Volunteers Sought for Milpitas Unified School District’s Parcel Tax Oversight Committee (PTOC)8/29/2023
Voters have approved Milpitas Unified School District’s Parcel Tax, Measure E. We are on year 1 of an 8-year $84.00 a year parcel tax extension.
The purpose of the Parcel Tax Oversight Committee (PTOC) is to provide oversight and accountability on the expenditures funded by Measure E to ensure that said funds are spent for the purposes approved by the voters. The PTOC will review the expenditures of these funds by the District and will report to the Board of Education and the community annually on how these funds have been spent. We are seeking volunteers for the following positions to serve on the committee:
All members with the exception of business organization representative must be registered voters within the Milpitas Unified School District. The Parcel Tax Oversight Committee (PTOC) shall consist of at least five (5) members who shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees to serve a term of two or three years, without compensation. Typically, the Committee meets twice a year at mutually convenient dates and times. PTOC meetings are open to the public. As an ad hoc committee of the Board of Education, PTOC meetings are subject to the Brown Act. For more information or to request an application form, please contact Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) at (408) 635-2600 ext. 6022 or email nagraz@musd.org. An application form may be emailed, mailed, picked up from MUSD or downloaded from the District’s website at www.musd.org. Applications may be sent to the Business Services’ Office, Milpitas Unified School District, 1331 East Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035. Thank you! MUSD Jump Rope Star Eunice Lee wins 1 gold medal, 3 silvers at 2023 U.S. National Championship8/14/2023
Thomas Russell Middle School eighth grader Eunice Lee continues to cement her legacy among the nation’s best jump rope competitors as she earned one gold medal and three silver medals at this summer’s 2023 U.S. National Jump Rope Championship in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Lee achieved gold for the 3-Minute Single Rope Speed Endurance, where she went on to a second-place finish with a juniors-best score of 455 at the Grand Nationals, and silvers for 30-Second Single Rope Speed Sprint, Single Rope Individual Freestyle, and Single Rope Pairs Freestyle. “It was very exciting and nerve-racking at the same time to see many talented and hard working jumpers all competing for gold,” Lee shared. “Every time another jumper performed or did their event and it was getting closer and closer to my turn, I would feel my nervousness kick in and I just kept reminding myself to not focus on anything or anyone else but me.” Lee is currently a 4-time U.S. National Jump Rope Champion for 3-Minute Speed (2021, 2022, and 2023) and Single Rope Individual Freestyle (2022). She placed second at the Grand Nationals for 3-Minute Speed twice (2022 and 2023). “Without my parents, I couldn’t have made it this far. I really think that all my hard work and long hours have paid off,” Lee said. “They have been supporting me all the way from the beginning of my jump rope journey and I could never thank them enough for all the praying, encouragement, attention, time, cheerleading, coaching, and most of all, all the love they gave me.” A Milpitas native who formed the Milpitas Jump Rope, Lee proudly represents her hometown and credits the Milpitas Elementary Olympics for kick-starting her jump rope accomplishments. “Whenever they ask me how I started to jump rope, I always tell them about the Milpitas Elementary Olympics and how I found my talent there,” Lee said. “I hope that the population of jump ropers will continue to grow in Milpitas and in the Bay Area.” Watch video clips of Lee competing in this year's National Championship: Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) was recently awarded a $1.5 million grant from Assemblymember Alex Lee’s District 24 Office to support local workforce development through the construction of the MUSD Innovation Campus.
