 A Tradition Revived. A Community United. A Childhood Dream Rekindled. On Saturday, May 17, 2025, something truly special is happening in Milpitas. The Milpitas Unified School District will proudly host the Milpitas Elementary Olympics (MEO)—a high-energy day filled with school spirit, friendly competition, and community pride. For me personally, this year’s MEO holds even more meaning—it's taking place on the same day as my 25th wedding anniversary, and I couldn’t imagine a more joyful way to start the day than with the city I love, in celebration of our youth. The MEO isn’t just an athletic event. It’s a symbol of who we are as a school district and city—diverse, proud, united and competitive. As a Joseph Weller Elementary 6th grader, I competed in the 440-yard relay and 110-yard dash. I’ll never forget the moment our team stood on the podium, gold and silver medals around our necks, placed there by Principal Mr. Shiba himself. That moment stayed with me—and it’s why I’m grateful to the community, city, and school district for reviving MEO in 2018 after a 30+-year hiatus. And now, it’s fast becoming a Milpitas tradition once again. Celebrating the Spirit of Milpitas Milpitas has always been a richly diverse community. I grew up with friends from all over the world. We played together, ate together, competed together, and yes, rushed home when the street lights came on (or faced the consequences!). That same spirit lives on today—our district families are active athletically, artistically, and academically. Milpitas residents speak over 52 different languages. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. The MEO captures that spirit. It brings together students, educators, coaches, and families from all 10 MUSD elementary schools—Burnett, Curtner, Mattos, Pomeroy, Randall, Rose, Sinnott, Spangler, Weller, and Zanker—for a full day of Olympic-style events that emphasize physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. What to Expect on May 17th 📍 Location: Milpitas High School 🕗 Start Time: 8:00 AM Parade of Student Athletes 🎙️ Opening Remarks: MUSD Leadership 🏃 Competitions: 5 Hours of Track & Field, Relays, and Team Games 🎉 Attendees: Students, families, educators, local leaders, and YOU This year, we’re calling on former MUSD students, alumni, and Milpitas residents past and present to come cheer on the next generation. Let’s celebrate the power of community and public education—together. Did You Know? The first Milpitas Elementary Olympics was announced in fall 1976, during the nation’s Bicentennial celebration—marking 200 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. That Olympic year, Milpitas joined the national spirit of reflection and renewal. At the time, James H. Clement served as Mayor, later succeeded by Robert E. Browne, and Peter McHugh would soon become Milpitas’ first directly elected mayor. Milpitas has always been deeply connected to America’s founding ideals—unity, opportunity, and freedom—and the MEO is a modern continuation of that legacy.  Milpitas Has Produced Two (2) United States Olympians 🏓 Kanak Jha – Table Tennis ProdigyBorn in Milpitas in 2000, Kanak Jha is a three-time Olympian in table tennis, having competed in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 Summer Olympics. He made history in 2016 as the youngest American athlete at the Rio Games and the first U.S. Olympian born in the 2000s. Jha is a five-time U.S. national champion and won a bronze medal at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires.  Jacklyn Luu - Artistic Swimming Medalist Jacklyn Luu, born in Milpitas in 1999, is an accomplished artistic swimmer. She began her journey with the Milpitas Tidal Waves. Luu competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she helped Team USA secure a silver medal in the team event—the country's first in artistic swimming since 2004.  MEO Produces National Champion - Eunice Lee 5x National Jump Rope Champion Eunice Lee won two consecutive gold medals in the Milpitas Elementary Olympics in 2018 and 2019. Her family agreed that Eunice Lee may have a talent for jump-roping. They were right. Eunice Lee won her fifth national jump-roping champion title this past June at the 2024 American Jump Rope National Championship at Salt Lake City in Utah. She completed her fourth national championship run with a gold medal in Single Rope Speed Endurance, the title of U.S. Junior Individual All- Around Champion, and the title of Grand National Jump Rope Champion.  MEO Olympian In Training
In 2024, Caleb Guglielmelli, a standout student-athlete from Marshall Pomeroy Elementary school qualified for 6 events in the National Jr Olympics in Texas. Come Be Part of the Legacy Bring your kids, bring your cameras, bring your cheers. Whether you’re an MUSD graduate, a lifelong resident, or just discovering what makes Milpitas special—this event is for you. Let’s honor the past, support the present, and inspire the future—one relay race at a time. 💬 “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller It takes a Community! Thank you to our sponsors over the years! Without them, the MEO would not be possible.
