a recommendation from the Tri-City NAACP requesting that the district offer these classes to the Fairfield-Suisun School District community, according to a district press release. The first in-person program was conducted after two virtual sessions. The free 15-session parenting course is offered to interested families in the community and takes place in the evenings at the Adult School.

Source: Fairfield-Suisun Adult School hosts parenting class graduation

Fairfield-Suisun Adult School equips 43 adults with the tools for a better future – Daily Republic

By Kris Corey

Families, friends, and loved ones gathered Thursday afternoon at Willow Hall in Fairfield to beat the heat and celebrate a momentous occasion as 43 graduates donned blue caps and gowns to receive their High School Diplomas or GEDs.

Many of these graduates have been working towards this goal for a number of obstacle-ridden years, and the excitement for reaching this milestone could be felt by all in attendance.

Source: Good News: Fairfield-Suisun Adult School equips 43 adults with the tools for a better future

‘Courageous’ adult school graduates complete major step in educational journey – Daily Republic

By Matt Miller

Courage was the underlying theme Thursday of the Fairfield-Suisun Adult School graduating Class of 2022.

Those who dressed in Navy blue caps and gowns numbered 19 at the ceremony in Willow Hall. The number of graduates in full, listed in the program, was 39 with two GED graduates, many of whom completed their studies in November.

Principal Elizabeth Kolakowski said during her remarks that the graduates showed “remarkable discipline, commitment and courage.”

Source: ‘Courageous’ adult school graduates complete major step in educational journey

Solano Library offers adults online high school program – Daily Republic

The Solano County Library offers adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and career certificate through its Career Online High School program.

The library’s program provides a limited number of scholarships to qualified adult learners who are looking to expand their career opportunities, prepare for workforce entry or simply continue their education.

To be considered for the program, applicants must successfully complete an online self-assessment and prerequisite course, followed by an in-person interview.

Source: Solano Library offers adults online high school program

Local adult ed provider earns national recognition – The Sun-Gazette Newspaper

Vallejo City Unified School District’s Regional Education Center is being recognized for a proposal to train and assist disadvantaged people to succeed in lifting themselves up through construction apprenticeship and union affiliation into highly sustainable careers. Included partnerships are with North Bay Trades Instruction Program, Construction Trades Workforce Initiative, Solano Workforce Development Board, and Napa Solano Building Trades. The proposal seeks to provide opportunities to English language learners who are pursuing career opportunities in the construction trades with English language support, math support, and TIP pre-apprenticeship programs.

Source: Local adult ed provider earns national recognition – The Sun-Gazette Newspaper

Vallejo City Unified gets recognition as a top California adult ed provider – The Reporter

Vallejo City Unified is among eight California adult education providers that are finalists in the U.S. Department of Education’s “Rethink Adult Education Challenge,” a program that can lead to immediate job skills for its students, state schools chief Tony Thurmond said in a press statement Friday.

He said federal education officials recognized the Solano County school district’s pre-apprenticeship programs “that equip people with the knowledge and skills they need to enter and succeed in apprenticeship programs.” As a result, the district and the seven other state finalists will move on to Phase 2 of the challenge and compete with other finalists nationwide for $750,000 in prizes.

“I am pleased to see so many California adult education providers receive national recognition for programs that focus on pre-apprenticeships,” Thurmond said in the prepared statement.

Source: Vallejo City Unified gets recognition as a top California adult ed provider – The Reporter

Fairfield-Suisun Adult School preschool welcomes new mural – Daily Republic

By Amy Maginnis-Honey

When youngsters return to the Fairfield-Suisun Adult School preschool program they will be welcomed by a completed mural that covers the outside walls of the classrooms and faces the play area.

Artist Stephanie Lombard added many details to the happy interactive scene where toddlers are encouraged to do modified push-ups with a painted raccoon, size their feet with the bear tracks painted on the cement, trace a bee trail and enjoy myriad creatures.

One detail includes a stick figure at two different mural locations – one in a bird’s nest, the other dancing with ladybugs.

Source: Fairfield-Suisun Adult School preschool welcomes new mural

Solano County adult graduates honored in virtual ceremony, car parade – The Reporter

By Nick Sestanovich

Graduation season might be six months away, but Solano County Office of Education honored students in its Adult Transition Program who have now graduated and are ready to conquer the world.

In true 2020 fashion, the students were recognized Monday through a virtual ceremony and then a car parade that brought their certificates to them.

“I’m absolutely thrilled for the young people who have accomplished this huge milestone,” Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Solano County superintendent of Schools, said. “We did not want to let COVID get in the way of recognizing their accomplishments.”

Source: Solano County adult graduates honored in virtual ceremony, car parade – The Reporter

Adults with developmental differences learn film skills at camp – The Reporter

By Nick Sestanovich

In 2007, filmmaker and producer Joey Travolta founded Inclusion Films to teach filmmaking skills to individuals with developmental disabilities. This gave way to a series of camps aimed at imparting these skills to children and adults with disabilities and helping them make their own short films.

This past week, Solano students got their turn when Inclusion Films partnered with the Solano County Office of Education to bring the camp to Golden Hills Community School in Fairfield.

For the past two weeks, 48 students in the camp have been coming up with story ideas, writing scripts, memorizing lines, shooting film and doing everything that is typical of a Hollywood production.

Source: Adults with developmental differences learn film skills at camp – The Reporter

Fairfield-Suisun Adult School grads celebrate accomplishments – Daily Republic

By Susan Hiland

Dina Aldana Leon’s mortar board was bursting with pink and white flowers, a visible expression of what was going on inside her. The 41-year-old mother of three was bursting with joy at finally becoming a high school graduate.

