Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) Pressroom https://scoe.net/ Media articles describing recent events and accomplishments en-US daily 1 Advisory: 2nd Annual Countywide Education Career Fair https://scoe.net/media/library/2024/03/18career_fair_advisory/ Fri, 08 Mar 2024 03:00:00 PST Contact: Xanthi Soriano, Executive Director, Communications
Phone: (916) 228-2713 • Email: xsoriano@scoe.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 8, 2024

 

WHAT: 2024 School Teacher/Leader Career Fair

WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 2024 (9 a.m.–1 p.m.)

WHERE: David P. Meaney Education Center
10474 Mather Blvd., Mather, CA
95655
Printable Directions | Google Maps Directions

WHO: Media are invited to attend this career fair for Pre-K through 12th grade teachers, school leaders, aspiring teachers, and educational professionals

WHY: High demand for dedicated and highly qualified credentialed teachers and school administrators 

It’s estimated that 1,200 more credentialed teachers will be needed in Sacramento County for next school year. The 2024 School Teacher/Leader Career Fair, being hosted by the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), is the premiere opportunity for local educators (including aspiring teachers) and educational professionals to engage directly with more than 20 local employers. The agencies—including more than a dozen school districts and charter schools from across the region—offer employment opportunities in all grade levels, from Pre-K and elementary through high school. Participants in the free career fair can discover new career paths and make valuable connections.

HIGHLIGHTS: Connect with more than a dozen school districts in Sacramento County—plus West Sacramento and Vacaville school districts, and several local charter schools. Participants will be able to:

  • Explore a wide range of teaching opportunities
  • Learn about credentialing services and career pathways
  • Network with peers and education leaders
  • Interview on site with potential employers

REGISTRATION: Education job seekers should register to participate:

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Advisory: Sacramento Students to Compete at 2024 History Day https://scoe.net/media/library/2024/02/28history_day_advisory/ Wed, 28 Feb 2024 02:00:00 PST Contact: Xanthi Soriano, Executive Director, Communications
Phone: (916) 228-2713 • Email: xsoriano@scoe.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 28, 2024

 

WHAT: Sacramento History Day Exhibit and Awards Ceremony

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 2024
2 p.m. Public Viewing of Exhibits
3 p.m. Awards Ceremony

WHERE: Inderkum High School, 2500 New Market Dr., Sacramento, CA 95835

WHO: 230 students from elementary, middle, and high schools

WHY: Students Representing Local School Districts Vie for Spot in State Contest

On Saturday, more than 200 Sacramento-area students will use performances, artistic displays, vivid documentaries, Podcasts, and websites to celebrate local history during Sacramento County History Day at Inderkum High School.

Projects reflect the 2024 theme, “Turning Points in History.” Students present exhibits, research papers, and interactive websites. They will develop skills in historical research and critical thinking, and work to improve reading and writing skills.

Participating Districts

  • Elk Grove USD
  • Folsom Cordova USD
  • Natomas USD
  • Sacramento City USD
  • San Juan USD

“The benefits of high-quality, collaborative, robust history, and civic learning are broad and include supporting college and career readiness by creating more positive school climates, which builds strong attendance, engagement, and connection,” said Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon.

Those earning honors at the county level will advance to the National History Day—California state competition, scheduled for April 20–21 at California State University Sacramento, CA.

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Release: Country Day Wins 2024 Mock Trial Competition https://scoe.net/media/library/2024/02/20mock_trial_release/ Tue, 20 Feb 2024 06:00:00 PST Contact: Xanthi Soriano, Executive Director, Communications
Phone: (916) 228-2713 • Email: xsoriano@scoe.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, February 20, 2024

 

Sacramento, CA—The Sacramento County Office of Education is announcing that Sacramento County Day School has emerged as the champion of the 2024 Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Mock Trial Competition. Contender Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep High School placed second after several days of intense courtroom competition and careful deliberations by esteemed judges.

Twenty-one high school teams took part in the competition. Sacramento Country Day School advances to the California Mock Trial Competition, held March 22–24 in Los Angeles. Rio Americano High School followed in third with Jesuit High School in fourth.

