PVUSD challenging community to read 2 million words
WATSONVILLE — Pajaro Valley Unified School District Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez is introducing Footsteps 2 Brilliance (F2B) and inviting the community to be a part of this early literacy initiative.
On Sunday, PVUSD will be participating at the City of Watsonville Fiestas Patrias event where it will be introducing Paso a Paso, Creciendo Juntos/Step by Step, Growing Together (Paso a Paso), the district’s efforts to ensure students are reading at grade level by third grade. A small group of 20 Early Childhood Education families have already read 85,581 words in just eight weeks.
Rodriguez will be challenging the entire community to read 2 million words with their children by Jan. 1, 2018.
F2B provides a curriculum of more than 1,000 English and Spanish books, songs and games that are accessible on any smartphone, tablet or computer with or without an Internet connection.
The district is developing an outreach plan to get this program in the hands of every family in the community through multiple community partners such as Salud Para La Gente, PVPSA, First 5, Encompass Head Start and City of Watsonville Parks and Recreation.
“We are honored to partner with Footsteps 2 Brilliance in this transformative community-wide initiative that gives all children equal access to high quality bilingual English and Spanish literacy instruction. PVUSD believes this is a powerful and effective model to prepare our youngest to be ready for school,” Rodriguez said.
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PVPSA seeking nominees for awards
WATSONVILLE — Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance has opened submissions for its 2017 Heroes in Prevention Awards.
Because of PVPSA’s focus on children, youth, families and community at large, it is inviting individuals to nominate a person or a group of people who have demonstrated a commitment to prevention in the Pajaro Valley. Examples include teachers, philanthropists, peers, advocates, and quiet leaders who have demonstrated a spirit of prevention without much recognition.
Prevention is an action or a set of actions designed to stop something before it actually occurs and PVPSA is committed to promoting positive actions and behaviors in children, families and the community at large.
Applications for nomination can be found at PVPSA.org and are due by Sept. 19 to gi*******@pv***.org. Finalists will be announced prior to the event and the public is welcome to join PVPSA at the Pajaro Valley Gallery and Arts located at 37 Sudden St. in Watsonville on Oct. 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
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Watsonville Wednesday returns
WATSONVILLE — Watsonville Wednesday – Lunch in the Park returns on Sept. 20 from noon until 1 p.m., in the City Plaza Park.
Lunch will be provided by Jesse Reyes of Century 21 M&M and Associates.
The event is an opportunity to meet city and business leaders in the community.
Watsonville Wednesdays happen every third Wednesday of the month. For information, visit www.pajarovalleychamber.com.
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Sons & Daughters of Italy host dinner
WATSONVILLE — Order of Sons & Daughters of Italy Watsonville Lodge #2016 will hold its monthly dinner and meeting on Thursday, Sept. 21.
The meeting will take place at the Watsonville Woman’s Club, 12 Brennan St. The doors open at 6 p.m.
It will consist of a viewing of the documentary “Prisoners in Paradise,” which reveals the untold story of 51,000 Italian soldiers brought to the U.S. as prisoners of war during WWII.
Dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m. It will cost $15 for members and $17 for non-members. RSVPs must be made by Monday, Sept. 18 by calling 722-7958. Seating is limited.
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DACA Renewal Clinics offered until Sept. 30
MONTEREY BAY — Free, bilingual clinics are being offered throughout Santa Cruz and Monterey counties on how to renew your DACA application before the Oct. 5 deadline.
The clinics, organized by Cabrillo College’s Office of Student Equity, are led by immigration attorneys and legal service providers hoping to help Dreamers renew their permits to legally stay in the U.S.
Three clinics will be held locally: At the Santa Cruz County Immigration Project on Sept. 20 at 4:30 p.m., Cabrillo College’s Aptos campus on Sept. 22 at 5 p.m., and Cabrillo College’s Watsonville campus on Sept. 30 at 9 a.m.
For information, email eq****@ca******.edu.
