by Ann Du Bois

A language and literacy program called the “SEAL Model” is thriving at seven of our MUSD schools. The highlight of a SEAL unit is often the culminating gallery walk, when families and other guests are invited to come visit the classroom, and students showcase their learning. On Dec. 20, Spangler’s kindergarten classes, led by Ms. Adidjaja, Ms. Singleton, Mrs. Hilton-Nickel and Mrs. Castello, proudly welcomed a large group of families who enthusiastically filled up the multi-use room for their “Community Helpers” unit gallery walk. Kindergarten parents came prepared with cameras galore and they were in full paparazzi mode.  
 
The Spangler kindergarteners presented their shared research projects, highlighting information about a community worker of their choice (e.g., sanitation worker, teacher, dentist, veterinarian, librarian, police officer). The process of creating shared research projects was a collaborative one, and students impressed visitors with their knowledge, enthusiasm, and presentation skills.
 
“I was the first one who started it in my group,” said kindergartener Daniel from Ms. Adidjaja’s class. “I was so happy. My mom and my baby sister were there and I taught everyone. It was great.”
 
Kindergartener Coraline also commented, “I showed people what we did and I was telling them about where they work and all about veterinarians. Mommy came. I didn’t want her to go. It was fun!”

The City of Milpitas will be hosting a series of meetings about affordable housing and to present the details of its Affordable Housing Nexus Study.

If you have any questions or requests about the meeting, input or comments regarding the Affordable Housing Nexus Study, please do not hesitate to contact Tim Wong, Housing and Neighborhood Services Manager at (408) 586-3286 or send him an email at [email protected]

In case you weren’t aware, Milpitas Little League and Bobby Sox sign-ups are underway, where there is an Early Bird sign-up special to take advantage of this month for both leagues, and there is a big registration day this Saturday for both leagues.
 
Milpitas National Little League registrations will be happening at Dick’s Sporting Goods at the Great Mall from 12-2.  Please see the attached flyer or go to their website, Little League Registration, to learn more.  You can register online, but you will still need to drop off forms in person.
 
North Valley Milpitas Bobby Sox will be having in-person registrations at the Round Table Pizza at Landess & Morrill from 12-2.  See this site for more information, Bobby Sox Registration.  They do not offer online registration, so you will need to go in person to register your daughter(s).

The Milpitas Unified School District is offering a free series of parent meetings open to all parents and caregivers.  Join Project Cornerstone’s engaging workshop - Take It Personally, starting Thursday, January 11th from 6:30pm - 8:00pm at Rancho Middle School. You do not need to be a parent from Russell, just an adult who cares about all kids.

We know that your strong family is the best predictor of your children's success. Parents and caregivers need fresh ideas that work to keep families close, as children grow. Come learn new tools for strengthening your relationships with children and youth in this 6-week workshop facilitated by Project Cornerstone. Each week we will share, discuss, and practice ways to show caring, give support, set boundaries, and build strong relationships that help youth succeed in school, friendships and life!
 
Learn tools you can use now- to strengthen your family connections and help young people thrive.
 
Class Title: Take It Personally
Dates:  Thursdays: 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Place/Host: Rancho Middle School (Library)
Workshop paid for by District
Free childcare and snacks will be provided.
Sign Up today:  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0945aba72d6-take
Questions? Contact Ziem Neubert at [email protected]

Please come to our community open house so that we can get your feedback on our proposed new affordable development at 355 Sango Court. It will have 101 affordable apartments & some will be for formerly homeless veterans and other families in Milpitas.

Date: Monday, December 18th, 2017
Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Location: Pearl Zanker Elementary School

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the percentage of adults in the Silicon Valley who do not hold a high school diploma is well into the double digits in some communities, prompting the South Bay Consortium for Adult Education (SBCAE) to launch Open Doors, a regional campaign that brings to the forefront the diverse adult education programs that put adults lacking language, literacy or technical skills on a solid path to work, school and/or career training.

In the area served by SBCAE, a partnership of five adult schools and four community colleges in Santa Clara County, the percentage of adults without a high school diploma is as high as 17.7 percent in San Jose, the consortium’s largest city, followed by 14.2 percent in Milpitas, 13.5 percent in Santa Clara and 12.9 percent in Morgan Hill, according to census data. Statewide, 18 percent of the population aged 25 and older does not have a high school diploma or equivalency, according to census data. 

“People often think of the Silicon Valley as a place of affluent tech workers, which is true, but it’s more diverse than that, with many low-income residents who cannot live on the wages they make and are looking for opportunities to livable wages and a better future,” said Kishan Vujjeni, co-chair of the SBCAE. “Our consortium members provide programs throughout the valley that can help this population attain the skills they need, no matter where they are in their educational journey, and transition into a career or postsecondary education.”

SBCAE member organizations offer English-language classes, apprenticeship opportunities, career education courses, basic math and literacy classes and support services for adults with disabilities, with many of these programs being free. The consortium has nine transition specialists, representing each school and college, who help students identify their educational and career goals and develop a concrete path to achieving them. Adults age 18 and older are eligible to enroll in classes.

Those interested can visit the campaign website to explore options and complete a short form so a transition specialist may contact them. The website includes a map that shows the location and contact information for each transition specialist. For more information, visit www.OpenDoorsSouthBay.org or call 408-918-5100. ​