“I’m excited to secure $1.5 million in the 2023-2024 state budget for MUSD’s Innovation Campus,” said Assemblymember Lee. “The funding will help MUSD build new learning experiences for high schoolers and adult learners, enriching its workforce development pathways. Doing so will help the school district prepare learners of all backgrounds to enter the dynamic workforce.” 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 will be 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 is unique in that it will intertwine business, higher education, governance, and community partnerships in uncommon ways,” said Superintendent Cheryl Jordan, who has invested her life’s work with MUSD. “This is about engaging learners in experiences that will shape their understanding of possibilities that they can manifest through their ingenuity and collaboration in the global world of work.” 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 will provide dedicated space for MUSD’s Adult Education School, Calaveras Hills High School and additional facilities for Milpitas High School students. “I graduated from Milpitas HS ten years ago, and being a product of MUSD, it brings me great pride to see its vision of harnessing the diversity of MUSD learners to the Innovation Campus,” added Assemblymember Lee, a Sinnott Elementary, Rancho Milpitas MS and Milpitas HS alumnus. “Those in the MUSD community come from all walks of life. Their life experiences and political beliefs helped build my understanding of the diversity of the district I represent.” Board of Education President Chris Norwood, also a proud product of MUSD public schools, noted: “For generations to come, the MUSD Innovation Campus is an education and economic investment for our children, adult learners, and employers of Milpitas. The Milpitas Unified School District Governing Board of Trustees recognizes the continued and ongoing efforts of Assemblymember Lee’s office in supporting our vision. We look forward to continuing our work with his office, other education-minded elected officials, and regional funders as we manage unforeseen post pandemic challenges.” 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 2025. MUSD continues to seek the support of individual financial partners like that of KLA Corporation 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 growing and emerging career fields and 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. “I am committed to ensuring that students have access to a quality public education,” Assemblymember Lee concluded. “The Innovation Campus will serve as a springboard to success for learners’ future careers, and I look forward to seeing its door open for the MUSD community.” # # # 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 Instagram and Twitter at @MUSDFamily. This summer, 100 Milpitas Unified School District 4th-6th grade students have been immersed in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through the STEMGirls Milpitas High School’s 2023 STEMpower program. STEMGirls Milpitas HS partnered with the MHS Math Club, Medical Society, Environmental Society, and Aerotech to organize this ongoing summer program, with a focus on STEM subjects that often intimidate students or certain populations like women are underrepresented in. STEMgirls President Savan Bollu worked alongside STEMgirls officers Tvisha Nepani, Lauren Lee, Ling Casenas, and Cassie Salazar to facilitate the program, along with 15+ volunteers from all participating clubs on designing the program. “Each club designed an experiment; we ordered necessary materials; STEMgirls took care of outreach/logistics; we collaborated with clubs on assembling the kits and distributed them to parents in a drive-through at Russell; and we are in the process of teaching our four virtual demo sessions,” Savan explained. The experiments that students are working on are:
“We have loved seeing parents encouraging their students to participate in such STEM programs, and even more, seeing students that consistently join our virtual sessions, ask questions, and are super curious about STEM!,” Savan added. “We hope to help them feel confident asking questions, tackling difficult subjects, and solving global issues in the future.” In the four programs STEMGirls has hosted so far, they’ve had more than 550 participants from over 22 schools. This is a recap video from the summer 2021 program: https://youtu.be/CVaS4v6Q410. A swarm of Sinnott Elementary School students excelled at the 2023 International Academic Competitions (IAC) National Bees competitions in Arlington, Virginia last month.
