Wearing graduation caps and flowing black robes, six Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) students were recognized for their successes during a ceremony on May 23.

Proud family members and jubilant teachers packed the Mather Room at SCOE's David P. Meaney Education Center to enjoy a touching ceremony for the six graduates who received certificates of completion through the program for high school students and young adults with severe disabilities. The students are making the transition to other educational or job-training programs in their local communities.

The following students were honored:

From Jessie Baker (Frances Montemurro, Teacher)

• Kevin Kinley

From Galt High (Cathy Goodrich, Teacher)

• Brian Fowler
• Guadalupe Garcia
• Andrew Lemus

From Galt High (Melanie Lee, Teacher)

• David Smith

From James Rutter Junior High (Carrie Tilley, Teacher)

• Mai Her

The students represent SCOE programs in the Galt Joint Union High School District and the Elk Grove Unified School District. The students have received special education and other services from SCOE since they were young children.

Serving as master of ceremonies was Special Education Principal Carmen Walker. Certificates of completion were presented by County School Board of Education President Greg Geeting. A slideshow was presented by Program Specialist Leora Bautista Hendricks.

As part of SCOE's Special Education Department, the SH (Severely Handicapped) Program provides special education services to students throughout Sacramento County with severe disabilities and emotional disturbances, from ages 3-22 years. SCOE operates SH programs at more than 25 sites/schools located in eight school districts throughout the county.

The Special Education Department provides special day classes for students with severe challenges or with emotional disturbances. Other students served include district students with visual impairments, mobility needs, or speech and language disorders. Special education services are also provided at local schools operated for youth by Sacramento County Probation. SCOE's Infant Development Program provides individualized, home-based instruction and family support for infants and toddlers with special needs.

For more information about SCOE special education services, call (916) 228-2380.

Nearly 100 Sacramento area high school students are getting some help paying for higher education after receiving grant-funded scholarships through programs designed to help young people in financial need prepare for and enter college. The students received scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 during a ceremony held May 22 at the California Secretary of State Auditorium.

The Sacramento Cal-SOAP Consortium (California Student Opportunity and Access Program) hosted the Sacramento Scholars Award Ceremony. Cal-SOAP awarded 50 new scholarships, of $1,500-$3,000, to local high school students. These students were selected from almost 800 students who received intensive advising services beginning in their junior year.  

An additional 52 students received $1,000-$2,000 Cash for College Scholarships in honor of their participation in a "Cash for College" workshop this year. In total, Sacramento Cal-SOAP plans to award more than $180,000 in renewal scholarships to continuing college students plus more than $200,000 in new scholarships.

The Sacramento Cal-SOAP directly serves students in 30 middle schools and high schools throughout Sacramento, Colusa, Sutter, and Yuba counties. The project provides tutoring services to students and delivers a college and financial aid advising program to approximately 7,200 students in 13 high schools.

The scholarship awards are made possible, in part, by a generous grant from the College Access Foundation of California. The foundation, the largest grantmaking organization of its kind in the state, helps California students who have financial need attend college. It provides millions of dollars in grants to community-based organizations that are helping students prepare for and enter institutions of higher learning.

To enthusiastic cheers and applause, five individuals were awarded long overdue high school diplomas in a ceremony held May 21 by the Sacramento County Board of Education. Operation Recognition honors the contributions of veterans and Japanese American citizens who missed completing high school due to World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War.  

Honorees in attendance, joined by family members and friends, gathered with County Board of Education Trustees inside the David P. Meaney Education Center for a pre-ceremony reception. The West Campus High School Blues Combo provided music for the reception, and a flag ceremony presented by the Marine Corps League of Folsom Color Guard opened the event.

Board President Greg Geeting conducted a brief meeting of the Board, during which Trustees unanimously voted to bestow diplomas.

Student speaker Tara Cravens, a junior from Mesa Verde High School, in the San Juan Unified School District, gave a special tribute to veterans who made sacrifices during times of war by reading her award-winning essay based on the theme "How Ordinary Citizens Can Honor Veterans." The essay earned her first place, and a $500 college scholarship, in the SCOE Operation Recognition Essay Contest sponsored by SAFE Credit Union.

"The more aware veterans are of the people standing behind them every step of the way, the more encouraged, motivated, and thankful they will be for doing what they have done or are doing," Cravens said.

