The Monterey County Health Department has been awarded $130,000 from the California Office of Traffic Safety to bring pedestrian safety education to schools in Salinas. The grant will benefit three elementary schools in East Salinas – Bardin Elementary, Cesar E. Chavez, and Dr. Oscar F. Loya Elementary.
Safe Travels Via Salinas, as the program is called, aims to encourage more students to walk or bike to school. Walking to school is an activity that benefits parents and students by including physical activity and getting to know other parents. Safe Travels also aims to reduce pedestrian injuries in the City of Salinas, which had a total of 50 between October 2016 and September 2017.
Safe Travels will bring bike safety education directly to the students through assemblies and bike rodeos. Topics will include watching out for unsafe drivers, bike safety, and helmet usage.
The grant will allow for children to practice their bicycle skills within a bike rodeo brought to their school. Students will work with pretend traffic situations, such as cars backing up in driveways and distracted drivers, learning to recognize the problems and how to protect themselves.
Special walk to school events will be held throughout the year to encourage students and parents to walk instead of drive to school. Stay tuned for dates!
Showing posts with label Alisal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alisal. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Salinas Alisal Rotary donates dictionaries to all AUSD third graders
For the fifth year in a row, Salinas Alisal Rotary has donate dictionaries to all third grade students in the Alisal Union School District.
Alisal Rotary president George Anzo, who also works as director of maintenance, operations and transportation services, said the donation is part of Alisal Rotary’s ongoing efforts to serve students in the community. In total, about 1,250 dictionaries were donated last week.
Alisal Rotary president George Anzo, who also works as director of maintenance, operations and transportation services, said the donation is part of Alisal Rotary’s ongoing efforts to serve students in the community. In total, about 1,250 dictionaries were donated last week.
“We want students to have a plan in life and every plan needs tools,” said Anzo. “This dictionary is a tool for students to start their plans and to help them figure out what they want to do in life.”
The Salinas Alisal Rotary fundraises year-round to provide this and other opportunities for local schools, Anzo said.
“We want students to have a plan in life and every plan needs tools,” said Anzo.
“This dictionary is a tool for students to start their plans and to help them figure out
what they want to do in life.”
Anzo said Salinas Alisal Rotary fundraises year-round to provide this and other
opportunities for local schools
“We want students to have a plan in life and every plan needs tools,” said Anzo.
“This dictionary is a tool for students to start their plans and to help them figure out
what they want to do in life.”
Anzo said Salinas Alisal Rotary fundraises year-round to provide this and other
opportunities for local schools
“We want students to have a plan in life and every plan needs tools,” said Anzo.
“This dictionary is a tool for students to start their plans and to help them figure out
what they want to do in life.”
Anzo said Salinas Alisal Rotary fundraises year-round to provide this and other
opportunities for local schools
“We want students to have a plan in life and every plan needs tools,” said Anzo.
“This dictionary is a tool for students to start their plans and to help them figure out
what they want to do in life.”
Anzo said Salinas Alisal Rotary fundraises year-round to provide this and other
opportunities for local schools
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Migrant education programs wrap up summer activities
Monterey County is home to a large population of migrant students, and summer programs designed to enhance their education wrapped up in the last couple of weeks to make way for the regular school year.
At the Alisal Union School District, the Migrant Education Summer Academy concluded a four-week summer enrichment program for more than 350 students held at Fremeont Elementary School. The children had projects to learn about colleges and universities, play instruments, enhance their science knowledge with a curriculum designed by NASA, and had a Mexican teacher for students to learn about art, music and history of Mexico.
Research “tell us the great majority of migrant kids feel a disconnect to their school. What that tell us, as practitioners, is the kids don’t feel they belong. They don’t see themselves within mainstream schools. They are at a loss for identity.” said Ernesto Vela, director of migrant education services at the Monterey County Office of Education. “The bilingual teacher message is be proud of who you are, your roots, your language. What we’re finding is that the self esteem the students who participate in the summer grows tremendously. We see the impact academically in many of the students who participate in the summer program.”
At Cal State University Monterey Bay, the Junior Otter Program graduated over 300 students on July 29. The program focuses on language arts, mathematics, computer science, and an enrichment component that introduces students to university campus life and fine arts, including theater, music, drama, dance, art and, video editing.
