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According to the 2015 US Census Bureau, 50.8% of our Milpitas residents are foreign born, and in 66.2% of all Milpitas households languages other than English are spoken regularly. What does this mean for our school community? At least half of our students have a family member or friend who is an immigrant, and WE want every one of them to know how much we value their perspectives and contributions to making MUSD the unique UNIFIED school district that it is.
Given the national debate on immigrant status, it is important for us to remind our children that they all have a constitutional right to attend our schools. We have increased our efforts in creating a Culture of We so that our students feel they belong, and can continue to learn in a safe environment. Students are encouraged to talk about their feelings with their parents and trusted adults, including principals, counselors, support staff, and teachers. Parents and guardians are key partners in MUSD and we welcome their insights and collaboration in achieving a culture that is truly focused on WE. To further extend our support, we have created a new District webpage: “Resources for Immigration Support.” This site has been compiled to assist our families and schools with community and legal resources that are available in multiple languages, and will continue to be updated as information is provided to our office. Feel free to send information or resources you receive to Shannon Carr for consideration. Thank you Milpitas for supporting our staff, students and families; together we are the vibrant tapestry that makes our MUSD family! Warmly, Cheryl Jordan Superintendent At the YMCA Project Cornerstone Assets Champions Awards Breakfast last month, I was privileged to be in the audience listening to Ruby Bridges Hall, one of the first African American students to integrate an all white New Orleans school by court order in 1960. Ms. Bridges is the young student we see depicted by Norman Rockwell in his famous 1963 painting of the historic day. I was in awe as I listened to this unassuming hero describe how her childhood naiveté and the gift of community propelled her through daunting experiences as she paved the way for integration and equity in education. Mentors, community, and giving were the three essentials Ms. Bridges described in how we can build a future with and for our children that is anchored in empathy and free of racism.
“All of our babies come into the world with a clean heart.” They know nothing about race or prejudice Ms. Bridges pointed out, as she relayed the moment when she realized the impact of racism. She described the memory vividly, sharing that a little white boy in her class would no longer play with her and couldn’t come to her house after school because his parents told him he couldn’t as she was black and he was white. We teach our children to embrace the cultures and ethnicities of one another, or we don’t. Our actions inform them of what we value about others, such as the depth of the person and the beauty of one’s skin color, or the opportunities presented by one’s status in society. Giving to one another changes how we feel about others and ourselves; it builds community. The last two weeks in Milpitas Unified School District have been abundant with examples of giving:
To echo Ms. Bridges: “Racism has no place in [our children’s] hearts, because the truth is, they will need each other just as we need each other today.” Yes, our students need each one of us, they need us to stand up for them, by uniting ourselves in an effort to evolve ever stronger as the glorious tapestry of culture that is MUSD. Dear Parent/Guardian,
