SCOE and SCC Team Up to Host Solano County VEX Robotics League | Independent Voice

Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) and Solano Community College (SCC) have partnered together in hosting a VEX robotics league for Solano County students, with the latest competition happening Friday night, December 15th at Solano Community College.

The Solano County VEX Robotics League is open to all VEX Robotics teams in middle and high school in Solano County. Ten teams representing Golden West Middle School in Travis Unified School District, Rodriguez High School in Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District, Vacaville Christian School and the Solano County Girls Who Code Club have competed in the competitions; the competition series includes four separate events with the final competition being held in January.

Source: SCOE and SCC Team Up to Host Solano County VEX Robotics League | Independent Voice

All-girls team leads Vex robotics league heading into finals | dailyrepublic.com

A five-member, all-girls team from three schools and three school districts leads the VEX robotics league heading into the final competition.

“And they are killing the boys,” Lilibeth Pinpin, director of Innovation Programs and Student Success at the Solano County Office of Education, said in an interview about Team Solano, formally known as Solano County Girls Who Code Club.

The group is comprised of four high school students and one middle school student, organized by parents, and representing Vacaville Christian High in the Vacaville Christian Schools, Rodriguez High in the Fairfield-Suisun school district, and Golden West Middle School in the Travis school district.

Source: All-girls team leads Vex robotics league heading into finals | News | dailyrepublic.com

Volunteers Needed for Academic Decathlon | Independent Voice

The Solano County Office of Education is seeking adult volunteers to help with the Bay Region Academic Decathlon scheduled for Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Solano Community College in Fairfield starting at 8:00 a.m.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and can register online at the Solano County Office of Education website at www.solanocoe.net. Volunteer opportunities include interview and speech judges, room monitors, runners, Super Quiz proctors, and Super Quiz assistants. All volunteers will receive an orientation packet and in-person orientation.

The Bay Region Academic Decathlon includes high schools from Santa Clara, Solano, Contra Costa, Napa, Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, and Yolo Counties. This year, over 200 high school students are expected to compete in the regional competition.

Source: Volunteers Needed for Academic Decathlon | Independent Voice

Volunteers sought for high school Academic Decathlon | dailyrepublic.com

Volunteers are needed to help with the Bay Region Academic Decathlon.

The Bay Region Academic Decathlon includes high schools from Solano, Santa Clara, Contra Costa, Napa, Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino and Yolo counties. More than 200 high school students are expected to compete.

“The Academic Decathlon is an extraordinary platform that not only tests students’ intellectual prowess but also cultivates a profound appreciation for knowledge, teamwork, and self-confidence,” the Solano County Office of Education said in a statement. “Much like the ancient Greek decathlon, which featured grueling physical trials, the Academic Decathlon is a true test of academic strength. It comprises ten exhilarating events, each showcasing a unique facet of a student’s intellectual capabilities. These events encompass a wide range of subjects, including art, music, language and literature, mathematics, economics, science, and social science.”

Source: Volunteers sought for high school Academic Decathlon | News | dailyrepublic.com

SCOE calls for volunteers to help with annual Academic Decathlon – The Vacaville Reporter

By Richard Bammer

Of a certain age, perhaps, time on your hands and want to help an educational nonprofit?

The Solano County Office of Education is seeking adult volunteers to aid with the Bay Region Academic Decathlon set for 8 a.m. Jan. 27 at Solano Community College in Fairifield.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and can register online at the SCOE website, www.solanocoe.net.

Opportunities include interview and speech judges, room monitors, runners, Super Quiz proctors, and Super Quiz assistants. All volunteers will receive an orientation packet and in-person orientation.

Source: SCOE calls for volunteers to help with annual Academic Decathlon – The Vacaville Reporter

California rolls out the red carpet to celebrate young filmmakers with disabilities – WWAYTV3

Some talented young people aren’t letting their disabilities stop them from making movies. These Solano County students are getting a taste of Tinseltown, complete with a red-carpet film premiere.

These young adults are part of an annual film production camp that teaches them how to write, direct, shoot and star in movies.

The Solano County Office of Education offers the two-week course to people 18 to 23 with neurodiverse abilities.