This year’s theme was the Olympics, where students explored the importance of the summer games, the countries and athletes set to participate this year.
“Junior Otters is an outstanding opportunity to expose students to the university environment and provide access to performing arts and technology programs,” said Monterey County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Nancy Kotowski. “For some of these students it’s the first time they are introduced to college life. We hope this program encourages and provides them the tools needed to successfully attend college.”
On to next year!
At the Alisal Union School District, the Migrant Education Summer Academy concluded a four-week summer enrichment program for more than 350 students held at Fremeont Elementary School. The children had projects to learn about colleges and universities, play instruments, enhance their science knowledge with a curriculum designed by NASA, and had a Mexican teacher for students to learn about art, music and history of Mexico.
Research “tell us the great majority of migrant kids feel a disconnect to their school. What that tell us, as practitioners, is the kids don’t feel they belong. They don’t see themselves within mainstream schools. They are at a loss for identity.” said Ernesto Vela, director of migrant education services at the Monterey County Office of Education. “The bilingual teacher message is be proud of who you are, your roots, your language. What we’re finding is that the self esteem the students who participate in the summer grows tremendously. We see the impact academically in many of the students who participate in the summer program.”
At Cal State University Monterey Bay, the Junior Otter Program graduated over 300 students on July 29. The program focuses on language arts, mathematics, computer science, and an enrichment component that introduces students to university campus life and fine arts, including theater, music, drama, dance, art and, video editing.
This year’s theme was the Olympics, where students explored the importance of the summer games, the countries and athletes set to participate this year.
“Junior Otters is an outstanding opportunity to expose students to the university environment and provide access to performing arts and technology programs,” said Monterey County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Nancy Kotowski. “For some of these students it’s the first time they are introduced to college life. We hope this program encourages and provides them the tools needed to successfully attend college.”
On to next year!
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| Students during the closing ceremony of the migrant education program at Fremont Elementary in Salinas |
Monday, June 20, 2016
Former Alisal administrator heads national education conference
If you've ever wondered what Carmella Franco is up to these days, wonder no further. She's helping put together a conference on women en education.
Franco, 65, is a search associate with Hazard, Young & Attea, where she assists with superintendent searches. She served as state-appointed administrator of the Alisal Union School District from May 2010 to May 2012 after the then board hastily removed its previous superintendent and appointed a new one without doing a search.
Franco teamed up with Darline Robles, and Maria Ott two write a book, A Culturally Proficient Society Begins in School: Leadership for Equity. This conference is the outgrowth of the book, which itself came out of years of having served as advisors and mentors to women working in a wide variety of school settings.
The conference will take place on July 31 and August 1 in Boston, and it's designed for K-12 education professionals to share strategies, learn from experts, and connect with colleagues. For more information, click here.
Franco, 65, is a search associate with Hazard, Young & Attea, where she assists with superintendent searches. She served as state-appointed administrator of the Alisal Union School District from May 2010 to May 2012 after the then board hastily removed its previous superintendent and appointed a new one without doing a search.
Franco teamed up with Darline Robles, and Maria Ott two write a book, A Culturally Proficient Society Begins in School: Leadership for Equity. This conference is the outgrowth of the book, which itself came out of years of having served as advisors and mentors to women working in a wide variety of school settings.
The conference will take place on July 31 and August 1 in Boston, and it's designed for K-12 education professionals to share strategies, learn from experts, and connect with colleagues. For more information, click here.
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Young readers recognized for the work helping their siblings
The Read to Me Project recognized more than 500 students throughout different schools in the Alisal Union School District for their work reading to their siblings at home.
Last October, more than 500 4th, 5th and 6th grade students in Oscar F. Loya, Martin Luther King Jr., Alisal Community, Bardin, Monte Bella and Virginia Rocca Barton elementary schools made a commitment to read aloud to their siblings ages 8 months to five years at home throughout the 2015-2016 school year. The students were taught about the early brain development, the importance of reading to young children and were coached on “The 9 Best Ways to Read to Young Children.”
Classroom teachers were provided with guidelines and information to help motivate student participation and facilitate the Project’s success.
Read to Me Project students received a certificate and books to encourage continued reading to their siblings during the summer. The goal for every student is to read to younger brothers and sisters at least one hundred days during the school year. Students who achieved the goal received a “Super Star” medal in addition to the Certificate during the ceremony.
