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Rancho Milpitas Middle School honored with sixth School to Watch designation

12/12/2022

Rancho Milpitas Middle School recently earned its sixth re-designation as a School To Watch, a statewide program implemented by the California League of Educators, CA Department of Education, CA Middle Grades Alliance, National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform, and the CA Schools to Watch model schools.

“We truly have an incredible group of teachers at Rancho and this Schools To Watch re-designation is a validation of the great work happening in classrooms across our campus,” said Rancho Principal Casey McMurray.

Rancho was first designated a School to Watch in 2008 and then re-designated in five subsequent years. Rancho will be honored for its sixth redesignation at the CA League of Schools conference in Monterey in March 2023 and then at the National Forum of Schools To Watch in Washington D.C. in June 2023.

Young female students explore STEM with GirlStart afterschool program

12/9/2022

While their parents are huddled outside the classroom, the excitement is building for about 30 fourth- and fifth- grade students at Weller Elementary School as the young female scientists make final preparations on their projects for their GirlStart Showcase.

It is a culmination of the semester-long, after-school program, which seeks to inspire elementary-school aged girls by exposing them to the wonders of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and potential career paths in fields that are disproportionately lacking for females.

“For me, it is just about making things fun for the girls. We are an after-school program that they come to after a day of classes and schoolwork,” said Elise Pham, GirlStart STEM crew member. “We want them to have fun with their projects. We want to teach them that STEM is something achievable for them.”

Julian Roque, a Science Specialist with Milpitas Unified School District, likes how GirlStart provides tons of materials that may not be available to them otherwise. “Because of that, the girls can do so many different STEM activities,” said Roque.

“I definitely think GirlStart is one of the best ways for girls to be involved in STEM. There is such a small percentage of girls going into STEM,” Roque added. “To have this opportunity so early on will hopefully inspire them later in life to pursue a career in STEM.”

With projects touching on nutrition, density, gravity, aerodynamics and more, these primary students are already building a foundation and passion for STEM through scientific research, experimentation and discovery.

“Density, it [determines] whether an object sinks or floats,” said 9-year-old fourth grader Aria Kawamoto in describing her team’s Showcase project.

“We pour water on cereal and then a magnet pulls out the iron,” shares 10-year-old fifth grader Saivi Manthana.

One day earlier, Zanker Elementary School hosted its GirlStart Showcase with 26 participants illustrating a different aspect of STEM that they learned through weekly hands-on science experiments over the past nine weeks. For the showcase, they make posters and talk about the activity and vocabulary they learned.

“With each activity, we talk about a career in STEM and a woman who is in that career who is very successful,” said Iris Tilton, a neuroscientist and a GirlStart STEM crew member. “I hope the girls are able to see themselves in a STEM identity and feel they have the option to pursue a career in STEM if they want to and don’t feel held back.”

Zanker teacher Laura Polden sees the results firsthand as her students have “become more organized, more goal-oriented, more thoughtful and just able to produce something on time, and that definitely trickles down to me in the classroom.”

Fifth grader Sritha Kottam, 10, and her group of five shoot a rocket in the air for their project at the Showcase. “It’s about rocket launching and gravity, and how much force is needed.”

“It’s Newton’s Third Law. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction,” added 10-year-old Ansruta Roy. “We never gave up and did lots and lots of experiments to be able to launch the rocket.”

Science is Elementary engages MUSD students with hands-on learning experiences

11/30/2022

Third graders in Mrs. Anderson’s class are fully engaged as they learn about magnetic force, while first graders in Mrs. Dawson’s class are just as captivated as they learn about the reflection of light.

In both classrooms at Burnett Elementary School, the Science is Elementary program–which enlists science-savvy staff and volunteers—inspires younger students through interactive, hands-on activities.

“I love the interactiveness of the lessons,” said Mrs. Anderson, who assists the Science is Elementary staff and volunteers as they divide the students up into smaller groups following a whole class lesson.