Mock Trial Results

Sacramento County

  • 1st Place: Sacramento Country Day School
  • 2nd Place: Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep High School (Natomas USD)
  • 3rd Place: Rio Americano High School (San Juan USD)
  • 4th Place: Jesuit High School (Diocese of Sacramento)
  • 5th Place: St. Francis High School (Diocese of Sacramento)
  • 6th Place: Elk Grove High School (Elk Grove USD)
  • 7th Place: Casa Roble Fundamental High School (San Juan USD)
  • 8th Place: Sheldon High School (Elk Grove USD)

El Dorado County

  • 1st Place: Ponderosa High School

Yolo County

  • 1st Place: Da Vinci Charter School
  • 2nd Place: Davis High School
  • 3rd Place: River City High School

Yuba County

  • 1st Place: Lindhurst High School

About Mock Trial

The Mock Trial Competition simulates a trial-level proceeding in which students portray the roles of pre-trial counsel, prosecuting and defense attorneys, witnesses, court clerks, bailiffs, and jurors before a single presiding judge and two scoring judges. Volunteers from local law firms and other legal organizations served as scoring and presiding judges for the five-day event.

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Advisory: 2024 Courtroom Competition Heats Up https://scoe.net/media/library/2024/02/13mock_trial_advisory/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 01:00:00 PST Contact: Xanthi Soriano, Executive Director, Communications
Phone: (916) 228-2713 • Email: xsoriano@scoe.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2024

 

WHAT: Mock Trial Awards Ceremony

WHEN: 8 p.m. Thursday, February 15, 2024

WHERE: Library Galleria, 828 “I” Street, Sacramento

WHO: Hosted by the Sacramento County Office of Education

WHY: Individual and Team Awards

Several days of intense courtroom competition and careful deliberations by esteemed judges will culminate on February 15 with an awards ceremony and announcement of the winner of the 2024Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Mock Trial Competition. Twenty-one high school teams will compete in the competition, including one from El Dorado County, three from Yolo County, and one from Yuba County. The championship team will advance to the California Mock Trial Competition, held March 22–24 in Los Angeles.

FINAL AND CONSOLATION ROUNDS: Mock Trial Final & Consolation Rounds will begin at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, February 15 at the United States District Court, 501 “I” Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Vying for first place are teams from Sacramento Country Day School and Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep High School. Teams in the Consolation Round include Jesuit High School and Rio Americano High School. Contact SCOE Communications Manager Charlene VanAllen in advance at (916) 807-4727 if you would like to attend these rounds.

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Advisory: Final Trial at 2024 Moot Court Competition https://scoe.net/media/library/2024/02/13moot_court_advisory/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 09:00:00 PST Contact: Xanthi Soriano, Executive Director, Communications
Phone: (916) 228-2713 • Email: xsoriano@scoe.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 9, 2024

 

WHAT: Annual Moot Court Competition

WHEN: Tuesday, February 13, 2024
5:45 p.m. Competition
7:15 p.m. Awards Ceremony

WHERE: 3rd District Court of Appeal, 914 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA

WHO: Bella Vista and Mira Loma High Schools

WHY: Final Round and Awards

Following a month-long round of trials, two teams from the San Juan Unified School District—Bella Vista High School and Mira Loma High School—have made it to the finals in the 2024 Gordon D. Schaber Moot Court Competition. The competition simulates an appellate-level proceeding in which students prepare and argue a case before a panel of three judges who evaluate the students on the quality and persuasiveness of their legal reasoning and presentation, as well as their unscripted responses to spontaneous questions from the panel of judges.

A winner will be announced after a deliberation session by the guest judges, followed by the presentation of awards. Both the final round and awards ceremony are open to the public.

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Release: Folsom H.S. Wins 2024 County Academic Decathlon  https://scoe.net/media/library/2024/02/07ad_release/ Wed, 07 Feb 2024 06:00:00 PST Contact: Xanthi Soriano, Executive Director, Communications
Phone: (916) 228-2713 • Email: xsoriano@scoe.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, February 7, 2024

 

Sacramento, CA—The Sacramento County Office of Education applauds Folsom High School, from the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, for achieving the highest score in the 44th Annual Sacramento County Academic Decathlon. The Folsom team—also the winner of the 2022 and 2023 competitions—now advances to the State Finals, which conclude on March 23, 2024, in Santa Clara. California’s winning team will then advance to the U.S. Academic Decathlon, being held April 25–27, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

During this year’s Academic Decathlon, 11 Sacramento County teams competed, alongside four Placer County teams that were scored separately. To prepare for the academic competition, students devoted months of study to this year’s theme, “Technology and Humanity.”

An awards ceremony was held on Monday evening. At the ceremony, SAFE Credit Union Board Chairman Terry Tremelling and Vice President of Community Relations Rebecca Delmundo awarded college scholarships to the top-scoring students. A long-time Academic Decathlon sponsor, SAFE generously donated $7,500 in scholarships for top-scoring students.