Research has shown that the more language and vocabulary children are exposed to at an early age, the greater their academic success in school. Read to Me has been developed in order to increase exposure of low income young children to books and the love of reading.
Last October, more than 500 4th, 5th and 6th grade students in Oscar F. Loya, Martin Luther King Jr., Alisal Community, Bardin, Monte Bella and Virginia Rocca Barton elementary schools made a commitment to read aloud to their siblings ages 8 months to five years at home throughout the 2015-2016 school year. The students were taught about the early brain development, the importance of reading to young children and were coached on “The 9 Best Ways to Read to Young Children.”
Classroom teachers were provided with guidelines and information to help motivate student participation and facilitate the Project’s success.
Read to Me Project students received a certificate and books to encourage continued reading to their siblings during the summer. The goal for every student is to read to younger brothers and sisters at least one hundred days during the school year. Students who achieved the goal received a “Super Star” medal in addition to the Certificate during the ceremony.
Research has shown that the more language and vocabulary children are exposed to at an early age, the greater their academic success in school. Read to Me has been developed in order to increase exposure of low income young children to books and the love of reading.
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Alisal trustees on track to pick new superintendent
Trustees with the Alisal Union School District are scheduled to review candidates and select finalists next week, and interview candidates Friday and Saturday. If the wheels continue moving in this direction, a new superintendent could be approved by May 11.
Stay tuned.
Stay tuned.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Four schools in Monterey County earn Gold Ribbon distinction
Virginia Rocca Barton, Creekside, Monte Bella, and Robert Down elementary schools were named Wednesday among the 772 schools statewide to earn the Gold Ribbon School award.
Barton, Creekside and Monte Bella are in the Alisal Union School District. Robert Down is in Pacific Grove.
The award is in recognition of quality implementation of Common Core content and performance standards for all students, including English learners, as well as school culture and technology practices which provide a supportive learning environment. The state intends to showcase Gold Ribbon schools so that their practices can be replicated by other local educational agencies.
“It’s a great and validating day at Alisal,” said Alisal Superintendent John Ramirez. “It’s a true testament to what our kids can achieve."
Schools applied for the award based on a model program each has adopted that includes standards-based activities, projects, strategies, and practices that can be replicated by other local educational agencies. The award recognized middle and high schools in 2015.
“These schools shine as bright beacons for others, putting forth an exemplary effort to ensure that every student is ready for 21st century college and careers,” State Superintendent of Schools Tom Torlakson said in a statement. “California teachers are developing an education model for the nation, training the students of today to be the problem-solvers, inventors, and pioneers of tomorrow.”
The Monterey County schools will be recognized later this month during a regional ceremony held in Santa Clara.
Barton, Creekside and Monte Bella are in the Alisal Union School District. Robert Down is in Pacific Grove.
The award is in recognition of quality implementation of Common Core content and performance standards for all students, including English learners, as well as school culture and technology practices which provide a supportive learning environment. The state intends to showcase Gold Ribbon schools so that their practices can be replicated by other local educational agencies.
“It’s a great and validating day at Alisal,” said Alisal Superintendent John Ramirez. “It’s a true testament to what our kids can achieve."
Schools applied for the award based on a model program each has adopted that includes standards-based activities, projects, strategies, and practices that can be replicated by other local educational agencies. The award recognized middle and high schools in 2015.
“These schools shine as bright beacons for others, putting forth an exemplary effort to ensure that every student is ready for 21st century college and careers,” State Superintendent of Schools Tom Torlakson said in a statement. “California teachers are developing an education model for the nation, training the students of today to be the problem-solvers, inventors, and pioneers of tomorrow.”
The Monterey County schools will be recognized later this month during a regional ceremony held in Santa Clara.
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| Students at Virginia Rocca Barton lead a validation team site visit |
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Presenters and participants wanted for the first Alisal Technology Conference
What skills will students need to be successful in their future careers? How does technology enhance teaching and learning? Find out the answers to
these question and more at the first Alisal presents Alisal Technology Conference.
Come ready to enhance your skills with integrating technology into your classroom. This edtech conference hopes to provide you with a choice of topics and sessions at various skill levels to best meet your needs.
To find out more, fill out the survey here. The conference will take place April 2, so stay tuned!
