Category: Education

‘Cultivating Resilience In Loss and Grief’ Part of Hospice of Santa Barbara’s ‘Coping with COVID-19’ Information Series

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2020 • Comments Off

In response to the growing need for emotional and practical support related to COVID-19 in the Greater Santa Barbara area, HSB now offers a comprehensive resource page called “Coping With COVID-19.” It includes videos and articles by our Community Education staff of dedicated experts, therapists and clergy. Topics include relevant issues we are all facing during the global pandemic. The Coping with COVID-19 Series is comprised of fresh original content. It addresses the many emotional and practical day-to-day challenges coronavirus is having on all of us including schedules, finances, the lives of our children and family, our plans our control over situations.

SMHS Business Economics students know more than a thing or two when it comes to the Stock Market

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2020 • Comments Off

SMHS Business Economics students know more than a thing or two when it comes to the Stock Market.

Three Saint Teams placed in the top one percent out of 931 teams in the Los Angeles Region’s 10-week simulation entitled the “Stock Market Game”. The teams of two each received a “virtual” $100,000 to invest in the stock market. Teams strategized and researched companies before they selected their investments and real time trades were made.

A quest speaker from the Bill Gates Foundation Zoomed into the hearts and minds of about two-dozen Righetti High School History buffs this month

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2020 • Comments Off

A quest speaker from the Bill Gates Foundation Zoomed into the hearts and minds of about two-dozen Righetti High School History buffs this month.

Students from Mr. Curt Greeley’s Modern World History class participated in the foundation’s “Big History Project”. Afterward, the guest speaker, Bob Regan, donated a $50 gift certificate from Giovanni’s Pizza to each student.

Several members of the Pioneer Valley High School GSA Club recently shared messages about identity, family, peer pressure, healthy relationships and other issues on a weekly CAPSLO podcast called Teen Monologues

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2020 • Comments Off

Several members of the Pioneer Valley High School GSA Club recently shared messages about identity, family, peer pressure, healthy relationships and other issues on a weekly CAPSLO podcast called Teen Monologues.

Teen performers write the show. New trailers will be released each Friday. It is available at https://capslo.org/teen-monologues/

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — State Action on Salons, Religious Services, and Graduations – With Restrictions

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2020 • Comments Off

Yesterday, in response to Governor Newsom’s announcement, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department issued a revised Health Officer Order which provides updated guidance for places of worship and providers of religious services and cultural ceremonies, graduation ceremonies, hair salons, and barbershops.The Order states that:

New Car Graduation Protocol Issued by Ventura County Public Health

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) today released a revised protocol regarding vehicle celebrations for graduations and other special observances. The protocol has been modified to allow graduates to briefly exit their vehicles on a timed schedule to receive their diplomas. Diplomas may be distributed using a no-contact pick-up method, maintaining physical distancing of six feet or greater. The protocol allows school personnel to take photos of graduates outside of their vehicles. Family members will be permitted to take photos from inside their vehicles.

Military Stoles presented during SMJUHSD Drive-Thru Event on May 26

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2020 • Comments Off

Approximately 60 SMJUHSD seniors are answering the call of military service and will join the Navy, Army, Air Force and Marines after graduation.

Recruiters and staff will honor them in a special drive-thru ceremony from 6 to 7 p.m. tonight at Righetti High School’s bus loading zone. They will receive stoles from their recruiters to wear over their gowns. Social distancing will be the top mission.

CSUCI dance faculty asked to share virtual dance instruction techniques as part of prestigious UC Riverside lecture series on May 29

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2020 • Comments Off

The list of dance scholars asked to speak as part of the Christena Lindborg Schlundt Lecture Series in Dance Studies reads like a Who’s Who in American Dance Research.

Now taking the lecture stage (virtually) on May 29 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. are CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Assistant Professor of Performing Arts/Dance Heather Castillo and Dance Lecturer MiRi Park.

“We were shocked and honored,” Castillo said. “Once a year they invite a guest lecturer, and this year, MiRi and I will be discussing our virtual experiences with dance education.”

Santa Paula Art Museum — We’ve Added Lots of Dimension

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

Art to the Rescue! Art projects and resources to inspire you and your family Play with Sculpture Last week’s Art To-Go Bag giveaway from the Santa Paula Art Museum included clay for kids to create three-dimensional artworks at home. We’re…

UCSB — The Current — Fish Feed Foresight

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

May 26, 2020 Top News Fish Feed Foresight A new paper describes how fishmeal and oil alternatives can support aquaculture growth. Read More ? Wired for Marriage For the first time, researchers have explored the neural and genetic connections to…

CSUCI Nursing program’s virtual labs awarded $10,000 Minigrant

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

When CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) went virtual in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nursing program had one of the biggest challenges on campus. The faculty needed to create virtual clinical labs for its students.

“Nursing programs require a certain number of hours of clinical experience in order to meet state requirements,” said Associate Professor of Nursing Jaime Hannans, Ph.D., R.N., C.N.E. “We have clinical courses in which students engage in patient-to-student experiences at a hospital, or other healthcare facility. We had to rethink how to deliver hand-on educational experiences virtually.”