In community, Chris Norwood 2025 MUSD Board of Education President 2020 CSBA State Board Member of the Year  Dear Milpitas Community,
I want to acknowledge the understandable concerns many of you may feel about the uncertainties surrounding changes in leadership at various levels of government. To all of our families, including those who are undocumented, this period may be particularly stressful. Please know that you are not alone, and our schools remain steadfast in their commitment to serving and supporting every child and family, regardless of immigration status or background. Our schools are safe havens, places where children come to learn, grow, and thrive. California state laws, such as Assembly Bill 699, explicitly protect the rights of all students to receive an education, regardless of immigration status. Additionally, as a district, we are guided by our 5 Strategic Goals, beginning with "Building a Culture of WE," which embodies equity, unity, and inclusion. Milpitas Unified School District proudly serves one of the most diverse communities in California, where over 70 languages are spoken. Our diversity is our strength. As Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu said, “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.” Together, we are a stronger, more resilient community. We recognize the unique challenges faced by immigrant and refugee families. With the support of local organizations, we provide legal resources, language translation services, and family assistance programs. Importantly, our district does not inquire about immigration status, ensuring that every campus remains a safe, welcoming space for all. The rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans and other marginalized groups has also deeply affected many of our families. Let us remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Our district remains united in combating discrimination and fostering cultural understanding. TOGETHER, WE WILL continue to build an inclusive community where every child has the opportunity to succeed. Thank you for trusting us with your children’s education. We are honored to walk alongside you with compassion, understanding, and resolve. In community, Chris Norwood 2020 CSBA State Board Member of the Year MUSD Senior Board Trustee  Reflecting on the First Two Months of School
As we close out September and move into October, I want to take a moment to recognize the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our community. These first two months of the school year have been marked by positive energy, new challenges, fresh beginnings, and new opportunities to share a commitment to academic excellence. Congratulations Calaveras Hills and the new Milpitas High School extension campus for blazing more trails for our learners. And lest not forget the Milpitas Middle College High School and Milpitas Adult Education for opening new doors for all to learn as well. Preparing for October: Adjusting to the Changing Season As we head into October, the days are getting shorter, the weather is cooling down, and the energy of a new school year is settling into a steady rhythm. This shift in seasons can impact us all, and it’s important to recognize how these changes may affect us all. For our students, the adjustment to darker evenings and cooler temperatures can sometimes lead to increased fatigue, a drop in motivation or illness. As the novelty of the school year fades, some may struggle to stay engaged or feel overwhelmed. This is where our collective efforts—parents, educators, and community members—become even more crucial. Encouraging Wellness & Balance Here are a few ways we can continue to support each other as we transition into this new season:
Upcoming Opportunities for Engagement October also brings opportunities for deeper engagement with our school community. Whether it’s through parent-teacher conferences, school board meetings, or community events, our involvement plays a critical role in shaping the success of our district. I encourage everyone to stay connected and continue participating in the important discussions that influence our students' learning environments. Looking Ahead: A Season of Growth and Progress Finally, I want to remind everyone to be mindful of safety as daylight decreases. Health is wealth! In community, Chris Norwood, MUSD Senior Board Member 2020 CSBA State Board Member of the Year  Dear MUSD Family,
