Tag: Ventura County Office of Education

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Back to School, Mobile Library, Financial Literacy, and more

by Community Contributor • August 21, 2024 • Comments Off

A Back to School Message
From Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools
The start of the new school year is always a magical time as classrooms and schoolyards come roaring back to life after summer break. Ventura County’s public school system serves nearly 125,000 students and provides a comprehensive range of educational services. This school year will see expanded learning opportunities for students of all ages, from the continued expansion of transitional kindergarten (TK) to new career education options. Some of the most exciting new initiatives are highlighted in my annual back to school message, which I invite you to read at this link.

Ventura County Office of Education — Meet the 2024 Ventura County Teacher of the Year — Daniel Cook from Adolfo Camarillo High School

by Community Contributor • May 30, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that Daniel Cook from Adolfo Camarillo High School (ACHS) in the Oxnard Union High School District is the 2024 Ventura County Teacher of the Year. Cook found out about the honor today when a group of local education officials made a surprise visit to the campus in Camarillo.

Ventura County Teachers Honored for Innovation in the Classroom

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony last night in Camarillo, the Ventura County Office of Education presented IMPACT II grants worth $1,000 each to seven teachers.

The winning entries cover a variety of subject matters, including history and science. Detailed lesson plans prepared by each of the grant winners are available here for use by other teachers in Ventura County and beyond.

Teacher of the Year for VCOE-Operated Schools is Announced

by Community Contributor • April 25, 2024 • Comments Off

Chris Geist, who has dedicated her career to teaching students incarcerated at the Ventura County Juvenile Facility, has been named the 2024 Teacher of the Year for schools operated by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). Ms. Geist will now have the opportunity to compete for the Ventura County Teacher of the Year award, which is open to all teachers countywide.

Ventura County Team Wins State Mock Trial Competition

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Office of Education is pleased to announce that a Ventura County team won first place in the 2024 California Mock Trial Finals that were held over the weekend in Los Angeles. Trinity Pacific Christian School in Thousand Oaks was named the 2024 California Mock Trial Finals Champions after the competition that included schools from throughout the state.

This is the second time in three years that Trinity Pacific has come in first at the state level. They last won the state competition in 2021 when it was held virtually due to the pandemic. The Trinity Pacific team (pictured) will now advance to the National Mock Trial competition to be held from May 2 – 5 in Wilmington, Delaware.

Ventura County Office of Education — Affordable housing for teachers; graduation rate improves; Hackathon winners; and more

by Community Contributor • January 23, 2024 • Comments Off

The high cost of housing in Ventura County is a serious roadblock for schools trying to recruit and retain teachers and support staff. One potential solution that’s getting increased attention is to use school-owned property to build affordable housing developments for education employees.

That idea will be the focus of a first-of-its-kind conference next month in Camarillo. A Home for Education will bring together decision-makers in education, government, and housing development to discuss the opportunities and challenges of this type of project.

Ventura County Office of Education announces Hackathon by the Sea winners

by Community Contributor • January 22, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — More than 100 students from high schools throughout Ventura County stayed up all night as they competed in the annual Hackathon by the Sea last weekend in Camarillo. Participants spent an entire night creating apps and websites with the assistance of volunteer mentors.

Presented by the Ventura County Office of Education, the Hackathon encourages students to use technology in creative ways to solve problems and engage users. At the end of the event, student teams presented their creations to judges, who awarded prizes.

Feb. 12 — Ventura County Office of Education to present Community Event to Fight Addiction

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2024 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Preventing substance use in kids is the focus of a community event being held on Monday, February 12, 2024, in Camarillo. The Addiction Inoculation, featuring bestselling author Jessica Lahey, will highlight risk factors and offer concrete takeaways for parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors to kids from pre-K through college.

Ventura County Office of Education — Logo contest winners; overnight Hackathon; Equity Conference; and more

by Community Contributor • November 28, 2023 • Comments Off

We’re excited to announce the winners of the annual logo design contest for the Ventura County Office of Education’s academic competitions. The logos for the Academic Decathlon, Battle of the Books, and Science Fair were chosen from among 166 entries submitted by students throughout the county.

Ventura County Office of Education — Mock Trial Moving to Weekends in Support of Student Wellbeing

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — For the first time in its over 40-year history, the annual Ventura County Mock Trial competition is moving to weekends. Mock Trial has previously been held over four weeknights at the Ventura County courthouse and the competition often lasts late into the night. Moving the competition to weekends means students will no longer have to stay up late on school nights. It will also make transportation easier for students and their families. Parents will be less likely to need time off from work to drive their children to the courthouse. And students with provisional driver’s licenses that prohibit driving after 11:00 pm will be able to drive themselves.

Ventura County Office of Education — Logo contest; wellness centers; fentanyl awareness; and more

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2023 • Comments Off

I recently had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., just as lawmakers were scrambling to prevent a government shutdown. I was there with several of my counterparts from throughout California to advocate for federal support of educational programs.

In the midst of the chaos, about twenty members of Congress made time to meet with us. We urged them to increase federal funding for special education and economically disadvantaged students, to support expansion of internet access for students and to address cybersecurity threats that are increasingly impacting schools.

