March/April 2024 CTE Newsletter

 

METROPOLITAN EDUCATION DISTRICT

April 18, 2024

CTE Newsletter Vol. 10 Issue 6

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Superintendent's Message
 

Hello,

 

In this month’s newsletter, we're thrilled to highlight the outstanding achievements of our students, the innovation of our programs, and the dedication of our staff at Silicon Valley Career Technical Education center (SVCTE) and Silicon Valley Adult Education (SVAE).

 

Our award-winning students always inspire us with their remarkable accomplishments. From triumphs at prestigious competitions to shining in their programs, they embody the spirit of excellence that defines MetroED. Read on to learn more about their achievements at the recent SkillsUSA and HOSA competitions.

 

Our programs also serve as models of excellence in the world of CTE. One example is SVCTE’s Fashion Design and Textile Art program, which is being honored with a Glenn Hoffmann Exemplary Program Award by the Santa Clara County School Boards Association. You can find more details about this below.

 

Looking forward, mark your calendars for the upcoming SVCTE 18th Annual Bob McTaggart Custom & Classic Car Show on May 3, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., here at MetroED. This event allows the community to come together while supporting our students. Event details are below. 

 

MetroED remains committed to building a brighter future for our students and our community. Thanks for your ongoing support and for following and sharing our inspiring stories. 

Alyssa Lynch

Superintendent

Students In Action

Gold, Silver, Bronze Medals Awarded to SVCTE Students at SkillsUSA State Competition

 

Amidst the excitement of the SkillsUSA State Competition, the largest gathering of America's future skilled workforce, from April 4 through 7 in Ontario, California, SVCTE students came together to show off their skills and compete.

 

As the event unfolded, the bustling halls of the competition venue buzzed with the energy and enthusiasm of 5,000 students statewide participating in the CTE competitions, including 78 SVCTE students, each ready to leave their mark. Their dedication and commitment to excellence resulted in a remarkable achievement: 11 medals—4 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze (see the list of winners)—representing the culmination of their tireless efforts and SVCTE’s ongoing pursuit of excellence across diverse skill domains. Only one gold medal is awarded for each competition category.

 

Students advance through competitions at the local and state levels, with state winners going on to the national stage June 24–28 in Atlanta, Ga. Read more / More photos

Gold, Silver Medals Awarded to SVCTE Students at HOSA State Competition

 

SVCTE students demonstrated their expertise and proficiency in healthcare at the recent HOSA-Future Health Professionals State Competition, which was held April 4 through 6 in Anaheim, Calif. 

 

With 23 students representing the institution, SVCTE showcased its commitment to excellence in healthcare education, bringing home two medals, including a gold medal in the Dental Science category for Denise Santillan Munoz, who attends Opportunity Youth Academy through the Santa Clara County Office of Education and a silver medal in the Pharmacology category for Emerald Nghiem who attends Silver Creek High School in East Side Union High School District.

 

Both will continue on to the HOSA’s International Leadership Conference, which will take place from June 26 through 29. In addition to teams from all 50 states, competitors will also travel to Houston from Mexico, Samoa, China, Korea, Canada, and other countries, making it a rare opportunity for cultural exchange. Read more / More photos

SVCTE Awarded Prestigious Glen Hoffmann Exemplary Program Award for Fashion Design

and Textile Art

SVCTE’s Fashion Design and Textile Art program has been selected as one of the top five recipients of the 2024 Glen Hoffmann Exemplary Program Award, given by the Santa Clara County School Boards Association (SCCSBA). This is one of SVCTE’s many model programs we highlighted during February’s CTE Month.

 

Named after the former county superintendent (1967-1984), these awards represent Dr. Hoffmann’s strong belief in educational leadership as the key factor in educational reform. The district will be presented with its award on May 8 at an awards dinner at MetroED. 

