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Milpitas High School has been ranked 1,026th in the nation and 136th in California 2024 Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings evaluate nearly 18,000 schools at the national, state and local level.
“MUSD Strategic Goal #1 is to Build a Culture of We, resulting in exceptional learning outcomes for students of diverse backgrounds,” said Superintendent Cheryl Jordan. “We provide our students with experiences that develop not only academic skills for success, but career skills that will set them on a path to leading in and creating the work of the future.” Milpitas HS, which includes 3,026 students in grades 9-12, was also ranked 361st of 2,000 in STEM High Schools. MHS has one of the most ethnically and economically diverse populations in the country at 96.7%, making it a rich environment for learners. “What makes Milpitas High School a top high school in the nation is the collective, positive support from great parents, high school staff members, and generous community partners that creates 3,000 diamonds - our kind, passionate and caring students,” shared Greg Wohlman, Principal and Chief Innovator of Milpitas HS and New Campus Programs. The methodology focuses on six factors: college readiness; reading, math and science proficiency; reading, math and science performance; underserved student performance; college curriculum breadth; and graduation rates. "The 2024 Best High Schools rankings highlight schools across the country where students consistently demonstrate academic excellence,” said LaMont Jones, managing editor of education at U.S. News. “Having access to our data on the high schools can empower families as they navigate today’s educational environment and plan for the future.” With a scorecard of 94.19, Milpitas HS’s statistics included 94% Graduation Rate, 78% Reading Proficiency, 62 % Science Proficiency and 61% Mathematics Proficiency, with 44% of students passing at least one Advanced Placement (AP) Exam and 51% taking at least one AP Exam. MUSD goes beyond AP in its Strategic Goal #3 -- developing pathways for learners to career, as a result, 10% of our high school learners have been dually enrolled in high school and college level courses. Parents and students can see how Milpitas High School compares to other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on USNews.com. # # # About Milpitas Unified School District Milpitas Unified School District is a beacon for learning for more than 10,000 students in early childhood through adult education. We have high expectations for every student and provide multiple opportunities and pathways for success. We provide learning opportunities for all and create nurturing environments where students are inspired and empowered. MUSD is an exceptional district in which students and staff are critical thinkers and trailblazers known for creativity and innovation. We prepare students to go out into the world and make a difference as responsible citizens who are passionate about life and learning. To learn more about Milpitas Unified School District, visit www.musd.org, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MilpitasUnified, or follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @MUSDFamily. About U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate, Careers and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Milpitas Unified School District Receives $820k in grants from Golden State Pathways Program6/5/2024
Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) was recently awarded $820,000 in grants through the Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP), designed to improve opportunities for students and prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow. MUSD was one of 302 districts awarded grants for exceptional program design.
The MUSD grant will support the Educator/Social Worker, Computer Sciences and Health Sciences Pathway programs at MUSD Middle College High School, as well as the Computer Sciences and Advanced Manufacturing Pathway programs at the Milpitas High School Extension at the MUSD Innovation Campus. “Our MUSD Team persistently applies for grants that will fuel our MUSD mission to assure every learner sees themselves in what they learn and is afforded opportunities to experience learning pathways that will support them in their future careers,” said Superintendent Cheryl Jordan. “We are thrilled with this recent grant award that will support the development of skills identified by the World Economic Forum as the three must haves for success in the workplace -- problem solving, collaboration, and adaptability.” The GSPP program integrates college preparatory coursework meeting the A-G course requirements for admission to state universities and the opportunity to earn 12 college credits with career exploration, career technical education courses, and work-based learning, according to the California Department of Education (CDE). Governor Newsom said in his announcement: “This funding will be a game-changer for thousands of students as the state invests in pathways to good-paying, high-need careers—including those that don’t require college degrees.” The implementation of dual enrollment and learning experiences that engage learners with possibilities for career allows students to advance seamlessly from high school through institutes of higher education to career, and provides the workforce needed for economic