 Calaveras Hills High School (CHHS) was one of only two schools in Santa Clara County – and 31 schools throughout the state – recognized as a 2024 Model Continuation High School by the California Department of Education for providing comprehensive services to at-risk youth through the use of exemplary instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, and guidance and counseling services.
“Calaveras Hills HS is a school that helps students holistically to find their voice and a belief in themselves that they can be successful in school and in life,” said CHHS Principal Carl Stice. “This Model School award reflects CHHS's commitment to continuous improvement.” Principal Stice credited a new instructional model of Project Based Learning as a CHHS signature practice “that helped lead to this statewide recognition, and I could not be more proud of our staff, our students, and our families. Everyone has to be on board to ensure success for our students, and we have that.” There are more than 430 continuation high schools serving close to 51,000 students throughout the state. Model Continuation High Schools excel and provide exceptional opportunities for their students to pursue academic and social success. “The California Model Schools application process is intensive as the evaluation involves interviews of students, team members, district leaders, parents/caregivers, and community members. The evaluators review evidence of the effectiveness of the signature practice and the school program overall in conjunction with observations and their interviews,” Superintendent Cheryl Jordan said. “The CHHS Team of educators are dynamic and skilled in their work with our learners. This recognition is a testament to the caliber of Calaveras Hills High School.” CHHS was identified as a model school that “is committed to redefining alternative education through positive, close-knit relationships and by providing students with a unique and empowering learning experience that equips them for the challenges of the future. The school provides a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of all students in their care.” Furthermore, “The school’s emphasis on project-based learning, hands-on projects, real-world application, and collaborative problem-solving helps instill a sense of civic responsibility and social awareness where all students are valued for their unique insight and contributions to society,” state education officials stated. The Model Continuation High School Recognition Program is a collaborative partnership between the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Continuation Education Association Plus (CCEA Plus). Schools operate their own exemplary programs, but Model Continuation High School-recognized educators commit to supporting and mentoring their peers in other local educational agencies. “Congratulations to these outstanding schools for their all-around excellence as alternative centers of learning,” said State Superintendent Tony Thurmond. “Teachers and administrators at our Model Continuation High Schools work to develop relationships with students to create a positive and personalized learning environment and provide them with opportunities to explore options beyond high school, preparing students for the next chapter in their lives.”  Name: Julianna Flores
Title: Assistant Principal at Spangler Elementary School Years at MUSD: 3 Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? My favorite female figure is America Ferrera. I remember first seeing her in a movie called The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and I resonated so much with her character in that particular movie. She inspired me to be proud of myself and my Latina heritage. What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? My current favorite tv show is Abbott Elementary because it reminds me of my first teaching assignment at an elementary school in inner city Chicago. The main character Janine Teagues, played by Quinta Brunson, has such a positive spirit that reminds me that when things get tough rely on your support network and remember the impact your words and actions have on others. I also think she is just so personable and funny! Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? Remember to stay true to yourself! Try not to let other people's ideas and words define who you are. If you stay true to your self and your core values, you can overcome any challenge!  Name: Vanessa H. Espitia. Ed.D
Title: Coordinator II Early Childhood Development and Community Engagement Years at MUSD: 14 years Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? Most inspirational women’s history event was inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2021, when Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first female vice president of the United States. It inspired me to believe that women are powerful enough to lead a nation and one day soon one will be sworn in as our president of the United States. What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? The Story of Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller's Teacher. I read this book in the 5th grade as a student at Rose Elementary School with Mrs. Graves. I remember reading about how strong of a woman Annie Sullivan was as she overcame her own disability of being visually impaired to be a teacher, leader and advocate for her student Helen Keller with the same disability. They were both strong women who pushed through adversity when living in a society that was not as inclusive to others with differing abilities. Annie Sullivan was a pioneer in the field of education. Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? Stay strong in the face of adversity. Always remember that you are unique and powerful and no one is you!  