Kai Karamitsos awarded Northern Santa Barbara County Athletic Round Table Male Scholar Athlete of the Year Scholarship

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

Righetti High School’s Kai Karamitsos has been awarded the Northern Santa Barbara County Athletic Round Table Male Scholar Athlete of the Year Scholarship.

Karamitsos, who was on the swim team and played water polo, will receive the $1,000 scholarship at Supervisor Steve Lavagnino’s office on May 26. Karamitsos has a 4.71 GPA and will major in environmental science at US Santa Barbara next year. His class rank is 2/512.

Delta HS Val and Sal Visits

by Community Contributor • May 26, 2020 • Comments Off

Delta High School Principal Sal Reynoso personally honored the Valedictorian and Salutatorian on May 21.

COVID-19 Case Rate and California’s Diversity — Patterns in Coronavirus Exposure

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2020 • Comments Off

Every case of COVID-19 is the result of someone having been exposed to the coronavirus. Here in California, as elsewhere, different people experience different exposures to the virus. Some individuals and families—those with work that can be done remotely, robust health insurance, and relatively easy access to a physician—have been able to reduce their coronavirus exposure by sheltering at home for the past eight weeks.

Bilingual report — NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under Week of May 27-29

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2020 • Comments Off

NO Cost breakfast and lunch meals provided for Santa Maria Valley Children 18 & Under — MAY 27- MAY 29, 2020

Pioneer Valley High School Senior Awards Night (virtual) to be held May 26

by Community Contributor • May 22, 2020 • Comments Off

The Pioneer Valley High School Senior Awards Night will be a virtual experience on the school website at 6 p.m. May 26.

Panther staff, club advisors, counselors, and school administrators inside the Performing Arts Center recorded the event. A digital copy of the awards program is also available for downloading as a keepsake memory, according to Assistant Principal Greg Dickinson.

Guadalupe Union School District — Kermit McKenzie Intermediate School Promotion

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

About 150 Kermit McKenzie Intermediate School students will take their GUSD educational careers to the next level after they are promoted to high school on Tuesday, June 2.

There will be no physical graduation. Instead, a graduation video will include pictures of students and activities as well as encouraging words from current and former teachers. This video will be shared via email, ParentSquare, Social Media, and the school website.

Teatro de las Américas — Newsletter / Noticias

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

Pablo García and his son Javier are working on the renovation of the building at 321 W. 6thStreet and it is coming along great. It will certainly be ready for plays and workshops by the time the Corona Virus restrictions are lifted.

California State Student Association honors CSUCI faculty for helping to save $3.8 million in textbook costs for students

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

The Cal State Student Association (CSSA) has awarded CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Associate Professor of Communication Jacob Jenkins, Ph.D., the 2020 California State University Faculty Innovation & Leadership Award.

Two Santa Maria public high schools will celebrate academic excellence during separate drive-thru events

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

Two Santa Maria public high schools will celebrate academic excellence during separate drive-thru events today (Thursday, May 21).

Righetti High School’s senior awards are scheduled to be given out from 10 a.m. to noon in the bus-loading zone. About 190 students are involved, according to Daniel Solis, College and Career Specialist.

Fifteen global shipping companies slowed cargo ships for 99,000 nautical miles in 2019 program off California coast to protect blue whales and blue skies

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

The partners in an initiative to cut air pollution and protect endangered whales announced results from the 2019 program and recognized the 15 shipping companies that participated, reducing speeds to 10 knots or less in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Santa Barbara Channel region. The voluntary incentive program ran May 15, 2019 through November 15, 2019. Partners hope to further recognize the companies at a ceremony at the Port of Hueneme later this year, depending on public health guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

EDC NEWS- New Funding Opportunity for Laid Off or Furloughed Workers

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

In partnership with America’s Jobs Center, the Human Services Agency is offering supportive services funds for individuals up to $800 if your hours have been reduced or eliminated due to the economic impact of covid-19. Additional eligibility requirements apply. Priority will be given to English language learners, low income individuals and those with barriers to employment.

Please see flyer below for more detail or call 805.204.5186 for more information. Due to a high volume of calls, please allow up to 48 hours for staff to contact you.

Oxnard Performing Arts Center’s Graduation Photo Package Registration Deadline Extended!

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

The PACC has been home to graduations of all kinds – Middle and High schools, Fire and Police Departments, and more – since we opened in 1968. We understand how difficult this year is for all the hardworking graduates who are missing out on their formal ceremonies. We’re here for you!

Come capture your special moment in the spotlight at The PACC and get a chance to win the ultimate GRADUATION PARTY for you and 100 of your friends. We’re able to host this contest thanks to our new partnership with Party Starz who will provide all the decor, food, and DJ, while we provide the venue!

UCSB — The Current — (COVID-19) Sewage Surveillance

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2020 • Comments Off

May 21, 2020 Top News Sewage Surveillance Researchers are developing methods to monitor the COVID-19 virus through the community’s wastewater. Read More ? A Boon to Research Four graduate students have been awarded Fulbright Fellowships to pursue projects abroad. Read…

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 20

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2020 • Comments Off

Good Evening, Here’s your COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura.