Science is Elementary comes into kindergarten through 3rd grade classrooms at Burnett, Rose and Sinnott, once a month, bringing along an array of materials and supplies for demonstrations, activities and scientific discovery. Each student has a Science is Elementary folder to record their findings.

“The kids have really enjoyed this program,” said Mrs. Dawson. “The way they set up the lessons is very kid appropriate and definitely connects with what we’ve been teaching.”

Before each visit into the classroom, Science is Elementary sends the teacher a set of slides to teach a pre-lesson to their students. Then, they dig deeper for that day’s session. Afterwards, the teacher receives a follow-up lesson to reinforce the concepts they have learned.

On this particular Friday, lead instructor Genie Njolito dangles a paper clip from a string and asks the students about the different types of forces at play: air pressure, gravity and muscle. She then asks them if it is balanced or unbalanced and additional questions such as “What is a magnet; what objects are attracted and which are not; and how can we move the paper clip without touching it?” They learn that the earth is a giant magnet and that magnets have a north and south pole. During group work, a volunteer helps them move a paper clip along a piece of paper with a magnet underneath.

“When we come in, we want to inspire the kids to ask questions and empower them to do science,” said Jennifer Urmson, Director of In-person Programming for Science is Elementary. “It is a hands-on experience. It’s about exploration and discovery. It’s a lot of fun.”

In Mrs. Dawson’s classroom, students are learning about reflective and translucent materials. In their small work groups, they hold up different reflective materials such as aluminum foil, CDs, spoons and mirrors. With each item, students are asked if they can see their reflection and if one is more reflective than the other.

“It’s so easy for our teachers to implement,” said Burnett Principal Hanna Asrat, who has observed Science is Elementary in action. “The kids are always super excited. It’s a great way for our youngest students to have hands-on science experiences.”

High school students learn Financial Literacy, create 10-year plan

11/14/2022

Economics teacher Teresa Zesati reminds her students everyday that in a few short months they will be finished with high school and off to make their marks in the real world.

Her goal for each of those students is for them to have a 10-year plan, mapping out where they want to be and how they will accomplish that.

“I tell them that in six months you will be out in the real world, and how many of you have a plan?,” said the first-year instructor at Calaveras Hills High School where she teaches economics, government and cultural history classes. “They need to know the steps it takes to get them where they want to be.”

Senior Ethan Tan, 17, understands the importance of financial literacy as he maps out his future after high school. “It’s definitely something every student should learn,” Tan said. “We are learning how we should be saving, building up our credit scores, and putting money aside for other things.”

Zesati opened the second quarter by introducing how the banking system works, how to open a bank account, the difference between a bank and a credit union, and how credit and credit cards work. As part of the lesson, students played a simulation computer game where they chose a career, learned the hours and pay for that occupation, and then had to figure out how to survive a month with expenses on their own.

“My goal is for them all to have a 10-year plan by the end of this section. Where are you going to be and how did you get there?,” said Zesati, who uses her own life experiences to demonstrate the challenges one must overcome along the way.

Students then were given $100,000 to use in the stock market in another simulation activity. They first learned about how the stock market works and how to build a portfolio. Some put all their money into one company while others spread their money around, Zesati explained.

“We use MarketWatch. It’s fake money but real stocks. You have to decide when to sell and when to buy stocks,” said 17-year-old senior Alex Smith, who plans to join the Marines and work in the electrical field. “I’m learning so much.”

She makes sure that students do some self-reflection each step of the way: Why does it matter? How does it affect me and how does it affect the community? How can I change that for the better?

“Everything we are doing I want them to connect the dots to their 10-year plan and the steps it is going to take to get there,” Zesati said. “I always remind them the real world starts in a few months so you’ve got to have a plan.”

The class touches on many topics, including cycles of poverty and how to break those cycles in underserved communities; education and school funding for public and private schools; areas of food scarcity; and financial aid for college.

“Talking with her convinced me to go to college,” said senior Diego Garcia, 17, who has applied for enrollment into San Jose City College.

