September 2022 CTE Newsletter

METROPOLITAN EDUCATION DISTRICT

September 29, 2022

CTE Newsletter Vol. 9 Issue 2

Superintendent's Message

Hello,

We are FALLing into the groove of a new school year, and there is so much to be excited about. MetroED operates more than 20 successful high school CTE classes and a high-caliber Adult Education program. MetroED has a long history of deep roots in San Jose. Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) began as San Jose Technical School from 1917 to 1958, and our Silicon Valley Adult Education (SVAE) program began in 1870 when it was called Night School.

We are the largest career-oriented education organization in Santa Clara County for high school and adult students, but even still, we are a hidden gem in Silicon Valley.

I am proud of the partnerships we have established over the years with businesses, legislatures, educational institutions, and community partners, including Los Gatos Rotary Club, who visited us for a luncheon and tour earlier this week.

But COVID-19 challenged us in many ways, including putting a two-plus year pause to on-site visits that would otherwise enable us to build new relationships and connections.

My goal for the new year is to more firmly establish MetroED as an everyday household name in the fabric of the Bay Area by amping up efforts to spotlight the wonderful work that is happening on our state-of-the-art 26-acre campus every single day.

We will be increasing communication outreach with more thorough planning and resources. For example, each month in this newsletter, we will feature a “Students in Action” section that highlights different programs and work that is being done between the students and staff. Instead of waiting until you receive this publication in your inbox, just last week, we launched a #studentsinaction social media campaign. Search this hashtag on our Facebook page to begin learning more about the wonderful opportunities that MetroED offers to its students year-round.

Of course, you don’t need to take my word for it that our students and programming is unbe-leaf-able. You can come to see this yourself by scheduling a tour during one of the upcoming days and times:

Oct. 21, 2022: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Jan. 20, 2023: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
March 10, 2023: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
April 21, 2023: 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Keep an eye out for even more opportunities to connect with us. I hope you enjoy this month’s newsletter and appreciate your support.

Alyssa Lynch

Superintendent

Students In Action

In Forensic Science

Much of the “crime scenes” that happen in our Forensic Science class are based on what instructor Marty Eryavec experienced with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff/Coroner’s Investigative Unit when he worked there.

Tyler Cloutier from Leigh High School in Campbell Union High School District searches for a bullet’s location as one clue to discover if a recent “murder” was a homicide or suicide.

During the class, students are introduced to 20 different types of forensic science that they can apply to the investigation, including fingerprinting, ballistics, blood splatter, and stippling.

In Culinary Arts

Did you know that SVCTE has its own on-site commercial kitchen, larger than even the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s impressive Cocoanut Grove facility? During this class, Danielle Clark - former caterer and wedding cake decorator - dishes out food safety, knife skills, and sanitation while students learn how to create a variety of different meals by frying, barbecuing, baking and so much more.

Sophie Pham from Yerba Buena High School in East Side Union High School District (foreground) and Valerie Pham from Piedmont Hills High School in East Side Union High School District make sandwiches.

Culinary Arts also equips students with life skills such as customer service, teamwork, and independence. What’s more, ALL students and staff can support their efforts by dropping into “The Hub,” open now, during operation hours. Click here for more photos!

MetroED News and Highlights

Mechatronics Engineering Featured at Governing Board Meeting

Mechatronics engineering teacher Jim Burnham and adult student Luis Armando Garcia shared the exciting world of electronics, electronic control, programming, motion, mechanics, and manufacturing at our latest Governing Board Meeting. Click here to view photos!

Burnham’s class also showcases some of their work during an annual spook-tacular Halloween haunted house. Don’t miss out this year by attending with your family and friends on Oct. 28 or 29! Keep an eye out for more details in next month’s newsletter and on our social media pages.

SVCTE Back-to-School Night

On September 1, SVCTE hosted back-to-school night. Based on industry sectors, students and their parents came to campus to interact with their respective teachers. There was an overwhelming response, with more than 200 students participating. Click here to view photos!

MetroED Governing Board Holds First in Person Meeting Since Pandemic Began

On September 14, MetroED Governing Board Members and staff were excited to return to in-person meetings, their first one held in more than two and a half years! The meeting was also held over Zoom so anyone who was interested could participate in person or virtually. Click here to view photos!

JPA Counselors’ Meeting

On September 8, SVCTE hosted over 45 counselors from six different districts! They learned more about our dual enrollment and articulation courses and were excited to visit a few classrooms in the end. Click here to view more photos!

Rotary Club of Los Gatos Tours SVCTE

On September 27, we hosted a Business and Education Partnership Luncheon with the Rotary Club of Los Gatos. The 40 guests toured our SVCTE program and saw how we deliver the curriculum as a means of engaging high schol students in learning using a framework that focuses on important 21st-century skills. Click here to view photos!

Meet Our New Leaders

Shannon Carr

Communications Coordinator

Shannon has over twenty years of experience in communications as an award-winning education journalist and editor, in addition to supporting public relations in schools. She has worked at the Santa Clara County Office of Education, Milpitas Unified School District, and most recently at the California School Employees Association (CSEA). Shannon holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications.

Joell Hanson

Director of Workforce Development and Grants

Joell has nearly 30 years of experience in education, including teaching, site, and county administrator roles, and most recently, as CTE Coordinator for the Santa Clara County Office of Education. She brings a wealth of experience in leadership, curriculum and instruction, and grant-funded initiatives in CTE. Joell holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a master's in Education and Administration.

MetroED Foundation Board

We are excited to announce that our upcoming golf tournament on November 7 will allow the MetroED Foundation the tee-rific opportunity to award 32 Adult Learner Scholarships.

Please help us spread the word by telling your friends, family, colleagues and business contacts about this exciting event.

We are continually expanding the board by reaching out to former students and potential volunteers. Come be a part of YOUR Foundation!

With your help, we can reach our goal of establishing strong business, community and government partnerships that directly benefit the students and the school.

Driving for Scholarships!

The MetroED Foundation's Inaugural Golf Tournament

Interested in supporting click here

Join Our Team

Positions Available at MetroED!

We are currently seeking applicants that would be an excellent fit for our team. The district pays full health benefits to eligible employees and their dependents, including dental, vision, and an employee assistance program. Click below to learn more.

MetroED Current Openings

View our job listings

Upcoming Dates

Oct. 28-30

Nov. 11

Nov. 18

Nov. 23

Nov. 24

Nov. 25

SVCTE Haunted House

Veteran’s Day/Legal Holiday

SVCTE Fall College and Career Day

No Classes SVCTE/SVAE

Thanksgiving/ Legal Holiday

Local Holiday

2022-23 School Year Instructional Calendar

MetroED Governing Board Updates

MetroED Governing Board Meeting

To see past meeting minutes and agendas, please visit our Agenda Online page. You can also view upcoming MetroED Governing Board meeting agendas and Governing Board Policies.

Next meeting: Wednesday, October 12 at 6:00 p.m.| In-Person and via Zoom

Proud Partnership With:

MetroED | metroed.net