School Resource Officer Mostafa Asefi converses with a Milpitas High School student while walking the campus during lunch break at MHS. The first time Officer Mostafa Asefi stepped on the MHS campus it was for community safety training. The Tracy, CA native who joined the Milpitas Police force in 2013 returned to Milpitas HS several more times through the years for service calls. Three years ago, when an opening for a School Resource Officer position opened up at MHS, Asefi jumped on the opportunity and began shadowing former SRO and fellow officer Jonathan Muok. Asefi was already working with children: on the job through the MPD’s Public Community Relations Department for such events as Recess with a Cop; and on his own conducting private basketball lessons to pass along skills he developed as a high school, collegiate and professional international basketball player. “The most enjoyment I get is to see kids grow. Kids are like a sponge. You can teach them something, they can take it and get better at it. That’s the kind of feel good story that I like,” said the 37-year-old officer who is in his third year as SRO. “I told myself that I’m going to do it now while I’m young so I can still engage with the students, and it just kind of worked out.” Officer Asefi walks the MHS campus each day, interacting with students and staff members and offering advice when appropriate. His office door at MHS is always open for anyone to drop in when they want to share anything that is going on in their lives. “The main responsibility of a School Resource Officer is the safety of the students and the safety of the staff,” said Asefi, who holds that responsibility with reverance along with forming bonds with students and staff, and breaking negative stereotypes about police officers. “When we are on a 911 call, we are strictly business; we need to make sure you’re safe, you’re not hurt, what the crime is and we’re out of there,” Asefi said. “Having an SRO on campus allows kids to talk to me about personal things that they may not feel comfortable going to the police station to discuss. Just having an officer on campus helps students realize, ‘OK, he’s here to protect us. He’s one of us.’” Officer Asefi participates in any school or district events that allow him to interact with students and staff on a more personal level. He’s even gone to student club meetings and spoke on current events to offer a police perspective on controversial issues going on around the world “so they can create their own narrative.” “I’m just appreciative to be here because other school districts have cut their SRO position. Milpitas has held strong. We’ve always had an SRO,” Officer Asefi said. “I think it greatly impacts the community. If kids were going down the wrong path, if they meet the right SRO, it can set them down the right path. I think it is important to have an SRO who is easily accessible to the kids, the staff, and the parents.”
 Name: Christina Ojeda
Title: Resource Specialist Years at MUSD: 14 years (8 years teaching and 6 years as a BIT) Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? Toni Stone (Marcenia Lyle Stone) is such an inspiring role model of perseverance. She loved playing baseball and knew she was a talented baseball player. When her dad and mom did not believe in her, she would tell herself that she would be a baseball player. Toni continued to practice and play with all boys. She did it! Toni became one of the best baseball players. What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? My favorite performer is Selena Quintanilla-Perez. Selena is inspiring by demonstrating hard and showing gratitude. She discovered her love of singing. Selena is an example of taking initiative and putting in the hard work towards meeting her goals. She practiced with the support of her father and siblings. She taught herself how to dance and choreographed dance routines for her band. Selena designed clothing for her and her band to wear on stage. She always took time for her fans. Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? Respectfully share your opinion and be open to hearing other opinions. Expressing yourself respectfully allows others to see and hear a different perspective. It is okay to disagree with people, even your friends. Being different is unique and wonderful. You are teaching people a new outlook along with growing your own views.  Name: Arianna Rocha
Title: Senior Student Board Representative of Calaveras Hills High School Years at MUSD: 2 years Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? My personal favorite female figure in women’s history is Rosa Parks for her actions made a huge impact during the civil rights movement as well as giving women recognition rights. What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? My favorite movie that includes a strong woman lead is "Frozen," because Elsa shows how being a strong independent woman can impact yourself and test the relationships you have with others. Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? “Do what’s right for you and it will all fall into line for you.” - Arianna Rocha  Name: Michelle Eacret
Title: Sr. Administrative Secretary in Learning and Development Years at MUSD: 16 years as a permanent employee and 4 years as a contract BMT Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? It is so hard to pick just one. Growing up I read everything I could on Martin Luther King Jr and Rosa Parks. Rosa Parks stood up for herself by refusing to give up her seat on a bus and sparked the fight for equal rights for African Americans. And Malala Yousafzai for fighting for education rights for girls in Pakistan. She was only 11 years old when she started to speak out and that showed what true bravery is. Even after an assassination attempt, she kept speaking bringing attention to girl's access and rights to education. What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? “Hidden Figures” not only showed three women mathematicians but they were also African American, fighting to prove themselves in a white and male-dominated field. Two other favorites are “Brave” and “Mulan”, who were trying to prove themselves in a more male-dominated culture. Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? I think of when my mother grew up, in the 40’s & 50's, and when I grew up, in the late 60’s & 70’s. So much has changed for women during that time. There are still times that women must fight harder to prove themselves but women today have so many opportunities. They are shaping politics and policies and holding powerful positions. Be yourself and be unafraid to stand up for what you believe in. The world is waiting for you.  Thomas Russell Middle School (TRMS) was one of only 16 secondary schools in Santa Clara County – as well as 293 middle schools and high schools throughout the state – honored as a 2024 California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education.
