Monthly Archives: April 2018

District board to consider $7.8M work at Dan O. Root campus – Daily Republic

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By Daily Republic Staff

Members of the Fairfield-Suisun School District governing board will consider a raft of projects Thursday to update one of the district’s campuses.

Board members will be asked to approve a lease-leaseback agreement between the district and Landmark Constructions for $7.8 million to expand food prep facilities, administration renovations and campus-wide HVAC and fire alarm upgrades at the Dan O. Root Health & Wellness Academy.

New play areas and a shade structure will also be constructed as a part of this project.

Source: District board to consider $7.8M work at Dan O. Root campus

Suisun Valley 4-H members help with Earth Day cleanup – Daily Republic

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By Susan Hiland

Suisun Valley 4-H and the city of Fairfield teamed up this weekend at Rockville Hills Regional Park to clean up trash, plant native trees and do a bio-remediation project to cover graffiti on rocks with moss spores, a natural remedy, as part of Earth Day celebrations.

Jack Kemble, 7, initiated the 4-H Community Service Project to help out the park that he loves. Like many others, Kemble enjoys mountain biking and hiking at the park. The event spanned both Saturday and Sunday and was named Jack’s Spring Green Clean.

In addition to Suisun Valley 4-H, members of the public and children who attend from K.I. Jones Elementary School helped to improve the park Saturday.

Source: Suisun Valley 4-H members help with Earth Day cleanup at Fairfield park

School board rejects bids for fire alarm upgrades – Benicia Herald

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By Nick Sestanovich

At Thursday’s meeting, the Benicia school board unanimously voted to reject bids for fire alarm upgrades at two elementary schools and reopen them at a later time.

As part of the Measure S initiative, which was approved by voters in 2014 to provide $49.6 million in bond funding to projects at Benicia Unified School District sites, the district is looking to improve fire alarm systems at all of its sites. The fire alarms at Benicia High and Benicia Middle School have been either replaced or reconditioned, and the next schools slated to receive fire alarm renovations are Mary Farmar and Robert Semple elementary schools.

Roxanne Egan, Measure S bond director, said advertisements for public bids were recently put out and received interest from three contractors. However, only one put forth a bid: Bockmon & Woody, a Stockton-based electric utility company which previously did work on Benicia High and Benicia Middle’s fire alarms.

Source: School board rejects bids for fire alarm upgrades

Hundreds of students leave Benicia High for National School Walkout – Benicia Herald

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By George Johnston

Facing unexcused absence as punishment, approximately 400 Benicia High School students nevertheless joined thousands of peers across the country to walk out of school as a part of the National School Walkout.

The National School Walkout was a nationwide protest held today to rally against gun violence and honor those who lost their lives in shootings. The event, coinciding with the 19th anniversary of the Columbine High School Massacre, was one of several national demonstrations held in the wake of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting on Feb. 14, and Benicia High students have actively participated throughout. On Feb. 24, students marched from Benicia High to City Park where they held a candlelight vigil. On March 14, they held a brief rally on campus in lieu of the the National School Walkout held that day. On March 24, students organized a march down First Street and rally at City Park which had several local officials speak. Today’s walkout called for students across America to leave school and join with their fellow youth in demonstrating a call to gun violence.

Source: Hundreds of students leave Benicia High for National School Walkout

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

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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

Benicians to run for education this weekend – Benicia Herald

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By George Johnston

Benicians and other participants will have a chance to show if they were born to run as the city is hosting the 11th annual Run for education on Sunday.

The Run for Education is a charity event put on by the Benicia Education Foundation to raise money for programs and services in the Benicia Unified School District.

The Benicia Education Foundation is a volunteer-run, community-based nonprofit organization that helps fund BUSD programs and services. The run is split into a 5K and a 10k. Both courses are certified by the USA Track & Field and professionally chipped and timed. Those participating in the 5K will pass historical sites, Victorian homes and views of the Carquinez Strait. The 10K course will takes runners into the Benicia State recreation Area. The Kids’ Fun-Run, open to children ages 12 and under, runs from the Marina Green down to the pier and back.

Source: Benicians to run for education this weekend

Vacaville teachers join with others for Character Strong workshop – The Reporter

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By Joel Rosenbaum

Educators from around Northern California including a group of about a dozen teachers and administrators from the Vacaville Unified School District participated in a daylong workshop that taught them the benefits of incorporating character into their daily curriculum.

“We are teaching them how to weave character development, compassion and interpersonal skills into their daily practice in the classroom and throughout the campus,” said Houston Kraft a trainer with Character Strong an organization that leads workshops around the country that “Help educators infuse character and social-emotional learning into the daily fabric of any classroom or campus,” according to their website. Visit www.characterstrong.com.

