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Chief Communications Officer
925.942.3420


Communications Specialist/Teacher of the Year/Media Relations
925.942.3429

Communications FAX
925.942.3454

Main Content

News and Press Releases

Education Headlines

May 22, 2013

Mt. Diablo school board appoints interim superintendent
CONCORD – The Mt. Diablo school board on Monday appointed John Bernard as interim superintendent through Sept. 30 and selected Leadership Associates to conduct its search for a permanent superintendent.

West Contra Costa school district surveys community for strategic plan
CONCORD – The West Contra Costa school district invites community members to complete a short survey to provide input into a five-year strategic plan.

Retiring Antioch educator paved way for generations of kids
ANTIOCH – As far as anyone knows, it doesn't appear that Debbie Chin knows how to pour concrete. Or that she's particularly skilled with a hammer, nails or drill.

May 20, 2013

West Contra Costa special ed administrator honored for his work
A veteran West Contra Costa schools administrator has been honored for expanding the district's special education programs into some of the most comprehensive and effective in the state.

Mt. Diablo school board chooses interim superintendent
CONCORD – The Mt. Diablo school board will announce its choice for interim Superintendent on Monday, after officially severing ties with the superintendent and general counsel.

Public is invited to Education Finance Forum on Thursday in Pleasant Hill
| Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, D-Concord, and Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Joe Ovick will host the event from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday in the Pleasant Hill City Council Chambers at 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Bonilla is chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance.

May 16, 2013

ROP students excel in East County
When the Contra Costa County Office of Education recently honored standout students who participate in the Regional Occupation Program (ROP), East County schools were well represented.

Music programs restored at more West Contra Costa elementary schools
RICHMOND – The West Contra Costa school board Wednesday evening approved the return of elementary school instrumental music programs to 29 more of its campuses over the next two years.

May 15, 2013

Gov. Jerry Brown sticks to controversial K-12 education funding plan, but adds accountability in May revision
SACRAMENTO – After proposing a bold new education-funding plan in January aimed at helping schools better educate disadvantaged students, then facing push-back from his own party, Gov. Jerry Brown stuck to his guns in his May budget revision released Tuesday.

Mt. Diablo school board expects to select interim superintendent Wednesday
CONCORD – The Mt. Diablo school board expects to interview two retired superintendents during closed session Wednesday before choosing an interim superintendent.

Pittsburg High School: Mock-interview day prepares students for job and college
PITTSBURG – Brianna Neal wore a smart black jacket to Pittsburg High School, the kind of attire one would wear to a job interview.

May 13, 2013

How to make high school students driven, focused and confident
Imagine a room filled with high-achieving high school students, grateful for their education, who are fully engaged in studies focused on diverse career opportunities.

Antioch forum looks at way to stop youth bullying
The number of child victims of bullying – whether physical, psychological or mental – is on the rise locally and nationally.

May 9, 2013

Dana Eaton named superintendent of Brentwood Union School District
BRENTWOOD – Former Brentwood educational leader Dana Eaton is coming home to lead the Brentwood Union School District as its new superintendent.

ROP Students of Excellence awards honors 40 high schoolers
The Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) will honor 40 high school seniors from 25 schools in Contra Costa and Alameda counties on Thursday. The Students of Excellence awards honors students for outstanding achievement in ROP (regional occupational program) classes.

May 6, 2013

Key Committee Approves Overhaul of Public School Testing
SACRAMENTO – Legislation sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson to create a new statewide assessment system using computer-based exams that would measure and promote student progress toward career and college readiness was approved today by the Assembly Education Committee.

West Contra Costa school district rejects charter application
RICHMOND – West Contra Costa school district trustees Wednesday evening denied a petition for sponsorship from the backers of Caliber Schools for a K-8 charter school.

May 2, 2013

Teachers of the Year personify East County's best
There are more than 7,900 teachers educating about 169,000 students in this area, according to the county Office of Education. "To recognize their efforts and bring much-deserved honor to the teaching profession," participating school districts recently named their Teacher of the Year representatives.

Forget Cyber Bullying — San Ramon Valley High Teens Use Facebook to Be Nice to One Another
A new Facebook page sharing good Karma with the San Ramon Valley school community is going viral, attracting more than 400 positive messages in just a few days.

May 1, 2013

Board Approves Design for New San Ramon Elementary School
The San Ramon Valley Unified School District Board of Education recently approved the preliminary design for the District's newest elementary school in the Dougherty Valley community of east San Ramon.

West Contra Costa maintains funding for adult education
RICHMOND – The West Contra Costa school district will spend about $1.5 million on adult education next year, about the same level of annual funding the program has received since the economic downturn began in 2008.

April 29, 2013

Richmond school is gifted thousands of free books
A program that gives away free books to school children has touched down on the West Coast, and one of Richmond's schools was the first to host the event Wednesday night.

Contest Encourages Kids in San Ramon Valley to Walk, Bike to School
Thousands of elementary school students in the San Ramon Valley are getting an extra push to get biking and walking as the fourth annual Street Smarts Walk/Bike Challenge kicks off.

Brentwood schools may expand iPad use in classrooms
To adapt to the needs of 21st-century learners, the Brentwood Union School District may invest further in its pilot project that would put iPads into the hands of teachers and students in the next academic year.

April 25, 2013

Senate Democrats to propose alternative education plan
Senate Democrats today suggested reservations about major elements of Gov. Jerry Brown's bid to overhaul California's school funding system, saying they will announce an alternative plan this week.

Special Education Student-Athletes from Tri-Valley To Participate Bay Area Game
Students from Monte Vista High School, San Ramon Valley High School, Dublin High School will compete on April 30 with over 400 special education students in the games hosted by Special Olympics Northern California.

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COE Press Releases - 2013

May 2013

Annual ROP Students of Excellence Awards Ceremony Honors 40 Students

April 2013

March 2013

February 2013

January 2013

May 2013

Annual ROP Students of Excellence Awards Ceremony
Honors 40 Students

WHAT: The Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) will be honoring 40 high school seniors, representing 25 schools in Contra Costa and Alameda counties, with the Students of Excellence Awards for their outstanding achievement in their ROP (Regional Occupational Program) classes. Honored students will each be awarded a certificate of merit and a $200.00 scholarship award.  EVENT PROGRAM

WHO: The Contra Costa County ROP serves nearly 11,000 students annually with classes in 34 high schools throughout Contra Costa and Alameda counties. Currently, there are 368 state-of-the-art career development classes in this program. ROP focuses on career preparation and exploration, hands-on experience, and academic excellence to prepare students for success in college and future careers. ROP provides students with the newest equipment, rigorous academic standards, and classes in emerging technologies. All of the ROP classes and programs are directed by and funded through the CCCOE. For more information about ROP classes, visit their website.

WHEN: Thursday, May 9, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle, Concord, Calif.