While a government shutdown has been averted for the moment, the budget process is far from over and it’s not yet known how public schools will be affected. Whatever happens in Washington, we will never stop working to maximize educational opportunities for the students we are so proud to serve.

Ventura County Back-to-School 2023-24

by Community Contributor • August 28, 2023 • Comments Off

Welcome Back to School!
Supporting Students is a Communitywide Priority
As we begin the 2023-24 school year, there’s a lot to be excited about in Ventura County. The worst of the pandemic is behind us and students are receiving all of the academic, social and developmental benefits of an in-person education. The new Transitional Kindergarten grade level for four-year-olds is available to more students than ever. Many of our high schools and middle schools now have Wellness Centers to help students deal with emotional stress, so they can better focus on learning. And we’re celebrating the opening of the beautiful new Del Sol High School in Oxnard, the first new high school to be built in Ventura County since 2015.

But the new year is not without its challenges. More students are missing school than before the pandemic and our high cost of living continues to make teacher recruitment difficult. The good news is that our entire community is engaged in finding solutions to these problems for the benefit of our kids. I invite you to read more about this in my back-to-school message for the 2023-24 school year.
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Ventura County Office of Education — Binational Summer Program Serves Children of Migrant Farm Workers

by Community Contributor • July 19, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Educational agencies on both sides of the US/Mexico border are teaming up to provide summer learning opportunities for children of migrant farm workers in Ventura County. Students in grades two through six are taking classes in math, English and computer coding at the Bilingual Summer Institute, being held this July at Somis Elementary School. A unique aspect of the program is that two visiting teachers from Mexico are incorporating cultural enrichment into the lessons to help students learn about their heritage and better connect to the material that’s being taught.

Norma Vianey Tizapan Mendoza is a teacher visiting from the Mexican state of Tlaxcala. She uses art, music and stories to help get students engaged. “Most of their parents are from Mexico and they are here because they want better opportunities for their families,” she says. “I’m so proud to be a teacher and to be here. Being a teacher is about touching your students’ heart.”

Ventura County Office of Education — Class of 2023 Finds Success Despite Pandemic Challenges

by Community Contributor • June 9, 2023 • Comments Off

The students graduating from Ventura County high schools in 2023 had anything but a typical experience. They were in the second half of their freshman year when the pandemic forced classrooms to close. They had to adapt to distance learning and all of the challenges that went along with it. Many faced the ordeal of seeing loved ones pass away or fall ill from COVID-19. And when in-person instruction resumed, social distancing and masking became a part of their daily routines.

Despite it all, there is no shortage of students in the class of 2023 who have achieved incredible things during their high school years. Several have overcome obstacles that go well beyond the pandemic to reach this important milestone. In our annual graduation edition of Focus on Education, we are proud to share some of their inspiring stories with you.

Dr. César Morales

Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

Ventura County Teachers Honored for Innovation in the Classroom

by Community Contributor • May 24, 2023 • Comments Off

Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony tonight in Camarillo, the Ventura County Office of Education will present 9 IMPACT II grants to 15 teachers. Individual winners will receive $500 each and teams will receive $1,000.

Meet the 2023 Ventura County Teacher of the Year — Debbie Dogancay from Newbury Park High School

by Amigos805.com • May 22, 2023 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to announce that Debbie Dogancay from Newbury Park High School (NPHS) in the Conejo Valley Unified School District is the 2023 Ventura County Teacher of the Year.…

Ventura County Office of Education’s April Focus on Education — Fighting Fentanyl Use Among Students and more news

by Community Contributor • March 30, 2023 • Comments Off

While the opioid crisis is nothing new, the sudden arrival of fentanyl on the scene has dramatically increased the risks and dangers to our community and our students. I want you to know about two important events that are being held this May to help address this crisis.

On May 2, the Ventura County Office of Education will host a workshop for school administrators and nurses about the current fentanyl and opioid crisis. And on May 9, Ventura County Behavioral Health will launch a powerful fentanyl and opioid awareness campaign geared specifically toward students. Called “Real Talk: Fake pills, 100% danger,” it’s a 45-minute video that schools are encouraged to show students. It includes heartbreaking stories from parents who lost children to fentanyl.

Learn more about local efforts to protect students from the dangers of opioids in this column I recently wrote for the Ventura County Star.

Ventura County Academic Competitions Seek Volunteers

by Community Contributor • January 18, 2023 • Comments Off

Ventura County’s popular academic competitions are returning in person this year, but we need the support of community volunteers to present these events for local students. The Ventura County Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, and Science Fairwill be taking place over the next several weeks. On average, more than 400 volunteer judges and scorers are needed to support the 2,500 students who participate. Please see below for additional information and links to our online volunteer registration forms.

Students Create the Future at Hackathon by the Sea

by Community Contributor • January 10, 2023 • Comments Off

More than 100 students from 40 different high schools throughout Ventura County stayed up all night as they competed in the annual Hackathon by the Sea last weekend in Camarillo. Participants spent an entire night creating apps and websites with the assistance of volunteer mentors.

Presented by the Ventura County Office of Education and the Hacker Fund, the Hackathon encourages students to use technology in creative ways to solve problems and engage users. At the end of the event, student teams presented their creations to judges, who awarded prizes.

