Monthly Archives: April 2018

Organizers extend Solano kindness video contest deadline – Daily Republic

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By Daily Republic Staff

The deadline to submit entries for the second annual Kindness Campaign video contest has been extended to April 27.

Students in seventh through 12th grades can participate by producing and submitting a video “that is between 30 seconds and 2 minutes . . . that expresses what the power of kindness can accomplish at school, at home and in our communities to make a positive difference,” a statement released by the county announcing the extension states.

Source: Organizers extend Solano kindness video contest deadline

Markham Elementary School students take the learning outside to Lagoon Valley – The Reporter

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By Joel Rosenbaum

Armed with binoculars and nature journals, third grade students from Markham Elementary School got a hands-on learning experience Monday in Lagoon Valley Park.

Paired up with guides from Solano Resource Conservation District, the students and their teachers fanned out across the park to learn stewardship practices of keeping the watershed clean as well as educating them about the native plants and animals, according to Laura Morgan, environmental education program coordinator.

Students in Genelle Cadloni’s class have studied about the watershed by drawing pictures and labeling plant cycles and pollinators. They also had a visit from educators from the Solano Resource Conservation District who brought a model of the watershed and taught them about the effect of pollution. Students then had the opportunity to create their own models of the watershed.

Source: Markham Elementary School students take the learning outside to Lagoon Valley

Facilities Master Plan up for review by Travis Unified School District – The Reporter

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By Richard Bammer

Recommendations for the district’s Facilities Master Plan and clarification of the January cash payment of health and welfare benefits to unionized employees are on the agenda when Travis Unified leaders meet tonight in Fairfield.

Superintendent Pamela Conklin and Cathy Dominico, of Capitol PFG, a Sacramento financial advisory firm, will update the five-member governing board about the latest changes to the Facilities Master Plan, a 71-page document that will guide the district’s future capital construction and major remodeling projects.

The latest document comes after the Oct. 20 adoption of the master plan, which trustees directed administrators to set up a committee to review the capital needs for the Fairfield district. It includes two Vacaville elementary schools, Cambridge and Foxboro, and six other campuses, including Golden West Middle School and Vanden High.

Source: Facilities Master Plan up for review by Travis Unified School District

Fairfield-Suisun school board to hear student voices – Daily Republic

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By Daily Republic Staff

A 55-minute presentation is scheduled on what’s described as “issues of importance” to the students of the Fairfield-Suisun School District when the Board of Trustees meet Thursday.

Israel Cudmore, student board member, will lead the discussion.

Trustees meet at 5 p.m. in the board room of the Central Office, 2490 Hilborn Road, in Fairfield. The board adjourns into closed session on a personnel matter and will return to open session at 5:05 p.m. The student presentation is the first item once the trustees reconvene.

Source: Fairfield-Suisun school board to hear student voices

Trustees to review policy change to promote parent involvement in Fairfield-Suisun schools – Daily Republic

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By Daily Republic Staff

A policy proposal set for consideration Thursday aims to boost parental involvement in the education of children who attend school in the Fairfield-Suisun School District.

The policy under review states, “the governing board recognizes that parents/guardians are their children’s first and most influential teachers and that sustained parent/guardian involvement in the education of their children contributes greatly to student achievement and a positive school environment.

“The superintendent or designee shall consult with staff and parents/guardians and family members in the development of meaningful opportunities at all grade levels for them to be involved in district and school activities at all grade levels; advisory, decision-making, and advocacy roles; and activities to support learning at home.”

Source: Trustees to review policy change to promote parent involvement in Fairfield-Suisun schools

Fairfield-Suisun board set to consider safety policy for schools – Daily Republic

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By Daily Republic Staff

Members of the Board of Trustees for the Fairfield-Suisun School District will review campus safety recommendations as part of a series of policy updates when they meet Thursday.

“Campus security procedures shall include a directive for staff to keep classroom doors locked at all times. Such procedures shall be regularly reviewed to reflect changed circumstances and to assess their effectiveness in achieving safe school objectives,” the policy update states.

“The board believes that reasonable use of surveillance cameras will help the district achieve its goals for campus security.

Source: Fairfield-Suisun board set to consider safety policy for schools

What Reaching LCFF Full Implementation Means and Why It Matters – California Budget & Policy Center

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By Jonathan KaplanThe proposed state budget that Governor Brown released in January calls for a significant increase in support ($2.9 billion) to fully implement California’s main system for funding K-12 education, the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), in 2018-19. Reaching this milestone would be a notable accomplishment, especially as it would come two years earlier than initially estimated when the Legislature enacted the LCFF in 2013. Achieving this LCFF funding goal was never intended to mean that an adequate level of financial support needed to deliver a quality education for California’s K-12 students had been provided. However, reaching LCFF full implementation does reflect nearly $20 billion of increased funding for the state’s K-12 schools over the past six years.

