EDCOE Connection
Excellence in Education for the 21st Century
July 30, 2021
In El Dorado County, Early Preparation and Communication Were Key to the Return to School
Can you tell us about the experiences of your mostly rural districts and the return to in-person school this year?
What helped make it possible to manage COVID from fall 2020 to the end of the school year was the high degree of collaboration and communication. Our district superintendents would communicate on a weekly basis, not just with the County Office of Education, but also with our public health officer. Read more…
EDCOE Foster Youth Summer Employment Program Remains Strong
This summer, 14 transitional age youth gained professional skills and hands-on experience during an innovative internship program through the El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE). In response to the pandemic, the program was expanded to include homeless along with former and current foster youth. Initiated in 2009, this annual program provides at-risk youth with meaningful guidance, training, and employment opportunities. Overcoming the challenges of the pandemic, EDCOE adhered to health and safety regulations to ensure the program was possible for students during this summer.
Sheila Silan, EDCOE’s Foster Youth Services Program Coordinator, stressed the benefits of the program and stated, “Especially during this pandemic, we are very appreciative of employers who were willing to factor in another young worker into their already challenging COVID protocols and procedures. Without their extra flexibility and willingness we would not be able to do this program during these challenging times.” Read more...
Sheila Silan Spotlight
Briefly describe your background (where you grew up, family, why you came to work for EDCOE).
I grew up all over the country, but mostly in California. For university, I started at UCLA and found it too big, then moved to UC Davis and found it too small. I ended up landing at UC Santa Barbara, and it was just right for me. Outside of my schooling there, I ended up working weekends at a psychiatric hospital. In 1988 I came to El Dorado County to co-found Sierra Boys Ranch, a residential and day treatment program. I was able to use my experience there to transition into leading my two programs here at EDCOE. I love what I am doing here, and EDCOE has given me an opportunity to do meaningful work in El Dorado County for which I am grateful. Read more...
Join our team!
Carey Buchanan Named New Principal of EDCOE Adult Education
Charter is pleased to announce that Carey Buchanan is the new Principal of our Adult Education programs. Her first day back from a well-deserved break will be Monday, July 26. During the 20-21 school year, Carey served as a Special Services administrator serving our Charter programs and as principal of the Blue Ridge Court School with EDCOE and also served in the role of Interim Superintendent at both Gold Trail and Mother Lode Union School Districts. For the 21-22 school year, she will serve as the principal of both the Adult Education program and Blue Ridge School. Carey brings with her a wealth of experience in alternative and adult education.
Brenda Higgins Featured as CACFP Leader
Brenda is the Food Services Manager at the El Dorado County Office of Education. There was no question that Brenda should be a part of the CACFP Roundtable's first cohort of CACFP Leaders. We sat down with Brenda over Zoom to learn more about her. Brenda’s Pathway: There was a common thread while I talked with Brenda about her career path – growth and improvement for both herself, her staff and the families they serve. 33.5 is the number of years Brenda has been with the El Dorado County Office of Education. Read more...
Bright Spots in Education
To learn more about this podcast and access Charter SELPA resources, click here >>
On the Rise: Dina Gentry
It started with “The American President.” Dina Gentry watched that 1995 movie for the first time as a child, and when Michael Douglas’ character, President Andrew Shepherd, gave his rousing speech at the end, she thought to herself, “I want to be a speech writer for the president of the United States.” Gentry might not work in the White House, but she followed her dream of helping others find their voice and craft their message. Since 2014, the Sacramento native has served as the communications director for the El Dorado County Office of Education, a role that impacts thousands of students and families across 15 school districts. Read more...
Resources
El Dorado County Internet Connectivity For Students
challenging for households that do not have consistent access to the internet. This document provides you with a variety of options to facilitate connectivity.
El Dorado County Internet Connectivity For Students Document
Conexión a Internet del Condado de El Dorado para Estudiantes
El Dorado County COVID-19 Information Page
EDCOE COVID-19 Information Page
El Dorado County Office of Education
Website: http://edcoe.org/
Facebook: facebook.com/eldoradocoe/
Twitter: @ElDoradoCOE