 

“On behalf of SCCSBA, congratulations on an outstanding program that exemplifies putting students first and excellence in education,” stated Isabel Jubes-Flamerich, chairwoman of the Hoffmann Awards Committee and president of the Sunnyvale School Board of Education. Read more

SVAE Program Highlights

Adult education's transformative power happens daily at Silicon Valley Adult Education. From high school equivalency to language fluency and career technical education skills, SVAE provides invaluable personal and professional development opportunities. Let's embrace the spirit of lifelong learning and recognize adult education's vital role in shaping brighter futures by reading and sharing stories of inspiration on our dedicated webpage.

MetroED Hosts Middle School Camp for Alum Rock Union School District

 

During ARUSD's spring break, approximately 40 students were immersed into five diverse career paths at SVCTE: Electrical Vehicles/Automotive Services, Fashion Design & Textile Art, Mechatronics Engineering, Medical Assisting, and Medical Science/Health Careers.

These young minds engaged in hands-on exploration, fostering creativity and igniting passions that could shape their futures.

 

We look forward to seeing these students return in the years to come. Read more / Classroom photos / Celebration photos / Wrap-up video

Students Attend Young Women's Power Lunch

 

Eight young women from SVCTE participated in the Young Women's Power Lunch hosted by the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara Community Outreach Committee. They met with local female leaders, including judges, elected officials, attorneys, and education and community leaders, who shared stories about their journeys, challenges, and successes to inspire these future young leaders to make positive choices and achieve their dreams. 

 

Participating students included Therese Brisebois from Independence High School in East Side Union High School District, Sarah Sun from Leland High School in San José Unified School District, Sonya Prahboo from Leland High School in San José Unified School District, Jewelianna Abundiz from Lincoln High School in San José Unified School District, Zahara Copca from Liberty High School in San José Unified School District, Heidi Vierra from Wilcox High School in Santa Clara Unified School District, Leah Poritz from Leigh High School in Campbell Union High School District, and Mina Poritz from Leigh High School in Campbell Union High School District. More photos

Sports Medicine Students Participate in Foothill College Dual Enrollment Summit

 

SVCTE Sports Medicine and Kinesiology students participated in a student panel during the second annual Foothill College Dual Enrollment Summit. The summit provided community colleges and high school districts with the opportunity to come together and share best practices, including hearing from

dual-enrolled students and faculty. SVCTE students shared their experiences being dual enrolled with Foothill College through their Sports Medicine & Kinesiology program.

Teacher Maggie Kasberger (pictured center above) was on the instructor panel with co-teacher Warren Voyce from Foothill College.

In Culinary Arts

 

SVCTE's Advanced Culinary Arts students showcased their marketing, creativity, and culinary skills during "The Great Food Truck Race." Offering dishes from student-led "businesses" including "Momma's Soup" for that nostalgic touch, "Steven Universe" desserts inspired by family favorites; "Sunny's Eggs" egg sandwiches served on a bagel; "Lonestar Luchador" tacos and burritos; "Fortnite" burgers, fries, pizza, and drinks; and "One Hellavu" jambalaya, with the name and dishes inspired by animated shows like Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Bus, the food delighted both the taste buds and the imagination. More photos

News and Highlights

Superintendent Lynch Advocates for CTE Education Funding and Policy Reform

 

MetroED Superintendent Alyssa Lynch participated in an important discussion on CTE education funding and policy. On March 6, she served as a panelist in Sacramento at the joint hearing by the Budget Committee and Education Finance & Education Committee. Tune in at the 2:44 mark as she talks about the challenges facing ROPs and MetroED and how we're working to shape education for the future. Watch it now.

MetroED Leaders Attend California State Convening

 

MetroED Superintendent Alyssa Lynch and Director of Workforce Development and Grants Joell Hanson joined state and regional leaders, employers, labor reps, and community partners at a Career Education Master Plan Regional Design Session, hosted by Governor Gavin Newsom at UC Santa Cruz, Silicon Valley Extension.

 

The session delved into the challenges and opportunities to enhance career education for all Californians. From revamping educational systems to seamlessly integrating workforce training with career education, the focus was on bridging the gap from certification to bachelor’s degrees and beyond. There was also a strong emphasis on improving access to education and training for all, ultimately paving the way to secure, living-wage employment for every Californian. More photos

18th Annual Bob McTaggart Custom & Classic Car Show Friday, May 3, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Get ready to rev your engines for the 18th Annual Bob McTaggart Custom & Classic Car Show, hosted by Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE), from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3 (gates open at 4:30 p.m. for car entries). This event is not just a car show; it’s a vibrant celebration of automotive excellence that brings together the most outstanding custom and classic vehicles in Silicon Valley. 