Come ready to enhance your skills with integrating technology into your classroom. This edtech conference hopes to provide you with a choice of topics and sessions at various skill levels to best meet your needs.
To find out more, fill out the survey here. The conference will take place April 2, so stay tuned!
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Alisal's John Ramirez receives a glowing review from ACSA publication
John Ramirez, the outgoing superintendent of the Alisal Union School District, was the subject of a glowing article at EdCal, a weekly education newspaper published by the Association of California School Administrators, or ACSA. You can download the story here.
Some of the accomplishments described in the story I've already written about, such as the school starting the year fully staffed at a time of a serious teacher shortage. Other I have yet to tackle.
The article comes at a time when district officials are looking to replace Ramirez, who said last year he intends to move on after June. Trustees finally chose a consulting firm to help pick the new superintendent, and Ramirez cautiously says he's "open to opportunities to work with a strong team" when asked if he would consider staying at the Alisal if asked to do so.
"It wouldn't be prudent to commit either way to a hypothetical proposition," he wrote in a text.
Some of the accomplishments described in the story I've already written about, such as the school starting the year fully staffed at a time of a serious teacher shortage. Other I have yet to tackle.
The article comes at a time when district officials are looking to replace Ramirez, who said last year he intends to move on after June. Trustees finally chose a consulting firm to help pick the new superintendent, and Ramirez cautiously says he's "open to opportunities to work with a strong team" when asked if he would consider staying at the Alisal if asked to do so.
"It wouldn't be prudent to commit either way to a hypothetical proposition," he wrote in a text.
Friday, February 19, 2016
McPherson & Jacobson it is for Alisal superintendent search
Alisal Union trustees picked the consulting firm of McPherson & Jacobson of Omaha, Nebraska, to conduct its superintendent search.
Trustees also met during closed session to discuss other, in-house potential candidates. They did not report anything from closed session.
Trustees also met during closed session to discuss other, in-house potential candidates. They did not report anything from closed session.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Alisal to discuss hiring search firm for new superintendent
Trustees with the Alisal Union School District will hold a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss how to move forward in the search for a new superintendent.
As you probably recall, John Ramirez said he would leave the district at the end of the school year -- now only four months away -- but the board did not start in earnest seeking for a replacement until a new board was installed.
On Wednesday, trustees will meet in closed session to "consider individuals for the position of superintendent" according to its agenda. When asked if the board intended to interview candidates for the position, Board President Noemi Armenta said that was not the case.
"It's a place holder in case we want to discuss potential candidate within the district," Armenta said. "We want to make sure we discuss every potential candidate. We want to be transparent." *
Asked if trustees were considering asking Ramirez to stay, Armenta said that was not her decision to make.
"We make decisions together," she said.
The board will also hear presentations from Leadership Associates of La Quinta, Calif., and McPherson and Jefferson LLC from Omaha, Nebraska, the only two firms that responded to the district's request for proposals issued in January. The board authorized to spend no more than $28,200 in the consulting firm.
*An earlier version of this blog had a different quote from Armenta. She called me back about 20 minutes after our first conversation to modify her comments.
As you probably recall, John Ramirez said he would leave the district at the end of the school year -- now only four months away -- but the board did not start in earnest seeking for a replacement until a new board was installed.
On Wednesday, trustees will meet in closed session to "consider individuals for the position of superintendent" according to its agenda. When asked if the board intended to interview candidates for the position, Board President Noemi Armenta said that was not the case.
"It's a place holder in case we want to discuss potential candidate within the district," Armenta said. "We want to make sure we discuss every potential candidate. We want to be transparent." *
Asked if trustees were considering asking Ramirez to stay, Armenta said that was not her decision to make.
"We make decisions together," she said.
The board will also hear presentations from Leadership Associates of La Quinta, Calif., and McPherson and Jefferson LLC from Omaha, Nebraska, the only two firms that responded to the district's request for proposals issued in January. The board authorized to spend no more than $28,200 in the consulting firm.
*An earlier version of this blog had a different quote from Armenta. She called me back about 20 minutes after our first conversation to modify her comments.
Friday, September 4, 2015
The Monterey Bay Digital Rodeo rounds up digitally curious teachers
Saddle up, Monterey Bay area teachers, and head on over to Tiburcio Vasquez Elementary in Salinas this Saturday to learn a ton about how to use technology to enhance your teaching.