Moreover, because the LCFF allocates additional funds to school districts based on their number of disadvantaged students — English learners, foster youth, and students from low-income families — increasing funding for the LCFF means more dollars are being provided to improve educational equity. Advancing equity may also be the goal of recent calls — from some state policymakers and others — to boost LCFF funding further, but exactly how such a boost is provided could unintentionally undermine this goal. To understand why, it is necessary to take a closer look at how the LCFF works and what full implementation really means.

Source: What Reaching LCFF Full Implementation Means and Why It Matters – California Budget & Policy Center

Torlakson Names New Nutrition Services Director – Year 2018 (CA Dept of Education)

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State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced today the appointment of Kim Frinzell as the new Director of the Nutrition Services Division (NSD) at the California Department of Education (CDE). She began her new assignment on April 1.

Frinzell has over two decades of administrative and operations expertise in both federal and state nutrition programs and policy. She formerly served as the NSD’s Associate Director.

“Kim’s extensive experience, dedication, and comprehensive knowledge make her the perfect choice for this position,” said Torlakson. “She has played a key role in successfully collaborating with our schools, districts, and community centers to provide access to nutritious and healthy food for California students so they can be focused, alert, and ready to learn.”

Frinzell received her bachelor of science degree in agricultural science: dietetics and food administration from Fresno State University and later became a Registered Dietitian.

Source: Torlakson Names New Nutrition Services Director – Year 2018 (CA Dept of Education)

Vanden High School hosts spring craft fair – Daily Republic

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By Daily Republic Staff

Vanden High School’s Sober Grad Committee will host a Spring Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Valley Church, 5063 Maple Road, in Vacaville.

There will be more than 30 local vendors/crafters who have partnered with the group by purchasing booth space and donating raffle items to support efforts to provide graduating seniors with a fun and safe graduation night celebration at Golfland/SunSplash in Roseville.

The entire community is invited to come out and support these vendors/crafters.

Source: The Week Ahead: Vanden High School hosts spring craft fair

Kindness Challenge Confronts Bullying Where It Happens Most | Benicia Patch

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By Beth Dalbey

A heartbreaking rash of suicides among adolescents and young teens illustrates how debilitating bullying and cyberbullying, the online form of childhood hazing, can be. A new campaign to combat it is aimed at where bullying most often starts, according to research, most pervasive: in middle schools.

The idea behind the Middle School Kindness Challenge, a project of the nonprofit group Stand for Children, is to make learning about kindness and being kinder to one another as much a part of daily school activities as reading and arithmetic. By April 15, the group hopes every middle school in America will sign up for the free, 30-day, research based online program to teach and foster kindness.

Source: Kindness Challenge Confronts Bullying Where It Happens Most | Across America, US Patch

Three new water bottle filling stations to be unveiled in Vallejo – Times Herald

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By Rachel Raskin-Zrihen

Two new water filling stations have been installed in Vallejo and will be unveiled next week to promote better health, Solano County Public Health spokeswoman Robin Cox said.

The stations were funded through Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, PICH (Partnerships to Improve Community Health) with installations paid for by different means, she said.

St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School, where one of the new stations was installed, passed a Healthy Beverage Standard for students where more healthy beverage options like water, unsweetened sparkling water, unsweetened tea and unflavored/plain milk will be offered, Cox said.

Solano County Supervisor Erin Hannigan aided the efforts. A ribbon cutting is planned for Monday.

Source: Three new water bottle filling stations to be unveiled in Vallejo

New Guidelines for Undocumented Students – Year 2018 (CA Dept of Education)

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State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today applauded new guidelines to protect the rights of undocumented students and their families at California’s more than 10,000 public schools.

State Attorney General Xavier Becerra developed the Promoting a Safe and Secure Learning Environment for All: Guidance and Model Policies to Assist California K–12 Schools in Responding to Immigration Issues guide External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF), to help schools develop policies to safeguard the privacy and personal information of students.

“This guide gives students, parents, educators, and the public, valuable information about the laws and the limits of immigration enforcement,” said Torlakson. “It’s a big step forward in support of all of our efforts to make sure students and their parents, regardless of citizenship status, feel safe and welcome at public schools.”

Last year, Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation requiring the Attorney General to issue guidance to help California’s public K–12 schools and other local educational agencies develop policies to protect the rights of undocumented students.

Source: New Guidelines for Undocumented Students – Year 2018 (CA Dept of Education)

Solano career fair offers employment opportunities – Daily Republic

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By Ian Thompson

Hector Ramirez, of Vacaville, still remembers five years ago when most of the employer representatives at such a job fair were mostly distributing information because they didn’t have openings.

“This is much better,” Ramirez said after finishing his second on-the-spot interview.

Ramirez was one of a host of job-seekers Tuesday at the Solano Workforce Development Career Fair held at Solano College where he checked out what approximately 80 employer representatives had to offer.

