Using her finger to write out words on her palm, Eileen Xue calmly spelled her way to victory in the 15th Annual Tulare County Spelling Championship held February 26 at the Visalia Convention Center. Eileen, a sixth-grade student at Mission Valley Elementary in Tulare, out-spelled 236 other participants in grades 4-8 from 118 Tulare County public and private schools. In the ninth round, Eileen spelled “sassafras” correctly, while her opponents Jeanette Padilla, a sixth-grader from Elbow Creek Elementary School (Visalia Unified), and Christian Blundell, an eighth-grader at St. Paul’s School in Visalia, misspelled their words. According to the competition rules, Eileen had to spell another word successfully in the tenth round to become the champion – and she did so with the word “halal.” Jeanette and Christian tied for second place in the competition, while Victoria Sarkisian, a seventh-grade student from Valley Oak Middle School (Visalia Unified) received third.

As the Tulare County Spelling Champion, Eileen is eligible to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Maryland May 25 – 31. To read more, visit www.tcoe.org/NewsGallery.

March 2014

15th annual event attracts 237 spellers from 118 public and private schools

Tulare County Spelling Champion crowned

T H E N E W S L E T T E R o f T H E T U L A R E C O U N T Y O F F I C E o f E D U C A T I O N

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(top photo) This year’s top spellers are (l-r) Victoria Sarkisian (third place), Eileen Xue (first place), and Jeanette Padilla and Christian Blundell (second place tie). (lower photo) Tulare County Spelling Champion Eileen Xue successfully spelled “halal” to win the competition.

Numerous Kings and Tulare county districts to hire teachers for 2014-15 school year

Two-county teacher recruitment fair March 29After many years of limited teacher recruitment, several districts in Kings and Tulare counties have come together to hold a Teacher Recruitment Fair this month. The Human Resources Division and the New Teacher Development Program have been working with districts in the two-county area to host an inclusive event on Saturday, March 29 at the Visalia Convention Center. Between 25 and 30 school districts are expected to participate with the intent of recruiting teachers for the 2014-2015 school year.

“With greater budgeting f lexibility under the Local Control Funding Formula and with anticipated teacher retirements, many districts will be hiring for the fall,” says John Rodriguez, director of the Human Resources Division. “There is a particular need for math, science, Language Arts and special education teachers.”

Interested teacher candidates will need to apply online in order to receive an invitation to the event. Online applications will be pre-screened by New Teacher Development Program staff to determine eligibility. To begin the process, visit www.tcoe.org/HR/TeacherRecruitmentFair. Eligible candidates include teachers who possess a Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Education Specialist credential, as well as candidates who are verified to complete one of these credentials prior to the beginning of the 2014-15 academic year. Candidates who plan to enter a district or university intern credential program for the 2014-15 academic year must provide a “letter of eligibility” from the intern program. To read more, visit www.tcoe.org/NewsGallery.

March 2014

Over 330 books will be displayed, including the program’s first-ever digital books

Young Authors’ Faire coming March 5-7What do teachers do at home?

Kindergartners in Ms. Hardin’s class at

Hope Elementary School write about

the possibilities in their book of the same

title. To learn the answer to their

question, the public is invited to read

their book and hundreds more at the

22nd Annual Young Authors Faire,

scheduled for March 5-7.

This year, over 470 elementary and

middle school students will display their

writings at the Young Authors’ Faire.

The students, representing 23 Tulare

County schools, worked alone or in

groups to produce an astounding 330

books. The number of entries in the

event is up over 75% from 2013. The

books will be on display in the Multi-

purpose Room of the Tulare County

Office of Education’s Liberty Center, located at 11535 Avenue 264, Visalia. To read more, visit www.tcoe.org/NewsGallery.

The Young Authors’ Faire will feature 330 hand-made and digital books this year at TCOE’s Liberty Center March 5-7. The program helps students develop 21st century learning skills of creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication.

Read more at www.tcoe.org

Last month, the Tulare County Office of Education was authorized by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing as an Administrative Clear Credential Induction Program. Administrators in Tulare and Kings counties who currently hold a preliminary administrative credential may attend the newly created iLead Program, which is part of the New Teacher Development Program, to obtain their clear credential. The two-year program is intended to support practicing new administrators on their path to obtaining a clear, or Tier 2, credential. All program participants will be assigned a supporting mentor for the duration of the program. Initially, the mentor will work with the administrator and his or her employer to develop an Individualized Plan, which will identify areas for professional growth and development. The purpose of the plan is to engage the candidate in a ref lective practice that will further develop his or her leadership skills and positively affect student achievement.

