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Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Logo Contest Winners, School Library Podcast, Equity Conference, and more

by Community Contributor • December 6, 2024 • Comments Off

Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

December 2024

Focus on Education provides news about Ventura County public schools for families and educators. It is published by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE).

A Message from Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

Giving Thanks for Educational Partnerships

The first week of November isn’t one we’ll soon forget in Ventura County. On the same morning we were digesting the results of the bitterly contested national election, we woke to howling winds and hoped there would be nothing to spark a fire while the Santa Anas blew. But our worst fears were soon realized when the Mountain Fire erupted and quickly ballooned into an inferno that destroyed some 200 homes and other buildings.

As our friends, family, and neighbors faced this emergency, Ventura County did what we do best. We came together to provide resources and support to all who needed it. From our heroic first responders to our government agencies, schools, nonprofits, and businesses, every aspect of our community joined forces. The political divisions that preoccupied us for so long faded away as we responded to the crisis with a shared commitment and a united front.

Student Logo Contest Winners

Congratulations to the winners of VCOE’s 2025 Student Competitions Logo Design Contest! The winning logo designs for the Academic Decathlon, Science Fair, Battle of the Books, and Mock Trial were selected from a pool of 180 entries. These winning logos will be displayed on event promotional materials and featured on commemorative pins for the competitions.

Volunteer for Student Competitions

Ventura County’s popular academic competitions are seeking volunteers to help make these events possible for local students. The Academic Decathlon, Science Fair, Battle of the Books, and the new Batalla de los Libros will be taking place between January and May of 2025.

Nearly 300 volunteer judges and moderators are needed to support more than 1,200 students who participate. If you’d like to volunteer, please click on the buttons below for additional information.

Academic Decathlon

Science Fair

Battle of the Books

Batalla de los Libros

New Podcast Episode: School Libraries

Today’s school libraries are more than places to check out books. Libraries and librarians are key to promoting literacy and helping kids navigate our confusing media landscape.

In the newest episode of VCOE’s Focus on Education Podcast, we sit down with VCOE’s resident librarian, Ashlee Nishiya, to learn why school libraries are more important than ever.

Listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts or watch the video version on YouTube.

Watch or Listen to the Podcast

Equity Conference Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for the 2025 VCOE Equity Conference, which will be held on Tuesday, March 11, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Camarillo.

This free event will spotlight efforts to expand educational opportunities for students from traditionally marginalized communities. It will feature a wide variety of workshops in English and Spanish geared toward educators, parents, and community members.

For more information and to register, please visit vcoe.org/equity.

Bringing Warmth for the Holidays

Students experiencing homelessness in Ventura County will be a bit warmer this winter, thanks to the generosity of our community. Four thousand coats were collected in VCOE’s annual One Warm Coat drive. We’d like to thank Cathi Nye from the VCOE Homeless Education Program for coordinating the drive and these generous donors:

Hilton Foundation
Medea Creek Middle School
Oak View Women’s Club
Sri Sathya Sai International Organization
Thatcher School
VCOE Staff & Families
Ventura County Department of Children’s Services
Ventura Marina Community Mobile Home Park
Ventura Unified School District

Youth Mental Health Conference

Last month, VCOE hosted 200 high school students at our annual Youth Mental Health Conference. The students participated in workshops on journaling, art therapy, internet safety, and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. They also enjoyed a healing sound bath. A variety of speakers shared impactful stories about their mental health, including one who told how art helped him cope with his traumatic childhood.

Addressing student mental health and well-being is a critical part of ensuring students are engaged in school and ready to learn. You can find mental health resources on the VCOE website.

VCOE Hosts Student Art Exhibition

VCOE is proud to be hosting the Youth Art Exhibition VOICES, featuring artwork by students from the Oxnard Union High School District. This spectacular exhibit features large-scale works exploring themes of identity, community voice, and healing trauma through the power of art.

Thank you to Creativity Through Music and OPAC Arts In Schools for organizing this beautiful exhibit, which runs through December at 5100 Adolfo Rd. in Camarillo.

Upcoming Events and Workshops

The Ventura County Office of Education and its partners present a wide variety of workshops and events for educators, students, and community members. Some upcoming offerings are below, and you can browse our full calendar of events at vcoe.k12oms.org.