MEDIA NOTES:

  • JPEG photos of each of the awarded students, as well as a PDF copy of the Students of the Excellence Awards program are available upon request.
  • More than 200 attendees will be on hand for this event. Along with the honored students and their families, also on hand will be the students' teachers and ROP business-partnership representatives. In addition, welcoming remarks will be made Contra Costa County Board of Education President Richard Asadoorian, CCCOE Deputy Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata, and Contra Costa County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff. The awards will be presented by Sakata; Amy Anderson, John Muir Health; and Karla McCormick, Chevron.
  • Flash photography and video and audio recording are allowed.
  • For more information about this special event, contact CCCOE Director, Student Programs Janet Haun at (925) 942-3368.

The following outstanding students will receive certificates of merit plus $200.00 in scholarship awards (also listed their instructors and title of classes):
(See below list, alphabetical by city)

ALBANY
Albany High School
Cateleya Supawit, Advanced Communications Media, Instructor Jeff Castle

ANTIOCH
Antioch High School
Christopher Febus, Computer Art & Animation, Instructor Erin Susoev
David Chapman, Advanced Automotive Technology, Instructor Bobby Sturgeon
Marrie Fontanilla, ROP Game Art Design, Instructor, Erin Susoev
Robert Tadena, Computer Graphics, Instructor Erin Susoev

Deer Valley High School
Javier Guzman, Advanced Culinary Arts, Instructor Marsha Sias

Dozier-Libbey High School
Rachel Centeno, Sports Medicine, Instructor Kim O'Leary

BERKELEY
Berkeley High School
Colleen Sparks, Advanced Digital Photography, Instructor Gabriel Berent
Keelan Williams, Advanced Video Productions, Instructor Dharini Rasiah
Lily Rockholt, Accelerated Biotechnology, Instructor Evy Kavaler
Michael Grey, AP Environmental Science, Instructor Kate Trimlett

BRENTWOOD
Heritage High School
Dallas Rose-Gebrosky, Fire Science, Instructor Les Putnam
Emily Brennan, Journalism and Publications, Instructor Ken Silman
Jacob Olsen, Robotics Engineering Technology, Instructor, Robert Pardi
Lindsey DePaola, Law Enforcement Careers, Instructor Matt Carr
Stephanie Sanchez, Video Broadcasting, Instructor Gus Guardado

Liberty High School
Anastasiya DeWolf, Dekstop Publishing, Instructor Sharon Johnson
Maeghan McBee, Analytic Forensic Science, Instructor Julie Hubbard

CONCORD
Concord High School
Alison Schmidt, Advanced Photography, Instructor Loralie Gohler
Aryanna Morris, Construction Technology, Instructor Tom Trowbridge
Sydney Rush, Computerized Accounting, Instructor Laurie Harris

Mt. Diablo High School
Sean Malloy, Biological Sciences Lab Research, Instructor, Colin Jones

Yagnacio Valley High School
Cesar Barrera, Careers in Teaching Internships, Instructor Laura Hallberg

DANVILLE
Monte Vista High School
Claire Chow, Computer Graphic Arts, Instructor Diana Govnik

San Ramon Valley High School
Dennis Riley, AP Environmental Science, Instructor Cindy Egan
Zachary Hanze, Intro to Engineering, Instructor Cindy Egan

EL CERRITO
El Cerrito High School
Joshua Ko, Radio Broadcasting, Instructor Corey Mason

HERCULES
Hercules High School
Camille Winfield, Careers in Teaching, Instructor Janet Headington

MARTINEZ
Alhambra High School
Jeremy Aires, CAD, Instructor Jeff Smith

MORAGA
Campolindo High School
Shelby Watts, Advanced Sports Medicine, Instructor Ray Albiento

OAKLEY
Freedom High School
Mickayla Elsberry, Careers with Children, Instructor Elizabeth Rodriguez

PIEDMONT
Piedmont High School
Dina Zangwill, Biotechnology, Instructor Tom Huffaker

PINOLE
Pinole Valley High School
Bryan Vuong, Sports Medicine, Instructor Dan O'Shea

PITTSBURG
Pittsburg High School
Daniel Garcia, Architectural Design, Instructor Andy Kaiser

RICHMOND
DeAnza High School
Jocelyn Rivera, Hospital Health Services, Instructor Kenyetta Haynes

SAN RAMON
California High School
Allison Winter, Play Production, Instructor Laura Woods
Jenna McNaughton. Advanced Sports Medicine, Instructor Shane Borchert

WALNUT CREEK
Las Lomas High School
Yesica Fernandez, Hospital Health Services, Instructor Kathi Mooney

Northgate High School
Kevin Lara, Advanced Photography, Instructor Erin Parsons

April

County's current Teacher of the Year asked to work as a National Geographic Grosvenor Teaching Fellow this summer

Dr. Rona ZollingerMartinez, Calif., April 22, 2013—Current Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year, Rona Zollinger, Ph.D., is one of Fourteen highly respected national educators that has been selected as this year's Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellows, and will spend part of her summer in the Arctic aboard the Lindblad expedition ship National Geographic Explorer. The Fellows program recognizes teachers who best demonstrate excellence in geographic education, and provides an opportunity for them to experience geography through once-in-a-lifetime experiences and to use those experiences in their classrooms.

Dr. Zollinger, who was named the Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year last September, said, “It is not often as educators that we get to share in joy and excitement of true wilderness adventure with other educators. As the Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year, I am thrilled to work with National Geographic as a Grosvenor Teaching Fellow this summer with other 13 educators in an expedition to learn about climate change and the wonders of the Arctic. I hope to find ways to share the expedition with my students and school district in ways that promote geographic literacy and environmental awareness.”

The 15-year teacher has been teaching her environmental studies academy, New Leaf: A Sustainable Living Collaborative, (core subjects) course at Vicente Martinez High, in Martinez, for the past 12 years. New Leaf is organized around the ecological principles of sustainable education. The curriculum utilizes transdiciplinary strategies and practices of project and place based learning, ecological service learning, and a rites of passage curriculum all done through participation in a small learning community.

Regarding the Program
This professional development opportunity is named in honor of Gilbert M. Grosvenor, Chairman Emeritus National Geographic Society and Education Foundation. The program is designed to give current K-12 classroom teachers and informal educators from the 50 U.S. states, Canada, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico the opportunity to extend Grosvenor's legacy of excellence in geographic education. Selected educators will travel aboard the ship National Geographic Explorer in June, July, or August 2013 to Norway, Arctic Svalbard, Iceland, Greenland or the Canadian High Arctic. While aboard, Fellows will share the importance of geo-literacy with fellow travelers, develop activities to bring back to their classrooms, and have an adventure of a lifetime. Prior to the expedition, all 2013 Grosvenor Teacher Fellows will travel to Washington, D.C. on April 25-28th with all expenses covered to participate in a pre-trip workshop sponsored by Google, National Geographic, and Lindblad Expeditions. 

