Board Highlights
from the January 22, 2019 meeting
Middle College High School in the works to provide students with alternative pathways
Norma Rodriguez, Assistant Superintendent of Learning and Development, shared out plans to "find, inspire, and grow the next generation of teachers" while providing a pathway for students to college during a presentation about establishing a Middle College High School in Milpitas.

The proposed pathway program aims at preparing and certifying future teachers beginning with a Middle College High School housed at the San Jose City College Milpitas Extension, continuing at SJCC as the students earn an AA in Liberal Studies, and culminating with a BA and a clear credential from a local university. 

With the approval of the application for a County-District-School code to establish the Middle College High School, staff is now working on recruiting students, holding parent workshops, recruiting and assigning staff, among more activities, through February with the hopes of finding if there is an interest by March. If there is, staff plans to have the first cohort of 30 11th graders by August 2019. With board approval, this puts the implementation process in action.
  
RECOGNITIONS
Bob Nu ñez donates $10,000 in matching funds to Cal Hills FLY program
Bob Nuñez presented Superintendent Cheryl Jordan and the Board of Education with a $10,000 donation from the Nuñez Community Foundation. The money is a 1 for 1 matching donation for the Milpitas Rotary Club, who donated $10,000 at the January 8 meeting for Calaveras Hills High School's Fresh Lifelines for Youth program, also known as FLY. The program has three main categories based in law, leadership, and mentoring. It is directed for 11 to 24 year olds and is focused on putting an end to juvenile crime and incarceration.
Jennifer Cullenbine recognized for service to community through Family Giving Tree
Superintendent Cheryl Jordan and the Board of Education honored Jennifer Cullenbine, CEO and Founder of the Family Giving Tree. The non-profit organization donated more than 80,000 in gifts to families during the holiday season, and also operates a backpack drive for families in need each summer. 

"We just really wanted to recognize you because you not only have done so much for our Milpitas students and Milpitas residents, but you also offer us as a role model how to forge a dream and move forward in making sure that dream is funded," Jordan said.
Trustees honor staff, students involved in annual Jack Emery Food Drive
Superintendent Cheryl Jordan and the Board of Education honored MUSD students and staff who supported the Milpitas Food Pantry through their efforts in the Jack Emery Food Drive. The drive earned nearly $90,000 worth of cans for families in need during the holiday season.
Board of Education honors Karen Kolander, Milpitas Food Pantry Executive Director
The Board of Education honored Karen Kolander, Executive Director of the Milpitas Food Pantry. The non-profit organization relies on community support, like the assistance provided by the Jack Emery Food Drive, to distribute emergency food and offer food assistance to more than 3,500 low- and fixed-income people, according to its website.
Brett Webber chosen as January certificated employee in #WEareMUSDChampions program
Trustees honored Brett Webber, English teacher at Milpitas High School, who was chosen as the January certificated employee winner in the District's #WEareMUSDChampions program. Webber was chosen for the award after being nominated by English teacher Tonichi Lorenzana. Lorenzana said Webber has demonstrated his work with the following Strategic Goal: "Focus services and support systems to ensure that all students are engaged in their learning and are making social, emotional, and academic gains." 
ACTION ITEMS
Trustees adopt resolution honoring January 30 as Fred Korematsu Day
The Milpitas Unified School District Board of Education and MUSD staff wish to recognize the experience of our students and staff by adopting resolutions that give voice to our rich diversity. Trustees adopted a resolution recognizing and honoring January 30 as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution.

"WHEREAS, National civil rights hero Fred Korematsu was born in Oakland, California, on January 30, 1919 to Japanese immigrant parents. During World War II, in 1942, and at 23 years old, he was arrested and convicted after refusing to go to the government's incarceration camps for Japanese Americans," the resolution states. "WHEREAS, he appealed his case all the way to the Supreme Court, who ruled against him, arguing that incarceration was justified due to military necessity. Four decades later, Judge Marilyn Hall Patel of the United States District Court overturned Korematsu's wrongful conviction for the Northern District of California."

By adopting this resolution, Milpitas Unified School District is joining other communities and school districts in our nation in celebrating January 30 as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution.