In observation of February – African American History Month – the Contra Costa County Office of Education's Curriculum & Instruction team developed instructional materials intended to provide resources and prompt discussions as part of the Social Justice Standards in elementary and secondary grade levels.

For info: Visit their curriculum link

U.S. Ambassador & Barrier-Breaker Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley speaks about African American empowerment on the world stage. Ambassador Abercrombie-Winstanley is an American diplomat, nominated by President Obama as the Ambassador to Malta. She's spoken with world leaders, represented the U.S. around the globe, and worked to make a difference in foreign affairs.

Date: February 10, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. PST

For info: Visit their Eventbrite posting to learn more and register

Fee: Free

Don’t miss the U.S. Patten and Trademark Office’s online Black History Month celebration spotlighting three contemporary Black women inventors: Aprille Ericsson, Ayanna Howard, and Arlyne Simon. Hear the panelists’ firsthand accounts of their amazing career paths and game-changing inventions.

Date: February 10, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. PST

For info: Visit their Eventbrite posting to learn more and register

Fee: Free

Journalist. Suffragist. Antilynching crusader. In 1862, Ida B. Wells was born enslaved in Holly Springs, Mississippi. In 2020, she earned a Pulitzer Prize. Presented by Athenaeum of Philadelphia, her incredible story will be discussed by Author, Professor, and Public Historian Michelle Duster.

Date: February 11, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. PST

For info: Visit their Eventbrite posting to learn more and register

Fee: Free

In celebration of Black History Month, we invite you to join us for a conversation with Matthew A. Cherry, writer and director of the Academy Award-winning animated short film, Hair Love, as we explore his inspiration for the project and the powerful message behind it.

Date: February 18, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. PST

For info: Visit their Eventbrite posting to learn more and register

Fee: Free

Four Hundred Souls is a unique one-volume “community” history of African Americans. Ibram X. Kendi along with co-editor, award-winning historian Keisha N. Blain, assembled 90 writers to consider the 400-year journey of African Americans from 1619 to the present. Join the editors Drs. Kendi and Blain alongside contributors Robert Jones, Jr.; Bernice L. McFadden; and Dr. Blair L.M. Kelley for readings from the collection and a discussion on what it takes to develop a community history, by a community.

Date: February 9, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. PST

For info: Visit their Eventbrite posting to learn more and register

Fee: Free

Join the Exploratorium for a story session, followed by an art activity geared toward younger children. Children’s Educational Outreach Program Director Vivian Altmann plans to read Black Is a Rainbow Color, written by Angela Joy and illustrated by Ekua Holmes. The presentation is available to stream on the Exploratorium YouTube and Facebook channels.

Date: February 24, 1:00 p.m.

For info: To learn more, call 415-528-4444, or visit www.exploratorium.edu

Fee: Free

Presented by Shirley Ann Wilson Moore, Ph.D, Professor of History, Emerita, California State University, Sacramento, this fascinating lesson will look at the migration of African Americans to West Contra Costa County.

Date: February 26, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

For info: Join in on this Zoom Meeting link

Fee: Free

A classroom-based substance abuse prevention program for 7th and 8th graders that is proven to reduce the experimental and continued use of drugs. Through a series of comprehensive lessons, Project ALERT motivates students against drug use, cultivates new non-use attitudes and beliefs, and equips teens with the skills and strategies they will use to resist drugs.

Dates: February 1, 3:00-6:00 p.m. OR February 4, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

For info: Visit their Eventbrite posting

Fee: Free

This program covers the brand new Vaping Prevention Online Course, with overview of the content and the choices educators have in selecting linear and open versions of the curriculum. Additional resources will also be explored, including a 5-lesson curriculum and the Cannabis Awareness & Prevention Toolkit. Audience: High School TUPE Curriculum Instructors (certificated and classified staff); middle school educators and staff also welcome to attend.

Dates: February 2, 3:30-5:00 p.m. OR February 3, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

For info: Visit their Eventbrite posting

Fee: Free

Graham Fletcher is an instructional leader who has worked in depth with math progressions through the grades and problem-based lessons. His expertise has led him to present throughout North America and beyond. The CCCOE and Sacramento COE will be hosting and sponsoring two separate K-6 virtual afternoon professional learning opportunities with Graham Fletcher – Building Fact Fluency in a Virtual Space and Facilitating Rich Math Tasks Remotely. Register for one or both workshops.