Through this program, exemplary educators are recognized for their commitment to geo-literacy and are given a professional development opportunity to be actively engaged in finding new ways to bring geographic awareness and ocean stewardship to their classrooms or informal learning environments through a field-based experience.

 

Thirteen Contra Costa Middle and High Schools Named
CA Distinguished Schools

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 12, 2013—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today named 13 Contra Costa County middle and high schools as California Distinguished Schools for 2013 because of their “strong commitment and innovative approaches to improving student-academic achievement.”

The following Contra Costa schools are designated California Distinguished Schools 2013:

Campolindo High (Moraga) and Miramonte High (Orinda) from the Acalanes Union High School District; M.H. Stanley Middle (Lafayette), Lafayette School District; Heritage High (Brentwood), Liberty Union High School District; College Park High (Pleasant Hill), Diablo View Middle (Clayton), and Foothill Middle (Walnut Creek), Mt. Diablo Unified School District; Orinda Intermediate (Orinda), Orinda Union School District; Charlotte Wood Middle (Danville), Diablo Vista Middle (Danville), Gale Ranch Middle (San Ramon), Iron Horse Middle (San Ramon), and Windemere Ranch Middle (San Ramon), San Ramon Valley Unified School District.

The program recognizes elementary and secondary schools in alternating years. Distinguished Schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria, including designated federal and state accountability measures, and they must provide an in-depth description of two Signature Practices that their staff members believe have contributed to the success of their students. For applications that are accepted, each school receives a site visit by a team of local educators to validate the full implementation of the Signature Practices described in the application.

In Contra Costa County, those school visits were conducted in March by a team of 20 educators from the Contra Costa County Office of Education, augmented by two retired administrators and three district principals. The local Distinguished Schools program is coordinated by Peggy Marshburn, chief communications officer, Contra Costa County Office of Education.

Distinguished Schools are honored at regional award ceremonies, where the state superintendent of California Public Instruction presents each school with a 2013 Distinguished School plaque and flag. The events and awards are funded by donations from many California corporations and statewide-educational organizations.

For more information about the Distinguished School program, visit their website.

 

Contra Costa County School Districts announce their
2013-2014 Teachers of the Year

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., April 11, 2013 – Currently, there are more than 7,900 teachers educating approximately 169,000 students in Contra Costa County's public schools. To recognize their efforts and bring much-deserved honor to the teaching profession, the participating school districts in the county recently named their Teachers of the Year (TOY) representatives. (See list below.) The upcoming school year's 22 TOYs represent 17 Contra Costa County school districts, the Contra Costa Community College District, and the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE). Twenty of these twenty-twenty-two representatives, those who teach grades pre-K thru 12, are eligible to compete in the Contra Costa County TOY competition. The winner of the county TOY program will represent Contra Costa County in the California State TOY Program this coming fall.

“Once again, we have a tremendous group of teachers who have earned their school district's highest accolades, due to their talents, work ethic, and dedication they provide for their students. These honored educators not only represent their individual schools and school districts, but also embody all of the exceptional teachers we are so fortunate to have in our county,” reports Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph A. Ovick.

The county's TOY program is directed by the CCCOE. With such a high caliber of teaching professionals to draw from, the CCCOE's TOY program uses a three-stage selection process, with a point and percentage system to determine the final candidate as follows:

I Application Screening:
On April 19, a committee of 14, representing the county's education, business, and public sector partners carefully review the applications submitted by the school districts. This committee independently rates each application. After the application screening and scoring are completed, five teachers will be selected to advance to the next phase as semi-finalists.

II Classroom Observation and Interview:
During the weeks of late April and early May, a small committee of education specialists and business partners will observe the semi-finalists interacting with their students. Immediately following, the committee interviews the candidates discussing topics such as their teaching philosophy and techniques. The results of the two screening processes are then combined to determine the three finalists. (The three finalists will be announced in late May.)

III Speech Presentation:
This coming August, the three TOY finalists will each give a three- to five-minute speech to another panel of a dozen educators, business, and public-sector representatives who will judge the finalists on their speech and presentation skills.

On the evening of September 26, 2013, all 22 TOYs, accompanied by their families, friends, and co-workers (an audience of more than 400) will be honored at the annual Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Dinner Celebration, held at the Hilton Concord. Dr. Ovick, who serves as master of ceremonies, introduces the TOYs by sharing a special story that reflects his classroom visits of each teacher during the current spring and summer months. This will be followed by the three finalists giving their three- to five-minute speeches (same speeches given in August) to the filled banquet room. Finally, the night will come to a dramatic close with the announcement of the 2013-2014 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year.

2013-2014 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Representatives:

Sandy Ball, Walnut Creek School District, Parkmead Elementary

Erin Clark, Antioch Unified School District, Sutter Elementary

Lloyd Cornwell, Liberty Union High School District, Liberty High

Sherry Diestler, Contra Costa Community College District, Contra Costa College

Cindy Egan, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, San Ramon Valley High

Cooper Howard, Lafayette School District, Stanley Middle

Lois Laza, Knightsen Elementary School District, Knightsen Elementary

Beth Levine, West Contra Costa Unified School District, Montalvin Manor Elementary

Kim Lockett, Moraga School District, Joaquin Moraga Intermediate

Melanie Long, Oakley Union Elementary School District, Delta Vista Middle

Therese Long, Orinda Union School District, Sleepy Hollow Elementary

Nita Madra, Acalanes Union High School District, Campolindo High

Steve Mainini, West Contra Costa USD, Kennedy High

Jennifer Martinez, Contra Costa Count Office of Education, CTE/ROP Clinical Medical Assistant Program

Shannon Morton, Brentwood Union School District, Brentwood Elementary

Vincent Pitzulo, John Swett Unified School District, John Swett High
Shannon Prichard, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Monte Gardens Elementary

Carissa Sugden, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, El Monte Elementary

Jeanne Turner, Byron Union School District, Excelsior Middle

Miranda Viechec-Lingbaoan, Pittsburg Unified School District, Heights Elementary

Kitty West, Martinez Unified School District, Las Juntas Elementary

Nicholas Zefeldt, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Live Oak Elementary

Note regarding eligible participants:

  • Seventeen of the eighteen Contra Costa County school districts represented, plus the CCCOE are participating in this year's TOY program. (Because this year's CCCOE candidate teaches adults, she is not eligible in the California State TOY competition.)
  • Each year, one instructor from Contra Costa Community College District is submitted to the TOY program for his/her outstanding body of work with their designated college. The colleges rotate each year between Diablo Valley, Los Medanos, and Contra Costa. (These instructors do not compete in the State Teacher of the Year competition.)
  • Due to the larger number of students in their districts, West Contra Costa USD, Mt. Diablo USD, San Ramon Valley USD are allowed to submit two TOY candidates

#cocotoy

 

Contra Costa County Single Subject and Specialty* Teacher Job Fair

PITTSBURG, Calif., April 4, 2013 – The Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) will present their Contra Costa County Single Subject and Specialty* Teacher Job Fair, on Saturday, April 13, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at the Pittsburg High School gymnasium, 1750 Harbor St., in Pittsburg. (*Specialty teachers: special education, math, science, and bilingual.)

