STEAM Expo Debuts Tomorrow

Dear community member,

For the past several years we’ve been working on a plan to expand the Santa Cruz County Science & Engineering Fair to include more ways for students to showcase their knowledge and talent and ignite a passion for STEAM education.

Last year, we were set to host the inaugural year of the STEAM Expo to do exactly that. Unfortunately, those plans were derailed by the severe storms and flooding that caused so much destruction in our community.

Tomorrow we are thrilled to finally bring this vision into life as the inaugural Santa Cruz County STEAM Expo takes place the Fairgrounds in Watsonville. More than 100 students in grades K-12 will be showing projects at the traditional Science Fair, alongside performances and an interactive expo with industry representatives, community partners, and hands-on activities.

The interactive expo brings together dozens of local organizations and businesses who are presenting a wide-range of engaging, hands-on activities – from virtual test flights with Joby Aviation to extracting DNA from strawberries with UCSC Women in Science and Engineering. Attendees can also enjoy performances from the Pajaro Valley High School Ballet Folklorico, the Aptos High School Choir, and more.

Families and community members of all ages are invited to attend. Attendance is free, and no advance registration is required. Event schedule:

Interactive Expo – Crosetti Building: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Science & Engineering Projects – Harvest Building: 11 a.m-12:30 p.m.; 1:30-3 p.m.
Lunch & Trebuchet Apple Fling: 11:30-1:00 p.m.
Performing Arts – Fine Arts Building: 1:30-2:45 p.m.
Science & Engineering Fair Awards Ceremony – Fine Arts Building: 3-4 p.m.

Thank you to our many incredible partners for working with us to bring this vision to life! We hope to see you there.

Yours in education and equity,
Dr. Faris Sabbah
County Superintendent of Schools

HERstory Celebration

Happy International Women's Day! Join us on March 28 at the Santa Cruz MAH to cap off Women's History Month with a celebration of the remarkable women who have left an indelible mark on our community and beyond.

Hear from inspiring guest speakers, try your hand at the HerStory board game, get connected with women-focused organizations, and more. This event is hosted in partnership with the Santa Cruz MAH and Lookout Santa Cruz.

SEL Day

Today, March 8, is the fifth annual SEL Day! This year, the theme of SEL Day is “Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Leaders.”

SEL, or Social Emotional Learning, is fundamental to PreK-12 education. SEL helps students develop skills that are essential for their success in school, career, and life. Find out more and get involved by visiting selday.org or exploring the COE's SEL and Wellness Resources for Educators.

Prom Dress and Suit Drive

Do you have a dress or suit to donate to help make a high school student's prom dream come true?

The Santa Cruz County Probation Department and partners are hosting the 2nd annual prom dress and suit donation drive in support of local students. Dresses, suits, formal shoes, jewelry, accessories, and hair and makeup gift certificates may be brought to listed drop off locations by April 9. Contact gina.castaneda@santacruzcounty.us with any questions.

Youth Poet Laureate Celebration

The inaugural Santa Cruz County Youth Poet Laureate will be announced at a celebration event at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center on Wednesday, April 10, at 6:00 pm! Attendance is free and open to all community members.

This is a joyful opportunity to appreciate our county’s youth and let their unique voices shine. The program will include readings by the five finalists and an announcement of the inaugural youth poet laureate.

Santa Cruz High Heads to State Finals

Congratulations to the Santa Cruz High boys basketball team! Following Tuesday's victory in the NorCal Championship, the Cardinals are competing today for their first state title since 2005.

The Cardinals will play Bishop Alemany High at 4 p.m. in Sacramento at Golden 1 Center for the California Interscholastic Federation Division III title.