SCOE Spotlight- August (Summer) 2025

Volume 6 | Issue 3 | SUMMER 2025

UPDATES & NEWS FROM SOLANO COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION

@solanocoe

Table of Contents In Solano County, students are shining in many spaces, from red carpets and robotics labs to spelling bees and career forums.

BACK TO SCHOOL 04

KICKING OFF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

SCOE’s Back-to-School Celebration aimed at Unlocking Endless Possibilities.

MAY MOMENTS 06

A SPECIAL DAY

Celebrating Inclusion at Dixon May Fair.

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HONORING EARLY EDUCATORS Celebrating those who go above and beyond for our youngest learners.

GRADUATIONS 12

GRADUATION CELEBRATIONS Celebrating students at TC McDaniel, Golden Hills and SCOE’s Adult Program.

SUMMER LEARNING 18

FUTURE LEADERS IN C-STEM Hands-on learning builds skills and confidence.

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BUILDING SKILLS & FRIENDSHIPS

SCOE’s Inclusion Film Summer Camp

MEMORIAL DAY 22

STUDENTS SUPPORT REMEMBRANCE

SCOE’s Inclusion Film Summer Camp

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Unlocking Endless Possibilities A Farewell Message As I prepare to retire, I reflect with deep gratitude four decades of service in education and the privilege of serving as Solano County Superintendent of Schools since 2017. It has been an honor to walk alongside so many dedicated educators, staff, families, and community partners who share a commitment to unlocking endless possibilities for our students.

Together, we have built programs, removed barriers, and created opportunities that empower young people to thrive. I am humbled by the passion and perseverance I have witnessed across our schools and communities.

What makes Solano County so special is the way connections, relationships, leadership, and support come together in service of our students. Through collaboration and shared purpose, we have made our county a vibrant and wonderful place for children to learn, grow, and thrive.

Though I am stepping away from this role, my heart will continue to remain with Solano County students and the remarkable people who support them each day.

The work of education has always been about possibility—the keys we hold, the doors we open, and the futures we help shape. While my chapter as Superintendent is coming to a close, the story of unlocking endless possibilities for students continues, carried forward by the incredible educators, families, and community partners who make this mission come alive every day.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this meaningful journey.

It has been the honor of a lifetime.

Warmly, Lisette Estrella-Henderson Solano County Superintendent of Schools 3

Back-to-School SCOE welcomed staff to the new school year with a high-energy kickoff celebration centered on the theme Unlocking Endless Possibilities. The morning highlighted the power of inspiration and connection, reminding everyone that every role contributes to opening doors for students to dream big and achieve more. Following the celebration, staff participated in a full day of professional learning, diving into workshops, sharing ideas, and strengthening skills to support student success. The event set a positive tone for a year filled with growth, collaboration, and endless possibilities.

Kicking Off a New School Year COMING TOGETHER IN SERVICE OF STUDENTS ACROSS SOLANO COUNTY

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May 2025 Moments

A Special Day CELEBRATING INCLUSION AT DIXON MAY FAIR

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For more than 30 years, Rotary clubs have hosted a special kids day at the Dixon May Fair.

The day is a tradition filled with joy, inclusion, and community spirit. Students from across the county enjoyed the fairgrounds before the gates opened to the public, giving them the chance to ride the rides, visit animals, and play games at their own pace. Thanks to the generosity of local Rotarians, and community volunteers, the day created a safe, welcoming environment where every student could experience the magic of the fair. view more pics

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SCOE, in collaboration with the Solano Child Care Planning Council and local partners, hosted the 2025 Solano Early Childhood Educator of the Year Reception at the Joseph A. Nelson Community Center in Fairfield. The evening brought together more than 140 community members, educators, and families to celebrate early learning professionals who go above and beyond for young children across Solano County.

This year, 38 educators were nominated, representing roles from teachers and aides to food service staff and family childcare owners.

