Celebrating Inspirational Women

Dear community member,

During the month of March, we recognize Women’s History Month as a time to honor and celebrate the legacy of the inspirational women who continue to overcome adversity and blaze trails, both within our community and around the world.

It is in this spirt that the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, in partnership with the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History and Lookout Santa Cruz, is thrilled to present the HERStory Celebration.

Join us Thursday, March 28 from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Santa Cruz MAH for an evening of celebration and reflection featuring an inspiring lineup of speakers, partners, engaging activities, and a chance to play the interactive HerStory game.

In the leadup to this celebration we’re also inviting community members to contribute to a digital collection of stories celebrating the women who have made an impact on their own lives. These stories will be showcased at the event and become a part of the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History’s archival collections.

These stories can be about historic figures, idols, or members of our own family. For me, I think of the example of my Aunt Consuelo, an advocate for social justice who has always had the courage of her convictions and has deeply influenced my own beliefs about the importance of this work.
To share your own story, visit sccoe.link/shareyourstory.

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

CA Distinguished Schools

Congratulations to Shoreline Middle School in the Live Oak School District and Scotts Valley Middle School in the Scotts Valley Unified School District for selection as 2024 California Distinguished Schools!

Presented by the California Department since 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award celebrates exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students. This year, 293 middle and high schools were recognized statewide, with elementary schools recognized in alternating years.

Student AI Contest & ThinkBig! Event

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education (Santa Cruz COE) is pleased to announce an opportunity for students across the county to showcase their creativity and innovation through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Students in grade 8 through college are invited to use AI tools to assist them to build a creative work such as art, music, a story, or poetry, with an emphasis on harnessing the tools to supercharge their own unique style or voice

CCSS Honors Dr. Darrow

Congratulations to Santa Cruz County's own Dr. Rob Darrow for winning the 2024 Hilda Taba Award!

The highest honor of the California Council for Social Studies, the Hilda Taba Award recognizes a Californian who has made a significant contribution to social studies education in our state. Dr. Darrow was recognized for over 45 years of service in K-college education in California, including in his current role as LGBTQ+ Support Consultant at the Santa Cruz COE.

Math Festival Sparks Engagement

The Santa Cruz COE, in collaboration with the UCSC Mathematics Department and Monterey Bay Area Math Project (MBAMP), was hosted a Math Festival as part of its inaugural STEAM Expo on March 9, 2024.

Participants were greeted with enthusiasm by table facilitators and invited to engage with one of six unique and stimulating mathematical puzzles and problems designed to build enjoyment and confidence. Those interested in hosting a Math Festival at a school or site can contact COE Math Coordinator Kevin Drinkard at kdrinkard@santacruzcoe.org.

Clean California K-12 Contest

Calling all creative K-12 students across California! Let your creativity make an impact by creating a multimedia art piece to promote litter prevention.

Clean California invites educators and students to take part in the Clean California Public Education Campaign through classroom and campus activities by participating in a multimedia contest with great prizes and incentives.