Monthly Archives: November 2023

FSUSD Superintendent Kris Corey to retire – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Richard Bammer

The email to district leaders on Tuesday afternoon began pleasantly and diplomatically enough, with a wish for all having “a wonderful Thanksgiving break,” followed by “I am always grateful for our team and FSUSD.”

Then longtime Fairfield-Suisun Unified Superintendent Kris Corey segued to the heart of the matter:

“It is with very mixed emotions that I am announcing my retirement from Fairfield-Suisun. My final retirement date has yet to be determined.

Source: FSUSD Superintendent Kris Corey to retire – The Vacaville Reporter

Volunteers sought for high school Academic Decathlon | dailyrepublic.com

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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

VUSD board hears Kairos proposal, names softball field – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Nick McConnell

A proposal from Kairos regarding expansion plans for a new high school was among the highlights at Thursday night’s Vacaville Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting.

The board also voted to name the softball field at Vacaville High School after Joan Murmagh, a longtime softball coach, girls’ athletic director and league commissioner for the school who helped build the girls’ athletics program at the school since the 1970s.

Meanwhile, Laura Moderos, a classified employee and union member, said concerns she raised at the last board meeting have yet to be addressed, as negotiations between the district and union are ongoing. She said she wanted to raise the issues to the district so that solutions can be found to improve student outcomes.

Source: VUSD board hears Kairos proposal, names softball field – The Vacaville Reporter

Girls on the Run North Bay hosts 5K fundraiser – Napa Valley Register

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It was smiles and high-fives as 900 participants ran, walked and skipped during the Girls on the Run Fabulous Fall 5K on Sunday at Mare Island in Vallejo.

Presented by Napa’s Community Projects Inc., the event raised $17,000 for Girls on the Run programs, which inspire girls in grades 3-8 to build their confidence, kindness and decision-making skills.

“This is by far the best ever GOTR 5K,” said “Magical” Michela Ward, a 10-year volunteer life coach at K.I. Jones Elementary School in Fairfield. “Running through the Wendy the Welder space was so empowering.”

Source: Girls on the Run North Bay hosts 5K fundraiser

Vaca Unified candidate touts experience as educator, UC Davis business administrator |  dailyrepublic.com

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Amy Tran Russell is banking on her experiences as an educator and administrator over one of the most successful master’s business analytics programs at UC Davis to win her the Trustee Area 6 seat on the Vacaville Unified School District board.

It was the same résumé that won her an appointment to the post by the sitting school board, only to have a protest petition force the Dec. 19 special election. Russell faces Tracee Stacy, a former Vacaville Unified trustee, in the election to fill the final year of the post vacated by Kelly Welsh when she moved out of the district.

Source: Vaca Unified candidate touts experience as educator, UC Davis business administrator | News | dailyrepublic.com

Vaca Unified candidate says community ties a critical part of election | dailyrepublic.com

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Tracee Stacy is banking on her experience as a former school board trustee and her familiarity with the community to win the Trustee Area 6 seat on the Vacaville Unified School District board.

Stacy, 44, served on the Vacaville Unified board from 2016 to 2020 before losing a close re-election bid.

But she said she is not done wanting to serve and is eager to help lead the district into the future – noting the development of the district’s next Local Control and Accountability Plan – and emphasized that she is motivated from the classroom out.

Source: Vaca Unified candidate says community ties a critical part of election | News | dailyrepublic.com

Crystal Middle School Campfire celebrates third anniversary | dailyrepublic.com

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By Amy Maginnis Honey

Staff, family, friends of Crystal Middle School, as well s the mayor of Suisun City, were in the crowd to enjoy the third annual Crystal Cougar Campfire.

The evening began with participants building a Crystal community tree, adding their names to a leaf on the tree. Then it was off to take pictures at the fall photo booth.

A scarecrow created by the Crystal Art Club and art teacher Noni Guevara was shown.

Source: Crystal Middle School Campfire celebrates third anniversary | Music | dailyrepublic.com

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

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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

Travis school board requests waiver from state to search of new board member | dailyrepublic.com

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By Susan Hiland

The Travis Unified School District board decided to ask the state Board of Education for a waiver of the appointment timeline to allow additional time to seek a qualified applicant for the vacant trustee seat.

Zenobia Muhammad left the Trustee Area 1 seat in August. The board wanted to fill this vacancy by appointment, but no one applied for the position by the deadline, which was 60 days after Muhammad left.

The requirements for the position include that a person must be 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the district and Trustee Area 1, a registered voter, and not otherwise be disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office.

Source: Travis school board requests waiver from state to search of new board member | Education | dailyrepublic.com

Travis board talks fencing around schools | dailyrepublic.com

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By Susan Hiland

The Travis Unified School District board discussed the idea of putting fencing around the perimeters of three schools – Vanden High School, Golden West Middle School and Travis Education Center.

This is not a new idea but it has seen increasing pressure from parents over the past few years with the number of school shootings rising across the country.

Gabe Moulaison, chief business officer, gave the presentation on the staff findings for the project.

Source: Travis board talks fencing around schools | Education | dailyrepublic.com

Solano CC staff gets emergency training |  dailyrepublic.com

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Solano Community College has concluded a comprehensive training program on Emergency Operation Center protocols, culminating in a strategic tabletop exercise.

