Hot Topics

  • Federal Program Compliance Monitoring - 2018-19 School Year - Action Required by March 30th

    As you may be aware, notification came out last week regarding Federal Program Monitoring for the 2018-19 school year.  We have learned that the Marin County Office of Education, Novato Unified School District, San Rafael Elementary School District, and Sausalito Marin City School District have been identified for on-site Federal Program Monitoring (FPM) review.  As we all go through this review, we wanted to let you know we are at the ready to support and learn together in the process.

    In the coming weeks, the CDE will be providing module training and additional information.  Below are some resources recieved from the CDE last week.….you will find there are some action steps to be taken by March 30th.
      

    Emergency Procedures - Active Shooter/Gun Violence

    All of you have worked hard over the years to ensure the safety of your students and staff.  In light of the recent events and conversations around gun violence and prevention efforts, the Superintendent's Office has provided the following resources for your use and as a reminder of the work you have been doing (in close partnership with Sheriff Doyle and other local law enforcement) to prevent such a tragedy in our schools:

    Vaping in Marin County - Keep Our Schools Vape-Free

    As you may be aware, the issues around e-cigarettes and vaping are becoming more prevalent amongst our youth.  In our county there are a number of initiatives and educational opportunities available to increase awareness about this topic with our community.  Below is a link to a recent article published in the IJ about this topic.

    The following letter in English and Spanish were provided by the Marin Health and Human Services Youth Tobacco Prevention to share with parents/guardians on the topic.  Feel free to use this and/or edit according to your needs.

    Multi Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) FUNDING OPPORTUNITY - Applications Due April 9th

    Last chance to access targeted funding for Cohort III of the statewide MTSS project.  There are up to $25,000 in funds available per grantee to support activities related to a mulit-tiered system of support.  These resources can be used to leverage existing programs and strategies such as a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Project/Problem Based Learning (PBL), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Teaching for Robust Understanding (TRU Framework), etc. 

    The Marin COE is ready to support districts in submitting an application to access these limited funds.  Click here to access the grant application – please note applications are due April 9th.

    Additional information about the project is below:

    Sent on Behalf of SUMS State Executive Team: As a friendly reminder, The Orange County Department of Education will begin accepting applications from Local Educational Agencies (LEA) for Cohort 3 Scale-Up MTSS Statewide (SUMS) technical assistance training grants.  As part of the California Scale-Up MTSS Statewide (SUMS) Initiative, an allocation of $18 million will be divided into a limited number of sub-grants to help local educational agencies design and implement their own Multi-Tiered System of support.  Scale-Up MTSS technical assistance training grants have been divided into three rounds. The application window for Cohort 3 is February 2-March 30, 2018.  Applicants may apply for one-time funding of up to $25,000 as a single local education agency, or they can join a consortium of two or more agencies and receive up to $50,000 per application. Applications must be submitted to OCDE’s Instructional Services Division by 5 p.m. on  Monday, April 9, 2019.  Award notifications will be posted in May 2018. Grant applications, as well as additional information are available from the Orange County Department of Education website by clicking on the “Request for Applications” tab. 

    High School Voter Education Weeks - April 16-27, 2018 - High School Participation Encouraged

    Please see the attached joint letter from the California Department of Education and the Secretary of State regarding High School Voter Education Weeks on April 16-27, 2018.  High Schools are encouraged to participate.

    Navigating Your Child's Social World While Helping Them Build Resiliency and Self Esteem with Sheri Glucoft Wong - April 4, 2018

    The Mill Valley Speaker Series, Hall Middle School, and the Marin County Office of Education are co-sponsoring this speaking event at the Mill Valley Middle School Library on April 4th at 7:00pm.  This session will cover:

    • The roll of friendship in your child's life
    • Messages we give our children about their social selves
    • Supporting your child's "true self-esteem"
    • Helping your child handle social dynamics with compassion and confidence
    • Supporting your child to be resilient
    • Partenering with other parents and the school to support a positive school climate

    To attend this free speaking engagement, please RSVP via the Eventbrite website.

    Arts Now Bay Area Summit - April 7, 2018

    Join colleagues and leaders from surrounding counties for the region-wide conference.  Co-sponsored by the California Alliance for Arts Education and the Alameda County Office of Education, the event will feature strategies being used across the Bay Area and State to increase access and equity in arts education.  The event will be held at the Oakland Museum of California.

    • Hear success stories and learn how the arts can serve as a powerful tool for equity in our schools, including student performances and panelists from OakTechRep
    • Participate in a forum with the 2018 candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, Assemblymember from the 15th Assembly District, and Marshall Tuck, former CEO of Partnership for Los Angeles Schools
    • Gain access to local and statewide strategies and resources for including the arts in LCFF/LCAPs, Title I, and District Strategic Arts Plans

    To register, please visit the Arts Now Bay Area Summit Eventbrite website registration website.

    Surprising Truths About Legalizing Cannabis - April 16, 2018

    Please join us for this enlightening presentation by Presenter Ben Cort, Advocate for Marijuana Policy, Addiction, Prevention, and Recovery. Ben Cort has been a part of the recovery community in almost every way imaginable; from a recipient of treatment, to a provider, to a noted spokesperson.  Mr. Cort has a deep command of the issues and a personal motivation to see the harmful effects of drug and alcohol abuse minimized.  Don't miss this opportunity to hear his thoughts on a subject he is passionate about, and to discuss his new book "Weed Inc.". The event is scheduled on April 16th from 6-8pm at the Smith Rafael Film Center. Tickets can be purchased from the Eventbrite website.

    Empowering Students to be Leaders and Make Changes in Their Environment - April 23 and April 26, 2018

    The above referenced URL is a message from County Superintendent Mary Jane Burke and Public Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis. Rates of youth substance use in Marin County continue to be among the highest in California. In order to bring awareness to these issues and empower youth to make positive choices, the Marin County Office of Education, the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services, and the Marin Prevention Network are working together to bring Dr. Matt Bellace to Marin County the week of April 23rd for a series of presentations to students and the community.  In upcoming weeks a representative of the Marin Prevention Network will be contacting you regarding hosting a presentation with Dr. Bellace for your school.  We encourage you to accept this invitation, and join other Marin County leaders seeking to protect the well-being of our youth. Meanwhile, to attend a scheduled community speaking event with Dr. Bellace, please register via the Eventbrite website for April 23 at the Marin County Office of Education or for April 26th at Redwood High School.    

    Save the Date - Professional Development Day for Marin County Music Educators - May 7, 2018

    The Marin Music Educators Association in collaboration with the Marin County Office of Education will host a Professional Development Day for Music Educators on May 7th. This music professional day will focus on Kodaly techniques and lesson ideas, mallet wrapping and repair, transitioning instrumental students to oboe/bassoon/horn/bass, and county-wide choral opportunities. More information about this event forthcoming.

    Color of Law - May 9, 2018

    Join us on May 9th at 6:00pm to hear The Color of Law author Richard Rothstein.  Dr. Rothstein explores how segregation in America is the byproduct of explicit government policies at the local, state and federal levels.  The book was designated one of ten finalists for the 2017 National Book Awards and will be available for purchase and signing at the event.  Click here to register for the workshop via the Eventbrite website.

    Religious Holidays 2018-2019

    Please see the attached Religious Holidays flyer showing the dates of major Christian, Jewish and Islamic holidays which will occur during the academic year of 2018-2019.