On Monday, April 10, we were devastated to learn of the incident that transpired at a San Bernardino school. Our thoughts and support go out to the community as they continue to heal and rebuild in the wake of their loss. Although it happened in Southern California, I recognize that as the images continue to play out on television the thought that this could have happened anywhere is a reality. And I understand that you and your child may have questions or concerns about returning to school on Monday. As a school district, counselors will be available for those students who need additional support when they return to school on Monday. Simply let your school Principal know, so s/he can connect you to school counseling services. I also encourage you to have an open discussion with your children to help them process the incident, and more importantly, provide them the assurance of safety and comfort. I want to assure you that student and campus safety is of utmost importance to everyone in the Milpitas Unified School District. We certainly hope that our planning is never put to use, but to help ensure campus safety and security, every year we evaluate and update our District Emergency Preparedness Plan. This ongoing process details step-by-step guidelines and policies for all personnel and site locations to follow in preparing for or in the event an emergency. In addition, drills are practiced each year to ensure everyone is aware of his/her roles and duties in establishing the safety of our students and staff. In the case of an emergency, we also ask that you remember to look for accurate information from the district. We will deliver messages over the website, email, text, and phone calls. Which is why you have a role too: Please make sure your school secretary has the best phone number and email address to reach you. These two simple pieces of information can be crucial in the case of an emergency. By working together, we can ensure that our students have what they need to focus and thrive at school. Sincerely, Cheryl Jordan Superintendent *** En Español: Queridos padres de familia o tutor, El lunes, 10 de abril, nos sentimos devastados al enterarnos del incidente que ocurrió en una escuela de San Bernardino. Nuestros pensamientos y apoyo están con la comunidad mientras se continúan sanando y reconstruyendo a raíz de su pérdida. Aunque sucedió en el Sur de California, reconozco que mientras que las imágenes continúan televisandose repetitivamente, el pensar que esto podría haber sucedido en cualquier lugar es una realidad. Entiendo que usted y su hijo pueden tener preguntas o inquietudes al regresar a la escuela el lunes. Como distrito escolar, nuestros asesores académicos estarán disponibles para los estudiantes que necesiten apoyo adicional cuando regresen a la escuela este lunes. Simplemente comuníquese con el director de su escuela para que pueda contactarlo con los servicios de consejería de la escuela. También le animo a tener una discusión abierta con su(s) hijo(s) para ayudarle(s) a procesar este incidente, pero lo más importante es hacer que se sientan seguros. Quiero asegurarles que la seguridad de los estudiantes y del campus es de suma importancia para todos nosotros en el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Milpitas. Ciertamente esperamos que nuestra planificación nunca se utilice, pero para ayudar a garantizar la seguridad del campus y seguridad en general, cada año evaluamos y actualizamos nuestro Plan de Preparación para Emergencias del Distrito. Este proceso continuo detalla paso por paso los reglamentos que se tienen que seguir para todo el personal incluyendo las ubicaciones de acuerdo al lugar de preparación o en caso de una emergencia. Estos simulacros se practican cada año para garantizar/asegurar que todos son sepan cuales son sus funciones y deberes en el establecimiento de la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes y personal. En caso de emergencia, nos gustaría pedirle que recuerde obtener información actualizada por medio del distrito escolar. Enviaremos mensajes por medio de nuestra página de internet, correo electrónico, textos y llamadas. Por lo cual usted también tiene un papel importante: Por favor asegurese que la secretaria de su escuela correspondiente tenga el mejor numero y correo electrónico para poder comunicarse con usted. Estas dos simples piezas de información pueden ser cruciales en caso de emergencia. Trabajando unidos, nos podemos asegurar que nuestros estudiantes tengan lo que necesitan para enfocarse y sobresalir en la escuela. Atentamente, Cheryl Jordan Rector General (Superintendent)  What is at the heart of Milpitas High School? Our students, staff and parents! Their care for one another filled the gym amidst the colorful cheering and fanfare at the MHS Trojan Olympics on Friday, March 31. My husband and I were captivated the moment the student dancers charged into the gym greeted by waves of color that adorned their classmates.
