MILPITAS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Milpitas Unified School District Celebrates Completion of New Mabel Mattos Elementary School

8/9/2018

For immediate release
Contact: Shannon Carr, Board Support & Communications Specialist
(408) 635-2600, ext. 6031

Melinda Hepp / Laura Benton, Studio PR (415) 717-4624 / (707) 477-6606

On Tuesday, Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of Mabel Mattos Elementary School, the city’s first new school in almost five decades named for its first historian. The event was a true community celebration with MUSD representatives, school faculty, staff, and students, project partners, members of the Mabel Mattos family and neighborhood residents in attendance. Mabel Mattos will open its doors with the start of the new school year on August 16.

“Mabel Mattos Elementary School is truly a reflection of the great work we do as a community, and the fulfillment of a vision our school and city leaders had nearly 15 years ago” said MUSD Superintendent Cheryl Jordan. “This will be a state-of-the art school employing cutting edge instructional strategies within grade level learning communities, fostering the curiosity and growth of our children and honoring the great historian for which it is named.”

“Opening a new school is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a principal, and I am grateful to have been able to watch the formation from design through construction and thank all that have made this possible,” continued Founding Principal Dr. Jackie Vo-Felbinger. “With flexible learning zones, a learning community model and a committed teaching staff and engaged families, our students will gain the knowledge and skills to elevate this vibrant community, just like Mabel Mattos elevated hers.”

Built by Blach Construction and designed by IBI Group, the school will start by serving 238 students in kindergarten through second grade at the 6.7-acre site in south Milpitas at 1750 McCandless Drive. The Measure E 2012 bond provides funding for Phase I of the new elementary school, which consists of one administration building, a two-story building with eight classrooms, and all underground utilities for future phases. Additional funding is needed to complete the expansion Phases II and III, which could potentially open to students in August 2020 and 2022, respectively. Once all three phases are complete, the elementary school is anticipated to accommodate more than 700 students.

“We have been long-time partners with MUSD and are thrilled to have been able to support them and the residents of Milpitas with this project,” said Blach Construction Vice President of Business Development & Marketing Kim Scott. “We applaud the coordination of all involved, allowing us to deliver an innovative open-concept school in an expedited timeframe.”

For pictures from the event, visit the photo album. For more information about Mabel Mattos Elementary School, visit https://www.musd.org/new-elementary-school.html

About Milpitas Unified School District
Milpitas Unified School District is a beacon for learning for more than 10,000 students in early childhood through adult education. We have high expectations for every student and provide multiple opportunities and pathways for success. We provide learning opportunities for all and create nurturing environments where students are inspired and empowered. MUSD is an exceptional district in which students and staff are critical thinkers and trailblazers known for creativity and innovation. We prepare students to go out into the world and make a difference as responsible citizens who are passionate about life and learning. To learn more about Milpitas Unified School District, visit www.musd.org, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MilpitasUnified, or follow us on twitter at @MUSDFamily.

About Blach Construction
Founded in 1970, Blach Construction builds structures of enduring quality and value throughout the Greater Bay Area and Central Coast. The company’s experience encompasses a broad cross-section of commercial, industrial and institutional building types, including education, healthcare, technology, life sciences, professional services and civic/community facilities. Blach is recognized as a leader in sustainable design and construction, dedicated to continually incorporating advanced construction techniques and investing in new offerings that enable greater efficiencies and dramatically reduce the overall cost and duration of construction.

The firm consistently wins awards across the construction industry and general business community for its projects, innovation, employee engagement and community service. Named to the “Best Places to Work” list in the Bay Area by the Silicon Valley Business Journal/San Francisco Business Times and a top 30 “Great Place to Work” by Fortune Magazine, Blach is also ranked a “Top Contractor in California” by Engineering News Record.

