Monthly Archives: March 2018

Solano College’s Suisun Valley Review accepting submissions – The Reporter

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Solano Community College’s long-running and award-winning Suisun Valley Review is now accepting submissions in original poetry, prose, short fiction and visual media for its Spring 2018 edition.

The deadline for submission is April 3.

Suisun Valley Review carefully considers all submissions received from first-time contributors and published authors alike.

Submissions need not be from SCC students to be considered.

All submissions should be accompanied by a cover letter including the contributor’s name, address, phone number, email and two to three lines of biographical information.

Multiple submissions from the same author will be allowed. Due to space limitations, literary submissions must not exceed 3,000 words.

Source: Solano College’s Suisun Valley Review accepting submissions

Hundreds of third graders enjoy Ag Day at the Solano County Fairgrounds – The Reporter

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By Katy St. Clair

The rain might have been pouring down, but that didn’t stop hundreds of Solano County school children from pouring into the Solano County Fairgrounds on Tuesday for Youth Ag Day.

Just about everything you would associate with farm life was there to be explored, including livestock, soil and water information, butter churning, and even branding. The fairgrounds work in conjunction with dozens of agricultural organizations and groups to put on the annual event for third graders.

There was also sheep herding, but the real “herding” prizes had to go to the teachers, parents, and aids that managed to keep all the kids in their group together amid the excitement and crowds. A “Lost and Found” booth was ready if problems arose, but by mid-morning a volunteer said there had been no issues.

Source: Hundreds of third graders enjoy Ag Day at the Solano County Fairgrounds

Armijo robotics team gears up for national competition – Daily Republic

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By Amy Maginnis-Honey

Armijo High School freshman Joel Ward held the remote for the 824Z, robot demonstrating its ability to pick up small cones and stack them one on top of the other.

Fellow freshmen Leonard Torres and John Siy operated the 824H robot as it maneuvered around the classroom on a recent afternoon.

They, and fellow robotics team members, hope for community support as the team returns to the VEX Robotics Competition April 25-28 in Louisville, Kentucky.

More than 500 teams representing 30 countries are expected.

Robotics have given freshman Jayden Tiemann a better understanding of academics and how components work in real life, he said. Being involved with the team and robotics class has introduced him to new friends.

Source: Armijo robotics team gears up for national competition

US Dept of Ed Gives Cali $2 Million for Wildfire Relief | CalSchoolNews.org

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School districts affected by last year’s wildfire are now able to apply for $2 million in federal assistance.

The wildfires of October 2017 devastated schools in Butte, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Sonoma, and Yuba counties.

The federal assistance comes from a School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) grant, administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Project SERV funding may be used to reimburse Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) for select expenses incurred as they worked quickly to reopen their respective schools last year.

“Many of these districts suffered widespread school closures, massive displacement of students and staff, and devastating losses from these horrific fires,” said State Superintendent Tom Torlakson. “We are extremely grateful for the U.S. Department of Education’s support. These funds will assist in the ongoing recovery for these schools and help provide a continued sense of safety and security.”

Source: US Dept of Ed Gives Cali $2 Million for Wildfire Relief | CalSchoolNews.org

Betsy DeVos Is About to Defend Her Budget.  – Education Week

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By Andrew Ujifusa

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is headed back to the Hill.

On Tuesday morning, DeVos will pitch the Trump administration’s fiscal 2019 budget plan for the Department of Education to the House appropriations subcommittee that oversees federal money for K-12. It’s a safe bet that DeVos’ public appearance before lawmakers will draw a crowd, given the hub-bub over her “60 Minutes” interview a week ago.

So what else can we expect besides the hot glare of the spotlight? Be sure to watch these three elements of the hearing:

1) Cuts Have Come Back

What’s changed between last year’s Trump budget request for education and this year’s? Aside from the total amount desired for the Education Department, not a ton. A lot was made last year about the Trump administration’s fiscal 2018 request to cut over $9 billion from the department, or about 13.5 percent. This year, the Trump team wants to cut 5 percent from DeVos’ department.

