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Contra Costa County Office of EducationMarch  2015
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Greetings!

 

Welcome to the March 2015 issue of Dateline. This informative newsletter is for all those in Contra Costa County who work in education. Please tell your fellow teachers and administrators, as well as your friends who would be interested in joining our mailing list (click here, or the link button at the left column). 

Professional Development / Opportunities

Contra Costa Public Information Network (CCPIN)

The upcoming CCPIN event is titled: Media Roundtable - Discussion on the state of journalism and how to get news coverage in today's environment. A panel presentation and discussion will include professional journalists from local TV, radio, and print media.

Date and Location: March 26, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon; CCCOE, Pleasant Hill

For info: Contact Terry Koehne at (925) 942-3420

Dates: TBD over a two-year time frame

Fee: Free, but please register, space is limited

Administrative Leadership Program (ALP) 

Contra Costa County Office of Education is a local program affiliate with the Association of California School Administrators and the New Teacher Center that offers an alternative program for the Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential. The ALP provides two years of on-site individualized coaching by certified Leadership Coaches to beginning school administrators. Driven by the California Professional Standards for Educational Leaders, candidates create an individualized plan for demonstrating performance standards that will determine the focus for coaching. At the end of two years, candidates who successfully complete all program requirements will be recommended for the Tier II Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential. 

For info: Contact Marsha Tokuyoshi at (925) 942-3385, or visit the program's Web page

Dates: TBD over a two-year time frame

Fee$3,500 per year CCCOE-ALP for 2 years, plus $1,000** per year to ACSA/ACCP; total cost for the two-year program is $9,000

Amplifying STEM with Technology

Discover dozens of engaging online programs and opportunities that allow STEM and PBL to push your students' creativity and innovation. The results will be a PBL educational experience that will rev up student engagement and inquiry...full STEM... or should we say... STEAM ahead! View several brief demonstrations of software and take a tour of some amazing websites.

Date and location: March 10, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; CCCOE, Pleasant Hill

For info: Contact Marsha Tokuoshi or Hilary Dito, register on Eventbrite

Fee: $100

This three-part webinar series will help you prepare your students for the upcoming SBAC test by increasing your understanding of depth of knowledge and formative assessment, while learning how to use the Digital Library and engage your students.

Dates: March 10, March 31, and April 14, 3:15-3:45 p.m. PDT

For info: Contact Eileen C. Walters; register at this Web page

Fee: Free

Cross the Bridge to Common Core Gold!
In this webinar, participants will learn about a great tool for staff connecting digital resources to the Common Core.

Dates: March 17, 9:00-9:30 a.m. PDT

For info: Contact Eileen C. Walters; register at this Web page

Fee: Free

Leading Edge Certification for the Online and Blended Teacher

Are you interested in teaching online, but unsure where to start, or are you already teaching online and want to enhance your skills? The Leading Edge Alliance and a group of county offices of education, nonprofits, universities, and governmental bodies have developed a certification program for K-12 teachers. The certification is a national program to prepare instructional leaders for online learning. Content includes building community, moderating discussions, supporting diverse learners, and implementing frequent formative assessments.

Dates: One eight-week cohort will be offered, starting April 20, (One synchronous meeting on the first day and 45-60 hours online training)

For info: Contact Eileen C. Walters at (925) 942-3435, or visit the program's website

Fee: $450, includes course, as well as portfolio review and certification

Empowering Educators Public Workshop Series

The upcoming Empowering Educators' Workshop is titled: Creating the Courage to Teach: Honoring the Teacher's HeartThis program is designed as a short retreat for educators and will provide opportunities to  reflect on the inner dimension of teaching and leading and explore "the heart of a teacher." Participants engage in honest self-reflection and look at questions about purpose, values and commitment to their challenging work. In doing so, participants increase their capacity to listen, to stay true to their mission, and engage with the work of teaching wholeheartedly. 

