SCOE Spotlight
NEWS & UPDATES FROM SOLANO COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Bright Start to a New School Year
As summer transitions into fall, the excitement of a new school year is palpable. I’m thrilled to welcome SCOE staff into the 2024-25 school year with a theme that captures the essence of what we’re all about: Learn, Grow, Thrive! This motto rings true because it is part SCOE’s vision statement and because our focus is never just on academics. We also work tirelessly to know and support families and each unique student including their gifts and talents as well as their challenges. Only then can we create learning environments where every student can truly flourish.
Our kickoff celebration is more than just a return to classrooms—it's a celebration of new beginnings, fresh opportunities, and the promise of a year filled with growth. We believe that education extends beyond the four walls of a classroom. It’s about a love of learning, growing in knowledge and character, and thriving in every area of life.
This summer, many Solano County students took part in enriching experiences that exemplify our theme. Programs like Girls in Robotics Leadership camps, the Solano Youth Leadership Institute, and Inclusion Film Camp provided incredible opportunities for our young people to explore their passions, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships. Our summer programs are not just fun activities. They are important experiences that empower our students to see the world in new ways, develop ideas about their futures, and build confidence and leadership skills.
As we step into this new school year, let's carry forward positive energy and enthusiasm. Whether you're embarking on the first day of kindergarten, preparing for the final year of high school, or guiding students as an educator or guardian, let’s all commit to learning each day, growing daily, and thriving together.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead, filled with learning, happy experiences, and growth. Together, we can all Learn, Grow, & Thrive!
Warmly,
Lisette Estrella-Henderson
Solano County Superintendent of Schools
Back to School Kickoff
Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson
Keynote speaker Kevin Bracy
Back to School Kickoff
Our Back-to-School Kickoff for employees was an unforgettable celebration of a new school year. The air was filled with excitement as we gathered together to reconnect, recharge, and set the stage for an amazing school year ahead. Embracing the theme "Learn, Grow, Thrive," SCOE staff were inspired and energized by our incredible keynote speaker, Kevin Bracy. His powerful words and infectious energy had everyone on their feet, dancing and cheering, as he delivered an uplifting message encouraging staff to be the greatest version of themselves and to positively reach out to one other person in kindness every day.
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T ive Grow, Le n,
Getting Outside with Access Adventure
Every Friday, students from Irene Larsen Education Center engage in outdoor learning with Access Adventure at Rush Ranch Open Space. There, they explore the outdoors, interact with horses, and help with the workings of an active ranch. Led by founder Michael Muir and a stellar group of volunteers, Access Adventure's mission is to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities and other under-served members of our community by providing outdoor recreation, open space access, education, and therapy through a collaborative partnership with horses. These visits to Rush Ranch offer students a unique way to learn, grow, and connect with the world around them.
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Access Adventure founder Michael Muir
City Nature Challenge
The City Nature Challenge is a global initiative encouraging people to discover and document plants and wildlife in cities worldwide. The goal is to engage residents in documenting biodiversity to deepen our understanding of it. SCOE collaborated with community partners to host a group of educators to perform their own nature challenge to understand how this may work in a classroom or field trip setting. With support from the California Academy of Sciences, this initial collaboration provided an enriching experience for environmental education partners in Solano County. We extend our gratitude to Solano Land Trust for hosting the event at Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park in Fairfield.
Inclusion Film Camp
Lights, camera, action! Each summer, SCOE's workforce development team partners with Northbay Regional Center to bring Inclusion Film Camp to our amazing young people. Founded by veteran filmmaker Joey Travolta, Inclusion Films’ short film camps provide young adults 18-23 years with neurodiverse abilities the opportunity to dive into the world of filmmaking and creativity. During the twoweek sessions, campers develop a script, act, and record their film with professional filmmaking support and equipment. The program is focused on developing life and job skills, encouraging communication, confidence, collaboration, and independence.
Join us November 7, 2024 for SCOE's Inclusion Film Camp Red Carpet Premiere! Tickets available October 1, 2024 at solanocoe.net.
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Girls In Robotics Leadership Camps
This summer, SCOE, in partnership with UC Davis C-STEM, hosted C-STEM Girls in Robotics Leadership (GIRL) camps in Vacaville, Fairfield, and Vallejo. Students dove into coding and worked on various projects with robots, computers, cameras, and more. Motivated young women learned computing and STEM concepts through a fun and engaging Arduino-based robotics curriculum. Empowering women in STEM is vital for innovation and diversity, driving progress and inspiring future leaders. Their future contributions will undoubtedly strengthen the workforce and create a more inclusive future!