Last week, students used a money tracker to track how much they spent in a month compared to how much they earn. Zesati created a template for them to use in class and beyond. They also came up with a dream budget and again were challenged with how they can get there.

“It helps them learn how to manage their money better,” she added. “I want them to figure out where they need to be to be financially stable in the real world.”

MHS softball star Linh Le signs letter of intent to play at Duke University

11/9/2022

Milpitas High School senior softball player Linh Le inked her national letter of intent to play at Duke University next season in front of family, friends, MUSD staff and MHS students inside the gymnasium. The scholar-athlete holds a 4.1 GPA and is the reigning league MVP heading into her senior year with the MHS Trojans.

"It means the world to me to get to be with the people I love and celebrate my accomplishment," said Linh, who was discovered by the Duke Blue Devils coach while playing in a tournament in Huntington Beach. "I want to tell every little girl out there that it really is possible."

MHS softball coach Deana Querubin said: "It means a lot because she's worked so hard to get here. It's such a big moment for Linh. She is so deserving. She is such a great kid."

Congratulations to Linh for this amazing achievement and good luck this season at MHS and ahead at Duke!

Annual Jack Emery Drive about 'Comm-UNITY'

11/9/2022

Hi everyone, I’m Vicky Ly, this year’s Milpitas High School Associated Student Body (ASB) President and Jack Emery District Coordinator!

The Jack Emery drive is a food and money drive where all the schools work together to raise money for our local Milpitas Food Pantry. The Jack Emery drive will be going on from November 7 - December 9, so keep an eye out for any non-perishable goods in your home! Our theme for the drive is comm-UNITY, and our district goal is to bring together our schools and Milpitas comm-UNITY through the Jack Emery Drive!

This drive is so important because it helps the pantry and those in need, and it also unifies our schools as well. It’s a time where we bring the entire Milpitas community together for a great cause. To kick our drive, we hosted our Jack Emery kick-off brunch in person! All the school sites and some members of our Milpitas Unified District got together at Milpitas High to kick off our drive.

I love that I get to coordinate the drive because I have the opportunity to be involved in something as impactful as the Jack Emery Drive as a high school student. Last year, I led the Milpitas High drive, and we were able to raise 48,000 cans (with $1 = 2 cans), far exceeding our goal of 22,000. This year, I will be overseeing the drive for the district and helping the school sites with their drives! I’m excited to see how well we’re going to do this Jack Emery season. I'm rooting for Gavin Heraldo, the lead for the MHS drive, to surpass the total amount of cans that were donated last year :)

TRMS 7th grader Eunice Lee wins gold in National Jump Rope Championships

10/18/2022

Inspired by her participation in the Milpitas Elementary Olympics, Thomas Russell Middle School seventh grader Eunice Lee has earned 2 gold medals and 1 bronze medal at the U.S. National Jump Rope Championships.

“My jump rope passion started from the Milpitas Elementary Olympics,” said Lee, who also formed her own Milpitas Jump Rope Team to compete at the National Jump Rope Championship “because I would like to represent the City of Milpitas.”

Lee is already repping her hometown on a national level. She is a 3-time U.S. National Champion for 3-minute Speed Jump Rope (2021,2022) and Individual Freestyle Jump Rope (2022). Additionally, The 2-time U.S. National Jump Rope Team Athlete (2021, 2022) took 2nd place in the U.S. Grand National Championship (regardless of age group) for the 3-minute Speed Jump Rope (2022).

“I found my talent on jump rope when I was 8 years old (1-minute single rope speed) at the Milpitas Elementary Olympics where I got the gold medal for two years (2018, 2019) in a row among 6 elementary schools,” recalled Lee, who received the 2019 Superintendent Recognition Women’s Leader Award for her achievements.

Just this year Lee has taken home two gold medals and one bronze medal in the 2022 American Jump Rope National Championship. Watch her in action in these videos:

Lee will be honored by the Milpitas Unified School District’s Board of Education at the October 25 meeting.

