May 11 - 30, 2024
EDC education highlights
School administrators honored with county-wide awards– Mountain Democrat - The El Dorado County Office of Education and school district representatives recently gathered to celebrate the achievements of their most exceptional administrators at the annual Association of California School Administrators – El Dorado County Chapter awards dinner.
Dr. Alan Reeder of LTUSD recognized with county-wide award– South Tahoe Now – On Friday, May 10, the El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE) and school district representatives gathered to celebrate the achievements of their most exceptional administrators at the annual Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) El Dorado County Chapter Awards Dinner.
Lake Tahoe Unified School District awarded $4.7 million Community Schools Grant – Tahoe Tribune - South Tahoe Education Association President Jodi Dayberry announced that Lake Tahoe Unified School District was awarded a 4.7 million Community Schools Grant during the May 9 Board of Directors meeting.
South Tahoe High School swims to state success – Tahoe Tribune - The South Tahoe swim team won 10 medals at regionals, sending those 10 medal holders to the state championship in Las Vegas where many again swam to success on May 18.
Gold Trail super earns special recognition– Mountain Democrat - The Gold Trail Union School District recently announced a momentous accolade bestowed upon one of its own. Keri Phillips, principal of Sutter's Mill Elementary and superintendent of GTUSD, has been recognized as the Administrator of the Year for Region 2 by the Association of California School Administrators.
Gold Trail students hit all the right notes – Mountain Democrat - On Saturday, April 27, middle school students from Gold Trail School’s music program participated in the annual Music in the Park competition, a competitive music festival that showcases Bay Area and Northern California middle and high school performing arts ensembles.
So much in store for the Class of 2024 – Mountain Democrat - Many El Dorado County high school graduates tossed their caps in the air last week, celebrating that hard-earned diploma and getting ready for the next chapter of their lives.
Golden Sierra’s Key Club shines– Georgetown Gazette – Golden Sierra High School's Key Club is wrapping up its third school year of operation. Key Club is a service learning club sponsored by Kiwanis International.
Stars at School: Anthony Carafone– Mountain Democrat – At Valley View Charter Montessori School, band teacher Anthony Carafone orchestrates a symphony of growth, blending education with community. A Berklee College of Music graduate, his journey from Massachusetts to California reflects a dedication to music education that resonates through every chord he strikes.
Empowering Youth, Transforming Communities: The Success of Hands4Hope Toiletries Drive– Placerville Newswire/ Mountain Democrat – Youth Making A Difference Toiletries Drive was a tremendous success, bringing together schools, businesses, and community members to support those in need, especially those affected by the Caldor Fire.
EDH Rotary celebrates local educators – Village Life – The Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills and local education leaders came together May 8 to honor teachers who go above and beyond.
Student of the Year: Kaitlyn Wadiak– Village Life – The Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills and local educators recently celebrated Kaitlyn Wadiak as Silva Valley Elementary School Student of the Year.
Kathi Jensen Takes Helm as Trustee for El Dorado County Board of Education– Placerville Newswire – Kathi Jensen Sworn in as Trustee for El Dorado County Board of Education. In a recent session of the El Dorado County Board of Education held on May 7, Kathi Jensen took the oath of office as the new Trustee representing District 5.
EDH schools make room for wildlife habitat– Mountain Democrat – The National Wildlife Federation, America’s largest wildlife conservation and education organization, has announced that both Pleasant Grove and Marina Village middle schools in the Rescue Union School District have successfully created a Certified Wildlife Habitat through its Garden for Wildlife movement.
Trojans toss their caps – Village Life - Congratulations to the Oak Ridge High School Class of 2024! We wish the now former Trojans (but always Trojans) all the best and good luck in their future endeavors.
EDH Chamber scholarships awarded – Village Life - The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce recently awarded five scholarships of $1,000 each to local graduates, who plan to continue their education at a university, college, or technical school.
Good to know
Locally
Public invited to "Understanding Teen Substance Use and Tools to Support Their Recovery" – South Tahoe Now - Learn about teen substance abuse, how to support your teen in recovery, and other important tools as the Tahoe Alliance for Safe Kids (TASK) hosts a guest speaker on Wednesday, June 5 from 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the South Tahoe High School Student Union
Statewide
Gov. Newsom, school groups settle funding fight, with some more money coming as IOUs – EdSource - The Newsom administration has settled a disagreement with K-12 education groups over multiyear funding that will provide nearly all of the money the groups had demanded, although deferring and delaying several billion dollars for at least a few years.
Are you cut out to be the next student member of the California State Board of Education? – EdSource - As education policy and issues at school boards across California continue to grab headlines, it’s more important than ever that K-12 students — especially those in a state as diverse as ours — have a representative at the table who can voice concerns and have their opinions and input heard.
Getting California kids to read: What will it take? – EdSource – Leading literacy experts agreed that more young California students need to learn how to read, but they couldn’t reach a consensus on how to make it happen.