Trustees presented diplomas to the following individuals:

• Arthur Flores Aleman left Wasco High School (in Wasco, California) to enlist in the Navy at age 17. He served aboard the USS Cleveland LPD. Sent to Vietnam, he earned the Vietnam Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. After his service, he attended Sacramento City College through a carpentry program apprenticeship. Until retirement he worked as a Union Carpenter. Mr. Aleman is a resident of Sacramento.
• Douglas Jon Borges enlisted in the Air Force at age 17, straight from St. Vincent High School in Vallejo. He has the distinction of having spent his 18th birthday at Iwo Jima—and having served during World War II, the Korean War, AND the Vietnam War. By the time he ended his military service as a Communications Center Operations Supervisor, he earned the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He earned his GED and served many years as a Sacramento County Sheriff's Deputy. Mr. Borges lives in Citrus Heights.
• Edward Charles Chop was a student at Textile High School (in New York City) at the time of his enlistment. He served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War. After his discharge, he worked as a plumber for many years right up until his retirement. Mr. Chop is a resident of Walnut Grove.
• William Raymond De La Ossa attended Lindberg Senior High School (in Sappington, Missouri) before beginning service with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. One of his assignments was working as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic attached to a motor squad with the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. He earned the National Defense Medal and the Sharpshooter Badge with an M-16 Rifle Bar. After leaving the service he used his mechanical skills at a manufacturing plant. He earned a GED and worked many years in Sacramento as a mechanic. He has since moved to Somerset, in El Dorado County, where he still works.
• Jerry LeRoy Dodge was a sophomore in South Bend High School (in Washington State) when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the USS Kaskaskia, a tanker that refueled ships engaged in the Korean War. Among his recognitions are awards for National Defense Service Medal, the China Service Medal, the United Nations Korea Medal, and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. He later served in four years in active reserve.
• Larry Dennis Hayes, the Second attended Hillside High School (in Durham, North Carolina) for one day before enlisting in the Army. Mr. Hayes served several years stateside during the Vietnam War, mostly as a cook but also trained as a field radio mechanic. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter (M-16) Rifle Marksmanship Badge, and was qualified as a Hand Grenade Expert. After serving, he enrolled in junior college at both American River and Yuba campuses. He eventually became an instructor of microcomputer technology and worked for EDS as a network engineer. He also has worked as an alcohol and drug counselor in Auburn. Mr. Hayes lives in Rio Linda.
• Anthony Luis Lopez was attending Huntington Beach High School (in Huntington Beach, California) at the time he entered the Army. Stateside, he served as a mess cook. Once in Vietnam, his assignment with the 101st Airborne Division changed to truck driver. After the military he worked as a house painter. Mr. Lopez earned his GED through the Folsom Cordova Unified School District. He works in the Security Department at Kaiser Hospital and currently lives in Carmichael.
• Fred Stilwell attended Elk Grove High School before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Mr. Stilwell started initially as a cook and ended up as a corporal when he transferred to the Marine Corps Forces Reserve. He served at the Mobile Construction Battalion and was awarded the U.S. Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. In his civilian life, he earned a California Contractor's License and has his own plumbing business. He resides in the Florin area of Sacramento.

Operation Recognition was adopted unanimously in October 2001 by the Sacramento County Board of Education and has since expanded to include recognition of qualifying Vietnam War veterans.

Operation Recognition high school diplomas are authorized by the California Education Code (§51430 and §51440).

The Sacramento County Board of Education has thus far provided Operation Recognition high school diplomas to 171 individuals, including six posthumous awards. Persons interested in applying for an Operation Recognition diploma for themselves or a qualifying family member may contact SCOE at (916) 228-2416 or download application forms online.

With tasty, cold ice cream and warm smiles, classified employees of the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) were honored at an afternoon reception on May 21.

Members of the Superintendent's Cabinet scooped frozen treats into bowls and cones for employees as a gesture of thanks and appreciation for the contributions of school and education employees.

The Sacramento County Board of Education, during its May 7 meeting, adopted a resolution proclaiming May 19-25, 2013 as "Classified School Employee Week" in Sacramento County.

In a message to SCOE's classified employees, Superintendent Gordon said, "On behalf of the Board of Education and the SCOE Cabinet, I would like to extend our heartfelt and personal thanks to you for all of the contributions that you make as a valued member of our education team. We greatly appreciate the outstanding service that you provide to our students, their families, and to the entire Sacramento County community. It is because of your dedication and hard work that we are making a real difference in the lives of our students."

SCOE is one of 58 county offices of education in the State of California. It plays a vital role in providing technical assistance, curriculum and instructional support, staff development, legal and financial advice, and oversight to Sacramento County school districts. Approximately 650 regular and more than 950 temporary and substitute SCOE staff work year-round providing services which complement and supplement those offered by public school districts in Sacramento County.