Ventura County Office of Education releases Education Report

by Community Contributor • December 5, 2022 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education is pleased to present the 2022-2023 Ventura County Education Report to the Community. This 20-page magazine highlights the many opportunities and services schools are providing to students as we emerge from the pandemic.

It’s full of personal stories from students and staff who are part of impactful programs like career education, dual language immersion, special education, and more.

Ventura County Office of Education announces winners of VEX Robotics Competition

by Community Contributor • November 10, 2022 • Comments Off

One hundred and thirty students from throughout Southern California participated in a regional VEX Robotic Competition last Saturday at the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo. Student-built robots faced off in a game called Spin Up where they shot discs into baskets to score points. At the end of the competition, the following prizes were awarded:

Tournament Champions: Knight Time Bots 6627A and 6627D from Foothill High School, Santa Ana, CA
Excellence Award: Lancers 986A from Grace Brethren Jr Sr High School, Simi Valley, CA
Design Award: Peninsula High School 3050W from Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, Rolling Hills, CA
Judges Award: Lancers 6986E from Grace Brethren Jr Sr High School, Simi Valley, CA

Ventura County Office of Education — State Student Test Scores Released

by Community Contributor • October 24, 2022 • Comments Off

New student test score data released today by the California Department of Education will help Ventura County educators provide support and interventions where they are needed the most. The test results show student performance in math and English Language Arts on the 2021-22 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). The 2021-22 school year was the first that CAASPP was fully administered since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020-21, only about half of Ventura County students took the test, and the year before that it was not administered at all. As a result, these new results can’t be meaningfully compared to prior years and are being used as a new baseline.

Ventura County Office of Education — Fentanyl use by students is a growing concern

by Community Contributor • September 26, 2022 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education is joining state health officials in warning schools and families about a new and concerning version of the synthetic opioid known as fentanyl. In a letter to superintendents and charter school administrators, California Department…

Ventura County Office of Education — What to Expect in the New School Year

by Community Contributor • August 23, 2022 • Comments Off

By the end of this month, nearly 130,000 students from all corners of Ventura County will have returned to class for the 2022-2023 school year. It’s hard to believe, but this is the fourth school year in a row to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is that we’ve come a long way from the days of remote learning and mandatory masking. This year, students will again be learning in person, masks will be optional, and most school activities will take place without restrictions.

Inspiring Stories of Ventura County’s 2022 High School Graduates

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2022 • Comments Off

Students graduating this year have had more than half of their high school experience impacted by the pandemic. In addition to the regular pressures of adolescence, they’ve experienced the stresses associated with school closures and quarantines and the debates over masking and vaccinations. They’ve also missed out on all types of activities, from dances to sporting events to school plays.

I want to acknowledge the amazing work of our teachers, administrators and school staff, who have helped guide students through these turbulent times. I also want to express my gratitude to the parents, relatives and community members who have so admirably supported our students and schools these past few years.

The pandemic has taken a toll on mental health that schools are working hard to address. But it has also shown us how incredibly strong and resilient students can be. Many have not only survived the pandemic and their own personal challenges but are thriving as they journey into life after high school. In our annual year-end edition of Focus on Education, I am honored to share of few of the inspiring stories from members of the Ventura County Class of 2022.

Dr. César Morales

Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

Statement about Texas School Shooting from Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

by Community Contributor • May 25, 2022 • Comments Off

Our hearts are broken by the tragic news of today’s mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. We send our sincerest sympathies to the families whose lives have been forever shattered. School shootings are a plague on our society that have been happening for far too long. I call on decision-makers at every level of government to take all necessary measures to put an end to these senseless acts of violence in our schools.

— Dr. César Morales

Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

Ventura County Office of Education — Math Week, Environmental Education, Dual Language Immersion and More

by Community Contributor • April 25, 2022 • Comments Off

Making math less scary and more fun may sound like a big challenge, but that’s precisely the idea behind Ventura County Math Week, which is taking place April 25-29. The Ventura County Office of Education is partnering with MIND Research Institute and SoCalGas to present this learning opportunity for students.

Math Week uses stories, puzzles and games to teach math concepts in an engaging and entertaining way. Everything is available in English and Spanish on a wonderful new Ventura County Math Week website.

We’re encouraging teachers to use these resources in class and families to use them at home to help students build a love and appreciation of math. To access all of the Math Week activities and information, visit www.mindresearch.org/ventura-math-week.

Ventura County Office of Education — School News for Ventura County Families and Educators

by Community Contributor • March 29, 2022 • Comments Off

Do tortoises have a favorite color? Is car exhaust damaging to plants? Do insects get lonely? These are some of the intriguing questions explored by students who entered the 2022 Ventura County Science Fair.

The Science Fair was held virtually on March 18, with 230 students presenting their projects to volunteer judges via online video.

The 35 projects that received the highest scores will go on to represent Ventura County in the California Science & Engineering Fair on April 12. See the local winners and view their projects at this link.

Ventura County Science Fair Winners Announced

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2022 • Comments Off

Do tortoises have a favorite color? Is car exhaust damaging to plants? Do insects get lonely? These are some of the intriguing questions explored by students who entered the 67thannual Ventura County Science Fair.

The Science Fair was held virtually last Friday, with 230 students from 17 local middle and high schools presenting their projects to volunteer judges via online video. The 35 projects that received the highest scores will go on to represent Ventura County in the California Science & Engineering Fair on April 12. A list of the winners with links to their display boards and written reports is provided below.