California’s 2024 Enrollment Data Reflect Doubled Growth for Earliest Learners as Overall Decline Slows – California Department of Education – On Thursday, May 16, the California Department of Education (CDE) released annual enrollment data for the 2023–24 school year, which showed a continued, though slowing, decrease in overall enrollment.
These California schools connect kids to community services. Will they survive budget cuts? – CalMatters – Budget cuts may be looming for many California programs, but one multi-billion-dollar initiative has so far evaded the ax: an ambitious push to bring medical and dental care, counseling, parenting classes, cultural activities, and other services to public schools.
EDC education highlights
Lake Tahoe Unified School District and Liberty unveil new electric buses and infrastructure – South Tahoe Now – Have you heard (or actually, not heard) the new electric school buses in South Lake Tahoe? The new electric fleet for Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) was officially unveiled this week, along with the charging infrastructure installed inside the bus garages in South Lake Tahoe.
Excellence in Education Award – Georgetown Gazette – At the March 14 meeting of the Black Oak Mine Unified School District. Board of Trustees, Amy Jensen was honored. Superintendent Gabriel Simon presented the award: "Amy Jensen's commitment to Food Services and the department's employees is terrific. She is a consistent and reliable leader in our District and an excellent communicator.
Career prep educates through caring mentorship – Georgetown Gazette – El Dorado County Office of Education Charter College and Career Prep understands that education is a building process with the critical components of bonded connections, continued support for achievement of goals and educators uniting with the community to navigate a future of hope and joy for all students.
EDHS students lead the way at Natural Connections Day – Mountain Democrat – Seventh graders from several local middle schools got hands-on introductions to a myriad of careers and other undertakings that interact with the environment April 12 during Natural Connections Day at El Dorado High School's east campus in Camino.
'Peter Pan' whisks audiences away to Neverland – Mountain Democrat – Theatre at the Mine will soon be the site of clashing swords, magic fairies, Lost Boys and a short plank walk to a clock-eating croc when "Peter Pan" opens April 11 at Union Mine High School.
Signing day – Mountain Democrat – Seven Ponderosa High School student-athletes have committed to play at the college level, signing their letters of intent Tuesday, April 10. Signees include, from left, Koen Vos, Alex Zimmerman, Kate McGowan, Caitlyn Price, Anna Wright, McKenzie Kroger and Abby Wright. Vos will attend Biola University to play water polo; he was the MVP of the Ponderosa team this past season.
Jazz lovers invited to a day of great music – Village Life – Ponderosa High School hosts the ninth annual Gold Country Jazz Festival on Saturday, April 20. The purpose of the festival is to encourage the growth of jazz education in area music programs.
Student of the Year: Addison Johnson – Village Life – The Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills and local educators recently celebrate Addison Johnson as the Jackson Elementary School Student of the Year. The fifth-grader has only attended her school for a year but left quite a positive impression with school staff.
Essay writers tackle presidential politics – Mountain Democrat – The Democratic Party of El Dorado County recently celebrated the winners of the 18th annual Fred Winn Essay Contest. The contest is open to juniors and seniors of the public high schools in El Dorado County.
Students get closer look at Red Hawk job opportunities – Mountain Democrat – Independence High School students and staff were hosted by the leadership at APEX Resort at Red Hawk Casino for an educational field trip to explore the many different job/career possibilities within the establishment and to experience these possibilities with a behind-the-scenes operations tour.
Placerville catches glimpse of the solar eclipse – Mountain Democrat – Dozens gathered at the Community Observatory in Placerville Monday morning to experience the stellar sight that was the solar eclipse.
Stars at School: School board members recognized for outstanding contributions – Mountain Democrat – The atmosphere at Cold Springs Country Club was electric with anticipation March 18 as the El Dorado County School Boards Association hosted its yearly celebration to recognize the remarkable service of school board members to their communities.
Good to know
Locally
El Dorado County 4-H members wish seniors a “hoppy” early Easter – Village Life – Cheers arose from the crowd as the rabbits leaped off the pause table and over the green jump. On March 17 the El Dorado County Rabbit Agility Project went to Oakmont Senior Living and Memory Care in El Dorado Hills to do a demonstration.
Foundation's consolidated grant cycles now open – Mountain Democrat – The El Dorado Community Foundation has launched its latest grant cycle.
Hazard mitigation plan available for public review – Mountain Democrat – El Dorado County, in collaboration with the city of Placerville, Georgetown Divide Public Utility District, El Dorado County Office of Education and Cameron Park Community Services District, updated the county's 2024 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Bigs of the Year make a big difference – Village Life – In recognition of Volunteer Appreciation Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra celebrated the 2023 Bigs of the Year, as well as Volunteer of the Year and Corporate Sponsor of the Year, at the annual Appreciation Dinner April 9.
Stand Up for MORE will have ’em laughing in the aisles – Village Life – Mother Lode Rehabilitation Enterprises Inc. and the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce proudly present the eighth annual Stand Up for MORE comedy night, 5-9 p.m. on Friday, April 26.