While the freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors were dressed in their corresponding class colors of purple, maroon, orange, and pink, the mix of the four represented the vibrant joy that emanated among our students that night. While each class was competing for first place in the games, they never overlooked their connections to one another. The frozen T-shirt contest showcased their desire to see one another succeed. The senior competitor was the first to unfurl her frozen shirt that she took from the ice chest. But rather than go to the sidelines to bask in her accomplishment, she charged over to coach the other three contestants. The freshman was the last to decipher the technique of stretching out frozen T-shirts, and her success was the result of the other three standing around her demonstrating how to pull the cemented folds apart. They hoisted her up in victory, the disheartened look of panic she displayed earlier gave way to a triumphant smile. They succeeded as one team. I noticed too this same sense of connection and love for our school on the faces of our staff and parents. I watched the expressions of an English and P.E. teacher standing by the sophomores. Their hearts were with the kids, they were grinning and completely in the moment. A social studies teacher crouching on the floor by the juniors had an expression of admiration for our kids as he watched them struggle with the frozen shirts. In the freshman stand, an English teacher bounced back and forth between cheering on his students and sharing his delight with his wife. In the senior stands I saw parents whose expressions were mixed with pride and at times a sense of sadness as they realized this would be the last Trojan Olympics in which they would see their children competing as one with their MHS peers. As I walked away from the event I knew this would not be my last, and I am sure that many of those senior parents had the same thought. This was a night that brought us together to witness the camaraderie and spirit that makes MHS the grand school it is. It is about WE doing and being together for our kids. Dear MUSD Family,
We are very saddened by the passing of Danny Lau today; it is heartbreaking. He was a member of our MUSD Family who dedicated much of his time to us. He sought to nurture excellence for our kids and staff. He was a thoughtful person who took care in what he said and offered many valuable insights during his time on the Board. Danny was our Vice President and we committed to being a Team in support of our district. We will greatly miss Danny and are grateful for his contributions to our MUSD community. Mrs. Lau shared that the Lau family plans to hold two days of services, as she knows he would want his friends and MUSD Family to have the opportunity to be there if they wish. We will share that information with you as soon as she informs us of the date and location. If you would like to send cards to Danny’s family, you can send them to Cheryl and she will be sure to deliver them to Mrs. Lau. As a family we will stand strong together through this difficult time for us all. Sincerely, Dan Bobay, President Cheryl Jordan, Superintendent Chris Norwood, Clerk Hon Lien, Member Robert Jung, Member The Milpitas High School (MHS) and Ayer High School Hall of Fame dinner last Friday night expresses the uniqueness of our Milpitas community: WE are a community of adventurers who exemplify the principles of servant leadership. Our city and school district are small enough that we can maintain a sense of connection to one another, and that was evident as we gathered together with those who came to celebrate the work of our honorees that night: Debbie Giordano, John Ribovich, and Bessie Louie. While Ms. Giordano is a graduate of Ayer High School, Mr. Ribovich is a retired MHS teacher, and Ms. Louie is a retired Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) staff member, each one was an educator that night.
Ms. Louie shared stories about teamwork and support from all those with whom she built connections throughout her years of service in MUSD and Milpitas. As I listened to her speak, I was reminded of the thread of relationships that is woven throughout Milpitas and connects the past to the present which each of us embodies. Mr. Ribovich spoke of how he was inspired by colleagues and especially students. He said that he had the “glory of watching [our] students become adults.” He’s right, it is truly amazing to see our students, our children, and our neighbors as they grow into their dreams for the future. Ms. Giordano focused on leadership, and said that the “true measure of leadership is influence” and we “follow because of what [we] are and what [we] represent.” As I think about Milpitas and MUSD, what each of these leaders had to say really is the heart of how WE are when we are present for one another. In our rich community of cultures and life experiences, WE have the opportunity to fortify our city and school district through our relationships and dedication to service around a common cause, our children. In the words of Mr. Jeff Lamb, MHS Athletics Director and master of ceremonies for the Hall of Fame: “Milpitas is growing and growing, and [WE’ve] all had a part in making it a great place!” The release of the California School Dashboard aligns with a value I have held since 1989, when I began my career as a teacher in Milpitas Unified School District: a quality education is defined by MORE than a single test score.
