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District students win at SkillsUSA and debate; Future Chef, robotics and Estuary Explorers programs highlighted
Summary
Board members and staff highlighted student achievements at SkillsUSA and district debate tournaments, reported success in arts and athletics, and heard program spotlights on Future Chef and an AmeriCorps-led Estuary Explorers outdoor education program.
Board meeting presenters and school staff used their reports to spotlight student achievements across career, arts and athletics programs.
A schools report listed 14 students who qualified for state speech and debate events and multiple SkillsUSA competitors who advanced to state and in some cases nationals: audio production champions Elliot Ailey and Jesse Frithel, CNC and programming winners, and several first-place winners eligible for national competitions in manufacturing and machining categories. Staff also noted high finishes in boys’ basketball (second in state), dance (third in state), and state placings in track, golf and choir district results.
At the behest of district staff, the board also received a presentation from Kaneen, the district’s director of nutrition services, on the district—s annual Future Chef student cooking competition. Kaneen said five fifth-grade contestants competed this year and that the program provides student teams with recipes, food-safety training, PPE and prizes; the winner’s recipe is submitted to a national competition. Kaneen said the food-service department supplies ingredients and equipment so there is no financial barrier to student participation.
Another program spotlight came from Stacy, a UK AmeriCorps member leading Estuary Explorers, an after-school K–8 program focused on outdoor and environmental education. Stacy said the program operates at multiple school and community sites (including Blossom Gulch) and is free to students; in the current year staff reported 6 sessions across four sites and 158 students served so far, with a waitlist at Hillcrest. Stacy described partnerships with classroom teachers and use of South Slough Reserve field trips to give students hands-on science and stewardship experience.
School presenters also described new and growing extracurriculars: robotics (about 13 students in a new quarter offering), a new writing seminar course, growing chess and esports participation, and continued work on mural restoration and service-learning events. Board members and staff encouraged partnerships and noted opportunities to strengthen apprenticeships and employer connections for CTE students.
No formal board action was required for the program highlights; staff and presenters asked board members to help spread the word about programs needing volunteers and community partners.
