![]() January is School Board Recognition Month, where we salute our MUSD Board of Education Trustees who aid in supporting student success by establishing our mission, vision, policy priorities, budget and benchmarks. This year we are highlighting each of our trustees. Trustee Profile #1 Name: Dr. Anu Nakka Current School Board Title: Board Clerk Years on School Board: 1 Past School Board Titles w/years: Trustee 2023 Professional Occupation: Entrepreneur How long have you lived in Milpitas? 23 Years Did you attend MUSD schools? No Do you have any children who currently attend or attended MUSD schools? Yes. Older daughter is a graduate of Milpitas HS 2023 (K-12). Younger daughter is currently a Freshman at MHS What motivated you to want to join the MUSD Board of Education? Working with various PTA/PTSAs helped me to understand parents, students and teachers issues, potential solutions and opportunities at Micro level. I wanted to bring that knowledge to Macro level. Being part of the MUSD Board of Education provides me that opportunity to facilitate and help all schools and students. What do you feel is the most important part of being on the school board? Understanding issues and being able to work on solutions helping every student in the district. What are you most proud of during your term on the school board? Inauguration of Innovation Campus and Initiation of Presidential Volunteer Service Awards for students What is your favorite pastime? Writing, Dancing Tell us something about yourself that we may not know: I am an artist. Milpitas Unified School District secured a $1.5 million grant from the California Department of Public School Construction to help offset construction costs of the MUSD Innovation Campus, as announced by Chief Business Officer Wendy Zhang at the January 9, 2024 Board of Education meeting.
Zhang connected with state representatives prior to the Winter Break and received confirmation of the grant funds on the same day that MUSD’s Innovation team outlined course programming and scheduling for the 2024-25 school year. “It turned out that they had a grant available and were waiting to give it out, so I immediately scheduled a meeting with them,” said Zhang. “During that meeting, they committed $1.5 million to help offset the construction costs of our Innovation Campus. We will receive the $1.5 million in the next couple of weeks.” This additional funding comes on the heels of Assemblymember Alex Lee’s District 24 Office allocating $1.5 million to the Innovation Campus, which includes funding from the voter-approved Measure AA general obligations bond as well as a $750,000 investment from global technology leader KLA that has branded the KLA STEAM Lab on the E. Calaveras Campus. “Assistant Superintendent Zhang has brought us $1.5M closer to achieving our Capital Campaign goal of $18M,” said Superintendent Cheryl Jordan. “Our team inspires exceptional possibilities that are being realized as we continue to build the MUSD Innovation Campus and the learning opportunities it will provide for our middle school through adult learners” A first-of-its-kind high school through adult, early childhood education research and workforce development center–located on the site of the former Samuel Ayer High School–the MUSD Innovation Campus will be a hub for future-ready learners of all ages to connect with local businesses and partners within classrooms and labs tailored to provide a real-world education. The new facilities will support a wide variety of programming, including business entrepreneurship, robotics, virtual reality, Audio/Video production, coding, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer science and virtual design and construction, as well as simulation for legal, financial, manufacturing and health career training. The MUSD Innovation Campus will provide dedicated space for MUSD’s Adult Education School, Calaveras Hills High School and additional facilities for Milpitas High School students. “Major global industries are requiring new skill sets to be successful. The MUSD Innovation Campus will provide our learners the opportunity to explore competitive future ready careers,” said Board of Education President Minh Ngo. “We have a phenomenal team at MUSD that continues to find opportunities to invest in our Milpitas learners.” With the completion of Phase 1 for the start of the 2023-24 school year, the MUSD Innovation Campus is set to ignite workforce pathways and early childcare research in our region and beyond in two additional phases. Phase 2 is well under way and slated to be completed in summer 2024, while the Phase 3 opening is estimated for fall 2025. MUSD continues to seek the support of individual financial partners to sponsor this first-of-its-kind bridge between local businesses, institutes of higher education, governance, and future-ready learners. For more information, please visit: https://www.musd.org/musd-innovation-campus-campaign.html. Through partnerships with community, colleges and universities, as well as local businesses, the MUSD Innovation Campus will provide training and education that support growing and emerging career fields and practical career simulation. This novel academic institution will prepare Milpitas students of all ages for the local – and global – job market. Upon full capacity, the 99,000 sq. ft. campus will consist of six new two-story buildings, as well as one modernized building complete with classrooms, learning labs, career simulation facilities, and STEAM labs. The campus is designed to provide environments for a wide variety of programming supported by flex spaces and outdoor learning quads. Each building will include sustainable materials, energy efficient lighting, all-electric mechanical systems, stormwater catchment and water-efficient landscaping. By Nhuhao Nguyen