Date and Location: March 21, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; Vicente Martinez High School, Martinez

For info: Visit their website

Fee: Free

The 20th Annual Distinguished Speaker Series

 - The Best Practices in Teaching Leadership

The Best Practices in Teaching Leadership Saturday Seminar Series provides a broad range of opportunities for professional educators to learn research-based techniques and strategies from local and national professionals. Keynote and breakout sessions cover a variety of topics and grade levels, and provide practical and purposeful tools for both general and special educators to improve teaching practice. Networking opportunities with educators from other schools and districts are another key benefit. The program meets BTSA Induction professional development requirement. Graduate academic credit or continuing education units may also be earned. 

Dates and location: March 21 and May 2, all seminars are held 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Saint Mary's College, Moraga

For info: Contact Jeannie Harberson at 925-631-4836, or visit their

website

Fee: $65 for individual sessions (academic credit available)

Health Education Content Standards Training
This training will provide health educators with an overview of the California Health Content Standards. We'll look at what they are, why we have them, and discuss how they can be implemented. Standards-based instructional design (SBID) will be introduced. Participants will see multiple examples of how to unpack a standard. Time will be provided for teachers to practice this skill and share with one another. Facilitators will be Diana Farthing and Jill Barbosa-Gonzales, National Board Certified Teachers
Date and location: March 9, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; CCCOE, Pleasant Hill 
For info: Contact Emily Justice, at (925) 942-5328, or visit the program's Eventbrite page
Fee: $40

Leading Edge Certification for the Administrator


Do you want to enhance your digital leadership skills? Are you interested in supporting students and staff in developing 21st Century college and career readiness? Are you ready to be a transformative leader? Leading Edge Certification for the Administrator focuses on site, district, and regional leaders and is based upon the National Education Technology Standards for Administrators (NETS). Participants will learn how to effectively utilize technology tools, resources, and innovative solutions to advance student achievement, foster educator productivity, and extend learning opportunities for all. Upon successful completion, the certification will give schools, districts, and other prospective employers assurance that Leading Edge Certified administrators have the skills to effectively lead schools through the 21st Century and provide visionary leadership among all stakeholders of their organization. 

Date: February 23 (Includes one synchronous meeting on the first day and 45-60 hours online training)

For info: Contact Eileen C. Walters at (925) 942-3435, or visit the program's website

Fee: $750, includes course, as well as portfolio review and certification

Upcoming Events / Field Trips

13th Annual Day of the Teacher Conference

This one-day event is designed for anyone (including current HS students) interested in pursuing a career in teaching. We'll explore many opportunities open for future teachers through a series of workshops and interactive sessions. Presenters include California State University East Bay faculty, staff, and experienced K-12 teachers. Attendees will be able to access workshops and workshop materials, as well as take in the Education Fair. Lunch will be provided.   

Date and location: March 7, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; CSU East Bay, Concord Campus

For info: Visit this Eventbrite.com address for additional information and to register

Fee: $20, $10 for HS students (This event usually sells out) 

The Intel-Affiliated Contra Costa County Science and Engineering Fair Open House

The 2015 Intel-Affiliated Contra Costa County Science & Engineering Fair welcomes all to attend and view numerous projects submitted this year by county middle and high school students. Attendees can observe the presentations and experiments up close, as well as talk to the students who entered them.
Date and location: March 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; Los Medanos College

For info: Contact Sia Sauer at (925) 719-7507 or visit the Science & Engineering Fair's website

The Intel-Affiliated Contra Costa County Science and Engineering Fair  (Volunteer Judges Needed)

The Contra Costa County 2015 Intel Affiliated Science and Engineering Fair will be held March 26-28. Judges are needed to ensure the 300+ science fair projects expected to be submitted by middle and high school students this year have an opportunity to be reviewed by our valued community members including business and industry. Judges will be welcomed with breakfast and an orientation. Judges commitment of eight hours is critical to the process, which includes morning review of poster boards and afternoon interviews with students. A complimentary lunch is also provided.
Date and location: March 27, 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.;

For info: Contact Sia Sauer at (925) 719-7507 or visit the Science & Engineering Fair's website