Source: Vacaville teachers join with others for Character Strong workshop

Solano College Theatre opens musical homage to old Broadway shows – Daily Republic

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By Amy Maginnis-Honey

It’s a blend of the old and new as Solano College Theatre opens “Nice Work . . . If You Can Get It” this weekend.

The musical features tunes from George and Ira Gershwin. The show premiered on Broadway in April 2012. It’s based on a book written by Joe DiPietro and features material from Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse.

The next year, director Christine Mani heard the title song on a Pandora station that plays show tunes. Mani purchased the CD and discovered she loved all the songs in the show. She sought licensing for the show and was turned down because the show was too new.

Source: Solano College Theatre opens musical homage to old Broadway shows

FSUSD English Learner Reclassification Celebration – Daily Republic

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By Tim Goree

The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District is excited to announce its first ever, district wide English Learner Reclassification Celebration!

On April 24, 2018 at the Fairfield Community Center’s Willow Hall, the district will honor and recognize nearly 400 English learner students who have achieved English language fluency and mastery of academic skills. To qualify for reclassification, students must exceed standards set by the FSUSD Governing Board as measured by the state language assessment, a standards based assessment, teacher recommendation, and parent consultation.

Two separate celebration ceremonies will take place to properly recognize all of these students.

Source: FSUSD English Learner Reclassification Celebration

Vaca High group entertains California retired teachers – Daily Republic

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By Daily Republic Staff

The Vacaville High Advanced String Ensemble, under the new direction of Melinda Packer, celebrated St. Patrick’s Day and the beginning of spring with tunes such as “Molly on the Shore,” by Percy Grainger, “Here Comes the Sun,” a Beatles song, and Mozart’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.”

The string ensemble entertained Division 24 of the California Retired Teachers Association on March 13 at the Vacaville Opera House. The retired teachers showed their gratitude by donating more than $350 to the school group for their spring activities.

Source: Good News: Vaca High group entertains California retired teachers

CPR fundraiser benefits Public Safety Academy – Daily Republic

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By Daily Republic Staff

The Leadership Today Class of 2018 is hosting a fundraiser for the Public Safety Academy.

Leadership Today is attended by select city employees and community business leaders. Attendees are selected by both the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce and the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce.

The course focuses on group activities to develop leadership skills.

CPR training is planned from 10 a.m. to noon April 28 at NorthBay Healthcare’s HealthSpring Fitness, 1020 Nut Tree Road in Vacaville and from 6 to 8 p.m. April 30 at Brandman University, 2450 Martin Road in Fairfield.

Source: CPR fundraiser benefits Public Safety Academy

First 5 Solano starts $200K annual grant program – Daily Republic

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By Daily Republic Staff

First 5 Solano has launched a $200,000 grant program for one-time projects that address the needs of children up to 5 years old, caregivers – including parents and guardians – and service providers.

“The purpose of the annual grants program is to provide an opportunity for the First 5 Solano Commission to consider grant requests that fill community gaps, pilot new or innovative ideas, or address time-sensitive community needs,” a statement released by the county Administrator’s Office said.

“All projects proposed for the annual grants fund must support First 5 Solano’s mission to promote, support and improve the lives of young children, their families and their communities,” the statement said.

Source: First 5 Solano starts $200K annual grant program

Vanden captures 9th at 38th state Academic Decathlon – Daily Republic

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By Daily Republic Staff

Five Vanden High School students brought home 11 medals and the team finished ninth in their division at the 2017-18 California State Academic Decathlon in Sacramento.

“The Academic Decathlon is a rigorous academic program and team competition which develops students’ confidence and improves their study skills,” Lisette Estrella Henderson, Solano County superintendent of schools, said in a statement released Wednesday. “As a result, students are more prepared for career and post-secondary education options.”

Vanden’s decathlon team won the North Bay Regional Academic Decathlon, which featured 12 schools from four counties – six from Solano County. There were more than 275 students involved.

Source: Vanden captures 9th at 38th state Academic Decathlon

North Bay Decathlon Teams Compete At State Level | Dixon Patch

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The results are in from the 2017 North Bay Regional Academic Decathlon and the California State Academic Decathlon. This year, over 275 students from 13 high schools across Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo counties participated in the North Bay Region’s Academic Decathlon. The Academic Decathlon is a competitive event modeled after the Olympics to stimulate academic achievement and honor “athletes of the mind.” The competition provides students the opportunity to participate in an educational forum, which fosters a deep respect for knowledge, cooperation, and self-esteem. The theme of this year’s academic decathlon contests was “Africa.” “The Academic Decathlon is a rigorous academic program and team competition which develops students’ confidence and improves their study skills,” said Lisette Estrella Henderson, Solano County Superintendent of Schools. “As a result, students are more prepared for career and post-secondary education options.”

