Roberto M. Robledo
North County High to unveil media center
The new Library/Media Center at North Monterey County High School will be unveiled at a ceremony from4:30 to 6p.m. Monday. Community members and alumni are invited.
The center was a priority project funded through Measure H, approved in November 2013. Measure H provided $23.8 million for renovations and upgrades for schools in the North Monterey County Unified district.
The center includes a College & Career Center, computer lab, training/professional development lab, and Family Outreach/Migrant Education room with computers. The centeralso has multiple computer stations and Chromebooks for student use.
This center will be open from 7a.m. to 7p.m.
"We are excited that our students will now have ... the tools to become 21st century learners,” said Superintendent Kari Yeater.
Dueling data on Latinos, education
Teachers converge on CSUMB
California State University, Monterey Bay is one of six sites hosting the second California Teachers Summit this week. Statewide as many as 12,000 teachers are registered to attend, according to a press release.
“In light of California’s teacher shortage, we must do more to celebrate and support teachers,” said Kristen Soares, president of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, event co-sponsor.
“The Summit is a unique opportunity for teachers, teaching and teacher education to come together to collaborate and re-energize ahead of the new school year.”
One keynote speaker is actor Ernie Hudson of "Ghostbusters!" fame. He’ll share his story about how the power of education in helping kids overcome adversity and succeed against all odds.
Among the topics to be discussed are classroom strategies, state standards for English and math, and the Next Generation Science Standards.
Hartnell HEP awarded federal grant
A program at Hartnell College that helps students obtain a high school diploma has received a $2.3 million boost from the U.S. Department of Education.
The High School Equivalency Program, or HEP, was awarded a five-year grant, at $475,000 per year, to help “migratory and seasonal farmworkers and their children obtain the equivalent of a high school diploma,” according to a press release.
The grant totaling $2,375,000 will also fund programs to help graduates gain employment, receive job training, and apply for postsecondary education.
Hartnell’s HEP ranks in the top 5 best performing programs in the US with a graduation rate above 90%, according to the news release.
“We are thrilled and honored to … continue supporting the academic and personal growth of the migrant community which provides the backbone for the multi-billion-dollar agricultural industry of the Salinas Valley,” said Eric Becerra, HEP director.
The grant will allow Hartnell HEP to support 125 students toward attaining a high school equivalency, transition into higher education, technical training, military service, or improved employment.
Alisal clears the MESA
Closing ceremonies were held Thursday for 350 children attending the Migrant Education Summer Academy, or MESA. The four-week program was held at Fremont Elementary in the Alisal Union School District. The academy featured a focus on science curriculum designed by NASA, and cultural history and enrichment taught by teachers from Mexico through the Binational Teacher Program. Information about careers and college was also provided.
Performing arts project attracts major donor
Hartnell College has received a major contribution toward its campaign to renovate the Center for Performing Arts. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation has donated $400,000 in support of the Capital Campaign for the Center for Performing Arts.
Hartnell launched the campaign in May 2014 in hopes of upgrading the existing center into a state of the art facility “that mirrors the excellence within its artistic productions and programs to thus engage in arts and culture,” according to a press release. The upgrades will include a new box office, enhanced community atrium, new art gallery area, and infrastructure upgrades to the front of the center.
“The tremendously generous grant from the Hewlett Foundation demonstrates the importance of performing arts to a healthy community,” said Nicholas M. Pasculli, chairman of the Theatre Arts Council and vice president of Hartnell College Foundation.
The donation moves the campaign closer to its fundraising goal of $1.5 million. To date, the Foundation has raised more than $1.24 million.
Other contributions include: Anonymous Foundation, Sally Hughes Church Foundation, Joanne Taylor Johnson (in honor of Sally Hughes Church), Massey Family, Nicholas M. Pasculli, Shari Selover & Lance Fors, Patricia Donohue, Jean Hurd, Mimi & GeorgeNiesen, David Warner, SSB Construction, and Winoma& Greg Plaskett
Junior Otters ends on high note
More than 500 children will celebrate the completion of the annual summer Junior Otters Program on Friday.
A closing ceremony will be held at Cal State Monterey Bay. The program is an academic and cultural enrichment camp for children from migrant farmworker families. It is offered every summer by the Monterey County Office of Education, Migrant Education Region XVI office, CSUMB, El Teatro Campesino and California Mini-Corps.
The program is for students entering grades 4th through 9th. It focuses on language arts, mathematics, computer science, and an enrichment component that introduces students to university campus life and fine arts, including theater, music, drama, dance, art and, video editing.
“The Olympics” was this year’s theme. Lessons, activities and presentations helped students to better understand the importance of the Olympic Games and the countries and athletes who participate in them, said program Principal Carl Del Grande.
“Junior Otters is an outstanding opportunity to expose students to the university environment and provide access to performing arts and technology programs,” said County Superintendent of Schools Nancy Kotowski.
Videos help with financial aid
Need help applying for college financial aid? Turn on the TV. The Hartnell College Financial Aid Office has teamed with Financial Aid TV to offer GetAnswers Video Service. It is a series of 60- to 90-second videos designed to help with the complexities of financial aid applications. GetAnswers covers such topics as: Financial Aid Basics, the Verification Process, SAP, CA Dream Act, and the BOG Fee Waiver. Online: Go to: http://www.hartnell.edu/financial-aid-tv.
Compiled and edited by Roberto M. Robledo. The Education Digest appears online and in print on Friday. Email your news for the Education Digest to rrobledo@thecalifornian.com or phone call 831-754-4269.