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Advisory: 44th Annual Sacramento County Academic Decathlon https://scoe.net/media/library/2024/01/30decathlon_advisory/ Tue, 30 Jan 2024 09:00:00 PST Contact: Xanthi Soriano, Executive Director, Communications
Phone: (916) 228-2713 • Email: xsoriano@scoe.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 30, 2024

 

WHEN: The Super Quiz begins at 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2024.

WHERE: Sheldon High School Gymnasium, 8333 Kingsbridge Dr, Sacramento, CA 95829

WHO: Scholastic competition featuring 11 local school district teams

WHY: To prepare for the academic competition, students devoted months of study to this year’s theme—Technology & Humanity—which, today, have become intricately intertwined. The rapid advancement of technology has revolutionized communication, healthcare, and education, bringing about unprecedented convenience and progress as well as ethical and moral introspection. The Academic Decathlon program serves as a platform for students to explore and understand this dynamic intersection of technology and humanity, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities inherent in this ever-evolving relationship.

In addition to mastering the extensive academic content, students learn about teamwork, goal setting, planning, and leadership. An awards ceremony announcing individual and team medalists will be held on Monday, February 5. The winning team will advance to the statewide California Academic Decathlon, which will be held in March. The winning California team moves on to the national competition.

PARTICIPATING SACRAMENTO COUNTY SCHOOLS:

  • Bella Vista High School (San Juan USD)
  • Capital Christian High School
  • Christian Brothers High School
  • El Camino Fundamental High School (San Juan USD)
  • Elk Grove High School (Elk Grove USD)
  • Folsom High School (Folsom Cordova USD)
  • Mira Loma High School (San Juan USD)
  • Pleasant Grove High School (Elk Grove USD)
  • Sheldon High School (Elk Grove USD)
  • St. Francis High School (Diocese of Sacramento)
  • Vista del Lago High School (Folsom-Cordova USD)

Details about the Sacramento County Academic Decathlon are available online: www.scoe.net/ad

PRE-EVENT INTERVIEW INFORMATION: Interviews with team coaches, students, and the program coordinator are available in the gymnasium from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Contact SCOE Communications Manager Charlene VanAllen at (916) 807-4727.

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Advisory: Invitation to Cover—Press Conference and Tour https://scoe.net/media/library/2023/12/21mhw_advisory/ Thu, 21 Dec 2023 10:00:00 PST Contact: Xanthi Soriano, Executive Director, Communications
Phone: (916) 228-2713 • Email: xsoriano@scoe.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 21, 2023

 

WHAT: Significant barriers in mental health care for children and teens include access disparities, especially for those in poverty or from minority groups. Minority children often receive inferior health services than non-Latino white peers, affecting their overall health, mental well-being, and learning ability. These disparities can also hinder their long-term success in many areas of life.

The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) invites members of the media and policymakers to tour a Center of Wellness to demonstrate the innovative, preventative, and sustainable delivery model of mental health access for students that was in development prior to the pandemic and is now in full deployment and expansion. There are currently about 40 clinicians deployed, and the goal is to place one at every school in the county.

The viability of this unique approach has been called into question and SCOE, together with its partners, would like to erase any doubts by bringing awareness to the efficacy and sustainability of this new approach to mental health care access for youth.

The vision of SCOE and the Sacramento County Department of Health Services is to help bring education and health systems together to enhance access to preventive mental health and wellness services. Placing a clinician on each school campus through the county Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) helps create immediate mental health care access, connections with families, and a culture of wellness prevention throughout the school community.

WHEN: Thursday, January 18, 2024 (8:30–11 a.m.)
(Contact Xanthi Soriano by email—xsoriano@scoe.net—for a detailed agenda.)

WHERE: Ethel I. Baker Elementary School Library, 5717 Laurine Way, Sacramento, CA 95824

WHO: David W. Gordon, Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools; Chris Williams, Executive Director of School-Based Mental Health and Wellness

WHY: The viability of this unique approach has been called into question and SCOE, together with its partners, would like to erase any doubts by bringing awareness to the efficacy and sustainability of this new approach to mental health care access for youth.