The California Department of Education (CDE) honored high performing schools from Sacramento and other northern California at regional celebration May 10 at the Doubletree by Hilton. The event recognized the 2013 Distinguished Schools and the 2013 Title I Academic Achievement Award Schools — altogether, 39 schools
from 16 counties. The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) served as local host of the event. Similar events are being held regionally throughout May to honor all of the state's high performing schools.

Musical selections by the Hillcrest Middle School Jazz Band (Gravenstein School District in Sonoma County) kicked off the morning. Performing the National Anthem and other musical selections were students from the Natomas Charter School Vocal Ensemble
(Natomas Unified School District in Sacramento County).

Dr. L. Steven Winlock, Executive Director of SCOE's Leadership Institute Program, served as master of ceremonies. SCOE Deputy Superintendent Sue Stickel presented welcoming remarks. Recognizing school principals and staff onstage was State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.

Seven schools from Sacramento County districts were among those honored May 10:

• Natomas Unified School District: Natomas Charter
• River Delta Unified School District: Isleton Elementary
• Sacramento City Unified School District: Aspire Capitol Heights Academy, West Campus High
• San Juan Unified School District: Andrew Carnegie Middle, Mira Loma High and Rio Americano High

The Sacramento County Board of Education announces its intention to select and appoint individuals to the Sacramento County Local Child Care and Development Planning Council (LPC). There are currently three open positions for the 2012-2014 term. The LPC provides a forum for the planning of child care services that meets the diverse needs of families in Sacramento County, promotes public participation in the planning process, advocates for the child care needs of families in the county, and serves as a forum for discussion of community child care issues. The Sacramento LPC meets bimonthly, in odd months, on the third Thursday, from noon to 3:00 p.m., at SETA Head Start (925 Del Paso Boulevard), unless otherwise determined.

• Download application

Positions are open in the following areas:

• Consumer—a parent or person who receives, or who has received within the past 36 months, child care services.
• Public Agency Representatives—a person who represents a city, county, city and county, or local education agency.
• Community Representatives—a person who represents an agency or business that provides private funding for child care services, or who advocates for child care services through participation in civic or community-based organizations but is not a child care provider and does not represent an agency that contracts with the State Department of Education to provide child care and development services.

To be considered, interested individuals or public organizations should submit a nomination to:

Sacramento County Office of Education
Attn: Carole Haile, Personnel
P.O. Box 269003
Sacramento, CA 95826-9003
FAX: (916) 228-2624

The final recommendation for appointment will be made by the Sacramento County Board of Education at a regularly scheduled meeting. E-mail or phone Carole Haile (916-228-2367) if you have questions regarding the nomination or appointment process.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, May, 24, 2013.

Students participating in Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) programs had an opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial skills on May 7 during Student Success Day at the David P. Meaney Education Center.

The event served as a fundraiser for SCOE's Juvenile Court, Community School, and Special Education programs, with all proceeds going directly into those programs.

The SCOE parking lot was transformed into an outdoor mini-mall for the day. Career-Technical Education students in SCOE's landscaping program sold student-grown seedlings and vegetable starts for spring gardeners. SCOE staff also had the opportunity to enjoy a hot dog lunch from the Leo's Links cart (operated by Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School students).

Inside the Meaney Center, students from Gerber Jr./Sr. High School sold and took orders for custom t-shirts. In addition, student art from Morgan Jr./Sr. High School and numerous other SCOE school sites was on display in the Board Room.

Many thanks to the Special Education, Juvenile Court, Community Schools, and Career-Technical Education/ROP teachers, para-educators, administrators, and staff who worked with students to make Student Success Day possible.

The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) recognized linguistic accomplishments on May 6, honoring students who attained a high level of proficiency in English plus at least one other language.

SCOE officially presented dozens of students from throughout the county with the California State Seal of Biliteracy award, which was established by California Assembly Bill 815. Throughout Sacramento County, a total of more than 280 students earned the Seal of Biliteracy in 2013. It is awarded to seniors who have demonstrated English competency, as well as competency in another language by meeting specific criteria.

"Each of these students met rigorous state criteria and has demonstrated his or her linguistic abilities on examinations, grades and coursework," said David W. Gordon, Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools. "Being proficient in more than one language will provide these young people with skills needed to be successful in a global economy, build self confidence, and help develop a stronger sense of community."

Students demonstrate English competency by scoring at the "proficient" level or higher on the California Standards Test in English-Language Arts and earning good grades in all high school English classes required for high school graduation. In addition, students must demonstrate competency in another language by taking a four-year course of study in a world language or pass a test such as the Advanced Placement exam.