As we conclude our promotion and graduation ceremonies for the 2023 - 2024 school year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering leadership, dedication and service to students. This year has presented us with a variety of opportunities to strengthen relationships, stretch our thinking, and inspire families to ensure our students' success. Although it may not be spoken as often as it should, your tireless efforts never go unnoticed by myself or other board members. From the support staff who ensure our schools run smoothly, to our site admins, counselors, nurses, and teachers who guide, inspire and educate, to the district office team, executive cabinet and Superintendent who provide crucial leadership and guidance, ALL of you play a vital role in "Building A Culture of We." Together, we're creating an environment where ALL of our students can thrive academically, socially, culturally, and emotionally. As we transition into the summer, some of you will continue to serve our learners in a variety of ways. Thank you. Others will take this time to rest, reflect, and prepare for the exciting possibilities the new school year will bring. Thank you. Looking ahead to the Fall, I am excited about our continued progress in early childhood education, reclassification of ELs, mental health support for school sites, adult education expansion, Calaveras Hills HS expansion, and the launch of the MHS extension at the MUSD Innovation Campus. Together, we will continue to innovate, inspire, and lead with purpose, ensuring that our district remains an attractive destination for students, families, and amazing employees! As a long-time member of the Milpitas community and being on speed dial for hundreds of parents, I thank you once again for your remarkable contributions and for making our district a place of hope and opportunity for all. In the words of John C. Maxwell, "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." Let us continue to lead with vision, a sense of urgency, courage, and compassion. In Service, Chris Norwood, MUSD Senior Board Member 2020 State Board Member of the Year  In 2012, Eddie Murphy starred in a film called “A Thousand Words.” In the movie his name was “Jack.” I thought it was a pretty good movie because I appreciated the simple plot that every word Jack spoke, a leaf would fall off of a mythical Bodhi tree that only had 1,000 leaves.
This past November, I celebrated a birthday that told me I had less than 4,000 days left on the planet, or approximately 12 years around the sun if I reached my life expectancy as a man of African Ancestry in America. I remember counting up to 2,000 before, it was hard to focus but I did it, and that experience made me realize 4,000 days wasn't that much time. While in my 20s, 30s, and 40s it wasn't. Today, it is my reality. And then I thought - what if I could live an infinite life, physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally fit under the condition that I could only say 1,000 words a day, everyday, forever? And every word counted, one letter words, two letter words, slang, words like “ouch” and “oh” would count as well. No exceptions. In a day there are 24 hours, 1,440 minutes, 86,400 seconds. I couldn't even say a word a minute. If I slept 8 hours, there would be only 16 hours, 960 minutes, 57,600 seconds. I could say at least one word per minute, unless I spoke out loud in my sleep. As of the day of this writing, my wife, 2 kids, mom, sister, dog, and many of my childhood friends are still on the planet and drivers of my purpose for being. On a daily basis, I speak to my wife about her day. My mom is 81 and I call her more and more knowing one day, I won't have that option. My kids have finished high school and just beginning to figure out how to launch. My sister and I connect every few days and have started going to old school hip hop concerts together and I sing almost every word to every song. I have more than 2 years on my current term as a school board member and contemplating running again in 2026 to ensure educational leadership continuity in the place that raised me. I currently have a role in developing California School Boards Association curriculum for student board members, new school board members, and board presidents across the state. I pray in whispers and sometimes out loud at different times of the day. I mentor young people every chance I get. Wow! Could I figure out how to keep it all? What would I say? When would I say it? To whom would I say it? What would I give up? Who would I give up? Could I use a gadget that could read my mind and say the words for me? Could I just write or use sign language? Would I want to live with only having the ability to say 1,000 words per day? So many things to consider for this opportunity! So much reflection on the times when I talk too much, or talk to myself when I'm alone, or singing in my car or when I would get into a deep conversation with others that inspires me. What would you do if you had the opportunity to use a 1,000 words to infinity and beyond? Chris Norwood, MUSD Senior Board Member 2020 State Board Member of the Year  2025 Milpitas Black History Month Flag Raising Ceremony  As I reflect on the most recent conclusion