21 new cases

858 total cases

661 recovered cases

28 hospitalized

13 in the ICU

168 under quarantine

29 deaths

17,962 people tested

EDC BUSINESS ALERT-Preparing for and Reopening Ventura County Businesses

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County has moved into Phase 2 of California’s reopening plan. Businesses that have been identified as eligible to reopen, must meet county and state health and safety compliance protocols.

At this time, we encourage all retail and restaurants that are interested in moving towards in store shopping and dine in service to read the safety protocols and compliance measures necessary to do so. Be prepared to reopen.

SBCC selected for a partnership to provide immigration legal services to students

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2020 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara City College has been selected to participate in a pilot project through a partnership with the California Department of Social Services, the Foundation for California Community Colleges and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to provide free immigration legal services. Through this partnership, The United Farm Workers (UFW) Foundation was selected to provide immigration legal services at SBCC starting May 2020. Over the course of the next year and a half the Community College Immigration Legal Services Project will provide free immigration legal services, including education and outreach services, to students, staff and faculty on California community college campuses statewide.

Somis Union School District Selects Dr. Jesus Vaca as District Superintendent/Principal

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2020 • Comments Off

After an extensive search, the Somis Union School District Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Jesus Vaca as their new district Superintendent/Principal.

Dr. Vaca has 29 years of experience in education. He has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels, and as an administrator in multicultural and bilingual programs. Most recently, Dr. Vaca served as the Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, for the Oxnard School District. As a leader, Dr. Vaca has focused on increasing academic performance, student engagement and attendance.

Pioneer Valley High School NAMI Club makes short mental health film

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2020 • Comments Off

Several Pioneer Valley High School students used to a short film to show the joy of having healthy friendships can help combat loneliness and personal isolation.

The school’s NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Club, which focuses on helping students by raising mental health awareness, spent a few days completing the project recently.

Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Biggest Educational Event of the Year Goes Virtual

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2020 • Comments Off

While Ventura County Public Works Agency’s (VCPWA) most exciting and educational event of the year, Public Works Day, is no longer able to conduct in-person tours, students and the community can look forward to an interactive virtual tour and activities right at their fingertips.

VCPWA will be providing a virtual tour of its favorite experiences, demonstrations, and materials to be utilized as an educational or social connection piece for students to learn more about the latest innovations in technology, careers, and science at VCPWA while also making it available to the whole community.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Expedited Reopening for Certain Businesses Coming Soon

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2020 • Comments Off

Yesterday, Governor Newsom announced changes to his criteria for counties to be able to move more quickly through Stage 2 of his reopening plan (although no counties can move past Stage 2 into Stage 3 until the Governor authorizes that action) and today, our Public Health Director is sending in our attestation that Santa Barbara County meets the criteria.

The new criteria is as follows:

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 19 — COVID-19 Response Information: Testing

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2020 • Comments Off

Testing: The County of Ventura has expanded testing throughout the county for residents who have the slightest suspicion of having COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with it. You will not be charged for the test, and you don’t need to have health insurance. You may be asked for insurance information if you have it. Three new drive up testing sites will be open Wednesday. 1) Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road in Ventura 2) Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd. Moorpark 3) Ford Dealership 128 S. Hallock Drive, Santa Paula. More information about the state testing sites and county clinics can be found in the attached pdf and at www.vcemergency.com.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley Announce 2020 Youth of the Year Winners

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2020 • Comments Off

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) are pleased to announce the Youth of the Year winners for 2020.

Liam Hall, a resident of Thousand Oaks won the 13 and under category and Renique (Nicki) McNeil, also of Thousand Oaks was awarded the 14 and up category. In addition, McNeil advanced and won the California Coastal Area Council Youth of the Year.

PVHS Student Athlete Monique Gomez Heading to Dakota Wesleyan University

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2020 • Comments Off

A Pioneer Valley High School softball standout will take her athletic and academic promise to Dakota Wesleyan University next year.

Four-year varsity starter Monique Gomez, who played second base and shortstop for the Panthers, also received a $21,000 Randall Scholarship, according to Athletic Director Jeff Monteiro.

UCSB — The Current — Indigenous Protection

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2020 • Comments Off

May 19, 2020 Top News Indigenous Protection Anthropologists, physicians and tribal leaders develop a strategy for managing COVID-19 among an indigenous population. Read More ? A Lasting Legacy An anonymous gift establishes the Jules Zimmer Dean’s Chair in the Gevirtz…

“Santa Paula Sojourn” Online Premiere June 3

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2020 • Comments Off

For the past two years, painter Shannon Celia has made it her mission to capture the unique “nooks and crannies” of the small, Southern California city of Santa Paula. Her journey will culminate in a solo exhibition entitled “Santa Paula Sojourn,” premiering June 3, 2020, at the Santa Paula Art Museum (in the event that the Museum remains closed to the public on June 3, the exhibit will be available to enjoy online at www.santapaulaartmuseum.org). All of the artworks in the exhibit will be for sale.

CSUCI announces first positive COVID-19 case

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2020 • Comments Off

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) announced today that an employee had tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The employee was physically on the campus within the last 14 days and has been in self-isolation at their residence.