Sixth grader Tejus Karadi earned 2nd place honors in the Geography Bee while placing third in both the Latin American History National Championship Exam and the American Geography National Championship Exam as well as 8th place in the History Bee. Fellow Sinnott sixth grader Stavya Dangaria secured a 2nd place finish at the Science Bee Nationals. The dynamic duo of Stavya Dangaria and Tejus Karadi also finished 1st and 3rd place, respectively, at the 2023 IAC Academic Bee, a medley of all subjects including but not limited to science, history, geography, literature, current events and more. "Having two Sinnott kids on the awards podium was a joyful sight," shared the Sinnott PTA which introduced the Bees competitions to the school. ”Overall Sinnott kids were on the leaderboard, performed extremely well, and made us all proud.” But wait there’s more:
Sinnott produced nine qualifiers for the 2023 Elementary/Middle School (EMS) IAC Nationals. They earned their ticket to Nationals through an online regional qualifying exam (ORQE). Students who pass the qualifying exam then compete in regional competitions. Approximately, 64,000 kids wrote the online regional qualifying exam and over 1,800 qualifiers participated in the Nationals. With over 1,800 students in attendance, according to IAC, this was the world’s largest ever buzzer-based quiz bowl tournament for students. Sinnott students who participated at the Nationals were: Adhya Dangaria, 3rd grade; Tara Karadi, 3rd grade; Shreya Ram, 5th grade; Kashvi Agarwal, 6th grade; Joash Thomas, 6th grade; Parth Baheti, 6th grade; Prisha Ghelani, 6th grade; Stavya Dangaria, 6th grade; and Tejus Karadi, 6th grade. Click for full EMS Nationals results Click to learn more about IAC As a Director of Learning Development at RAFT (Resource Area for Teaching), 1994 Milpitas High School alumnus Eric Welker develops curriculum support materials such as project guides and hands-on activities for educators. The 47-year-old, who attended Curtner Elementary and Thomas Russell Middle School prior to MHS, credits his education career pathway to “the rigorous science and math curricula teachers used in my years at these schools helped foster a passion for these subjects.” Welker’s resume includes a BA-Biology, MA-Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential as well as teaching biology, chemistry and math at Silver Creek High School, Cupertino High School, and for Modesto City Schools and Stanislaus County Office of Education for about 12 years. Currently in his 15th year with RAFT, Welker designs and facilitates teacher professional development workshops to increase teacher self-efficacy in STEAM education, focusing heavily on K-5 teacher support and coaching. He creates and implements several other programs and community projects that impact K-5 schools and districts. His passion for science grew with inspiration from three Milpitas HS teachers: Mr. Walt Dable (life science); Mr. Fred Gareb (biology/zoology); and Mr. Bob Armstrong (chemistry). “From these teachers I learned how to explain and apply science concepts with enthusiasm and a sense of wonder, and good work ethics,” shared Welker, whose math prowess was nurtured by inspirational teachers: Mr. David Ivanetich (Algebra 2); Mr. Kelly King (Math A); and Mr. Andreoli (Algebra 1 and Geometry). The father of six said his confidence grew from the MHS English and Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) programs, “From Mr. Weinstein and Mrs. Taggart, I learned to write and speak very well on any topic,” he shared. “I was in NJROTC all 4 years of high school and learned how to manage other people and lead them towards their own goals, and I lost a ton of weight and gained some muscle!” Playing 4-square, tetherball, dodgeball and other recess/PE activities are some of his fondest memories of growing up in Milpitas and MUSD, where “my teachers while stern were also some of the kindest people I've known. They took the time to really get to know the students and treat them as emerging leaders.” Welker, who still keeps in touch with many of his Milpitas schoolmates, wants the younger MUSD generations to treasure every moment in MUSD and shared, “My biggest piece of advice is to own your future and accept responsibility for the decisions (and their associated consequences) needed to get you there. Take risks, do fun activities in addition to working on academics, and find many avenues towards a blissful, fulfilled life.” On Wednesday, June 8, 2023, the Milpitas City Council unanimously approved an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Workforce Development grant of $30,000 to launch the Milpitas Adult Education (MAE) Career Training Center, which will ignite new workforce development opportunities for Milpitas residents.