Attendees will discover a number of Contra Costa County teaching positions that will be available in the next school year.  Along with the CCCOE, representatives from seven Contra Costa County school districts: Antioch, Liberty Union High, Martinez, Mt. Diablo, Pittsburg, San Ramon Valley, and West Contra Costa, will be recruiting for open positions. Some interviews will be held on site.

For additional information about this free event, call (925) 942-3387 or visit the Job Fair's website.

March

Numerous Local Representatives will Present at
The Eighth Annual Young Children's Issues Forum

WHAT: The Ninth Annual Young Children's Issues Forum, will be held this coming Saturday morning, in Concord. This free annual community event is sponsored and organized by the Local Planning Council for Child Care and Development (LPC), and is coordinated by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE).

The purpose of the event is to provide a forum for discussion among legislators, local officials, and the community regarding current children's issues. Historically, the majority of the event attendees are early childhood educators, preschool teachers, program administrators, community college faculty, and representatives from community agencies. This year's theme is: Speak Out for Children: Educate and Advocate.

The program will feature three separate panel presentations: (1) State and Congressional Legislators, (2) Local Elected Officials and Public Agency Officers, (3) Business Leaders.

WHO: Ted Lempert, president of Children Now will be a guest moderator and will lead discussions with the first two panels (State and Congressional Legislators and Local Elected Officials and Public Agency Officers). David Pontecorvo, senior program officer of the East Bay Community Foundation, will follow as moderator of the Business Leaders' panel. All three panels will focus on the current status of young children's health, education, social and child care services.

Panel participants will include Mark DeSaulnier, senator, 7th District; Nancy Skinner, assemblymember, 15th District; Joan Buchanan, assemblymember, 16th District; Dr. Joseph Ovick, superintendent, Contra Costa County; and Karen Mitchoff, supervisor, District IV. For a complete list of participants and program, visit this Web page.

WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Willow Pass Community Center, is located at 2748 East Olivera Rd., in Concord.

MEDIA NOTES: Approximately 250 attendees are expected. Video recording and still photography are allowed.

ADDITONAL INFORMATION: For more event information about the Ninth Annual Young Children's Issues Forum, please contact the Contra Costa Local Planning Council for Child Care and Development Coordinator Ruth Fernandez at (925) 942-3413.

 

Campolindo High School has an impressive showing at the
California State Academic Decathlon Championship

Campolindo High School State ACADECA teamMORAGA, Calif., March 20, 2013—The recently crowned Contra Costa County High School Academic Decathlon Champions, Campolindo High School, (see story) had a very impressive past weekend at the 2013 California Academic Decathlon, held in Sacramento.

Campolindo’s coach Paul Verbanszky reported that the team represented Contra Costa County very well at the state competition. The team received the Most Improved School Award in state ranking for schools of all sizes—increasing from 40th to 24th place and they are the state champions for medium-sized schools. The team also earned 12 individual achievement awards. Verbanszky said “The team is incredibly excited to represent Contra Costa County and Northern California schools in the Online Academic Decathlon National in April”

The main winner overall (Los Angeles Unified School District's Granada Hills Charter High School) will represent California at this year's National Academic Decathlon will be held in Minneapolis, Minn., April 25 – 27. All the other division winners, such as Camplindo, will compete online during the same time. 

Campolindo’s highest scorer, Marina Han, said, “I felt pretty confident at State and really enjoyed the competition. I felt like I was in my element. I am slightly nervous, but looking forward to compete at the national level.”

Tristan Caro, who collected three individual medals in Sacramento, said, “I thought it was great that in just a few years we went from barely reaching 2nd place in county to making national competition. It really says something to the effort of everyone on the team and the dedication of the team members.”

Verbanszky teaches AP psychology and government/economics, and has been Campolindo’s Academic Decathlon coach since 2005. His Academic Decathlon is an after school club with funding coming from generous donations and fundraising. It is a tremendous accomplishment to compete in the Nationals. He continues, “I am very proud of my students.  They have put in countless hours after school preparing for competition. And, our team gives a big thank you to the Contra Costa County Office of Education for all of their hard work with Academic Decathlon, so that the students can have such a positive experience.”

 

Numerous community members come together for a heartfelt event created for East County special education students

WHAT:

Excitement has been certainly mounting as a number of special education students from Contra Costa County Office of Education's East County Student Programs at Turner Elementary are preparing for the upcoming Special Olympics Basketball Skills Clinic and Panda Express catered lunch (provided by their Panda Cares program). This tremendous event was created by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE), in partnership with Special Olympics of Northern California.

WHO:

Approximately 75 participating special educations students from five Contra Costa CCCOE Turner Elementary (Antioch) classrooms, two CCCOE classes at Park Middle (Antioch), one CCCOE class from Deer Valley High School (Antioch), Kimball Elementary (Antioch), and Foothill Middle (Pittsburg) schools. The students will be aided by their teachers, members of Special Olympics of Northern California, and volunteers.

There will also be ten non-disabled peers from Walnut Creek Intermediate School supporting their fellow students with the basketball skill drills. These generous volunteers work with Special Olympics students through Project UNIFY. It is not only the special education student-athletes who benefit from the School Partnership Program. The lives of the non-disabled students are also impacted. Through their interaction with the student-athletes, the non-disabled students learn respect and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities and to dispel negative attitudes and stereotypes. There is no question that the life lessons gained for both the special education student-athletes and the non-disabled students goes far beyond the playing field of sport

WHERE:

Contra Costa County Office of Education's East County Student Programs, at Turner Elementary School, 4207B Delta Fair Blvd., Antioch, Calif. (The basketball drills will take place behind the main building, while the Panda Express lunch will be served in the multi-purpose room.)

WHEN:

March 8, (Special Olympics will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Classes will rotate through for lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

MEDIA NOTES:

Members of the media are welcomed to cover this event. Be sure to check-in with the school's front desk. There will be a number of disabled and non-disable students that have signed photo/video releases. The students' teachers will be able to help you with identifying the students with signed releases.

 

Ninth Annual Young Children's Issues Forum

CONCORD, Calif., March 5, 2013 – The public is invited to The Ninth Annual Young Children's Issues Forum, to be held on Saturday, March 23, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at the Willow Pass Community Center, 2748 East Olivera Rd., Concord. This year's theme is Speak Out for Children: Educate and Advocate. This free annual community event is sponsored and organized by the Contra Costa Local Planning Council for Child Care and Development (LPC), and is coordinated by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE).