Source: North Bay Decathlon Teams Compete At State Level | Dixon, CA Patch

New CDE Mobile App—CA Meals for Kids – Year 2018 (CA Dept of Education)

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State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today announced the release of the California Department of Education’s (CDE) CA Meals for Kids mobile app. The app allows users to find the locations of California’s Summer and Afterschool Meal Programs, which are spread throughout the state. These programs provide no-cost meals to children aged eighteen and under.

“It is critical that children continue to receive nutritious meals when schools are not in session. This helps to counter summer learning loss and ensures that students are able to return to the classroom ready to learn,” said Torlakson. “This application will make it easier for families and caregivers to locate the sites closest to them and receive other information about meal services.”

The CA Meals for Kids App draws upon information submitted to the CDE Nutrition Services Division by local program sponsors and provides the most up-to-date information about meal services available in the community. Children and families can use location-based searches to find meal sites, dates, and times. The app also allows for searches by site name, ZIP code, and city.

Source: New CDE Mobile App—CA Meals for Kids – Year 2018 (CA Dept of Education)

Vallejo trustees asked to approve air monitoring units – Times Herald

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By John Glidden

Fifteen air monitoring units may be installed around various sites within the Vallejo City Unified School District soon.

The VCUSD Board of Education will be asked Wednesday to approve an agreement with the Regents of the University of California, Berkeley on behalf of the Berkeley Atmospheric CO2 Observation Network (BEACO2N) program for the installation of observation units to measure the amount of carbon dioxide in the area.

The district’s administrative building on Mare Island, along with Jesse Bethel and John Finney high schools and Franklin and Solano middle schools, will each receive an air monitor.

Source: Vallejo trustees asked to approve air monitoring units

‘Sir Elton John’ wants to win robotic worlds; needs funds – The Reporter

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By RoboKnights

Perseverance. Teamwork. Excellence. These few words describe robotics team 5496.

The RoboKnights are a four-year team based out of Buckingham High School in Vacaville. In this build season alone, they have spent 200-plus hours building their robot named, Sir Elton John.

Team members have already attended two regionals in Davis and Boise, Idaho this season, placing sixth and ninth, respectively. After placing so high in Davis, the RoboKnights were put into a lottery in hopes of competing at World Competitions in Houston, Texas.

Source: ‘Sir Elton John’ wants to win robotic worlds; needs funds

Solano County SELPA Community Advisory Committee – Daily Republic

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Educators, Youth and Community Members Who Work with Special Education Students Recognized for Outstanding Service

The 12th Annual Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Recognition Awards Ceremony will be held on Monday, April 30, 2018, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the Solano County Office of Education, 5100 Business Center Drive, Fairfield.

CAC Awards are presented to educators, youth, and community members for outstanding service to students with special needs. Award recipients are from each school district within the Solano County Special Education Local Plan Area: Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield-Suisun, Travis, and Vacaville Unified School Districts, as well as the Solano County Office of Education.

Source: News Release – Solano County SELPA Community Advisory Committee

BUSD to discuss sunshine proposal negotiations with classified employees union – Benicia Herald

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By Nick Sestanovich

A little sunshine is on the horizon— both in the weather and at Benicia Unified School District’s Governing Board meeting, where a 2017-18 sunshine proposal between the district and the California School Employees Association (CSEA) is on the agenda.

Per Education Code, BUSD must publicly disclose negotiation proposals before beginning negotiations with the CSEA, a union representing classified employees. The current collective bargaining agreement between BUSD and CSEA Chapter 1096 expired on June 30, and the entire bargaining agreement is open this year, per contract.

The CSEA highlighted several articles to be made available to the public. These include seeking to remove restrictions on the union steward investigation process, seeking fair and equitable pay as well as a solution to overnight trip pay, searching for a fair and equitable medical cap contribution, making earned compensatory time immediately available, an expanded definition of “immediate family,” updating parental leave provisions, removing language to discourage safe working conditions, establishing annual first aid and CPR training, and commemorating verbal warnings for employee records. The agreement would be good through June 30, 2020.

Source: BUSD to discuss sunshine proposal negotiations with classified employees union

Vallejo Symphony offers youth chance to hear, learn about Mozart – Daily Republic

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By Amy Maginnis-Honey

About 700 Solano County students filled the Empress Theatre Monday morning for two performances by the Vallejo Symphony.

The symphony’s board of directors picked up the ticket tab. Schools were responsible for transportation to and from the venue.

A few of the neighborhood schools were able to walk to the historic theater.

This is the first time in more than 20 years the symphony has offered the student performances, said Tim Zumwalt, who heads up publicity for the symphony.

The symphony – founded in 1931 – completed its first full season Sunday of performing at the Empress, which is more than 100 years old.

Source: Vallejo Symphony offers youth chance to hear, learn about Mozart