Monterey County Office of Education

On Friday, May 1, MCOE hosted its annual Special Education Field Day at Rabobank Stadium in Salinas, bringing together students from the MCOE Special Education programs for a day of celebration, connection, and fun. This year’s “Journey to Space” theme created an exciting atmosphere as students arrived to cheers and encouragement from teachers, families, and community supporters. The event began with a joyful parade featuring students from various school sites proudly representing their programs. Throughout the day, students participated in a wide variety of inclusive activities led by Carmel High School senior volunteers. Stations included cornhole, bowling, volleyball, frisbee toss, golf swing, basketball, soccer kick, stomp rocket launchers, and a sensory station filled with sounds and bubbles. Students also enjoyed a colorful obstacle course featuring a vibrant inflatable tunnel, a rainbow arch, and flowing ribbons. At the end of the event, every student received a certificate and medal recognizing their enthusiasm, participation, and effort. The day was filled with smiles, laughter, and moments of pride shared among students, families, staff, and volunteers. MCOE’s Special Education Field Day continues to highlight the power of inclusion and community while celebrating the abilities and potential of every student.

Check out MCOE’s most recent newsletter at https://lnkd.in/gZm-StVm with updates in most recent months from spring events, like MCOE's groundbreaking ceremony for our new Professional Development Conference Center! The Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) officially broke ground during a groundbreaking ceremony on April 28 for a new Professional Development Conference Center at the main Blanco Circle campus. The future facility will serve as a hub for professional learning, collaboration, and community engagement while housing several MCOE departments, including Early Learning, Migrant Services, and Educational Services. Designed by PBK Architects, the center reflects a thoughtful vision rooted in Monterey County’s identity and natural landscapes. Inspired by the region’s agricultural fields, coastal environments, oak woodlands, and river corridors, the facility incorporates natural materials and design elements that celebrate the beauty and character of the county. The project has already received the prestigious 2026 Alternative Support Environments Honor Award from the Association for Learning Environments in recognition of its innovative design. The conference center will feature flexible meeting spaces capable of accommodating up to 500 participants and supporting a wide variety of trainings, workshops, and community events for educators and partners across the county. County Board of Education members shared that the project represents years of planning, collaboration, and a shared commitment to investing in educators and student success. Construction is anticipated to be completed by Spring 2028. Once completed, the new center will stand as a lasting investment in the future of Monterey County, creating opportunities for learning, connection, and innovation for generations to come.

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Check out MCOE’s most recent newsletter at montereycoe.org with updates in most recent months from spring events, like the MCSHSCC annual Leadership Breakfast, honoring retiring Superintendent Randy Bangs! The Monterey County Safe and Healthy Schools and Communities Coalition (MCSHSCC) held its third annual Leadership Breakfast on April 24 at One Main in Salinas, bringing together education, public safety, and community leaders focused on supporting the health and safety of students in Monterey County. The event opened with remarks from Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss and featured a presentation of colors by the Soledad NJROTC Color Guard led by Captain Pedro Gomez, along with a performance by Rancho San Juan High School sophomore Annaleah Davis. MCOE Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ralph Porras and Director of Compliance Michelle Archuleta also shared coalition accomplishments and goals for the 2026-27 school year. Presentations from coalition partners included Monterey County Undersheriff Keith Boyd, Superintendent Monica Anzo and Diana Garcia of Alisal Union School District, and Superintendent Dr. Matthew Turkie and Katie Turner of North Monterey County Unified School District. During the event, Soledad Unified School District Superintendent Randy Bangs received the 2026 Safe and Healthy Schools and Communities Leadership Award for his longstanding commitment to student safety and community collaboration. The Child Abuse Prevention Council also recognized Elizabeth Aguilar, Stephanie Robinson, and Oralia Dominguez from Door to Hope for their dedicated service through the Pathways to Safety 2.0 Program.