The purpose of the program is to provide a forum for discussion among legislators, local elected officials, public agency representatives, business leaders, and the community regarding current children's issues. Annually, this award-winning special presentation is a favorite for numerous local elected officials to take part in, as presenters and/or in question-and-answer sessions. Invited legislators include: Senator Mark DeSaulnier, Senator Loni Hancock, Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, and Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner.

Ted Lempert, executive director of Children Now, will be the guest moderator and will lead discussions of state legislators and local officials who will speak about the current status of young children's health, education, social services, and child-care services. This year's Forum will present a new panel featuring business leaders who will share their views about the importance of investing in early care and education. David Pontecorvo, senior program officer of the East Bay Community Foundation will be guest moderator for the business panel.

Historically, the majority of the event attendees are early childhood educators, preschool teachers, program administrators, community college faculty, and representatives from community agencies. Resources and other information related to child care and education, a benefit to parents, will be available at the event. The LPC hopes to encourage and foster parent participation, as well as participation of all early care and education professionals in the county, including private and state-funded child development centers and family care providers.

For more information about the annual Young Children's Issues Forum, please contact the Contra Costa Local Planning Council for Child Care and Development Coordinator Ruth Fernandez at (925) 942-3413. This is a free event, but attendance registration is required. Please visit the LPC website to register and for more details.

**Recently, the California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) awarded the Young Children's Issues Forum with their highest accolade in their annual Excellence in Communications Awards, by earning the California Gold Award. The 2012 annual forum was also presented with a joint Resolution from the State Assembly authored by Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla and co-authored by Assemblymembers Buchanan, Skinner, Frazier and Senators De Saulnier and Hancock.

February

Miramonte returns as Contra Costa County's High School
Mock Trial Championship Team

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., March 1, 2013 — After a number of speeches made by the coaches and individual awards given out to participating students, the exciting 32nd Annual Contra Costa County High School Mock Trial's Awards Ceremony concluded with the naming of this year's championship team: Miramonte High School (Orinda). This is Miramonte's second win in a row; they have dominated the county's Mock Trial program since 2000, winning 10 championships.

Contra Costa County Presiding Judge Hon. Barry Goode was on hand to address the large crowd, congratulate all the participants, and hand out the Mock Trial awards. Judge Goode said how impressed he was with all the students, and that it was obvious that they put a lot of time and effort into to preparing for their trials.

For the past four weeks (seven evenings), the Miramonte High School and sixteen other Contra Costa County high school Mock Trial teams have been battling it out with each other inside the superior courthouse courtrooms in Martinez, in the Contra Costa County Office of Education's 32th Annual High School Mock Trial Competition. Miramonte High School will now represent Contra Costa County at the California State Mock Trial competition, held in Riverside, Calif., March 23-25. (The California state finalist team will then compete in the National Mock Trial Competition, held in Indianapolis, Ind., May 9-11.)

Teams from the following 17 Contra Costa County high schools competed:
Acalanes (Lafayette), Alhambra (Martinez), Antioch (Antioch), California (San Ramon), Campolindo (Moraga), Clayton Valley Charter (Concord), Deer Valley Law Academy (Antioch), Dougherty Valley (San Ramon), El Cerrito (El Cerrito), Hercules Middle/High (Hercules), Heritage (Brentwood), Kennedy (Richmond), Las Lomas (Walnut Creek), Miramonte (Orinda), Monte Vista (Danville), Northgate (Walnut Creek), and Richmond (Richmond).  
The top four teams finished in this order:

  1. Miramonte
  2. California
  3. Acalanes
  4. Monte Vista

Mock Trial is an academic event for high school students coordinated by the Contra Costa County Office of Education, and sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation. The purpose of this program is to teach students about the law and the workings of the legal system. To prepare, the students conducted legal research and received guidance on courtroom procedures from their school teachers and volunteer attorneys and judges, to acquire a working knowledge of the judicial system.

This year, close to 100 Bay Area practicing and retired attorneys, senior law students, and sworn judges volunteered their time to serve as Mock Trial Attorney Scorers and Judges. These volunteers represented judges from Contra Costa County's Superior Court, California Bankruptcy Court, and California Appellate Court. Attorney Scorers included district attorneys, public defenders, and state attorney general deputies; public, private, and corporate attorneys; and senior Bay Area laws students, from Contra Costa County, as well as nearby counties.

 

Contra Costa County High School Mock Trial Championship Team
to be awarded: Will it be California or Miramonte?

WHAT:

For the past four weeks (seven evenings), the Miramonte High School and California High School Mock Trial teams have battled it out with each other and 17 other schools inside the superior courthouse courtrooms in Martinez, in the Contra Costa County Office of Education's 32nd Annual High School Mock Trial Competition. Tonight, one of these two teams will be awarded the county's Mock Trial Championship Team Trophy. (Same two teams as last year.) The final-two matches, Miramonte vs. California High (Championship Round) and Acalanes High vs. Monte Vista High (Consolation Round), were held this past Tuesday night (2/26).

The Championship team will then represent Contra Costa County at the California State Mock Trial competition, held in Riverside, Calif., March 23-25. The California state finalist team will then compete in the National Mock Trial Competition, held in Indianapolis, Ind., May 9-11.

ACTION:

Approximately 150 Mock Trial students, along with their coaches and parents, will be on hand to receive individual and team awards – concluding with the naming of this year's Contra Costa County High School Mock Trial Championship Team. Plenty of video and photo opportunities, of top teams and individual winners.

WHO:

Mock Trial is an academic event for high school students coordinated by the Contra Costa County Office of Education, and sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation. The purpose of this program is to teach students about the law and the workings of the legal system. To prepare, the students conducted legal research and received guidance on courtroom procedures from their school teachers and volunteer attorneys and judges, to acquire a working knowledge of the judicial system. This year, more than 80 Bay Area practicing and retired attorneys, senior law students, and sworn judges volunteered their time to serve as Mock Trial Attorney Scorers and Judges.

Teams from the following 17 Contra Costa County high schools participated:
Acalanes (Lafayette), Alhambra (Martinez), Antioch (Antioch), California (San Ramon), Campolindo (Moraga), Clayton Valley Charter (Concord), Deer Valley Law Academy (Antioch), Dougherty Valley (San Ramon), El Cerrito (El Cerrito), Hercules Middle/High (Hercules), Heritage (Brentwood), Kennedy (Richmond), Las Lomas (Walnut Creek), Miramonte (Orinda), Monte Vista (Danville), Northgate (Walnut Creek), and Richmond (Richmond).