Dates: February 2, 3:30-4:30 p.m. and February 3, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

For info: To learn more and to register, open the programs' flyer, or contact Christen Northrop

Fee: Free

This workshop provides information and resources for adults who support teams of middle and high school tobacco-use prevention education (TUPE) peer educators. Reviews the purpose of tobacco use prevention education and peer-to-peer education and the role and expectation of adult allies and young people as peer educators, provides an update on tobacco use trends among adolescents, and information on student recruitment, selection, training, and retention.

Dates: February 24, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. OR February 25, 3:00-5:00 p.m.

For info: Visit their Eventbrite posting

Fee: Free

The California Health Education Framework Project aims to shift educators to more advanced student-centered, skill-based teaching, and learning practices, as well as health content, while building a statewide system of support for health education.

A series of professional learning opportunities will be provided in 2020 and 2021. Join these virtual sessions to develop a deeper understanding of the CA Health Education Framework guidance and to connect with other educators to build your health education toolbox. These programs are for administrators, teaching staff, counselors, nurses, and any other interested educator or

community member.

Dates: March 4, May 13; 3:30-5:00 p.m.

For info: Visit their Eventbrite posting

Fee: Free, $150 stipend available

Brief Intervention is a short-term intervention that consists of 2 to 4 sessions aimed at adolescents who use alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. This approach uses motivational interviewing, cognitive behavior therapy and the stages of change model to meet the needs of adolescents. Audience: School Administrators, Educators, Staff, Counselors, School Nurses, and Community-Based Organization Staff. This training is provided in two, three-hour sessions. You must attend both days to complete this course. CEUs available. See registration page for more information.

Dates: Session 1: March 24, 1:00-4:00 p.m. – Session 2: March 25, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

For info: Visit their Eventbrite posting

Fee: Free

Continue to build on the skills learned from the one-day BI training and interact with other participants who have been trained and implement BI. (This training is a repeat of the Advanced/Booster Training held in October.) Audience: School Administrators, Educators, Staff, Counselors, School Nurses, and Community-Based Organization Staff who have already completed the full Brief Intervention training.

Date: April 14, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

For info: Visit their Eventbrite posting

Fee: Free

Based on the CDE 5 Key Principles for Distance Learning, we created and recorded five Mini-Sessions. Each 30-minute session dives into one big idea of each Key Principle. We offer a practical active learning experience and an interactive resource backchannel. All recordings and resources can be found on this CCCOE December Virtual Mini Sessions Guide. If you would like more information about this opportunity, please Christen Northrop or Julie Dooley.

In partnership with the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), the California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA) and the University of California Los Angeles Center for the Transformation of Schools (CTS) offered this free online series. These virtual seminars provide families and educators with the tools and strategies they need to ensure greater equity for students who continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 school closures.

For info: Visit their website for numerous recent webinars

Fee: Free

ASCD's free webinar series brings experts in the field of education to a screen near you. These webinars address timely and relevant topics like student engagement, classroom technology, and instructional strategies. Webinars are archived and available as professional development on demand.

For info: Visit their website

Fee: Free

Californians Together has witnessed, through various hosted Zoom webinars and meetings, the need for people to be connected and wanting to share and learn from each other. With that in mind, they are offering various opportunities to uplift each other and at the same time make a difference for our students.

Dates: Tuesdays, 4:00–5:30 p.m.

For info: Visit their web page

Fee: Free

The Contra Costa County Office of Education - Foster Youth Services Coordinating Programs (FYSCP) is happy to announce the foster youth education trainings will start up again in early 2021! FYSCP, it is our goal to provide technical assistance and professional development to district education liaisons, school staff, and community partners regarding the educational needs of foster youth.

February 4, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

March 11, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

April 1, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

For info: Contact Yvonne Beals at 925-942-3463 or visit their registration page to sign up

Fee: Free

Code.org's Professional Learning Program is a year-long professional development experience for middle and high school educators interested in teaching Code.org's Computer Science Discoveries (Grades 6-10) or Computer Science Principles (grades 10-12) courses. Participants will explore Computer Science curriculum and tools, experiment with specific teaching strategies, and join a local community of teachers using this curriculum. Workshops are led by experienced Code.org facilitators and prepare all teachers to use the free curriculum and learn CS (no CS experience necessary). Teachers can apply to earn Continuing Education Units for their work.