Brought to you by Ben Cogswell, an academic coach at the Alisal, the Monterey Bay Digital Rodeo has pretty clever offerings that you can find here.
Topics include: Web Tools 3.0, Technology Basics, Technology Frameworks & Standards, Enhancing Lessons with Technology, Google Apps for Education, Blending Tech in Common Core, Rethinking Learning Spaces and Digital Citizenship.
The event is free and open to all educators. Bring a laptop or your favorite connected gadget and a team and make technology work for you and your school. For more information click here or email Coach Ben at william.cogswell@tvsapp.org.
The digital rodeo will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Tiburcio Vasquez Elementary, 1300 Tuscany Wy, Salinas.
Brought to you by Ben Cogswell, an academic coach at the Alisal, the Monterey Bay Digital Rodeo has pretty clever offerings that you can find here.
Topics include: Web Tools 3.0, Technology Basics, Technology Frameworks & Standards, Enhancing Lessons with Technology, Google Apps for Education, Blending Tech in Common Core, Rethinking Learning Spaces and Digital Citizenship.
The event is free and open to all educators. Bring a laptop or your favorite connected gadget and a team and make technology work for you and your school. For more information click here or email Coach Ben at william.cogswell@tvsapp.org.
The digital rodeo will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Tiburcio Vasquez Elementary, 1300 Tuscany Wy, Salinas.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Too bad John Ramirez's leaving the Alisal
John Ramirez Jr. has been around five years on the job as superintendent. If you eliminate the two years that the district was under state receivership, he’s really been in charge for about three. Judging by the reports I hear – and the standing ovation he got when he announced he was leaving – Ramirez had finally gotten the hang of the district and with the help of his team good things were happening. Plus, having been raised in the Alisal, he genuinely loves the students and cares about their success.
In my years as an education reporter I’ve come to learn many important things, but chief among them is how children are hurt by lack of consistency. Turnover matters, whether it is in the classroom, in the principal’s office, or at the district’s headquarters.
The board that’s now in charge of the Alisal seems to be working well and accomplishing great things. But old grudges are hard to let go and the bad blood that developed when the old board was in charge appears to linger. Which is too bad for the kids, who will have to endure yet another leadership style, another set of rules, another set of ideas. In the end, it’s always the kids who pay the price for the adults’ actions.
In my years as an education reporter I’ve come to learn many important things, but chief among them is how children are hurt by lack of consistency. Turnover matters, whether it is in the classroom, in the principal’s office, or at the district’s headquarters.
The board that’s now in charge of the Alisal seems to be working well and accomplishing great things. But old grudges are hard to let go and the bad blood that developed when the old board was in charge appears to linger. Which is too bad for the kids, who will have to endure yet another leadership style, another set of rules, another set of ideas. In the end, it’s always the kids who pay the price for the adults’ actions.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Bardin Elementary in Salinas has new turf
In addition to welcoming the new school year, students at Bardin Elementary in Salinas welcomed new turf for their soccer field. And they began using it right away.
"It looks great," said Felicia Escobedo, mother of two current students and two who graduated more than a decade ago. "Kids used to play soccer on the asphalt and when they fell their knees were all scraped."
Alisal Union officials held a ceremony to celebrate the new field. Children then kicked the ball around. Alan Garcia, 6, even won a participatory wreath for it.
"We're excited for the new field," Board President Noemi Armenta said.
"It looks great," said Felicia Escobedo, mother of two current students and two who graduated more than a decade ago. "Kids used to play soccer on the asphalt and when they fell their knees were all scraped."
Alisal Union officials held a ceremony to celebrate the new field. Children then kicked the ball around. Alan Garcia, 6, even won a participatory wreath for it.
"We're excited for the new field," Board President Noemi Armenta said.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Salinas Valley Dream Academy premieres on the big screen
A documentary about the Dream Academy, a leadership program for Salinas Valley high school students, will be screened on Wednesday, July 22 at 6:45 at the Maya Cinema. Admission is free. The students and community will be reliving and celebrating the growth and journey the Dream Academy students experienced last year.
