  Milpitas High School junior entrepreneur Alena Kononenko wanted a new 3D Printer with more capabilities than the old one she had received after attending a summer class at Stanford University a few years earlier. Her parents were willing to listen, but they wanted to know how serious Alena was to determine if it was a sound investment. So the now 17-year-old developed a business presentation that eventually won over her parents who purchased a new Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D Printer with Automatic Material System (AMS) for Christmas. “I started selling my prints just to my friends,” said Kononenko, who would print fidgets and other small items upon request. “They would pay me $2/hour plus the cost of plastic, and I would print anything for them.” The Randall Elementary School and Rancho Middle School alumna then turned to her teachers at Milpitas HS and asked them if they needed any small items for their classrooms. “That’s my network because teachers need a lot of little things that cost a lot of money,’” shared Kononenko, who has since expanded her enterprise. “I started slowly making a little bit of money. I haven’t broken even yet. I have made $300 so far for the last three months. I’ve made about 50 or so prints.” Another big sales boost came when she made a toy snake (the old school wooden one that coils up but made of plastic instead) for her little sister who brought it to her third grade class at Rose Elementary School and showed all of her friends. “She came home and said that 10 of her friends wanted snakes like that,” said Kononenko, who can print one toy snake in three hours. “The next day she brought back $60 so I started pumping out those snakes like a factory.” Kononenko now has her own Instagram account (@_artska_) and Discord account (artska) dedicated to her 3D printing, and her business continues to grow. “What I now sell is my printer service. It’s not the models. If you give me the model, I’m charging you to use my printer,” she explained. “I hope more people see what I’m doing, even if they don’t buy it, I just want people to see what I’m doing because it’s so cool. I post a lot of stuff.” Kononenko will have a stand set up at Milpitas HS this March 29 from 3-7 p.m. at the Trojan Olympics Night Market to share her creations with anyone who stops by. “I can make anything,” said Kononenko, who plans to attend Milpitas Middle College High School for her senior year. “My parents are proud of me and I’m proud of myself for taking the initiative.”   Rep. Khanna’s Office allocates funds for a new traffic signal and sidewalk project along Calaveras Blvd.
Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) was awarded a $500,000 grant from Representative Ro Khanna’s Office to support school safety. This grant is a contribution towards the cost of the installation of a traffic light and new sidewalk along Calaveras Blvd. between Park Victoria and Gadsen Dr., the total cost is $3.35M. This project provides greater safety to the community upon entering, exiting or walking along the MUSD Innovation Campus. MUSD was the only school district among 15 municipalities to be allocated funding from $14,771,279 that Rep. Khanna secured from the House Appropriations Committee fiscal year 2024 bills. “This funding will make a difference in the lives of people in California's 17th Congressional District,” said Rep. Ro Khanna. “These funds will help provide housing, tackle hunger, improve public safety, and address many other needs felt in our community. I was proud to secure $14.7 million in funding for these critical projects and I am thankful they have been signed into law by President Biden.” A first-of-its-kind high school through adult, early childhood education research and workforce development center–located on the site of the former Samuel Ayer High School–the MUSD Innovation Campus is already emerging as a hub for future-ready learners of all ages to connect with local businesses and partners within classrooms and labs tailored to provide a real-world education. “The MUSD Innovation Campus provides an experience for students that speaks to their potential as the leaders of the future workforce,” said Superintendent Cheryl Jordan, who continues to work with the Board Governance Team to secure resources for the campus. “We are building inspirational learning environments that capture the imagination of students, educators, and our partners.” The new facilities will support a wide variety of programming, including business entrepreneurship, robotics, virtual reality, Audio/Video production, coding, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer science and virtual design and construction, as well as simulation for legal, financial, manufacturing and health career training. The MUSD Innovation Campus provides learning spaces for MUSD’s Adult Education School, Calaveras Hills High School and in the fall of 2024, it will be home to the Milpitas High School Extension. MUSD Board of Education President Minh Ngo, whose children attend Alexander Rose Elementary School, noted: “The community vision to support a future ready learner in MUSD would not be possible without the passage of the 2018 Measure AA Bond, our financial partners, and the various grants awarded such as today’s award from Congressman Ro Khanna. The investment into MUSD will carry our students to greater heights and innovation.” With the completion of Phase 1 for the start of the 2023-24 school year, the MUSD Innovation Campus is set to ignite workforce pathways and early childcare research in our region and beyond in two additional phases. Phase 2 is slated to be completed in summer 2024, while the Phase 3 opening is estimated for fall 2026. MUSD continues to seek the support of individual financial partners like that of KLA Foundation to sponsor this first-of-its-kind bridge between local businesses, institutes of higher education, governance, and future-ready learners. For more information, please visit: https://www.musd.org/musd-innovation-campus-campaign.html. Through partnerships with community, colleges and universities, as well as local businesses, the MUSD Innovation Campus will provide training and education that support emerging career fields with practical career simulation. This novel academic institution will prepare Milpitas students of all ages for the local – and global – job market. Upon full capacity, the 99,000 sq. ft. campus will consist of six new two-story buildings, as well as one modernized building complete with classrooms, learning labs, career simulation facilities, and STEAM labs. The campus is designed to provide environments for a wide variety of programming supported by flex spaces and outdoor learning quads. Each building will include sustainable materials, energy efficient lighting, all-electric mechanical systems, stormwater catchment and water-efficient landscaping.  Name: Anu Nakka
