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- Written by: Editor
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Rose Family Preschool Program in Lakeport presented its annual “Circus of Stars” on April 27 before a large crowd of family and friends.
The 15 students from the “Butterfly,” “Jr. Butterfly” and “Caterpillar” classes wore hand-painted costumes as they presented a 40-minute program of animal acts and songs which included dancing bears, juggling monkeys, galloping ponies, tight-rope walking elephants and fire-jumping lions and tigers.
After a quick costume change, the children completed their program with a variety of animal and circus songs, with a finale of the parade of animals, all to the joy and delight of the audience.
“The circus has been a wonderful annual tradition, teaching the students to be part of a live singing performance at a very early age. I’m always so proud and excited to see them gain confidence while having such a great time; memories I hope they will always remember,” said instructor Martha Rose.
Rose began her career 31 years ago as a licensed daycare provider with a preschool program. She offers both a beginning program for 3 year olds and a Pre-K program for 4 years olds.
Classes run from September through May. To schedule an interview call 707-263-3283 as spaces are limited.
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- Written by: Editor
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- Written by: Janelle Bird
UKIAH, Calif. – The Mendocino-Lake Community College District is pleased to announce the appointment of Debra Polak as the new vice president of academic affairs.
After an extensive search, Polak was selected from a competitive pool of highly qualified candidates to provide the leadership and direction needed to strengthen the academic vision of the institution while continuing to support the district’s diverse student population.
Superintendent/President Arturo Reyes noted Polak’s higher education background has prepared her well for the challenges of her new assignment.
“Her keen understanding of the teaching-learning process and experience creating data-driven equitable learning environments will prove to be an asset for both our college and our community as we look to the future. Her strong academic background and experience as both a faculty member and dean for our institution make her an excellent fit for the vice president role. I am confident she will serve our students well and am thrilled to have her as a member of the executive leadership team at Mendocino College,” Reyes said.
Polak began her work in education 20 years ago as a part-time instructor at Diablo Valley College and UC Berkeley, where she also earned her BA in English and her MA in education.
She first came to Mendocino College in the spring of 2000 as a full-time English instructor. As an English instructor, Polak focused on developmental reading and writing classes and spent time as the Curriculum and Basic Skills Committee chair.
Fourteen years later, Polak was hired as the district’s dean of instruction. During her two years in this capacity, she led the early implementation of the Adult Education Block Grant and oversaw all non-Career Technical Education disciplines and associated faculty.
In 2016, she took over as the dean of centers, where she was responsible for overseeing all operations of the Lake, North County, and Coast Centers.
Around the same time that she assumed this new role, Polak was also appointed to acting/interim vice president of academic affairs. In this position, she has played a major role in leading the Education Master Plan, the implementation of new accreditation standards and Guided Pathways, while managing multiple deans.
Polak currently resides in Willits with her husband and daughter.
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- Written by: Janelle Bird
The purpose of the Latino Student Retreat is to promote social and cultural awareness to high school students from Mendocino and Lake counties and it includes motivational speakers, workshops, entertainment and lunch.
The event has increased in popularity since its inception 30 years ago, and it continues to draw well-known and excellent Latino role models as presenters from educational, political, legal, business and artistic fields.
The theme for this year’s retreat is “Hecho en Mendo/Made in Mendo: Celebrating 30 Years of the Latino Student Retreat.”
Accomplished presenter Sam Blanco III will be sharing his cultural, educational and leadership experiences.
Blanco was born and raised in the Central Valley in the small agricultural town of Delano. He graduated from East Bakersfield High School and is the first from his family to attend a four-year university. He earned a degree in economics from U.C. Davis in 1992 and a master’s degree in educational administration from Sacramento State in 1999.
Blanco has worked at U.C. Davis for the past 25 years, and currently is the associate director of Pre-College Programs, which includes Talent Search and Upward Bound.
In addition to demonstrated leadership on the U.C. Davis campus, Blanco has been very engaged in the larger Woodland community including serving as a PTA president and a member of the school site council. This experience led to his successful campaign to join the Woodland Joint Unified School District as a school board trustee for four years.
Blanco has also served in leadership roles regionally in the state as a member and officer of the Northern California Chapter of the Western Association for Educational Opportunity Professionals and now serves as the WESTOP president.
He is a proud father of two daughters and has been married to his wife Pam for 16 years.
The college anticipates more than 300 students from grades ninth through 12th will be in attendance accompanied by their teachers, counselors and chaperones.
The following schools have been invited: Accelerated Achievement Academy, Clear Lake, Fort Bragg, Kelseyville, Lower Lake, Middletown, Point Arena, Potter Valley, Redwood Academy, South Valley, Ukiah and Willits.
For questions about the Latino Student Retreat, please call Monica Flores at 707-467-1008.
The Mendocino College Ukiah campus is located at 1000 Hensley Creek Road in Ukiah. Visit the college online at www.mendocino.edu.