Masks Mandate for Ventura County Students Ends after March 11

by Community Contributor • February 28, 2022 • Comments Off

Students at public and private K-12 schools in Ventura County and throughout California will no longer be required to wear masks after March 11, regardless of their vaccination status. Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration made the announcement today, saying COVID-19 conditions have sufficiently improved to warrant the change.

The state’s decision to lift the mask mandate for students is in line with guidelines issued Friday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC says schools should only mandate masks when COVID cases and hospitalizations are high in the counties where they are located. Ventura County’s rates are in the medium category according to the CDC’s website.

Oak Park High School Wins 2022 Ventura County Mock Trial

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2022 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education is pleased to announce that Oak Park High School’s Team A is the winner of the 2022 Ventura County Mock Trial competition. Westlake High School’s Team A came in second, and Newbury Park High School’s Team A took third place. The winning teams were announced during a live virtual awards ceremony this evening following the final rounds of competition. For the second consecutive year, Mock Trial was held virtually due to the pandemic. Tonight’s final rounds were streamed live so friends, family and the public could watch the participants argue their cases.

A total of 30 teams from 22 high schools throughout Ventura County participated in this year’s competition, which began on February 8. Here is how the top eight teams placed:

State to Consider Lifting School Mask Mandate in Two Weeks

by Community Contributor • February 15, 2022 • Comments Off

Starting this Wednesday, vaccinated Californians will no longer be required to wear masks in public places, but the mask mandate will remain in effect for K-12 schools for at least two more weeks. Today, the state set February 28 as the date to consider lifting the mask requirement at schools. Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of the California Health & Human Services Agency, made the announcement today, saying that additional time is needed to evaluate the latest data about the spread of COVID-19.

Ventura County Office of Education — Say Thanks to Teachers and School Employees

by Community Contributor • January 28, 2022 • Comments Off

Ventura County education employees are going above and beyond to keep schools operating during the pandemic. And “thank you” is something they don’t hear often enough.

That’s why Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. César Morales, is encouraging everyone in the community to send a message of thanks to a school employee and email it to news@vcoe.org. We’ll highlight some of the messages on our website and social media. So please take a minute to write a note to that special someone who’s making a difference for kids.

You can also read Dr. Morales’s own message of gratitude to school employees at this link.

Half a Million N95 Masks to be Provided to Ventura County Schools

by Community Contributor • January 12, 2022 • Comments Off

The State of California completed delivery of 514,562 N95 masks to the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo today. The masks will be distributed to Ventura County public and private K-12 schools for voluntary use by students and staff. Each school and district will develop its own procedure for making the masks available.

N95 masks fit snugly to the face and provide a higher level of protection from the coronavirus than the more common surgical masks. The CDC says N95 masks filter out at least 95% of airborne particles.

Ventura County Schools to Prioritize Safety Upon Return from Winter Break

by Community Contributor • January 3, 2022 • Comments Off

As Ventura County students prepare to return from winter break amid increasing COVID-19 cases in the community, local school leaders are taking all possible steps to ensure the safety of students and employees

While some colleges and universities have announced plans to revert to distance learning temporarily, this is not an option for Pre-K-12 schools. The State of California does not currently permit Pre-K-12 schools to offer distance learning and expects all schools to keep their doors open for in-person instruction. Schools do provide an independent study option that allows students to learn from home. But unlike distance learning, it must be requested individually by families and is not intended to serve large numbers of students.

“The Ventura County Office of Education is continuing to work closely with Ventura County Public Health and our local school districts to ensure the safety of students and staff,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “A major effort is underway to expand optional COVID-19 testing for students so we can reduce the chances of the virus spreading at school. Many school districts have been working diligently during the winter break to distribute home test kits to families, and we expect a greater supply of kits to be available soon.” Free testing is also available at locations throughout Ventura County.

Ventura County Office of Education — Responding to Social Media Threats and Bullying

by Community Contributor • December 13, 2021 • Comments Off

Across the country and here in Ventura County, schools are seeing a concerning increase in students making inappropriate and potentially dangerous posts to social media, particularly on Instagram. These posts have included threats of violence and embarrassing pictures of students and staff members who didn’t know they were being photographed. In some cases, students create accounts that fraudulently appear to represent their school.

Ventura County Office of Education — School News for Families and Educators in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • December 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Focus on Education provides news and updates about K-12 public schools for families and educators in Ventura County. It is published by the Ventura County Office of Education.

Ventura County Office of Education presenting ‘Emotional Wellbeing Conferences for Parents and Educators’ on Sept. 20-24

by Community Contributor • September 13, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education is presenting two free, virtual conferences to help address the emotional toll the COVID-19 pandemic is taking on parents, caregivers and school employees. Entitled “Living Well: Healthy Children Need Healthy Adults,” the conferences will give attendees strategies and tools to use every day to increase resiliency, manage stress and improve overall wellness.

“Over the past year and a half, there’s been much well-deserved attention to the emotional impact the pandemic is having on children,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “It’s also vital that we recognize the ways it’s affecting us as adults. When we take the time to improve our own wellbeing, we’re better able to meet the needs of our kids as educators and parents.”

