News and Press Releases

Agenda Highlights for Budget Workshop and County Board of Education Meeting

05/30/2023

A budget workshop and an update on the agency’s Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) will be presented, including a breakdown on how the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) plans to allocate funding and services for the 2023-2024 school year, at a special workshop meeting of the Contra Costa County Board of Education on May 31, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. The regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting will commence at 5:30 p.m., following the workshop and budget update.

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Contra Costa County Board of Education Accepting Applications for Student Member

05/23/2023

Rising juniors and seniors can be a voice for students by applying to serve as a member of the Contra Costa County Board of Education (CCCBOE). The Board voted unanimously at its May 17 meeting on the process to appoint a student board member, a position that was approved at the February 22 meeting. Applications are available online and will be accepted until June 30 at 5 p.m.

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Contra Costa County Teachers Receive Warren W. Eukel Teacher Trust Award

05/19/2023

Three educators from Contra Costa County received the coveted Warren W. Eukel Teacher Trust award for exceptional work in the classroom as K-12 teachers. A celebratory awards dinner took place at the Lafayette Hotel on May 4, 2023. The dinner was hosted by Chef and Radio Host Narsai David, and former KPIX news anchor Ann Notarangelo was the Master of Ceremonies. Nominated by principals, colleagues, and students, the recipients were each awarded $10,000 for exhibiting extraordinary commitment to their students.

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Agenda Highlights for Contra Costa County Board of Education Meeting on May 17, 2023

05/17/2023

Resolutions recognizing June as LGBTQIA+ month and pledging support for a new Education Center at Mt. Diablo State Park, a presentation on Universal Pre-Kindergarten grant funding, information on labor agreement proposals, and updates on the process for selecting a Student Board Member are some of the items on the Contra Costa County Board of Education (CCCBOE) agenda for its meeting scheduled for May 17, 2023, at 5 p.m.

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Eight Contra Costa County Seniors Awarded $2500 National Merit Scholarships

05/17/2023

Eight seniors from five Contra Costa County high schools have been named National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners. The group of winners was named in the program’s second announcement and are among those to have earned the “Merit Scholar” title. The 2,500 Merit Scholar winners were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.

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Students of Excellence Awards Ceremony Recognizes Outstanding Achievements in Career Technical Education Courses

05/11/2023

Some 50 students were nominated to be Students of Excellence recipients, and 39 won the award based on their teachers' recommendations and the nominee’s submitted statement. Honored students were awarded a certificate of merit and a $300 scholarship. Additionally, the nominees received a gift card. Monetary donations were provided by Chevron, Phillips 66, Earn & Learn, Junior Achievement, Travis Credit Union, and Biocom California.

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8 Seniors Receive National Merit Scholarships

Eight Contra Costa County Seniors Awarded Corporate-Sponsored National Merit Scholarships

04/27/2023

Eight seniors at four Contra Costa County high schools have been named winners in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. They are among approximately 840 distinguished high school seniors from throughout the Nation announced in the first group of National Merit Scholars for 2023.

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Contra Costa County Student Heads to Scripps National Spelling Bee After Placing Among Top Spellers in Regional Competition

04/25/2023

Dhruv Subramanian, a 7th grader at Windemere Ranch Middle School in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, is one of three students from the Bay Area who will compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee the week of Memorial Day in National Harbor, Maryland.

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2023 Contra Costa County Science & Engineering Fair Results Announced

04/25/2023

School-aged scientists recently competed to represent Contra Costa County in state, national, and international science contests. 110 student projects were submitted for judging at the Contra Costa County Science & Engineering Fair (CCCSEF) in March. Of those, 18 were selected to compete in the California Science & Engineering Fair and three projects will represent CCCSEF at the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) in May. Three projects in the Junior Division Grand Sweepstakes became eligible to compete at Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge held in October 2023 in Washington, DC.

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2023 CSEY Nominees for State Recognition

Contra Costa County Classified School Employees of the Year Selected as Nominees for State Recognition

04/24/2023

Seven classified school employees were recognized for their support of students and schools in Contra Costa County at a reception held on Thursday, April 20, 2023.

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2023-24 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Finalists Announced During Surprise Classroom Visits

04/19/2023

Joseph Alvarico (Mt. Diablo Unified School District/Ygnacio Valley High School), Annalouisa Gonzalez-Ortega (Liberty Union High School District/Freedom High School), Patricia Ogura (West Contra Costa Unified School District/Hercules Middle School and Hercules High School) and Danya Townsend (Mt. Diablo Unified School District/Olympic High School) will now compete to be named one of two Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year.

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Contra Costa County Board of Education Mtg 4/19/23

04/19/2023

Board resolutions will recognize May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month as well as additional topics to highlight throughout the month (see below). A resolution to Promote Development of Education Workforce Housing will also be highlighted. Classified School Employee of the Year Nominees will be recognized by the Board. A review of a Quarterly Report, a Charter School Update, and a presentation from the Center for Recovery and Empowerment are some of the additional items on the Contra Costa County Board of Education agenda for its meeting scheduled for April 19, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

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Contra Costa County School Districts Name Top Educators for 2023-2024

04/12/2023

Twenty-one educators in Contra Costa County have been named their school district’s teacher of the year. With that distinction, the educators represent more than 8,000 teachers in Contra Costa County public schools and community colleges.

