From early education to after school programs, learning opportunities are expanding in Ventura county. In this edition of Focus on Education, we take a look at how early these programs are evolving into key components of a well-rounded education.

The Ventura County Office of Education is now accepting applications for the 2016 Ventura County Teacher of the Year. This program recognizes outstanding Ventura County teachers for the dedication and innovation they bring to their students and highlights the contributions local teachers make in our schools every day.  Candidates must be nominated by a school district, charter school, private school or service club and be at least one of the following:• A fully credentialed pre-kinderg...

Ventura County Office of Education Communications Manager Dave Schermer was honored with two awards from the California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) at its annual seminar on March 3 in North Hollywood. Schermer received Awards of Merit in the categories of Internet/Intranet Website and Newsletter/Newspaper.The website award recognizes Schermer’s work leading a complete redesign and redevelopment of VCOE’s public website at www.vcoe.org. The redesigned website replace...

The Ventura County Office of Education has received a $5.7 million Career Technical Education Incentive Grant from the California Department of Education (CDE). VCOE is one of 265 applicants receiving a total of $245 million to integrate academics with career training, connect employers with schools and prepare students for jobs in high-demand fields, including robotics, information technology, health care, teaching and emergency services.VCOE leads a consortium of local school districts that of...

The Ocean View School District was honored as a Health Champion by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors at its regular meeting today in Ventura. The Oxnard-based district was recognized for its Healthy Habits initiative, which encourages employees to have an annual preventative visit with their health care provider. The campaign, which offered gift cards to employees who receive an annual preventive visit, had a dramatic impact. Prior to the Healthy Habits program, only 29 percent of district...

Steve Carr, the Chief Technology Officer at the Ventura County Office of Education, is one of 20 education technology leaders nationwide to be honored by the National School Boards Association. The NSBA named Carr one of its “20 to Watch,” which recognizes the “ability to inspire colleagues to explore and embrace innovative technology solutions and instructional strategies that contribute to high-quality learning experiences for all students.”In selecting Carr for the hon...

Adolfo Camarillo High School’s Scorpions team is the winner of the 2016 Ventura County Mock Trial. Their victory comes after a five-year winning streak by La Reina High School. The Mock Trial results were announced this evening at an awards ceremony at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Here is how the top eight teams placed:1. Adolfo Camarillo Scorpions      2. Grace Brethren3. Oak Park Black           &n...

The winner of the 2016 Ventura County Mock Trial competition will be announced at an awards ceremony Monday at 6:00 pm at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center at 800 Hobson Way. Grace Brethren and Adolfo Camarillo (Scorpions) are in contention for first and second place. Saint Bonaventure and Oak Park (Black) are vying for third and fourth place. The four teams competed in the final round of competition on Thursday. They are among 32 from throughout Ventura County participating in this year’s Mock...

Four local high school teams emerged victorious from Wednesday night’s semifinals of the Ventura County Mock Trial competition. The final four teams that will face off in tonight’s last round are:• Adolfo Camarillo (Scorpions)• Grace Brethren• Oak Park (Black)• Saint BonaventureThe four remaining teams are among 32 from throughout Ventura County participating in this year’s Mock Trial. Tonight’s final round of competition is open to the public.WHAT: Ventura County Mock Trial FinalsWHEN: ...

The eight high school teams that will advance to the semifinals of the Ventura County Mock Trial were announced today by the Ventura County Office of Education. The semifinalists received the eight highest scores of the 32 teams participating in this year’s Mock Trial. Listed in order of their scores, the final eight teams are:1. Trinity Pacific Epsilon2. Newbury Park Gold3. Oaks Christian Gold4. Adolfo Camarillo Scorpions5. Westlake High School6. Oak Park Black7. Grace Brethren8. Saint Bo...