PSAT & SAT Tests, Short Lunch, Doritos & Teacher Shortage, Q&A With

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PSAT & SAT Tests, Short Lunch, Doritos & Teacher Shortage

Q&A With Dr. Michelle Rodriguez, Superintendent, Pajaro Valley Unified School District

I keep hearing about these data breaches and random demands. What are we doing in PVUSD to prevent this from happening to us?

PVUSD has implemented and upgraded several high-level critical network, server, have the staff capacity or designated test coordinator to take on this endeavor. and computer security systems in the past year to secure district data and infrastructure.

To provide the highest level of network security PVUSD has installed a “best-in-class” next generation firewall and maintains subscriptions that constantly update it with the latest threat signatures. We take cybersecurity very seriously and continue to invest in high level security systems and technical training for our technology staff.

We are also providing cybersecurity training for all PVUSD staff to make staff more aware of the various types of cybercrime and to be able to identify phishing, malware, and other types of cyber-attacks so they are less likely to fall prey to them. Due to security concerns, we will not list the specific security systems that we have implemented to secure our network, servers and infrastructure.

Why do students take the PSAT in both 10th and 11th grade? Other schools offer it once.

The College Board recommends students take the PSAT in 11th grade, however,

school day from start to finish, while our high school students only get a 10-15 minute

PVUSD also allows 9th and 10th graders to sign up for the test.

PVUSD supports students who desire to take the PSAT multiple times as there are benefits beyond the main purpose of excellent practice for the SAT.

Some of those benefits are: PSAT scores can be an indicator of AP course readiness, and the PSAT begins the qualification process for many scholarships, including the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Can you share with us why Aptos High School does not host ACT / SAT exams on site as some of our other local high schools such as Soquel High and Santa Cruz High? Also, is there a reason why

2Weeks Free *class rankings are not able to be provided? Some scholarships for college require this. Both the ACT and the SAT are managed and administered by outside nonprofit organizations, not by PVUSD schools. There have been years when the SAT and ACT have been offered in PVUSD schools, but since March 2020, none of the schools have renewed the test center application.

Aptos High School specifically has not been a test center for over 15 years. The requirements for being a test center include having a secure space, having a test coordinator, test monitors, and room monitors. Compensation is provided for being a test center from the College Board and ACT but finding the staff for the test center is up to the education center providing the test. Many staff changes and challenges have occurred in every sector since March 2020 and at this time, none of our PVUSD schools Next year at Aptos High School, we will begin recruiting staff and start the application to be a test center. If all the criteria are met to be a qualified test center, we will inform the PVUSD community by August 2023. Regarding class rankings, these are becoming less common in high schools. Research done by multiple universities signified class rankings as having a negative impact on student mental health and keeping students from enrolling in classes that reflected their interests. Admissions officers and scholarship providers are aware of this trend. It is completely acceptable to notate on your application that your high school does not utilize class rankings.

I do not understand the differences in the bell schedules between our middle schools and our high schools. Why do middle school students get a 20-minute break, a 40-minute lunch, and only a 6 hour and 15 minute break, a 30-35 minute lunch (not enough time to get and eat lunch!), and a 7 hour and 15 minute school day from start to finish? Our high school students need more time to eat and recoup from their strenuous course-loads and extra-curriculars, and they are exhausted getting out of school at nearly 4 p.m.

California Education Code Sections 46200 and 46201 establish the minimum number of annual instructional days and minutes that must be offered for the district to receive the state Average Daily Attendance funding. The following table contains the state minimum of instructional minutes per year. As you can see, the California Department of Education has the high school minimum instructional minutes higher than the middle school. Within PVUSD, each school staff develops their bell schedule to meet the minimum instructional required minutes, in conjunction with the district transportation department.

My daughter really enjoyed the last Saturday activity that you did. What are you doing in October?

Expanded Learning Opportunities Programming Intersession Passport Pajaro Day 2 occurred Oct. 22.

“PVUSD Q&A” page 31

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AMERICAN PICKERS COMING TO CALIFORNIA

The TV show American Pickers on the History Channel plans to return to California in January. The crew is looking for leads on interesting characters with fascinating items — something different, unusual, of unique items — something they’ve never seen before with an extraordinary story.

