January 27, 2006

EVERGREEN AREA SCHOOL BRIEFS

Dr. Arturo E. Ocampo, Director of Diversity at San Jose/
Evergreen Community College District Presents EEO Plan
To California Community College Board of Governors

Dr. Arturo E. Ocampo, Director of Diversity of the San Jose / Evergreen Com-munity College District presented the final draft of the Equal Employment Opportunity Plan to the California Community College Board of Governor’s meeting on Jan. 17.

Dr. Ocampo is the project director for the EEO plan.

“This plan will provide the California Community College District’s with a model EEO plan for all community college districts in the state,” said Ocampo.

Other project specialists assisting Ocampo include Project Specialists Dr. Guadalupe Friaz, Nahareen Rahim, and Andres Segura; and Administrative Assistant Carmen Medeiros, Office of Diversity; San Jose/Evergreen Community College District.

“When Proposition 209 passed a few years ago, it was widely believed that we no longer had any obligation to pay attention to race and gender in hiring and retention of employees,” said Rosa Pérez, Chancellor, San Jose/Evergreen Community College District. “Our District has stayed focused and bold in its Board adopted policies that show that the laws regarding non-discrimination and equal opportunity still obligate us to be diligent about these matters. No other community college district in California provides the level of aggressive review and protection that we offer at San Jose/Evergreen.”

“The Model EEO Plan addresses the requirements of Education Code section 87106(b) by providing a model plan for compliance with Board of Governors regulations on equal employment opportunity hiring and applicable state and federal nondiscrimination statutes and for guidance in improving the equality of opportunity,” added Dr. Ocampo.

California community college districts are responsible for the preparation of an equal employment opportunity plan to be submitted and approved by the State Chancellor’s Office.

“Equal Employment Opportunity” means that all qualified individuals have a full and fair opportunity to compete for hiring and promotion and to enjoy the benefits of employment with the district. Equal employment opportunity should exist at all levels and in all job categories listed in section 53004(a) of Title V. Ensuring equal employment opportunity also involves creating an environment that fosters cooperation, acceptance, democracy, and free expression of ideas and that is welcoming to all individuals.

An “Equal Employment Opportunity Plan” is a written document in which a district’s work force is analyzed and specific plans and procedures are set forth for ensuring equal employment opportunity. This Model Plan will allow for efficient reviews of district plans by the districts and the Chancellor’s Office.

“Between March and July, our team will provide training to all California Community College Districts,” said Ocampo. “This plan is meant to be a model; it is up to each district to adapt it to their special needs.”

Holly Oak teaches students about U.S. Flag, citizenship

Holly Oak Elementary School students receive miniature U.S. flags from Christopher Roberts during lessons on citizenship and the flag, held Jan. 12 and 13.

More than 500 students over two days took part in lessons by Holly Oak Elementary School on citizenship on Jan. 12 and 13.

Topping off the month, Holly Oak Elementary School got a pleasant surprise when Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren flew the United States Flag at the Capi-tol on Friday, Jan. 13, in honor of the school and their students.

Holly Oak, which holds monthly lessons on a particular skill, held classes on the U.S. flag, connected with character skill program for January.  

A parent volunteer, Christopher Roberts (a Holly Oak parent), taught Holly Oak students over two days. That information was shared with Congresswoman Lofgren, who in turn recognized Holly Oak in this grand manner.

Principal Leila Welch said she is very proud of her “students, staff and community members and is a very strong supporter of parent and community involvement.”

She added that she was very thankful of Roberts’ volunteerism and the value he added to the Holly Oak school community. Each student received a mini flag and the actual flag flown at the U.S. Capitol will be presented to the school at a later date.