of Black History Month, another long time Black resident relocated to retire and be closer to grandchildren. I was grateful to hear about the grandchildren (a little jealous), and realized the historic loss to Milpitas, our city. I asked myself, what could be done to show Milpitas forefathers and mothers love and preserve the names of the families, civil servants, educators and electeds forever in our community. Here is my first attempt: Black history in Milpitas, California lies in recognizing and memorializing the contributions, struggles, and achievements of the residents, community leaders, civil servants, public education system teachers, administrators, staff and elected officials. Each group contributed to the city's cultural, social, economic, and political life over the past 70 years. Each group dealt with anti-Black racism, discrimination, redlining and other human injustices. Each group participated in building systems of equity for all residents, creating a village of shared partnerships in parenting, cultural practices, foods, and history. Understanding and appreciating the social, economic, and leadership contributions of these individuals, their families, the civil servants and the Black education community of the Milpitas Unified School District enriches the city’s sense of shared history. It fosters a more empathetic, responsive, and equitable society. It highlights the importance of diversity, equity inclusion, and belonging. It transforms victims of wrongdoing into victors of life. It shapes our tradition, narrative history, and the soul of Milpitas into an inclusive safe community in pursuit of joy and happiness. In 1954, the story of Sunnyhills, the first planned integrated community (to my knowledge), was one of the primary reasons for the tremendous diversity in the city where today more than 52 languages are spoken. And while many of these Black people no longer live in Milpitas, those that remain today, and many others are benefiting from the fruits of their struggles and labor. Milpitas Black History Is American History. The Black Educators of Milpitas (Past & Present) Chuck Gary, Henry Robinson, Sandra Edwards, Wallace Osborne, Lilian Green, Hattie Morris, Levert Traveler, Patrice Glover, Camela Jackson, Joann Basnight, Melina Johnson, Dorothy Brown, Gwen Carr, Carolyn Johnson, Brenda Ray, Ann Sturkin, Cyd Mathias, Hilda Boyland, Geri Murray, Irene Augustine, Lola Dorsey, Mitzi Hays, Beverly James, Hellen Rhem, Sylvena Dorner, Carolyn Johnson, Geri Forte, Vernell King, Herman Johnson, Deanna Elzey, Diallo Sims, Alta Harvey, Jackie Saffold, Elaine Heath, Mary Starling, Thelma Green, Alicia Padilla, Gail Henly, Karen Mathis, Calvin Jones, Dorothy Dixon, Angela Holmes, Chuck Murray, Mitzi Hayes, Katherine Jenkins, Cheryl Rivera, Sean Anglon, Kimberly Marion, Annie Handy, Damon James, Herman Wilson, Champ Wrencher, Reynard Elzey, Jillian Valdez, Tana Rainer, Shanae Morley, Gina Sainten, Dr. Hanna Asrat, Dr. Latisha Roberts, Jonathan Payne, Pete Mesa, Ray Dillard, Tamara Roberson, Gwendolyn Mills, Thadarine McIntosh, James Carter and others… The Black Families (Past & Present) Dunbar, Augustine, Hankins, Wilson, Kennon, Dixon, Wilson, Eiland, Goode, Shelton, McGee, Watts, Nichols, Brown, Thomas, Welch, Thompson, Henry, Gray, Ward, Smith, Benjamin, Baldwin, Bridgewater, Carter, London, Butler, Flunoy, Hadnot, Ahmad, Rainier, Moore, Jones, Hayes, Rigmaiden, Morris, Haynes, Pickens, Banks, Gross, Levine, Norwood, Crane, Davis, King, Peterson, Royal, Ellison, Carswell, Jordan, Hutchinson, Thompson, Mallory, Washington, Wiltz, Scott, Choates, Topps, Morris, Alexander, Wilkinson, Baldwin, Elsey, Bernard, Fullbright, Williams, Chambers, Butler, Lewis, Parker, Levine, De Soto, Drew, Handy, Hopkins, Stewart, Barr, Ellis, Campbell, Wright, Jones, Givens, Fortman, Ranger, Crane, Wyatt, Martin, Pecot, Baker, Anderson, Deering, Cannon, Boyland, Randolph, Cooper, Peterson, Schooler, Copeland, Bird, Holmes, Fontenot, and others... The Milpitas Police Department Black Police Officers (Past and Present) Chief Charles Lawson, Sergeant Chester Pridgeon, Officer Johnny Crain, Commander Gregory Lawrence, Officer Donald Dunbar, Officer Valarie Johnson, Sergeant William King, Officer Johnny Slater, Officer Frank Herbert, Officer Ryon Lawson, Officer Loren Wutzke, Officer Marlo Moore, Officer Treyvon Hartley, Officer Tailor Goods, Officer Marquis Sayyid, Officer Kim De Soto, and others… The Milpitas Fire Department Black Officers (Past and Present) Courtney Anderson, Brandon Smith, Aubrey Bailey, Nathaniel Wooten, Reggie Sutton, Steve King, Anthony Purnell, Johnny Crain, Corey Saunders, Nate Price, Mike Wells, Gary Evans, Ruben Swendell, Dwayne Price, Kevin Taylor, Michael Wells, Christine Ferguson, Tenisha Bernard, Rodney Dunbar, Paul Gaskin, Anthony Purnell, Steven