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A Message from Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey

03/28/2023

Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) has put together a list of resources to provide educators, parents and guardians support in talking with students about gun violence, their safety and their feelings. Included in this list are resources for adults to care for themselves as well.

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Annual Contra Costa County National History Day Results Released

03/23/2023

Students from schools in Contra Costa County competed in the annual Contra Costa County National Day of History event on Saturday, March 4 at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, Calif. Individuals, or groups with the highest scores in each category are now eligible to participate in California History Day, April 15-16 at Sacramento State. Those who win at the state competition become eligible to advance to National History Day.

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Three CCCOE Employees Named School Administrators of the Year by ACSA Region 6

03/17/2023

ACSA Region 6, which represents public school administrators in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, named Credential Supervisor Kandi Hayes as the Personnel/HR Administrator of the Year, College and Career Readiness Coordinator Jeff Brauning as the Career Technical Administrator of the Year, and Literacy ELA/ELD Coordinator Erin Roberts as the Curriculum & Instruction Administrator of the Year.

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Contra Costa County Board of Education Mtg 3/15/23

03/13/2023

A workshop on the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), a board resolution recognizing April as Arab American Heritage Month, presentations about educating homeless children and youth, and the Second Interim Report are among the items on the Contra Costa County Board of Education agenda for its meetings scheduled for March 15, 2023, at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.

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This is the image for the news article titled White Pony Express is Named Education Champion by the Board of Education for Their Efforts in Supporting Students and Families with Food Resources

White Pony Express is Named Education Champion by the Board of Education for Their Efforts in Supporting Students and Families with Food Resources

03/06/2023

Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey announced White Pony Express (WPE) as the Contra Costa County Education Champion for February 2023. The nonprofit organization was recognized at the Feb. 22, 2023, Contra Costa County Board of Education meeting.

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CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

02/21/2023

Two board resolutions for the month of March, recognition of an Education Champion, and a new grant benefitting the arts in Contra Costa County’s elementary schools are among the items that are on the Contra Costa County Board of Education agenda for its meeting scheduled for February 22, 2023, at 5 p.m.

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California High School Wins Sixth Consecutive Contra Costa County Mock Trial Title

02/16/2023

For the sixth consecutive year, California High School has won the Contra Costa County Mock Trials championship, the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday evening.

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Pinole Valley High School Sophomore Named 2023 Contra Costa County Poetry Out Loud Winner

02/15/2023

Harper Iles, a sophomore at Pinole Valley High School in Pinole, is Contra Costa County’s 2023 Poetry Out Loud winner. With expressive recitations of poems by Emily Dickenson and Stephen Dunn, Iles became the county champion during the annual poetry event on February 11, 2023, at Las Lomas High School.

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Aimee Henry Recognized as January Education Champion at Board Meeting

Phillips 66 Employee Recognized as January’s Education Champion for Supporting Career Pathways for Students

02/02/2023

Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey announced Aimee Henry, field communications director at Phillips 66, as the Contra Costa County Education Champion for the month of January 2023.

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CCCOE Hosts Countywide Job Fair in Partnership with 25 School Districts, Charter Schools, and Colleges

02/02/2023

Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) is hosting its annual countywide Spring Job Fair on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Alhambra High School in Martinez from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

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Contra Costa County Board of Education

01/23/2023

An update on charter schools and a discussion of student board members are among the items that are on the Contra Costa County Board of Education agenda for its meeting scheduled for January 25, 2023, at 5 p.m.

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CCCOE Principal Receives Lighthouse Award for Turnaround Site Leader

01/23/2023

Golden Gate Community School Principal Douglas Corbin has been awarded the Lighthouse Award for Turnaround Site Leader by the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE). The Lighthouse Awards are presented annually at the SDCOE Equity Conference to honor the work of education, community, and student leaders who are champions for equity.

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TUPE Manager Receives Tobacco Control Leader of the Year Award

01/20/2023

The Contra Costa Tobacco Prevention Coalition (TPC) recently named Emily Justice the Tobacco Control Leader of the Year for her work in building relationships with schools and increasing the number of students being served by anti-tobacco programs.

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28 Contra Costa Schools Selected as State Distinguished Schools

01/09/2023

Twenty-eight Contra Costa County elementary schools are being honored with the prestigious 2023 California Distinguished Schools award by the California Department of Education (CDE).

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Seeking Volunteers for Mock Trial Program

Seeking Legal Professionals to Volunteer in Contra Costa County Mock Trial Program

01/05/2023

The 42nd Annual Contra Costa County High School Mock Trial Program is scheduled to begin at the end of January; and volunteer legal professionals and students are greatly needed to lend their expertise.

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Lynn Mackey Takes Oath of Office for 2nd Term

Lynn Mackey Takes Oath of Office to Begin Second Term as County Superintendent Of Schools

12/16/2022

Mackey was unopposed in the June primary election as she won a second term in office.

