Closing: It has been decades since Sonoma Valley High School has had an automotive technology program but it was sad to read that the automotive technology program at Vintage High School, the last in the Napa School district, will close.
College update: University of Southern California will reopen for fall semester with both online and in-person classes, with more distancing in dorms. Like many other colleges that have announced their plans, students will go home at Thanksgiving and not come back until January.
Exploring careers: High school students can explore different kinds of careers by watching videos of professionals at work, see what a day in their life is like. Check the links at the 'Online Resources for Career Readiness' on the SVHS College & Career Center site.
Educational documentaries: Netflix has released 10 educational documentaries for free on YouTube. The collection includes '13th,' 'Abstract,' 'Babies,' 'Chasing Coral,' 'Explained,' 'Knock Down the House,' 'Our Planet,' 'Period. End of Sentence,' 'The White Helmets' and 'Zion.' Netflix typically allows teachers to stream documentaries in classrooms.
Great resource: Several readers highly recommend Wide Open School hosted by Common Sense Media. The site will be available free through the summer. wideopenschool.org.
Early start: Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that the next school year should start early, possibly in July, to make up for the significant learning gaps from the shelter-in-place. What do you think? County board of education member Gina Cuclis would like to hear your thoughts. Email Cuclis at ginacuclis@gmail.com.
Story books: BookFlix pairs interactive, fictional video storybooks with related nonfiction eBooks. Readers can explore even more with puzzles, games, and age-appropriate web links. Aimed at preschool to third grade, BookFlix is perfect for early or reluctant readers, as well as English language learners. All you need is your Sonoma County Library card.
Free fun: Families can make their own Cards Against Humanity game. There is a free 'family edition' available by downloading a PDF and printing them at home at tinyurl.com/y7v5amqr.
Local history: Students and their families can travel inside closed exhibits at Jack London Ranch via video at jacklondonpark.com/beauty-ranch-school-tour-video.
Red & White Ball: The Sonoma Valley Education Foundaton can't hold its Red & White Ball exactly as planned but details will be released next week about an 'At Home' edition of the party.
Next role: The Kentfield School District has hired longtime Sonoma County educator Mary Ann Spitzer as the new principal at Bacich Elementary School. Spitzer was the principal at Adele Harrison Middle School for the last six years, Spitzer's base salary will be $155,038 a year, according to the district.
Ongoing: Kahn Academy has created a schedule for your teen (and younger child) that they might actually want to follow. There are videos on dozens of subjects, as well as 15-minute yoga, guided meditations, podcasts and more.
Reunion postponed: The Sonoma Valley High Class of 1970 has postponed its 50 year reunion from Sept. 2020 until Aug. 3-5, 2021.
Tutoring: Spark tutoring center's summer menu of camps and readiness courses will start the week of June 22 and extend until the start of school. Visit sparksonoma.com.
Congratulations: Dylan Pencil graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor of science degree. Celina Alba has graduated from the University of San Diego with a bachelor's degree in behavioral neuroscience.
Email tips, graduation and career news to ourschools@sonomanews.com.
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