School News for Families and Educators in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Reflections on the New School Year from the Superintendent

The first day of school is always special, but this year it held even deeper meaning for obvious reasons. It was a real pleasure for me to visit some of our local schools as students arrived for the start of the new school year. You could feel the joy and excitement as students were welcomed back by their teachers from Ojai to Oxnard to Westlake and everywhere in between.

Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. The rise of the Delta variant and a slew of new pandemic-related state laws and regulations that came at the end of the summer left school leaders scrambling.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — Live Back to School Q&A on Monday, August 16 at 6:00 PM

by Community Contributor • August 16, 2021 • Comments Off

From COVID-19 safety to student mental health, there are many questions about the new school year that is now getting underway in Ventura County. Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, will address some of these pressing questions in a live virtual Q&A on Monday, August 16 at 6:00 PM.

Ventura County Office of Education — State to Require Vaccination or Testing for School Employees

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2021 • Comments Off

Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, (on Aug. 11) applauded a new move by the State of California to require all school employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing. “With the continuing spread of the highly contagious Delta variant, this is a commonsense step that will help ensure the safety of students and employees as schools reopen for the new year,” said Dr. Morales. “Most school employees are already vaccinated, and I’m confident others will now follow suit.”

Combatting Teen Vaping is Focus of New Website

by Community Contributor • June 8, 2021 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education has launched a new website called The Triple Threat to Teen Health that’s aimed at combatting the serious problem of teen vaping. The website is available in English and Spanish at vaping.vcoe.org. “While many may think vaping is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, the most popular vaping products all contain nicotine and have a high potential for addiction,” said Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “This new website gives parents, guardians, students and educators an important tool to learn about the real risks that vaping poses to our students,” he said.

The Ventura County Class of 2021 Impresses and Inspires Amid Pandemic Challenges

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2021 • Comments Off

After an entire school year in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Last year’s drive-through graduation events are being replaced with in-person ceremonies – some of them even held indoors.

Like the class of 2020 before them, high school students in the graduating class of 2021 have shown incredible resilience and perseverance throughout the pandemic. They’ve adapted to distance learning and social distancing and the strange realities of returning to school during a global health emergency.

Relaxed School Distancing Rules are Another Sign of Progress

by Community Contributor • March 23, 2021 • Comments Off

In a new sign of progress in the battle against the coronavirus, health officials have reduced the minimum required distance between students in a classroom from six feet to three feet. The change came quickly after the CDC announced the new three foot guidelines last Friday. The California Department of Public Health, which sets the baseline rules that Ventura County schools must follow, soon followed suit. Ventura County Public Health, which has the authority to impose stricter rules than the state, also adopted the three foot distancing guideline. Studies show the reduced distancing between students in class does not significantly increase the risk of virus spread as long as students and staff are all correctly wearing masks on a consistent basis. The rules still require six foot distancing between students and staff members.

More Schools to Reopen as Ventura County Moves to Red Tier

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2021 • Comments Off

More public schools will be reopening to in-person instruction now that Ventura County is moving to the less restrictive red tier in the State’s coronavirus monitoring system. The move from the purple to the red tier will take effect this Wednesday as COVID-19 rates decline in Ventura County and after the State eased the threshold to switch tiers because of increasing vaccination levels.

The change opens the door for schools that had not reopened the last time the County was in the red tier to do so at all grade levels, including middle and high school. Most schools that open to in-person instruction use hybrid schedules that include some time on distance learning. This is necessary because social distancing requirements prevent many schools from bringing all students back to class in-person full time.

More Elementary Schools Permitted to Reopen as Educator Vaccinations are Set to Begin

by Community Contributor • February 22, 2021 • Comments Off

Ventura County has reached a COVID-19 case rate that allows all elementary schools to resume in-person instruction as early as today if they choose to do so and have taken required safety measures. At the same time, the County of Ventura will begin vaccinating teachers starting next Monday. “These two developments are encouraging steps in the effort to safely bring more students and teachers back to the classroom,” said Dr. Cesar Morales, Deputy Superintendent for the Ventura County Office of Education.

Magana Education and the Ventura County Office of Education Announce New CyberLeader Lab

by Community Contributor • February 22, 2021 • Comments Off

Breakthrough, peer-reviewed research from Dr. Sonny Magana was shown to double student learning productivity regardless of grade band or content area. The Ventura County Office of Education has partnered with Magana Education to expand their highly successful CyberTeacher training system with the new CyberLeader Lab.

What the State’s New Stay Home Order Means for Ventura County Schools

by Community Contributor • December 5, 2020 • Comments Off

The State of California’s new regional Stay Home Order takes effect on Sunday, December 6 at 11:59 PM in Ventura County and in all counties in Southern California. Here’s what that means for Ventura County schools: Schools at all grade…

Ventura County School Reopening Plans Impacted as COVID-19 Cases Rise Statewide

by Community Contributor • November 17, 2020 • Comments Off

In response to a statewide spike in new coronavirus infections, Ventura County and 28 other counties were suddenly moved back to the most restrictive purple tier of California’s color-coded tracking system on Monday, November 16. Facing an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases, Governor Gavin Newsom said he was “pulling an emergency brake.”