Source: California rolls out the red carpet to celebrate young filmmakers with disabilities – WWAYTV3

SCOE red carpet celebration highlights young filmmakers with disabilities – CBS Sacramento

Some talented young people aren’t letting their disabilities stop them from making movies. These Solano County students are getting a taste of Tinseltown, complete with a red-carpet film premiere.

These young adults are part of an annual film production camp that teaches them how to write, direct, shoot and star in movies.

The Solano County Office of Education offers the two-week course to people 18 to 23 with neurodiverse abilities.

“They are young people who are getting ready to transition into adulthood, and this is one more opportunity for them to develop those work readiness skills,” said Lisette Estrella-Henderson, the superintendent of the county OIffice of Education

Source: Solano County red carpet celebration highlights young filmmakers with disabilities – CBS Sacramento

County schools supe accorded major C-STEM award from UCD – The Vacaville Reporter

By Richard Bammer

In the universe of Computer Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (C-STEM) education in California, the Solano County Superintendent of Schools is tops in 2023.

Lisette Estrella-Henderson on Friday received the University of California, Davis, C-STEM Superintendent of the Year Award at the 13th Annual UC Davis C-STEM gathering in the campus conference center.

Each year, the UCD Center for Integrated Computing and STEM Education selects one superintendent in the Golden State to receive the prestigious honor. It recognizes superintendents for “their exemplary leadership in widespread implementation of C-STEM programs, providing students with opportunities to gain relevant knowledge and skills,” Jennifer Leonard, assistant superintendent of communications and community engagement for the Solano County Office of Education, noted in a press statement.

Source: County schools supe accorded major C-STEM award from UCD – The Vacaville Reporter

Local author ‘enchants” youthful audiences at migrant centers | dailyrepublic.com

Two Family Literacy Nights were recently held, each featuring local children’s book author Leticia Ordaz.

“Ordaz enchanted the young audience with a reading of one of her children’s books, ‘The Carousel King,’” a statement released by the Solano County Office of Education said.

“This uplifting bilingual book features text in English and Spanish, together with vibrant and creative illustrations. Her animated bilingual storytelling brought the characters and adventures to life, captivating the hearts and imaginations of the young listeners. Each child attending the events received a signed copy of one of Ms. Ordaz’s books in hopes of encouraging reading and creating lasting memories for the young readers and their families.”

Source: Local author ‘enchants” youthful audiences at migrant centers | News | dailyrepublic.com

Coats, hats, socks and more sought for Winter Warmth and Wellness Drive | dailyrepublic.com

The Solano County Office of Education and The Faith & Education Collaborative are hosting The Winter Warmth and Wellness Drive.

Donations will be accepted between Nov. 1 and Dec. 1.

New coats, blankets, hats, gloves, socks and hygiene kits are needed.

The drop-off location is 2460 Clay Bank Road, Building 9.

Source: Coats, hats, socks and more sought for Winter Warmth and Wellness Drive | News | dailyrepublic.com

Business members wanted for CTE advisory council | dailyrepublic.com

The Solano County Office of Education is seeking members for the Career Technical Education Workforce Advisory Council.

The council is holding the first of its two biannual meetings at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 14.

“Local businesses in Solano County are invited to join the council and influence the preparedness of the local workforce by sharing their expertise and offering guidance on industry needs at both local and regional levels,” the county office said in a statement.

Source: Business members wanted for CTE advisory council | News | dailyrepublic.com

Early Childhood conference set for Sept. 9 | dailyrepublic.com

Solano County educators who work with infants to children up to 8 years old can register for the 2023 Quality Counts Solano Early Childhood Education Conference.

Ron Mohl, of Lakeshore Learning, will deliver the keynote, emphasizing how educators can enhance young children’s learning experiences through play.

The Solano County Office of Education, in collaboration with community partners including First 5 Solano, is sponsoring the event, which is in its 30th year.

Source: Early Childhood conference set for Sept. 9 | News | dailyrepublic.com

Teachers get hands-on training in county’s open spaces | dailyrepublic.com

Twenty-nine teachers joined Solano Resource Conservation District and area experts for a three-day professional development training in Solano County’s open spaces.

The Solano Water Institute gave teachers a local perspective on water and conservation issues that they can bring back to their classrooms. Teachers also had time to share ideas and enjoy the outdoors before kicking off a new school year.

Each day of the training featured hands-on lessons from Project WET, an award-winning environmental education curriculum created by the Water Education Foundation.