Meet our amazing 2023 National Merit Scholar Semifinalists

10/12/2022

Student Name: Natalie Chen

Age: 17

What does being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist mean to you?
To me, being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist is proof that my efforts throughout high school have paid off. It also serves as motivation to continue working hard to become a finalist.

What / Who motivates you to succeed at such a high level?
I am very thankful for the support that my parents have given me to pursue educational and extracurricular opportunities. They have always encouraged me to decide my own path, and I think that freedom contributed to my success.

What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
My favorite subject is statistics. The lessons from this class improved my critical thinking skills and allowed me to interpret data, which is crucial for the major I picked.

What college would you like to attend after graduating MHS, and why?
I am applying to many schools, both in and out of California, but I would love to attend a school with great academic resources and welcoming people.

Student Name: Tiffany Lieu

Age: 17

What does being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist mean to you?
I was a bit surprised to hear that I had been named a Semifinalist, but I am grateful to receive this recognition of my hard work. Beyond the possibility of earning a scholarship, I am honored to get the opportunity to make my family proud.

What / Who motivates you to succeed at such a high level?
While I primarily motivate myself, it is often my peers that inspire me. People my age from MHS and around the world do incredible things, and they constantly push me to rethink the bounds of what is possible.

What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
Language is my favorite subject! I love learning different languages because I believe the ability to communicate across languages is the best way to connect with other people. All languages carry a lot of history, and I think it's important to continue these legacies into the future.

What college would you like to attend after graduating MHS, and why?
I am not currently set on a specific college. Though, I would love to further my education at a high-ranking university in California, so that I won't ever get too homesick.

Student Name: Afnaan Waqas

Age: 17

What does being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist mean to you?
Being named a semifinalist is really exciting for me since all the hard work I've been putting in my academics is finally paying off. I'm really happy to have the opportunity to compete for a national merit scholarship.

What / Who motivates you to succeed at such a high level?
Growing up, my parents always pushed me to do my best in everything I do and it's just become a habit of mine to chase perfection.

What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
My favorite subject in school so far would definitely be calculus. I'm a huge math geek and the things I learned in that class keep popping up in many of my other classes like chemistry and physics.

What college would you like to attend after graduating MHS, and why?
I'd like to attend a prestigious UC school and study aerospace engineering. I wouldn't mind getting into Stanford, either.

Student Name: Brandon Wong

Age: 17

What does being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist mean to you?
Being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist means I can become a finalist and get the scholarship.

What / Who motivates you to succeed at such a high level?
My parents, friends, and teachers motivate me to succeed at such a high level. I feel responsible for meeting their expectations and performing at my best.

What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
My favorite subject in school is Physics due to the structured nature it gives to the world and our interactions with it. Additionally, it is easy for me to see the practical applications of Physics in real-world projects.

What college would you like to attend after graduating MHS, and why?
I am considering a few UCs and private colleges (in and out of state). I am looking for a school with a strong engineering program that emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning.

Student Name: Riya Vyas

Age: 17

What does being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist mean to you?
Being a semifinalist means that my intensive studying paid off and prepared me well for my academic future. Hopefully, it means my education throughout my life has allowed me to build a foundation of knowledge that I can continue to grow in college.

What / Who motivates you to succeed at such a high level?
My mom inspires me to work hard for the causes I am passionate about. She sets an example of someone who can balance a career and a family and face life’s hardships with grace and determination. She always supports me with empathy and understanding through thick and thin.

What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
English has been my favorite subject ever since I learned to read—I love picking up a book and escaping into others’ minds, discovering fresh perspectives and novel social commentaries. I also enjoy expressing myself through writing, as it allows clear and creative communication.

What college would you like to attend after graduating MHS, and why?
I want to attend a liberal arts college, because I want to major in sociology & political science as an undergraduate and later go to law school. I love the idea of going to the east coast, but also enjoy California’s culture and don’t want to stray too far from home.