“Research tells us that leadership is second only to classroom instruction in inf luencing student achievement,” says Donna Glassman-Sommer, New Teacher Development Program administrator. “While our schools are doing a great job of improving classroom instruction and student achievement, we are excited to train new administrators with effective leadership practices to meet the unique needs of 21st century learners in Central Valley schools.” To read more, visit www.tcoe.org/NewsGallery.

Alta Vista student receives numerous Special Services to make a remarkable recovery

Adapted P.E. leads one student to run again

New Teacher Development Program authorized to provide Tier 2 administrative credentials

Clear administrative credential program added

Recess at Alta Vista School is a sea of activity. Middle school students, full of energy, are shooting baskets, running and kicking balls. In the midst of all of this, eighth-grader Adriana Aleman walks the field and talks with her friends. As the recess period transitions into her physical education class, Adriana participates in all the activities, which include strengthening exercises such as planks, curl-ups and leg raises, followed by running.

She does all of the exercises beautifully – as well or better than her classmates. Although she’s not the fastest, she runs with her classmates around Alta Vista’s sports field. Adriana has made remarkable physical and academic progress since she began school at Alta Vista as a kindergartner. Prior to her first year of school, she contracted meningitis. To read more, visit www.tcoe.org/NewsGallery.

Alta Vista student Adriana Aleman practices passing the ball through a series of cones with her friend Shawnee James. Adriana has made remarkable physical and academic progress thanks to the support of Special Services’ Adapted P.E. and speech programs.

(photo 1) On Saturday, April 12, the Connections for Quality Care/Early Childhood Education Program will present its annual Child Care Conference, this year entitled Today’s Readers are Tomorrow’s Leaders. The conference, which is designed for early childhood educators and administrators, will feature Mike Longoria, a.k.a. Dr. Mike. With over 23 years of early childhood education experience as a teacher, Head Start administrator, university professor, curriculum developer and recording artist, Dr. Mike will present on how music and movement can have a positive impact in developing school readiness skills in young children. The deadline to register for the conference is March 28. For more details on conference presenters and activities, visit www.tcoe.org/ece. (photo 2) Former CHARACTER COUNTS! Coordinator John Forenti is pictured with County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak at the national Character Development Seminar held last month at the Tulare County Office of Education. Mr. Forenti received a standing ovation as Mr. Vidak recognized him for his 20 years of service in the field of character education. Since his retirement from TCOE, Mr. Forenti has worked for the Josephson Institute of Ethics, creators of the CHARACTER COUNTS! Program, to train educators across the nation. (photo 3) Choices School Community Liaisons Gene Mendes (l) and Tony Cavanagh (r) pose with members of the Springville Union School team that took first place in the annual Anti-Tobacco Challenge Bowl. The team‘s coach is Elizabeth Sanders. The Springville team narrowly defeated Palo Verde Union School to claim the championship. The game show-style competition, which attracted 25 teams, tests the sixth-grade participants’ knowledge of the tobacco industry and the harmful effects of tobacco use. (photo 4) Sitting before Tulare County Superior Court Presiding Judge Lloyd Hicks at the Mock Trial finals last month, Redwood High School’s Silver Team (right) successfully defeated challenger Tulare Union High School to earn a spot at the state competition this month in Riverside. This is the second year in a row that a team from Redwood will represent Tulare County at the state finals. The Redwood defense attorneys pictured are Ali Lokhandwala (standing), Booker Crisp, and Zackery Michaelson. (photo 5) For the third year in a row, Harmony Magnet Academy captured the overall title in the Tulare County Academic Decathlon. After winning the small school division title, the Strathmore-based high school emerged victorious over large school champion Granite Hills High School. As the overall winner, Harmony Magnet earned the right to compete in the state finals this month in Sacramento. Harmony Magnet team members include David Dunn, Scott Noble, Eva Salas, Katherine Scott, Kisha Thayapran and Lorena Vargas. The team’s coach is John DeNicola.

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Read more at www.tcoe.org

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Tulare County Board of Education

News Gallery CommitteeEditor: Robert Herman, Public Information OfficerContributors: Marlene Moreno, Jennifer Fisher, Lorena White, Shelly DiCenzo, Kelley Petty, Donna Glassman-Sommer, Michelle Lapadula, Marvin Lopez, Sara Torabi, Elvira Barron and Karen Osborn.

The News Gallery is published monthly with the exception of double issues printed for July/August and December/January. If you would like to receive The News Gallery, visit www.tcoe.org/GetTheGallery or contact Jennifer Fisher at (559) 733-6172, or at jenniferf@tcoe.org.

