County Schools Chief Announces Retirement
San Jose – Colleen B. Wilcox, Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools, announced last Wednesday her decision to retire from her post in November.
“October marks my 14th anniversary as the county superintendent,” she wrote in a letter to Santa Clara County Office of Education managers. “I owe a great debt of gratitude to the remarkable staff members who are ultimately responsible for all the achievements this office has made. It’s certainly the right time for me to move on to the next chapter in my professional life.”
Although details of the transition have not been formalized, Joe Fimiani, SCCOE assistant superintendent for student services, will serve as acting superintendent while the board of education searches for a replacement.
School District Hosts Health Fair
Morgan Hill – Morgan Hill Unified School District employees attended a Health Fair at the District Office on Sept. 13. The event, coordinated by Martha Escobedo of the district’s human resources department, gave employees information about the health-care providers they can select as a part of their benefits package. Employees were encouraged to bring spouses and immediate family members to choose a provider. Escobedo said this is the first time, at least in many years, the district has hosted a health fair. She plans to organize another one next year.
Student Accepted in Westmont College Auditions
Morgan Hill – Based on his performance in Westmont College’s competitive auditions, San Martin resident Gregory Tomlinson, a 2007 graduate of Monte Vista Christian School in Watsonville, has been accepted into the Westmont College Wind Ensemble this fall.
Westmont College is located in Santa Barbara, and has an enrollment of 1,200 students.
One of only 15 students admitted to the select group, Tomlinson will play oboe.
While at Monte Vista, Tomlinson played oboe and clarinet in the honor band, as well as bassoon and viola in the advanced orchestra and the string octet.
“Greg does a great job on all his instruments and with all the details of a musical ensemble,” said Shari McQueen, director of instrumental music at Monte Vista. “He has also shown a flair for encouraging and organizing his musical peers. It’s wonderful to see his exceptional talent combined with such a positive attitude.”
Host Families and Representatives Needed
Morgan Hill – Into Edventures is looking for host families for foreign exchange students ages 15 through 18 who speak English.
Interested families receive student profiles and all candidates have their own spending money and medical insurance.
Into Edventures is also looking for individuals to work as area representatives who can help find host families and work with the students and their families during the school year. Individuals must enjoy teenagers and have good communication skills. Area representatives are compensated for their work.
Details: Donna Rodrock, regional manager at (877) 522-4868.
Gavilan College ‘High on Health’ Resource Fair
Gilroy – Gavilan College Student Health Services and the Associated Student Body present the 14th annual “High on Health” resource fair 9am-1pm, Oct. 2 at the student center, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd., in Gilroy.
The event regularly draws more than 1,500 visitors, is free and open to the community. Visitors will speak with community experts, find out about health-related internships and employment, and get referrals for counseling on- and off-campus. Free testing and referrals will be available for blood pressure, blood glucose and HIV/AIDS (confidential, no needles). There will also be massages, goodies and a free prize drawing.
Details: (408) 848-4791.