Source: Betsy DeVos Is About to Defend Her Budget. Keep These Three Things in Mind – Politics K-12 – Education Week

Fairfield-Suisun school board to hear request for $500,000 in security upgrade funds – Daily Republic

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By Daily Republic Staff

The Fairfield-Suisun School District facilities subcommittee is asking for a one-time augmentation of $500,000 for safety and security upgrades to the district’s campuses.

The request will be made at 6 p.m. Thursday during the Fairfield-Suisun School District’s governing board meeting at 2490 Hilborn Road.

The subcommittee also recommends adjustments to board policy that all classrooms are to remain locked at all times.

Board members will hear about increasing campus security through security cameras and evaluating and upgrading main campus entrances, fencing and gates; and upgrading door locks and revising district standards for types of locks in classrooms, offices, libraries, multipurpose rooms, gyms and other areas.

Source: Fairfield-Suisun school board to hear request for $500,000 in security upgrade funds

Transition fair for Solano students with disabilities set Tuesday – Daily Republic

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By Daily Republic Staff

A Transition Information Fair for parents and guardians with students with disabilities will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Solano County Office of Education.

“The Transition Information Fair is an opportunity for our youth to engage with Solano County resources which will assist them to successfully acquire the daily skills and independence they need to move into the next phase of their lives,” Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Solano County superintendent of schools, said in a statement.

Source: Transition fair for Solano students with disabilities set Tuesday

All-day kindergarten coming to Travis schools with new school year – Daily Republic

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By Daily Republic Staff

Travis School District will offer full-day kindergarten classes starting with the 2018-19 school year.

“We are so excited to be able to offer a full-day kindergarten program,” district Superintendent Pam Conklin said in a statement Friday announcing the program. “The drawback has always been facilities. We are working on the necessary logistics and partnering with our union to better serve our young students and provide equity to all.”

The program will go into effect at all five elementary schools. It will match the first-grade schedule at each campus. Transitional kindergarten will remain a half-day program.

Source: All-day kindergarten coming to Travis schools with new school year

Solano Hispanic chamber honors students, leaders – Daily Republic

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By Solano Hispanic Chamber

The Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce celebrated over 11 years as a local chamber of diversity during its annual Awards and Recognition Gala on March 10, 2018 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield. Solano County students and business leaders were recognized for their achievements, contributions and leadership.

Republic Services was awarded the 2018 Business of the Year award, Excellence in Customer Service was awarded to the Law Offices of Dana Dean, the Hispanic Business Leader was awarded to Roxana Damas of Diversity RD Global, and Voces Unidas de Solano was recognized as the Community Leader of the Year.

Fourteen scholarships were awarded to eight high school seniors and six college students including a post-graduate. Due to the generosity of NorthBay Healthcare and their investment in the future of our community, two deserving students pursuing careers in healthcare were recognized and awarded by President & CEO, Konard Jones. Also,The Law Offices of Dana Dean gave an additional contribution to an aspiring attorney.

Source: Solano Hispanic chamber honors students, leaders

Measure Q spending plan update goes before Solano College board – Daily Republic

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By Daily Republic Staff

Solano Community College’s board of directors will review an update of the Measure Q spending plan when it meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The public session will follow a 6:35 p.m. closed session, during which board members are scheduled to receive a labor negotiations update, discuss a matter of employee discipline and hear a matter of potential litigation, the agenda documents state.

The board meets in the Denis Honeychurch Board Room 626 in the Administrative Building at 4000 Suisun Valley Road, in rural Fairfield.

Source: Measure Q spending plan update goes before Solano College board

Will C. Wood golf, Travis Air Force Base to host upcoming golf tournaments – The Reporter

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By Mack Drake

Calling all golfers.