Source: Teachers get hands-on training in county’s open spaces | News | dailyrepublic.com

Free school supplies available for Solano families – Times-Herald

By Daniel Egitto

Solano County residents with open child support cases can pick up free backpacks with back-to-school supplies beginning Aug. 1.

Stuffed with essentials including crayons, rulers, pencil sharpeners, pocket folders, spiral notebooks, scissors and glue sticks, 100 backpacks in a variety of colors will be available for families with children in kindergarten through fifth grade. The Solano County Department of Child Support Services is leading the giveaway at the agency’s office at 674 Texas Street, Suite 5700 in Fairfield, according to a county press release.

The office is open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday and the giveaway will continue until the backpacks are gone. Families can pick up one backpack per child.

Source: Free school supplies available for Solano families – Times-Herald

Grand jury goes beyond pandemic in look at schools post-pandemic – Daily Republic

The 2022-23 Solano County civil grand jury explored how public schools have responded to the return of in-person instruction following the Covid-19 shutdown.

“One of the purposes of the jury’s report was to learn what actions were taken to create a successful and safe return for students,” the report’s summary states. It was issued on June 30.

It concludes that school districts “have utilized Covid-19 funds effectively to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.” It does not address any academic response.

Source: Grand jury goes beyond pandemic in look at schools post-pandemic

Community aid sought to open new Fairfield open space area – The Vacaville Reporter

By Kimberly K. Fu

Do you want trails? Wildflowers? Picnics with views?

The perfect spot is in Fairfield, Solano Land Trust folks advised Wednesday morning, and your help is needed as the organization slides into the home stretch in readying the green space to open later this year.

“We are in our final push,” Nicole Braddock, executive director, advised the group gathered at the base of Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park on Rockville Road, where a faux fundraising thermometer had been installed. “Every amount helps.”

Source: Community aid sought to open new Fairfield open space area – The Vacaville Reporter

Travis hosts local high schools for “Spark Challenge” > Travis Air Force Base > News

By Senior Airman Alexander Merchak 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

The 60th Air Mobility Wing Phoenix Spark Innovation cell and the Solano County Office of Education co-hosted the Travis Spark Challenge, inviting students from local high schools to compete to solve installation-based problem sets on May 19, 2023.

More than 60 students from 11 different local schools came together to provide innovative solutions to issues such as gate traffic flow, dining facility logistics and perimeter installation security.

“We wanted to have a way for these kids to get involved with their community and Travis is a big part of that community,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Sean McKinney, 60th Air Mobility Wing Phoenix Spark superintendent. “I thought involving those in the academia world here in Solano County would pull a lot of value in their eyes, maybe even spark a vison of joining the Air Force.”

Source: Travis hosts local high schools for “Spark Challenge” > Travis Air Force Base > News

Solano students show creativity in artwork at Solano County Student Art Fair – Times-Herald

By Jordan Baker

Ceramic cakes, skeletons drawings, and oil paintings were only a fraction of the creativity displayed Saturday at the Solano County Student Art Fair.

A diverse collection of artwork — some 500 pieces of it — featured displays of computer art, clay pottery, clay sculpture, drawing, fiber, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, and general sculpture.

The fair was also a competition. In addition to “Best of Show” and winners for first place through third, each student received certificates of participation.

Source: Solano students show creativity in artwork at Solano County Student Art Fair – Times-Herald

Bay Area schools receive $5m slice of federal grant to support student mental health – Fox 2

By Jeff Ballinger

More than $5 million will come to Bay Area schools from a nearly $75 million federal grant funded by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

A White House announcement Monday described the act as advancing “the Administration’s efforts to tackle the mental health crisis in our schools.” Awardees in the Bay Area include the following:

Source: Bay Area schools receive $5m slice of federal grant to support student mental health

Spotlight shines on Work-Ready! high school students – Daily Republic

More than 100 high school students in Solano County completed the Work-Ready! certification program this year.

A ceremony recognizing the student accomplishment was held at the Jelly Belly Candy Company in Fairfield.

“Completing the Work-Ready! course is just the beginning for these young people. Their preparedness for the workplace, knowledge, skills, and hard work will come together to create significant opportunities to earn and maintain jobs, gain experience and explore careers,” Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson said in a statement.

Source: Spotlight shines on Work-Ready! high school students