METROPOLITAN EDUCATION DISTRICT
October 5, 2023
CTE Newsletter Vol. 10 Issue 2
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Hello,
For many years, MetroED was a hidden gem in Silicon Valley. But our visibility and the importance of what we do continues to be recognized. This month, we are proud to be included in the FIRST Silicon Valley Business Journal Workforce Development Guide. You'll be able to read more about that below. This opportunity allows us to showcase our critical role in helping fill the thousands of jobs with highly-skilled talent in San Jose.
This year, we opened the school year with several new CTE programs at both Silicon Valley CTE (SVCTE) and Silicon Valley Adult Education (SVAE). SVCTE Center will host a Ribbon cutting-grand opening celebration for our new Electric Vehicles and Nursing Careers programs to thank Supervisor Joe Simitian for his support in opening the new programs. Silicon Valley Adult Education added Electrical Maintenance, Dental Assisting, Google Suite, and Pharmacy Tech to their evening program offerings.
Throughout the year, we will continue offering community tours for parents, students, business partners, and educators to learn about our high school, adult education, extended learning programs, new Virtual CTE programs, and summer exploration programs. Attendees will have the chance to see our state-of-the-art programs and equipment firsthand. I am proud of the new additions to our program offerings, and I look forward to what the future holds in the coming months.
You can read about some of these achievements in the newsletter below. In it, we share a new partnership between our automotive services programs and Ford, the launch of live streaming of our presentation of programs by industry sectors at the board meetings, and students in action. This month, we are also launching an alumni corner section, where you can find profiles about how SVCTE and SVAE programs have made a difference for some of the students they serve. It illustrates that our students work hard to reach their potential at MetroED. It is the soft and technical skills that they develop that have often led them to success.
MetroED equips students and workers with the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to excel in their chosen careers and contribute effectively to the workforce. We emphasize information about this education-to-talent pipeline in the Silicon Valley Business Journal Workforce Development Guide. I'd like you to please read more about that below.
MetroED has been a "hidden gem" in Silicon Valley for many years. However, a pivotal shift is occurring, and I am proud to share our continued successes each month.
Be well,
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Alyssa Lynch
Superintendent
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New Ford Tech ACE (Automotive Career Exploration) Program
Juan Maldonado, Ford Motor Company’s regional technical talent placement specialist, introduced students in ALL of our SVCTE automotive classes to the New Ford Tech ACE (Automotive Career Exploration) program during career readiness/ACE seminars. The Ford partnership, which launched last year for the Automotive Services program, allows students access to Ford factory training via an online learning management system.
More photos
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SVCTE Student Ambassador Program
The Student Ambassador Program gives students the opportunity to empower themselves with knowledge and develop professional skills such as marketing experience, leadership, public speaking, and customer service. The program is dedicated to representing/promoting campus programs and assisting future students and their families through campus tours, school presentations, and public events. Returning Ambassadors Isiah McGee from Leigh High School in the Electrical Vehicles/Automotive Services program and Ofir Aicler from Branham High School, both from Campbell Union High School District, in Advanced Culinary Arts (pictured above) shared their positive insights with the 168 new members, led by SVCTE Program Representative Katherine Williams.
More photos
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SVCTE Back to School Night
350 engaged parents and motivated students explored programs, received an overview of the year, visited classrooms, and met teachers and counselors as part of SVCTE’s Back-to-School Night. Families were offered an orientation in both English, held by Counseling Program Coordinator Pat Freitas (pictured), and Spanish by Post-Secondary Transition Specialist Loretta Cota. More photos
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In Veterinary Science
SVCTE’s Veterinary Science students observed and did health exams on goats, including month-old babies. Pictured, Sophia Cisneros from Lincoln High School in San Jose Unified School District checks the heartbeat of a goat while Diana Tran from Branham High School in Campbell Union High School District assists.
More photos
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MetroED News and Highlights
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First Annual Silicon Valley Education Summit
MetroED showcased its programs and Superintendent Alyssa Lynch was a panelist at Silicon Valley Education Foundation’s First Annual Education Summit. With the theme “Leading with an Abundant Mindset,” the event’s goal was to shed light on educational disparities and viable solutions to address the funding gap between community-funded and state-funded schools. This includes fostering greater awareness of challenges faced by schools, particularly in under-resourced areas like East San Jose.
More photos
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Work2future Resource Fair
SVAE recently participated in a resource fair hosted by our partners at work2future. Transition Specialist Arezoo Miller (featured in the photo) says: "By attending these types of resource fairs we get to build and strengthen our partnerships with industry/workforce organizations, post-secondary institutions, and job seekers. Additionally, we solidify pathways to sustainable employment and regional economic growth and prosperity for our adult learners.”
More photos
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Alumni Corner - Julia Vasquez
A highlight of the work2futre Resource Fair for Miller was seeing former 2008 high school diploma graduate, Julia Vasquez.
Vasquez shared with Miller "I just want to express my appreciation by saying thank you." MetroED gave Vasquez the confidence to pursue her bachelor’s degree at the University of Santa Cruz and her master’s degree at San Jose State University in education. “You all make a difference in the lives of the community, so thank you," Vasquez told Miller at the event.
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Tiny Home Installed to Address Employees' Housing Needs
MetroED recently gained a 160-square-foot, fully functional tiny home on its campus. The District plans to offer its use to employees with a daily long-distance commute or those participating in late evening events and activities on campus.
“The tiny home is fully furnished and very comfortable. It includes a full kitchen, bathroom, work, and sleeping area. It has all the features of a traditional household, and we plan to add Wi-Fi.” said Superintendent Alyssa Lynch. “MetroED's partner San Jose Conservation Corps and Charter School (SJCC) built and installed the tiny home and SVCTE’s Construction Technology program plans to work with SJCC to make their own tiny homes in the future.
MetroED is committed to fostering a positive and supportive work culture that contributes to the overall well-being of its employees. The tiny home is an addition to the currently offered support and resources, including an Employee Wellness Center, Employee Assistance Program, COVID-19 vaccines, flu shots, and more.
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MetroED Foundation Board
On behalf of the MetroED Foundation, we're excited to introduce Ed Matsche, our new board Treasurer. His fresh perspective and expertise bring valuable assets to our team. Ed's dedication to our mission is inspiring, and we eagerly anticipate the impact he will make. Welcome aboard, Ed!
We're actively seeking new board members and invite our community to join our board. If you are passionate about supporting MetroED students in career technical education, join us in shaping a brighter future together. Your involvement drives positive change!
Additionally, our board recently participated in the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley's LBLA Board Match Night event. There, they connected with like-minded individuals and organizations committed to fostering positive community change. We look forward to continued collaborations on meaningful initiatives.
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Positions are 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. You can click below to learn more.
MetroED Current Openings
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MetroED Governing Board Updates
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MetroED Governing Board Meeting
To see past meeting minutes and agendas, please visit our Gamut online page. You can also view upcoming MetroED Governing Board meeting agendas and Governing Board Policies.
Next meeting: Wed., Oct. 11, at 6:00 p.m. | In-person and via Zoom, SVCTE Auditorium, Room 201
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October 11 - Governing Board Meeting
October 13 - SVCTE Campus Tour
October 27 and 28 - SVCTE Haunted House
October 27 - Grand Opening of the Electrical Vehicles/Automotive Services and Nursing Careers programs
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