Special Interest

  • Election day is Tuesday, November 8, 2016

    The Marin County Elections Department is recruiting high school students to work at polling places on election day.  Information about the program is detailed in a Letter to Teachers and Flyer for Students.  Many schools are used a public polling places. Election Code 12283 stipulates that, if an elections official specifically requests use of a school on an election day, then the building shall be made available for the purpose requested. 

    High School Voter Education Weeks

    The California Education Code designates the last two full weeks of September and April as "High School Voter Education Weeks."  The fall dates are September 19-30, 2016.  The Marin Registrar of Voters, Lynda Roberts, and her staff are also ready to help.  They can be reached at (415) 473-6456, or go to the Elections Department website and click on "Contact Us." 

    The Secretary of State's office provides an excellent resource detailing High School Voter Education Weeks on its web page at High School Voter Education Weeks.

    New Tobacco 21 Law – Effective June 9, 2016

    New legislation took effect in California regarding tobacco sales, including e-cigarettes to anyone under the age of 21.  See the attached for detailed information.

    Student of the Week

    The Student of the Week program has been very well received for several years!  As a result, the Marin Independent Journal will again feature the Student of the Week profile in the newspaper every week.  The program is for eighth grade and high school students, who are residents of Marin.  Outstanding students will be recognized as we highlight the many accomplishments of the young people of our county.  We are fortunate to have such a supportive countywide newspaper and we are excited to hear about your students. Click here for the Student of the Week Profile for use when selecting your nominee.

    2017 United Senate Youth Program

    Please see the attached letter from Tom Torlakson, State Superintendent of Public Education, regarding a competition of outstanding juniors or seniors who are interested in pursuing careers in public service.  All public and private high schools in the state are invited to nominate up to two juniors or seniors to participate.  Those chosen will participate in a week of intense study of the federal government as guests of the United States Senate.

    2016 Art Rosenbaum Sports Writing Scholarship

    Sponsored by the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame, this scholarship is for Junior and Senior high school sports writers.  Nominees may be juniors or seniors who have written sports-related articles covering (or related to) high school sports.  The method of selecting the nominees is left up to the school's publication advisor or staff. Click here for the Art Rosenbaum Application Form to submit names of nominees.

    Elks USA 2016-2017 Essay Contest

    The Elks Lodge has selected the theme for their annual essay contest: Why Is It Important to Vote?  This essay contest is open to students in grades 5-8.  See the attached for more information.

    Credential Monitoring

    As a reminder, the Marin County Office of Education is required by Ed Code 14258.9 to administer credential monitoring for each district on a four-year cycle.  For the 2016-17 school year the following districts are scheduled for monitoring: Dixie, Sausalito-Marin City, Larkspur Corte Madera, Ross and Tamalpais.  The MCOE credential office will be in touch with each district shortly..

    Constitution Day – September 16, 2016

    Does your school have an engaging program to use for Constitution Day and US History? The US Constitution and Independence Hall revised 2014 edition is an outstanding supplement to your Social Studies curriculum.  Click here to preview and order online.

    Sonoma Marin SMART Train

    Ongoing - Sonoma Marin SMART Train has created a Rail Safe website with rail safety resources for all members of the community, including parents and students. On the website, you will find rail safety materials including posters, activity books and safety tips.  They are also offering free rail safety presentations to schools.