This month, Read for Life, the local family-based literacy program, will hold a book drive on the Visalia campus of College of the Sequoias (COS). The public is encouraged to drop off new and gently used children’s books between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on March 21 at COS’s circular entrance on Mooney Blvd. To aid in the book drive, local television station ABC30, their parent organization The Walt Disney Company, along with First Book, a national organization which provides books to children from low-income families, will donate 10,000 books to Read for Life for distribution to Tulare County children. For information, call Read for Life at (559) 625-3433.

Video entries for the 2014 Slick Rock Student Film Festival are due before midnight March 31. Middle and high school students living in Kern, Kings, Tulare, Fresno, Madera, Merced or Mariposa counties may enter videos in 21 categories. Visit www.slickrockfestival.org for information on film categories, deadlines and the awards ceremony.

This month, the Peña Planetarium will add a second program to each of its Friday evening public showings scheduled for March 7 and 21. The shows begin at 7:00 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., respectively. Admission to each show is just $4 per adult and $3 per child. Visitors can choose to see one or both shows. For a schedule of programs, visit www.tcoe.org/planetarium.

Visitors to the Burrel Avenue office in Visalia this month can enjoy over 100 drawings, paintings and sculptures in the “Best of Show” Student Art Exhibition. The exhibition, which draws from two previous shows and features student works from throughout the county, is open Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A public reception honoring the artists will be held in the Education Center from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on March 21.

TCOE will be sponsoring its Annual Spring Blood Drive on Tuesday, April 1 in memory of Marie Holguin. The drive will take place from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at both Doe Avenue and Burrel Avenue locations. Contact Jeanne Croson at jeannec@tcoe.org, or your blood drive committee member to schedule your appointment.

Tulare County Superintendent of Schools: Jim VidakPresident: Joe Enea, Trustee Area No. 5Vice President: Chris Reed, Trustee Area No. 6; Trustees: Celia Maldonado-Arroyo, Trustee Area No. 1; Debby Holguin, Trustee Area No. 2; Tom Link, Trustee Area No. 3; Judy Coble, Trustee Area No. 4; and Patricia Hillman, Trustee Area No. 7

gal lerynotes

For more events, programs and meetings, visit our online calendar at www.tcoe.org/CalendarOfEvents

upcomingevents

Young Authors’ Faire9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Multipurpose Room,Liberty Center, 11535 Avenue 264, VisaliaReception: March 5, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.For information, call Marla Martin at (559) 651-4825

Peña Planetarium Public Shows 7:00 & 8:15 p.m. shows, 2500 W. Burrel, VisaliaFor program information, call (559) 737-6334

Science Olympiad (Div. B/C for grades 6-9/9-12)8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., College of the Sequoias, VisaliaFor information, call Jared Marr at (559) 651-3047

National History Day - Tulare County8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Grace Community Church, 424 N. Lovers Lane, VisaliaFor information, call Joy Soares at (559) 651-0501

University Preparatory High School Info. Night6:00 p.m., COS Visalia campus, Yokut Bldg., Rm. 14For more information, call John Kelly at (559) 730-2529

Poetry and Prose9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Education Ctr., 2637 W. Burrel, VisaliaFor information, call Nancy Bellin at (559) 733-6734

Young Artists’ Reception5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Education Ctr., 2637 W. Burrel, VisaliaFor information, call Brian Roberts at (559) 651-1482

Math Super Bowl8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Visalia Convention CenterFor information, call Tracey Dunn at (559) 651-2130

Tulare County Science & Engineering FairSequoia Mall, VisaliaAwards Ceremony: March 27, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.For information, call Michelle French at (559) 651-3031

Southern California Gas Company Challenge for Student Entrepreneurs (open to grades 9-12)8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Visalia Convention CenterFor information, call (559) 733-6101

Annual Tulare County Support Staff Conference 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Visalia Convention CenterFor information, call Marlene Moreno at (559) 733-6302

Science Olympiad (Div. A for grades 3-6)8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., El Diamante High School, 5100 W. Whitendale Ave., VisaliaFor information, call Michelle French at (559) 651-3031

Friday Night Live Lip Synch Contest6:00 - 9:00 p.m., Visalia Convention CenterFor information, call Adam Valencia at (559) 651-0155

SCICON BBQ & Wildf lower Festival11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., SCICON Campus, SpringvilleFor information, call Rick Mitchell at (559) 539-2642

Theatre Company Spring Musical: Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr.El Diamante H.S. Theater, 5100 W. Whitendale Ave., VisaliaFor information, call Brian Roberts at (559) 651-1482

Día de los Niños/ Día de los Libros1:00 - 4:00 p.m., Manuel Hernandez Community Ctr., 247 W. Ferguson Ave., VisaliaFor information, call Shelley Chappell at (559) 651-3042

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April ‘14