Date and location: June 21 - June 25, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; CCCOE , Pleasant Hill or Virtual (TBD)

For info: Contact Hilary Dito at (925) 942-3396 or Christen Northrop at 925-942-3435 or visit the program's registration page

Fee: See web page for price points, as well as scholarship opportunities

Our program is approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing as a Professional Preparation Program for the Clear Administrative Services Credential. In partnership with the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), CCCOE-ALP provides high-quality, researched-based professional learning and development for new leaders. Across the two-year program, credential candidates expand and deepen their leadership knowledge, skills, and behaviors through individualized, job-embedded induction.

For info: Contact Julie Dooley at (925) 942-3357, or visit the program's web page

Dates: The enrollment window for the 2019-21 winter cohort is open through January 30, 2021, this cohort starts in January 2021

The Integrated Student Support and Programs Office at the California Department of Education (CDE) would like to invite you to the following webinars. These webinars are designed to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) with the requirement of Section 11432(g)(6)(A)(ix) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which states that LEA personnel, including the homeless liaison, must be provided professional development opportunities in identifying and meeting the needs of homeless children and youths.

There is no registration fee! Just mark your calendars!

Topic: Health and Wellness for Students Experiencing Homelessness for Nurses

Date and time: February 10; 2:00–3:30 p.m.

Zoom meet particulars: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85255632728

Meeting ID: 852 5563 2728

Passcode: 590838

Topic: School Counselors and Homeless Education

Date and time: March 10, 2:00–3:30 p.m.

Zoom meet particulars: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84322131995

Meeting ID: 843 2213 1995

Passcode: 719353

Topic: Homelessness in the Classroom for Teachers and Paraprofessionals

Date and time: April 14, 2:00–3:30 p.m.

Zoom meet particulars: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86736836660

Meeting ID: 867 3683 6660

Passcode: 879639

Topic: Collaboration with Community Partners and Service Providers

Date and time: May 12, 2:00–3:30 p.m.

Zoom meet particulars: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86021523786

Meeting ID: 860 2152 3786

Passcode: 973496

Topic: Homeless Education and Early Education

Date and time: June 2, 2:00–3:30 p.m.

Zoom meet particulars: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85160847733

Meeting ID: 851 6084 7733

Passcode: 232046

The County Office of Education is hosting a virtual county-wide job fair for the school districts in Contra Costa County. The County Office of Education will also be recruiting for a variety of positions including teachers and certificated specialists in Special Education and Court and Community School Education programs.

Date: February 27

For info: Check this webpage for info and updates

The CCCOE is looking for additional members of the California Bar Association and second- and third-year law students to serve as Mock Trial scorers and judges at the upcoming 39th Annual Contra Costa County Mock Trial Program. New volunteers will be joining close to 100 practicing and retired Bay Area lawyers, district attorneys, public defenders, and judges who will be returning as Mock Trial scorers and judges. Due to COVID-19, this year's Mock Trials will be held virtually.

Dates and locations: February 9, 11, 16, 5:00-8:00 p.m.; Virtual

For info: Contact Jonathan Lance at (925) 942-3429, or visit the Mock Trial web page

Thirty-Second District PTA awards up to six $500.00 scholarships to high school seniors graduating from Contra Costa County high schools that participate in an active PTSA. These scholarships focus on the categories of school volunteering, community service, personal challenge, and exemplification of PTA values. Scholarship funds are for use during the 2021-2022 school year for educational expenses such as tuition, books and supplies, fees, or special needs services.

For info: To learn more and apply, visit their website

Deadline: February 12

Do you know a high school senior, trade school or college student looking for financial assistance of up to $10,000? Please share! The Contra Costa Association of Realtors Scholarship Foundation has been supporting higher education for over 50 years! The scholarship Application Period is Now Open to all Contra Costa residents.

For info: For eligibility requirements and application, visit their website

Deadline: March 31

The Contra Costa County Community Awareness and Emergency Response (CAER) provides up to $2,500 grants to improve the preparedness of Contra Costa County schools and agencies in responding effectively to shelter-in-place emergencies. The proposed drills and exercises must have a stated list of objectives and goals that must be addressed.

For info: Contact Lori McDonald at (925) 313-9296 or visit CAER's website

Deadline: March 12

Travis Credit Union is awarding 20 $2,000 Mary Keith Duff Memorial Scholarships. To be eligible, you must be a graduating high school senior starting college this fall, with a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), and a Travis Credit Union member in good standing. Travis Credit Union employees, volunteers and their immediate family members are not eligible. Not a member? Not a problem. You can open an account when submitting your application.