About 100 youth make up the Salinas Valley Dream Academy, most of whom live in east Salinas. The central mission of the Dream Academy is to inspire, engage, and empower high school students to become leaders. This is done through numerous community service activities, community impact projects, a speaker's series and the fundraising that students do to take a year-end educational trip to the east coast. Throughout the last several years, the Dream Academy students have been able to witness both of President Barack Obama's inaugurations, visit with United States Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta inside the Pentagon, experience a first-class tour of Columbia University and NYU (New York University), and at the end of this past school year, students were able to experience a briefing at the White House and another briefing at the United Nations.
This is an important experience for the students and they need your support. Hope you can join them!
About 100 youth make up the Salinas Valley Dream Academy, most of whom live in east Salinas. The central mission of the Dream Academy is to inspire, engage, and empower high school students to become leaders. This is done through numerous community service activities, community impact projects, a speaker's series and the fundraising that students do to take a year-end educational trip to the east coast. Throughout the last several years, the Dream Academy students have been able to witness both of President Barack Obama's inaugurations, visit with United States Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta inside the Pentagon, experience a first-class tour of Columbia University and NYU (New York University), and at the end of this past school year, students were able to experience a briefing at the White House and another briefing at the United Nations.
This is an important experience for the students and they need your support. Hope you can join them!
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Salinas Valley Dream Academy returns from East Coast tour
Whether it's Hernandez v. Texas, Brown v. Board of Education, or Gideon v. Wainwright the Supreme Court is where these landmark cases were all decided. And last week, a group of hardworking Salinas teens had a chance to visit where it all happened.
Members of the Dream Academy, a club started by Alisal High School teacher Ruben Pizarro, took a week-long tour of Washington D.C. and New York City, where they had the opportunity to visit monuments, universities, and even had a debriefing at the White House.
"Academy students are learning that if they fight for what they want, even if it takes some time, justice will prevail," Pizarro said in an email.
During the briefing students from different high schools across Salinas learned about loans and college finances, education, health care, advocacy, immigration reform, among others topics.
Students in the mostly low-income community fundraise for the entire school year to be able to pay for the trip. Although the academy focuses on scholastic efforts such as touring colleges and learning about civic engagement and career opportunities, the main thrust of their efforts is to tour the East Coast and expand their horizons.
A total of 96 students left for the trip on May 31 and returned June 7. Judging by their photos on Facebook, they had a blast.
Congratulations on another successful trip, Mr. Pizarro. Next time I'm going to have to join you!
Members of the Dream Academy, a club started by Alisal High School teacher Ruben Pizarro, took a week-long tour of Washington D.C. and New York City, where they had the opportunity to visit monuments, universities, and even had a debriefing at the White House.
"Academy students are learning that if they fight for what they want, even if it takes some time, justice will prevail," Pizarro said in an email.
During the briefing students from different high schools across Salinas learned about loans and college finances, education, health care, advocacy, immigration reform, among others topics.
Students in the mostly low-income community fundraise for the entire school year to be able to pay for the trip. Although the academy focuses on scholastic efforts such as touring colleges and learning about civic engagement and career opportunities, the main thrust of their efforts is to tour the East Coast and expand their horizons.
A total of 96 students left for the trip on May 31 and returned June 7. Judging by their photos on Facebook, they had a blast.
Congratulations on another successful trip, Mr. Pizarro. Next time I'm going to have to join you!
Monday, October 20, 2014
Of the Alisal and the need for public relations
At the most recent board meeting of the Alisal Union School District, there was an item that seemed like a no-brainer. A three-month, $18,000 contract with PRx Digital, a public relations company, to help them spin a better tale about the Alisal.
This is how administrators made their case: "The District badly needs professional assistance in fairly laying out the facts of the Alisal story -- both achievements and continuing challenges. Over the past five year, the District experienced an environment where facts were distorted by sensational media reporting and politicized, extremist public comment."
To put it mildly.
So this San Jose company -- with veteran journalist Marcos Cabrera on board -- would have tried in three months to convince Alisal trustees their job was needed. And given the amount of scrutiny this contract faced, you would have thought it was $18 million, not $18,000 they were considering to approve.
A couple of trustees -- including Noemi Armenta -- did not want the job to go to consultants because union members are generally opposed to consultants. But she and other board members wanted somebody to be hired part time. Or on an interim basis, to see what kind of results it would give them. So I was wondering, wouldn't the three-month contract with PRx have done the job? To demonstrate to trustees that it may actually be a good idea to hire a professional to help with public relations?