Statewide
State Superintendent Thurmond Hosts California Apprenticeship Summit to Connect California’s Youth to High-Wage Opportunities – California Department of Education – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today hosted a California Apprenticeship Summit to raise awareness of apprenticeship opportunities and career technical education pathways that connect California’s youth to high-wage, high-growth career opportunities.
Sharp divisions over how California’s aspiring teachers will be taught to teach reading – EdSource - Supporters of bolstering how teacher candidates in California are taught to teach reading cheered in 2021 when the Legislature agreed and mandated change.
Interactive Map: Chronic absenteeism up in nearly a third of 930 California districts – EdSource – Nearly a third of the 930 districts statewide that reported data had a higher rate of chronic absenteeism in 2022-23 than the year before.
California moves a step closer to eliminating one of the state’s last teacher assessments – EdSource – Legislation that would remove one of the last tests teachers are required to take to earn a credential in California passed the Senate Education Committee unanimously Wednesday with little opposition.
EDC education highlights
El Dorado County School Board Association honors Marcella Foundation with award – Tahoe Daily Tribune – The El Dorado County School Board Association has recognized the Marcella Foundation with the Outstanding Community Organization award, citing the Foundation’s contributions to the educational landscape of South Lake Tahoe.
School board members recognized for outstanding contributions – Village Life/ Mountain Democrat – The atmosphere at Cold Springs Country Club was electric with anticipation as the El Dorado County School Boards Association hosted its yearly celebration to recognize the remarkable service of school board members to their communities.
Lake Tahoe Unified School District expresses optimism amid budget cuts, layoffs – Tahoe Daily Tribune – Despite facing several hurdles and setbacks, Lake Tahoe Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Todd Cutler expressed optimism for the future during the State of the District address on Wednesday, March 20.
May 16 ceremony set for Lake Tahoe Unified School District Hall of Distinction – South Tahoe Now/Tahoe Daily Tribune - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) is introducing its inaugural Hall of Distinction honorees. In November 2023, LTUSD asked for nominations for the program which acknowledges the outstanding achievements of former students, employees, and contributors to the school community.
Karen Goldberg and Karin Holmes honored with California school administrator awards – South Tahoe Now/Mountain Democrat – The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 2 celebrated its Administrators of the Year during a gathering at the Catta Verdera County Club in Lincoln.
Leadership award goes to Jeff Burch – Georgetown Gazette – Black Oak Mine Unified School District Trustee Jeff Burch was honored with a Leadership in Boardsmanship by the El Dorado School Board Association on March 18.
Career prep educates through caring mentorship – Georgetown Gazette – El Dorado County Office of Education Charter College and Career Prep understands that education is a building process with the critical components of bonded connections, continued support for achievement of goals and educators uniting with the community to navigate a future of hope and joy for all students.
El Dorado Union High School District Welcomes Michael Kuhlman as New Superintendent – Placerville Newswire – The Board of Trustees of the El Dorado Union High School District (EDUHSD) is pleased to announce the selection and appointment of Michael Kuhlman as its new Superintendent, effective July 1, 2024.
Stars at School: Chris Resha – Mountain Democrat - At Latrobe School District, nestled in the hills of South Shingle Springs, there's a classroom that stands out from the rest. It's not just the colorful walls or the rows of desks, it's the vibrant energy — a testament to Chris Resha's innovative approach. But how did Chris find himself at the helm of a third-grade classroom in Latrobe?
Shrek's adventure takes a turn onto PHS stage – Mountain Democrat - Everyone’s favorite, anti-social, grumpy and sarcastic ogre pays a visit to the Ponderosa High School stage this April for a fun musical extravaganza in “Shrek, The Musical.”
Good to know
Locally
Getting involved with Special Olympics topic at next Kiwanis Club of Tahoe Sierra meeting – South Tahoe Now – The Kiwanis Club of Tahoe Sierra is inviting the South Tahoe community to hear and learn about Special Olympics at their regular meeting, on Wednesday, April 3 at 5:30 p.m in the Aspen Room (next to the Library) at Lake Tahoe Community College.
Summer interest forms available on April 1 for Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe – Tahoe Daily Tribune – Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe will open interest forms for their summer program and summer camps on April 1. The Club will be open for summer from June 24 to August 16.
Statewide
California, districts try to recruit and retain Black teachers; advocates say more should be done – EdSource - The state and individual school districts have launched initiatives to recruit teachers of color, but educators and advocates say more needs to be done.
Homeless infants and toddlers largely unenrolled in early ed programs – EdSource - Enrollment in early childhood development programs can mitigate some of the consequences of homelessness among infants and toddlers, but only 1 out of 9 of these children are enrolled in such programs, according to a recent national report.
Nearly all school parcel taxes pass, but mixed results for school bonds in March election – EdSource - The March 5 primary proved to be a good day for passing school parcel taxes, but not so good for school construction bonds.