WHEN:

Thursday, February 28, 2013, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Contra Costa County Office of Education (Board Room), 77 Santa Barbara Rd., Pleasant Hill, CA

 

County Office of Education promotes new Deputy Superintendent

Karen Sakata CCCOE Deputy SuperintendentPLEASANT HILL, Calif. February 25, 2013 – Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Joseph A. Ovick, Ed.D., recently promoted Karen Sakata as the new Deputy Superintendent for the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE). Sakata brings more than 38 years of experience as an education administrator and teacher to her new position as the CCCOE's second-in-command.

Recently, Sakata had been serving as the CCCOE'S Associate Superintendent, human resources, a position she transferred to after working as the agency's Associate Superintendent, student and program services, from July 2008 to July 2010. Before joining the CCCOE, she was the Principal of Ayers Elementary School, in Concord (Mt. Diablo Unified School District). Prior to her principal position, Sakata worked primarily as a special education program specialist, special education teacher, and administrator in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. Her teaching positions included serving as a special education teacher, speech and language pathologist, resource specialist, and an early childhood specialist.

"With her wealth of experience in education and numerous successful accomplishments in the classroom and in administration here in Contra Costa County, we are quite excited about Karen taking on this new position," reports Dr. Ovick. “Karen is a dynamic leader who is passionate about life-long learning. Our students, educators, and administrators will certainly benefit from her guidance.”

Under the direction of Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ovick, Sakata will be directing day-to-day activities of the CCCOE; analyze County Office issues and provide recommendations to the superintendent concerning appropriate course of action; serve as the superintendent in the absence of the administrator; and review, analyze, and sign documents and contracts on behalf of the superintendent. In addition, Sakata will continue her role in directing the CCCOE's human resources department.

Sakata holds an M.A. in speech pathology from San Jose State University and a B.A. in psychology from the University of California, at Berkeley. In addition, she has earned a number of education-related certifications, credentials, and licenses.

 

Contra Costa County's 3rd Annual STEAM Colloquium
Scheduled for February 8

SAN RAMON, Calif., January 30, 2013 – The 3RD Annual San Francisco Bay Area STEAM Colloquium's program of events is now posted. The Bay Area's premier STEAM education conference will be held on Thursday, February 8, from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at the San Ramon Valley Conference Center, in San Ramon. Full STEAM Ahead: Pathways to the Future, is the title of this year's event.

Presented by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE), the STEAM Colloquium is a forum to discuss and share best practices in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) education. This event continues to bring together numerous K-12 educators, administrators, professionals, legislative policy makers, college and university educators, community organizations, and businesses to present and discuss how to best to continue to advance STEAM education into our classrooms.

The STEAM Colloquium's Coordinator Hilary Dito reports that the day-long program will address critical issues in implementing STEAM education into our schools by showcasing current successful examples. The day's agenda will feature a number of outstanding breakout sessions, as well as featured plenary presentations.

Currently, tickets are still available. Registration fee is $40 per person, and includes continental breakfast and lunch. For those who would like to register or learn more about this exciting program, visit the STEAM Colloquium registration page, or contact Hilary Dito, at (925) 942-3396.
#steamcolloq

January

More than 300 educators are expected at the 3rd Annual
San Francisco Bay Area STEAM Colloquium

WHAT: More than 300 educators from around the Bay Area and across the state have registered for the 3RD Annual San Francisco Bay Area STEAM Colloquium, titled Full STEAM Ahead: Pathways to the Future. Presented by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE), the STEAM Colloquium is a forum to discuss and share best practices in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) education. This event continues to bring together numerous K-12 educators, administrators, professionals, legislative policy makers, college and university educators, community organizations, and businesses to present and discuss how to best continue to advance STEAM education into our classrooms.

Here is the STEAM Colloquium's program of events.

The STEAM Colloquium's Coordinator Hilary Dito reports that the day-long program will address critical issues in implementing STEAM education into our schools by showcasing current successful examples. The day's agenda will feature a number of outstanding breakout sessions, as well as featured plenary presentations.

Currently, tickets are still available. Registration fee is $40 per person, and includes continental breakfast and lunch. For those who would like to register or learn more about this exciting program, visit the STEAM Colloquium registration page.

WHEN: Friday, February 8, 2013, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

WHERE: The San Ramon Valley Conference Center, 3301 Crow Canyon Rd, San Ramon, Calif.

WHO: For additional information email: Hilary Dito, or at (925) 942-3396.

Follow the STEAM Colloquium on Twitter: #steamcolloq

Campolindo High School is Contra Costa County's
2013 Academic Decathlon Champion

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., February 4, 2013 – History truly repeated itself when the top three 2013 Contra Costa County High School Academic Decathlon finishing teams were a carbon copy of last year's results. At tonight's exciting Academic Decathlon Awards Reception, Campolindo High School (Moraga) Red Team once again finished in first place, and will go on to represent Contra Costa County in the California State Academic Decathlon competition. Also in repeating rolls, Campolindo's Blue Team, took 2nd place, and Acalanes (Lafayette) High School finished in 3rd.

Directed by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) and with the assistance of community volunteers, the county's Academic Decathlon provides an opportunity for high school students to compete as individuals and teams in a series of ten academic tests and demonstrations. The curriculum includes art, economics, language and literature, mathematics, music, science, essay, interview, speech (prepared and impromptu), and the Super Quiz™. Test was held during the past two Saturdays.

Approximately, 170 participating high school students have been studying and preparing for this event with their coaches since September. This year's Academic Decathlon theme was Russia, and the Super Quiz™ focused on the areas the participating students had been preparing for with the comprehension portion of Academic Decathlon, e.g., science, art, economics, and literature.

This year's teams represent the following high schools: Acalanes (Lafayette), California (San Ramon), Campolindo (Moraga), Las Lomas (Walnut Creek), Miramonte (Orinda), and Pittsburg (Pittsburg). High school teams are made up of nine students, grades 9-12, with a maximum of three students in each of the following divisions: Honors (3.75-4.00 GPA), Scholastic (3.00-3.74 GPA) and Varsity (2.99 GPA and below).

High schools that have more than nine students who want to participate in Academic Decathlon, can field more than one team, e.g., Campolindo's Red and Blue Teams. The teams can also bring guests or alternate participants from their school.

The Campolindo Red Team will now represent Contra Costa County at the California State Academic Decathlon, to be held in Sacramento, March 14-17

During the awards ceremony, many individual awards were also given out. This year's Top Overall Academic Decathlon Individual Award went to Zach Scherer, of Campolindo High School. All Academic Decathlon statistics should be posted on the CCCOE's website by next week.

The Academic Decathlon was first created by Dr. Robert Peterson, former Superintendent of Schools in Orange County, California. Firmly believing that everyone's learning potential can be maximized through competitive challenge, Dr. Peterson set in motion the contest that has since come to be recognized as the most prestigious high school academic team competition in the United States. The program spread rapidly throughout the states due to the success and excitement it engendered. USAD was founded in 1981.