The Fairfield-Suisun Adult School graduation Wednesday saw a portion of the year’s graduates cross the stage and into their future.

“I had to drop out of school when I was 18 years old, because of some issues,” Leon said.

Source: Fairfield-Suisun Adult School grads celebrate accomplishments

Adult school gives Fairfield man second chance at high school diploma – Daily Republic

By Amy Maginnis-Honey

Omar Walton, who celebrated his 20th birthday Thursday, has attended nine schools in California and Arizona.

A new start begins Wednesday as the young man receives his diploma from the Fairfield-Suisun Adult School.

Originally from Vallejo, Walton was sent to live with family in Arizona when he was in middle school.

Source: Adult school gives Fairfield man second chance at high school diploma

“All About Texture” & Adult Education Fundraiser – Daily Republic

The Fairfield-Suisun City Visual Arts Association invites the Public to the Solano Town Center Gallery, located at 1350 Travis Blvd., Fairfield, on the second floor outside of Macy’s. Join us in celebrating the opening of a new Exhibit, “All About Texture”. The show opens on Wednesday, April 3 at 11am and runs thru May 19. The Gallery is open Wednesday thru Sunday 11 am – 6 pm. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, April 6, 3-5 pm. The show will spotlight artwork by Featured Artist, Cherol Ockrassa from American Canyon. During the Reception, you can meet Cherol and other local artists, enjoy wine supplied by BackRoad Vines and light refreshments provided by the FSVAA.

Source: “All About Texture” & Adult Education Fundraiser

Solano County office of education hosting transition fair on March 20 – Times-Herald

By Vallejo Times Herald

Parents, guardians, and students are invited to attend the Solano County Office of Education’s Workforce Development Department’s 24 annual Transition Information Fair on March 20.

“If you have a student enrolled in a middle school, high school, or an adult/transition program who has a disability and/or is in a special education program, it is time to discover the possibilities for their future,” according to a press release from the county’s office of education.

Over 40 agencies from Solano County and surrounding areas will have representatives available to offer guidance and information about their services as attendees will receive valuable information about various programs and agencies in th community that can assist with higher education, training, employment, adult day programs, and independent living, officials said.

Source: Solano County office of education hosting transition fair on March 20 – Times-Herald

Students earn diplomas and start new adventures – Daily Republic

By Susan Hiland

Fairfield-Suisun Adult School graduates were cheered by family and friends as they crossed the stage Friday at the Fairfield Community Center to receive there diplomas. After all, it was a celebration of a new chapter opening in their lives.

Principal James Woods was emcee for the ceremony. He thanked the families for helping the students reach their goals and achieve a GED.

“Some of you transported them, made meals for them, baby-sit children for them and all that helped them reach their goals,” he said.

The sentiment was not lost on the graduates themselves.

Source: Students earn diplomas and start new adventures

Two FSUSD Schools Selected as Recipient of Jack London Award – Daily Republic

By Tim Goree

Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District is proud to announce Public Safety Academy and Fairfield-Suisun Adult School as recipients of the 31st Annual Jack London Award for Educational Innovation 2018. This award is made on an annual basis to a Pre K-12 program that has made an exemplary contribution to education through development of an innovative educational program throughout Sonoma, Marin, Lake, Mendocino, Napa and Solano County.

Jack London epitomized the life-long learner. His own education was characterized by innovative and non-traditional experiences. The Jack London Award for Education Innovation memorializes the creative and individualistic spirit that London represents by recognizing and encouraging innovative, educational programs. The Jack London Award Committee, comprised of Sonoma State University faculty, as well as community and educational leaders, made the final selection of award recipients after site observations of the chosen semi-finalists.

Source: Two FSUSD Schools Selected as Recipient of Jack London Award

Fairfield Women in Action donate to adult school – Daily Republic

By Daily Republic Staff

Elizabeth Kolakowski from the Fairfield-Suisun Adult School accepted a check for $500 for a scholarship given to the school during the January meeting of Fairfield Women in Action.

Kolakowski explained that so many students are truly in need of financial assistance in order to take the classes needed to secure a better job through education. The money provided by the women over the years has been used to help many students achieve their goals.

Fairfield Women in Action has been recognized by the Fairfield-Suisun School District administration for the many years of scholarships provided.

Source: Good News: Fairfield Women in Action donate to adult school

Teach an adult to read, improve your community – Times Herald

By Times Herald Staff

The Solano County Literacy Program seeks Adult Literacy Volunteer tutors, library officials announced.

Despite the fact that “literacy is vital for a healthy and thriving community,” more than 60,000 Solano County adults are functionally illiterate, meaning their reading and writing skills are inadequate to manage their daily living and employment tasks beyond a basic level, they said.

Children whose parents struggle with reading and writing are more likely to struggle in school and have low literacy skills themselves, officials said.

“Teaching an adult to read, write, and/or improve their English speaking skills can have far-reaching effects in our community,” they said. “A recent study found that adult literacy students realize an increase of about $10,000 dollars in their annual income after receiving 100 hours of literacy instruction.”

Source: Teach an adult to read, improve your community

District by the numbers and adult ed growing again – The Reporter

By Richard Bammer

The majority of Vacaville Unified teachers have less than 10 years on the job, and the school district’s Adult Education program is “growing again.”

That information surfaced during Thursday’s governing board meeting, when several district departmental leaders updated trustees with presentations.

Janet Dietrich, assistant superintendent for human resources, provided a statistical snapshot of teachers and school enrollment numbers, and Manolo Garcia, director of human resources, provided a similar picture about classified, or school-support, employees.

Source: District by the numbers – The Reporter