The team will follow all guidelines and protocols for safe filming outlined by the state.

Collectors interested in being considered for the show should call (646) 493-2184 or email at AmericanPickers@cineflix.com. Include full name, city/ state, contact information, and a brief description of the collection. The Pickers only pick private collections, so NO stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses, or anything open to the public.

AFFORDABLE DENTAL CLEANINGS

The Cabrillo College Dental Hygiene Clinic in Aptos offers affordable cleanings and X-rays. There are 24 chairs, hospital-grade air filtration systems, lasers, intraoral cameras, and panoramic imaging, and treatment by dental hygiene students.

Fees are: Oral assessment, $20; cleanings, $50$100, X-rays, $30-$60, and sealants, $25 per tooth. Payments must be by cash or check.

Appointments are three hours long, and multiple appointments are required to complete your dental treatment. Proof of vaccination is required. Appointment times for fall: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. and Wednesday, 1:15 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 831-479-6431.

POLL WORKERS NEEDED

Have you thought about being a poll worker for the Nov. 8 election?

As a poll worker, you help ensure a safe, fair, and efficient election for all voters. Poll workers support early voting locations, ensure technology functions, and help minimize delays at polling places on election day. Fill out the form at: https://www.votescount.us/Home/ ElectionOfficerRequestForm.aspx

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

Second Harvest Food Bank will provide community distributions at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 E. Lake Ave. Watsonville, on Mondays from 4 to 7 p.m. to accommodate working families.

Dates are: • Nov. 7 & 21 • Dec. 5 & 19

Volunteers are welcome — and needed. Volunteers are asked to arrive at the fair-grounds before 3:30 pm for training. Second Harvest Food Bank will provide a light dinner and volunteers can take food for themselves or others. If you are interested, email Stephanie Russo at stephanier@ thefoodbank.org, or call (831) 232-8186.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES

The American Red Cross urges blood donors of all types and those who have never given before to book a time to give blood now and help keep the blood supply from dropping ahead of the holidays.

People of all blood types are needed, especially platelet donors and those with type O. Blood Drives Nov. 3: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 220 Elk St. Santa Cruz Nov. 12: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. — Twin Lakes Church, 2701 Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos Nov. 15: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, 85 Nielson St., Watsonville

Book by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767). Those who give Nov. 1-22 will receive a $10 e-gift card by email to a merchant of choice. See rcblood.org/perks

Have a virtual or live event you want to promote? Send your information to info@cyber-times.com by November 5

SUPPORT FOR MOTHERS OF SURVIVORS

Survivors Healing Center is offering online women’s support groups and mothers of survivors of childhood sexual abuse support group. The goals are to empower through a healing process and prevent sexual abuse of children and youth.

You are not alone. You are not to blame. More info: (831) 423-7601 or www.survivorshealingcenter. org

EQUAL ACCESS SANTA CRUZ

Cruzio’s partnership with Pajaro Valley Unified School District supports the commitment to bridge the digital divide.

Many families are now able to apply for free or reduced Internet access. Visit http://getequalaccess. cruzio.com/ to apply and use the code EASCPVUSD

CHILDCARE RESOURCES

The Child Development Resource Center, a program of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, has launched a new website to better assist local families searching for childcare. See https://childcare.santacruzcoe.org/.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays

BRIDGE CLUB

10:30 a.m.-Noon, Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road Ongoing thru Aug. 8 The Capitola Branch Library will host Bridge Club sessions on Mondays.

Everyone is welcomed from beginners to social players. Make new friends and sharpen your mind.

Bridge Club is a partnership between Santa Cruz County Parks and Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Register at scparks.com or in-person the day of the event.

Tuesdays

PET LOSS AND GRIEF SUPPORT VIA ZOOM

6 to 7:30 p.m., virtual meeting BirchBark Foundation’s Pet Loss and Grief Support Zoom group offers a free support group, moderated by a licensed grief counseling therapist. Register at https://www.birchbarkfoundation.org/ griefsupport or call 831-471-7255.

Every Fourth Saturday

COMMUNITY WRITERS

Calling all writers! Monthly virtual open mic for poets and prose writers.