Check out MCOE’s most recent newsletter at https://lnkd.in/gZm-StVm with updates in most recent months from spring events, like MCOE's spring Classified Job Fair! On Wednesday, April 22, the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) hosted a spring Classified Job Fair at its main campus in Salinas, welcoming community members interested in exploring career opportunities in education. The event brought together representatives from MCOE’s Early Learning Programs and local school districts to connect with prospective candidates and provide information about current openings. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about positions, including paraeducators, bus drivers, food service, maintenance, and administrative and accounting roles. Participants were also able to apply for positions on-site and speak directly with hiring teams about career pathways and benefits. MCOE continues to seek dedicated individuals committed to supporting students and schools throughout Monterey County. Current job openings are available at www.edjoin.org/montereycoe.

Check out MCOE’s most recent newsletter at https://lnkd.in/gZm-StVm with updates in most recent months from spring events, like MCOE's College and Career Fair! On Wednesday, April 22, the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) hosted a College and Career Fair at One Main in Salinas, welcoming students and community members for a morning focused on future opportunities and career exploration. Coordinated by MCOE’s Student Services Division, the event provided students with valuable connections and resources to support their educational and professional goals. Students from MCOE’s Alternative Education Programs participated alongside other attendees, exploring a wide range of colleges, universities, trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and local employers. The fair gave students the opportunity to learn about multiple pathways to success while engaging directly with representatives from participating organizations. MCOE also hosted a table featuring Gladeo Monterey County (mcoe.gladeo.org), a free online career exploration platform designed to help high school students discover career pathways aligned with their interests and personalities through interactive assessments and resources. The event reflected MCOE’s continued commitment to preparing students for lifelong success in both college and career. MCOE also expressed appreciation to the many institutions, employers, and community partners whose participation helped make the event a meaningful experience for Monterey County youth.

Check out MCOE’s most recent newsletter at https://lnkd.in/gZm-StVm with updates in most recent months from spring events, like the 50th Annual Live United Awards honoring a Foster Grandparent for MCOE's Early Learning Program! The 50th Annual Live United Awards, held April 15 in Monterey, celebrated five decades of service and the individuals who strengthen communities across Monterey County. The event recognized volunteers whose dedication has supported families, expanded opportunities, and built a more connected and resilient community. Among this year’s honorees was Inocencio Villanueva, a dedicated Foster Grandparent with the Senior Council who volunteers at MCOE’s Early Learning Program at the Alisal Center. For many years, Mr. Villanueva has provided consistent, nurturing support to young children during a critical stage of development. He works closely with students through reading, hands-on activities, and classroom support, helping build confidence, independence, and social-emotional skills. His leadership extends beyond the classroom through activities like maintaining the school garden, where students learn responsibility, teamwork, and care for their environment. Known for his calm presence and genuine warmth, Mr. Villanueva has become a trusted and valued part of the school community. His long standing commitment reflects the powerful impact of volunteerism and intergenerational connection in education. Bob Hoover Academy volunteers at MCOE were also recognized, highlighting the many ways MCOE programs continue to uplift and support the community.

Check out MCOE’s most recent newsletter at monterecoe.org/newsletters with updates in most recent months from spring events, like the Monterey County School Boards Association Honoring Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic with Excellence in Education Award! The Monterey County School Boards Association (MCSBA) held its annual Organizational Meeting and Dinner in March, bringing together school governance leaders from across the county for an evening of recognition and celebration. The event featured special performances by the Baile Folklórico students from San Vicente Elementary School in the Soledad Unified School District, whose vibrant and skilled performances highlighted the talent and cultural pride of Monterey County students. During the evening, the MCSBA presented its annual Excellence in Education Award to the Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic in recognition of its transformative impact on students, families, and communities throughout Monterey County. The Mobile Clinic expands access to essential medical services by bringing care directly to underserved neighborhoods, schools, and community sites. Focused on prevention, early intervention, and health education, the program helps remove barriers related to transportation, cost, and accessibility while improving health outcomes for thousands of residents each year. Through strong community partnerships and a commitment to equitable care, the Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic continues to make a meaningful difference in communities across the region.

MCOE’s Salsa Showdown brought staff together on Cinco de Mayo for a fun-filled, potluck-style lunch filled with flavor and friendly competition. From bold and fiery to fresh and zesty, departments showcased their best salsa recipes while colleagues sampled, voted, and connected. Events like this remind us that great work happens when we take time to build relationships, share experiences, and enjoy a little fun along the way.

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