Blach Construction is headquartered in San Jose and operates a branch office in Monterey that covers California’s Central Coast. To learn more about Blach Construction, please visit blach.com and engage with us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Adult Education supports Summer Enrichment Program and Extended School Year at Rose Elementary

7/31/2018

threby Giuliana Brahim

Milpitas Adult Education successfully coordinated the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) at Rose Elementary School as well as partnered with the District’s Student Services department to oversee Extended School Year (ESY), the summer program for students enrolled in Special Education.

We recruited youth from Milpitas High School and Calaveras Hills to volunteer this summer working in both the SEP and ESY programs. Youth Volunteers worked for up to six weeks in our programs to provide support and guidance to all our students. Altogether we had 41 youth who volunteered over 200 hours. In addition, we had two Youth Coordinators to help supervise our youth volunteers. Both volunteers are currently focused on long-term careers in education. Stephanie Dang will be an elementary school teacher next school year in the Evergreen School District and Ida Julissa Rivera is currently attending school focusing on Early Childhood Education. Their knowledge in Education was an asset to our success of the Youth Volunteer Program this summer at Rose Elementary School.

Our SEP program had two three-week sessions. Students were combined by grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-8 and were given specialized academic instruction in common core English Language Arts and Mathematics at their grade levels. We were able to give many MUSD teacher an opportunity to work in our SEP program. We were also able to partner with the University of San Francisco to support a student teacher who worked with our SEP staff for six weeks. In addition, MUSD through Learning and Development supported some foster youth families with a SEP sponsorship.

Our ESY program at Rose Elementary had classes from pre-K to middle school enrolled to ensure students in Special Education continued to make adequate progress towards IEP goals and academic skills learned during the regular school year. We were able to provide work opportunities for many MUSD teachers as well as, Paraeducators, Behavior Intervention Tutors, Speech Pathologist, and classified staff.

This year we were fortunate to work with two seasoned MUSD classified staff, Ms.Dawn Betner and Ms.Alicia Chaidez. Betner oversaw the SEP and Chaidez the ESY. The amount of support we received from staff at SNS and MOT made the programs run smoothly. Both the SEP and ESY programs were able to run as a cohesive unit this summer. We were able to overlap the lunch and recess periods, and allow for inclusion between both the Special Education and General Education students.

Our Student Nutrition program ran smoothly and successfully gave free lunch to SEP and ESY students as well as the Childhood Development Center, Santa Clara County Office of Education Special Education classes, and the local youth in our community.

This program’s success was also due to the leadership of the summer school Principal, Ms. Vanessa Espitia. Her positive attitude and welcoming smile made staff, students, and parents comfortable coming onto our campus. Everyone working together made this a very successful summer school.

Adult Ed is grateful for the opportunity of working with its community and proud of being a member of the MUSD Culture of WE.

LAUNCH YOUR CAREER IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (ECE) IN MILPITAS!

7/23/2018

Start by taking 4 core classes FCS 70, ECE 107, ECE 101, and 102 over two semesters. After completing the four core classes, you will earn the Associate Teacher Certificate of achievement - level 1 at San Jose City College, and become eligible for the Associate Teacher ECE permit issued by the U.S. Department of Education.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 408-947-5354.

Milpitas Kiwanis Kohl's Cares for Kids - Adult Volunteers Needed

6/28/2018

Kiwanis Club of Milpitas and Kohl's
Kohl's Cares for Kids

150 Milpitas Unified School District elementary students will be shopping for school clothes on Sunday August 5, 2018. Chaperones are needed to escort and assist each child as they shop.

Volunteers report at 6:15 AM to the parking lot entrance to Kohl's at the Great Mall in Milpitas. Coffee and breakfast snacks will be provided.

Please join us as we help these children start their school year right! Volunteers already include MUSD staff, local elected officials, Milpitas Police and Fire, Cal Fire, City of Milpitas staff, MHS Key Club, Kohl's employees and Kiwanis members. Children have been pre-selected by MUSD based on need. The Kiwanis Club of Milpitas will supply gift cards for the shopping.

Volunteers please contact Mike Mendizabal at mikemendizabal@hotmail.com or (408) 306-3586.