King, Nehemiah O'neal, Melvin Vaughn, Bobby Dixon Jr., and others… The Black Electeds (Mayor, School Board Past & Present) Ben Gross, Gilbert Brooks, Chris Norwood... If the names of any residents, electeds, police officers, fire fighters, Milpitas Unified School District employees were omitted from this list, please email [email protected] and the list will be updated immediately. In Service & Gratitude, Chris Norwood Milpitas Unified School District Senior Governing Board Trustee 2024  To end 2023, I decided to reflect on the current state of the Milpitas Unified School District. These are my views based on my experiences, research, board meeting participation, parent communication, student interaction, community member inquiry, and feedback from city, county, state and federal officials:
About MUSD MUSD is an award-winning school district (the only public district within our city limits), serving more than 10,000 students (bringing 52+ languages spoken) and employing more than 1,000 educators (both certificated and classified), with an active 5-member governing board, dedicated leadership and staff members, parent volunteers, community-based organizations and leaders. As a unified district, we have 19 schools educating students from early childhood through adult education. Accolades include 8 California Distinguished Schools, 6 State Honor Roll Schools, 1 World Language School (Spanish/Mandarin), 1 State Model Continuation School, and 1 National Middle Schools To Watch. See how MUSD rates on California Department of Education Dashboard. Our MUSD students are at the heart of everything. The majority of them show up everyday willing to try and eager to learn. Some of them come to school with barriers to their learning experiences due to life circumstances, neurodiversities, physical limitations, and other reasons. Our staff recognizes these challenges and strives to make a positive impact. Our MUSD parents are extremely diverse in culture, demographics, socioeconomic status, vocations, professions and education backgrounds. The majority of parents have moderate levels of volunteerism and participation (the highest level at our elementary schools). Show Me The Money (Summary) District budget of $155+ million covers employees salary and benefits, building/land maintenance, student nutrition, software/hardware, insurance, product licenses, transportation, and much much more. Funding sources include federal and state budgets, local parcel taxes and bonds (MUSD has Aa1 and AA credit ratings per Moody’s Investors and S&P Global Ratings), fundraisers and donations, and a wide variety of one-time grants. Federal and state funding (it can be annual, multi-year, or one-time funds and restricted or unrestricted funds) comes from our enrollment and attendance, along with categorical sources such as special education. When the federal or state budgets face deficits, we get less money to run our district. Opportunities, Challenges and Technologies Opportunities include: increasing enrollment and cultivating attendance; providing comprehensive employee pathway development; expanding STEAM, computer science, digital literacy, multilingualism, artificial intelligence, and inclusive services; strengthening Parent Teacher Associations and Organizations (PTA/PTO); growing strategic partnerships with community-based organizations and parents working in regional businesses and City of Milpitas. The District must advocate for public education funding, workforce housing, and solving the educator shortage through our locally elected officials (Congress, Senate, County, Assembly, Mayor, City Council). Challenges include combatting federal and state budget deficits, declining enrollment, decreasing attendance, negative effects of social media, and expanding private schools and home school networks. Staffing issues occur due to Silicon Valley housing and rental market, cost of living expenses (i.e. gas, food), career pathway mobility, commute time, and state-wide market competition. Over the last decade, MUSD has been an education technology leader as an early adopter of Google Classroom, Gmail, GChat, Facebook @ Work, iReady, Khan Academy, Summit Learning Platform and other top tier education technologies. We were among the first to adopt Google Chromebooks and offer a 1:1 device-to-student ratio. We utilize ChatGPT and other forms of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our classrooms so teachers and students learn to safely use AI platforms, including Khanmigo by Khan Academy. Our Director of IT organized an AI education working group to develop curriculum; MUSD has representation on the California School Boards Association AI Task Force; and our Superintendent is developing an MUSD AI Task Force of all stakeholders. State of The District The state of MUSD is strong with aspirations of