Focus on Education provides news about Ventura County public schools for families and educators. It is published by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE).

A Message from Ventura County's Superintendent of Schools

VCOE Launches New Education Podcast

I'm excited to share a new way for you to stay connected to our schools and informed about the critical role they play in our community. The Ventura County Office of Education is launching a new podcast that's all about public education in Ventura County.

The "Focus on Education" podcast will highlight the many ways my office and our local schools are serving students and expanding educational opportunities. Each month, we’ll introduce you to the education superstars who are making a difference for kids in academics, career preparation, emotional well-being, and beyond.

Our debut episode exploring the role that VCOE plays in our school system is available now. You can listen to it on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also watch the video version on YouTube. I hope you'll find this an informative and entertaining way to learn more about our schools and the amazing people dedicated to making them the best they can be.

Student Cell Phone Use Survey Results

Starting in 2026, California schools will be required by law to adopt policies that limit or prohibit student cell phone use. With the debate over this issue heating up, we recently invited the community to share their thoughts.

The survey results are in, and some of the highlights include:

• 70% of respondents strongly agree that student cellphone use is a serious problem
• 56% of respondents think that students should be allowed to sometimes use their cell phones at school
• 41% of respondents say students should be allowed to use cell phones during recess and lunch

Logo Contest Deadline is Oct. 18

Calling all creative students! VCOE is now inviting local students to design logos for the 2025 Academic Decathlon, Battle of the Books, Mock Trial, and Science Fair. 

The winning designs will be featured on event lapel pins, awards, and competition materials. Students can compete for the opportunity to leave their mark on these prestigious events and win a plaque at the competition awards ceremonies.

The deadline to submit entries is October 18, and all of the details on how to participate are available here.

Students Invited to Enter Arts Showcase

Ventura County student artists in all grade levels can now submit their work to the 2024 VCOE Visual & Performing Arts Showcase. The artwork will be featured at a reception that will also include live student performances. The theme of this year's showcase is Unity in Diversity.

To submit artwork digitally or arrange a drop-off, please email Natalia Zizumbo at nzizumbo@vcoe.org. The submission deadline is 4:00 pm on November 7, 2024.

The reception on December 9 will feature hors d'oeuvres catered by students from Pacifica High School's culinary program. There is no charge to attend, but you need to RSVP by November 25.

Industry & Education Summit on Oct. 25

The first-ever Ventura County Industry and Education Summit, which will focus on the local manufacturing sector, is coming up on October 25 in Camarillo.

The event aims to help businesses fill open positions more easily and to help students find well-paying jobs in Ventura County so they can build their careers where they already live.

The summit is being presented by the Ventura County Office of Education in partnership with the Ventura County Community College District and the Ventura County Industry Council. Educators and industry professionals can learn more and register to attend using this link.

Spelling Bee Registration Now Open

Local schools are now encouraged to register for the Sage Ventura County Spelling Bee, which will take place next March. Schools that enroll will receive everything they need to organize classroom and school spelling bees, plus the pathway to compete in the countywide competition.

Ventura County's top speller will advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland. Educators who would like to enroll their schools should visit www.spellingbee.com/enroll. The deadline to sign up is January 31, 2025.

National Bullying Prevention Month

VCOE encourages everyone to take a stand against bullying this October, which is National Bullying Prevention Month. Students who face bullying often do not want to go to school, find it difficult to concentrate, show a decline in grades, and lose self-esteem.

Educators, parents, and students all play a part in preventing bullying and promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Tips and information on preventing bullying are available here.  

Supporting Students' Emotional Wellbeing

One important tool in the fight against bullying is the Wellness Centers you'll find on the campuses of many Ventura County schools. These centers provide a refuge for students who are dealing with stress or depression and referrals to counseling services.

Last month, VCOE provided training to hundreds of middle and high school students who volunteer as "wellness peers" at their school's wellness centers. The students participated in workshops and activities that prepared them to support their classmates' emotional well-being and mental health. You can learn more about school wellness centers at this link.

Hispanic Heritage Month

VCOE is honored to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. This is an annual opportunity to explore the rich culture and history of Hispanics in the United States and to recognize their contributions as an integral part of the American family. This year’s theme, Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together, reflects the innovation, resilience, and unity that are all parts of the Hispanic American experience.

We invite you to explore the wonderful learning resources for Hispanic Heritage Month available in the new edition of the VCOE Library and Literacy Update. You can also see a video message from Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, about the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month at this link.

Serving Young Adults with Disabilities

VCOE’s Boswell School in Ventura serves young adults aged 18-22 with a variety of disabilities. For many, graduation from Boswell marks the end of a special education journey that they began as children.

Boswell's programs focus on preparing students for what comes next, whether that's finding a job or continuing their education. We recently profiled one amazing Boswell student as he celebrated his graduation and we invite you to watch his touching story.

College Credit for High Schoolers

VCOE is teaming up with the Ventura County Community College District to expand dual enrollment pathways at local high schools. At a Community of Practice event last month, participants explored ways to give more high schoolers access to college courses.

One approach is to integrate college-level courses into the regular school day, allowing students to take them at no cost and easily transfer the units to a local community college program. You can learn more about this important effort in this news release.

Spotlight on After-School Programs

VCOE’s Expanded Learning department is dedicated to helping schools provide high-quality after-school programs for students. In addition to being a crucial service for working parents, after-school programs offer tutoring, homework help, and enrichment opportunities that are not available during regular school hours.

The department’s impact extends beyond Ventura County since we’re the headquarters for a region that also includes Kern, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara Counties.

Our Expanded Learning department just released two new videos explaining the benefits of these programs. We invite you to watch this short video or this longer one to learn more.  

Celebrating Our School Libraries

"Choose Your Own Adventure" was the perfect theme for VCOE's Library and Literacy Day, which was held last week. A record crowd of 175 library professionals had plenty of options to choose from. Presenters from across the state offered a variety of workshops on topics from A.I. to social media to book repair.

The event was extra special thanks to a partnership with the California School Library Association, which provided presentations from some incredible authors. Much appreciation to VCOE's Library and Literacy Coordinator Ashlee Nishiya and all of the volunteers who made it such an impactful event.

College Classes for Incarcerated Youth

VCOE's Providence School, located within the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Facility, is getting national attention for a program that allows incarcerated students to take college courses and work toward their degrees. The school's partnership with Oxnard College was recently featured in the newsletter of the National Technical Assistance Center for the Education of Neglected or Delinquent Children and Youth. 

Providence students who have completed high school can take online courses at Oxnard College and get support from college staffers who visit the facility on a weekly basis. Many students transition to taking classes on the Oxnard College campus after they are released. 

We are extremely proud of the work Providence is doing to help their students build successful futures. You can read the full article here, on page 3.

Upcoming Events and Workshops

The Ventura County Office of Education and its partners present a wide variety of workshops and events for educators, students, and community members. Some upcoming offerings are below, and you can browse our full calendar of events at vcoe.k12oms.org.

QSIS Conference

For educators who use the Q Student Information System

October 23, 2024

Industry & Education Summit

Meeting the workforce needs of local manufacturers

October 25, 2024

Professional Learning Community Series

Helping educators build a collaborative, results-oriented culture

November 1, 2024

Visual & Performing Arts Showcase

Student art gallery and reception

December 9, 2024