Affordable Home Internet - $10 a Month

6/20/2018

AT&T is offering low-cost wireline home Internet service to qualifying households:

With at least one resident who participates in the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and
With an address in AT&T’s 21-state service area, at which we offer wireline home Internet service, and
Without outstanding debt for AT&T fixed Internet service within the last six months or outstanding debt incurred under this program.
If you are a California resident and at least one member of your household receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits you also may qualify based on the same requirements that apply to SNAP participants.

Click on the image below to view the flyer. Or go to att.com/access for complete information.

Swimming Programs by Santa Clara Swim Club

6/12/2018

JUNE 11TH - AUGUST 3RD
OPEN SWIM: 1:30PM TO 4:30PM, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
$5/swim

Click here to go to Santa Clara Swim School's registration page.
Click here to go to Santa Clara Swim Club website.

Sinnott Special Education teacher hosts "Mommy's Spa"

6/11/2018

For Mother's Day, Sinnott Special Education teacher Charanpreet Walia honored her loving and beautiful mothers by inviting them to "The Mommy's Spa," where they were pampered by little professionals. Services including facials, manicures, and head-back massage were provided to them. Later moms spent some time with their little ones making great art pieces.

MHS librarian creating a welcoming learning environment for students

6/11/2018

by LeighAnn McCready

The Milpitas High School library was remodeled with bond monies in the 2014-2015 school year and this year’s Class of 2018 has only the “new library” in their history as it opened in February of 2015. One of my goals in the remodeled space was to create an environment and atmosphere where students want to be. If you drop in before school or at lunch, you’ll definitely see that goal fulfilled. Whether hanging out on the comfortable seating areas, grouped around a table or in the study rooms, students have found their “own spots” in the library.

When I introduce 9th graders to our Library Learning Center, I tell them books are just a small part of the job I do and the services I offer, even though visually it’s the most obvious. In the information saturated world we live in today, I guide students to find academic resources to support their learning, critically analyze the information coming to them and introduce them to resources that are available electronically but not via a Google search. I have them bookmark the library webpage so they can also access the resources anywhere they have internet access. Hopefully, by the time they leave MHS they are ready to face the information world that lies ahead whether at college or in their careers or in life.

The last two years, I’ve been slowly easing into low-tech maker space ideas. Bubbles, coloring pages and origami were a few of the things I did last year. This year I added “Stick Together” posters, jigsaw puzzles, spirograph templates, blackout poetry and to finish off the school year a summer themed communal coloring poster. The posters and jigsaw puzzles were a huge hit and I will definitely put more out next year.

I feel incredibly lucky to work as a Teacher Librarian in MUSD. I rode a roller coaster of school librarian cuts from 2002-2007 untiI arriving at Milpitas High. According to the California Department of Education Statistics About School Libraries, “approximately 9 percent of California schools have a credentialed teacher librarian on campus part time or longer; the majority of professional staffing is found at the high school level. A teacher librarian has both a California teaching credential and a California teacher librarian services credential.” Before earning my library credential and Master’s Degree in Library Science, I taught high school math at all levels so I come at this job from a different angle then many teacher librarians. While it’s a small part of my overall job, I love putting the right book in the right student’s hands even if it’s not “great literature.”

I’m drawn to stories of teens dealing with various social issues. One of my current favorite teen authors in Jason Reynolds. He writes rich stories about teens dealing with tough issues. The first book I read by him he co-wrote with Brendan Kiely titled All American Boys. Sixteen-year-old Rashad (who is African American) is mistakenly accused of stealing. His classmate Quinn (who is white) witnesses his brutal beating at the hands of a police officer who happens to be the older brother of his best friend. The story is told in alternating points of view from each boys perspective. One of Jason’s more recent books is a novel in verse, A Long Way Down. In this story, Will boards an elevator determined to avenge his brother’s death. At each floor the elevator stops and someone boards that knows what he’s trying to do and pushes him to think deeply about the situation. I’ve put this book into the hands of some of my most reluctant readers and they are absolutely riveted. The Ten Things article I shared is just a small example of a large voice in Young Adult literature these days that understands that teenagers need to be seen in all their uniquenesses.

