COMMUNICATIONS and Public Affairs
Press Releases from the ACOE
 

Celebrating Oakland's Most Creative Night--Art Murmur joins county-wide Art IS Education festivities.
Hayward, March 4, 2010— As part of a countywide celebration during national arts education month and the 10th anniversary of Art IS Education programs in Alameda County, Rock Paper Scissors Collective, 21 Grand and Creative Growth Art Center have joined together to present a special event during Art Murmur.  This event explores the power of youth and community-based art as well as the heroes in people’s lives and the art community.  The public is welcomed to join three partner studios to celebrate “The Hero Within Us” on Friday March 5, 2010, between 6-10 p.m. 

NO CUTS TO EDUCATION!--Mass Rallies Held Throughout Alameda County Against Budget Cuts
Hayward, March 2, 2010--On March 4th, educators will join with students, parents and community members across the state to protest budget cuts to public education.  Superintendent Sheila Jordan will join board members and Alameda County Office of Education teachers and personnel in a demonstration from noon to 1 p.m. at the Butler Academic Center parking lot, 2500 Fairmont Drive, San Leandro.

El Décimo Congreso Educativo para Latinos--La educación es asunto de todos! 
Hayward, 2 de Marzo--Cómo inscribirse en una universidad, cómo obtener ayuda financiera, qué pueden hacer los padres y madres para involucrarse en éxito de sus hijos son los temas de la Décima Conferencia sobre Educación Superior -"La Educación es asunto de todos," a realizarse el sábado 27 de Marzo, de las 8:00 a.m. a la 1:00 p.m. en el Chabot College, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward CA 94545. La conferencia es gratis e incluye desayuno, almuerzo continental, premios, feria de recursos, y estacionamiento gratis. Se invita especialmente a estudiantes, padres de familia, y maestros.

Hero Art: Exhibition of Youth Creativity- San Leandro High School Annual AP Art Exhibit 
Hayward, February 25, 2010-- The Arts Council of San Leandro and the San Leandro Public Library will sponsor Hero Art: Exhibition of Youth Creativity, an art reception of visual art, creative writing, and drama by elementary, middle and high school students exploring the theme of Hero Art. The event will be held on Friday, March 5, 6-8 p.m. at the San Leandro Museum & Art Gallery, 320 West Estudillo Avenue, San Leandro. The event is free and open to the public. Special guest: Alameda County Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker, District 3.  For more information go to www.artscouncilofsanleandro.com. 

Champions for The Arts: A Celebration of Our Regional Arts Heroes Student exhibitions and performances at the Bankhead Theater 
Hayward, February 25, 2010-- The Bankhead Theater will host Champions for The Arts: A Celebration of Our Regional Arts Heroes, honoring community art heroes and showcasing music, performing and visual arts by students from Livermore, Pleasanton, Sunol and Fremont. The public is welcome to join this free event on Thursday, March 4 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. to honor youth and adult “heroes” who forge new relationships, practices and programs to bring arts learning to youth. 

Hayward Band Festival and Tri City Art Exhibit kick-off the 10th Anniversary of Art IS Education month in Alameda County 
Hayward, February 24, 2010 – Following this year’s “Creating Heroes Everyday,” the Hayward Arts Council and the Art Association of the East Bay, Inc. will present the Hayward Band Festival & Tri City Art Exhibit, a celebratory performance showcasing elementary, middle and high school music programs as well as artwork by Fremont, Hayward, Newark, and Union City students. Sunday, February 28, 2010 from 2-4 p.m. at Chabot Community College Performing Arts Center

Amador Valley High Regains Title as Alameda County Philip A. Harley Memorial Mock Trial Champions 
Hayward, February 19, 2010 – Amador Valley High regained its title as the No. 1 team in the Alameda County Philip A. Harley Memorial Mock Trial competition. Amador Valley High beat Bishop O’Dowd on Thursday night’s final competition and will represent Alameda County at the statewide competition to be held March 19-21, in San Jose, California.

Amador Valley High and Bishop O’Dowd High SchoolAdvance to Alameda County Mock Trial Finals—TODAY! 
Hayward, February 18, 2010 – Amador Valley High in Pleasanton and Bishop O’Dowd High in Oakland will compete for the coveted title of Alameda County’s Philip A. Harley Memorial Mock Trial champions as they face off in a final match on Thursday February 18, 2010 at the Rene C. Davidson Alameda County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, 94612.