Now that Ventura County is back in the purple tier, schools and districts that had already reopened are permitted to continue with in-person instruction according to state and local regulations. However, individual schools that have not yet reopened will need to wait until the County moves back to the less restrictive red tier and stays there for 14 days.

School Reopening Plans May Change as Ventura County COVID-19 Cases Rise

by Community Contributor • November 10, 2020 • Comments Off

Some Ventura County schools could have to delay their plans to resume in-person instruction if the County falls back to the most restrictive level – the purple tier – on the state’s coronavirus watch list, which is looking increasingly likely. Due to a growing number of COVID-19 cases, County health officials anticipate the move back to the purple tier could happen as early as next Tuesday, November 17, but is most likely to occur a week after that on Tuesday, November 24.

AmeriCorps Volunteer Helping Promote Environmental Education in Ventura County

by Amigos805.com • October 7, 2020 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The effort to expand environmental education for Ventura County students is getting a boost from the national AmeriCorps volunteer program. Kate Bilse has joined the Ventura County Office of Education as an AmeriCorps volunteer for the 2020-21…

Ventura County Schools Will Consider Reopening Dates as Ventura County Coronavirus Status Improves

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2020 • Comments Off

Ventura County (on Oct. 6) moved off the most restrictive tier of the state’s COVID-19 watch list, which means schools could soon have the option of reopening for in-person instruction at all grade levels. If Ventura County maintains its status for two additional weeks, schools may choose to reopen as early as Wednesday, October 21. However, it will be up to each individual school district to determine exactly when they can safely begin welcoming students back to class. Some schools may choose to reopen their campuses later than October 21 for a variety of reasons.

The Road to Reopening Ventura County Schools

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2020 • Comments Off

The prospect of students returning to their classrooms is getting closer to reality as the coronavirus situation in Ventura County starts to improve. Before schools are allowed to reopen to all students, Ventura County must move off the most restrictive level – the purple tier – on the state’s coronavirus watch list and stay off of it for two weeks.

Two Ventura County Schools Win National Blue Ribbon Honors

by Community Contributor • September 25, 2020 • Comments Off

Two Ventura County Schools have been named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2020 by the U.S. Department of Education. The schools were selected based on or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The Ventura County winners are among 367 public and private schools to be selected nationwide. The local honorees are:

Meadows Arts and Technology Elementary School in Thousand Oaks
Charter school authorized by the Ventura County Office of Education

Weathersfield Elementary School in Thousand Oaks
Conejo Valley Unified School District

All Ventura County Schools to Begin New Year with Only Distance Learning

by Community Contributor • July 20, 2020 • Comments Off

Following the release of new state guidelines announced (on July 17) by Governor Gavin Newsom, all Ventura County school districts and charter schools will begin the new school year using distance learning without bringing students back to their campuses. The new guidance comes a day after most Ventura County schools had already committed to beginning the year with distance learning in support of the effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Most Ventura County Schools to Begin New Year Entirely with Distance Learning

by Community Contributor • July 16, 2020 • Comments Off

With cases of COVID-19 surging in Ventura County and throughout California, most local school districts and charter schools have decided to begin the 2020-2021 school year entirely using distance learning without bringing students back to campuses.

Framework for Reopening Ventura County Schools is Released

by Community Contributor • July 13, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education on July 10 released a document intended to help local public schools prepare for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. The Framework for Reopening Ventura County Schools was prepared by the Ventura County Office of Education in consultation with Ventura County Public Health and the county’s school districts and charter schools.

In an Unsettled World, the Ventura County Class of 2020 is Ready to Lead

by Community Contributor • June 2, 2020 • Comments Off

It’s safe to say there has never been a senior year quite like this one. In March, the coronavirus crisis abruptly forced students from their schools and into a strange new world of distance learning. Then at the end of May, the death of George Floyd and resulting protests threw important and difficult issues of racism and equity into the spotlight in a way most students have never experienced.

This is the time of year when graduating seniors are usually celebrating with friends, attending proms and receiving their hard-earned diplomas in front of crowds of beaming family and friends. Instead, they are participating in car caravans, watching virtual graduations and contemplating an unsettled world where our economy, our social fabric, even our basic health and safety seem far from secure.

Against this backdrop, I am proud to introduce you to some remarkable Ventura County graduates who aren’t letting the difficulties of our current moment extinguish their spirit or stop them from pursuing their dreams. Among them are students who have personally felt the sting of social inequity and found the inner strength to rise above.

VCOE Statement on Potential Early Reopening of School Campuses

by Community Contributor • April 29, 2020 • Comments Off

The California Department of Education on April 29 announced it is studying options for reopening school campuses after Governor Newsom suggested they could open as early as July or August. Many questions remain about the safety, fiscal and labor implications of reopening campuses before the traditional start of the next school year. For now, there has been no alteration to existing school calendars.