Field Trip for Teachers and Science Education Resource Fair
Attendees receive free admission to the Science Center, enjoy delicious nibbles (breakfast time and mid day), and have the opportunity to peruse offerings from about two dozen science providers. Educators will discover great science resources - from field trips, to in-class programs, to lesson plans, to professional development and more - all under one roof. Chabot will provide behind the scene access to some of their displays, classroom programs, field trip offerings, and more!
Date and Location: March 21, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; Chabot Space & Science Center, Oakland
For info: Visit and RSVP at this Web page
Fee: Free
Road to the Future: Foster Care Youth Conference
The Richmond Police Department's Youth Services Division will be hosting a Foster Care Youth Conference. The event is for Foster Care Youth from Richmond who are placed in Richmond or surrounding counties. Youth/Transitioning young adults 14-24 are welcome. The conference will feature workshops on money management, health and fitness, dating and relationships, housing resources, personal care, employment skills, educational pathways, music making and more. Breakfast and lunch will be included, plus raffle prizes for those who register and arrive early. Stipends are available to qualifying youth.
Date and Location: March 21; 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. LaVonya Dejean Middle School, Richmond
For info: Visit and RSVP at this website
Fee: Free 
Grants / Scholarships

Mary Keith Duff Memorial Scholarships

Travis Credit Union encourages young members who are graduating high school seniors to apply for their $1,500 scholarships. Each applicant must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, be bound for a two- or four-year college or university and be a member in good standing of Travis Credit Union. Students who live in their 12-county service region and are not yet members may join the credit union and apply for their scholarship concurrently.

For info: Visit their website 

Next DeadlineApplications must be in by March 9 

The Warren W. Eukel Teacher Trust Fund 
The Warren W. Eukel Teacher Trust Fund annually distributes three separate $10,000 grants to outstanding teachers. The Trust will select nominees who exhibit extraordinary commitment of personal time and energy on behalf of their students. Teachers can self-nominate, or be nominated by an administrator, colleague, or student. The award may be used in any manner the recipient wishes.

For info: Contact Peggy Toovey at (925) 945-0200 or visit their website

Deadline: May 15

Voya Unsung Heroes Awards Program 

For more than 15 years, and with nearly $4 million in awarded grants, Voya Unsung Heroes has proven to be an A+ program with educators. The program's "alumni" have inspired success in the classroom and impacted countless numbers of students. Each year, 100 educators are selected to receive $2,000 to help fund their innovative class projects. Three of those are chosen to receive the top awards of an additional $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000.

For info: Visit their website

Deadline: April 30

Resources / Contests

Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society
The Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society will gladly organize an astronomy night for your school, youth group, or community organization. The organization's members volunteer their time and their telescopes to bring the universe to you. They also provide knowledgeable speakers and activities on various astronomy topics, either in a classroom or in a meeting setting.

For info: Contact Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society by email or visit their website

Fee: Free

Law Day Art Contest
This annual contest provides a wonderful opportunity for students, grades 9-12, to learn about our legal system and justice, while getting creative and winning prizes. Students are allowed to submit an art piece, which may be represented in two-dimensions to be entered in the Law Day Art Contest. Students are encouraged to use their creativity and create art pieces in any medium desired (including, but not limited to, drawings, paintings, films, photographs, graphic novels, comics, etc.). This year's theme is Magna Carta: Symbol of Freedom Under Law

For info: Contact Tara Blasingame or visit their website

Deadline: March 31

Google Science Fair

This online science competition is open to young people aged 13 to 18 from around the world - working as an individual or in a team of up to 3. It offers students the chance to explore an area of science that they're passionate about - and be in with a chance of winning life-changing prizes

For info: To sign up for fun and free resource kits for your classroom or school, visit their website

Deadline: May 12

Fee: Free

KidsGardening.com

KidsGardening.com is a website that has plenty of ideas about plants and gardens, teacher resources, and grant opportunities. 


CCCOE Logo

 

77 Santa  Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill, California 94523

Follow us on Twitter: @cocoschools 

Karen Sakata, Superintendent of Schools

Editor: Terry Koehne; Writer/Layout: Jonathan Lance, (925) 942-3429;

Diane Morrell, Designer; June Stephens, Web Developer 

 

Dateline is distributed during the school year to all public schools in the county by the Communications Office. Information must be received by the first of the preceding month. Publication does not signify the Contra Costa County Office of Education endorses the event or program mentioned.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jonathan Lance

CCCOE