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Consuelo Lara Selected as Board President

Contra Costa County Board of Education Selects Consuelo Lara as President

12/16/2022

Consuelo Lara, a longtime educator and community advocate, was selected as the Contra Costa County Board of Education President

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Three Board Members together after swearing-in ceremony

Three Re-Elected Members Sworn in for New Terms on County Board of Education

12/09/2022

Three members of the Contra Costa County Board of Education who won re-election in November took the oath of office during a special meeting on Friday, December 9.

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CCCOE Releases 2021-2022 Annual Report

12/06/2022

Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) invites the community to view its 2021-2022 Annual Report to the Community which outlines the accomplishments of the past year by the agency, county school districts, its schools, and students.

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Superintendent Names April Rovero Education Champion

12/01/2022

Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey announced April Rovero, founder and executive director of the National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse, as the Contra Costa County Education Champion for the month of November 2022.

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Contra Costa County Office of Education Awarded $9.8M to Share Literacy Strategies Throughout the State of California

11/16/2022

CCCOE will team up with seven partners to share professional development opportunities and work with schools, educators, and districts in meeting the state’s critical goal: every child learns to read by third grade.

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ROP Fire Science Class at Freedom High School

11/15/2022

Students learn the science behind fires and participate in drills that help them understand how to knockdown and fight fires. During the drills, students are suited up in real firefighter gear and utilize fire hoses, stairs, and real life situations one might face as a firefighter.

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Douglas Corbin Receives Administrator Award, photo shows him holding the award

CCCOE Principal Receives California Association of Science Educators' Administrators Leadership Award

11/01/2022

Contra Costa County Office of Education’s principal of Golden Gate Community School, Douglas Corbin, has been awarded the Administrator Leadership Award by the California Association of Science Educators (CASE). Nominated for his outstanding work bringing high-quality science curriculum and learning opportunities to alternative students, Corbin was awarded this prestigious honor at the 2022 California Science Education Conference in Palm Springs, Calif.

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Teaching and Non-Teaching Positions Offered at Job Fair

10/24/2022

Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) will host a job fair highlighting permanent positions, substitutes, classified, and certificated positions. The event will take place on October 27, 2022, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ronald L. Stewart Center, located at 77 Santa Barbara Road in Pleasant Hill.

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Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year Named for 2022-2023

09/22/2022

Chavonta Edington of Diablo Vista Middle School (San Ramon Valley Unified School District) and Natasha Paul of Mt. Diablo High School (Mt. Diablo Unified School District) were named the 2022-2023 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year.

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Five Contra Costa County Schools Recognized as 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools

09/22/2022

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond congratulated the Contra Costa County Schools along with 24 other schools throughout the state last week.

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107 Contra Costa County Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

09/22/2022

Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey congratulated 107 high school seniors for being named Semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

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This is the image for the news article titled Tickets Now on Sale for the 50th Annual Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Celebration at Lesher Center

Tickets Now on Sale for the 50th Annual Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Celebration at Lesher Center

08/30/2022

Tickets for the 50th-Annual Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year celebration on Thursday, September 22 are now on sale on the Lesher Center website. Nineteen teachers from across the county will be honored at the first in-person celebration since 2019, and for the first time ever at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek. At the end of the program, two Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year winners will be announced.

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Two Contra Costa County Students Selected as Outstanding National Youth Science Camp Delegates

08/08/2022

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond recently named two Contra Costa County students as National Youth Science Camp delegates for California.

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Contra Costa County Students Participate in Week of CyberCamp at CCCOE

07/19/2022

CCCOE teamed up with Bay Area Cyber League for CyberCamp. It was a free week-long day camp of engaging and interactive learning on how to stay safe on the internet.

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Six Local Students Named National Merit Scholars

07/13/2022

Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) is proud to recognize and celebrate six local student recipients of National Merit Scholarship Awards.

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Three Contra Costa County Students Honored

Three Contra Costa County Student Scientists Earn Awards at State Science Fair

05/16/2022

Three Contra Costa County students received individual recognitions at the 71st-annual California Science & Engineering Fair held last month. There were over 850 participants that presented 720 projects and represented 343 schools from throughout the state.

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CCCOE Recognizes 38 CTE Students of Excellence

05/12/2022

Students from Contra Costa and Alameda counties who have excelled in their Career Technical Education classes were honored by the Contra Costa County Office of Education at the annual Students of Excellence Awards ceremony.

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This is the image for the news article titled County Superintendent of Schools Announces 2022-23 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Finalists in Surprise Classroom Announcements

County Superintendent of Schools Announces 2022-23 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year Finalists in Surprise Classroom Announcements

05/03/2022

The Contra Costa County Office of Education today announced the four teachers who have been selected 2022-23 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year finalists: Serina Culleton (Moraga School District/Donald L. Rheem Elementary School), Chavonta Edington (San Ramon Valley Unified School District/Diablo Vista Elementary School), Natasha Paul (Mt. Diablo Unified School District/Mt. Diablo High School) and Paula L. Rathert (Walnut Creek School District/Murwood Elementary School).

