Monterey County Office of Education

Help local migrant families stay warm this winter by making a donation to the Blanket and Gift Card Drive. Suggested items include: A new warm blanket Youth hoodies (sizes 14-20) A $25 gift card to a local grocery store Drop Off Location: Migrant Education Office next to MCOE Main, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Migrant Education Program will be accepting donations through December 13. For more information, please contact Esther Medina at emedina@montereycoe.org / 831.261.4204 or Tammy Mena at tmena@montereycoe.org / 831.261.7970.

Help brighten the season for local children by donating new and unwrapped infant toys and supplies to MCOE’s Infant Program. Suggested items include: Toys: rattles, teethers, shape sorters, soft blocks, ring stackers, puzzles, plastic cars and trucks, nesting cups Baby Essentials: diapers, wipes, blankets for infants and toddlers Footwear: supportive toddler tennis shoes (sizes 3 to 6) Drop-Off Location: Special Education Department, MCOE Main Campus, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Special Education Department will be accepting donations until Thursday, December 5. For questions or more information, please contact Kendall Leonard at 559-972-6096 or 831-588-6964.

MCOE employees brought Halloween to life with a fun-filled work day, competitive costume and department decorating contests, showcasing their spirit and creativity. The day buzzed with excitement as departments transformed into themed spaces, including an enchanted forest, outer space, ghosts, Harry Potter, The Addams Family, Dia De Los Muertos, baseball, urban legends, the ocean, and Candyland. Adding to the festivities, MCOE hosted a roving potluck lunch, while little trick-or-treaters from Laura's Barn Preschool and Childcare Center, as well as MCOE staff members’ children, toured the decorated offices. Dressed in costumes matching their department themes, MCOE staff extended a warm welcome to the children, who eagerly collected goodies and treats from each creatively designed area. The day was a vibrant celebration of teamwork, holiday spirit, and a shared sense of community, making this Halloween one to remember.

Jacquelynn (Jacky) Ramirez joined the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) in October. In her role as receptionist, Jacky welcomes visitors in MCOE's main lobby, assists with the sign-in process, directs calls to the appropriate departments, and contributes to various assigned projects and events. A Salinas native, Jacky graduated from Salinas High School in 2017 and went on to attend San Jose State University, where she majored in Business and Accounting. She brings six years of extensive experience in the real estate industry, starting as a secretary and rapidly advancing to earn her real estate license. She became a Certified Transaction Coordinator and served as a Loan Processor. Despite her success in real estate, Jacky always had a strong desire to pursue a career in education. Now, she is excited to begin this new path and looks forward to seeing where it leads. Outside of work, Jacky enjoys culinary arts and wine tasting, with a particular interest in enhancing her skills in the kitchen. She loves baking delicate pastries as much as she enjoys the simplicity of searing a perfectly cooked steak. If you would like to connect with Jacquelynn, please call MCOE at 831.755.0300. Internal employees can use extension 1446. Be sure to stop by the MCOE main building and say hello!

On Saturday, November 2, the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) hosted the sixth annual ALL IN for Equity conference at the Monterey Conference Center under the theme, “Together Growing Inclusive Schools and Communities.” With over 450 attendees, the conference upheld its tradition of promoting collaboration and inspired action to advance educational equity for all students. Attendees engaged in a day filled with insightful speeches, breakout sessions, and diverse conversations around fostering equity in schools. The day began with introductions by Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Caryn Lewis, and a vibrant performance from Alisal High School’s Folklorico group, Danzantes del Valle. Opening the day’s keynote address was Jerry Tello, Maestro of Cultural Healing and Transformational Wisdom, celebrated author, motivational speaker, and recipient of numerous prestigious awards. His message set an inspiring tone for the day. The closing keynote by Dr. Jamila Dugan, a dedicated educator and co-author of Street Data: A Next-Generation Model for Equity, Pedagogy, and School Transformation, encouraged Radical Dreaming and left attendees motivated to establish and apply change. Wrapping up the event, the student group Writers of Alisal delivered an engaging performance that blended entertainment with inspiration. The conference also featured powerful messages from Monterey County District 3 Supervisor Chris Lopez, Performance Artist and Playwright Graciela Serna Nutter, and Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Dr. Bettye Lusk, Area 3 Board Trustee and President-Elect of the California School Boards Association. Each speaker brought unique insights that uplifted and energized the audience. A special celebration highlighted the outstanding efforts of local school districts, including Alisal Union, North Monterey County Unified, Salinas City Elementary, and Soledad Unified, honoring their collective commitment to reducing chronic absenteeism and closing equity gaps through community collaboration. Throughout the day, student voices were amplified, community practices were showcased, and innovation was sparked, empowering educators and community members alike to champion equity in schools and communities for all children and youth. The MCOE team expresses heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, special guests, keynote speakers, and the Educational Services team, whose collaborative efforts with educational partners helped bring this impactful event to life.