 

Pre-register via Venmo @MetroED760 by April 24, and be sure to provide your name in the private message. You can also grab tickets at the gate, car entries are just $20, while spectators enjoy FREE admission—just remember, no pets allowed. Donations are accepted through PayPal.

 

Reach out to Katherine Williams at kwilliams@metroed.net or (408) 723-4204 for questions. Read more

MetroED Receives California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) Award of Excellence 

 

MetroED was honored with the California Schools Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) Excellence in Communications Award for its digital employee wellness newsletter on March 15, 2023, and May 17, 2023. This is the highest recognition a nomination can receive. 

 

“It is extremely exciting to honor MetroED with this award,” said CalSPRA President Jessica Hull. “CalSPRA members across California help lead our school communities through a variety of challenges, providing effective communication in the face of uncertainty and polarization. Now, more than ever, successful communication is at the heart of public education. This award-winning example is just one way MetroED provides excellent communication work every day.” Read more

SVCTE Automotive Program Developing Partnership with Big Daddy's Motor Cars 

 

SVCTE is working with Big Daddy’s Motor Cars to create a partnership for students its Automotive programs. Big Daddy's Motor Cars representatives recently facilitated two 45-minute interactive student presentations. Afterward, students were able to look under the hood and explore vintage cars that were on display that day.

 

“SVCTE is an incredible resource for developing automotive talent, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it,” said owner/designer Les “Big Daddy” Stuart. 

 

Named the Future Gearheads Intern & Apprentice program, it aims to inspire a new generation of automotive enthusiasts. Partnership details are still in the works, but they are planning more presentations, industry panels, shadowing, shop tours, internships, and possibly incumbent worker training.

 

“This partnership perfectly aligns with Big Daddy’s Motor Cars' vision. We're dedicated to building fantastic cars, changing lives, and supporting the automotive industry,” Stuart said. “Together with SVCTE, we'll mentor students as they progress through our program.” More photos

MetroED Tours Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

 

SVCTE CTE Coordinator/Assistant Principal Sara Mingione, new Clean Diesel Technology program teacher Dennis Willie, and Joell Hanson, director of Workforce Development and Grants, toured the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) training center to discuss ways to partner on curriculum and resources. Mike Faso, the VTA trainer pictured, and other employees Lisa Vickery, Harpreet Singh, and Elizabeth Jespersen led the tour, discussion, and future collaboration. MetroED has a growing partnership with VTA as we bridge our CTE pathways with VTA careers. On April 24, VTA will host an industry panel for SVCTE students.

Meet Our New Leader

Tung Tran has joined the MetroED team as the new Director of Technology Innovation Services.

 

With over 28 years of extensive experience in Information Technology, Tung brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, including leading cross-functional teams, service desk support, strategic planning, and project management.

Join Our Team
 

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

View our job listings
MetroED Governing Board Updates
 

MetroED Governing Board Meeting

 

Please visit our online Diligent page to see past meeting minutes and agendas. You can also view upcoming MetroED Governing Board meeting agendas and Governing Board Policies.

 

Next meeting: May 15, at 5:30 p.m. | In-person, SVCTE Auditorium, Room 201

Upcoming Dates

May 3 | Fashion Pop-Up (5:00-7:00 p.m., Room 102)

May 3 | 18th Annual Bob McTaggart Custom & Classic Car Show

(5:00-8:00 p.m.)

May 17 | SVCTE Awards Ceremony (6:00 p.m.)

May 24 | SVCTE Film Festival (6:00 p.m.)

May 27 | Memorial Day (Legal Holiday)

May 31 | SVAE Graduation (6:00 p.m.) 

June 19 | Juneteenth (Local Holiday)

2023-24 School Year Instructional Calendar

2024-2025 School Year Instructional Calendar

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MetroED | metroed.net
 
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