Solano Youth Leadership Institute
In August, SCOE and Touro University California teamed up to host the Solano Youth Leadership Institute for high school students across Solano County. This 5-day intensive program was designed to provide leadership training to the next generation of public health leaders, focusing on health equity and youth advocacy. Utilizing youth-led participatory action research, students engaged in hands-on learning to improve their communities and institutions.
As part of the institute, students visited the State Capitol to meet with leaders and decision-makers including Assembly Member Lori Wilson, Assemblymember Maratsuchi, Deputy Cabinet Secretary Richard Figueroa and Secretary of State staff. The experience gave students the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into policy development and knowledge of how to influence positive change in their own communities.
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Farm-to-Table Culinary Class
Students from Golden Hills Community School visited Lockwood Acres Farm in Vacaville as part of our youth culinary pilot program in partnership with Sustainable Solano. The emphasis of the visit was meeting the farm animals, and giving the students a firsthand look at the farm-to-table journey. Through this program, students are gaining culinary skills, learning about healthy meal preparation, and exploring our local food system. This hands-on field trip allowed them to connect with local farmers and deepen their understanding of where our food comes from. SCOE extends a big thank you to Lockewood Acres!
Hands-on Trades Experiences
Over 400 students from Solano and Napa high schools got a taste of the trades at the Construction Trades Fair at Solano County Fairgrounds. They rolled up their sleeves for hands-on experiences and gained invaluable insights into careers as builders, electricians, and craftsmen. Co-sponsored by SCOE and the Napa-Solano Building and Construction Trades Council, this event showcased the power of collaboration to bring diverse careers to life for students.
Special Kids Day
SCOE students and teachers joined classrooms across Solano County for Special Kids Day at the Dixon May Fair, sponsored by local Rotary clubs for the past 30 years. The morning was a heartwarming and inclusive event filled with smiles and fun experiences. The private opening each year affords students the opportunity to enjoy the fair's attractions in a supportive, friendly and welcoming environment. A big thank you to Rotary for making this special day possible each year and for helping to bring smiles to so many faces!
Students Building For Students
Solano County Office of Education partnered with Solano County Library to showcase the talented students in the construction trades class at Golden Hills Community School who built custom bookshelves in class. SCOE's Innovation Lab students added a special touch on each shelf with a Dr. Seuss quote: "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." These bookshelves will support early literacy programs at Solano County Library.
Early Learning Educators of the Year
Solano County Office of Education, in collaboration with the Solano Child Care Planning Council and other community partners, hosted the second annual Solano Early Childhood Educator of the Year reception in June. This event honored early childhood educators who demonstrate excellence in the care and education of Solano County’s young children. In total, 29 early educators were nominated by their peers, families, and colleagues throughout Solano County.
The educators who were selected as Early Educators of the Year from each of six categories include: Administrator: Sabrina Drake, Solano Community College Fairfield campus.
Special Education Teacher: Heather Hanks, SCOE Me Too Program at T.C. McDaniel Early Learning Center in Fairfield. Preschool Teacher: Maribel Romero, Mathew Turner Preschool in Benicia.
Family Childcare Teacher: Fabiola Jimenez, Kiddoz Daycare in Vallejo. Infant Toddler Teacher: Tami Morris, Circle of Friends in Fairfield.
Support Staff: Rachel Taylor, Solano Community College Fairfield campus.
Summer Wellness Institute for Educators
In July, SCOE hosted a wellness institute for educators in partnership with Kaiser Permanente. The month-long event provided opportunities to recharge with seminars and activities focused on wellbeing. From guided walks to workshops on self-care, healthy eating, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques, these events were designed to help educators maintain balance and energy. Whether they sought to improve their work-life balance or discover new ways to de-stress, attendees gained valuable tools to keep going strong throughout the new school year!
Stuffing the Bus with School Supplies
The Solano County Women's Council of Realtors helped kick off the school year with a generous donation of school supplies to our Stuff the Bus campaign. These essential school supplies will go to students in foster care and those facing housing instability. A big thank you to these incredible women for being steadfast partners in helping kids start the school year strong!
Congratulations Adult Program Graduates!
Celebrating the completion of an adult program for neurodiverse young adults is a joyous milestone! It marks a powerful step towards independence, equipping young people with the skills and confidence to shine as vital members of our community. The achievement of completing the adult program is not just about personal victories; it recognizes the exciting contributions they will continue to make, enriching our society with their unique talents and perspectives. Here's to their bright futures and the vibrant roles they will play in the world!
The Future is Looking Bright
Congratulations to the graduates of Golden Hills Community School! Their hard work, perseverance, and dedication led to and incredible achievement and milestone, marking the beginning of the next bright chapter of their lives. These remarkable young adults have the strength and resilience to overcome any challenge. We are proud of all they've accomplished and excited to see the amazing things they'll do in the future!
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