Annual Education Summit Prepares African American and Latino Youth
to Navigate the Higher Education 
Hayward, February 12, 2010 --The Alameda County Office of Education, in collaboration with Cal State East Bay and Chabot College will host the tenth annual Education Summit on Saturday, February 20th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. on the Hayward campus of California State University, East Bay, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward, CA.

Superintendent Sheila Jordan endorses the California Democracy Act——will present to the Board of Education on February 9, 2010
Hayward, February 3, 2010, Sheila Jordan, Superintendent of Alameda County Schools, announced today her endorsement and support for the California Democracy Act Initiative.  The act, which states that, “all legislative actions on revenue and budget must be determined by a majority vote,” would change two words in the State constitution to end the nation’s only two-thirds legislative vote requirement for both raising taxes and passing a budget.

ACOE Presents the 3rd Annual English Learner Conference & English Learner Educator of the Year Awards
Hayward, January 26, 2010-- The 3rd Annual English Learner Conference: Advancing the Language and Literacy of English Learners, will be held on Saturday January 30th, from 7:45-3:15pm at CSU East Bay, New University Union Building, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd. Hayward, CA 94542.  The conference provides educators with professional development in English Language Development skills through a host of workshops and a lunch time panel discussion. The conference’s keynote speaker, Dr. Aida Walqui, of WestEd, will present on Defining Quality Teaching for English Learner: Principles and Practices. Registration for the conference is $125. 

ACOE to host Numeracy Project Workshop
Hayward, January 15, 2010 – Scholastic Inc. has collaborated with the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA) and the Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) in the development and publication of a new version of the Numeracy Project. This new version of the Numeracy Project provides teachers with fresh tools to support high need students to be successful in mathematics. ACOE’s workshop will be held on March 3, 2010 from 8.00 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the County Offices located at 313 West Winton, Hayward, CA 94544.

MAKE THE DREAM REAL 2010: MLK Holiday Celebration, Dr. Mary S.Hanley, Guest Speaker
Hayward, January 15, 2010 – Dr. Mary Hanley will join the 12th Annual Taylor Memorial Methodist Church celebration Make The Dream Real: Justice as envisioned by Dr. Martin Luther King as guest speaker on Monday, January 18, 2010 at the, located at 1188 12th Street, Oakland, CA. This is a free community event running from 10 a. to 12 noon with a luncheon following.

Meet Dr. Mary Stone Hanley, Author of Cultural Responsiveness, Racial Identity, and Academic Success
January 12, 2010, Hayward -- ACOE proudly welcomes Dr. Mary Stone Hanley for a series of roundtable conversations, community presentations, and lectures. Bay Area appearances begin Wednesday January 13, 2010 with a Forum for Bay Area Education Leaders at HS Lordship’s Restaurant, 199 Seawall Drive, Berkeley, CA 94710.

ACOE to host Wells Fargo Adopt-A-School Grant Presentation Ceremony--68 Alameda County Schools to receive $1,000 each 
January 5, 2009, Hayward – Sheila Jordan, Alameda County Superintendent of Schools, will host Wells Fargo’s Adopt-A-School Grant Presentation Ceremony on Tuesday January 5, 2009 from 4.30-6.30 pm at  the Alameda County Office of Education, located at 313 West Winton Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544

150 Families in homeless shelters and community agencies to receive holiday support from ACOE Special Programs
December 16, 2009, Hayward – Sheila Jordan, Alameda County Schools Superintendent, will present bikes and trikes and essential living toiletries to agencies and programs that serve homeless families on Friday December 18, 2009. Homeless shelters and community agencies will collect donations at the Alameda County Office of Education, located at 313 West Winton Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544 between 9:00 am and noon.

Flags Fly at Half Staff to Honor the victims of the Tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas
Hayward, November 9, 2009—Superintendent Sheila Jordan asks all Alameda County School districts to fly their flags at half-staff to honor the victims of the Tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas. Flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset, Tuesday, November 10, 2009 per President Obama’s proclamation signed Friday.

Dr. Lauren Bishop and Mr. Peter Mates to advance to State-wide Teacher of the Year competition
Hayward, October 9, 2009—The Alameda County Office of Education hosted its annual Teacher of the Year Award ceremony last night honoring nineteen teachers from school districts throughout Alameda County. Over 350 people participated in a joyous evening celebrating Alameda County’s finest teachers.
Dr. Lauren Bishop, representing the Alameda County Office of Education, and Mr. Peter Mates, representing Oakland Unified School District will move on to compete for the coveted honor of California Teacher of the Year.

