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Extra Credit

Daily education news and conversation

Tech High dominates county science fair

Monday, at 11:59 by

A record number of schools participated in the annual Sonoma County Science Fair Feb. 23, with six entries earning top marks. Of the more than 120 middle and high school students who participated, a total of 44 students earned blue ribbons in the contest, thereby securing a spot at the San Francisco Bay Area Science Fair March 18-21. Tech High in Rohnert Park took five of the six top projects with the following students at the helm: Olivia Songster, William… Read More »

Redwood Credit Union offering free financial academy

Tuesday, at 9:28 by

The Redwood Credit Union, in partnership with the Sonoma County Office of Education, is again hosting a free financial literacy academy for teens. Following the curriculum developed by the National Endowment for Financial Education, the 16-hour course focuses on budgeting, financial planning, saving and investing, credit and debt management and other skills related to managing money. The Financial Academy will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 19 and 20 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.… Read More »

Info fair for families of special needs students

Friday, at 9:46 by

The Sonoma County Office of Education will host the annual “Transition Fair” for students with special needs and their families. The event is designed to help students and their families learn about services that assist those with special needs as they transition from school to adulthood. Information will be provided on residential options, adult day programs, vocational training, employment, health services and others. The event is free and runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Feb. 27 at SCOE… Read More »

A snapshot of Sonoma County schools

Thursday, at 6:12 by

In the annual report to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, the folks from the Sonoma County Office of Education recently gave an overview of demographics and stats from area schools. A quick look: 40 school districts 176 school sites 70,688 students 92 percent of county’s school age population attend public campuses 15,800 – 22 percent – students are English learners 52 percent of Sonoma County’s Latino students are English learners More than 30,500 students – 43 percent of all… Read More »

Forum on Props. 30 and 38 scheduled

Friday, at 6:39 by

A panel discussion of propositions 30 and 38 hosted by the Sonoma County Office of Education and United Way of the Wine Country is scheduled for Oct. 4. The two propositions, one backed by Gov. Jerry Brown and the other by lawyer Molly Munger, would increase taxes to support public education. Margaret Weston, a fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California and Edgar Cabral, an analyst with the California Legislative Analyst’s Office will offer an overview of each proposition… Read More »

Wright names Adam Stein new superintendent

Monday, at 2:15 by

The Wright School District has hired Adam Stein as its new superintendent. Stein, currently director of special education with the Napa Valley Unified School District, replaces Karen Salvaggio and begins his stint July 1. Stein began his career as a special education teacher and later served as principal at a special education school, was a program specialist for the Sonoma County special education area plan and was an adjunct professor at Sonoma State University, according to the Sonoma County Office… Read More »

Law Week celebrates 10th anniversary with focus on First Amendment

Thursday, at 12:17 by

More than 1,200 students participated in the annual event called Law Week in which professionals from the legal community spend time in area classrooms explaining different aspects of careers, legal issues, policies and practical knowledge. This year marks the 10th anniversary of LawWeek or at least Law Day in Sonoma County. The event ran from April 16-27 and is coordinated by the Sonoma County Office of Education. The theme this year was the First Amendment and presentations focused on five… Read More »

Mendocino County’s Board of Education down to five members

Wednesday, at 3:30 by

And then there were five. The  Mendocino County Board of Education is now officially a five-seat board, down from seven. Jonah Freedman retired effective March 20 – an anticipated move after the board voted to reduce its size and not replace the two retiring members. Bob Shugart’s term expired in December and his seat was not filled. Both Shugart and Freedman supported the change, according to the MCOE office. The board in 2010 voted to reduce its size from seven… Read More »

Information fair for students with disabilities

Monday, at 6:09 by

The Sonoma County Office of Education is hosting an informational open house on Wednesday Feb. 15 to help students with disabilities and their families navigate the transition from public school to life after high school. The fair will provide information on adult day programs, higher education, vocational training and employment options, residential opportunities and health and mental health services. Representatives from agencies such as Becoming Independent, Santa Rosa Junior College, the North Bay Regional Center and the state Department of… Read More »

College, career ready panel discussion on Wednesday

Tuesday, at 6:46 by

“What does it mean to be college and career ready in the 21st century?” is the topic of a panel discussion hosted by the Sonoma County Office of Education Wednesday. The event is free and will feature a keynote speech by Svetlana Darche, director of WestEd’s Career Education program. The panel discussion will feature local business and education leaders, according to organizers. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share comments. President Barack Obama has put career and… Read More »