Name: Arianna Rocha Title: Senior Student Board Representative of Calaveras Hills High School Years at MUSD: 2 years Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? My personal favorite female figure in women’s history is Rosa Parks for her actions made a huge impact during the civil rights movement as well as giving women recognition rights. What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? My favorite movie that includes a strong woman lead is "Frozen," because Elsa shows how being a strong independent woman can impact yourself and test the relationships you have with others. Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? “Do what’s right for you and it will all fall into line for you.” - Arianna Rocha Name: Michelle Eacret Title: Sr. Administrative Secretary in Learning and Development Years at MUSD: 16 years as a permanent employee and 4 years as a contract BMT Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? It is so hard to pick just one. Growing up I read everything I could on Martin Luther King Jr and Rosa Parks. Rosa Parks stood up for herself by refusing to give up her seat on a bus and sparked the fight for equal rights for African Americans. And Malala Yousafzai for fighting for education rights for girls in Pakistan. She was only 11 years old when she started to speak out and that showed what true bravery is. Even after an assassination attempt, she kept speaking bringing attention to girl's access and rights to education. What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? “Hidden Figures” not only showed three women mathematicians but they were also African American, fighting to prove themselves in a white and male-dominated field. Two other favorites are “Brave” and “Mulan”, who were trying to prove themselves in a more male-dominated culture. Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? I think of when my mother grew up, in the 40’s & 50's, and when I grew up, in the late 60’s & 70’s. So much has changed for women during that time. There are still times that women must fight harder to prove themselves but women today have so many opportunities. They are shaping politics and policies and holding powerful positions. Be yourself and be unafraid to stand up for what you believe in. The world is waiting for you. Thomas Russell Middle School (TRMS) was one of only 16 secondary schools in Santa Clara County – as well as 293 middle schools and high schools throughout the state – honored as a 2024 California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education.
“This is a testament to the years of hard work and diligence of our Russell staff, families, and other community members,” said TRMS Principal Shangrila Mia-Ramzan. “It is an absolute honor and privilege to be a member of such an amazing team. It truly takes a village, and the WOLVERINES know how to do it!” The California Distinguished Schools program recognizes schools for their excellent work in one of two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance. Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students. “The CA Distinguished School award reflects our commitment to establishing learning environments that foster a belief that through perseverance and teamwork, we can achieve remarkable outcomes,” said Superintendent Cheryl Jordan. “TRMS celebrates community through its signature practices of interdisciplinary team and personalized learning platform strategies for learner pathways.” Former TRMS Principal Sean Anglon credited those signature practices such as Agency Building, Math Intervention and Reading Intervention as key factors in the increased student achievement. Additionally, once returning full-time from COVID years, teachers were able to again benefit from the signature practice of team tutorials. “I was pleased to learn that the hard work of the TRMS students and teachers resulted in the school receiving the CA Distinguished School Recognition,” said Anglon, now an administrator at Milpitas HS. “I have no doubt TRMS will continue to perform at the level which merited this recognition for years to come.” TRMS has a student body of 795 and a staff of 52, and is one of two MUSD middle schools, the other Rancho Milpitas MS was a 2021 recipient of the California Distinguished Schools Program. Russell increased its Above State Standards scores in English Language Arts by 13.2 points and Mathematics by 12.1 points, according to the CDE Dashboard. The CDE uses multiple measures to identify eligible schools based on their performance on the state indicators as specified on the California School Dashboard. Specifically, schools were selected by analyzing data reported through the 2023 Dashboard, with a focus on demonstrating excellence and growth in academic achievement and ensuring a positive school climate. “Excellent middle schools and high schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people,” State Superintendent Tony Thurmond said. “This year’s CA Distinguished Schools celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our secondary educators and school staff who help our young adults discover passions and access college- and career-ready experiences that will propel them through life.” Name: Jinky Bitanga Title: Assistant Principal at Curtner Elementary Years at MUSD: I have been at MUSD for 10 years; however, I am a Milpitas Native who went to Rose, Rancho and Milpitas High School as a student. Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? One of my favorite female figures is Michelle Obama because of her down to earth personality and her advocacy for many causes that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? One of my favorite movies that include strong women leads is Hidden Figures because it tells the story of a real-life team of women mathematicians who played a crucial role in NASA’s early space program. Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” Michelle Obama Name: Van Nguyen Title: MOT Director Years at MUSD: 1 Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? Choosing a favorite female figure is tougher than deciding between pizza toppings! But if I had to pick, I'd say Amelia Earhart – because who wouldn't want to navigate the skies and break glass ceilings? What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? "Erin Brockovich" is a powerful reminder that one person, armed with determination and a commitment to justice, can make a significant impact. Erin's story teaches us that courage, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose can drive positive change, even against formidable odds. It's a motivation to believe in your ability to make a difference, no matter your challenges. Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? Always remember, being yourself is your superpower. Embrace your uniqueness, for there is no one quite like you. In moments of doubt, know that you possess a strength that surpasses your understanding. Challenges may seem overwhelming, but you are resilient and capable of navigating any storm. Bad times are like passing clouds—they come and go. What truly stays with you is the strength you discover within yourself during those tough moments. Each challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and emerge even more powerful than before. Believe in your potential, trust your journey, and never forget that your voice, dreams, and aspirations matter. You have the power to shape your destiny, and the lessons you learn will be the building blocks of a lifetime of success. Name: Deana Querubin Occupation: MHS Activities Director Years at MUSD: 10 years Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? My favorite female figure is Rihanna. I respect her for her artistry, her business, and how she is so unapologetically herself. As a billionaire, she made herself into an international icon that is easily recognized for her fashion, music, business, and humanitarian work. I absolutely love her! What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? My favorite that includes a strong woman lead is actually from a moment in the movie Avengers: End Game. SPOILER ALERT: I teared up when all the powerful female avengers came through with Captain Marvel when it seemed like all was lost in the battle. It was such an empowering moment to see; I cried and cheered! Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? Follow your passions and lead with your heart through all that you do. Always remember that you are strong and valued. If there is a role, a job, or a career that just seems to be dominated by men, yet it is something that you want to do, DO IT. When someone says you can't, YOU CAN. And lastly, as a young female, start to learn now how to love yourself, so you'll never have to look for anything or anyone to complete you; you'll already have it all. By ASHA BALU Club Treasurer Culinary HEROes sprang to life around 2018 when a bunch of MHS alumni decided to bond over their mutual love for cooking. It all started casually, with just a group of friends coming together to share recipes and tips, but it quickly snowballed into something much bigger—a community fueled by our collective passion for the culinary arts. Our latest adventure was a Thanksgiving workshop that was nothing short of fun and delicious food! Starting off with the appetizer, we made garlic bread with tons of garlic! For our entrees, we had two types of pasta, making sure to accommodate each other's dietary preferences! For dessert, we made some delicious apple crisp along with some store-bought ice cream–shhh don’t tell anyone! This Thanksgiving workshop was much more than just a cooking session; it was a get-together of friends and students who normally would not have met to share a wonderful meal that we all collaborated on. As our club continues to grow, we plan on extending our reach not only into cooking but into our community, too! We recently participated in Pomeroy’s Trunk-or-Treat, where we passed out candy to the elementary students with a little cooking skit! In the future, we plan on hosting bake sales, cooking competitions, and hopefully some food drives to give back to the wonderful community around us! It is not only our club that continues to grow, so do our dreams. We are not content with just sticking around in the kitchen; we wish to connect with fellow students who share our passion for food, explore new cuisines and cultures, and leave a lasting impression on new members! If you wish to join, don’t be shy! If you are not sure whether to fully commit to Culinary HEROes, stop by one of our meetings and/or workshops, we promise to not leave you hungry–or disappointed. Milpitas High School’s Speech and Debate Competition Season is in full swing, with middle school and high school students competing against some of the top school individuals and teams throughout the western United States. Under the guidance of advisor Charles Schletzbaum, individual debaters have been racking up the hardware at an array of competitions this season. In December 2023, Thomas Russell MS 8th graders Swara Mishra and Ege Tuncer finished as Octofinalists (among 16 best competitors after preliminary rounds), while Milpitas HS freshman Kavish Shah took second in Novice Impromptu Speaking 2nd place in finals, 9th grader Sanjana Krishnan was a semifinalist, while freshmen Ranvir Sakhalkar and Vikram Partha were finalist runner-up in Novice Public Forum. At Arizona State in January MHS 9th grader Vikram Partha reached the Quarterfinals (1st speaker) in Novice Lincoln Douglas debate and fellow freshman Sanjana Krishnan was 3rd speaker. Later in the month at James Logan HS, junior Rohan Krishna was an Octofinalist in Varsity Lincoln Douglas debate, while senior Isabelle Cho and junior Reba Prabhakhar cleared to round of 64. In an online competition hosted by Columbia University, MHS juniors Ashton Chen and Atharv Vyas, as well as MHS senior Isabelle Cho and junior Reba Prabhakhar, were all Octofinalists and earned a bid to the Tournament of Champions. In February at University of Las Vegas-Nevada, MHS competitors earned even more accolades: freshman Sanjana Krishnan reached the Quarterfinals of Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate; junior