growth in Milpitas and throughout Silicon Valley. State Supt. Thurmond in the CDE’s press release on the GSPP stated, “I am very proud of today’s investment. I look forward to seeing our students gain entry to competitive wages and thriving futures.” In the last three months our MUSD Team has secured grants totalling $2.82M to support MUSD Strategic Goal #1 Build a Culture of We and SG#3 Develop Educational Pathways that allow Students to apply their Passion in Learning for their Future Careers. “Our strategic goals were developed after discussions with the experiences our students, parents, caretakers, community members, and local businesses have in Silicon Valley,” said Board President Minh Ngo. “We continue to connect pathways of success for our Future ready students.” # # # About Milpitas Unified School District Milpitas Unified School District is a beacon for learning for more than 10,000 students in early childhood through adult education. We have high expectations for every student and provide multiple opportunities and pathways for success. We provide learning opportunities for all and create nurturing environments where students are inspired and empowered. MUSD is an exceptional district in which students and staff are critical thinkers and trailblazers known for creativity and innovation. We prepare students to go out into the world and make a difference as responsible citizens who are passionate about life and learning. To learn more about Milpitas Unified School District, visit www.musd.org, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MilpitasUnified, or follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @MUSDFamily. As an Associate Professor of Psychology at The University of Arizona since 2015, Milpitas High School Class of 2023 alumnus Matt Grilli performs a mix of research, teaching, and service to the broader university and scientific community. The now 39-year-old’s research lab has a broad focus of: 1) uncovering how and why the brain stores and retrieves memories; 2) understanding the impact of aging and brain injury on memory and cognition; and 3) identifying effective interventions for improving cognition in everyday life. “I use a bunch of methods in my research, including neuropsychological testing, brain imaging techniques (MRI), smartphone data collection tools, and measures of blood health,” Grilli shared. “I teach undergraduate courses on cognition and the brain, and I oversee the mission and vision of the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program at the University of Arizona through my role as Director of Clinical Training.” Grilli, who attended Curtner Elementary School and Thomas Russell Middle School prior to MHS, holds a B.A. in Psychology from The University of California, Irvine, where he was summa cum laude (2007) and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The University of Arizona (2013). “MUSD fostered a love for learning and teaching that I act on every day in my work,” Grilli said. “I am fortunate to have a job that allows me to study the mysteries of the brain, to teach undergraduates to be informed consumers and producers of science, and to train the next generation of clinical psychological scientists. The roots of my perspective on education and science trace to MUSD.” While attending Milpitas HS, Grilli was on the student journalism team and, crediting many educators for supporting him, highlighted teacher Jeff Colburn because he “pushed me to be a better writer at a time when I needed it.” Many of his fond memories are from competing with the cross-country and track and field teams in middle school and high school. “The culture of school sports taught me dedication and hardwork,” he added. “These skills play a pivotal role in who I am today.” Now, married with two children, Grilli’s words of wisdom for younger MUSD generations is: “Be curious. Ask ‘why’ and ‘how’. Be the driver of your education!” Milpitas High School's Milpitas Xtreme Robotics Team 1669X compiled a record of 8-3 against the world’s top teams over three days of intense competition at the VEX World Championship in Dallas, Texas.
"Our resilient squad of nine students showcased exceptional engineering ingenuity and collaborative spirit, further solidifying Milpitas High School's reputation as a robotics leader," MHS Engineering teacher and MXR advisor Paul Okoye. "MXR Team 1669X takes great pride in representing #Milpitas on the global stage with an astounding 117,000 attendees." This marks MXR’s third consecutive year competing at the World Championship. Among 13,769 teams from 79 countries contending in the 2023/24 season, only 800 teams from 40 nations qualified to compete at this prestigious event. "The invaluable experience gained from this competition serves as a cornerstone for our diverse team, offering unparalleled learning opportunities and igniting inspiration for future generations of innovators," Okoye shared. Burnett Elementary School Assistant Principal Brandi McMillan (Elementary co-Administrator of the Year); Coordinator of Early Childhood Education and Family Engagement Vanessa Espitia (Central Office Administrator of the Year), Coordinator I of Student Services Yvonne Sugimura (Student Services Administrator of the Year), and Sinnott Elementary School Assistant Principal Gina Sainten (MUSD Rookie Administrator of the Year) were selected as Region 8 winners in the annual Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Awards.
These four 2024 award recipients are now eligible for state-wide recognition among 19 geographic regions that comprise ACSA, the driving force for an equitable, world-class education system, and the development and support of inspired educational leaders who meet the diverse needs of all California students. Congratulations to all of our MUSD award-winners! Nearly 200 Transitional Kindergarten through 6th Grade students participated in Milpitas Unified School District’s 2024 April Academy over Spring Break (April 15-19) at Burnett Elementary School. MUSD educators utilized the California State Math Framework to shape Project-Based lesson plans for the week-long enrichment program, which concluded with a special Student Showcase on Friday. Families who attended the Showcase asked learners about their work and their inspiration for the projects. “The week went really, really well,” said second grade teacher Kristin Nieva. “The unit that was chosen for second grade was appropriate and the students looked at it as not even really being at school. They were just having a lot of fun with cooking, eating, and trial and error. They did a lot of learning without even knowing they were learning.” Nieva’s students were “kitchen chemists,” using recipes that tied in with mathematical measurements such as tablespoons and cups, as well as ingredients that, when mixed together, caused physical and chemical changes. Students collaborated to create their own recipes and design a cookbook. Overall, April Academy’s purpose was to provide students with rigorous opportunities to ask questions and try new things with units designed to make learning math not only fun and engaging but also meaningful and empowering, according to April Academy Principal Emily DeLora-Ellefson. Through creative projects, outdoor activities, and art and science integration, students were able to explore various math concepts while developing collaboration skills and self-efficacy in math. “We hope that all students will leave inspired and equipped with the skills and mindset to tackle any mathematical challenge and that they will have fun while doing so,” DeLora-Ellefson added. Fourth graders integrated area and perimeter, identified shapes, used fine motor skills and found solutions to design dream houses for “clients” and for themselves as their week-long projects. “This was integrated into their projects so they were able to measure the area of a square and learn dimensions,” said fourth grade teacher Cyril Echin. “They looked for their clients and asked them what their needs were for their house such as how many rooms, any special features and square footage.” In third grade teacher Daisy Gonzalez’ class, students designed a miniature golf course, using geometry, angles and shapes such as quadrilaterals in their creations. “Our driving question was, ‘how can we use geometry to make an appealing and challenging golf course for others in our community?,’” Gonzalez shared. “I’m really proud of the students and everything that they learned.” Milpitas High School junior entrepreneur Alena Kononenko wanted a new 3D Printer with more capabilities than the old one she had received after attending a summer class at Stanford University a few years earlier. Her parents were willing to listen, but they wanted to know how serious Alena was to determine if it was a sound investment. So the now 17-year-old developed a business presentation that eventually won over her parents who purchased a new Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D Printer with Automatic Material System (AMS) for Christmas. “I started selling my prints just to my friends,” said Kononenko, who would print fidgets and other small items upon request. “They would pay me $2/hour plus the cost of plastic, and I would print anything for them.” The Randall Elementary School and Rancho Middle School alumna then turned to her teachers at Milpitas HS and asked them if they needed any small items for their classrooms. “That’s my network because teachers need a lot of little things that cost a lot of money,’” shared Kononenko, who has since expanded her enterprise. “I started slowly making a little bit of money. I haven’t broken even yet. I have made $300 so far for the last three months. I’ve made about 50 or so prints.” Another big sales boost came when she made a toy snake (the old school wooden one that coils up but made of plastic instead) for her little sister who brought it to her third grade class at Rose Elementary School and showed all of her friends. “She came home and said that 10 of her friends wanted snakes like that,” said Kononenko, who can print one toy snake in three hours. “The next day she brought back $60 so I started pumping out those snakes like a factory.” Kononenko now has her own Instagram account (@_artska_) and Discord account (artska) dedicated to her 3D printing, and her business continues to grow. “What I now sell is my printer service. It’s not the models. If you give me the model, I’m charging you to use my printer,” she explained. “I hope more people see what I’m doing, even if they don’t buy it, I just want people to see what I’m doing because it’s so cool. I post a lot of stuff.” Kononenko will have a stand set up at Milpitas HS this March 29 from 3-7 p.m. at the Trojan Olympics Night Market to share her creations with anyone who stops by. “I can make anything,” said Kononenko, who plans to attend Milpitas Middle College High School for her senior year. “My parents are proud of me and I’m proud of myself for taking the initiative.” Rep. Khanna’s Office allocates funds for a new traffic signal and sidewalk project along Calaveras Blvd.
Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) was awarded a $500,000 grant from Representative Ro Khanna’s Office to support school safety. This grant is a contribution towards the cost of the installation of a traffic light and new sidewalk along Calaveras Blvd. between Park Victoria and Gadsen Dr., the total cost is $3.35M. This project provides greater safety to the community upon entering, exiting or walking along the MUSD Innovation Campus. MUSD was the only school district among 15 municipalities to be allocated funding from $14,771,279 that Rep. Khanna secured from the House Appropriations Committee fiscal year 2024 bills. “This funding will make a difference in the lives of people in California's 17th Congressional District,” said Rep. Ro Khanna. “These funds will help provide housing, tackle hunger, improve public safety, and address many other needs felt in our community. I was proud to secure $14.7 million in funding for these critical projects and I am thankful they have been signed into law by President Biden.” A first-of-its-kind high school through adult, early childhood education research and workforce development center–located on the site of the former Samuel Ayer High School–the MUSD Innovation Campus is already emerging as a hub for future-ready learners of all ages to connect with local businesses and partners within classrooms and labs tailored to provide a real-world education. “The MUSD Innovation Campus provides an experience for students that speaks to their potential as the leaders of the future workforce,” said Superintendent Cheryl Jordan, who continues to work with the Board Governance Team to secure resources for the campus. “We are building inspirational learning environments that capture the imagination of students, educators, and our partners.” The new facilities will support a wide variety of programming, including business entrepreneurship, robotics, virtual reality, Audio/Video production, coding, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer science and virtual design and construction, as well as simulation for legal, financial, manufacturing and health career training. The MUSD Innovation Campus provides learning spaces for MUSD’s Adult Education School, Calaveras Hills High School and in the fall of 2024, it will be home to the Milpitas High School Extension. MUSD Board of Education President Minh Ngo, whose children attend Alexander Rose Elementary School, noted: “The community vision to support a future ready learner in MUSD would not be possible without the passage of the 2018 Measure AA Bond, our financial partners, and the various grants awarded such as today’s award from Congressman Ro Khanna. The investment into MUSD will carry our students to greater heights and innovation.” With the completion of Phase 1 for the start of the 2023-24 school year, the MUSD Innovation Campus is set to ignite workforce pathways and early childcare research in our region and beyond in two additional phases. Phase 2 is slated to be completed in summer 2024, while the Phase 3 opening is estimated for fall 2026. MUSD continues to seek the support of individual financial partners like that of KLA Foundation to sponsor this first-of-its-kind bridge between local businesses, institutes of higher education, governance, and future-ready learners. For more information, please visit: https://www.musd.org/musd-innovation-campus-campaign.html. Through partnerships with community, colleges and universities, as well as local businesses, the MUSD Innovation Campus will provide training and education that support emerging career fields with practical career simulation. This novel academic institution will prepare Milpitas students of all ages for the local – and global – job market. Upon full capacity, the 99,000 sq. ft. campus will consist of six new two-story buildings, as well as one modernized building complete with classrooms, learning labs, career simulation facilities, and STEAM labs. The campus is designed to provide environments for a wide variety of programming supported by flex spaces and outdoor learning quads. Each building will include sustainable materials, energy efficient lighting, all-electric mechanical systems, stormwater catchment and water-efficient landscaping. Name: Anu Nakka Title: Board Clerk Years at MUSD: 2 Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? Mother Teresa, because she spent her entire life in service, helping poor and sick people. What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? Erin Brockovich. A single mother fighting for the town and taking on big power companies. Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? Your potential is limitless, you are valuable, important and you deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Education is key to unlocking your full potential, and with knowledge you can change the world. Name: Satvika Iyer Title: Milpitas High School Student Board Representative Years at MUSD: 4 Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? Sylvia Earle's trailblazing escapades as a deep sea diver and woman at the frontiers of advocacy through education and marine biology inspire me to dive farther and swim faster every day. What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? The Meaning of Freedom by Angela Davis or The Idiot by Elif Batuman! These books somehow solidify the abstract ideas of human existence, and I always learn something new from them. Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? Pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will. Learn everything you can, even if it scares you, and then use your compassion towards positive action! |
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING:
The governing board of Milpitas Unified School District will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Media ResourcesArchives
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