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Five Schools, Four Districts Earn Pivotal Practice Award

05/02/2022

Five schools and four school districts in Contra Costa County were named winners of the newly created 2022 California Pivotal Practice (CAPP) Award Program by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.

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County Students Competed in the 2022 CCCSEF

04/22/2022

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. – Over 100 students from the county submitted projects that were judged at the Contra Costa County Science and Engineering Fair (CCCSEF). Eighteen student projects went on to compete in the California Science Fair earlier this month.

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Eligible teachers will be considered for the Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year program

04/18/2022

Nineteen Educators in Contra Costa County Have Been Named Their School District's Teacher of the Year. With That Distinction, They Represent the Nearly 8,600 Teachers in Contra Costa County.

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Statement Regarding Vaccine Mandate Delay

04/15/2022

Last night, the California Department of Public Health announced that the state will delay the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for students until the 2023-24 school year.

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23 Teams Advance to World Finals in Iowa

04/11/2022

PLEASANT HILL., Calif -- Seven Contra Costa County public schools won their divisions at the Odyssey of the Mind NorCal State competition which was held on March 26. In addition, 23 teams from Contra Costa County schools advanced to compete in the World Finals, May 25-28, at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.

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Two Cal High Students Receive State Mock Trial Honors

03/21/2022

California High School students Cindy Zhu and Aarja Singh received individual accolades for their performances at the 41st-Annual California State Mock Competition which was held virtually, March 18-20.

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CCCOE Student Programs Teacher of the Year

Veteran CTE Educator Named 2022-2023 CCCOE Teacher of the Year

03/17/2022

Christina Carter, a career technical education (CTE) teacher at the Contra Costa Adult School (CCAS) was named the Contra Costa County Office of Education’s Teacher of the Year in a virtual ceremony Thursday evening. She becomes eligible to be a nominee for the County Teacher of the Year competition which announces two county winners in September.

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New Political Boundaries Approved

03/01/2022

The Contra Costa County Board of Education recently completed the constitutionally-mandated redistricting process, adopting a map that draws new political boundaries for elected members.

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Brentwood Union SD’s Edna Hill Middle School Re-Designated California School to Watch

02/17/2022

Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey congratulated Brentwood Union School District’s Edna Hill Middle School for being named a 2022 California School to Watch for the sixth time.

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California High Wins Fifth-Consecutive Contra Costa County Mock Trial Title

02/17/2022

For the fifth-consecutive year, California High School claimed the 2022 Contra Costa County Mock Trials competition, led by coach Brian Barr, beating Miramonte High School in the championship bout on Tuesday.

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Teacher Job Fair Scheduled for February in Martinez

02/03/2022

The Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) is hosting a county-wide Certificated Job Fair on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Alhambra High School in Martinez from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Representatives from 20 school districts and charter schools will be in attendance, as well as four universities to discuss credential programs and options for current classified and certificated staff to further their education.

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CCCOE Establishes Wellness in Schools Program to Provide Better Access to Mental Health Services for Students

01/31/2022

In partnership with Contra Costa County Behavioral Health Services (BHS), the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) received a four-year, $6 million grant from the state’s Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSSA) to support school-based mental health services.

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Contra Costa County's Superintendent of Schools and Deputy Health Officer Urge Schools to Remain Open During Omicron Surge

01/11/2022

Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey and Contra Costa County Deputy Health Officer Dr. Ori Tzvieli today reaffirmed the importance of keeping students in full-time, in-person learning environments during the latest COVID-19 surge.

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County Teachers Receive Classroom Grants from Retired Colleagues

12/17/2021

The California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) Division 52 – Diablo Vista awarded $150 grants to 16 teachers from school districts in Contra Costa County to use in their classrooms. The grants were awarded based on clearly stated educational goals for projects that would enhance student learning.

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CCCOE Wins Homeless Education Grant

12/16/2021

Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) won a three-year grant from the California Department of Education (CDE) worth $4.5 million to serve as one of three Education for Homeless Children and Youth Technical Assistance Centers in the state. CCCOE will serve 25 counties in Northern California. Los Angeles and San Diego county offices of education will host the other two technical assistance centers.

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Town Hall on Vaccinations for Children

11/03/2021

Contra Costa County Health Office Dr. Chris Farnitano and Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey will join local pediatricians and health officials at a virtual townhall meeting on Thursday, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. to answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11.

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County Office of Education Releases Annual Report for the 2020-2021 School Year

10/29/2021

The Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) invites the community to explore its 2020-21 Annual Report to the Community which summarizes the accomplishments of the past year by the agency, county school districts, its schools and students.

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Contra Costa County Office of Education to Host Job Fair

10/27/2021

Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) will host a job fair on Saturday, Nov. 6, in response to a shortage of substitute teachers and other school personnel throughout the county. To help ease the shortfall, Superintendent Mackey is encouraging qualified members of the community to apply to be substitute teachers in local schools.

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CCCOE Awarded $5 Million Literacy Grant

10/05/2021

The county office of education has been awarded a grant worth $5 million over three years to build school capacity to support students struggling with reading, including, but not limited to, students with disabilities and students with dyslexia.