The training was aimed at preparing staff for effective management of resources during emergencies, which often present complex challenges, including the allocation of personnel, equipment, and facilities. Recognizing the potential stress of such scenarios, the training was designed to bolster the college’s preparedness for safeguarding its community.

Source: Solano CC staff gets emergency training | News | dailyrepublic.com

Benicia marches for civil rights activist – Times Herald Online

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By Thomas Gase

In 1960 Ruby Bridges became the first African-American child to attend formerly Whites-only William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana during the New Orleans school desegregation crisis. Today — 63 years later — students in Benicia are making sure nobody forgets.

Students in the Benicia High School Unified School District took part in a day to raise awareness for Bridges after learning about the civil rights activist in school during this year. For students at Robert Semple Elementary School, that meant walking from Francesca Park to the school while carrying signs and wearing T-shirts supporting Bridges.

The third annual event has grown in size every year, thanks to organizers like Kashanna Harmon-Lee, Laura Cohen, Krista Heredia and Rozalind Sinnamon.

Source: Benicia marches for civil rights activist – Times Herald Online

County cheers students with winning ‘Kindness’ video | dailyrepublic.com

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The seven students who produced the top 2023 Kindness Campaign video were applauded Tuesday at the Solano County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Those students are Aaron Phelps, Josua Perine, Jessica Kurowski, Kimiko Brown, Camryn Kaleah Ladiao, Ilia Senobari Abkenar and Saul Bomero. They attend Rodriguez High School. The video was about Phelps’ experience living with spinal muscular atrophy and attending school via a robot, then wanting to be part of a karate class. Phelps also was a finalist at the Catalina Film Festival.

District Attorney Krishna Abrams, who started the Power of Kindness Campaign with Supervisor John Vasquez in 2017, said that Phelps had indicated that he often felt invisible because of his condition, and said the Covid-19 shutdown might have given other students a feel for what he goes through on a daily basis.

Source: County cheers students with winning ‘Kindness’ video | Museums | dailyrepublic.com

VUSD candidate Russell hosts campaign kickoff – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Nick McConnell

Vacaville Unified trustee candidate Amy Tran Russell on Thursday held a campaign kickoff event, sponsored by the Vacaville Teachers’ Association, at Ridgeview Park.

Russell, who works in administration for the University of California, Davis, is running against former governing board member Tracee Stacy in a special vacancy election forced by a petition drive following Russell’s appointment to the board earlier this year.

Vacaville City Councilmember Sarah Chapman spoke at the event, saying she and the candidate share an understanding of the importance of education.

Source: VUSD candidate Russell hosts campaign kickoff – The Vacaville Reporter

Students share views on future of FSUSD | dailyrepublic.com

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Student leaders and 31 student representatives at Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District came together in October to share input for the future of the school district, according to a press release.

FSUSD holds monthly Student Leader and Parent Leader meetings. These meetings with the superintendent and designated staff serve as a conduit for bringing vital perspectives to the forefront of essential district decisions, including matters related to school safety, curriculum, climate, and even school menus.

At the most recent Student and Parent Leader meeting, District staff presented the student leaders with data sourced from FSUSD student surveys, shedding light on student perceptions of school climate and discipline. Also they learned about new legislation that impacts the future of student discipline. Students spoke frankly and honestly about their concerns and hopes for the future.

Source: Good News: Students share views on future of FSUSD | Education | dailyrepublic.com

New session of Girls Circle begins Wednesday | dailyrepublic.com

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The Fairfield PAL Teen Center, together with the Soroptimists of Central Solano County, will host an all new Girls Circle starting Wednesday.

Girls Circle is a structured support group for Fairfield, Suisun, and Travis girls ages 13-18 years and integrates relational theory, resiliency practices, and skills training. This Circle will work to enhance girls’ awareness of their relationship with themselves and others.

Girls Circle meets from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 7.

Source: New session of Girls Circle begins Wednesday | Fairfield | dailyrepublic.com

SPI to Host Homeless Education Summit – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

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State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond will host a homeless education summit to address homelessness among children and mitigate educational impacts caused by homelessness amid the ongoing housing crisis in California. This summit will bring together educators; city, county, and state officials; advocates; liaisons; service providers; and other key partners to develop cohesive statewide solutions to reduce student homelessness.

The summit is scheduled on Thursday, November 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Los Angeles County Office of Education, 12830 Columbia Way in Downey. Immediately before the summit, Superintendent Thurmond will host a press event about homeless students at 9:30 a.m. at the same location. The press event will feature Superintendent Thurmond, who will be available for questions, and Holly Mitchell, Supervisor, Los Angeles County Supervisor, Second District; Miguel Santana, President and CEO, California Community Foundation; and Lindsey P. Horvath, Supervisor, Los Angeles County Supervisor, Third District. All media outlets are encouraged to attend.

Source: SPI to Host Homeless Education Summit – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

Education Issues And Ballot Initiatives To Watch On Election Day 2023 – Forbes

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By Alison Griffn

With the 2024 presidential election a year away, voters in the 2023 elections will help shed light on how — or whether — education issues have the potential to inform the agendas of presidential hopefuls.

On the ballot in 2023 are two gubernatorial contests, numerous high-profile state board of education elections, and state ballot measures with big implications for education policy to ward off cuts as federal funds dry up and state budgets contract.

Source: Education Issues And Ballot Initiatives To Watch On Election Day 2023

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

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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

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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