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METROPOLITAN EDUCATION DISTRICT
November 7, 2023
CTE Newsletter Vol. 10 Issue 3
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Hello,
For years Metropolitan Education District (MetroED) has been known as the hidden gem of Silicon Valley. But this phrase is no longer applicable as the community at large is shining a spotlight on what we do for our students through our high school and adult programs: Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) center and Silicon Valley Adult Education (SVAE).
On October 27, we held a Grand Opening-Ribbon Cutting Celebration for our new Electrical Vehicles and Nursing Careers programs. They were made possible with $250,000 in one-time funding by Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian and his colleagues with the Board of Supervisors. Many public officials were in attendance along with The Mercury News. The event was also covered by KTVU Channel Two news.
This event put students front and center, showcasing them from the moment attendees arrived. Law Enforcement students directed traffic, Culinary Arts students created a delicious spread of goodies, there were student speakers from the EV and Nursing Careers programs, student demonstrations were held in classrooms, and students from Film and Video Production were there to capture the event. The Electrical Vehicles and Nursing Careers students were also in attendance at the event. There was no doubt that this event and MetroED values its students, putting them above all else.
As the school year continues, MetroED is also supporting our students in other ways. We have launched two new Virtual Career Technical Education (CTE) programs in the area of Fashion Design and Medical Science for high school and adult students. Registration will open for the Winter/Spring session for Silicon Valley Adult Education programs on November 15. Recently, the talents of our Mechatronics Engineering and Construction Technology students were also on display at the Sixth Annual Haunted House.
Read about all of this and more in this month’s newsletter. As the weather turns colder, I just want to share that it warms my heart to see the talents and accomplishments of our students and staff on display and I am grateful for those who support us along the way.
Be well,
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Alyssa Lynch
Superintendent
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SVCTE's Video and Film Production Students Front and Center at Local Festivals
SVCTE Film and Video Production student Maria Esquival Flores from Mount Pleasant High School and Sango Levonian from Piedmont Hills High School, both in East Side Union High School District,
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Watch this 1:09 minute video about the 2023 African Film Festival, created by student Maria Esquival Flores.
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volunteered at the 2023 African Film Festival in San Jose last month. Maria also created a video highlighting the event (see above). Other students volunteered at the 2023 Asian Film Festival in Sunnyvale, including Juliette Eich and Marializ Perez, both from Willow Glen High School in San Jose Unified School District. There was also a contingent of students who attended the 2023 San Jose International Short Film Festival.
“I believe these experiences significantly contribute to our students' personal growth and their ability to apply their skills in real-world settings,” said teacher Jonathan Furtado. “We are proud of their contributions and their proactive involvement in the broader community.”
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Watch this 15:56 minutes student and program presentation.
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SVAE Students Shine at Governing Board Meeting
SVAE partners with West Valley College for a yearlong Early Childhood Education pathway. This was highlighted during a presentation at the October 11 MetroED Governing Board Meeting. Watch how the program is helping students Maria Elena Hernandez Villanueva and Geyssi Marin reach their dreams,
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and the inspirational stories representing the pathway many students are following here.
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Sixth Annual SVCTE Haunted House
SVCTE hosted its sixth annual Haunted House on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28. This family-friendly event brought to life creations made by students in our Mechatronics Engineering program, led by teacher Jim Burnham, and in Construction Technology, by teacher Evan Clark. The haunted house was a fundraiser for SkillsUSA and SVCTE. Approximately $500 was raised at the event.
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SVAE Registration Opens November 15
SVAE offers adult education classes free of charge or at a low cost to adults 18 years or older.
Registration will open for Winter/Spring 2024 on November 15. There are a range of courses available, including English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Basic Education (ABE), High School Equivalency (HSE) preparation for GED and HiSET tests, and High School Diploma (HSD). There are also a variety of CTE courses free or with affordable registration fees, including NEW courses in Culinary Arts and Introduction to Python. In addition to many other options we offer: Auto Body Repair, Dental Assisting, Google Workspace, Medical Assistant, and more.
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New Virtual CTE Classes
MetroED opened two new virtual classes offering three sessions to help make CTE accessible to students outside the regular school day. Classes include introductory programs in Medical Sciences/Health Careers and Fashion Design and Textile Art. It's not to late to register. Visit this webpage for more information and to find out how to register.
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MetroED News and Highlights
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Grand Opening-Ribbon Cutting for SVCTE EV
& Nursing Careers Held October 27
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MetroED hosted a Grand Opening-Ribbon Cutting Celebration on October 27 for SVCTE’s two new programs: Electrical Vehicles and Nursing Careers, Attendees were also able to tour SVCTE's state-of-the-art programs to see equipment firsthand.