All Ventura County School Districts to Close Campuses Through Remainder of School Year

by Community Contributor • April 1, 2020 • Comments Off

Distance Learning and School Meals Will Continue VENTURA COUNTY — All Ventura County School Districts today agreed to keep their campuses closed through the end of the school year in support of the coronavirus mitigation effort. The decision was made…

School Closures Extended Through May 1 for All Ventura County Districts

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2020 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Because of the continued risk to public health posed by the coronavirus, all school districts in Ventura County have extended their closures at least through Friday, May 1, 2020. The new target date to reopen is Monday, May…

$10,500 in Grants Available to Ventura County Teachers

by Community Contributor • March 9, 2020 • Comments Off

IMPACT II Grant Applications Due April 2, 2020 Teachers in Ventura County are invited to apply for a share of $10,500 in grants that reward innovative teaching methods. The IMPACT II grant program is accepting applications through April 2, 2020.…

2020 Ventura County Mock Trial Begins Feb 24

by Community Contributor • February 20, 2020 • Comments Off

Semi-Finals and Finals Open to Public VENTURA COUNTY — More than two dozen local high schools will participate in the 2020 Ventura County Mock Trial competition, which begins Monday in Ventura. Courtroom drama comes to life as students take on…

2020 Ventura County Academic Decathlon Winners

by Community Contributor • February 5, 2020 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Office of Education is pleased to announce the winners of the 2020 Ventura County Academic Decathlon, which was held in Oxnard over the past two Saturdays. Calabasas High School won both first and second place…

California Distinguished Schools Include Nine in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • December 19, 2019 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Nine Ventura County elementary schools are being honored as 2020 California Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education. Schools are awarded for their work toward closing the achievement gap and for achieving exceptional student performance. Schools that…

Navy Engineers Modify Toys for Kids with Special Needs

by Community Contributor • December 13, 2019 • Comments Off

Santa Presents the Toys in Surprise Visit SANTA PAULA — Watching a toy come to life when it’s turned on is a delight for any child. But for kids with developmental disabilities, something as simple as pressing a button to activate…

Ventura County School Data Available in 2019 Dashboard

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2019 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — A wealth of data about the performance of Ventura County schools and districts is now available in the 2019 California School Dashboard, which was released today by the California Department of Education (CDE). In addition to reporting on…

Get to Know Ventura County’s School Districts

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2019 • Comments Off

Fall 2019 Stanley C. Mantooth, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools 20 School Districts – Each as Unique as Ventura County Ventura County is home to twenty different school districts, each one as diverse as the students they serve. The…

Dr. Cesar Morales Honored with National Educational Award

by Community Contributor • September 27, 2019 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Dr. Cesar Morales, Associate Superintendent of Student Services at the Ventura County Office of Education, is one of just 17 educators nationwide to receive the 2019 Excellence in Educational Leadership Award from the University Council for Educational Administration…

Oct. 25 — Ventura County Aviation Career Day

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2019 • Comments Off

Students to Learn about Local Careers in Aviation at Camarillo Event CAMARILLO — Ventura County middle and high school students can explore exciting career opportunities in the aviation industry on October 25 at the Camarillo Airport. Students will have a chance…

Meet the 2019 Ventura County Teacher of the Year: Jan-Erik Sand from Isbell Middle School in Santa Paula

by Community Contributor • May 10, 2019 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY —The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce that Jan-Erik Sand of Isbell Middle School in the Santa Paula Unified School District (SPUSD) is the 2019 Ventura County Teacher of the Year. Sand and his…

Ventura County Teachers Honored for Innovation in the Classroom

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2019 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with $10,000 in grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony May 8 in Oxnard, the Ventura County Office of Education presented 14 IMPACT II grants to 23…

Bilingual report: Ventura County Office of Education to present inaugural ‘Hello Spring’ Student Art Exhibit, Open House’ on March 28

by Community Contributor • March 28, 2019 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Office of Education will present its inaugural “Hello Spring’ Student Art Exhibit, Open House’ from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 28 at the VCOE Conference and Educational Services Center – 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo. Beautiful…

Ventura County Office of Education remembers Dr. James Cowan

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2019 • Comments Off

Former County Superintendent Served for 24 Years VENTURA COUNTY — Dr. James Cowan, who served as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools for 24 years and left an indelible mark on Ventura County education, has passed away at the age of 87.…

April 13 — Conference to Aid Families of Children with Special Needs

by Community Contributor • March 1, 2019 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Families of young children with special needs will learn about resources and strategies to help their kids at a conference on April 13 in Camarillo. Walking the Path Together: Tools for Building the Path is for families of children…

Ventura County Mock Trial Semifinalists Announced

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2019 • Comments Off

Public Invited as Competition Continues Tonight and Tomorrow The eight high school teams that will advance to the semifinals of the 2019 Ventura County Mock Trial were announced Feb. 27 by the Ventura County Office of Education. The semifinalists received…

Ventura County Office of Education update for Feb. 26 — Media Literacy: Teaching a Critical Survival Skill for the Information Age

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2019 • Comments Off

Winter/Spring 2019 Stanley C. Mantooth, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Media Literacy Teaching a Critical Survival Skill for the Information Age An informed population is one of the keys to a healthy democracy, but these days it’s harder than ever…

March 9 — Bilingual report: Resources Available for High School Students in Special Education at the 2018-19 ‘Transition Fair’ in Camarillo

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2019 • Comments Off

Click on flyer for information in English y español CAMARILLO — It’s never too early to learn about resources for students with disabilities after high school. Help your high school student prepare for a quality adult life they envision by…

