Solano County Office of Education offers free robotic camps | dailyrepublic.com

The Solano County Office of Education, in partnership with UC Davis C-STEM, will host free C-STEM Girls in Robotics Leadership Camps for students in Fairfield, Vacaville and Vallejo.

They are designed for students in sixth through eighth grade.

The camps are designed to inspire and motivate young women to explore computing and STEM concepts through a robotics curriculum. Campers will have the opportunity to learn robotics, develop coding skills and create films.

Source: Solano County Office of Education offers free robotic camps | News | dailyrepublic.com

Solano County Supervisors approve bills, unveil early learning center – The Vacaville Reporter

By Michael Montalvo

The Solano County Board of Supervisors approved a slew of bills and was presented a presentation on a Vallejo Early Learning Center at Tuesday’s meeting.

The Board approved several pieces of legislation including Senate Bill 2265, which prohibits an impounded stray dog or cat from being euthanized six business days after being impounded, and requires any public animal control agency, shelter, or private entity to release those animals to a nonprofit animal rescue or adoption organization before the scheduled euthanasia.

The bill will impose a state-mandated local program.

Source: Solano County Supervisors approve bills, unveil early learning center – The Vacaville Reporter

STEAM Discover Festival set for Saturday at Solano College | dailyrepublic.com

The Solano County Office of Education has partnered with the Benicia Makerspace and Solano Community College to host the STEAM Discovery Festival on Saturday.

“Engaging young people in hands-on STEAM experiences fosters creativity, exploration, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. We appreciate the partnership with the Benicia Makerspace and Solano Community College who have helped us bring this opportunity to youth across Solano County,” Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson said in a statement.

Source: STEAM Discover Festival set for Saturday at Solano College | News | dailyrepublic.com

Solano students get crash course in adult financing | dailyrepublic.com

By Susan Hiland

Kids learned the basics of creating a budget and spending within their means at the annual Mad City Money program on Saturday.

Since 2009, Travis Credit Union in Vacaville has been providing thousands of students with a one-day financial boot camp.

The lessons learned probably will help their parents as well with some going home and sharing what they learned.

“We have had more than 10,000 students take the course,” said Michelle Sabolich, AVP, Corporate Communications Travis Credit Union. “They learn to budget through in-person learning and using an app on their phones.”

Source: Solano students get crash course in adult financing | News | dailyrepublic.com

SCOE and Travis Credit Union to host youth financial literacy event – CUInsight

Travis Credit Union (TCU) and the Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) will be hosting a hands-on financial literacy event aimed at empowering teens and young adults with essential financial skills. The primary objective of the event is to simulate the realities of managing financial responsibilities and to educate students on making informed financial decisions.

Participants will learn through an interactive financial simulation designed to provide a realistic experience of managing personal finances in the adult world. Students from seven Solano County school districts will be assigned various real-life scenarios, including occupations, salaries, spouses, children, debt, and credit scores. Through engaging activities, attendees will navigate through the challenges of budgeting, saving, and making financial decisions based on their individual circumstances.

Source: Solano County Office of Education and Travis Credit Union to host youth financial literacy event – CUInsight

Solano Workforce Development Board hosts Job Fair – The Vacaville Reporter

By Nick McConnell

Between updating resumes, drafting countless cover letters, scouring LinkedIn for openings and taking interviews, being on the job hunt can be daunting. That’s why the Workforce Development Board of Solano County in partnership with Solano Community College, hosted an event to try to make it a little easier for local job seekers.

Thursday’s 2024 NorCal Career Fair at Solano Community College brought together nearly 100 employers to connect with area applicants and provide information about their vacant positions. With over 300 attendees pre-registered, the room was full of excited chatter about new opportunities.

Source: Solano Workforce Development Board hosts Job Fair – The Vacaville Reporter

Vacaville places pinwheels to prevent child abuse, Fairfield gearing up to do the same – The Vacaville Reporter

Lynzie Lowe

The Vacaville Police Department placed dozens of blue pinwheels in front of Vacaville City Hall Tuesday morning as part of the annual Pinwheels for Prevention event to promote carefree and joyful childhoods.

“The pinwheels are selected as a symbol representing childhood whimsy and fun,” said Paula Ledoux-Christison, Clinical Services Administrator for the department.