Jack Emery District Coordinator / MHS ASB President "In comm-UNITY for Jack Emery" — a rhyme that served as the vision for this year's annual Jack Emery Drive. Taking on the role of Jack Emery district coordinator, I wanted to maintain the immense community focus of the food drive. Hosting the brunch was certainly a stepping stone in bringing together schools in our Milpitas community to kick-off the season; however, as much of an honor as it was to lead it, I believe this year's Jack Emery efforts truly belonged to community contributions. While some schools are still continuing to input their final numbers, we have already achieved over 100,000 cans, and it would not have been possible without everyone coming together to make a difference. Whether it was a couple coins donated to events for the drive, some cans found in the pantry, or extra cash found in wallets, every contribution—big or small—had its impact in the food drive. For Milpitas High School especially, the final push to not only reach but go above and beyond our goal was truly reflected with the rapid increase in collections; with roughly 17,000 cans a few days before our final collection, we were able to almost double the count to over 30,000 by our final last day. Needless to say, we had passed our major goal of 25,000, but these same results are also reflective with other schools in the community, where several have also gone beyond their goals for Jack Emery. With the success of this year's Jack Emery season so far, I only hope for our community's giving spirit to continue to thrive for years to come, and I especially would like to thank my brunch committee, ASB officers, Activities Director Ms. Querubin, and the Milpitas community for an amazing Jack Emery drive season this year. Student Board Rep Satvika Iyer joins panel discussion at CSBA Annual Education Conference12/22/2023
By SATVIKA IYER
MHS Student Board Representative Serving on the MUSD Board of Education as a student member has taught me so much about what goes into running a school. From weighing in on budgeting decisions to advocating for student concerns throughout the district, the California state law and I consider student input essential to the success of a school and governance by the school board. At the California School Board Association’s Annual Education Conference, I realized that most school boards didn’t know how to utilize or didn’t even have a student board member. I witnessed thousands of district educators, staff, and students banding together to define the role of student members in effective governance, hopeful for the new age of student advocacy. As part of the only student board member panel of the conference, two other student board members and I weighed in on the challenges and opportunities for improvement we have faced and addressed on the job. We discussed our motivations for being on the board to let district staff know that we took on this role not to be a sitting duck or pad our résumé, but to connect the resources of the board to the concerns and well-being of its students. We shared our experiences over 6 months of navigating the board, called for better onboarding and understanding between other board members and students, and shared our most engaging experiences in governance. For me, that was creating a digital citizenship resolution filled with student input with the other board members and forms I have made to connect student concerns, ideas, and inputs across the district directly to the board. Our inputs as student members can be reduced to casting a preferential vote and presenting a short update on our school site. It doesn’t have to be this way. Asking questions, sharing my opinions, and learning from our other board members and the superintendent pave the way for the new age of student members, one of impact and involvement. Milpitas High School's AI Club explores limitless possibilities of Artificial Intelligence12/22/2023
![]() By AMANDA LAI MHS AI Club President Milpitas High School’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Club found its roots in August of 2023 when a group of passionate students, inspired by the potential of AI, decided to channel their interest into a small community to hone this interest. Established to explore the limitless possibilities of artificial intelligence, this club delves deeply into the more intricate sides of AI — machine learning, data exploration, and many other concepts that are lesser known but as important. With its continued relevancy towards education today, students at MHS created this club out of a shared enthusiasm to harness the impactful power of AI and a desire to explore its applications in various fields. Although fairly novel compared to the other clubs at MHS, the AI Club has started strong since its inception this school year. Members meet regularly twice a week to discuss thought-provoking algorithms, share ideas, and collaborate on projects that engagingly introduce AI. The club serves as a platform for students to learn and apply AI concepts, fostering a tightly-knit community where innovation happens. One major event so far was an invitational guest speech by a Stanford doctorate — Dr. Cheng Wu. Filled with passion for the field and a clear vision of the industry, Dr. Wu shares some of his advice for students interested in pursuing STEM in the future. His engrossing talk spanned two hours; he stressed how important it is for high schoolers to find their purpose — one that is truly unique to them. He told students that he created a backpack that prevents car accidents using AI. He made this after his son was run over by a car and left unable to walk. It's a testament to how AI can create positive change in our community. As we look toward the future, the MHS AI Club continues to be a source of opportunity and knowledge exchange in our community. It not only equips students with valuable skills but also showcases the incredible potential of AI to shape a brighter and more innovative future. The MHS AI Club stands as an indication of what can be achieved when passionate minds come together to explore the frontiers of technology. Now here is a question: can you spot which part of this feature was written by ChatGPT? “If you build it, they will come,” was the famous phrase from the 1989 film, Field of Dreams, that Milpitas Unified School District Executive Director Mary Jude Doerpinghaus referenced as she addressed a distinguished crowd of regional and local stakeholders at the Nov. 16 grand opening of Milpitas High School Wellness Center.