There's a reason why this item is of particular interest to yours truly. A communications professional at an organization makes the job so much easier. This person (when they're truly on top of things, because they not always are) helps you find the appropriate administrator to answer your questions, helps you coordinate photo shoots (so much in demand in this day and age of digital media) and in general can serve a very good public relations purpose. They probably will not help you find the dirt in your organization (something that journalist must and love doing), but dogged journalist would have plenty of time to do that when a public relations expert is on board ;)
Now I hear the Alisal is actually looking for a full time director of communications. And in the meantime, all we keep getting from KSBW is stories about former trustee Jose Castañeda. I wonder if a director of communications will be successful in steering broadcast news in other directions.
And speaking of public relations, veteran communications pro and media darling Marci McFadden has jumped from the Monterey County Office of Education ship and landed on the MPUSD one. Finally, somebody who will help me set up drama-free photo shootings!!!!! I can hardly wait, Marci!
And who will land on the MCOE boat? That will be very interesting indeed.
Marcos, you should apply!
This is how administrators made their case: "The District badly needs professional assistance in fairly laying out the facts of the Alisal story -- both achievements and continuing challenges. Over the past five year, the District experienced an environment where facts were distorted by sensational media reporting and politicized, extremist public comment."
To put it mildly.
So this San Jose company -- with veteran journalist Marcos Cabrera on board -- would have tried in three months to convince Alisal trustees their job was needed. And given the amount of scrutiny this contract faced, you would have thought it was $18 million, not $18,000 they were considering to approve.
A couple of trustees -- including Noemi Armenta -- did not want the job to go to consultants because union members are generally opposed to consultants. But she and other board members wanted somebody to be hired part time. Or on an interim basis, to see what kind of results it would give them. So I was wondering, wouldn't the three-month contract with PRx have done the job? To demonstrate to trustees that it may actually be a good idea to hire a professional to help with public relations?
There's a reason why this item is of particular interest to yours truly. A communications professional at an organization makes the job so much easier. This person (when they're truly on top of things, because they not always are) helps you find the appropriate administrator to answer your questions, helps you coordinate photo shoots (so much in demand in this day and age of digital media) and in general can serve a very good public relations purpose. They probably will not help you find the dirt in your organization (something that journalist must and love doing), but dogged journalist would have plenty of time to do that when a public relations expert is on board ;)
Now I hear the Alisal is actually looking for a full time director of communications. And in the meantime, all we keep getting from KSBW is stories about former trustee Jose Castañeda. I wonder if a director of communications will be successful in steering broadcast news in other directions.
And speaking of public relations, veteran communications pro and media darling Marci McFadden has jumped from the Monterey County Office of Education ship and landed on the MPUSD one. Finally, somebody who will help me set up drama-free photo shootings!!!!! I can hardly wait, Marci!
And who will land on the MCOE boat? That will be very interesting indeed.
Marcos, you should apply!
Monday, October 6, 2014
Alisal administrators say no to Navigator Charter
As you probably remember, Gilroy-based charter schools operator Navigator wants to open two schools in Salinas, one in the Alisal and another in the Salinas City school districts. You can read more about it here.
As could have easily been predicted, the unions that represent school employees showed up in force to express their concern with Navigator. Here's the story I wrote about it here.
So it wasn't very surprising to see that Alisal administrators are actually going to recommend trustees deny the school. They're expected to vote on this on Wednesday at their regular school board meeting.
Navigator's scheduled to have its hearing at the Salinas City Elementary School District on Monday.
It won't surprise me if Navigator decides to appeal the decision to the Monterey County Board of Education.
What comes after that is anybody's guess, although I may want to venture an educated guess. Hit me up if you want to hear what it is.
As could have easily been predicted, the unions that represent school employees showed up in force to express their concern with Navigator. Here's the story I wrote about it here.
So it wasn't very surprising to see that Alisal administrators are actually going to recommend trustees deny the school. They're expected to vote on this on Wednesday at their regular school board meeting.
Navigator's scheduled to have its hearing at the Salinas City Elementary School District on Monday.
It won't surprise me if Navigator decides to appeal the decision to the Monterey County Board of Education.