This event is part of a broader campaign aimed at raising awareness on child abuse and neglect, promoting positive parenting practices, and advocating for policies and programs that support children and families. While celebrated nationwide, it’s often organized locally by child advocacy organizations, nonprofit groups, schools, and government agencies during Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is observed across the country each April.

Source: Vacaville places pinwheels to prevent child abuse, Fairfield gearing up to do the same – The Vacaville Reporter

County workforce board receives Jobs for Future grant | dailyrepublic.com

The Workforce Development Board of Solano County took in a $10,000 grant from the national Jobs for the Future Workforce Communities of Action – one of only four workforce boards in the country to receive the funding.

The grant will fund a series of special events this summer to build awareness of bioeconomy careers.

“We have a unique opportunity to support an industry that is poised to grow exponentially, and to do so in a way that all Solano residents can access,” Solano WDB Executive Director Heather Henry said in a statement. “This collaboration of community, government, education, and industry will ensure a strong talent pipeline for this industry.”

Source: County workforce board receives Jobs for Future grant | News | dailyrepublic.com

Exemplary Educators Honored with Administrator of the Year Awards | Independent Voice

Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) proudly announces two employees have been named as recipients of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 4, Administrator of the Year awards. ACSA’s Region 4 includes Mendocino, Lake, Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and Solano Counties. SCOE administrators Dr. Valerie Garrett and Lisa Eckhoff have each been honored with ACSA Administrator of the Year awards. These awards recognize outstanding educational leaders who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and commitment to serving students and communities.Lisa Eckhoff has been honored with the ACSA Region 4 award in the Central Office category. Lisa’s extensive experience and dedication have positioned her as a leader in educational services and administrative operations. As the Director of Early Learning for SCOE, Lisa has spearheaded countywide initiatives, including professional development workshops, collaborative networks, and data analysis efforts, aimed at enhancing the quality of early learning programs. Her tireless advocacy for student success and ethical leadership makes her a true asset to the educational community.

Source: Exemplary Educators Honored with Administrator of the Year Awards | Independent Voice

Supervisors recognize ‘Children’s Month,’ host of related parts | dailyrepublic.com

The Solano County supervisors on Tuesday recognized April as “Children’s Month” and proclaimed April as “National Child Abuse Prevention Month.”

It also lauded plethora of other related celebrations, from support for Autism, to libraries, to children of military families to children advocates.

It included mention of the annual Blue Ribbon campaign to bring awareness to child violence and remembering the young lives lost to that violence. It was noted, by one speaker, that the League of Nations, in 1924, first spelled out the rights of children.

Source: Supervisors recognize ‘Children’s Month,’ host of related parts | News | dailyrepublic.com

The Vallejo Project empowers youth through Mental Illness Awareness Spring Break – Times Herald Online

By David Arias

The Vallejo Project (VP) is empowering youth to elevate their voices when it comes to mental health with the launching this month of the Mental Illness Awareness Spring Break Program.

In the program, young individuals will have an opportunity to acquire vital tools in combating mental health stigma while fostering growth and community engagement.

“VP Mental Illness Awareness Spring Break Program is not just about raising awareness; it’s about empowering our youth to become agents of change,” a statement read in a news release.

Source: The Vallejo Project empowers youth through Mental Illness Awareness Spring Break – Times Herald Online

State funding supports 2 Solano county projects | dailyrepublic.com

Solano County will receive $3.75 million from the state for two projects, including $2.75 million for radio infrastructure and improving system-to-system emergency communications.

The other $1 million will go toward the development of the Vallejo Early Leaning Center.

Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, is scheduled today to make a presentation to the Board of Supervisors on the funding he helped secure. There is no local match required to receive the dollars.

Source: State funding supports 2 Solano county projects | News | dailyrepublic.com

SCOE Awards Science and Engineering Fair Winners | Independent Voice

Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) hosted the 2024 Solano County Science and Engineering Fair on March 14, 2024. The fair was an excellent opportunity for elementary, middle, and high school students to investigate challenges, gather and evaluate evidence, and develop knowledgeable conclusions.

“Science and engineering fairs provide invaluable opportunities for students to showcase their creativity, problem-solving skills, and ideas. These events not only foster a love for science and engineering but also encourage critical thinking and real-world problem solving in the next generation of innovators,” said Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson.

Source: Office of Education Awards Science and Engineering Fair Winners | Independent Voice

Two SCOE administrators honored for their work | dailyrepublic.com

Two administrators from the Solano County Office of Education have been selected for the Administrator of the Year award.