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95 Students Named National Merit Semifinalists

10/04/2021

Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey congratulated 95 high school seniors for being named among 16,000 Semifinalists in the 67th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Led by 51 students at Dougherty Valley High School in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, there were 10 Contra Costa County high schools represented on the list.

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Lafayette School Earns National Blue Ribbon Award

10/01/2021

Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey congratulated Burton Valley Elementary School in Lafayette for being named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2021. Burton Valley is the 29th school from Contra Costa County and the third in the Lafayette School District to earn the honor in the award’s 39 years of existence.

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Miramonte, Dougherty Valley High School Educators Named 2021-2022 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year

09/23/2021

County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey announced today that high school teachers Kristen Plant of Miramonte High School (Acalanes Union High School District) and Michelle Wilson of Dougherty Valley High School (San Ramon Valley Unified School District) were named the 2021-2022 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year.

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Superintendent Supports Universal Masking

09/01/2021

Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey today voiced her endorsement and support of a letter from the California Department of Public Health that affirms the legal obligation for school leaders to follow the universal masking requirement in K-12 settings.

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Bay Area County Superintendents Announce Their Support of Full, In-Person Learning

07/30/2021

Schools throughout California are planning for the imminent reopening of school campuses. The County Superintendents of Santa Clara, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Alameda counties, as well as the City of Berkeley, today announced their unified support for full, in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year.

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CCCOE Provided HS Equivalency Exams During Height of Pandemic

07/21/2021

For the last year, through some of the most critical phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) continued to offer in-person General Education Development (GED) and High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) testing to all California residents. CCCOE, a proud provider of direct services to incarcerated, homeless, foster care students, and students with severe physical or emotional challenges, offers a stable testing program environment to fulfill the needs of participants of all ages and backgrounds who are seeking GED or HiSET certification to move forward in their lives.

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County High School Student Named Cyber Scholar

07/21/2021

Dougherty Valley High School’s Katrina Lee earned the coveted title of “National Cyber Scholar” by the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation. She is the only one recipient from Contra Costa County, and among 70 in the state, to have earned the honor. She earns the distinction after winning a rigorous 48-hour competition designed to evaluate the aptitude in combating cyber threats and showing the best of what California schools have to offer.

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2021 High School Journalism Winners Announced

07/12/2021

More than 60 students representing 13 Contra Costa County high school journalism programs won honors in the 2021 Lesher Awards competition, the California Scholastic Journalism Initiative (CSJI) announced recently. The competition is organized by CC Spin, a collaboration of CSJI, the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation, and the Contra Costa County Office of Education.

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Charter School Honored for Arts Education

07/11/2021

Contra Costa County School of Performing Arts was one of 33 schools in California recognized and selected for the California Exemplary Arts Education Award, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond recently announced. Schools selected for the Exemplary Arts Education Award (EAE) demonstrate broad-based achievement in Arts instruction and for advancing the Arts for all students.

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Luu Named 2021 State CSEY Winner

06/24/2021

Dan Luu, lead custodian at John Baldwin Elementary School in Danville, was one of nine 2021 California Classified School Employees of the Year, recently honored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond for their dedication to California’s public school students.

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2021-2022 County Teacher of the Year Finalists Named

06/02/2021

Four educators have been named finalists in the 2021-2022 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year program, Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey announced.

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Four Local Students Named National Merit Scholars

04/21/2021

Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) is proud to recognize four local student winners of corporate-sponsored National Merit Scholarship Awards, in the 66th annual edition of the distinguished program.

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Poetry Out Loud: Pinole Valley High's Jermaine Gitana Selected as 2021 County Champion

04/01/2021

On February 19, the Contra Costa County Arts and Culture Commission announced that Pinole Valley High School's Jermaine Gitana as their 2021 Poetry Out Loud Champion!

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Special Education Specialist Named as this Year’s CCCOE Teacher of the Year

04/01/2021

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., March 15, 2021 – Sarah Buhre, a deaf and hard of hearing specialist, was named the Contra Costa County Office of Education’s Teacher of the Year at a virtual ceremony in early March. Since 2000, Buhre has worked with infants and toddlers in the Early Start Program at Diablo Vista Elementary School in Antioch.

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Dougherty Valley High School Earns Impressive Award with Video Documentary

03/22/2021

SAN RAMON, Calif. March 22, 2021 – Dougherty Valley High School student Agamroop Kaur earned a $1,500 award for her second-place documentary (West Division) in the 17th Annual C-Span StudentCam National Video Documentary Competition. The video documentary competition encourages students to think critically about issues that affect our communities and our nation.

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Sponsored Learning Hubs Provide Safe, Healthy Routines for Students During COVID-19

03/15/2021

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., March 15, 2021 ¬– Recognizing the challenges families are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) partnered with childcare centers and non-profit organizations across the county to provide Learning Hubs for students primarily in Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade.

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Olympic Continuation High School Earns Special Award

03/15/2021

CONCORD, Calif., March 15, 2021 – Olympic Continuation High School in Concord was named one of the state’s 27 Model Continuation High Schools for 2021, California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced earlier this month.

