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Take 5 - May 2026
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Take 5! is a monthly spotlight of promising practices happening at county offices of education throughout the state, rotating the five that are featured and the focus areas covered. The map coordinates with the location of the stories featured this month from across our state.
You can view past bright spots by clicking the link at the bottom of this page.
Inspire Shasta Podcast Connects
Education to the Community
For Shasta County Office of Education, "Inspire Shasta" became a way to inspire change through personal stories of resilience and dedication. In this monthly award-winning podcast, staff, community partners, and students share the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Shasta County youth on an array of topics, while highlighting the positive impact of allies and advocates.
In the most recent episode of "Inspire Shasta", they explore how STEM and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs are transforming learning for students across Shasta County. From robotics and CAD design to collaborative math classrooms and NASA-inspired projects, the conversation highlights the power of hands-on learning, creativity, critical thinking, and student voice.
The episode is a powerful reminder that education is about much more than grades. It’s about creating environments where students feel safe to explore, collaborate, fail forward, and discover what excites them. Whether through STEM, math, engineering, or hands-on career pathways, students across Shasta County are building skills that will prepare them for whatever comes next.
Occupational Therapist Plays Key Role in Supporting Students with Severe Multiple Disabilities
The Placer County Office of Education (PCOE) has released a new episode from Season 4 of Yours in Education, a series spotlighting the incredible people and stories making a difference throughout the county - and this month's episode is one you don't want to miss.
In the episode, you will meet Merritt Black, an Occupational Therapist with PCOE, whose dedication to students with diverse needs is nothing short of inspiring. Each day, Merritt works to help students develop the skills necessary for success, not just in the classroom, but in daily life. Through meaningful collaboration with educators, families, and support teams, he focuses on improving students' independence, access to learning, and overall participation in their educational settings.
What makes Merritt truly exceptional is his deeply personalized approach. No two students are the same, and Merritt embraces that wholeheartedly, tailoring his support to meet each student exactly where they are and guiding them toward their own unique goals. His humility, kindness, and genuine commitment to the children he serves make him a standout among his peers and a true asset to the PCOE community.
Merritt's work is a powerful reminder that when we meet students where they are and believe in their potential, there is no limit to what they can achieve.
A photo of Placer County Office of Education Occupational Therapist, Merritt Black, working with a student on movement and motor skills.
New Audiology Booth Expands Access to Critical Hearing Services for Students in Fresno County
The Fresno County Superintendent of Schools has expanded access to critical hearing services for students with the opening of the first county-operated audiology sound booth. Located at Beth Ramacher School, this state-of-the-art facility helps students who are deaf or hard of hearing receive faster evaluations, hearing aids and ongoing care without long delays.
Early childhood hearing is essential for language development, especially from birth to age three. Educators and specialists at American Union Elementary are using tools like American Sign Language, gestures and visual learning to support TK through second grade students, while this new audiology booth ensures more children are identified and treated sooner.
Families in Fresno County often face six to nine month wait times for hearing services. This new on-campus solution reduces travel, saves time and provides immediate access to care, helping students stay on track in school.
This story highlights the importance of early detection, accessible healthcare and educational support for children with hearing loss across the Central Valley.
Santa Barbara Students Crunch the Numbers at Math Super Bowl
The 41st annual Math Super Bowl was held on May 27th, bringing together over 330 students in grades 4–6 from 30 schools across southern and mid-Santa Barbara County. Students competed through written math tests and a hands-on engineering challenge. A fifth grader from Washington Elementary, Seamus Cottrell, was the only student to achieve a perfect individual score. The event, sponsored by local schools in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Education Office, celebrates academic excellence in math in the same spirit as athletic competition.
Washington Elementary Principal Arielle Curry watched proudly as her students erupted from their seats and raced to the podium to collect their first-place trophy. “This achievement is a beautiful reflection of their hard work, persistence, and passion for math. Seeing the joy on their faces as their efforts were rewarded is a moment I will always cherish.”
Jeff Linder, Math Specialist at Montecito Union School and a coordinator of the event, said, “This event is really special because it celebrates excellence in math the same way sporting events celebrate high-level athleticism and teamwork. I love seeing the excitement and smiles as they overcome complex mathematical challenges.”
Seeing Clearly, Learning Better: Mobile Eye Clinic Makes a Difference for JCCS Students in San Diego County
For many students, the path to success in school starts with something as fundamental as being able to see properly. That's why the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) and VSP Eyes of Hope have partnered for more than a decade to bring free eye exams directly to students attending Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS).
This year, the VSP mobile clinic visited all four regions, serving approximately 200 students over four days. Volunteer optometrists provide comprehensive eye exams, issue prescriptions, and help students select frames — with many pairs ready the same day. The impact is immediate and life-changing.
Student Alma shared that she struggled to see the board and copy notes in class. With new glasses on the way, she looks forward to more than just school success: "Things are going to be better for my eyes and me. Maybe I can even get my driver's license because I can see well. It will make life better in general." Fellow student Estrella added that her vision had made reading a challenge, and that getting glasses will help her read and engage more.