Valerie Garrett and Lisa Eckhoff are the recipients of the honor presented by Region 4 of the Association of California School Administrators.

“These awards recognize outstanding educational leaders who have demonstrated exception dedication, innovation and commitment to serving students and communities,” a statement released by the county Office of Education states.

Source: Two SCOE administrators honored for their work | News | dailyrepublic.com

High schoolers show off STEM skills at Spark Challenge | dailyrepublic.com

More than 48 students from Northern California high schools this past weekend participated in the Travis AFB Phoenix Spark Challenge.

The problem-solving challenge theme was “Glider Design Project.” It took place during the Wings Over Solano air show and open house on March 15.

“Participants were tasked with researching, designing and prototyping an unpowered foam board glider aircraft, with the goal of achieving flights of (50-plus) feet when launched by hand from an 8-foot platform,” the Solano County Office of Education, which partners with the base on the challenge, said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Source: High schoolers show off STEM skills at Spark Challenge | Psychology | dailyrepublic.com

2024 Travis AFB Phoenix Spark challenges local high school students – DVIDS

More than 48 students from four local high schools came out to participate in the 2024 Travis AFB Phoenix Spark Challenge during Travis AFB’s Wings Over Solano air show and open house March 15, 2024.

This year’s challenge was focused on the theme “Glider Design Project.” These students were challenged to research, design and prototype an unpowered foam board glider aircraft, and showcase them during the air show.

The Phoenix Spark cell at Travis AFB highlights in their mission statement “innovation of the warfighter, by the warfighter, of the warfighter.” According to Spark members, the goal of this event was to foster innovation and experimentation among young students to create a culture of change in the future of STEM career fields.

Source: DVIDS – News – 2024 Travis AFB Phoenix Spark challenges local high school students

Nominations being taken for Early Childhood Educator of the Year. | dailyrepublic.com

The Solano County Office of Education is accepting nominations for the Early Childhood Educator of the Year.

“Solano County Office of Education encourages parents, guardians, educators and community members who live or work in Solano County to nominate early childhood educators who have made a positive difference in their communities,” the agency said in a statement.

“Any Solano County early learning and care provider serving children ages infant to preschool may be nominated. The recognition program includes teachers, assistants, paraeducators, food service staff, transportation staff, school site administrators and family child care owner/directors.”

Source: Nominations being taken for Early Childhood Educator of the Year. | News | dailyrepublic.com

Artists, performers wanted for Student Art Showcase | dailyrepublic.com

Solano County students of all ages are invited to participate in the fourth annual Solano Student Art Showcase.

The showcase, hosted by the Solano County Office of Education, has room for singers, songwriters, poets, jugglers, comedians, magicians, musicians, dancers, dance troops, cheer teams and others.

The event is free for all performers, artists and attendees.

“The annual art showcase recognizes and supports youth resiliency through the arts, providing a space for young artists to express themselves. The event also promotes mental health, wellness and prevention of alcohol, tobacco and drug use,” SCOE said in a statement.

Source: Artists, performers wanted for Student Art Showcase | News | dailyrepublic.com

Community forum aims to link families with child care programs – The Vacaville Reporter

The Solano County Office of Education, with other partners, will host the annual Child Care Planning Council community forum Saturday in the Fairfield Civic Center Library.

The event, 10 a.m. to noon in the 1150 Kentucky St. library, seeks to link Solano families and educators with information about high-quality child care opportunities in Solano County, according to organizers of the gathering, who issued a press statement.

Child care providers, parents, guardians, educators and community members are invited to learn about child care options throughout Solano County, including paid and assisted programs.

Source: Community forum aims to link families with child care programs – The Vacaville Reporter

Solano’s top spellers crowned at Saturday event | dailyrepublic.com

Holy Spirit sixth-grader Kiaan Kahn on Saturday won the 48th annual Solano County Spelling Bee.

“Her winning word was ‘miscellaneous,'” the Solano County Office of Education reported.

Second place went to fifth-grader Zara Virk from Nelda Mundy Elementary School in the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District.

Kahn and Virk each received a trophy and will be represent Solano County at the California Spelling Bee Championship held in San Joaquin County on April 27.

Source: Solano’s top spellers crowned at Saturday event | News | dailyrepublic.com