Monthly Archives: April 2025

Over 600 VCUSD students unite for annual Empower Youth Summit – Times Herald Online

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By Sarah Rodriguez

On Tuesday, nearly 600 Vallejo eighth-graders joined for a day of empowerment and exploration.

Marking its sixth year, the annual Empower Youth Summit hosted by Kaiser Permanente Napa Solano introduced students to trailblazing leaders in entertainment, education, entrepreneurship, and healthcare.

Students at the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom grounds had the opportunity to hear testimonies of resilience, enjoy some of the park’s iconic rides, and partake in several Target-sponsored gift giveaways.

Source: Over 600 VCUSD students unite for annual Empower Youth Summit – Times Herald Online

Classified School Employees of the Year Honored – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

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State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today honored nine outstanding classified school employees for their dedication to California’s public school students.

“Our classified employees are the ones who make sure that kids have healthy meals, who keep our campuses clean and safe, and who lend a sympathetic ear to students during some of the most difficult times in their lives,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “It’s an incredible honor to spotlight these outstanding employees, and the significant impact they make on our students, schools, districts, and their communities. They make a huge difference, and our students will remember them for years to come. Congratulations on your hard work, dedication, and time supporting and investing in our students. These employees deserve this incredible honor, and I’m proud to celebrate them with this statewide recognition.”

Source: Classified School Employees of the Year Honored – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

Armijo Royal Regiment shines at winter championships | dailyrepublic.com

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The Armijo High School Royal Regiment performed admirably at the Northern California Band Association Winter Championships at Del Oro High School on March 29-30.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the Armijo High School Royal Regiment and their exceptional achievements,” Band Director Louise Jacob said in a press release. “Our students gave unforgettable performances and represented Armijo with excellence, heart, and pride.”

The Armijo Mallet Ensemble ended their undefeated season with a powerful performance that earned the highest score of the entire day – an impressive 85.90 – and an NCBA Scholastic Concert Percussion Champion title.

Source: Armijo Royal Regiment shines at winter championships | News | dailyrepublic.com

Federal Education Cuts: What it means for FSUSD students, schools | dailyrepublic.com

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President Trump’s decision to cut education funding is causing concern across Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District as officials assess the potential impact.

Further cuts might reduce money for programs such as special education, tutoring and college prep.

In March, the federal Department of Education began implementing a “reduction in force,” placing nearly 50% of its staff on administrative leave.

Source: Federal Education Cuts: What it means for FSUSD students, schools | News | dailyrepublic.com

Rodriguez High offers ‘Manestream’ journalism | dailyrepublic.com

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Chanel Costley has been bouncing back and forth between California and Arizona for six years.

She lives and goes to school in Fairfield one year – this year at Rodriguez High where she is a freshman; the next year she is in Arizona – splitting her time with each of her parents.

While the routine may be unappealing for many students who would prefer a more stable routine and the same group of friends with whom to meet the challenges of adolescence – not Costley

Source: Rodriguez High offers ‘Manestream’ journalism | News | dailyrepublic.com

Empower Youth summit for Vallejo 8th-graders is Tuesday | dailyrepublic.com

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A summit aimed at empowering hundreds of Vallejo eighth-graders is scheduled for Tuesday.

“For the sixth year, Kaiser Permanente Napa Solano is hosting the Empower Youth Summit, a daylong event for nearly 600 eighth graders in the Vallejo City Unified School District. Business, health care, sports and entertainment leaders will share their personal stories of overcoming adversity as they inspire and motivate students,” organizers said in a statement.

It “aims to teach the eighth graders about overcoming obstacles, and setting them up for success through developing their leadership skills, discussing mental health and well-being, working on goal setting, and helping with career development.”

Source: Empower Youth summit for Vallejo 8th-graders is Tuesday | News | dailyrepublic.com

Budget proposal, after school programming go before city council | dailyrepublic.com

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By Amy Maginnis-Honey

The City Council on Tuesday will consider the Fairfield-Suisun Unified District’s proposal to provide after-school programming for Crescent and Dan O. Root schools, as well as the proposed 2025-26 city budget.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the council chamber at City Hall, 701 Civic Center Blvd.