“This is a testament to the years of hard work and diligence of our Russell staff, families, and other community members,” said TRMS Principal Shangrila Mia-Ramzan. “It is an absolute honor and privilege to be a member of such an amazing team. It truly takes a village, and the WOLVERINES know how to do it!” The California Distinguished Schools program recognizes schools for their excellent work in one of two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance. Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students. “The CA Distinguished School award reflects our commitment to establishing learning environments that foster a belief that through perseverance and teamwork, we can achieve remarkable outcomes,” said Superintendent Cheryl Jordan. “TRMS celebrates community through its signature practices of interdisciplinary team and personalized learning platform strategies for learner pathways.” Former TRMS Principal Sean Anglon credited those signature practices such as Agency Building, Math Intervention and Reading Intervention as key factors in the increased student achievement. Additionally, once returning full-time from COVID years, teachers were able to again benefit from the signature practice of team tutorials. “I was pleased to learn that the hard work of the TRMS students and teachers resulted in the school receiving the CA Distinguished School Recognition,” said Anglon, now an administrator at Milpitas HS. “I have no doubt TRMS will continue to perform at the level which merited this recognition for years to come.” TRMS has a student body of 795 and a staff of 52, and is one of two MUSD middle schools, the other Rancho Milpitas MS was a 2021 recipient of the California Distinguished Schools Program. Russell increased its Above State Standards scores in English Language Arts by 13.2 points and Mathematics by 12.1 points, according to the CDE Dashboard. The CDE uses multiple measures to identify eligible schools based on their performance on the state indicators as specified on the California School Dashboard. Specifically, schools were selected by analyzing data reported through the 2023 Dashboard, with a focus on demonstrating excellence and growth in academic achievement and ensuring a positive school climate. “Excellent middle schools and high schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people,” State Superintendent Tony Thurmond said. “This year’s CA Distinguished Schools celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our secondary educators and school staff who help our young adults discover passions and access college- and career-ready experiences that will propel them through life.”  Name: Jinky Bitanga
Title: Assistant Principal at Curtner Elementary Years at MUSD: I have been at MUSD for 10 years; however, I am a Milpitas Native who went to Rose, Rancho and Milpitas High School as a student. Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? One of my favorite female figures is Michelle Obama because of her down to earth personality and her advocacy for many causes that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? One of my favorite movies that include strong women leads is Hidden Figures because it tells the story of a real-life team of women mathematicians who played a crucial role in NASA’s early space program. Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” Michelle Obama  Name: Van Nguyen
Title: MOT Director Years at MUSD: 1 Who is your favorite female figure or most inspirational women's history event throughout history, and why? Choosing a favorite female figure is tougher than deciding between pizza toppings! But if I had to pick, I'd say Amelia Earhart – because who wouldn't want to navigate the skies and break glass ceilings? What is your favorite book/movie/tv show/performance that includes a strong woman lead, and why? "Erin Brockovich" is a powerful reminder that one person, armed with determination and a commitment to justice, can make a significant impact. Erin's story teaches us that courage, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose can drive positive change, even against formidable odds. It's a motivation to believe in your ability to make a difference, no matter your challenges. Please share some motivational words for our young female students at MUSD? Always remember, being yourself is your superpower. Embrace your uniqueness, for there is no one quite like you. In moments of doubt, know that you possess a strength that surpasses your understanding. Challenges may seem overwhelming, but you are resilient and capable of navigating any storm. Bad times are like passing clouds—they come and go. What truly stays with you is the strength you discover within yourself during those tough moments. Each challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and emerge even more powerful than before. Believe in your potential, trust your journey, and never forget that your voice, dreams, and aspirations matter. You have the power to shape your destiny, and the lessons you learn will be the building blocks of a lifetime of success. |
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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