Book Commentator: Richard Soto
Bud West, Principal at Kohl Open School, along with teachers and staff wrote “Shooting Victim Leaves Huge Void,” a letter to the editor published on the March 6, 2012 edition of The Record — Stockton’s daily newspaper.
San Joaquin County — Over 180 San Joaquin County high school students gathered at the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) Tuesday, February 28, to prepare for the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) state competition. Continue reading
San Joaquin Delta College’s Atherton Auditorium was full of excitement as fourth and fifth graders arrived at the Stockton Symphony’s “Steppin’ Out” concert on Friday, March 2nd.
As the children sat to enjoy the concert, little did they know that they were about to experience a world premiere of Conflict and Resolution—a music project created by Israeli composer and award winner, Avner Dorman. Conflict and Resolution is based on the children`s book “Uzu and Muzo” by Ephraim Sidon.
The Steppin’ Out Concert is a project beyond a single concert; teachers support music education as they engage children in conversation and basic understanding about music in their classrooms by teaching kids music concepts and appreciation skills, explained Stanley.
In the 30 minute performance Dorman brought life to the story of two brothers, Uzu and Muzu, with symphonic music. In addition to exposing children to orchestra music, the book teaches kids a message about tolerance and conflict resolution. The Fantasy Overture from Romeo and Juliet by the legendary Russian composer, Tchaikovsky, was also performed.
Dorman is in a residency agreement with the Stockton Symphony to encourage children to read and write about conflict and resolution through a series of educational activities.
26 schools around San Joaquin County and approximately 2,350 students attended two Steppin’ Out performances. The community may enjoy Dorman’s creation on Thursday March 8th and Saturday March 10th. Tickets are available at (209) 951-0196.
Other art organizations also harmonized with the Stockton Symphony as they are exhibiting their own interpretations of Conflict and Resolution. The Mexican Heritage Center and Gallery’s (MHC&G) March exhibit highlights its gallery members’ interpretation of Conflict and Resolution. Dorman will have a special reception at MHC&G on Monday, March 5 and an Artist Reception will be on Friday, March 9th; both events are scheduled at 5:30 p.m.
Stockton,CA- Nineteen San Joaquin Delta College students won gold medals at the SkillsUSA Region 5 Competition held in January at the college. Continue reading
Bat flu virus is not believed to present a threat to humans
A new influenza A virus discovered in fruit bats in Guatemala does not appear to present a current threat to humans, but should be studied as a potential source for human influenza, according to scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who worked with University of the Valley of Guatemala. The study was published today in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Veronica Ramos is the new Director III of the Region 23 Migrant Education Program, a program that provides supplementary programs and services to children of migrant farm workers within San Joaquin and Contra Costa Counties
(VR) Veronica Ramos
(BW) Bilingual Weekly
(BW) You have been in the education field for a number of years, when did you decide that you wanted a career in the field of education?
(VR) I have been in education for 16 years. I come from a long line of educators, and I think I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, even when I was a little girl I would play “school” with my little sister. Working with underprivileged students while in college showed me a path to serve students who needed the extra push and encouragement that I could give them.
(BW) How has it been for you, working for the Migrant Education Program?
(VR) MEP has been the most rewarding job I have ever had. I’d say this experience of working with MEP is one that most people dream about, and I’ve been able to make it my reality.
(BW) What challenges have you have along your career?
(VR) My biggest challenge was the budget cuts we had last year in Migrant Education. The decision to not bump another manager was very difficult and led me to ultimately being laid off and having to rebuild many aspects of my life. It was the most challenging, humbling, and strangely enough, the most rewarding experience. I was forced to take time off and learn a lot about myself and learn what I valued most, and that was my friends and family who stood by me in a very difficult time.
(BW) How do you feel as you take on a new challenge as the Director of Migrant Education Program? When would you start your new position?
(VR) I started this new position Jan 9, 2012. Although this is a new challenge for me, I am comforted by coming back to familiar surroundings and know that we have great people in Migrant Education and here at SJCOE. I have great support and although this is clearly the most challenging position in my career to date, I work with a great team and I know we will do our best to serve our students
(BW) As an experienced educator, what are your views on Latinos (a) and education? Do we have a problem with getting Latino students to college?
(VR) I think that our problem of getting Latinos to college is still an issue today, but thanks to programs like ours, we are breaking through; students and families are understanding the power and importance of a higher education for our students. I wish that more areas had strong programs that really reach out and make a difference for our Latino youth. I love that our staff serve as great examples of what can happen with a little effort and perseverance. My motto has always been: Si Se Puede, and I’m sticking to that!
(BW) Lastly, how do you see yourself in the upcoming years? Perhaps going back to the classrooms as a teacher?
(VR) If you would have asked me that a year ago I would rattle off a list of things I’d like to do, but not anymore.
Being laid off for 6 months and struggling to find a job has given me a new sense of who I am and my purpose in this world. I know that I am dedicated to serving students, but I am not sure what the plan for me is. I know that as soon as you try and plan something—and think you have it all figured out—God, fate, whatever you want to call it, comes in and creates a new plan for you.
Lincoln Latin Leadership (LLL), a parent/district-run organization at Lincoln High School, received the 2011 Golden Bell Award.
On Tuesday, January 24 RTD released a new “Safe Place” campaign — a national youth outreach program which provides immediate help for all young people in crisis through a network of Safe Place locations like schools, fire stations, grocery stores and public transit centers.
By Mayra Barrios
(bw) STOCKTON, CA – The San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SJCHCC), in partnership with the University of the Pacific and other community organizations, hosted the 9th Annual Student Financial Aid and College Awareness Workshop during the morning of Sunday, January 29th at the A.G. Spanos Hall at University of the Pacific in Stockton.
News anchor, producer and writer Stephanie Cruz visits Stockton with a story of success and dedication.
United States Capitol Washington, D.C. 9:10 P.M. ET
STOCKTON, CA – Being raised in a Mormon home, Dustin Lance Black often struggled with questions about his sexuality. It wasn’t until his 20s that he “came out” as gay, but with that declaration, Black also became an activist for human rights and was determined to tell the stories of people whose relationships might not fit in with traditional definitions. Continue reading
By Mayra Barrios
(bw) STOCKTON, CA – Carrying forward the vision of Martin Luther King`s dream, diverse members of the community and outreach agencies came together to improve Stockton, gathering in the Gymnasium of St. Mary of the Assumption Church on Saturday, January 14th.
On January 6, 2012, San Joaquin Delta College announced that as of this spring student aid disbursements will be handed to students via “MySJDCCard.” MySJDCCard is a MasterCard debit card that allows student aid disbursements via an Easy Refund Program (ERP) — a direct deposit system that must be backed by a banking institution. Conveniently MySJDCCard will also provide online bill-pay for the student tuition.
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