The Monterey County Office of Education held a comprehensive workshop in October titled, "So You Want to be a School Board Member?” for candidates running for a school board seat in the upcoming election, as well as newly appointed school board members. The informative event, led by Attorney Lou Lozano of Lozano Smith Attorneys at Law, drew in over 20 attendees. The training addressed key topics essential for prospective school board members and those joining governance teams. The workshop provided an in-depth look at the roles and responsibilities of school board members, the Brown Act, conflict of interest considerations, the Public Records Act, as well as proper board member conduct and potential liability. Attendees gained valuable insights into the legal and ethical frameworks that guide school board operations, helping them better understand the complexities of the role when assuming a board seat. Through this comprehensive guidance, participants developed the skills necessary to navigate their responsibilities and serve their communities with confidence and integrity.

Join the MCOE Team! MCOE is seeking qualified applicants for a variety of open positions, including classified employees for various roles! With competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a strong retirement plan, MCOE offers a fantastic opportunity to kickstart your career in education while making a difference in Monterey County! If this sounds like the right fit for you or someone you know, apply today at edjoin.org/montereycoe. #MCOEHiring #JoinOurTeam #EducationCareers #MakeADifference

On Veterans Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. Thank you for your courage and dedication. In observance of Veterans Day, the MCOE office will be closed on Monday, November 11, and will reopen on Tuesday, November 12. Additionally, MCOE is proud to offer the Veterans Recognition Program. Through the Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project, eligible veterans may receive their high school diploma as a tribute to their service. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/g39DpXyz.

In recognition of Red Ribbon Week, an annual event held during the third week of October to promote drug-free lifestyles and raise awareness of substance misuse prevention, the Monterey County Board of Education (County Board) honored Montage Health’s Prescribe Safe Program. At their monthly meeting held Wednesday, October 16, the County Board presented Resolution Number 24-25-18 to recognize Red Ribbon Week and honor Montage Health Prescribe Safe for their outstanding contributions in the fight against substance misuse. Amid the ongoing opioid epidemic and the escalating fentanyl crisis, Prescribe Safe has been a beacon of leadership and action. The initiative has conducted critical educational programs at schools throughout Monterey County, trained school leaders in the use of Narcan, and ensured the availability of this life-saving treatment at schools to reverse potential overdoses. These efforts have directly contributed to saving lives and reducing drug misuse across the county. The County Board proudly commends Montage Health Prescribe Safe for its exemplary partnership with the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) and local school districts. Their tireless work to provide drug prevention education, resources, and support has been vital to the health and safety of our schools and communities. With over 65 partner organizations, Prescribe Safe has been instrumental in advancing substance misuse prevention efforts, addressing the stigma surrounding drug use, and fostering recovery by supporting individuals in reclaiming their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The County Board extends its deepest gratitude to Montage Health and the representatives of Prescribe Safe for their unwavering dedication, leadership, and collaboration. Their contributions are a testament to the power of community partnerships in creating a safer, healthier Monterey County.

MCOE’s Alternative Education Division held a dynamic College and Career Fair for students attending the Salinas Community School, Bob Hoover Academy at MCOE, and the Monterey County Home Charter School (MCHCS). The Career Fair hosted representatives from a diverse range of institutions and organizations, aimed at providing students with valuable insights into various pathways. The event drew in over 50 students, offering them the opportunity to engage directly with professionals to gain firsthand knowledge about different career options and educational programs. This interactive exchange proved instrumental in helping students explore their interests and aspirations, as well as understand the requirements and opportunities associated with various professions.