Six honorees were selected as this year’s awardees.

Honoring Early Educators

CELEBRATING THOSE WHO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND

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Art, Wellness & Community SHOWCASING STUDENT ART

The 5th Annual Solano Student Art Showcase brought creativity and community together at the Solano County Fairgrounds. Hosted by SCOE in partnership with Nature of Sound, Solano County Friday Night Live, Solano County Public Health, Solano Youth Coalition, and VIBE Solano, the free event highlighted artwork from more than 300 students representing 26 schools. Alongside the Art Faire exhibit, attendees enjoyed live performances, a community health faire with interactive booths, and food from local trucks in a relaxed, festivalstyle setting. The showcase celebrated young artists while promoting mental health, wellness, and prevention through the power of art. view more pics

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STEAM Discovery Festival A DAY OF CURIOSITY, EXPLORATION & IMAGINATION

This May, families, students, and community members gathered at Solano Community College for the annual STEAM Discovery Festival—a one-day celebration of creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning.

Makers from across the Bay Area showcased projects ranging from electronics and woodworking to embroidery and 3D printing, while attendees explored interactive activities designed for all ages. Hosted by Benicia Makerspace, the free festival highlighted the power of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math to spark curiosity, inspire discovery, and bring ideas to life.

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Graduations

TC McDaniel’s Youngest Graduates Shine PRESCHOOLERS TAKE THEIR FIRST STEP TOWARD KINDERGARTEN

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Families, staff, and friends came together to celebrate TC McDaniel’s Early Learning Center’s pre-school graduates as they received their “diplomas”, ready to take their next big step into kindergarten. The day was filled with smiles and plenty of cheers as students were recognized for their growth, hard work, and bright futures ahead.

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Celebrating Growth & Achievements ADULT PROGRAM GRADUATION CELEBRATION

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Congratulations to the dedicated young adults who completed SCOE’s Adult Program!

With hard work and perseverance, these graduates reached an important milestone and are now ready to take on new opportunities. Their achievements are a testament to resilience, growth, and the power of community and friendships.

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Honoring Excellence GOLDEN HILLS JUNE 2025 GRADUATION CEREMONY

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Golden Hills seniors walked the stage this summer, ready to take on their next adventure. With resilience, determination, and plenty of hard work, these graduates have achieved a milestone worth celebrating. Their journey has been filled with growth and discovery, and we can’t wait to see where their paths lead next.

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Summer Learning

Future Leaders in C-STEM

HANDS-ON LEARNING BUILDS SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE

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This summer, middle and high school students across Solano County discovered the power of coding at SCOE’s Girls in Robotics Leadership (GIRL) Camp.

Through hands-on activities, teamwork, and mentorship, participants built confidence while learning to design, code, and problem-solve with real-world applications.

Offered in partnership with UC Davis C-STEM, SCOE’s free camps in Vacaville, Fairfield and Vallejo not only introduced students to the exciting world of STEM but also encouraged leadership and collaboration. showing that the future of robotics has no limits.

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In partnership with North Bay Regional Center, SCOE offers free summer film camps through Inclusion Films, founded by filmmaker Joey Travolta. Over the two-week camps, young adults ages 18–24 with neurodiverse abilities work together to write scripts, act, and film their own original movies with professional equipment and support. The camp blends creativity with skillbuilding, helping students grow in confidence and collaboration, while gaining valuable experience that supports both independence and future opportunities.

Building Skills & Friendships INCLUSION FILM CAMP

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Memorial Day

Students Support Remembrance MEMORIAL DAY MARKED BY REMEMBRANCE AND STUDENT SERVICE

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Every flag tells a story, and thanks to students from SCOE’s Adult Program, each one was seen. In the months leading up to the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, students bundled thousands of flags, making it possible for volunteers to place one at every gravesite with care and dignity. Their efforts ensured that every hero was honored, while giving students a chance to build confidence, connect with their community, and experience the power of service.

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