ACOE to Host Annual Community Health Fair
- Superintendent Jordan and ACOE are proud to sponsor the Annual Community Health Fair. The event hosts local health providers and educators who share best health practices and provide an afternoon packed with hands -on exercises, gift certificates, and healthful prizes-- including an adult unisex bike. The public is invited to join this free event on Friday, September 25, 2009 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Alameda County Office of Education located at 313 West Winton Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544.

20th Annual Alameda County Teacher of the Year Ceremony: 19 Teachers to be honored
Hayward, September 17, 2009—Nineteen teachers from around Alameda County have been selected by their district to be honored at this year’s Teacher of the Year Award’s Ceremony for their commitment and dedication to providing a quality education to all students.  The ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at the Alameda County Office of Education offices located at 313 West Winton Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544.

Constitutionalism in California: A Teachable Moment
HAYWARD, September 16, 2009 – Sheila Jordan, Superintendent of Alameda County Schools will be hosting an informed discussion of how to bring the current debate over a proposed California Constitutional Convention into schools and classrooms as "a teachable moment". Secondary school teachers and student-leaders are invited to explore how the current constitutional crisis in California sheds light on the general nature of constitutionalism and on how a constitution contributes to the effective functioning of a democratic society. The event will take place on Thursday September 17, 2009 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. at the Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland. The event is free for teachers with student registration.

US Department of Education Awards ACOE, HUSD joint project $900,000 for Dual-Language Mandarin Program
Hayward, September 15 -- The Alameda County Office of Education is proud to announce a new grant award from the United States Department of Education. The grant provides $900,000 over 3 years for Project Tui Dong Li (Momentum) to provide high-quality Mandarin language instruction for elementary students in Hayward Unified School District (HUSD).

Marlon L. McWilson to Join Alameda County Board of Education
Hayward, September 9, 2009—The Alameda County Board of Education heard final comments from Wandra Jefferson Boyd and Marlon L. McWilson, the two applicants for the newly opened position of Area 2 Trustee, and provisionally appointed Marlon L. McWilson to serve as the new Board Member representing Alameda and portions of Oakland that include West Oakland, East Oakland, Elmhurst, and Millsmont south to Sheffield Village.  Superintendent Sheila Jordan will perform the swearing in ceremony of the provisional Trustee on September 22, 2009.

ACOE's Annual Mock Trial Competition renamed in honor of prominent lawyer, Philip A. Harley
Hayward, September 08, 2009-- Superintendent Sheila Jordan will announce at the county school board meeting this evening that the law offices of Kazan, McClain, Lyons, Greenwood & Harley will sponsor ACOE's Annual Mock trial competition in memory of Mr. Philip A. Harley.

Final Vote Stalled: September 8th New Date to Appoint Area 2 Trustee to Replace Tucker
Hayward, August 26, 2009— The Alameda County Board of Education heard final comments yesterday from Wandra Jefferson Boyd and Marlon L. McWilson, the two applicants for the newly opened position for Area 2 Trustee representing Alameda and portions of Oakland that include West Oakland, East Oakland, Elmhurst, and Millsmont south to Sheffield Village.  The lack of a majority in the board's split decision prompted the group to postpone a final vote until the next scheduled board meeting on September 8th.

ACOE and Feed the Children Partner to Provide Backpacks to Homeless Students
August 25, 2009, Hayward – Sheila Jordan, Superintendent of Alameda County Schools, presented backpacks filled with school supplies, personal care items and books to representatives from local homeless family shelters.  Approximately 9 organizations sent representatives to ACOE to receive 150 backpacks for homeless students. The donation was made possible through Feed the Children and the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth

ACOE In-kind Sponsor for Women's Initiative Spanish Language Business Training Classes
Hayward, July 21, 2009— The Alameda County Office of Education will host Women’s Initiative for Self Employment’s Spanish language Simple Steps business training classes in Hayward starting today July 21, 2009.  The 11-week training course is designed especially for low-income Latinas who have a dream of owning their own business and becoming financially self-sufficient.

Alameda County Board of Education seeks applicants for appointment to Area 2
Hayward, July 20, 2009— The Alameda County Board of Education is seeking applicants for appointment to Area 2:  Alameda and portions of Oakland that include West Oakland, East Oakland, Elmhurst, and Millsmont south to Sheffield Village. Applications are now being accepted for a vacancy on the Alameda County Board of Education.  This vacancy was created by the resignation of the board member representing area 2. 

ACOE's Annual Board Reorganization Results
Hayward, July 15, 2009—Trustee Jacki Fox Ruby was re-elected president of the Alameda County Board of Education at the board's annual re-organization meeting on Tuesday July 14, 2009. Trustee Eileen McDonald was elected vice president.

