Monthly Archives: March 2019

24th Transition Fair is scheduled for March 20 in Fairfield – Daily Republic

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By Daily Republic Staff

The 24th annual Transition Information Fair for students in middle school, high school or an adult/transition program who has a disability and/or in a special education program will be held March 20.

The fair will occur from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Solano County Office of Education, 5100 Business Center Drive.

More than 40 agencies from Solano and surrounding counties will be on hand to provide information about programs and agencies that can assist with higher education, training, employment, adult day programs and independent living.

Source: 24th Transition Fair is scheduled for March 20 in Fairfield

National School Boards Association Pushes for Federal Special Education Law Overhaul – Education Week

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By Christina Samuels

Is this the year that Congress will take up the long-overdue renewal of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act—plus boost funding for the law?

The National School Boards Association wants to see both. Advocating for “full funding” of IDEA is a perennial issue, but the association is also drawing attention to the fact that the law, last reauthorized in 2004, needs to be rewritten to address more up-to-date concerns about educating students with disabilities.

“This is our big initiative, our big push for this Congress,” said Thomas Gentzel, the executive director of the school boards association.

Source: National School Boards Association Pushes for Federal Special Education Law Overhaul – On Special Education – Education Week

Congregation delivers new shoes to local students – Daily Republic

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By Bill Hicks

Before you judge someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That’s the popular expression most people know.

Volunteers from the congregation of City Grace Church in Fairfield did that one better, last week. They dispensed with the judgement altogether and – rather than walk a mile in their shoes – gave the students at Fairview Elementary brand new shoes.

Source: Good graces: Congregation delivers new shoes to local students

RHSEU at Pageantry on Parade & Armijo Winter Review – Daily Republic

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By RHSEU Boosters

RHSEU Winter Programs competed this past Saturday, March 2nd, at back to back events; the 27th Annual Pageantry on Parade hosted by Fairfield High School and the Armijo Winter Review hosted by Armijo High School. All groups did very well for early in the season. Here are specific results for the L-Pattern/Field Conducting students.

Source: Good News: RHSEU at Pageantry on Parade & Armijo Winter Review

Will C. Wood students to present ‘Little Mermaid’ at VPAT – The Reporter

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By Nick Sestanovich

Will C. Wood High School Lively Arts intends to take audiences “under the sea” for its production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Thursday through Saturday at the Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre.

Based on the 1989 hit Disney animated film —which itself was based on the Hans Christian Andersen tale from 1837 — “The Little Mermaid” tells the story of Ariel, a young mermaid who aspires to leave the ocean and live on land. The production is performed by Will C. Wood theater students and follows the storyline of the Disney movie, so it is suitable for all ages.

“The Little Mermaid” will be performed at 6 p.m. Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday and 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday at VPAT, 1010 Ulatis Drive.

Source: Will C. Wood students to present ‘Little Mermaid’ at VPAT – The Reporter

Benicia Middle School Innovative Grants Fundraiser, “Shamrocks & Shenanigans” March 15

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By Editor

The Benicia Middle School PTSA is working hard to expand outlets for students to learn and experience new avenues of education through the “Shamrocks & Shenanigans” event on March 15.

In true St. Patrick’s Day style, the “Shamrocks & Shenanigans” event will feature Irish-themed food, specialty-crafted brews and drinks (sponsored by Benicia Brüehol), live entertainment by Comedian Chelsea Bearce, dancing to the tunes of DJ Mike Deasy and a host of fun, interactive activities (including a live and silent auction) that are sure to bring out the luck of the Irish!

Source: Benicia Middle School Innovative Grants Fundraiser, “Shamrocks & Shenanigans” March 15

Vallejo school district graduation requirements change – Times-Herald

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By Rachel Raskin-Zrihen

Vallejo City Unified School District officials have taken a long, hard look at the district’s high schools, students and outcomes and come up with some tweaks designed to improve them, while simultaneously saving money for the cash-strapped district. These will kick in in the next school year, Superintendent Adam Clark said.

In a recent letter to district “stakeholders and partners,” Clark spelled out the three main areas the changes focus on: graduation requirements, academies, and start and end times.

Source: Vallejo school district graduation requirements change – Times-Herald

Students compete at 27th annual Pageantry on Parade – Daily Republic

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By Susan Hiland

Competition and camaraderie were the order of the day Saturday as Fairfield High School’s Scarlet Brigade Band hosted dozens of marching bands from across the region at the 27th annual Pageantry on Parade.

The event drew 30 middle schools and high schools from throughout Northern California. The daylong competition had different performing units, ranging in divisions from Middle School Novice to High School Open.

The start of the day was a little stressful with the rain making another appearance this week.

“Setting up at 5 a.m. we didn’t know if it would continue all day or not,” said Brian Swetland, music director for Fairfield High School. “If we could just get a sliver of sun that would cheer everyone up.”

Source: Students compete at 27th annual Pageantry on Parade

Vacaville leaders mingle at Chamber breakfast – The Reporter

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By Nick Sestanovich

Everybody who is anybody in Vacaville was at the Opera House Wednesday morning for the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce’s Movers & Shakers Breakfast Summit.

Some of Vacaville’s top community and business leaders got to mingle while learning about the city’s highlights last year and enjoying a breakfast provided by Erica Marie’s Catering.

The guest list included Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Solano; Assemblyman Jim Frazier, D-Solano; Solano County supervisors Skip Thomson and John Vasquez; Mayor Ron Rowlett; the Vacaville City Council; the Vacaville school board; Solano Community College (SCC) President Celia Esposito-Noy; and Lisette Estrella-Henderson, the superintendent of the Solano County Office of Education. All of these figures were listed in the brochure as “movers.”

Source: Vacaville leaders mingle at Chamber breakfast – The Reporter

Phoenix Spark Challenge issues call for Solano students to advance skills – Daily Republic

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By Daily Republic Staff

The Solano County Office of Education in partnership with Travis Air Force Base is once again launching the Phoenix Spark Challenge.

High school students throughout Solano County are encouraged to register for the 2019 competition that will take place May 7 at the base.

“We are very excited about this opportunity for high school teams to compete in such an inspiring event. Solving real-life problems is an excellent way to get students engaged in math and science while learning the valuable 21st century skills necessary to prepare for the jobs of today and the future,”

Source: Phoenix Spark Challenge issues call for Solano students to advance skills

Willis Jepson Middle School A High-Performing ‘School To Watch’ | Dixon, CA Patch

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By News Desk

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that 16 high-performing California middle schools have been newly recognized in the 2018–19 Schools to Watch – Taking Center Stage program (STWTM-TCS). Thirty-three previously chosen schools, will be able to retain their “Schools to Watch” designation due to their continued progress. Willis Jepson Middle School, in the Vacaville Unified School District, was first recognized in 2016 and has qualified for continued recognition in 2019.

Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson commented, “Congratulates to the administration and staff of Willis Jepson Middle School for their continued recognition and their leading role in developing and implementing effective practices. Schools to Watch promotes positive school changes and supports local leadership in addressing the needs of our students.

Source: Willis Jepson Middle School A High-Performing ‘School To Watch’ | Dixon, CA Patch