DOCUMENTS: Background Information and Infographics

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Release: 2023–24 Bike and Pedestrian Safety Grant https://scoe.net/media/library/2023/12/20ots_grant_release/ Wed, 20 Dec 2023 12:00:00 PST Contact: Xanthi Soriano, SCOE Executive Communications Director   
Office: (916) 228-2713 • Cell (279) 789-1601 • Email: xsoriano@scoe.net

Contact: Joelle Orrock, Coordinator, SCOE Prevention and Early Intervention Department
Office: (916) 228-2418 • Email: jorrock@scoe.net

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 20, 2023

Thanks to a new $189,000 grant awarded to the Prevention and Early Intervention Department at the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), students in SCOE’s Club Live Program at seven middle school campuses across Sacramento County will lead program activities to increase bicycle and pedestrian safety.

“Everyone deserves a safe environment to travel, regardless of how people get to places,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “The safety of people walking and biking on our roads is a high priority. Education plays a pivotal role in creating a strong road safety culture that prioritizes traffic safety, especially for our most vulnerable road users.”

SCOE has been selected as a recipient of the grant every year since 2014, and it looks forward to continuing the important countywide project. The goal is to help middle school youth develop attitudes and habits that promote lifelong traffic safety values, building a foundation that helps students make safe decisions when they become teen drivers. SCOE, working with Safety Center Incorporated and other community partners, will use the grant in its ongoing efforts with the California OTS to increase bicycle helmet compliance for youth (ages 5 to 18). Funding for the California OTS grant comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and runs through September 2024.

Students will complete a “photovoice” project (researching and representing their findings with photographs) and a pre- and post-observational study, identify safety concerns in their school community, and advocate for changes to be made. They will also educate their peers and families about bicycle and pedestrian safety and helmet use through school-based activities, contests, public service announcements, social media posts, newsletters, and the distribution of safety equipment.

SCOE’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program is a comprehensive safety program that teaches valuable skills for all types of road users. It includes classroom education, community-based presentations and workshops, plus the distribution and proper fitting of bicycle helmets for students and families in need. Bike “rodeos” and family events at Safety Center in Sacramento will encourage safe riding skills. Walking field trips and on-foot safety trainings will also be conducted, giving students an opportunity to practice safe habits with adult supervision.

SCOE and its partners have seen positive results from the safety education efforts. Last school year, classroom presentations reached more than 600 students at the seven participating schools. The program distributed more than 240 helmets at schools and community events, and more than 300 students participated in on-foot safety training. Surveys demonstrated that the number of students wearing bicycle helmets at school sites increased, as did safe walking practices.

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Release: SCOE Leads Literacy Success https://scoe.net/media/library/2023/12/04literacy_release/ Mon, 04 Dec 2023 06:00:00 PST Contact: Xanthi Soriano, Executive Director, Communications
Phone: (916) 228-2713 • Email: xsoriano@scoe.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, December 4, 2023

 

Sacramento, CA—In a significant acknowledgment of its commitment to educational excellence, the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) has been spotlighted in a groundbreaking research paper from Stanford University. The paper, titled “The Achievement Effects of Scaling Early Literacy Reforms,” was authored by Ph.D. candidate Sarah Novicoff and co-authored by renowned academic Thomas S. Dee.

The study highlighted that the reform originated from a civil lawsuit related to teaching reading. Consequently, California allocated a $53 million grant to support a program aimed at improving reading performance in 75 of its most underperforming elementary schools. In support of the state’s transformative endeavor, SCOE was selected by the California Department of Education to be the Expert Lead for the $3 million Early Literacy Support Block Grant (ELSBG).

The research paper highlights how the ESLBG’s design approach and SCOE’s role were crucial in the program’s execution and ultimate achievement. Key findings from the study reveal that the ELSBG initiative generated significant improvements in English Language Arts achievement within its first two years, along with additional positive effects in math achievement. These results underscore the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of the program, validating the coherent design approach and SCOE’s selection as the steward of this important project.

Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools, David W. Gordon, proudly commented, “The Sacramento County Office of Education, our Board of Education, and our dedicated employees are honored to be recognized in such an academic context and we remain committed to continuing our work in driving educational advancements and improving literacy outcomes for students here in Sacramento County and across the state.”

Becky Sullivan, the Director of K–12 English Language Arts at SCOE and the Project Lead for the ELSBG, expressed enthusiasm about the future, drawing on the success of the ELSBG initiative. “The significant progress and valuable insights gained from the ELSBG have propelled us forward,” she said. “We are now poised to lead the expansive $27 million Literacy Coaches Reading Specialists Educator Training (LCRSET) grant. This new endeavor will enable us to develop comprehensive literacy training programs for the 833 sites identified under the state’s substantial $473 million Literacy Coaches Reading Specialists (LCRS) Grant. It’s an exciting and pivotal moment for us to further enhance literacy education across California.”

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