SOLEDAD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY 19, 2021
Update on Vaccinations from Dr. Deneen Guss, County Superintendent of Schools
Vaccines are the hot topic of the week in our county and throughout the state. Governor Newsom has been very vocal in advocating for additional vaccines for California and has held several press conferences launching mass vaccination sites throughout the state.
As we’ve shared in previous communications, beginning on February 17, 2021, current employees in education and childcare who are 65-74 years old and are working in Monterey County (even if they live within another county) are now eligible to receive a vaccination in Monterey County. This is inclusive of all zip codes.
Beginning, March 3, 2021 all remaining employees in education and childcare can begin registering to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. Please remind employees they should not attempt to register for an appointment until they are eligible.
While this news is exciting, please be aware that vaccine supply is very limited, so the availability of appointments may be scarce. MCOE is continuing to advocate for additional vaccinations to our county and for the vaccination of those in the education and childcare sectors as soon as possible.
Free Webinars to learn more about COVID-19 Vaccines
- All educators in Monterey County are invited to attend a free webinar to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines from Dr. Allen Radner, Infectious Disease Specialist on Friday, February 26, 2021 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Register here. Webinar will be recorded. We encourage participants to submit questions prior to the webinar here.
- The Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP) is hosting a Q&A town hall meeting on COVID vaccines with Dr. Martha Blum, Medical Director, Infection Prevention. Discussions will center on the benefits and side effects of the vaccines and who is eligible to get the vaccine during the early stages.
Date/Time: Wed, Feb 24 (5:30 p.m – 6:30 p.m.)
Online Registration: Required before the event. Register: www.chomp.org/classes
For more info, click here or call (831) 625-4505.
The Monterey Bay Central Labor Council has partnered with the County of Monterey and the County’s Public Health Department to enroll eligible county residents in Medical. Please share this updated information with families in English and in Spanish.
Employees of the Month
Mrs. Natasha Mallobox, Teacher at Rose Ferrero Elementary
Mrs. Leticia Rivera, Library Technician at Rose Ferrero Elementary
Each month schools rotate to chose a special Certificated staff member and a Classified staff member to be recognized for their outstanding work. This month it was Rose Ferrero's turn. Thank you to Mr. Tommy Frank, Principal for introducing these outstanding Team Members to our Board and Community. Congratulations!
Students of the Month
Marcela Perez - Soledad High School
Derrik Andrews - Main Street Middle School
Maria Calderon Rodriguez - Pinnacles High School
UC Santa Cruz Ethics Bowl Debate
Article submitted by Ms. Johnson, Speech & Debate Advisor
Last semester we got hoodies from The Center for Public Philosophy! It was really exciting to see our students participating and enjoying this event~
Our first meeting was held on February 9th. Students will continue to meet every Tuesday at 1:30 until the BIG EVENT which is Saturday April 17th 2021.
Here's a bit more information from Invitational that is being hosted by UC Santa Cruz and The Center for Public Philosophy.
~ "Given the current context we are all living in, the invitational itself as well as programming prior to the event will be held virtually on Saturday, April 17. The virtuality of the event gives us the opportunity to extend our annual invitation to more schools! (did I mention...Soledad High School is undefeated?! We have a strong debate team! YAH!! Soledad :)
How does it work?
We will bring a talented graduate or advanced undergraduate student to coach interested students in the essential skills of critical thinking, reasoning and communication in the context of debating contemporary ethical dilemmas. This culminates in team(s) from schools participating in our Invitational Bowl on Saturday April 17, 2021."
Music Soothes the Soul
Ready, set, to...to another Fresh Perspectives Session!
A terrific and unusual presentation awaits you on Saturday, February 27th, 11 am, with The Westerlies Brass Quartet.
This is not your regular, garden variety brass quartet, far from it. The group's music isn’t easily described as it doesn’t fall into any one genre, though it’s often categorized as jazz. One can use the label "fusion,” that includes classical, folk, jazz, and rock. Described as “an arty quartet…mixing ideas from jazz, new classical, and Appalachian folk” (New York Times), The Westerlies explore “jazz, classical roots, and chamber music influences to create the rarest of hybrids: music that is "folk-like…lovely, and intellectually rigorous” (NPR Music). This group represents a new, youthful vitality in the world of classical music and more importantly, they are esteemed artists and educators. We are grateful for the partnership with Chamber Music Monterey Bay, who are sponsoring the appearance of The Westerlies. For more information, RSVP on our website – you will receive the zoom link by email.
All sessions are free and open to the public.
City of Soledad - Student Art Showcase
This year, the City of Soledad is celebrating its 100th year. As part of the celebration, the city is inviting students in grades K-12 to submit artwork about living in Soledad. The first submissions from Soledad students has has been made into a video which can be viewed here. Congratulations to those students who are featured in the video. Submissions continue accepted. Students can submit artwork via email at centennialcelebration@cityofsoledad.com or have it dropped off at City Hall.
ALL FOR EQUITY
Several Soledad USD team members attended All in for Equity workshop hosted by the Monterey County Office of Education on February 12. The workshop, 3rd in the All In for Equity series, featured a sessions on Equity, Supporting LGTBQ students, Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Strategies, and Cultural-Based Trauma Informed Educational Approach. Soledad High School student Tawny Hoang recited her winning poem at the workshop in front of a county-wide audience.
Tawny Hoang - Winner of Poetry Jam
Congratulations to Soledad High School senior Tawny Hoang who competed in the Monterey County Poetry Out Loud event on February 6. Tawny won the event which was hosted by the Arts Council of Monterey County. Tawny was featured in the Monterey County Weekly. The event, including Tawny’s recitation can be viewed here.
Communications Planning
On February 17, a team of 14 stakeholders met to begin work on establishing a District Communications Plan. The idea originated from a special Board meeting on January 20, with an interest in building and enhancing district and school site communications systems. The stakeholders included Board members, STA representatives, CSEA representatives, principals, district office staff, parents and a student. Following introductions and statement of purpose, the group began its work addressing questions including: What is your experience with district communications? What are the indicators that the district needs to improve its communication strategies? What communications systems are in place? What communications systems are needed? Who are the audiences for district communications? The group will next research available resources which could link to the identified needs. The group will reconvene in March.
Performance-Based Budgeting
On February 18, a group of 20 stakeholders including principals, STA representatives, CSEA representatives, and district office staff participated in Performance-Based Budgeting refresher training. The workshop addressed the purpose of PBB, how budget packages are built, presented, and ranked. The PBB process provides for transparency and accountability in general fund budget building. Next step will include building of PBB packages, presentation of packages to a PBB committee which will rank the budget packages and make recommendations to the superintendent and Board.