For info: Visit their website

Deadline: March 1

The Ross Store-Based Giving Program provides donations to eligible schools and government programs within 25 miles of a Ross Dress for Less store. Funding is intended to build academic achievement and life skills in economically disadvantaged youth, ages 3-24. Schools must be either Title 1 designees or have at least 40% of their students participate in free or reduced lunch. Programs with a focus on literacy, STEM, tutoring, stay-in-school efforts, and college readiness can qualify. Support is provided primarily in the form of gift cards.

For info: Visit their website

Deadline: Applications are ongoing

The California State Library has launched a new website that streamlines all available state agency grants for education, small businesses, nonprofits, individuals, tribal governments, and more!

For info: Visit their website

The 2021 Civic Learning Award will shine light on the people and programs elevating a school's fundamental commitment to civics. Typical grants are between $2,500 - $10,000. This year, the Civics Learning Award seeks applicants/nominations for:

A SINGLE PROGRAM: One program that supports, promotes, and improves civic learning and advocacy opportunities for students. Programs paused during the pandemic, adapted for remote delivery, or created during quarantine all qualify.

CHAMPION OF CIVICS: Every great cause needs a champion who goes the extra mile to promote active citizenship among their students. Business owners, school personnel, parents, and members of the general public have all taken on the charge to make sure students in California take part in their democracy. If you know one, nominate them for a Champion of Civics Award!

For info: Visit their website

Deadline: February 12

The Contra Costa County Office of Education invites the community to explore its 2019-20 Annual Report to the Community online. The summary report for the agency includes information about how schools are funded, professional development courses offered, CCCOE student programs, plus much more.

For info: Visit this web page 

Jack London State Historic Park has announced the opening of its 2021 Young Writers Contest. The announcement comes on the 145th birthday of the park’s namesake.

The program, now in its sixth year, encourages middle school students (grades 6-8) to exercise their writing skills by creating an original 2,000-word story inspired by the works of Jack London. This year’s theme is “Coping with Isolation.” In Jack London’s famous short story, To Build a Fire, the main character battles the fierce winter landscapes of the Yukon with only a few supplies and his wit and will to guide him. Even with the obstacles and pitfalls in his way, the greatest challenge is being alone on the journey with only the company of a weary dog. All students who enter the contest will receive a free pass for admission to the park, located in Sonoma County, which includes one carload of guests. The prizes are $200 for first place, $150 for second place and $100 for third place

For info: Visit their website to learn more and enter

Deadline: March 31

This scholarship opportunity is perfect for creative students. There is no required “theme,” but check out the Gallery website so that your card creation falls under one of the card lines featured. The Gallery website states that while Christmas cards are their biggest sellers, birthday and anniversary cards are also popular. Have a penchant for sympathy or “get well” messages? Those themes are also welcome.

For info: Visit their website

Deadline: March 9

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) website lets users create and administer online tests to their students and then compare their students' performance to national norms. You can assemble tests by selecting questions from more than 700 items that have been developed by AAAS Project 2061 to measure what students know in 16 key science topics.

For info: Visit their website

The Contra Costa County Office of Education is working closely with Contra Costa Health Services to keep our communities informed regarding the Coronavirus emergency. The CCCOE is providing updated information and resources to schools and school districts in our county so they can offer accurate news to their communities.

The CCCOE Coronavirus web page features:

For info: Visit our web page at cocoschools.org/coronavirus

The California Department of Education (CDE) is pleased to continue supporting the annual Directing Change Program and Film Contest. This event is sponsored by Each Mind Matters: California’s Mental Health Movement and the California Mental Health Services Authority as part of a collaborative statewide effort to prevent suicide, reduce stigma and discrimination related to mental illness, and promote the mental health and wellness of students. This statewide program invites California students from grades seven through twelve to create 60-second films about suicide prevention, mental health, and related cultural perspectives. The primary goal of the Directing Change Program is to support implementation and expansion of mental health and suicide prevention awareness efforts on school campuses.

For info: Visit their website for submission guidelines and contest details

Deadline: April 20

We encourage anyone who is interested in receiving monthly updates on adolescent health and wellness-related issues, including upcoming professional development opportunities and parent/family webinars to check out Health & Wellness Matters.

For info: To learn more and subscribe to Health & Wellness Matters, visit their web page

Fee: Free

The New York Times is working with Verizon to provide qualifying high school students and teachers with a free digital subscription through September. 1, 2021 — helping them stay connected to the world, even as it continues to change. Teachers or school administrators must first create a free account to be verified and then will be able to send their students an invitation email to access the subscription.