“The success of our local economic growth is directly linked to the expansion of our adult education program,” said MUSD Superintendent Cheryl Jordan.”This aligns with MUSD Strategic Goal #3 to develop educational pathways that allow students to develop their passion in pursuit of their future careers. This grant affirms the City’s commitment to its residents who will benefit from the development of the MUSD Innovation Campus” The Milpitas Unified School District currently serves over 12,500 preschool thru adult learners and is one of the largest employers of the city of Milpitas. MUSD’s adult education program provides academic classes for English Language Learners, high school credit recovery, GED, high school diploma, and other services to secondary school and adult students. The addition of the Career Training Center will be a key component of the programs and services to be offered at the new MUSD Innovation Campus. Phase I of the MUSD Innovation Campus will open Fall 2023. According to Mayor Carmen Montano, "The Milpitas Adult Education (MAE) Career Training Center will play a crucial role in directly empowering our residents with the skills and knowledge needed for meaningful employment. It is a win-win situation for Milpitas as more qualified residents will attract more employers, leading to increased job opportunities and economic growth.” Director Alex Andrade of the Economic Development & Trade Commission states, ”The Mayor and City Council recognize the economic importance of having Milpitas residents live, work and play in the city of Milpitas. Their approval to allocate a portion of ARPA funds for workforce development aligns with our Economic Development Strategy Action Plan and will increase employability of our local residents to Milpitas businesses post pandemic.” MUSD Board President Chris Norwood adds: “Higher learning during/post high school looks very different from college graduation. It has a variety of twists and turns. We now have the ability to use our funds to further impact our local economy and adult education system. It is win-win for all adult residents.” MAE Principal Giuliana Brahim also appreciates the approval from Milpitas City Council,”The Milpitas City Council has always attended Milpitas Unified School District events and talked about ways to collaborate on behalf of Milpitas residents. We all recognize there is work to be done to increase local resident employability in Milpitas and this is just the first step of many.” Press release For our final session of the MUSD Student Learning Opportunities Series for the 2022-23 school year (there will be more in 2023-24!), 15 students from our middle and high schools visited the Electrical Training Alliance of Silicon Valley, the largest electrical apprenticeship in Northern California with an average of 600 students.
Robert Chon, apprentice coordinator, toured the facility with our students and provided a step-by-step overview of how students can apply to and participate in their program. Thank you Robert for sharing these pathways with our MUSD learners! When the 2022-23 school year comes to an end in June, elementary school educator and teachers’ union leader Diana Orlando’s “magical career” in education will conclude after 36 years with Milpitas Unified School District. “It truly is a family here,” said Orlando, who started as a substitute teacher for Rose Child Development Center (CDC) in March 1987. “I have made some of my closest friends here in the District. They are now my family.” Orlando’s educational pathway quickly went from part- to full-time when she was hired September 4, 1987 as a preschool teacher and head teacher for the what was referred to as the “latch-key programs” before being hired as a Science Specialist, splitting her work day between Sinnott and Curtner elementary schools. “MUSD has always been a cutting-edge District and always puts students first,” Orlando said. “We give out staff freedoms some Districts would never allow. We have been a collaborative District whether that be between teachers, between admin and teachers or between the association with the District.” Board President Chris Norwood recalls first meeting Orlando while on the 2014 campaign trail at Peet’s Coffee in Milpitas. “Her passion and care for MUSD teachers, staff, students and families was evident throughout the conversation,” he recalled. “She wears her heart on her sleeve and is unapologetic about it. Fast forward nine years and numerous conversations later - her approach, care and passion are still very much the same. … She is always the champion for educators, friends and family.” After remaining at Curtner for a year as a science specialist in 1990, Orlando transferred to teach 1st Grade at the same school and did so until 2000 when she moved to Pomeroy to teach 1st grade, where she remained until this school year’s end. “I looped between 1st and 2nd with my students until 4 years ago,” she shared. “I ended my teaching career in 2023 in second grade.” “Leading from the heart, that’s what I’ve known Diana to do throughout her career. She is about people and strives for the best education for all learners,” said Superintendent Cheryl Jordan of her longtime MUSD colleague. “Diana has been