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Focus on Education - September 2025

posted on 9/17/2025 4:16:00 PM

Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

September 2025

Para leer en español, haga clic aquí.

Focus on Education provides news about Ventura County public schools for families and educators. It is published by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE).

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities.

In this video message, Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, reflects on the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month and shares some of his favorite family traditions. Keep an eye on VCOE's social media throughout the month for special messages about Hispanic Heritage Month from our students and staff.

Helping Students with College Admissions

Applying for college can be an overwhelming ordeal for many students. That’s why the Ventura County Office of Education's Career Education department is hosting workshops that will give educators and parents tools to help students navigate the process.

The first California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI) training will be for K-12 counselors, educators, and administrators on Tuesday, September 23, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the VCOE conference center in Camarillo. A separate session for parents and guardians will be presented virtually in English & Spanish on Wednesday, September 24, from 5:30–7:30 PM.

For Educators

For Parents/Guardians

Aviation Career Day is October 17

Ventura County middle and high school students are invited to Aviation Career Day at the Camarillo Airport on October 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Students will have the opportunity to meet aviation professionals and learn about the industry through engaging hands-on activities, including the "Make Garbage Fly" glider flying contest. They’ll also get information on aviation careers, including pathways and scholarship opportunities. Click here for all the details.

Student Logo Contest is Now Open

Calling all student artists! The Ventura County Office of Education is now accepting entries in the logo design contest for the 2026 Academic Decathlon, Battle of the Books, Batalla de los Libros, Mock Trial, Science Fair, and Civic Action Project.

The winning designs will be featured on event lapel pins, awards, and competition materials. Students can compete for the opportunity to leave their mark on these prestigious events and win a plaque at the competition awards ceremonies.

The deadline to submit entries is October 17, and all of the details on how to participate are available here.

Visual & Performing Arts Showcase

Ventura County schools are invited to submit student artwork for Unity in Diversity: A Fall Visual & Performing Arts Showcase! K-12 students are encouraged to submit their artwork by October 10th to Shannon Krone at skrone@vcoe.org.

Everyone is invited to attend the November 5th showcase, which will feature the winning artwork, along with incredible student performances and delicious hors d'oeuvres made by Pacifica High School's Culinary Arts Academy. For more information, please visit www.vcoe.org/VAPA.

Award Opportunities for Schools

Ventura County middle schools are invited to apply for the California Schools to Watch Program, which honors high-performing model middle schools.

Applications are due by October 1, and all the details on how to enter are available here.

Additionally, local schools and districts have until November 17 to apply for the California Green Ribbon Schools Award Program. The program honors exemplary achievement in resource efficiency, health and wellness, and environmental and sustainability education. For more information on the application process, click here.

IDEA: Landmark Disabilities Act Turns 50

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal law that reshaped public education and opened doors for millions of students with disabilities.

To celebrate this milestone, the Ventura County SELPA is joining SELPAs throughout California in curating a series of resources that reflect on IDEA’s legacy and its ongoing impact in our schools. You're invited to view the resources for August and September.

Teaching the Importance of Voting

This week marks the start of California High School Voter Education Weeks, which run from September 15 to 26. It's an opportunity for students to learn about civic engagement and how they can pre-register to vote starting at age 16.

The League of Women Voters of Ventura County is offering in-class voter registration presentations and training for student-led registration drives. If you're a teacher who would like to arrange a presentation or know colleagues who may be interested, see this flyer or reach out to lwvvc.info@gmail.com.

Constitution Day at the Reagan Library

Civic education was in the spotlight at the 21st Annual Constitution Day Conference at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. The event gave local teachers lesson plans to enhance civic learning in their classrooms. It also featured a wonderful student arts competition with the theme: “Our Nation, Many Voices.” You can see the winners below and view all the other entries here.

Big thanks to the following organizations that made this amazing event possible: the Center for Civic Education, the Los Angeles County Office of Education, Moorpark Unified School District, Simi Valley Unified School District, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, Teach Democracy, and the Ventura County Office of Education.

Congressmembers Meet with Educators

Ventura County's representatives in the US House of Representatives recently met with local educators about the growing impact of federal actions on local schools. Congresswoman Julia Brownley and Congressman Salud Carbajal heard directly from district superintendents and board trustees about topics that included budget issues and the effects of increased immigration enforcement. Brownley and Carbajal both say they will continue to advocate for policies and funding that benefit Ventura County schools and students.

School Attendance is on the Rise

During the COVID-19 pandemic, school attendance rates took a major hit, but that’s starting to turn around. The latest figures show a significant reduction in the number of students who are chronically absent in Ventura County and statewide.

Statewide, chronic absenteeism levels dropped by one-third, from 30% in 2022 to 20% percent in 2024. Here in Ventura County, the rate is even better at 18%. Due to increased student supports and family engagement, the California Department of Education says the state is on track to return rates of chronic absenteeism to pre-pandemic levels.

Supporting Student Wellbeing with CYBHI

The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is a new statewide effort to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people. This initiative will expand and strengthen behavioral health services and support schools in requesting insurance information from parents to help cover some of the costs.

The Ventura County Office of Education is proud to be part of this transformative initiative to ensure our students have access to the mental health services they need in any learning environment. You can learn more by visiting our new CYBHI webpage and viewing these informative videos.

New Podcast: Multilingual Learners

In the latest episode of the VCOE Focus on Education Podcast, we explore how multilingual learners are supported in the classroom. We also look at the growing popularity of Dual Language Immersion programs and get an update on efforts to bring Ethnic Studies to California schools. Dr. Leticia Ramos, VCOE's Director of Instructional Support Services, is this episode's featured guest. Watch the video version here or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

Watch or Listen to the Podcast

Upcoming Events and Workshops

The Ventura County Office of Education and its partners present a wide variety of workshops and events for educators, families, and community members. Some upcoming offerings are below, and you can browse our full calendar of events at vcoe.k12oms.org.