The previous accountability system, Academic Performance Index (API), was based on the results of annual standardized test scores, and nothing else. This number did not provide adequate information about strengths and growth needs because it was not a full-spectrum assessment portfolio. California’s new state accountability tool is based on eight Local Control Funding Formula Priority Areas. In addition to data about achievement in math and English language arts, we now have data on how English learners and their language development, student suspension rates, school attendance, and details on how each of our students groups are developing based on these multiple measures. High schools will be measured on graduation rates and how well they prepare students for college and careers. In the future, the new accountability system may replace the need for the ACT and SAT for college entrance in the CA university and state college systems. This change from one focus to a range of different topics will allow us to not only focus on the whole child, but help support local decision-making by providing more information to support our ongoing Local Control and Accountability Plan development. In addition, the new system is based not only on how our students performed and how we met the eight state priority areas this year, but also how much we have improved from past years. This is called, “status and change” and when we combine status and change, we get a color. Schools and districts will receive one of five color-coded performance levels on the state indicators. From highest to lowest, the five performance levels are: blue, green, yellow, orange, red, with green being the target to reach. The overall performance level that LEAs and schools receive is based on how current performance (status) compares to past performance (change). This will help provide a more complete picture of performance than a point-in-time snapshot, along with recognizing improvement as part of overall performance. Performance levels are calculated using percentiles to create a “5 by 5” reference chart that combines status and change. Just as a report card enables students to figure out how they’re doing and how they need to improve, the Dashboard will provide us with information about areas for improvement and areas of excellence. It is important to remember that the data shown is preliminary and won’t be fully complete for several years. For more information, visit the California Department of Education’s toolkit, which includes key points and a PowerPoint presentation. In the last three weeks, two people I did not know well, but who have close connections to those I care about, have passed away.
The first was one of my son’s friends, 16 year-old Daniel passed away in his sleep. What stood out to me about this young man was that he inspired others who knew him, and, as I listened to those who stood to speak about him at his Celebration of Life, I understood why. Daniel was one who put his whole self in all of his endeavors, he had no patience for the word “can’t,” and he took time to listen to others so that he might help them through their own struggles. Daniel was described as someone who lived his life with joy. Coach Mike was the football coach at Kennedy High School for 46 years, and after retiring in 2010, he found himself back on the football field supporting our Milpitas High School team. While I was not able to attend his Celebration of Life, I was told by those who did, that the impact of his life on others was amazing. He was a person who built capacity in those he served, he was gregarious and quick to smile, and one person wrote that he made her feel she was important. These two generous people had two things in common, joy and service to others. They valued life and the unique contributions that each of us can make in our community. When he retired, Coach Mike told reporters: "‘When I get to the Pearly Gates, I don't think St. Peter is going to ask me how many games I've won,’ he said. ‘He's going to ask if I did anything for mankind.’" (SFGate.com) Daniel’s mother read to us his beliefs essay that he had written earlier this year, and he wrote that he believed we come to know ourselves when we “find the beauty within” and live it each day. While one was at the dawn and the other in the dusk of life, they modeled for us the importance of finding joy in serving others. That is what I love about my work in Milpitas. I have the opportunity to serve our MUSD community, to make a difference in the lives of our students and those who care for them. Thank you Coach Mike and Daniel for reminding us to be fully present in all that we do for one another; after all that is what matters most. The 13th Annual Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) Crab Feed held on Friday, February 10 was a grand success! Over 300 attendees and volunteers ignited the room with their energy and sparkling laughter.
Music performed by Milpitas youth from the South Bay Music School, led by Director Joe Santoro, enhanced the festive chatter. Coach Kelly King and his Milpitas High School football team served as volunteers to ensure that crab was plentiful at every table, while the MHS Key Clubbers prepped the dining hall. MUSD Student Nutrition Director Victor Frausto and his team prepared a delectable salad and pasta dish to accompany the crab. The grand event was emceed by MHS PE teacher Chuy Zamudio and community member Joseph Weinstein. Several parent volunteers and friends of Kiwanis assisted with donations, sales, and ticketing. The Milpitas Kiwanis, a team of dedicated service leaders led by Crab Feed chairs Dennis Grilli and Mike Mendizabal, were the engine behind this fabulous event. The magic of the night was that our neighbors, city leaders, school staff and Board came together to raise nearly $30,000 for scholarships and new school clothes to benefit our students in need of financial assistance. Board President Dan Bobay, the Board, and I are grateful to all who made this a special night; together We serve our MUSD community! There are times in our history when greater understanding and care for one another resulted from discord in society. This year’s election process and presidential inauguration is one of those moments, what Jack Weinstein (Senior Program Advisor at Facing History and Ourselves, and former educational leader at MHS) calls a “flashpoint” in time. It is neither about good nor bad, right nor wrong; it is an opportunity for us to guide our youth in learning how to use civil dialogue to express their feelings, questions, and wonderings about what they read on social media, hear in the news, in our community, and from one another. It is not a time to argue; it is a time to listen, seek understanding, empathize, and be connected to one another. In our schools today, where appropriate, our teachers have employed grade level lessons, articles and pedagogy in teaching our students how to do just that, that is, to develop a sense of compassion for others.