This year's National Academic Decathlon will be held in Minneapolis, Minn., April 25 – 27.

Note: Quality jpeg team photo of the Campolindo Red Team, with their medals, as well as photos of all participating teams, with their team banners, are available upon request.

Contra Costa County 2013 Academic Decathlon concludes
with the always electrifying Super Quiz™

WHAT:

This year's Contra Costa County 2013 High School Academic Decathlon, which takes place over two consecutive Saturdays, will conclude this coming Saturday, (part one, was held the morning of January 26). Directed by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) and with the assistance of community volunteers, the county's Academic Decathlon provides an opportunity for high school students to compete as individuals and teams in a series of ten academic tests and demonstrations. The curriculum includes art, economics, language and literature, mathematics, music, science, essay, interview, speech (prepared and impromptu), and the Super Quiz™.

Approximately, 170 participating high school students have been studying and preparing for this event with their coaches since September. This year's Academic Decathlon theme is Russia, and the Super Quiz™ will focus on the areas the participating students have been preparing for with the comprehension portion of Academic Decathlon, e.g., science, art, economics, and literature.

ACTION:

Providing outstanding audio, video, and photo opportunities, the approximately 60-minute Super Quiz™ portion of the Athletic Decathlon (a team-relay event) always produces the excitement and electrifying mixture of the remaining minute of a tied county-wide basketball championship game and the final winning question on a TV game show. The gym's bleachers are populated with families, friends, and teachers, cheering on their teams.

WHO:

This year's teams represent the following high schools: Acalanes (Lafayette), California (San Ramon), Campolindo (Moraga), **Dublin (Dublin), Freedom (Oakley), **Irvington (Fremont), Las Lomas (Walnut Creek), Miramonte (Orinda), and Pittsburg (Pittsburg). Campolindo High School was last year's county champion. High school teams are made up of nine students, grades 9-12, with a maximum of three students in each of the following divisions: Honors (3.75-4.00 GPA), Scholastic (3.00-3.74 GPA) and Varsity (2.99 GPA and below) The winning team will represent Contra Costa County at the California State Academic Decathlon, to be held in Sacramento, March 14-17. This year's National Academic Decathlon will be held in Minneapolis, Minn., April 25 – 27.

(**The winning Alameda County team will represent their county in the California State Academic Decathlon.)

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Contra Costa County High School Mock Trial is looking for legal professionals to volunteer a few hours of their expertise

MARTINEZ, Calif., January 11, 2013—Bay Area soon-to-be, practicing, and retired law professionals are needed to provide assistance to their future brethren at the upcoming 32nd Annual Contra Costa County High School Mock Trial Program, held in the early evenings throughout the month of February, at the Martinez Court Houses. Last year, 120 Bay Area practicing and retired attorneys, law students, and sworn judges volunteered their time with the Mock Trials.

Coordinated by the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE), Mock Trial is an academic event provided for high school students. The hands-on educational program was created to help students acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. This year's case is a hit-and-run trial (with a texting-while-driving element mixed in): People vs. Vega.

“I encourage all law professionals to join us in serving as volunteer judges and attorney scorers,” says Contra Costa County Presiding Judge Barry Goode. “Not only is it a real service to the students, but it will make you feel good. You will be impressed with the skill these young men and women demonstrate in our courtrooms. Every time I volunteer, I leave with a great sense of optimism about the next generation. It is such a treat to watch them at work.”

Teams of high school students work with teachers and volunteer coaches to prepare their version of the criminal case, from both the prosecution and defense perspectives. Students assume the roles of trial attorneys, pre-trial motion attorneys, witnesses, clerks, bailiffs, artists, and court journalists. Mock Trial judges and attorneys score their performance and provide immediate feedback. Winning teams advance through seven rounds of competition. The county's champion advances to the State finals. This year, there will be 17 Contra Costa County high school Mock Trial teams competing.

Volunteers will score two competing schools that argue the cases in their assigned court. Each night, will begin with a 15-minute rules and regulations session, then the volunteers will go into their scheduled courtrooms to serve as Mock Trial judge and scorers. The Mock Trials' scorers are made up of Bay Area deputy district attorneys and deputy public defenders, as well as public-sector, private-practice, and corporate lawyers. In addition, seasoned law students are also welcome to participate. A practicing or retired judge or commissioner will preside over each trial, and also serves as one of the trial's scorers.

Teams from the following 17 Contra Costa County high schools will be competing:
Acalanes (Lafayette), Alhambra (Martinez), Antioch (Antioch), California (San Ramon), Campolindo (Moraga), Clayton Valley Charter (Concord), Deer Valley Law Academy (Antioch), Dougherty Valley (San Ramon), El Cerrito (El Cerrito), Hercules Middle/High (Hercules), Heritage (Brentwood), Kennedy (Richmond), Las Lomas (Walnut Creek), Miramonte (Orinda), Monte Vista (Danville), Northgate (Walnut Creek), and Richmond (Richmond).  

Schedule for 2013 Contra Costa County High School Mock Trials:

Preliminaries: February 5, 7, 12, 14, 5:00-7:30 p.m. (Nine competitions each night)
Quarterfinals: February 19, 5:00-7:30 p.m. (Four competitions)
Semifinals: February 21, 5:00-7:30 p.m. (Two competitions)
Final and Consolation: February 26, 5:00-7:30 p.m. (Two competitions)

Mock Trial will be headquartered at the A.F. Bray Courthouse, in Martinez.

Interested volunteers can learn more by visiting the CCCOE's Mock Trial Web page,
or by contacting Jonathan Lance at (925) 942-3429.

The two highest-scoring teams will advance to the finals on Tuesday, February 26. The winning team will then represent Contra Costa County at the California State Mock Trial competition, held in Riverside, Calif., March 23-25. The California state finalist team will then compete in the National Mock Trial Competition, held in Indianapolis, Ind., May 9-11.

In 1977, the Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF) introduced the concept of mock trials to the Los Angeles schools. In 1980, the program expanded to the state level. The California Mock Trial Program currently involves more than 36 counties and over 8,000 student participants from more than 400 teams. Approximately 1,500 attorney volunteers serve as team coaches and scorers, and 500 Municipal, Superior, and Appellate Court judges preside over the trials.

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Advisories

April 2013

Do not touch bats - reminder to schools and students

This message is to remind school officials that the handling of live or dead bats presents a serious disease risk to Contra Costa residents. During this school year, children on two separate occasions have brought bats to their schools. We are asking school officials to remind students, parents, teachers, staff, and principals that they should never, ever touch a bat.

Throughout California and the world, bats play an important ecological role—but bats also test positive for rabies more than any other type of animal in Contra Costa County. Rabies infection of humans can occur through bites and other types of direct contact with rabid bats or other wildlife. Rabies in humans can usually be prevented with treatment given right after a bite, but once symptoms appear, the infection is nearly always fatal.