What comes after that is anybody's guess, although I may want to venture an educated guess. Hit me up if you want to hear what it is.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Navigator Charters will have open hearings in Salinas next week
If you read the article I wrote for the paper last week, you probably already know Navigator Schools, a Gilroy-based system of charters looking to expand, has applied to open two charters in Salinas. You can find the story here.
Next week, Navigator officials will have a chance to make their case. Their first hearing will take place Tuesday at a special meeting of the Salinas City Elementary School District board of education. The meeting will start at 5 p.m. in the district's main office, 840 S. Main St., Salinas.
The second meeting will take place on Wednesday during the regular meeting of the Alisal Union School District board of trustees. Open sessions begin after closed session (which starts at 5:30 p.m.) Alisal trustees meet at Bardin Elementary, 425 Bardin Rd., Salinas.
See you there!
Next week, Navigator officials will have a chance to make their case. Their first hearing will take place Tuesday at a special meeting of the Salinas City Elementary School District board of education. The meeting will start at 5 p.m. in the district's main office, 840 S. Main St., Salinas.
The second meeting will take place on Wednesday during the regular meeting of the Alisal Union School District board of trustees. Open sessions begin after closed session (which starts at 5:30 p.m.) Alisal trustees meet at Bardin Elementary, 425 Bardin Rd., Salinas.
See you there!
Monday, August 25, 2014
Alisal recall moves forward as Castaneda reportedly loses his cool
My colleague Jeff Mitchell at The Californian wrote in July that Juan Sandoval, an Alisal Union School District employee leading a recall effort against Salinas Councilman Jose Castañeda, reached an agreement with the councilman and his supporters to suspend the recall effort. Read all about it here.
It doesn't look like the truce with the supporters lasted long. Sandoval, who's also leading the effort to recall Alisal Trustee Meredith Ibarra, is taking a hit in the form of a mini-documentary. Very nicely produced. And so much effort went into research. Fascinating.
The documentary has the fingerprints of the Ibarra family -- staunch Castañeda supporters -- all over it. You can find the video here.
I bring this up for two reasons: one, because the recall election is in full swing, and if the video is any indication, it sounds like it's getting nasty over there. Two, because part of the agreement asked of the councilmember to seek psychological counseling -- as reported by Mitchell.
And judging by yet another fine piece of journalism by Mitchell, either the counseling didn't happen or is not working. Mitchell wrote that Castañeda almost went to blows with the city attorney and the assistant city manager last week, after a meeting in which only two councilmembers and the mayor agreed to a $400,000 settlement with former librarian Elizabeth Martinez. Apparently, Castañeda wanted to know how the settlement was reached, and he was trying to use his charm to get the information out of city employees.
I doubt it worked, but you never know.
The great thing about having elected officials such as Castañeda and Ibarra is that they provide endless opportunities for writing juicy stories. The sad part is the damage inflicted on the children, starting with the example they set on so many different fronts. Behavior, to begin with.
It'll be interesting to see how the Alisal recall unfolds. Stay tuned.
It doesn't look like the truce with the supporters lasted long. Sandoval, who's also leading the effort to recall Alisal Trustee Meredith Ibarra, is taking a hit in the form of a mini-documentary. Very nicely produced. And so much effort went into research. Fascinating.
The documentary has the fingerprints of the Ibarra family -- staunch Castañeda supporters -- all over it. You can find the video here.
I bring this up for two reasons: one, because the recall election is in full swing, and if the video is any indication, it sounds like it's getting nasty over there. Two, because part of the agreement asked of the councilmember to seek psychological counseling -- as reported by Mitchell.
And judging by yet another fine piece of journalism by Mitchell, either the counseling didn't happen or is not working. Mitchell wrote that Castañeda almost went to blows with the city attorney and the assistant city manager last week, after a meeting in which only two councilmembers and the mayor agreed to a $400,000 settlement with former librarian Elizabeth Martinez. Apparently, Castañeda wanted to know how the settlement was reached, and he was trying to use his charm to get the information out of city employees.
I doubt it worked, but you never know.
The great thing about having elected officials such as Castañeda and Ibarra is that they provide endless opportunities for writing juicy stories. The sad part is the damage inflicted on the children, starting with the example they set on so many different fronts. Behavior, to begin with.
It'll be interesting to see how the Alisal recall unfolds. Stay tuned.
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