Title: Board Clerk Years at MUSD: 2 Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? Mother Teresa, because she spent her entire life in service, helping poor and sick people. What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? Erin Brockovich. A single mother fighting for the town and taking on big power companies. Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? Your potential is limitless, you are valuable, important and you deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Education is key to unlocking your full potential, and with knowledge you can change the world.  Name: Satvika Iyer
Title: Milpitas High School Student Board Representative Years at MUSD: 4 Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? Sylvia Earle's trailblazing escapades as a deep sea diver and woman at the frontiers of advocacy through education and marine biology inspire me to dive farther and swim faster every day. What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? The Meaning of Freedom by Angela Davis or The Idiot by Elif Batuman! These books somehow solidify the abstract ideas of human existence, and I always learn something new from them. Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? Pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will. Learn everything you can, even if it scares you, and then use your compassion towards positive action!  Calaveras Hills High School (CHHS) was one of only two schools in Santa Clara County – and 31 schools throughout the state – recognized as a 2024 Model Continuation High School by the California Department of Education for providing comprehensive services to at-risk youth through the use of exemplary instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, and guidance and counseling services.
“Calaveras Hills HS is a school that helps students holistically to find their voice and a belief in themselves that they can be successful in school and in life,” said CHHS Principal Carl Stice. “This Model School award reflects CHHS's commitment to continuous improvement.” Principal Stice credited a new instructional model of Project Based Learning as a CHHS signature practice “that helped lead to this statewide recognition, and I could not be more proud of our staff, our students, and our families. Everyone has to be on board to ensure success for our students, and we have that.” There are more than 430 continuation high schools serving close to 51,000 students throughout the state. Model Continuation High Schools excel and provide exceptional opportunities for their students to pursue academic and social success. “The California Model Schools application process is intensive as the evaluation involves interviews of students, team members, district leaders, parents/caregivers, and community members. The evaluators review evidence of the effectiveness of the signature practice and the school program overall in conjunction with observations and their interviews,” Superintendent Cheryl Jordan said. “The CHHS Team of educators are dynamic and skilled in their work with our learners. This recognition is a testament to the caliber of Calaveras Hills High School.” CHHS was identified as a model school that “is committed to redefining alternative education through positive, close-knit relationships and by providing students with a unique and empowering learning experience that equips them for the challenges of the future. The school provides a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of all students in their care.” Furthermore, “The school’s emphasis on project-based learning, hands-on projects, real-world application, and collaborative problem-solving helps instill a sense of civic responsibility and social awareness where all students are valued for their unique insight and contributions to society,” state education officials stated. The Model Continuation High School Recognition Program is a collaborative partnership between the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Continuation Education Association Plus (CCEA Plus). Schools operate their own exemplary programs, but Model Continuation High School-recognized educators commit to supporting and mentoring their peers in other local educational agencies. “Congratulations to these outstanding schools for their all-around excellence as alternative centers of learning,” said State Superintendent Tony Thurmond. “Teachers and administrators at our Model Continuation High Schools work to develop relationships with students to create a positive and personalized learning environment and provide them with opportunities to explore options beyond high school, preparing students for the next chapter in their lives.”  Name: Julianna Flores
Title: Assistant Principal at Spangler Elementary School Years at MUSD: 3 Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? My favorite female figure is America Ferrera. I remember first seeing her in a movie called The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and I resonated so much with her character in that particular movie. She inspired me to be proud of myself and my Latina heritage. What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? My current favorite tv show is Abbott Elementary because it reminds me of my first teaching assignment at an elementary school in inner city Chicago. The main character Janine Teagues, played by Quinta Brunson, has such a positive spirit that reminds me that when things get tough rely on your support network and remember the impact your words and actions have on others. I also think she is just so personable and funny! Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? Remember to stay true to yourself! Try not to let other people's ideas and words define who you are. If you stay true to your self and your core values, you can overcome any challenge!  Name: Vanessa H. Espitia. Ed.D
