county boards
A time to work hard … and slow down
By CCBE President Janet Wohlgemuth
I hope this message finds you healthy and safe. The past several months has been trying for all of us in the education field. Many county offices of education have been faced with tough decisions and are having to develop new styles of learning for all of our California students.

Like most of you, we at the Monterey County Office of Education are learning how to “Zoom” and work from home. COEs have been thinking outside the box to hold meetings, trainings and support our parents, students and each other. Many of you have seen your communities come together to support their students by holding parades through student neighborhoods, placing signs of support to staff and students, and posting messages of how they are all missed.

As a parent of two children in school, I have found myself learning all over again about new technology, terms and math. Who knew that I would learn a new language? Google Classroom, Zearn, Achieve, Class Dojo and many more. What I can take away from all of this is that our teachers do incredible work each day with our students and learning never stops, no matter what age we are.

This time has forced me to stop and look at the things in my life that are important to me. We all tend to get caught up in the moment of life and we forget to appreciate the little things around us. I have become more aware of the beauty that I drive by each day going to work, learning new things with my children, and the importance of family and friends near and far. I have learned more from my children during this time by just wanting to be a kid again. The simple life. I have broken out the sewing machine to teach them to make masks and make a difference in their community. I can’t say my cooking skills have improved, but we are working on that, too.

As we look toward the next school year, there are many unknowns for our students and classrooms. What do tomorrow’s classrooms look like? What is the budget going to look like?

The CCBE conference committee is still at work planning the conference. We would like to encourage COEs to submit proposals for breakout sessions. Proposals can help address COE’s top issues, safety measures, budgeting, alternative learning, etc. If you have questions, please reach out to the committee chairman, Rick Shea, or myself.

I want to keep encouraging you all to keep up the good fight and we will get through this. Stay healthy, stay safe and stay positive.

I hope this quote by Mother Teresa lifts your spirits: “Spread LOVE everywhere you go.”