Ashton Chen was the second place speaker in Varsity Public Forum; and juniors Atharv Vyas and Ashton Chen were Octofinalists, earning a second bid to the Tournament of Champions together. At an online Stanford University debate, freshman Clemence Wong finished as a semifinalist in Junior Varsity Original Oratory; junior Rohan Krishna was an Octofinalist in Varsity Lincoln s Douglas Debate; freshmen Aadya Rai and Sanjana Krishnanwas were Octofinalists again. Name: Jillian Valdez Occupation: Program Manager for Special Education Years with MUSD: 2 How/Why is Black History Month important to celebrate throughout our district? Celebrating Black History Month throughout our district is not just important; it is imperative. Black history is important to the fabric of the United States, a part of our shared narrative. By acknowledging and honoring this history, we affirm the significance of Black contributions that have played a pivotal role in shaping our nation. It is crucial to recognize that Black history is not confined to a limited timeframe. It permeates every aspect of our society and should be celebrated continuously. Beyond highlighting the prominent figures and milestones of Black excellence, we must also spotlight the everyday contributions of the Black community that enrich the story of our collective experience. BHM provides an invaluable opportunity for our students to see themselves reflected in the narratives of resilience, achievement, and empowerment. This representation is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and pride among our diverse school community. By embracing the full spectrum of Black history, we not only educate but empower our students to see their own potential. Who is a famous female leader of African Ancestry that inspires you and why? With so many amazingly accomplished women to choose from, it’s hard to select just one. I will go with someone who inspires my work everyday as an educator. While her name may not be known as widely as some of the more universally recognized pillars of excellence, her contributions are equally profound and deserving of recognition. Dr. Bettina L. Love is an incredibly inspiring figure for me as a Black educator. Her unwavering commitment to transforming education through a lens of cultural responsiveness and abolitionist teaching resonates deeply with my own experiences and aspirations. Love's work serves as a beacon, guiding me in the pursuit of creating inclusive and empowering learning environments that reflect the diverse backgrounds of our students. Her advocacy for dismantling systemic barriers aligns with my personal mission to challenge and address inequities within the educational system. Love's courage to speak out on issues of race, education, and social justice empowers me to use my voice as a catalyst for change. As a Black educator, her efforts inspire me to continue the vital work of fostering critical consciousness and promoting equity within the classroom and beyond. What are some of your keys to success for younger black females? Embrace the power within you. Reject the notion that anyone else can define your identity. Be unapologetically bold, take up space, and be courageous in pursuing your dreams. Refuse to diminish your worth for the comfort of others, and never hide your light under a bushel. Shine brightly. Your light is uniquely yours and deserving of every spotlight. You are Black excellence just by being who you are. Amazing African Ancestry Women of MUSD, Portrait #8: Tana Rainer, Principal Secretary at Spangler2/18/2024
Name: Tana Rainer Occupation: Principal Secretary Spangler Elementary Years with MUSD: 5 years How/Why is Black History Month important to celebrate throughout our district? It's important to celebrate it not only throughout the district, but also throughout the world. It's an opportunity to learn about African-American culture and leaders that made significant contributions to the world we live in today. Celebrating Black History Month educates people about the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of the black community throughout history. Who is a famous female leader of African Ancestry that inspires you and why? Michelle Obama. My reason for choosing Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama is a personal one. She is an American attorney and author who served as the first lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. Throughout her time in the public eye, Michelle Obama has been an outspoken advocate for numerous social issues affecting African American communities, including education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Her initiatives, such as Let's Move! and Let Girls Learn, have focused on improving the lives of marginalized groups, including many African Americans. Let's Move is one of the first programs targeted at childhood obesity by encouraging kids to participate in physical activity and revamped US school lunches to include more nutritious food options. Overall, Michelle Obama's representation of African Americans transcends her individual achievements and positions of power. She embodies the aspirations, struggles, and resilience of many within the African American community, making her a significant figure in their collective identity and history What are some of your keys to success for younger black females? Know your value and Prioritize education as a foundation for success. Surround yourself with people that you can evolve with. Foster a supportive community where you can find a mentor, peers, and resources to navigate challenges and celebrate successes. The company you keep can make or break you. Ask questions, there is never a bad one. Advocate for yourself and others, both personally and professionally, in order to overcome systemic barriers and promote equality. |
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING:
The governing board of Milpitas Unified School District will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Media ResourcesArchives
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