an integral part of shaping our work together, especially in building a Culture of We; her love for kids reverberates throughout and will continue to do so for years to come.” Colleague Laura Polden, now at Zanker Elementary, shared: “When I was a student teacher at Pomeroy, Diana always made me feel supported and loved. She is great for a warm hug and an ear to listen to everything you have going on in your life, not just at work.” What has made MUSD so dear to her heart: “The people,” she said. “MUSD is my second family. I raised my girls in this District and I am proud of the education they received here. The lifelong friendships mean everything to me.” Colleague Ashley Grilli, currently at Rose Elementary who established a strong, lasting bond with Orlando and her family over the years, shared: “Whether the occasion was celebratory or full of grief, Diana has always shown me what it means to be a caring mother, a committed teacher, and a person who stands up for what she believes in.” Orlando, an active member of the Milpitas Teachers Association who has held officer roles of site rep, negotiator, lead negotiator, vice president and eventually president, stepped outside the classroom and dedicated 2022-23 as the first full-time released MTA union president. She fondly remembers fun times at the Benevolent BBQs up at Ed Levin Park at the end of the school year as well as The Sharon Smith Unity picnics. “It brought us together to celebrate the school year and wish everyone a wonderful summer,” she noted. Some more of her most memorable moments/events throughout her storied career are playing in a bowling league with her MUSD colleagues, other staff bonding events, including trips to horse races, hockey games, baseball games, football games, “and who can forget the Perotti staff bus trips. Lots of good times in MUSD over the years.” In the upcoming years, Orlando plans to spend more time with her daughters and boyfriend, traveling and working out. She also is interested in volunteering with Mental Health and Suicide Prevention groups and substitute teaching “to get my kiddo-fill and see all my friends and colleagues.” For the younger generation of educators, Orlando said: “Teaching isn’t just a job, it’s a career. Find your passion within teaching and follow it. Always remember the reason you became a teacher because that will keep you moving forward even in the toughest of times.” “Make sure you find balance between work and home because this profession can consume your every waking moment,” she continued. “Be creative, be silly, be the person you wanted as a teacher and never forget our kiddos need us and we need them. Teaching is hard but it’s so rewarding. Stay strong and enjoy this magical career we call teaching.” MUSD Board President Chris Norwood elected to Calif. School Boards Association Delegate Assembly4/21/2023
Chris Norwood, President of the Governing Board of Milpitas Unified School District and 2020 California School Boards Association (CSBA) State Board Member of the Year, recently became the first MUSD appointment to the CSBA Delegate Assembly in the school district's 67-year history. Each year, elected Santa Clara County School District governing board members vote for several of their peers to represent the county’s collective voice within the CSBA Delegate Assembly, which is “a vital link in the association’s governance structure,” as stated on the CSBA website. Delegates work with local districts, county offices, the Board of Directors and Executive Committee to “ensure the association reflects the interests of school districts and county offices of education throughout the state.” This year, Norwood was selected to join the Santa Clara County team of representatives. Several former MUSD governing board colleagues recommended to Norwood that the MUSD Board commit time to learning about the power of advocacy and the legislative policy work behind public education. “The Santa Clara County School Boards Association congratulates Mr. Norwood and all the delegates elected to champion Silicon Valley school district voices, families and students,” said SCCSBA President Bridget Watson. “This year we had a competitive field of highly qualified candidates. We appreciate the delegates’ dedication, expertise and service to our community.” Milpitas Unified School District Superintendent Cheryl Jordan understands the importance of this milestone for Milpitas Unified. “Board President Norwood is a systemic thinker grounded in community. He pushes himself and others beyond the norm to assure every learner has experiences that reveal their own vision for what is possible. His insights and innovative thinking will benefit educational institutions throughout our state as a member of the CSBA Delegate Assembly.” Chris Norwood states, “With the encouragement of CSBA and SCCSBA leadership over the past eight years, I’ve gone from a new school board member to California State School Board Member of the Year and co-producer of several Annual Education Conference (AEC) sessions. I look forward to participating in the CSBA Delegate Assembly on behalf of our region.” |
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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