ACOE's Annual Reorganization Meeting
Hayward, July 7, 2009—The Alameda County Office of Education will be holding its Board of Education’s Annual Reorganization meeting on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. to elect a president and vice president for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. The meeting will be held at ACOE’s headquarters, Room 142, 313 West Winton Avenue, Hayward CA 94544.

Announcing the 20th Annual Alameda County Teacher of the Year Winners
Hayward, June 22, 2009—The Alameda County Office of Education is proud to announce this year’s winners of the celebrated Teacher of the Year Awards.  Eighteen districts have submitted their “2009 Teacher of the Year”. The district winners will be honored and recognized for their achievements during an award ceremony this coming fall 2009. The Alameda County Teacher of the Year winner, and candidate for the state nomination, will also be selected and announced during the event.

ACOE Promotes the 2009 Berkeley Family Festival and Bike Rodeo: Free Helmets, Carnival Games & Clowns
Hayward, June 15, 2009– Kids and families are invited to participate in The 2009 Berkeley Family Festival and Bike Rodeo, an afternoon filled with bike riding safety education, carnival games, and opportunities to participate in interactive safety skills’ activities. This community fair will take place on Saturday June 20, 2009 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the San Pablo Park & Frances Albrier Community Center—2800 Park Street (at Oregon), Berkeley. The event is free and open to the public. Click here for flyer.

ACOE Hosts First Green Fair
Hayward, June 3, 2009– The Alameda County Office of Education will host its first Green Fair--bringing together energy, recycling, transportation and other service providers who will provide information on how to “be green” at work and at home. Participants will receive information regarding e-waste, recycling, energy savings, and more. The public is invited to attend this free event on Friday June 5th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the county office located at 313 West Winton Ave., Hayward, CA 94544.

ACOE Pioneering Green Service-Learning: Irvington High School in the running for America’s Greenest School
Hayward, May 11, 2009– Irvington High School has been selected as one of ten finalists in the nation to become “America’s Greenest School” and winner of a $200,000 hybrid school bus. The Alameda County Office of Education applauds with pride Irvington High School as a model member of ACOE's Service-Learning Waste Reduction Project (SLWRP), a partnership with StopWaste.org and middle and high schools in Alameda County.  Two sophomore students in the program, Alex Chen and Jasper Lin, submitted the winning essay and have become the sole finalists in the state of California; 2000 schools applied throughout the country.

Notice of 2009/10 Budget Inspection and Public Hearing Date
The governing board of the Alameda County Office of Education will conduct a public hearing on their Proposed Budget for 2009/10 and the SBX3 4 Tier III Flexibility acceptance and uses of funds, in accordance with the provision of Education Code Section 42103, at their regular board meeting. 

ACOE's Annual Credentialing Fair-- May 16, 2009, from 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 am
Hayward, April 24, 2009-- Are you considering becoming a credentialed teacher in California? Are you already working in a classroom as a Paraprofessional or a Substitute teacher? Have you recently graduated from college? Have you considered changing careers? If this describes you, please plan to attend the Alameda County Office of Education Credentialing Fair. You will learn about single subject, multiple subject, and special education university programs. Program information will be available from the following colleges and universities...

CalPrep Academy School: A Model for Urban Education
Hayward, April 15, 2009—On Thursday April 16th at 8.30 a.m., Sheila Jordan, Superintendent of Alameda County Schools, will be joined by ACOE Board President Jacki Fox Ruby and Board member Ken Berrick, to visit the California College Preparatory Academy (CalPrep), located at 2125 Jefferson Avenue, Berkeley, CA.  CalPrep is a charter school collaborative between the Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE), the University of California, Berkeley (UCB), Berkeley City College, and Aspire Public Schools.

Green Pathways Pre-Apprenticeship Program: Transitioning Youth into the Green Economy
There will soon be a demand from industry for highly trained and adaptable workers to fill emerging jobs in renewable energy and energy efficiency. To address this need, the Alameda County Office of Education in collaboration with, City Council President Jane Brunner, Cypress Mandela Training Center (CMTC) and Pacific, Gas & Electric (PG&E) have launched a new Green Pathways Pre-Apprenticeship Program to transition youth out of the juvenile justice system and other high-risk environments, and provide a pathway to lifelong economic well-being through the regions’ emerging green industry.

NASA Awards $1.4 million to ACOE and CSU East Bay--Funding to transform science teaching and learning in high schools
Hayward, April 8, 2009--The Alameda County Office of Education has been awarded $1.4 million to implement NASA LIFTOFF*, designed to transform science teaching and learning at pilot high school sites in both northern and southern California. In collaboration between NASA, California State University East Bay, San Jose State University, CalPoly Pomona, and the CSU Chancellor’s Office, it was one of 9 proposals selected nationwide for two-year grants ranging from $300K to $1.4 million.