Title: Coordinator II Early Childhood Development and Community Engagement Years at MUSD: 14 years Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? Most inspirational women’s history event was inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2021, when Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first female vice president of the United States. It inspired me to believe that women are powerful enough to lead a nation and one day soon one will be sworn in as our president of the United States. What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? The Story of Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller's Teacher. I read this book in the 5th grade as a student at Rose Elementary School with Mrs. Graves. I remember reading about how strong of a woman Annie Sullivan was as she overcame her own disability of being visually impaired to be a teacher, leader and advocate for her student Helen Keller with the same disability. They were both strong women who pushed through adversity when living in a society that was not as inclusive to others with differing abilities. Annie Sullivan was a pioneer in the field of education. Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? Stay strong in the face of adversity. Always remember that you are unique and powerful and no one is you!  School Resource Officer Mostafa Asefi converses with a Milpitas High School student while walking the campus during lunch break at MHS. The first time Officer Mostafa Asefi stepped on the MHS campus it was for community safety training. The Tracy, CA native who joined the Milpitas Police force in 2013 returned to Milpitas HS several more times through the years for service calls. Three years ago, when an opening for a School Resource Officer position opened up at MHS, Asefi jumped on the opportunity and began shadowing former SRO and fellow officer Jonathan Muok. Asefi was already working with children: on the job through the MPD’s Public Community Relations Department for such events as Recess with a Cop; and on his own conducting private basketball lessons to pass along skills he developed as a high school, collegiate and professional international basketball player. “The most enjoyment I get is to see kids grow. Kids are like a sponge. You can teach them something, they can take it and get better at it. That’s the kind of feel good story that I like,” said the 37-year-old officer who is in his third year as SRO. “I told myself that I’m going to do it now while I’m young so I can still engage with the students, and it just kind of worked out.” Officer Asefi walks the MHS campus each day, interacting with students and staff members and offering advice when appropriate. His office door at MHS is always open for anyone to drop in when they want to share anything that is going on in their lives. “The main responsibility of a School Resource Officer is the safety of the students and the safety of the staff,” said Asefi, who holds that responsibility with reverance along with forming bonds with students and staff, and breaking negative stereotypes about police officers. “When we are on a 911 call, we are strictly business; we need to make sure you’re safe, you’re not hurt, what the crime is and we’re out of there,” Asefi said. “Having an SRO on campus allows kids to talk to me about personal things that they may not feel comfortable going to the police station to discuss. Just having an officer on campus helps students realize, ‘OK, he’s here to protect us. He’s one of us.’” Officer Asefi participates in any school or district events that allow him to interact with students and staff on a more personal level. He’s even gone to student club meetings and spoke on current events to offer a police perspective on controversial issues going on around the world “so they can create their own narrative.” “I’m just appreciative to be here because other school districts have cut their SRO position. Milpitas has held strong. We’ve always had an SRO,” Officer Asefi said. “I think it greatly impacts the community. If kids were going down the wrong path, if they meet the right SRO, it can set them down the right path. I think it is important to have an SRO who is easily accessible to the kids, the staff, and the parents.”
 Name: Christina Ojeda
Title: Resource Specialist Years at MUSD: 14 years (8 years teaching and 6 years as a BIT) Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? Toni Stone (Marcenia Lyle Stone) is such an inspiring role model of perseverance. She loved playing baseball and knew she was a talented baseball player. When her dad and mom did not believe in her, she would tell herself that she would be a baseball player. Toni continued to practice and play with all boys. She did it! Toni became one of the best baseball players. What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? My favorite performer is Selena Quintanilla-Perez. Selena is inspiring by demonstrating hard and showing gratitude. She discovered her love of singing. Selena is an example of taking initiative and putting in the hard work towards meeting her goals. She practiced with the support of her father and siblings. She taught herself how to dance and choreographed dance routines for her band. Selena designed clothing for her and her band to wear on stage. She always took time for her fans. Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? Respectfully share your opinion and be open to hearing other opinions. Expressing yourself respectfully allows others to see and hear a different perspective. It is okay to disagree with people, even your friends. Being different is unique and wonderful. You are teaching people a new outlook along with growing your own views.  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 |
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING:
The governing board of Milpitas Unified School District will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Media ResourcesArchives
September 2024
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