SCOE Spotlight- March 2024

SCOE Spotlight

Connecting Students with Local Careers

February was career technical education (CTE) month, and Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) highlighted many of the outstanding CTE pathways that Solano school districts offer students. We showcased CTE pathways on our social media platforms and in our Solano Schools CTE Directory.

SCOE hosted the Annual CTE Workforce Advisory Council in February as well. The meeting brings education and business partners together to discuss where Solano CTE programs can align with the needs of local businesses. The event also recognizes several businesses and organizations that actively support CTE.

Across Solano County, educators recognize the importance of providing high-quality instruction and opportunities that prepare our high school students for life beyond graduation. The skills and knowledge they acquire during their formative years serve as the foundation for their future successes.

We know that high-quality instruction and learning experiences go beyond textbooks and exams. Meaningful learning involves real-world applications, exposure to a wide variety of opportunities, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration with peers. Combined, these equip students with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their academic and career paths after high school.

SCOE works with our local chambers and business partners to support hands-on opportunities like internships, certificate programs, career exploration trips and work experience. We facilitate connections between business leaders and educators, and we support a collaborative effort to align high school and college courses in order to fulfill college requirements for early college credits.

By prioritizing high-quality instruction and providing enriching opportunities, we empower our students to become confident, capable individuals who are ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities that await them. SCOE and local school districts will continue to invest in their futures and ensure they are well-prepared to propel themselves forward after graduation.

In this issue, we showcase the amazing work of our educators and the ongoing successes and accomplishments of students.

Lisette Estrella-Henderson Solano County Superintendent of Schools

Career Technical Education Pathways

Solano County schools offer a broad range of career exploration and skill development opportunities for students. Career technical education (CTE) pathway programs are relevant, engaging, and provide industry-aligned course pathways and certifications that result in useful job skills.

Solano County’s school districts offer Solano students a wide range of career technical education (CTE) pathways and career certifications. Some of the CTE opportunities for Solano County students include:

Aeronautics

Agricultural Mechanics

Agricultural Science

Animal Care

Animation

Auto Tech

Biotech

Building Trades

Business Marketing

Culinary Dance

Digital Media

Education

Emergency Response

Engineering

Floral Design

Hospitality

Kinesiology

Will C. Wood High School- Building & Construction Trades Vacaville Unified School District

Law

Medical Science

Performing Arts

Public Safety

Video Game Design

Video Production

Welding

View the Solano Schools

CTE Directory

Vanden High School- Medical Science Travis Unified School District

Will C. Wood High School- Automotive Technology Vacaville Unified School District

Vanden High School- Video Production Travis Unified School District

Exploring Building Trades

Part of SCOE's support for career technical education is connecting students with industry leaders through career exploration field trips. Each year, SCOE partners with the Napa Solano Trades Unions to sponsor a trades tour for students. This winter, students from both Solano County and Napa County visited several trade union halls, including UA Plumbers & Steamfitters Local #343 in Vacaville. Students learned about potential career paths and had the opportunity to tour the halls and talk to union members. These partnerships create opportunities for students to explore local industries and make informed decisions about the paths they want to take after high school.

Land-Based Learning

Land-based learning offers a handson approach to education, connecting students with the outdoors and nature. By engaging directly with the land, students gain a deep understanding of ecological systems, sustainability practices, and cultural connections to the environment. This approach fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a sense of stewardship for natural resources.

SCOE has partnered with Solano Resource Conservation District (RCD) by assisting with transportation costs associated with Solano RCD field trip programs that build awareness of the unique ecosystems found in local creeks and watersheds. Using a curriculum directly linked to California’s state education standards, Solano RCD programs offer local children a concrete, experiential introduction to their watershed and the life that depends on it. More information about classroom field trips available here.

Red Carpet Film Premiere Shines Spotlight on Success

SCOE hosted the 5th Annual Red-Carpet Film Premiere to celebrate neurodiversity and the accomplishments of young adults who attended SCOE’s Inclusion Film camp last summer. More than 400 fans attended the event, sharing cheers and flashing cameras with much fanfare during the red-carpet walk.

SCOE partners with North Bay Regional Center and the Department of Rehabilitation to host a summer film camp with Inclusion Films, founded by veteran filmmaker Joey Travolta. The camps incorporate various aspects of film production and aim to foster creativity, promote inclusivity, collaboration and provide job skills training for individuals with neurodiverse abilities.

Taking Dreams & Wishes on the Road

SCOE created a “Dreams, Gratitudes & Wishes” ribbon art installation wall as part of our celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. SCOE staff and students added hundreds of ribbons that were displayed throughout January in the SCOE main lobby in Fairfield.

The colorful art display also traveled to the 4th Annual MLK Day celebration in Vacaville on January 15, 2024, where more ribbons were added to the colorful display by community members.

Finally, the vibrant ribbons traveled to Will C. Wood High School in Vacaville for the Tie-the-Love activity on campus. Art installations can unite communities through shared experiences, sparked conversations, creativity, and by creating spaces where diverse voices can be heard and celebrated.

Solano Spelling Bee

“M-I-S-C-E-L-L-A-N-E-O-U-S” was the winning word in the 48th Annual Solano County Spelling Bee hosted by the Solano County Office of Education. This year's Bee saw 79 students representing 41 schools in Solano County.

First place went to sixth grader Kiaan Kahn from Holy Spirit Elementary School in Fairfield. Second place went to fifth grader Zara Virk from Nelda Mundy Elementary School in FairfieldSuisun Unified School District. The two winners will represent Solano County at the California Spelling Bee Championship held in San Joaquin County on April 27th.