In addition to English, this year's Seal of Biliteracy recipients in Sacramento County are proficient in ten other languages including: Armenian, French, German, Hmong, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. Several students earned Seals in multiple languages.

The following Sacramento Country school districts collaborated with SCOE to present this year's Seal of Biliteracy program: Center Joint Unified, Folsom Cordova Unified, Galt Joint Union High, River Delta Unified, and Twin Rivers Unified.

Sacramento County's District Teachers of the Year 2013 were honored at Raley Field on Friday, April 26, during a special on-field ceremony prior to the Sacramento River Cats/Salt Lake Bees baseball game. This is the sixth year that the Sacramento River Cats have recognized the Teachers of the Year.

The reigning Sacramento County Teachers of the Year, Jennifer Ellerman, who teaches 7th Grade Language Arts at California Middle School, in the Sacramento City Unified School District, and Bob Crongeyer, who teaches 5th-6th grade GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) at Taylor Street School in the Robla School District, North Sacramento, each threw out a ceremonial first pitch to River Cats player Conner Crumbliss.

After the start of the game, the River Cats hosted District Teachers of the Year and their guests to a reception. The teachers received words of praise from Sacramento County Deputy Superintendent Sue Stickel and Tony Asaro, River Cats Vice President of Community Relations.

Leroy Tripette, Education Manager for event sponsor Intel Corporation, congratulated the teachers and thanked them for their dedication to children and families. Mr. Tripette presented each teacher with a special gift bag courtesy of Intel.

On March 8, the Teachers of the Year were honored in a special on-court ceremony during halftime of the Sacramento Kings/Phoenix Suns game. Teacher Appreciation Night at Sleep Train Arena was sponsored the Chrysler Group. At a special dinner on April 16, the Sacramento County Teachers of the Year were also honored by the Sacramento Scottish Rite Bodies of Freemasonry.

The Sacramento County Teachers of the Year Program is coordinated annually by the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) to recognize the achievements of local educators and to raise awareness of the valuable role that teachers play in the lives of their students and in the community.

Information about the program is available online or by phoning the Sacramento County Office of Education at (916) 228-2417.

Sacramento County's Teachers of the Year 2013 will be honored at Raley Field on Friday, April 26, during a special pre-game ceremony before the Sacramento River Cats/Salt Lake Bees baseball game.

In celebration of this occasion, the Sacramento River Cats and event sponsor Intel Folsom are making specially discounted tickets available for educators, school employees, district staff, students, and families.

Purchase Tickets Online
Discounted tickets are only available online by using offer code: scoe1

An interactive seating chart is available to help you choose the perfect seat. Tickets may be printed out at time of purchase. Prices are:

• $25 for Governor's Club tickets (normally $32)
• $17 for Senate tickets (normally $22)
• $13 for Assembly tickets (normally $17)

The game (River Cats vs. Salt Lake Bees) starts at 7:05 p.m. at Raley Field, 400 Ballpark Drive in West Sacramento. Gates open an hour prior to game time. Prior to the game, Teachers of the Year will be recognized on the baseball diamond.

The ceremonial "first pitch" will be thrown by Sacramento County Teachers of the Year 2013 Bob Crongeyer of Taylor Street School (Robla School District) and Jennifer Ellerman of California Middle School (Sacramento City Unified School District). April 26 is also scheduled to be one of the River Cats' hugely popular post-game Fireworks Nights.

Teacher Appreciation Night is presented annually by the Sacramento River Cats in partnership with Intel Folsom and the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), which coordinates the Teachers of the Year program in Sacramento County.

Bob Crongeyer, a 5th-6th grade GATE class teacher at Taylor Street School (Robla School District), and Jennifer Ellerman, a 7th grade Language Arts teacher at California Middle School (Sacramento City Unified School District), were honored by the Sacramento Scottish Rite Bodies of Freemasonry at a special event on April 16.

The two Sacramento County Teachers of the Year 2013 spoke to the gathering about what inspired them to join the teaching profession, about the challenges in education, using current technology to engage students, having students take responsibility for their learning, and building a caring community where students help each other rise to higher academic accomplishments. Mr. Crongeyer and Ms. Ellerman were each presented with a commemorative trophy by representatives from the Scottish Rite.

Historically, the Grand Master of Freemasons for the State of California has declared April as Public Schools Month each year. This tradition started in 1920 when Public Schools Week was first introduced. The occasion later became Public Schools Month and has been a yearly tradition ever since. Public Schools Month supports quality public education that is free to all citizens, and emphasizes public education as a fundamental asset in our country.