For info: Visit their website

Fee: Free

Tools for Teachers is a new website featuring lessons and activities designed to enhance instruction, save time, and boost student learning. This online collection is the new formative assessment component of the Smarter Balanced assessment system and was developed with teachers across the state. Resources are aligned with the California Standards to help K–12 teachers target student needs using the formative assessment process. Formative assessment and accessibility strategies are embedded in every instructional resource and can be used in distance or hybrid learning environments.

For info: Visit their website

Fee: Free

The FBI's Safe Online Surfing program promotes digital citizenship by educating students in grades 3 to 8 on the essentials of online security. Students play interactive, grade-level games that teach them about online safety. For teachers, the program provides a ready-made curriculum that meets state and federal internet-safety mandates, including online testing, and a competition at the national level to encourage learning and participation.

For info: Visit their website

To help keep the online interactions of kids and teens safe, productive, and positive, @CommonSenseEd offers helpful guidance for families on social media basics. Learn about the latest apps and websites, and get tips on talking to your kids about sharing, posting, and avoiding digital drama.

For info: Visit their website

Fee: Free

East Bay Regional Park District is committed to the idea of lifelong learning and helping people make their own discoveries about our local parks. These resources are designed to be used at home, in a classroom, or part of any online education. Use these resources to build your own learning opportunities.

For info: Visit their website

Fee: Free

The Student Leaders Internship program, from Bank of America, connects qualifying high school juniors and seniors with paid summer internships that have a focus on serving the community. In addition to an eight-week internship working with a local nonprofit, each student will attend the Student Leaders Summit in July 2021 in Washington, D.C., with travel expenses paid by the program.

For info: Visit their website

Deadline: January 31

CASEL CARES is a new initiative that connects each of you in our global community with experts to address how Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) be most helpful in response to today’s circumstances. The program is filled with free resources and a weekly webinar.

For info: Visit their website

Cash for College workshops provide students and their families an opportunity to receive free, professional help to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CA Dream Act Application.

For info: A full list of upcoming workshops in your area is available online

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) website lets users create and administer online tests to their students and then compare their students' performance to national norms. You can assemble tests by selecting questions from more than 700 items that have been developed by AAAS Project 2061 to measure what students know in 16 key science topics.

For info: Visit their website

Looking for some additional quality Monday-Friday educational programming at home or in the classroom? Check out the latest edTV broadcasts here.

Programs scheduled include (times are approximate):

edTV can be found on Contra Costa County cable channels 32 (Comcast) or 99 (AT&T U-Verse)

For info: Daily schedule can be found here

Front Door Service is still available during the shelter-at-home order at 24 libraries across the county. Visit ccclib.org to place holds, check hold status or make an appointment for pick-up.

LIBRARY LEARNING TOOLS The Library has created several short videos designed to help students, teachers and caregivers learn how to use some of the most valuable online resources more easily, both during this time of distance learning and beyond. Learn more about and watch at https://ccclib.org/library-learning-tools/ Video tutorial topics include:

· How to use the Catalog

· How to get an eCard

· Brainfuse

· Explora

· Learning Express

· NoveList

· OverDrive/Libby

· Tumblebooks

LIBRARY OF THINGS Visit the Library of Things page to learn about and check out items like the Outdoor Explorer backpacks that can be used to explore East Bay parks and trails. The Energy Efficiency kits which include an electric use meter for testing home electric appliances and thermometers to test refrigerators/freezers and room temperatures. The kits can help improve energy efficiency in your home and may save you money. Visit https://ccclib.org/library-of-things/ for details and other fun and useful items available for checkout.

LYNDA.COM The Library once again has Lynda.com available for free to all library cardholders. Lynda is a leading provider of online learning content and offers video courses taught by industry experts. Learn business, technology, and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals. A regular subscription costs $30 a month. A library card means free access to courses including everything in the Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office, HTML, WordPress and thousands more topics. Access Lynda.com at ccclib.org. Just enter the library card number and last name to get started.

Library book drops are open. Please return any long overdue library materials to your local community library. The Library does not charge daily overdue fines. Replacement and processing fees for long overdue items will be removed when the items are returned in good condition. Visit any of the 24 libraries open for Front Door Service to return items.

For info: Contact the CWS Staff at (925) 655-0111 or visit their website