Suisun Elementary’s after-school program is only for students, grades 1-5, at that campus. There is no cost to participate.

Source: Budget proposal, after school programming go before city council | School | dailyrepublic.com

Buckingham Charter continues vocabulary dominance | dailyrepublic.com

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Buckingham Collegiate Charter Academy captured the top spot in its high school division of the Spring 2025 Vocabulary Bowl.

It was the seventh consecutive Spring title for Buckingham, following eight straight titles in the Fall competition – both in Division III, for schools with up to 499 students.

Jon Keller, a Vocubulary.com representative, called it “a remarkable achievement that places them (team members) in the top 5% of competitors.”

Source: Buckingham Charter continues vocabulary dominance | Sport | dailyrepublic.com

Vallejo school district and police pilot ‘Safe School Days’ initiative – Times Herald Online

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By Sarah Rodriguez

Beginning today, the Vallejo City Unified School District and the Vallejo Police Department are set to launch “Safe Start to School Days,” a pilot initiative to ensure safety.

Through Friday, the three-day initiative will station officers at three elementary school campuses during drop-off hours from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. The schedule is as follows:

  • April 23: Patterson Elementary
  • April 24: Lincoln Elementary
  • April 25: Loma Vista Environmental Science Academy

Source: Vallejo school district and police pilot ‘Safe School Days’ initiative – Times Herald Online

2025 CA Green Ribbon Schools Award Honorees – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

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State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that 29 schools, seven school districts, and three county offices of education have been honored with the 2025 California Green Ribbon Schools (CA-GRS) awards. Among these recipients, five have achieved the highest distinction as “Green Achievers.” These honorees are recognized for their outstanding efforts in resource conservation, health promotion, and environmental literacy.

“Our California Green Ribbon Schools exemplify the values of innovation, resiliency, and creativity that drive our efforts to make every school community a healthy and sustainable learning environment for our students.” Superintendent Thurmond said. “I congratulate each of these schools on your incredible accomplishments and contributions to our state.”

Source: 2025 CA Green Ribbon Schools Award Honorees – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

VCUSD begins phase two of school closure and consolidation plan – Times Herald Online

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By Sarah Rodriguez

The Vallejo City Unified School District board on Wednesday enacted the second phase of its multi-year school closure and consolidation plan. And as the name of the plan indicates, there are more closures and changes ahead.

Source: VCUSD begins phase two of school closure and consolidation plan – Times Herald Online

Kairos lands $300K grant from U.S. DOE to launch new high school – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Richard Bammer

Some of the latest news regarding the U.S. Department of Education, from proposed employee layoffs to program cutbacks, has been worrisome for many.

But the Kairos Public Schools leader recently received some exceedingly welcome news from the federal agency: a $300,000 grant to help with the costs of opening the Vacaville independent charter school’s new high school.

The money, from the DOE’s 2025 Charter Schools Program for the Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools, will be “a significant step in supporting Kairos as it launched Kairos Luminary Academy High School this year, adding an innovative and personalized learning educational model in Solano County,” Jared Austin, the school’s superintendent/CEO, said in a press statement Monday.

Source: Kairos lands $300K grant from U.S. DOE to launch new high school – The Vacaville Reporter

Vacaville grad leaps to another pole vault title at Washington State | dailyrepublic.com

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Vacaville High School graduate Gavin Dimick catapulted high into the air for a victory in the pole vault Saturday at the Jeff Rahn Classic in Spokane for his Washington State University Cougars.

The sophomore won the men’s competition with a jump of 15 feet, 7 inches.

Dimick has four wins this season and six for his career. His best personal-best came in late February when he leaped 17 feet, 0.75 inches to win the MPSF Indoor Championship, against in Spokane.

Source: Alumni Update: Vacaville grad leaps to another pole vault title at Washington State | College | dailyrepublic.com

Go-Go to see SCT’s “Head Over Heels” | dailyrepublic.com

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Seconds after it started, Solano College Theatre’s latest production, “Head Over Heels,” made me smile as it immediately reminded me of a movie I love, “A Knight’s Tale.”