Travis Credit Union has been a long-standing sponsor for SCOE’s countywide spelling bee event and continued their support this year as well.

Academic Decathlon

Solano County Office of Education hosted the Bay Region Academic Decathlon at Solano Community College in Fairfield. This year’s competition challenged 208 students from 16 schools across Colusa, Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo counties.

During the competition, the energy from the crowd in the gymnasium rivaled that of any sporting event. The rigorous and exciting competition resulted in Campolindo High School from Acalanes Union High School District winning first place overall. Vanden High School from Travis Unified School District took second place overall. Third place was awarded to American Canyon High School from Napa Valley Unified School District.

All three teams are invited to go on to compete at the state Academic Decathlon competition being held March 22-24, 2024, in Santa Clara.

SCOE Educators of the Year

SCOE selected five nominees as Educators of the Year. These outstanding employees consistently demonstrate dedication, high standards and exceptional performance in their roles. They embody SCOE's guiding principles of leadership, collaboration and support. SCOE nominees Josh Davis and Camila Andaluz will go on to represent SCOE at the Solano County Educator of the Year Awards.

Solano County Office of Education Teacher of the Year

Solano County Office of Education Classified Employee of the Year

Josh Davis STEAM Teacher

Camila Andaluz Paraeducator

Kira Levin

Solano County Office of Education Clerical and Administrative Services Employee of the Year

Tatiana White Solano County Office of Education Health and Student Services Employee of the Year

Christina Miles Solano County Office of Education Technical Services Employee of the Year

Boosting Robotics Opportunities for Students in Solano County

Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) and Solano Community College (SCC) partnered together to host a VEX robotics league for Solano County students. The league aimed to boost interest and opportunities in STEM for local students following a decline of local robotics programming during the COVID-19 pandemic. The partnership brings competitions closer to local students and helps reduce costs for teams.

There were four competitions held this season with 12 teams competing and representing Golden West Middle School in Travis Unified School District, Rodriguez High School in Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District, Vacaville Christian School and SCOE's Solano Robotics team.

The Solano Robotics team won the Excellence and Tournament Finalist awards in the 2023-24 Solano County VEX Robotics League. The team qualified for the VEX regional competitions.

Friday Night Live SEL Summit

Solano County Office of Education partnered with Napa County Public Health to host the Friday Night Live Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Mini Summit at American Canyon High School. The summit hosted 40 students for a full day featuring guest speakers, Corey Bennett from Leading to Change, and Javier Sanchez with R.E.A.C.H. Communications. Local artists Jose Martinez and Tasha SixFootah the Poet spoke about utilizing the arts to impact change. The Solano Youth Coalition hosted two workshops focused on healthy ways to reduce stress and the importance of allyship.

Democracy Matters

The Democracy Matters curriculum is aimed at fostering informed, engaged, and responsible citizens who understand the principles of democracy, participate in local governance, and exercise their right to vote. It also emphasizes the importance of students' voices in effecting change both locally and nationally.

Students at our Golden Hills campus completed Democracy Matters curriculum. To round out their learning, they gave presentations on why democracy matters in front of a panel of elected officials and community members. Thank you to Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Solano County Superintendent of Schools; Jeanette Wylie, Vacaville City Councilmember; Alma Hernandez, Mayor of Suisun City; Alice Fried, Solano County League of Women Voters; and Sandy Coury, Solano County League of Women Voters for supporting students in this project.

The Love and Power of Paras

Paraeducators are often the unsung heroes of the classroom, playing a vital role in supporting teachers and ensuring the success of all students. Their dedication and hard work are invaluable, as they provide essential assistance in implementing lesson plans, offering one-on-one support to students with diverse learning needs, and maintaining a positive and inclusive learning environment. Paraeducators often form strong bonds with students, offering guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear. They truly embody the spirit of leadership, collaboration and support, making them indispensable members of the educational community!

Sparking Creativity

Students at Golden Hills experience a wide variety of guest speakers, including a visit from professional DJ Yaka Yu. She spoke to students about what it takes to be a DJ and explained about her equipment and software. Students had a chance to use the mixing boards and connect to the equipment through their cell phones to mix their own music. The visit added a fun twist to learning, infusing energy and creativity into the classroom environment while inspiring students with music and the art of DJing.

Celebrating Our Adult Program Graduates

Congratulations to our adult program graduates! Their dedication, perseverance and hard work have led to this significant milestone. Through their commitments to learning and personal growth, they have demonstrated resilience and determination, overcoming challenges and obstacles along the way. As these amazing young people embark on the next chapter in life, we know they will accomplish great things. They will all be sorely missed, but we celebrate their achievements and wish them all the best!

Partnership that Makes a Positive Difference for Students

Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) has a long-standing partnership with Travis Credit Union (TCU), working together to offer financial literacy for all students. Financial literacy empowers students to make informed decisions and navigate the challenges and opportunities they may encounter in their futures. TCU hosts Mad City Money programs and is currently partnering with SCOE on programs for Financial Literacy Month in April, including a joint Mad City Money session that will be offered to high school students from all six Solano school districts. TCU also supports many other SCOE programs including the North Bay Region Academic Decathlon, the Solano County Educator of the Year celebration, Solano County Spelling Bee and the Work-Ready! Certification program.

SCOE was recognized at Travis Credit Union Foundation’s 2023 Community Impact Awards event. Thank you Travis Credit Union and Steward Pimienta for your continued partnership in helping make a difference for students in Solano County!