One of those employers was Ken Miller, representing the Iron Workers Union Local 378.

Source: Solano career fair offers employment opportunities

Panel discussion delves deep into the value of education, learning – The Reporter

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By Kimberly K. Fu

What would it be like to grow up in a world where education wasn’t valued and women had no voice?

Such was the discussion in Vacaville Wednesday night following a screening of “He Named Me Malala” at Brenden Theatres.

Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani native, was just 15 when she stood up to the Taliban and spoke out for girls’ rights to education. She was shot but recovered and has since become an advocate for education and women’s rights. She’s also a Nobel Laureate.

Following the movie, sponsored by Brenden and the Vacaville Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club, Solano County Supervisor Erin Hannigan, County Office of Education Superintendent Lisette Estrella-Hendersen, Vacaville Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals member Kim Whittaker, Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Jim Frazier, Jennifer Barton, and Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Anna Eaton hosted a lively discussion.

Source: Panel discussion into the value of education, learning

Armijo grad featured in Broadway-bound ‘Head Over Heels’ opening in San Francisco – Daily Republic

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By Amy Maginnis-Honey

Taylor Iman Jones graced many local stages before heading off to work with Bay Area theater companies.

The 2009 Armijo High School graduate set her sights on Broadway about 18 months ago and left for New York.

Within two months, Jones made her Broadway debut in “Groundhog Day.”

Broadway is calling again as Jones is cast in “Head Over Heels,” opening next week at San Francisco’s Curran Theatre. The musical comedy is directed by Tony Award-winner Michael Mayer and features tunes from the Go-Gos.

Source: Armijo grad featured in Broadway-bound ‘Head Over Heels’ opening in San Francisco

Benicia High School senior organizes book drive for Kenyan children – Benicia Herald

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By Nick Sestanovich

For his Eagle Project, Kevin McLarty of Benicia Troop 8 is planning to earn his wings as an Eagle Scout by organizing a book drive Sunday for the children of Kenya.

A senior at Benicia High School, McLarty has been a scout practically his entire life. He joined the Cub Scouts at a young age and has been a member of the Boy Scouts since sixth grade, earning the rank of Life Scout.

As he prepares to graduate from high school, McLarty is aiming to earn the title of Eagle Scout, the highest possible rank in the Boy Scouting program. To achieve the rank, a Scout generally has to be a Life Scout for at least six months, earn a minimum rank of 21 merit badges, demonstrate Scout Spirit and leadership, undergo a review process and be in charge of a service project, known as an Eagle Project. For his final project, McLarty opted to perform a philanthropic task: organizing a book drive for materials to be donated to the poverty-stricken neighborhoods of Kibera, Kenya.

Source: Benicia High School senior organizes book drive for Kenyan children

Falcon Chef meals help fund sizzling culinary program – Daily Republic

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By Bill Hicks

Here’s something to chew on: Not every high school student is going to go to college.

That doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of doing it. Many simply have a different career path in mind.

High schools have started to recognize that fact and are focusing attention on vocational career training programs that were once highly popular electives, like wood shop.

The culinary program at Fairfield High is moving in that direction under Chef Tom Dickinson, with support from the program’s Falcon Chef take-home meal program.

Source: Falcon Chef meals help fund sizzling culinary program

Read for Success summer program receives grant funding – The Reporter

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By Reporter STaff

First 5 Solano, in collaboration with the Solano County Office of Education, has received a $10,000 matching grant from Reading is Fundamental (RIF) to implement the Read for Success summer reading program in Solano County Pre-Kindergarten Academies. The Read for Success program, which gives children the life-changing power of literacy, will be implemented throughout Solano County, as First 5 Solano offers Pre-K academies in all of Solano County’s seven cities, targeting children who have never had a prior pre-school experience or who are considered high-risk.

“All children deserve the opportunity to access books, learn how to read and obtain the fundamental building blocks needed to achieve their highest potential,” said Solano County Supervisor Erin Hannigan, First 5 Solano Commission chairperson. “This evidence-based program will do just that, giving at-risk children the tools necessary to stay proficient — because as we know, as children progress through school, it becomes more and more difficult to catch up once they’ve fallen behind.”

Source: Read for Success summer program receives grant funding

Grant will provide pre-kindergarten children with summer reading – Daily Republic

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By Daily Republic Staff

A Reading is Fundamental $10,000 grant has been received for The Read for Success summer reading program.

First 5 Solano and Solano County Office of Education received the grant, which will be used at the Pre-K academies in the county’s seven cities, targeting children who have never had a prior preschool experience or who are considered high-risk.

The funds were part of a matching grant program. First 5 Solano and the Solano County Office of Education each added $5,000 for a total of $20,000 for the reading program.

Source: Grant will provide pre-kindergarten children with summer reading