The Will C. Wood High school golf program will be hosting its 5th Annual Wildcat Classic in May in an effort to raise money for uniforms, equipment, training aids and lesson opportunities for the school’s boys and girls golf teams.

The tournament features a four-person scramble format, and will be held at Cypress Lakes Golf Course on Saturday, May 12. The tournament begins with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start.

The cost per golfer is set at $90 and includes passage into the post-tournament banquet. Vacaville Unified School District students can enter the tournament for $70, but that does not include entry into the banquet as there will be access to alcohol. For $20, individuals can forgo the golf and exclusively enter the banquet.

Source: Golf: Will C. Wood golf, Travis Air Force Base to host upcoming golf tournaments

School board OKs 2nd interim financial report – Benicia Herald

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By Nick Sestanovich

The school board approved Benicia Unified School District’s second interim financial report at Thursday’s school board meeting.

According to Chief Business Official Tim Rahill, BUSD’s revenue for 2017-18 is at $44.4 million. Thirty-seven percent of the revenue comes from the Local Control Funding Formula, 6 percent comes from local and other funds, 5 percent comes from state funds and 2 percent comes from the federal government. Of the LCFF funds, 37 percent is covered by property taxes and 63 percent comes from the state budget.

Source: School board OKs 2nd interim financial report

Vacaville USD leaders OK interim budget report, Santopadre contract – The Reporter

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By Richard Bammer

The Vacaville Unified annual budget for the current year has come into greater focus with the second interim report aired Thursday in the Educational Services Center.

Jennifer Stahlheber, the chief business officer, presented the budget report and multiyear projections during a governing board meeting.

By law, California school districts must submit two interim budget reports for the current fiscal year, usually by mid-December and mid-March, to let state Department of Education officials know that they can pay their bills.

Stahlheber told trustees that the projected budget for the current academic year is some $120 million for a district with 12,600 students, nearly $2 million more than the first interim budget report. Expenses will outpace revenues by $7 million, leading to deficit spending. The ending fund balance is projected to be $16.5 million, the beginning fund balance $23.6 million, with mandatory prudent reserves of $3.6 million for economic uncertainties.

Source: Vacaville Unified School District leaders OK interim budget report, Santopadre contract

Group from Mexico builds mosaic for Vallejo school – Times Herald

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By John Glidden

Vallejo Charter School students don’t need to travel far to learn about another culture.

They can just look in the quad.

Huddled under a tarp because of Thursday’s rainy weather, a group of artists from Zacatlan, Mexico diligently placed colorful tiles together — building a mosaic art piece which honors the city of Vallejo, the state of California and Zacatlan.

The mural depicts a grizzly bear surrounded by grape vines, and hills, while it cradles the physical shape of California. Next to the bear is a giant apple tree, which acknowledges Zacatlan’s history with the fruit.

“The whole idea is a cultural, artistic exchange,” said Glenn Lustig, teacher leader at the school. “(Students) are learning about who these folks are, how to build a mural, and how the mural in Zacatlan was built.”

Source: Group from Mexico builds mosaic for Vallejo school

People with disabilities focus of Solano’s 2nd Network of Care website – Daily Republic

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By Todd R. Hansen

Rachel Ford makes her living helping people with disabilities.

But the consumer affairs liaison for the Wellness and Recovery Unit of Solano County Behavioral Health has a very personal connection to those people.

Ford told her story at the Disabilities Resource Fair that happened Thursday at the county Events Center. The centerpiece of the event was the official launch of the county’s second Network of Care website, this one focused on providing a one-stop resource for people with disabilities.

The first site, Solano Cares 4 Seniors, was unveiled July 18.

Source: People with disabilities focus of Solano’s 2nd Network of Care website

Vacaville Unified School District campuses host lockdown drill – The Reporter

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By Kimberly K. Fu

In a matter of minutes Thursday morning following an ominous-sounding siren’s wail, Vacaville High School was shut down tight — No noise, no movement, no nothing.