Fall 2017 End of Semester Library Report: https://youtu.be/0NOip2H8YBU?rel=0
Spring 2018 End of Semester Library Report: http://bit.ly/2xNHrJs
MHS Library Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/milpitashighlibrary/

Rancho Book Club celebrates a decade of food, fun, and fiction

6/11/2018

For immediate release Contact: Shannon Carr,
Board Support & Communications Specialist
(408) 635-2600, ext. 6031

Rancho Milpitas Middle School’s Book Club is turning the page on a new chapter, since it kicked off 10 years ago by English teacher Brenna Dimas.

To mark the milestone, Dimas said this year the club has been running a few special events including the Decade of Reading Challenge, where any student who reads one book from each of the years is going to receive a special challenge buster shirt. There’s an additional challenge where anyone who wants can try and read all of the books, 46 titles, and there was a March Madness style book battle, where Wonder was selected as the school’s favorite book.

On April 30, award winning author Gennifer Choldenko spoke to Rancho students during an assembly about her book Al Capone Does My Shirts, which was from year one of the Rancho Reads Book Club.

The Newbery Honor Book and New York Times Bestseller is historical fiction about living at Alcatraz in 1935 and 1936 not as a prisoner, but as a civilian child meeting some of the most famous criminals in history, including Al Capone.

“I got the idea for Al Capone Does My Shirts from an article in the San Francisco Chronicle about kids who lived on Alcatraz when it was a working penitentiary,” Choldenko said at the assembly. “…As soon as I saw that article I thought, ‘Wow, How cool to grow up on this island so close to maximum security prisoners.’”

In researching for the book, Choldenko volunteered to work on the island. She met many people, including a man who was a kid when Al Capone was there. Choldenko also learned that if you lived on Alcatraz, your laundry would not be done by your mom, your dad, or the laundromat down the street. Instead, your laundry would be done by the convicts.

“And that really intrigued me because as I interviewed people I found there was kind of an interaction between the civilians who lived on the island and the convicts,” she said. “It is true that Al Capone’s first job on Alcatraz was in the laundry room. So when I found that out I got really excited because I already had the first title in my head.”

The Rancho students provided personal notes to Choldenko as a gift and Dimas made it into a book for her.

“It was really amazing to hear how an author of so many well-written books thinks,”
seventh grader and Book Club member Anthony Overton said, adding that he has read all three of the Al Capone books.

Dimas said developing students’ love for literacy is just one of the many important reasons she founded Book Club 10 years ago. She was inspired to create the group after attending a summer workshop where she heard about a book club designed for students, teachers, and parents.

“That seemed like such a great idea to bring together students, especially at the middle school level who are struggling to sometimes see the connections that they have with adults, and to give them that opportunity to not only share their thoughts with one another but to get other perspectives as well,” she said.

The club, which meets five times a year, opens with a potluck followed by an icebreaker game and then a discussion about the book that the group is currently reading; otherwise known as the three Fs (food, fun, and fiction). Depending on the amount of people who attend, the group is divided into smaller tables of 10-12 people for discussion, and must include a mix of adults and students.

“It is a place for kids to go to learn about each other and learn about themselves,” Dimas said.

Members of the club recently met to talk about their experience with the group, and some of the favorite books they have read since joining. Among the fan favorites this year were Ms. Bixby’s Last Day by John David Anderson, The Lightning Queen by Laura Resau, and OCDaniel by Wesley King.

“Mrs. Bixby’s Last Day was probably one of my favorites because it talked about appreciating
your teachers,” eighth grader Chloe Nguyen said. She joined book club in seventh grade, seeing it “as an opportunity to throw myself into a community in which I could relate.. … I feel that Rancho is more united as a whole with Book Club.”

For eighth grader Matthew Wheeler, who has also been in the club for both years, it “has helped me become less shy and become more vocal about my thoughts.”