From 2:30 - 4: 30 p.m. via Zoom. Sign-up to read ahead of time at the email communitywritersscco@ gmail.com or come at 2:15 p.m. Time limit 5 minutes for any original work. Free.

All levels of writers welcome. Zoom: 532 385 492 • passcode 42020 communitywritersscco@gmail.com

DATED EVENTS

Friday October 28

MOUNTAINFILM ON TOUR AT RIO THEATRE

7 p.m. (Doors open 6 p.m.), Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz Mountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado.

The Rio Theatre will host the films in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children and students at RioTheatre.com and the day of the event. A portion of tickets sold will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.

See the complete playlist at https://www.riotheatre. com/events-2/2022/30/mountainfilm

TRUNK OR TREAT

5-8 p.m. Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s headquarters, 5200 Soquel Ave. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office will host Trunk or Treat. This is a free, fun-filled, spooktacular evening of trunk or treating, games, candy, decorated trunks, and food vendors.

Free parking and shuttle service at the Capitola Mall, 1855 41st Ave., Capitola. https://www.facebook.com/SantaCruzSheriffsOffice

Saturday October 29

AG HISTORY PROJECT HARVEST DINNER

4-8:30 p.m., J.J Crosetti Building, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave Watsonville Event starts with a no-host bar and silent auction Dinner begins at 5:30 and is hosted by Five Star Catering. An exciting live auction follows the dinner. Reservations: $100 Per Person

DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sheriff’s Office, 5200 Soquel Ave., Live Oak The Sheriff’s Office will participate in a “no questions asked” and anonymous prescription medication take back event.

In addition to prescription medications, vape pens and other e-cigarette devices will be collected as long as the batteries are removed. If you have unneeded medications or vape pens, come down to the Sheriff’s Office headquarters and drop them off for safe disposal.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs while educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Last year’s Take Back Day, the DEA reported nearly 745,000 pounds of unneeded prescriptions were collected.

Sunday October 30

MI CASA ES TU CASA: LIFE CHANGES, LIFE CONTINUES OPENING RECEPTION

1-3 p.m., Pajaro Valley Arts, 37 Sudden St., Watsonville Mi Casa es Tu Casa is Pajaro Valley Arts’ annual exhibit inspired by Día de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead, a tradition in many parts of the Americas that commemorates community members and family who have passed away.

This year, curators José G. Ortiz, Graciela Vega, José G. Nolasco, and Juan Carlos Padilla invited the community to consider the aftermath of the pandemic by exploring the themes of home, work, gatherings, health, and spirit, while commemorating the resilience, struggle, and humanity of our loved ones.

El Sistema, Ballet Folklorico Olin, and Activities 4 All will perform. The exhibit will be on display through December 4. Gallery Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 11.00am – 4:00pm https://pvarts.org

Monday October 31

APTOS COMMUNITY HALLOWEEN PARADE

3 p.m., Aptos Village Green (in front of New Leaf Market), 448 Granite Way Show off your Halloween costumes. Children of all ages are invited to a parade around the Aptos Village Green. Village businesses will offer treats after the pa-rade.

This is a free family-friendly celebration. Rain will cancel the event. For information, contact the Aptos Chamber of Commerce at (831) 688-1467 or chamberaptos@gmail.com.

TRICK OR TREAT AT MALL

4 p.m.-6 p.m., Capitola Mall Children in costume will be given a free Halloween tote bag. There will be a face-painting booth and a Halloween Imaginarium

Thursday November 3

CASA BENEFIT AT ERIK’S DELI

All Day, Various Locations Celebrate National Sandwich Day, Thursday Nov. 3 at the Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz, or Watsonville Erik’s Deli locations (not Aptos or Capitola) and Erik’s donates a significant portion of the days proceeds to CASA of Santa Cruz County!

Last year CASA received $2,500 just from you all eating a Pilgrim’s Progress, Raging Bull, or a traditional, the Holiday Sandwich!

Scotts Valley: 222 Mount Hermon Rd

Santa Cruz: 1664 Soquel Dr

Watsonville: 1074 S Green Valley Rd https://eriksdelicafe.com