Since the events following the November election, we have increased our efforts in creating a Culture of We so that our students feel that they belong, and can learn in a safe environment. For example, at Milpitas High School our student leaders and staff have established a series of activities beginning with chalking up the campus with positive messages about unity, a Kindness Challenge, and currently they are drafting a pledge to stand up for one another that they will present in February to the entire student body. At Spangler Elementary, teachers have made the elections a teachable moment about how our government is a system of representation so that people’s voices are heard, and incorporated their Peacebuilders pledge along with an emphasis that “we are one community and one family.” I would like to share this MUSD Resources Page to Support Thriving School & Community Culture that our office has prepared for staff and parents alike. While we have different backgrounds, experiences and views, we have many things in common, the primary one being our kids, and working together we can show them that Milpitas values every single one. Warmly, Cheryl Jordan *** En Español: Hay momentos en la historia donde habrá discordia en nuestra sociedad donde se necesita una mayor comprensión y cuidado de uno a otro. El proceso electoral de este año y la inauguración presidencial es uno de esos momentos, lo que Jack Weinstein (Asesor de Programas de Historia y nuestro asesor, y ex líder educativo de MHS) llama un "Flashpoint" en el tiempo. No es ni bueno ni malo, ni correcto ni incorrecto, es una oportunidad para guiar a nuestra juventud a aprender a usar el diálogo civil para expresar sus sentimientos, preguntas e inquietudes sobre lo que leen en las redes sociales, lo que escuchan en las noticias, en nuestra comunidad, y entre ellos. No es un tiempo para discutir, es un tiempo para escuchar, buscar comprensión, empatía, y estar conectados unos con otros. Actualmente en nuestras escuelas, donde sea apropiado, nuestros maestros han implementado lecciones de acuerdo al nivel de grado, artículos y enseñanza pedagógica, para enseñar a nuestros estudiantes para hacer precisamente eso, es decir, desarrollar un sentido de compasión por los demás. Desde los eventos que siguieron de las elecciones de noviembre, hemos aumentado nuestros esfuerzos para crear una Cultura de Nosotros (Culture of WE), para que nuestros estudiantes sientan que pertenecen y pueden aprender en un ambiente seguro. Por ejemplo, en MHS, nuestros líderes estudiantiles y el personal educativo han establecido una serie de actividades comenzando por escribir mensajes positivos (con tiza/gis) acerca de la unidad por todo el campus, hay una actividad de Desafío de bondad, y actualmente están elaborando una promesa de defenderse unos a otros que presentarán en Febrero a todo el cuerpo estudiantil. Me gustaría compartir esta página de recursos de MUSD para apoyar a Thriving School & Community Culture que nuestra oficina ha preparado tanto para el personal como para los padres. Derivado que ttenemos diferentes orígenes, experiencias y puntos de vista, pero también tenemos muchas cosas en común, la principal nuestros hijos, y trabajando juntos podemos mostrarles que Milpitas valora a cada uno de ellos. Con cariño, Cheryl Jordan (Superintendent) Rectora General del Distrito Escolar de Milpitas |
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