That 2001 Heath Ledger vehicle featured the juxtaposition of a 14th century setting with 1970s-era rock music.

“Head Over Heels” marries an adaptation of a story called “The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia” written in the 80s (the 1580s) with music from New Wave band The Go-Go’s from the 80s (the 1980s). It opened at the Oregon Shakespeare festival in 2015 and on Broadway three years later.

Source: Go-Go to see SCT’s “Head Over Heels” | Diversions | dailyrepublic.com

Will C. Wood High has the ‘Wright’ stuff – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Thomas Gase

For years, thousands of people felt the effects of being around Jacob Wright at Will C. Wood High School. Although the longtime football coach and educator died suddenly of a heart attack in 2023, the school made sure everyone setting foot at the school still feels Wright’s presence.

The school held a special ceremony on Sunday, unveiling a banner honoring Wright by naming the football field the Jacob Wright Memorial Field.

“The first thing you see when you enter Will C. Wood would be this banner,” said Wood teacher and field naming committee member Tracy Ruiz. “The last thing you see when you leave Will C. Wood will be this banner.”

Source: Will C. Wood High has the ‘Wright’ stuff – The Vacaville Reporter

Vallejo charter school relocates – Times Herald Online

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By Sarah Rodriguez

The Vallejo City Unified School District board made the unanimous decision in February to relocate Vallejo Charter School to the Mare Island Health and Fitness Academy campus for the coming school year.

The decision — essentially merging the two schools — came as a shock to both students and faculty. But this move is not their first, but the school’s fourth.

“They’ve moved before and they do have a can-do attitude about it,” said said principal Janice Lubin.

Source: The end of an era: Vallejo charter school relocates – Times Herald Online

Winters Youth Day is closing in fast | dailyrepublic.com

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Let your inner child out and play at Winters Youth Day.

Residents of Yolo and Solano counties can participate in the annual Winters Youth Day Main Parade, at 10 a.m. on April 26. There is no entry fee. Participants can compete for cash prizes, trophies and ribbons across a variety of award categories.

The shorter Kiddie Parade will begin at 9:45 a.m., while the 11th annual Duck Derby starts at 3:30. Adopt a duck at https://bit.ly/Ducks2025 for a chance to win and support a great cause.

Source: Winters Youth Day is closing in fast | News | dailyrepublic.com

SPI Announces 2025 Model SARB Recipients – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

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State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that 19 school attendance review boards (SARBs) have been designated as model programs by the State SARB for exemplary practices that have contributed to reducing chronic absenteeism rates and improving student attendance.

“School attendance improvement programs are a critical tool to have children back in the classroom, which is an important part of academic success and social-emotional well-being, especially for our most vulnerable students,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “I commend each Model SARB as they voluntarily undertake the responsibility to serve as an example of best practices and extend technical assistance to other SARBs, school districts, and counties throughout California.”

Source: SPI Announces 2025 Model SARB Recipients – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

Santa Clara Unified Welcomes New Superintendent Dr. Damon Wright – The Silicon Valley Voice

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Welcome to Santa Clara Dr. Damon Wright, the new Superintendent of the Santa Clara Unified School District. The Board of Trustees announced and approved the hiring of Dr. Wright on Thursday, April 10, and his work is scheduled to begin on July 1.

Dr. Wright has over 25 years of experience and is currently the Superintendent of Schools for the Benicia Unified School District. He began his career supporting elementary students as a guidance assistant, later serving as a school counselor and school psychologist before racking up an impressive resume with many accomplishments in a variety of roles.

Source: Santa Clara Unified Welcomes New Superintendent Dr. Damon Wright – The Silicon Valley Voice

High schoolers learning about health of area creeks | dailyrepublic.com

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Solano County high school students are evaluating the health of local creeks this spring as part of the Solano Resource Conservation District’s Solano County Biomonitoring Program.

“From identifying hundreds of macroinvertebrates found in a creek’s substrate to measuring the levels of dissolved oxygen in the water, students get a taste of authentic scientific field work while contributing to a sixteen-year-long data set recording biological and chemical data from the county’s waterways,” the district said in a statement.

Source: High schoolers learning about health of area creeks | News | dailyrepublic.com