providing a world class TK - Adult learner education system with the MUSD Innovation Campus, MHS, Calaveras Hills, Milpitas Middle College High School and Adult Ed as its core pillars to career pathway growth opportunities for our learners and staff. The MUSD North Star is to “Build A Culture of We” and the cornerstone of its 5 Strategic Goals. MUSD continues to deliver on its bond and parcel tax promises with the completion of Mabel Mattos elementary school, implementation of safety and security perimeters at school sites, expansion of Randall World Languages School, and breaking ground on the MHS Performing Art Center. The District has mature leadership from top to bottom sprinkled across the district with fresh ideas from new leaders, continues to invest in professional development, and out of the box fundraising opportunities. Everyday MUSD faces challenges of safety and security (thank you Milpitas PD for your partnership); of the mental health of students and staff; and of the academic and attendance struggles of underserved, homeless, foster and Special Education students. These challenges are caused by changing times, ongoing education industry staffing shortages, bias, economic uncertainty, global turmoil and post-COVID conditions. Our future lies in the resilient local hands of MUSD staff, Milpitas residents, parents, taxpayers, voters, volunteers, businesses, community members, elected officials and more. Happiest of holidays to all! In Service, Chris Norwood 2020 CSBA State Board Member of the Year MUSD Senior Board Member  On a daily basis, I am reading articles from CSBA, EdSource, Edweek and other platforms about various aspects of education. And on occasion I come across an article I want others to enjoy.
A San Jose State Senior Lecturer, in the Department of Child and Adolescent Development and Psychology sent me an article from EdSource. What I appreciate most about the article was that it was written by an educator. In the Milpitas Unified School District we have educators doing great work for the adults and students that are rarely ever shared or heard. As a board member, I look forward to hearing the stories behind the work because in those stories, I hear the Why, I hear the voices of students, teachers, parents, secretaries, custodians, paraeducators and everyone else who was directly and indirectly involved. When we recognize that change will always happen and we can be the creators of change or recipients? Which one are you? Read article here In Community, Chris Norwood 2020 State Board Member of the Year, Current MUSD Board President  It all starts with “good morning.” A good morning to oneself. A good morning to a significant other, a parent, colleague, a sibling. When you arrive to work in the Milpitas Unified School district that good morning will extend to a coworker, and when the first day of school starts that good morning will extend to our students.
When I wake up in the morning, on most days, I greet myself with a good morning. Now sometimes I don’t respond, but more often than not, I respond in 3rd person: “Good morning, Chris Norwood.” That first greeting has meaning. I am hopeful we are all are greeting each other with positivity to start our days. Every employee, child, and adult learner of MUSD is a part of our multicultural village, our fabric – our diverse tapestry. . Over the past several months, several of our colleagues lost loved ones. We see you. Our hearts and prayers are always with you. Over this past summer we had some amazing summer school programs across the district. We even had a program at the West Valley Campus in Saratoga. For all those who were able to give and share time with our children over the summer. We see you. We thank you. We’ve had shifts in leadership at the District office, our school sites, leading our associations, and new leaders from other spaces and places join us. We see you. We thank you. In case you didn’t know it, last school year, MUSD had several ACSA Award winners and the ACSA Superintendent of the Year. We see you. Now I need everyone to look around, make eye contact with someone you don’t know and tell them - I see you. Tell them I’m here for you. Tell them I appreciate you. Those are the words our children and their families will need to hear whenever and wherever possible. I am a firm believer of the saying - Can’t know where you’re going until you know where you have been. Where have we been? The city of Milpitas was incorporated in 1954. Its relationship with public education began 51 years earlier in 1903 with Airpoint School in 1903. After Airpoint School there was:
When I moved to Milpitas in 1973 as a 3rd grader, the population of the city was approx 27,000. As of the 2020 US census- the population of Milpitas has reached 80,000. In 2016, we began a new era of growth in the city.