In the first two months, the center has accounted for 554 student visits, with 130 repeat visitors and 16 students in crisis, “and that’s why we’re here,” added Executive Director Doerpinghaus from inside the newly renovated wellness center. For MHS sophomore Janvi Balakrishnan, one of the many students to utilize the MHS wellness center, it serves as “a place where I don’t have to be lonely,” she shared. “I’m very grateful that our campus has a place that makes everyone feel included.” The new wellness center is a welcomed addition to a campus life that is shared with more than 3,000 student peers, according to MHS senior student Prarthana Prasad. “It’s a really good environment where I can find resources that can help me just get back to my normal state,” she noted. “It’s just amazing. I never thought that this would come true.” The MHS center, which is open daily to students and staff throughout the school day, was funded through the Mental Health Student Service Act (MHSSA) and California Schools Partnership (CCSPP) Grants acquired through the Santa Clara County Office of Education, in partnership with 31 school districts and the County Behavioral Health Services Dept. Additionally, Representative Ro Khanna secured $300,000 in federal Community Project Funding for the MHS wellness center implementation through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “Expanding access to mental health services ensures students receive the support they need to be successful at school and in their communities,” said County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. “When students have access to mental health services on their school campuses, they are 21 more times likely to access them.” MUSD Superintendent Cheryl Jordan added the wellness center “speaks to equity and inclusion and belonging in that now we have an established way of addressing the needs of our students and families who long before COVID have suffered traumatic events in their lives. They know that we care. …and that every child, every person’s well-being matters.” Two Milpitas High School alumni, MUSD Board of Education President Chris Norwood and Assemblymember Alex Lee, stressed the importance of providing a comfortable, safe space for students to come and receive a variety of support services to help cope with a myriad of challenges in their lives. “What we’ve done here is we said we recognize those challenges, we recognize that you need a space on this campus where you can go and be with people, be with professionals that can help you so you can continue to exist on this campus and then learn how to make decisions beyond this school day in your life,” Board President Norwood said. Assemblymember Lee credited the younger generation of students for “making it acceptable and normal and OK to talk about things when you have a bad day or great day or you feel alone.” He added. “I’m glad that right now we understand that mental health is something you gotta keep working at. .... Wellness centers are like gyms for your mind in some ways.” Along with SCCOE and MUSD team members, also in attendance for the Nov. 16 ceremony to show their support for the wellness center, were Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano as well as representatives from the offices of Senator Aisha Wahab, Congressman Ro Khanna, County Board Supervisor Otto Lee. SCCOE-MUSD JOINT PRESS RELEASE: MHS WELLNESS CENTER OPENING 11.29.23 At the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Leadership Summit on Nov. 2-4 in Sacramento, Milpitas Unified School District leader Cheryl Jordan was formally honored as the 2023 State Superintendent of the Year, a special moment she shared with her family, the members of the MUSD Board of Education, and Santa Clara County and MUSD leaders.
“I was stunned when I learned of this incredible honor as there are so many who lead their districts in amazing ways both in Santa Clara County and throughout California. I learn from my SCC superintendent colleagues who share their insights and ideas about leading from this seat. My mentors in MUSD and throughout my life along with ACSA have been an integral part of my leadership development,” Superintendent Jordan shared. “The dynamic and purposeful leaders within MUSD and our Milpitas community are a part of this recognition, together we are creating a world class educational experience for All Learners. My husband and son have steadfastly supported the work I do. I am thrilled and humbled to have received this recognition that illuminates all of our efforts as one in a Culture of We,” she continued. The ACSA summit brings together educators at all levels of administration in an annual awards celebration banquet while providing opportunities for invaluable networking and professional development on current critical leadership and educational issues. ACSA , established in 1971, is the largest umbrella organization for school leaders in the nation, serving more than 16,000 school leaders throughout California. “While the 2023 State Superintendent of the Year Award is awarded to only one individual, Supt. Jordan will be the first to tell you that she shares this honor with her colleagues, community partners and stakeholders,” MUSD Board President Chris Norwood said. “She always works through our ‘Build A Culture of We’ lens. On a daily basis, she depends on collaboration, teamwork, and a shared vision of leadership and service to students and their families. I am thankful to the ASCA nominating and selection committee for recognizing her and her leadership of the Milpitas Unified School District.” She was one of four MUSD leaders to receive ACSA Region 8 awards; the others being Giuliana Brahim (Adult Education Administrator of the Year), Mary Jude