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Pittsburg USD Celebrates New Parkside Elementary School

03/07/2021

On March 4, the Pittsburg Unified School District’s Facilities Department hosted a virtual Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the district’s new Parkside Elementary School. The new 85,976 square-foot Parkside Elementary School is located at 985 West 17th Street in Pittsburg, California. It was constructed on the same campus as the previous school, which was built in the 1950s.

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Campolindo takes first place in 2021 High School Bay Regional Academic Decathlon

03/01/2021

MORAGA, Calif., March 1, 2021 ¬– After a strong comprehensive and competitive contest, Campolindo High School in Moraga was named the 2021 High School Bay Regional Academic Decathlon, earning the privilege of representing Contra Costa County in the upcoming 44th California State Academic Decathlon competition. Following Campolindo, were Vanden High School (Fairfield), second place; and Davis High School (Davis), third place.

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County Health Officials Announce Educators Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccines

02/19/2021

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., February 18, 2021 — Contra Costa County Health Services this afternoon announced that educators, school employees, and others in Phase 1B Tier One on the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan can begin making appointments to receive the shots beginning today.

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California High Named Contra Costa County High School’s Mock Trial Champions

02/19/2021

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., January 19, 2021— The 40th Annual Contra Costa County High School Mock Trials Awards Ceremony was held virtually last night.

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30th Annual Contra Costa County Model United Nations Conference

11/20/2020

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., November 17, 2020 – On Saturday, November 14, 150 high school students, representing 7 high schools, skipped their usual weekend social activities to tackle current world issues at the 30th Annual Contra Costa County Model United Nations Conference. Usually held at Diablo Valley College, in Pleasant Hill, this year's Model UN was held virtually, due to COVID-19.

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CocoKids Earns November Education Champion Award

11/19/2020

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., November 19, 2020—Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey on Wednesday night has named CocoKids as the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) Education Champion for the month of November 2020.

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Contra Costa County Students Showcase the Importance of Creativity in Times of Uncertainty

11/19/2020

We invite you to tune in for first-ever digital High School Notes A Cappella concert, presented by Kaiser Permanente premiering on November 20, 2020 at 7 p.m.

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CCCOE Releases 2019-20 Annual Report

11/09/2020

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., November 9, 2020 – The Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) invites the community to explore its 2019-20 Annual Report to the Community online. The summary report for the agency includes information about the county’s Board of Education, how schools are funded, professional development courses offered, curriculum and instruction guides on teaching and learning, technical service, plus much more.

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Two Contra Costa County Schools Honored as National Blue Ribbon Schools

10/06/2020

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., October 6, 2020—Two Contra Costa County schools have been chosen as 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced recently. During his proclamation, Thurmond congratulated 33 California public schools that have been chosen. This prestigious award honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that close achievement and opportunity gaps and where students achieve high learning standards.

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Contra Costa Semifinalists in the 2021 National Merit® Scholarship Program

09/21/2020

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. – September 21, 2020 –Recently, officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be offered next spring.

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San Ramon Valley Unified School District Candidates Earn Top Teacher Accolades

07/29/2020

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., July 29, 2020 ¬– Contra Costa County’s Teachers of the Year were announced on July 28, 2020. Fourth grade teacher Sarah Clancy from Live Oak Elementary School and middle school teacher Courtney Konopacky from Stone Valley Middle School have been named the 2020-21 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year (TOY). The two honored teachers from the San Ramon Valley Unified School District are now eligible to apply to move on to the California State Teachers of the Year program.

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This is the image for the news article titled New Initiative to Help Assist English Learner Education CCCOE to Serve as a Partner in $5 Million “EL RISE!” Program

New Initiative to Help Assist English Learner Education CCCOE to Serve as a Partner in $5 Million “EL RISE!” Program

07/21/2020

PLEASANT HILL, CALIF. – July 16, 2020 – Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) is announcing its partnership with Californians Together, Sobrato Early Academic Language (SEAL), and Loyola Marymount University’s Center for Equity for English Learners (CEEL), which has recently been awarded a $5 million Educator Workforce Incentive Grant from the California Department of Education to support implementation of the California English Learner Roadmap Policy.

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Contra Costa County Office of Education and Contra Costa Television Team Up to Support Distance Learning with Televised Elementary Math Lessons

06/29/2020

Pleasant Hill, Calif., June 25, 2020 — To support distance learning instruction in mathematics and address learning loss during the shelter-in-place and summer months, the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) and Contra Costa Television (CCTV), are teaming up to provide grade-specific math lessons Monday – Friday, beginning June 29 on the county’s public access education channel (edTV). edTV can be seen throughout most of Contra Costa County on Comcast Cable Ch. 32 and AT&T U-Verse Ch. 99. CCTV is a public service of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.

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2020-2021 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year Finalists Named

05/28/2020

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., May 27, 2020 – The following four teachers have been named as the 2020-2021 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year (TOY) Finalists: Sarah Clancy, San Ramon Valley Unified School District; Courtney Konopacky, San Ramon Valley Unified School District; Christina Nitsos, Lafayette School District; and Katie Sahm, Orinda Union School District.