Now Where Are We Going? We are going to serve. We are going to struggle. We are going to have good days and not so good days. We are going to work together. We are going to cry together. We are going to solve problems together. The future of the Milpitas Unified School District is in our hands. And when I say our hands, I mean the Milpitas School District Governing Board, Superintendent, each executive cabinet member, classified management and employees (part-time and full time), certificated management and employees, contractors, volunteers, regionally elected officials, community leaders, residents and Milpitas families. Did you know the current Mayor, Police Chief and School Board President are all graduates of Milpitas High School? Our Milpitas Unified School District forefathers and mothers continued to invest in expanding and improving the quality of education in Milpitas. We will build upon their legacy. They built schools in local communities to create more equity and opportunity. We will continue to build upon that legacy. The DNA of Milpitas represents integration, inclusion, acceptance, creativity, leadership, compassion, responsibility, integrity, accountability and respect. And we, the Milpitas Unified School District represents that DNA through our 5 strategic goals - led by our #1 Strategic Goal - “Build A Culture of We”. We are committed to building a culture that recognizes our neuro-diverse students as students with unique gifts and abilities. A culture that positively greets one another each day and solves challenging problems together. A culture that recognizes everyone has a vital role to play. Our custodians, secretaries, MOT, student nutrition, teachers and administrators are part of that fabric that makes us the strongest. We will always be stronger together. Team work - makes the dream work Team work - makes the dream work. Team work - makes the dream work Team work - makes the dream work. As the current President of The Milpitas Unified School District Governing Board of Trustees, I am honored to represent the work of each and everyone of you in the local supermarket, Sacramento, Washington DC, and everywhere in between. We understand that your success means success for our children and their families. And each of my colleagues, Vice President Ha Minh Ngo, Board Clerk Kelly YipChuan, Trustee Anu Nakka, Trustee Robert Jung ALL feel the same way. Welcome Back MUSD and thank you for your commitment. The Milpitas community appreciates you! Chris Norwood 2020 State Board Member of the Year, Current MUSD Board President  In my senior year of high school, I ran for ASB President. I don’t recall why I ran. I do recall that I was not elected. It didn’t feel good at the time.
In my sophomore and junior years in high school, I tried out for the high school basketball team. I did it because my dad liked basketball and all of my friends played. I did not make the team either year. I was asked to join the basketball team in my junior year after 3 people quit. As a freshman in high school, I joined NJROTC. I loved it. My social group didn’t like NJROTC and they teased me every time I wore the uniform. My dad was in the military and it made him proud. He taught me how to shine shoes with a rag, spit, some water and a little bit of black shoe cream. It’s something I do to this day in remembrance of him. He left this life on July 11, 2011, seven days after his birthday. He made it around the sun 70 times. I didn’t really date in high school - even though I tried. I was super shy, a nice guy, and some would say very book smart when I put in the effort. I was a small, skinny kid whose facial features and physical characteristics were somewhat large for my size in high school. And for that I was teased also. I had several teachers from the district and school leaders whom I connected with; Carol Feige, Susan Bigelow, Henry Robinson, Laura Foegal, Steve Cain, Jeff Lamb, Carol Insell, Beverly James, Susan Cadd, Mr. Hammer, Jack Weinstein, Don Close, Bob Kellogg, Mr Hand, Frank Gory, Bob Denton, Jim Ferguson, Steve Cain, and Chuck Perotti. I believe they saw my potential and did all they could to support me as a learner and a person. Mrs. Marie Longero was the MHS office administrator and my neighbor. She always gave me a pass to class when I was late to school because she knew my mom and dad were going through a divorce. She saw the optimism in my eyes diminish and always gave me a hug when she could. Her husband Big John was one of the neighborhood dads and he looked out for me too. The weekend and night custodians were also like dads to me. They would give me snacks, let me work with them and teach me how to repair things with my hands. They open the gym to let me practice basketball by myself. They would tell me stories of their families, friends and hopes for their children. They encouraged me to never quit or give up on myself. Send me your story. I’d love to hear it. In community, Chris Norwood MUSD Board President 2020 CSBA State Board Member of the Year |
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