Updated Dashboard Provides Clearer Picture of School Performance in Ventura County, throughout the state

by Community Contributor • December 7, 2018 • Comments Off

A redesigned and expanded California School Dashboard is now available to the public at www.caschooldashboard.org. The Dashboard, which debuted in 2017, has a new look that makes it easier to see how individual schools and districts are performing in six…

Ventura County CAASPP Test Scores Released

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2018 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County students maintained their scores on the statewide California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) test, according to new data released by the California Department of Education. The percentage of Ventura County students who met…

Ventura County Outperforms State in High School Graduation Rate

by Community Contributor • July 27, 2018 • Comments Off

County’s Dropout Rate also Better than State VENTURA COUNTY — Nearly 86 percent of Ventura County high school students graduated in the 2016-17 school year, which is better than the statewide graduation rate of 82.7 percent for the same period.…

Students with Autism Begin Summer School at New Camarillo Campus

by Community Contributor • July 17, 2018 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — About 60 students with autism began summer school July 16 at the brand new campus of Triton Academy, located at 550 Airport Way near the Camarillo Airport. The campus was built from the ground up in just seven…

Ventura County Office of Education update for June 6

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2018 • Comments Off

Summer 2018 Stanley C. Mantooth, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Graduating seniors inspire hope in uncertain times As thousands of Ventura County high school students don their caps and gowns and receive their diplomas this year, they’re graduating into a…

Winners of the VC Innovates 2018 Pathfinder Awards Announced

by Community Contributor • May 10, 2018 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — VC Innovates 2018 Pathfinder Awards on May 10 were presented to this year’s most innovative educators, business and community partners for their support of Career and Technical Education. Twenty-five award recipients selected by each of the education partner school…

Ventura County Teachers Honored for Innovation in the Classroom

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2018 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Teachers from throughout Ventura County are being honored with $13,000 in grants for developing innovative lessons for their students. At a ceremony tonight in Oxnard, the Ventura County Office of Education presented 22 IMPACT II grants to 30 teachers from 12…

Two VCOE Educators Honored for Leadership

by Community Contributor • May 1, 2018 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Two Ventura County Office of Education administrators are being honored for their leadership by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 13. Dr. Tiffany Morse, Executive Director of Career Education and Kenny Loo, Principal of Court and…

Ventura County Office of Education ‘Focus on Education’ update for April 18

by Community Contributor • April 18, 2018 • Comments Off

Spring 2018 Stanley C. Mantooth, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools The Big Ways that Big Data is Reshaping Education In the business world, it’s often said that measuring something is the first step to improving it, and the same holds…

California Distinguished Schools Include Three in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • April 2, 2018 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Three Ventura County elementary schools are being honored as 2018 California Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education. Schools that applied were eligible based on their performance and progress on the state indicators as described on…

Ventura County School Status for Friday, March 23

by Community Contributor • March 22, 2018 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The following Ventura County public schools and districts have announced they will reopen for normal operation on Friday, March 23: Santa Paula Unified School District Ventura High School, DATA Middle School and Loma Vista Elementary School Ojai Unified School District Briggs…

Ventura County School Closures for Thursday, March 22

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2018 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Due to the potential for debris flows, road closures, flooding and other storm-related issues, the following Ventura County public schools and districts will be closed on Wednesday, March 22 as a precautionary measure: Santa Paula Unified School…

SWAT Team Spreads Holiday Cheer to Special Needs Kids in Camarillo

by Community Contributor • December 20, 2017 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO — Special needs students at the Phoenix-Los Nogales School in Camarillo got a big holiday surprise today when members of the Oxnard Police Department SWAT team arrived to present them with holiday gifts. The gifts included new shoes donated by…

Ventura County School Closures for Monday, Dec. 18

by Community Contributor • December 16, 2017 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Due to continuing air quality concerns, some Ventura County school districts will be closed on Monday, December 18. This includes school sites and classrooms operated by the Ventura County Office of Education in the Ventura and Ojai areas…

Ventura County School Closures for Friday, Dec. 15

by Community Contributor • December 14, 2017 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Due to air quality concerns, some Ventura County school districts will be closed on Friday, December 15. This includes school sites and classrooms operated by the Ventura County Office of Education in the Ventura, Oxnard and Ojai areas…

Ventura County School Closures for Thursday, Dec. 14

by Community Contributor • December 13, 2017 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Due to air quality concerns, some Ventura County school districts will remain closed through the remainder of this week (Dec. 13, 14 and 15). This includes school sites and classrooms operated by the Ventura County Office of…

Santa Clara School to be Closed Monday, December 11

by Community Contributor • December 11, 2017 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Office of Education has been notified by the Santa Clara Elementary School District that Santa Clara School will be closed today, Monday, December 11, because of increasingly smoky conditions due to the Thomas fire.…

UPDATED: Ventura County School Closures for Monday, Dec. 11

by Community Contributor • December 11, 2017 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Many Ventura County school districts are planning to be open on Monday, December 11. However, some that have been more severely impacted by the Thomas fire will remain closed. The list below reflects the latest information we have…

Ventura County Office of Education announce school closures due to wildfire for Dec. 7, 8

by Community Contributor • December 6, 2017 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY —Due to the ongoing fire emergency, several Ventura County school districts will be closed for the remainder of this week. The current list of closures is below. The latest updates will be posted at www.vcoe.org. The following districts will…