Educational materials are available for free download, including:

Bats in School poster: http://www.batcon.org/index.php/all-about-bats/educators-navigation-page.html

Bats Can Have Rabies poster: http://worldrabiesday.org/eb/download/get/221

Rabies Tales educational comic strip: http://cchealth.org/rabies/pdf/rabies-tales.pdf

If a bat has been found in a school or in the possession of a student, immediately contact Contra Costa Animal Services at (925) 335-8300 for collection and rabies testing of the bat. If there has been any human contact with a bat, seek medical attention and call Contra Costa Public Health at (925) 313-6740.

Last summer, a Contra Costa man died from rabies he'd acquired months earlier while handling a bat in Contra Costa County. This tragedy serves as an important reminder that Contra Costa residents should avoid contact with wildlife, particularly bats, and should alert Animal Services at (925) 335-8300 whenever they find a bat.

There is more information about rabies on the Contra Costa Public Health website: http://cchealth.org/rabies/

Please feel free to contact Contra Costa Public Health at (925) 313-6740 with any questions.

 

County to test students at Antioch school for
tuberculosis after case confirmed

Contra Costa County health officials are investigating a case of tuberculosis involving a student at a high school in Antioch. The student was confirmed to have active tuberculosis on March 25th and is no longer infectious. Contra Costa Public Health Communicable Disease Chief Erika Jenssen said staff from the health department's Tuberculosis Control Program is working with school officials at Deer Valley High School to inform parents. Letters have been sent to parents and guardians of students who may have been exposed. “We know parents may be concerned and we are working closely with the school officials to ensure all appropriate measures are taken to protect students. Tuberculosis generally does not spread easily, and infection usually requires at least six to eight hours of close contact,” Jenssen said. “As a protective measure, we will test those who shared classrooms or were in a club with the student.”

Tuberculosis is caused by a germ that usually infects the lungs and can be spread from person to person through coughing. It is treatable with an extended course of medications. Symptoms of active tuberculosis include a prolonged cough, fever, night sweats and unexpected weight loss of at least 10 pounds. There were 55 reported cases of tuberculosis in Contra Costa County in 2012. Most people who are exposed to tuberculosis will not become infected. Most people who are infected with the germ will not develop active tuberculosis, will not have symptoms and cannot spread the germ to others. According to Jenssen, tuberculosis infection can be identified in its early stages with a simple blood or skin test. If a test is positive, a chest X-ray is usually necessary to determine if the infection is active tuberculosis.

Jenssen said concerned students and parents could also contact their health care provider for further testing. To learn more about tuberculosis visit www.cchealth.org/tb or call 211.

December 2012

SHOO THE FLU: Family's Generosity Provides Free
Flu Vaccinations for Local Children

sho the flu posterThis week is National Influenza Vaccination Week. Flu vaccine is safe and can help keep you, your loved ones, and our community healthy during the holidays. Doctors recommend that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year. It is especially important for children to get vaccinated, as they are more likely to have severe illness. Children who get the flu can also spread the flu to their family members, classmates, and friends.

To help keep children healthy, a Bay Area family (that wishes to remain anonymous) has generously donated funds to provide free flu vaccines for children from December 3-31, 2012. Children 4 years through 18 years of age can get a free flu vaccine at any of the Target pharmacies in Contra Costa County (pharmacy locations and phone number below). See the Shoo the Flu website for more information and addtional locations: http://shootheflu.org/

Local Target Pharmacies:

Antioch – 5769 Lone Tree Way (925.752.0003)

Pinole – 1400 Fitzgerald Drive (510.222.9281)

Pittsburg – 4301 Century Blvd. (925.779.1624)

Pleasant Hill – 560 Contra Costa Blvd. (925.685.5244)

Richmond – 4500 Macdonald Avenue (510.253.1001)

San Ramon – 2610 Bishop Drive (925.867.0245)

Walnut Creek – 1871 North Main Street (925.979.0095)

There are many other options for flu vaccine as well. Our Public Health Immunization Clinics offer reduced cost/free vaccine for children 6 months and older and adults. The fee is $15 per child or adult but can be waived for any reason. See the Contra Costa Health Services’ website for immunization clinic locations: http://cchealth.org/immunization/clinics.php.

 

January 2012

Controlling the Spread of Norovirus in Schools
and Child Care Settings

Outbreaks of norovirus infection are more likely to occur during winter months within institutions such as residential facilities, hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, and child care settings. The virus is easily spread from person-to-person through direct contact, contact with contaminated surfaces, and ingestion of contaminated food. This information is provided by Contra Costa County Communicable Disease Control to assist with the recognition and control of norovirus infections in schools and child care facilities.

Norovirus Characteristics
The typical symptoms of norovirus are nausea, vomiting, low-grade fever, abdominal cramps, and watery, non-bloody diarrhea. Vomiting is more common in children. Symptoms usually develop within 24 to 48 hours after exposure, but can appear as early as 12 hours. Illness typically lasts 12 to 60 hours and usually will resolve on its own.
Norovirus is spread very easily from person to person, and people can become infected with the virus in several ways, including:

  • Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
  • Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus, and then eating or placing their hand in their mouth.
  • Having direct contact with another person who has norovirus. Examples include, caring for someone with illness, or sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is ill.

The virus can persist on surfaces in the environment for weeks and is not destroyed by many disinfecting products. When an individual with norovirus handles or prepares food and drinks improperly, they can contaminate those items and can cause infections in people who consume those products; therefore, food workers with diarrhea or vomiting should not work until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped.

Re-infection can occur multiple times during a lifetime. An outbreak of norovirus infection is suspected when more than two students and/or staff in a facility or classroom have symptoms of this virus, starting within a 48 hour period. Report any suspected outbreaks to Communicable Disease Programs at 925-313-6740.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Individuals with diarrhea and vomiting should drink plenty of fluids and follow the control measures on the next page to prevent spread in their households. There is no vaccine or specific therapy for norovirus infection; treatment is supportive and focuses on preventing dehydration. If symptoms do not improve, individuals should contact their primary care physician. Confirmatory laboratory testing for norovirus during an outbreak can be arranged through the Contra Costa Public Health Laboratory by contacting the Communicable Disease Program. During community-wide outbreaks or periods of high norovirus transmission, laboratory diagnosis may not be necessary.

Control Measures
Strict infection control practices are necessary to control norovirus spread. Hands should be washed vigorously with soap and warm water for> 20 seconds:

Wash Hands AFTER:

  • Toilet visits
  • Cleaning up vomit or diarrhea
  • Changing diapers
  • Handling soiled clothing or linens
  • Contact with a symptomatic person
  • Sneezing, coughing

Wash Hands BEFORE:

  • Eating or feeding children
  • Food preparation
  • Serving food
  • Providing healthcare services

Read Complete Article Here
Contra Costa Health Services Link

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