Thank you to Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian who drummed up support with the county supervisors to allocate $250,000 for these programs! We were also grateful for the other local dignitaries there to witness the event. They included San Jose Councilmember Arjun Batra; State Senator Aisha Wahab; Assemblymember Alex Lee and Antonio Isais, External Affairs from the Governor's office; Mateo Hammer-Longosz from Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren's Office; Reena Lari and Don Rocha from the Santa Clara County Board of Education; Board Members Brian Wheatley, Linda Goytia, and Jim Canova; Pete Callas, California Department of Education Director of the College & Career Division.
MetroED thrives because of the success of our students and programs, which wouldn't be possible without the support of local officials, partnerships, and the community.
View the key moments and memorable snapshots with the following coverage:
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Santa Clara County 2023 Teacher Recognition Celebration
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Two of SVCTE’s teachers were honored at the Santa Clara County Teacher Recognition Celebration on October 23 alongside other outstanding educators.
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Teacher of the Year Honoree: Tom Nemeth, Electrical Vehicles/Automotive Services
Tom was honored as MetroED’s 2023 Teacher of the Year. Tom is the epitome of innovation at SVCTE and is dedicated, passionate, and committed to our students' career options. His kind yet assertive demeanor is a great example to students and colleagues, and he has significantly expanded and deepened SVCTE industry partnerships.
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Boldness in STEM Awardee: Maggie Kasberger, Sports Medicine & Kinesiology
Maggie received one of only four prestigious countywide Innovation in STEM Awards, presented by The Tech Interactive. She was recognized with the Boldness in STEM Award. Maggie's dedication to education and innovative teaching methods have made a lasting impact on our students. Last school year, she helped acquire an Anatomage Table for her program. This state-of-the-art touch-screen equipment provides a realistic life-sized 3D anatomy system as if the students were working with an actual cadaver.
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MetroED Honored at LGBTQ+ History Month Showcase
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MetroED was honored for its inclusive practices at the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) LGBTQ+ History Month Showcase on October 5. MetroED is one of five local districts in Santa Clara County recognized for developing policies, implementing practices, and providing positive outcomes for students regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion. On behalf of MetroED, SVCTE Program Representative Katherine Williams received certificates of recognition from the SCCOE and Assemblymember Ash Kalra. She also shared MetroED’s signature practices during a presentation.
At the event, attendees joined by raising the progress flag and celebrated campaigns advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusivity in Santa Clara County. Former County Supervisor Ken Yeager was the keynote speaker and delivered a powerful speech about his activism, struggles, and perseverance as a member of the LGBTQ community in the political arena. See event photos. Video footage is available. Read the SCCOE News Release.
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Taipei School Administrators Visit MetroED
On October 13, we were honored to host MetroED Governing Board Clerk Katherine Tseng along with University Deans, Vice Chancellors, and other administrators from New Taipei, Taiwan at SVCTE. They explored our campus and saw the incredible projects our students are working on. The exchange of knowledge and ideas was inspiring.
See photos
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MetroED Foundation Board
MetroED Foundation will be participating in GivingTuesday on November 28, 2023. GivingTuesday is a global celebration of generosity, and we invite you to join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of MetroED students.
Your Donation Will Fund:
- Scholarships for adult learners upscaling their trade or re-entering the workforce.
- Student classroom supplies for essential workers.
- Other resources that empower our students to develop skills for a successful future.
Save the Date: Tuesday, November 28, 2023
We look forward to your support and participation as we work together to provide MetroED students with the education and opportunities they deserve.
Early Donations are Welcome:
If you're eager to get involved and make a difference, your early contribution will help us kickstart our efforts and achieve our goals. Learn more about how to donate here.
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Seeking Input on New Website
MetroED is excited to announce we are making improvements to our website and moving to a new hosting platform, launching next school year! Tell us what you like about the current website including MetroED, SVAE, and SVCTE and what suggestions you have for our new site by completing this brief survey today. The survey will be available until November 30.
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Positions are Available at MetroED!
We are currently seeking applicants that would be an excellent fit for our team. The district pays full health benefits to eligible employees and their dependents, including dental, life, and an employee assistance program. You can click below to learn more.
MetroED Current Openings
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MetroED Governing Board Updates
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MetroED Governing Board Meeting
To see past meeting minutes and agendas, please visit our Gamut online page. You can also view upcoming MetroED Governing Board meeting agendas and Governing Board Policies.
Next meeting: Wed., Nov. 8, at 6:00 p.m. | In-person and via Zoom, SVCTE Auditorium, Room 201
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Nov. 10 | Veteran’s Day (Legal Holiday)
Nov. 20-24 | SVCTE & SVAE Campuses Closed
Nov. 23 | Thanksgiving/Legal Holiday
Nov. 24 | Local Holiday
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