Math teacher Ken Chiu said he has seen Dimas’ dedication to Book Club since she founded the club 10 years ago with former librarian Liz Lewis, whose position was cut. Because of that, Chiu is now the person who scans the book when students borrow it to read.

“She plans the entire Book Club event,” he said. “There's no stipend or extra duty points for running it. Her motivation is to share her love for books to our students.”

Chiu added the club is important, especially in this day and age.

“Book Club is refreshing at a time when education is so focused on screen time,” he said. “Book Club brings out face to face interactions. You hear how kids analyze themes and critically think about stories. The Rancho community is so fortunate to have such an advocate for literacy in Ms. Dimas.”

Dimas said Book Club is “her baby” but it couldn’t have thrived without the help of supportive colleagues over the years. And she has learned a lot along the way. This year, Dimas has been focused on the diversity of the protagonists, selecting books that connect with Rancho’s demographic.

“I’ve definitely, as the years have gone on, made more and more effort to include diverse voices in books,” she said. “That was one of my big goals this year. ...Just trying to have stories that represent our student body, that are stories that need to be told and they need to be told by people who have lived those lives.”

Each year, depending on the group, Dimas said different things emerge. A few years back, for example, one of the members said he really appreciated the book club because he felt that it was the only place on campus that he belonged. Other times, they’ve had people attend who were so excited about the book the seats were all taken so they sat on the floor. She recalls this happened in 2012-13, when members discussed the physics and philosophical ramifications of time travel that came about from When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.

“Regardless of whether it’s eight kids that end up coming or a year where we have 50 or 60 members, having that space for them I think is really important,” Dimas said.

Russell Middle School holds first ever College Day

6/11/2018

For immediate release Contact: Shannon Carr,
Board Support & Communications Specialist
(408) 635-2600, ext. 6031

Students from Thomas Russell Middle School got a jumpstart on their future during the first ever College Day on May 16.

Principal Damon James said the day was created since AVID students were previously the only ones to get a good sense of what it’s like to prepare for college because of the program’s focus on academics.

“As a school, we had not comprehensively addressed going to college, every other year we would take students through a career day experience. Yet, this experience did not share the varied steps that professionals took to be successful, like attending college.” James said. “So we’re just trying to bridge some gaps this year.”

That day, AVID and leadership students delivered presentations to their classmates on different topics each period including college readiness, getting into college, college life, and financing. During lunch, representatives from different colleges such as San Francisco State University, San Jose State University, Silicon Valley Career Technical Education, had tables and spoke with students. In addition, there were students in groups with posters representing different colleges who shared facts about their assigned school.

“I think the kids are all really learning something,” James said. “Often we’re the ones who take ownership, and we deliver the information… but to see the kids put on presentations to their classmates, the amount of interactivity and the amount of focus. The three rooms that I walked by, all eyes were on the presenter and the presenter was talking as if they were in college and had this experience, even though they’re an eighth grader.”

Seventh grader Dennis Samboa said the day was a good jumpstart on a conversation that he has already started with his family.

“It’s important to start early because the earlier you start, it’s going to secure your future,” he said. “You’re going to have a bright future.”

Samboa hopes to attend University of California, Berkeley or University of California, Davis and he wants to become a pediatric or family doctor or nurse.

While the students explored college topics, 26 parents attended a workshop about college.

“I’ve never seen parents so excited,” said Marissa Canez, Milpitas High School’s College and Career Technician. “My focus was on my website and the resources I offer ranging from work experience and college resources and scholarships.”

Aanal and Achal Anjaria, who have a seventh grader at Russell, attended the event.

“For us, she’s our first child and only child and we’re learning everything as she grows up,” Aanal said. “So this helps us a lot to see how everything will be progressing for her. We would love to have more sessions and more information.”

The College Day Committee included, Science teacher Quyen Han, Special Education teacher Dawn Hobbs, Math teacher Breanne Alcala, AVID teacher Barbara Knitter, School Counselor Latisha Roberts, Counselor intern Jolene Soares, and Assistant Principal Luis Lopez.

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