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ROP Students of Excellence Awardees named for 2020

05/27/2020

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., May 27, 2020 – The Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) is honored to announce the 2020 ROP Students of Excellence nominees and award winners.

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Contra Costa County’s school districts announce their 2020-2021 Teachers of the Year

05/06/2020

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., May 6, 2020 – Recently, the school districts in Contra Costa County proudly submitted their 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year (TOY) candidates to the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE). The newly honored teachers are not only recognized for their outstanding education achievements, but they also represent the approximately 8,600 teachers educating more than 177,000 students in Contra Costa County’s public schools.

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Contra Costa County Office of Education Receives Boost from Travis Credit Union Donation

04/15/2020

PLEASANT HILL, CA, April 15, 2020 —Travis Credit Union launched and implemented a $1 million philanthropic initiative, will be disbursed to local organizations working to provide COVID-19 related relief services in the areas of education, youth/family, food banks, and small business support.

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ROP Biotech Students Earn First-Place Award in UC Berkeley Competition

04/13/2020

BERKELEY, CALIF., April 13, 2020 –For the past seven weeks, a group of Contra Costa County Office of Education’s (CCCOE) ROP Biotechnology students had been participating in the BioEHSC Bioengineering High School Competition run by UC Berkeley Bioengineering Honor Society.

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California High School’s Mock Trial Team Named County Champions for the Third Straight Year

02/21/2020

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., February 21, 2020 — The 39th Annual Contra Costa County High School Mock Trials Awards Ceremony was held last night at the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE), in Pleasant Hill.

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Dozier-Libbey ROP Emergency First Responder Teacher Earns Special Award

01/23/2020

ANTIOCH, Calif., January 22, 2020 – Recently, Dr. Dave Duncan, director of the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA), announced the recipients of California Emergency Medical Services Awards for 2019.

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2020 Contra Costa County Teacher/Certificated Staff Recruitment Fair

01/17/2020

MARTINEZ, Calif., January 9, 2020—The Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) will present its annual Contra Costa County Teacher/Certificated Staff Recruitment Fair, on Saturday, February 28, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m., at Alhambra High School’s gymnasium, located at 150 E St., in Martinez.

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This is the image for the news article titled Contra Costa County High School Mock Trial is looking for legal professionals to volunteer a few hours of their expertise

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

01/16/2020

MARTINEZ, Calif., January 15, 2020—Bay Area soon-to-be, practicing, and retired law professionals are invited to provide assistance to their future brethren at the upcoming 39th Annual Contra Costa County High School Mock Trial Program, held on seven weekday early evenings, during January and February, in the Martinez Court Rooms.

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California Distinguished Schools Include Five in Contra Costa County

12/19/2019

Five Contra Costa County elementary schools are being honored as 2020 California Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education.

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The holiday spirit of giving showcased at the Marsh Creek Detention Facility

11/22/2019

For the 27th straight year, a number of representatives from Contra Costa County non-profit agencies were on hand today for the annual Marsh Creek Detention Facility’s Holiday Toy Show to fulfill children’s Christmas wish lists.

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Bay Area high school students will take on the challenges of global diplomacy

11/14/2019

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Contra Costa educators honored at the annual Teacher of the Year Dinner Gala

10/01/2019

CONCORD, Calif., September 27, 2019 ¬– Last night’s annual Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year (TOY) Dinner Gala was filled with joyful inspiration, as 22 deserving county school district teachers were honored in front of a crowd of more than 400 attendees at the Hilton Concord. Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey concluded the festivities by announcing Shay Kornfeld, Mt. Diablo Unified School District and Maureen Mattson, Pittsburg Unified School District were named the county’s 2019-20 Teachers of the Year.

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County Office of Education Releases Annual Report for the 2018-2019 School Year

09/12/2019

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., September 11, 2019 – The Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) invites the community to explore its 2018-19 Annual Report to the Community online.

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San Ramon Valley Unified School District 2019-20 Teacher of the Year Receives Special Visit

09/04/2019

SAN RAMON, Calif., September 3, 2019 – Today, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey visited the classroom of Nusheen Saadat, at Quail Run Elementary School, in San Ramon. Saadat has been teaching grades 1-2 for Quail Run since 2008.

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Free trainings for those who provide services to county’s foster youth

08/27/2019

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., August 27, 2019 – As part of Contra Costa County Office of Education’s (CCCOE) Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program's (FYSCP) continued goal to provide technical assistance and professional development to districts and community partners regarding the educational needs of foster youth, CCCOE-FYSCP Education Liaisons will be providing free trainings at the CCCOE during the upcoming months.

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2019-2020 Contra Costa County Substitute Job Fair will be held on September 12

08/26/2019

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., August 23, 2019 – Looking for a flexible work schedule? Become a substitute! The 2019-2020 Substitute Job Fair will be held on Thursday, September 12, 3:30-6:00 p.m., at the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE), located at 77 Santa Barbara Rd., in Pleasant Hill.

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Moraga School District 2019-20 Teacher of the Year Receives Special Visit

06/06/2019

MORAGA, Calif., June 5, 2019 – Recently, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey visited the first-grade classroom of Jennifer Strohmeyer, at Donald L. Rheem Elementary School, in Moraga.