Dual Enrollment offers college credits to MUSD high school students

9/23/2022

A growing number of students from Milpitas High School, Calaveras Hills High School and Milpitas Middle College High School are taking advantage of what Milpitas Unified School District’s Dual Enrollment program with San Jose Evergreen Community College District has to offer: earning a high school diploma and college credits simultaneously.

“It is about getting a headstart,” said 16-year-old MHS junior Damian Elizondo, who is taking college courses for the first time this semester. “Overall, it has been a great experience.”

On a typical school day, a Dual Enrollment student will take four high school classes in the morning and then head to the SJCC-Milpitas Extension for two Dual Enrollment classes, which are the equivalent of 20 (each class is worth 10) high school credits. For students needing transportation from one school to the other, SJCC-Milpitas Extension Director Michael Mooney was able to get them Eco-bus passes, and Principal Karisa Scott assures that they are connected.

“To graduate high school and start off college already having units it’s a deal that I could not pass up,” said 17-year-old CHHS senior Aeries Xiong. “The administration here is amazing and so supportive. The teachers allow us to be more independent in doing our work. I love it.”

Principal Scott, who oversees about 250 total students between her duties as Dual Enrollment Coordinator, Middle College HS Principal and MUSD Virtual Pathways Secondary Coordinator, recognizes the benefits of having such a program. After two years, a full-time student will amass over 20 college units that count as both college and high school credit.

“My hope is that every student is able to realize they can access college courses while still in high school, and that they recognize and overcome any barriers to achieve their goals,” Scott said. “We have the support and resources for them to be successful. We offer peer tutoring, free college textbooks and materials, college counseling services, and have students self-assess via progress reports. We also work collaboratively with SJCC to build a community for students here at our beautiful joint use campus."

There are currently three Dual Enrollment pathways including Computer Science (Technest), Education/Social Work and General Education. Classes are established in collaboration with the SJCC Extension to ensure students can take all the courses necessary to fulfill their pathway.

“I teach them how to be successful in college and show them the resources and programs that are available,” said Professor Zaina Hamid, who teaches Guidance 130 College Success. “College is a mystery to them. We give them an insider view that helps ease them into college.”

MCHS junior Nandana Kurup, 16, said she found out about Dual Enrollment from a presentation and the opportunity intrigued her so she decided to find out more about it.

“I’m the first person in my family to go to college in the United States. My family [attended college] in India,” said Kurup, who enjoys the college environment. “They have different expectations in college. You get to do it your way, but you’ve got to be on top of things.”

Fellow MCHS junior Kaitlyn Nguyen, 16, was drawn to the variety of courses offered in Dual Enrollment. “I get to choose what classes I take and what not to take,” she said.

Those interested in discovering if Dual Enrollment is right for them should visit https://mmchs.musd.org/dual-enrollment or contact Karisa Scott at [email protected] and set up an appointment today.

AP Biology students learn about cell structure while campaigning for the Most Important Organelle

9/22/2022

Let the Organelle Games begin!

Students in Karen Truesdell’s AP Biology Class were on point when arguing why their assigned cell organelle was “The Most Important Organelle” in the cell and the organism.

Some created catchy slogans for their campaign such as “Remember to vote Chloroplast because they make life last,” or “[Lysosomes] we digest the best and remove the rest,” or “[Nucleus] we are all about you before us,” or “[Ribosomes], we make the most beautiful human a human can be.”

With much vigor and knowledge of their organelle, students campaigned in front of their class and sought to convince their peers that they were the most important element in a cell. Posters championing the greatness of their specific organelles hung from the ceiling and the walls as students stated their case in Ms. Truesdell’s classroom.

After the last speech concluded, each organelle student group had two votes, one for their organelle and one for another of their choosing.

“I’m hoping they get a little more in-depth understanding of the parts of the cell and that they’re showing courage in different ways to write about those details and articulate them in public speaking,” said Ms. Truesdell. “This was really well done, and this is the first year we’ve done this.”

“The students’ wit, critical thinking and oratory skills made the learning experience delightful to observe,” and Superintendent Jordan went on to say, ”this is a fantastic example of what students can do when they become co-designers of their learning.”