On Friday, April 26, the Sacramento County District Teachers of the Year 2013 will be honored during Teacher Appreciation Night when the Sacramento River Cats host the Salt Lake Bees at Raley Field. On March 8, before thousands of cheering and supportive fans, the teachers were also honored on the court at Sleep Train Arena during the Sacramento Kings/Phoenix Suns game.

Business partners supporting the Sacramento County Teachers of the Year program have been Maloof Sports and Entertainment, the Sacramento River Cats, the Sacramento Scottish Rite Bodies of Freemasonry, the Intel Corporation Folsom, and Chrysler.

The fair was organized to help employees learn how to improve health in all aspects of their lives, showing what resources are available to assist in achieving a healthy lifestyle.

Learning opportunities were available with education information on nutrition, cancer screening and prevention, blood and organ donation, exercise, dental health, mental health, and much more. Participants also received information about eating healthy, routine exercise, managing stress, safety, and annual wellness exams. Students from Palmiter High School Culinary Arts program served healthy snacks they had prepared, explaining to attendees what they'd done to make the food healthier.

SCOE and its employees would like to thank the following organizations for providing information about healthy living:

• 24 Hour Fitness
• Accredited Acupuncture Healing Clinic
• Alzheimer's Association
• Blue Shield of California
• California Family Fitness
• Colwell Thundering Herd Ranch
• Curves
• CSEA
• Delta Dental
• Elk Grove Adult & Community Education
• Erwin Spinal Care
• Farm Fresh to You
• Granite Arch Climbing Center
  
• Hill Physicians Medical Group
• HOPE Wellness Institute
  
• Juice Plus+
  
• Kaiser
  
• Mather Golf Course
  
• MHN Employee Assistance Program
  
• Natoma Lodge #64 (F&AM, Folsom)
  
• Northern CA Swimstitute
  
• Raphael Medicine & Therapies
  
• Sacramento Bike Hikers
  
• Sacramento Walking Sticks
  
• Sacramento Vegan Society
  
• Shannon Vigil Wellness
  
• SIA
  
• Sierra Donor Services
  
• Sustainable Environments Academy
  
• UC Davis Health System
  
• Valley Foothill Doula Collective
  
• VSP

The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) hosted a special reception at its Meaney Education Center April 2 to honor those County Office teachers who have been nominated as the 2014 SCOE Teacher of the Year.

The teachers nominated for this prestigious honor represent the wide range of educational services provided by SCOE, ranging from programs for children with severe disabilities to instructional programs for at-risk youth, as well as programs for students receiving environmental education. Also joining the festivities were the administrators and colleagues who made the nominations.

The nominees for 2014 SCOE Teacher of the Year are:

• Craig Bradford (Alternative Education (CARE), Foothill Ranch Middle School)
  
• Jack Branson (Alternative Education (CARE), McCaffrey Middle School)
  
• René Delgado (Special Education ED, Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School)
  
• Todd Gillihan (Environmental Education/Science, Sly Park Conservation & Environmental Education Center)
• Linda Greer (Special Education SH, Hillsdale Head Start Preschool)
• Bonita Keisler (Special Education SH, McCaffrey Middle School)
• Liz Levine (Alternative Education ROP/CTE, Gerber Jr./Sr. High School)
• Barbara Modlin (Alternative Education, Elinor L. Hickey Jr./Sr. High School)
• Terry Moylan (Alternative Education, El Centro Jr./Sr. High School)
• Bobbie Pike (Special Education SH, Sunrise Elementary School)
• Rachel Remner (Special Education SH, Rio Linda High School)
• Lisa Walker (Special Education SH, Dry Creek Elementary School)
• Verne Walter (Special Education ED, Galt High School)
• Daniel Watts (Alternative Education ROP/CTE, Gerber Jr./Sr. High School)

SCOE will announce its 2014 Teacher of the Year this May. At an awards banquet scheduled for August 16, two teachers will be announced as 2014 Sacramento County Teachers of the Year and will be eligible to participate in the statewide competition.

The Teachers of the Year Program is coordinated annually by SCOE to recognize the achievements of local educators and raise awareness of the valuable role that teachers play in the lives of their students and in the community.

Business partners supporting the Sacramento County Teachers of the Year program have been Maloof Sports and Entertainment, the Sacramento River Cats, the Sacramento Scottish Rite Bodies of Freemasonry, the Intel Corporation Folsom, and Chrysler.

Information about the program is available online or by phoning the Sacramento County Office of Education at (916) 228-2417.