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Oakley Union Elementary School District 2019-20 Teacher of the Year Receives Special Visit

06/06/2019

OAKLEY, Calif., June 5, 2019 – Recently, Maria Fernandez’s classroom at Oakley Elementary School, in Oakley, received a visit from Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey.

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Walnut Creek School District 2019-20 Teacher of the Year Receives Special Visit

06/05/2019

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., May 30, 2019 – Recently, Jana Palmquist’s English class at Walnut Creek Intermediate School, in Walnut Creek, received a visit from Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey.

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West Contra Costa Unified School District 2019-20 Teacher of the Year Receives Special Visit

05/28/2019

PINOLE, Calif., May 24, 2019 – Recently, Dan O’Shea’s health-science classroom at Pinole Valley High School received a visit from Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey.

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Mt. Diablo Unified School District 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year Receives Special Visit

05/24/2019

CLAYTON, Calif., May 23, 2019 – Recently, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey visited the Diablo View Middle School’s 8th grade science classroom of Shay Kornfeld.

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Martinez Unified School District 2019-20 Teacher of the Year Receives Special Visit

05/22/2019

MARTINEZ, Calif., May 21, 2019 – Recently, Pamuela Galletti’s fourth-grade classroom at John Muir Elementary School, in Martinez, received a visit from Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey.

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Knightsen Elementary School District 2019-20 Teacher of the Year Receives Special Visit

05/21/2019

KNIGHTSEN, Calif., April 24, 2019 – Recently, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey visited teacher Katy Bracelin’s classroom, at Knightsen Elementary School, in Knightsen. Bracelin has been teaching all subjects to grade during her 13 years at Knightsen. Earlier this year, the 17-year veteran teacher was honored by being named Knightsen Elementary School District’s Teacher of the Year (TOY).

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Contra Costa Community College District 2019-20 Teacher of the Year Receives Special Visit

05/21/2019

SAN PABLO, Calif., April 24, 2019 – Recently, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey visited Dr. Cheri Etheredge’s classroom, at Contra Costa College, in San Pablo. Dr. Etheredge, a 44-year instructor, was named by the Contra Costa Community College District as their Teacher of the Year (TOY), earlier this year.

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Lafayette School District 2019-20 Teacher of the Year Receives Special Visit

05/21/2019

LAFAYETTE, Calif., May 13, 2019 – Recently, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey visited the 3rd grade classroom of Cindy Fisher, at Happy Valley Elementary School, in Lafayette. Fisher has been teaching grades 2-4 for the Lafayette School District for the past 33 years, primarily with Happy Valley, with one year at Burton Elementary School.

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Contra Costa County Office of Education 2019-20 Teacher of the Year Receives Special Visit

05/21/2019

MARTINEZ, Calif., May 15, 2019 – Recently, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey visited the classroom of Kevin McKibben, at Mt. McKinley High School, which is located inside Juvenile Hall Complex, in Martinez.

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Orinda Union School District 2019-20 Teacher of the Year Receives Special Visit

05/21/2019

ORINDA, Calif., May 3, 2019 – Recently, Del Rey Elementary School’s Jennifer Dodd received a visit from Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey.

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Antioch Unified School District 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year Receives Special Visit

05/21/2019

ANTIOCH, Calif., May 9, 2019 – Recently, DarVisa Marshall’s six-grade classroom at Antioch Middle School received a visit from Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey.

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West Contra Costa Unified School District 2019-20 Teacher of the Year Receives Special Visit

05/21/2019

SAN PABLO, Calif., May 3, 2019 – Recently, Helms Middle School physical education instructor Doug Silva received a visit from Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey.

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Brentwood Union School District 2019-20 Teacher of the Year Receives Special Visit

05/21/2019

BRENTWOOD, Calif., April 30, 2019 – Recently, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey visited one of two classrooms of counselor Ezra Smith.

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Acalanes Union High School District 2019-20 Teacher of the Year Receives Special Visit

05/21/2019

MORAGA, Calif., May 14, 2019 – Recently, Paul Verbanszky’s social studies classroom at Campolindo High School, in Moraga, received a visit from Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey.

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Contra Costa County Classified School Employees Honored

05/09/2019

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., May 9, 2019–Each year, the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE), in partnership with the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), participates in the California State Classified School Employee of the Year (CSEY) program, coordinated by the California Department of Education.

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Byron Union School District 2019-20 Teacher of the Year Receives Special Visit

05/03/2019

BYRON, Calif., April 30, 2019 – Recently, Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey visited teacher Alicia Woodson’s classroom, at Discovery Bay Elementary School, in Byron. Woodson, a 23-year instructor is currently teaching 1st grade general subjects.

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2019-2020 Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year Finalists Named

04/26/2019

PLEASANT HILL, Calif., April 24, 2019 – The following four teachers have been named as the 2019-2020 Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year (TOY) Finalists: Gina Capelli, Liberty Union High School District; Shay Kornfeld, Mt. Diablo Unified School District; Maureen Mattson, Pittsburg Unified School District; and DarVisa R. Marshall, Antioch Unified School District.

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