Doerpinghaus (Student Services Administrator of the Year) and Kelly Ng (Classified Administrator of the Year). Jordan was then named California’s state champion among ACSA’s 19 geographic regions. Supt. Jordan, who began as a teacher intern in 1989 at Calaveras Hills HS and Thomas Russell MS before becoming a site leader and, ultimately, the district chief, has long established a climate of equity and inclusion. She has served on and chaired various state, region, county and community board of directors, including the Santa Clara County Superintendents’ Association, Milpitas Rotary Club, the South Bay Consortium for Adult Education, Santa Clara County Construction Careers Association, and ACSA Region 8. ![]() Student and staff representatives from all of our Milpitas Unified School District schools and departments came together for the 2023 Jack Emery Kickoff Brunch at Milpitas High School on Monday, November 6. Nhuhao Nguyen, 2023-24 Milpitas HS Associated Student Body (ASB) President and Jack Emery District Coordinator, introduced herself and her Jack Emery team leaders to the MUSD delegates. The enthusiastic group was inspired by Jack Emery’s story and legacy, and established friendly competitions to meet President Nguyen’s district goal, “I really like seeing our district come together to serve our community. …I’d like to see more donations coming in to meet our goals and surpass last year’s district goal (of 140,000).” Each school or department team finds creative ways to reach their families, community partners and business to help solicit canned foods and/or monetary donations. All donations will be delivered to the Milpitas Food Pantry for distribution to the most vulnerable families within our community. “This is a very special day because we’re launching community,” said Superintendent Cheryl Jordan, who sat with members of the MUSD Board of Education as well as Milpitas Food Pantry Director Karen Kolander for the kickoff. “This fun competition that we have between our schools demonstrates how we represent our community, and I am proud to be part of this Milpitas family and to be sitting here today in the MHS library amongst all of you as one family.” “Jack Emery, to me, is more than a tradition that we do every year. It is so important to our community because the Bay Area is such a hard area to live in,” said Nguyen. “I love to give back to my community and I really want to see our students together also give back to our community and carry on that tradition.” This year, Nguyen is planning more events around the Jack Emery such as a 5K fun run on Saturday, December 9 to raise awareness and offer additional opportunities for community members to donate to the food drive. From now thru Friday, December 8, donations can be made at any of the MUSD school sites and departments. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for what you do as part of our community family,” said Kolander, who shared the deep impact the Jack Emery Food Drive makes to our most vulnerable individuals and families. Fourteen members of the Milpitas HS Black Student Union participated in the 2023 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caravan at DeAnza College on November 2.
The event featured representatives from over 20 HBCU partner institutions: Stillman College, Morehouse College, Wiley College, Hampton University, Lane College, Lincoln University and many more). They provided scholarship information (e.g, Hoffman Agency HBCU Scholarship), potential on-site admissions, and a tour of DeAnza. "This was a great opportunity for students to learn more about the exciting CCC Transfer Guarantee Pathway to HBCU and meet with HBCU representatives from partner institutions," shared #MHS counselor Julie Jones, who accompanied the #BSU members on the trip. "This pathway guarantees admissions to 30 partner Historically Black Colleges and Universities." ![]() Pomeroy Elementary School teacher Laurie Fiatal was one of 30 Santa Clara County 2023 Teachers of the Year selected by their school districts for their exceptional dedication to students, skills in the classroom, and commitment to lifelong learning. “I think that every student deserves the opportunity to get an education and to achieve as much as they are capable of,” shared Fiatal. “My students have severe autism and significant cognitive disabilities, and most people only see what is on the outside and make judgements based on what they see.” The 11th year Special Day Class educator, who has enjoyed her entire professional career with MUSD, teaches first through third graders. She holds a Clear Moderate-Severe Education Specialist Credential, a Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders, and a Masters of Arts in Education (concentration in Special Education) from San Jose State University. “To me, getting to know the child inside, to see the person and their potential, and to have the opportunity to recognize and encourage that potential, is what fulfills me every day,” she added. Fiatal was honored at the 53rd Annual Teacher Recognition Celebration hosted by the Santa Clara County Office of Education on October 23 at the Campbell Heritage Theatre. “Laurie is an amazing teacher. She plans engaging and appropriate lessons for all of her students,” shared Milpitas Unified School District in Fiatal’s profile. “She ensures that her students participate in all school events and grade level field trips. She continues to advocate for her students and educates the staff as she does this." |
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING:
The governing board of Milpitas Unified School District will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Media ResourcesArchives
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