Call it a successful lockdown drill, honed after four years of preparations and re-evaluations.

“It’s just sad that we have to do this,” said Ed Santopadre, the school’s principal.

The safety drill was over in minutes.

Following the sirens, teachers’ heads briefly popped out of their classrooms before their doors slammed shut.

“They’re checking for kids,” the principal explained.

One staff member worriedly asked what to do with the students who were in the school’s stadium.

“Tell them to hide,” he advised her. “That’s what we tell them — If you can’t go back to a room, just hide. It’s Locks, Lights, Out of Sight.”

Source: Vacaville Unified School District campuses host lockdown drill

Benicia High students rally on campus for gun control – Benicia Herald

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By George Johnston

Unlike at the thousands of schools across the country, zero students walked out of Benicia High School during the National School Walkout. Instead, students held a rally in the quad during Access Period to give speeches on preventing future gun violence and improving their school.

Senior Carson Rendell began the rally with a moment of silence for the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland Fla. on Feb. 14 He then delivered the first speech of day, focusing on the many victims of school shootings and how easily he believed gun violence could be prevented with stricter gun control laws like stronger background checks and bans on assault weapons.

“When will we realize this is a problem?” Rendell asked. “When will we take a step back and look at the fact that in this country there are 300 million people here, and there are over 300 million people with guns? That in states like Florida, 18-year-olds do not have to go through a background check to buy an assault rifle and and on average 96 people are killed each day by guns?”

Source: Benicia High students rally on campus for gun control

Area students join thousands nationwide in walkout for gun control – Times Herald

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By Rachel Raskin-Zrihen

“18th Century laws won’t protect 21st Century Americans!”

That was just one of several points made by students who took the small stage in the center of Vallejo’s Jesse Bethel High School on Wednesday, joining a national walkout, organized one month after a gunman took the lives 17 students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.

School administrators estimated that up to 1,200 of the school’s 1,550 students filed out of their classrooms at 10 a.m. for the event, planned to last 17 minutes — one for each of those killed at Parkland — as suggested by the surviving Parkland students. They joined thousands of students nationwide who walked out of class to protest gun violence and urge lawmakers to strengthen gun control laws.

Source: Area students join thousands nationwide in walkout for gun control

Dixon Unified School District to discuss using contraband dogs – The Reporter

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By Richard Bammer

The 2017-18 second interim budget, a Measure Q update, and the use of contraband dogs on district school grounds are on the agenda when Dixon Unified leaders meet tonight in Dixon.

By law, California school districts must submit two interim budget reports for the current fiscal year, usually by mid-December and mid-March, to let state Department of Education officials know that they can pay their bills.

The chief business officer, Melissa Mercado will tell the five-member governing board that the district can meet its financial obligations during the current academic year.

At the same time, the report essentially will be a snapshot of the rural eastern Solano County district as of Jan. 31.

Source: Dixon Unified School District to discuss using contraband dogs

VUSD trustees to consider 2017-18 budget, administrator contract – The Reporter

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By Richard Bammer

A conceptual design for the Markham Elementary modernization project, the second interim 2017-18 budget and a top administrator contract are on the agenda when Vacaville Unified leaders meet tonight.

District officials will tell the seven-member governing board that the Markham project, set to break ground during summer 2019, will cost nearly $36 million, and include a new classroom building, a new multipurpose room, upgrades to existing classrooms, and the removal of portable classrooms, among other things.

Using a slide presentation, officials will review the site committee process and discuss priorities.

Jennifer Stahlheber, the chief business officer, will present the second interim 2017-18 budget report and multiyear projections.

By law, California school districts must submit two interim budget reports for the current fiscal year, usually by mid-December and mid-March, to let state Department of Education officials know that they can meet their financial obligations.

Source: Vacaville Unified School District trustees to consider 2017-18 budget, administrator contract