OpEd Art IS Education: Awakening Imagination Throughout Alameda County
Hayward, April 7, 2009---Art IS Education – Now more than ever, it is important to reflect on the impact of creativity and innovation in our schools and communities. In a time of scarce resources, it is critical that every student, teacher and administrator is fully engaged.  As we in education cope with unprecedented cuts to programs, our resolve is tested. But quality and equity in education cannot be left behind.  The conversation we must have is how to stand by our commitment to provide a lasting, impactful education for every child, in every school, every day.

Cesar Chavez Day--"Season of Service, Period of Peace" Project Finale and Press Conference
San Leandro, March 27, 2009 – On Tuesday, March 31, at 10:30 a.m. over 1,000 San Leandro middle and high school students will rally at John Muir Middle School, 1444 Williams Street, San Leandro in honor of the great civil rights leader Cesar Chavez.  The rally will feature keynote speaker Anthony Chavez, grandson of Cesar Chavez. After the rally, a news conference will be held at San Leandro High School, 2200 Bancroft Avenue, in the gymnasium, at 1 p.m. The event will include remarks from student participants and presentations of the student-produced multimedia projects addressing issues of nonviolence.  The culminating event marks the end of “Season of Service, Period of Peace,” a 10-week student-led effort to activate principles of non-violence, as practiced by Chavez, to heal the community and empower youth.

Newark Memorial High School to honor Sheila Jordan, Alameda County Superintendent
Hayward, June 4, 2009 – On Monday March 23rd at 2.00 p.m. Alameda County Schools Superintendent, Sheila Jordan will be honored by Newark Memorial High School for her leadership in shepherding  Arts Education throughout Alameda County schools. The event will take place during a new gallery opening at the school located at 39375 Cedar Blvd., Newark, CA 94560.

• Alameda County's 2009 History Day Competition
• Oakland, Dublin Students Win Alameda County Spelling Bee
• Meet the Scholars ~ Presidents in Times of Economic Challenge
• Hayward City Hall Showcases Young Artists: An Art IS Education Month Event
• Elementary, Jr. High School students to compete in ACOE Spelling Bee Competition
• Open Letter to Jack O'Connell, the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction: Directing Mathews to Give Parcel Tax Funds to Charters sets a Bad Precedent.
• Art IS Education: 'Awakening Imagination" throughout Alameda County
• Piedmont High Regains Title As Alameda County Mock Trial Champions
• Piedmont High, Amador Valley High Advance to Alameda County Mock Trial Finals Today
• Alameda County Mock Trial Semi-Final Competition Today
• Teaching About Religion in Public Schools
• Local School Chiefs to Rally in Sacramento in Response to Expected Budget Slashes
• Reducing the Budget as the Storm Strengthens: ACOE hosts Board Members to discuss impact of state budget crisis
• Alameda County Superintendents Hold Press Conference to Oppose Budget Cuts
• Too Much to Carry: Don't Balance the Budget on the Backs of Our Children
• Op/Ed Hope and Change: Ending the Education Budget Rollercoaster
• History is Happening—Don't Let Your Students Miss It!
• Six Alameda County Educators to be Honored at English Learner Conference
• San Leandro High Students Engage in a 10-week Rolling Fast: Students leaders commit to ending campus violence
• 9th Annual Latino Education Summit at Cal State East Bay
• ACOE Donates Bikes to 16 Homeless Shelters
• Supporting Teen Moms with Life's Essentials Helps Them Succeed
• Oakland’s Pregnant & Parenting Teens Receive Education & Support at Cal-SAFE Fruitvale Academy
• 19th Annual Teacher of the Year Awards
• New Trustees Sworn In to Alameda County Board of Education
• Opposition to Governor's Proposed Budget Cuts Mounting
• Scholarships Available for ACOE Students
• Superintendents Send Strong Message to Sacramento
• Oakland Rallies Against Education Budget Cuts
• State Restores More Authority to Oakland School Board
• County Schools Superintendent Offers Senators A Framework for Success
• New Center Tackles Achievement By Building Stronger Ties Among Parents, School, Community
• Dublin, Pleasanton Students Win County Spelling Bee
• Seven Students Named Alameda Co. Academic Achievement Winners
• Piedmont High Wins Second Place in State Mock Trial
• State Education Secretary Hears from Alameda County