Education

Milpitas High School (MHS)

Milpitas High School Home Page
1285 Escuela Parkway
Milpitas, CA 95035

408-635-2800


2020 MHS Senior Awards
Jun 5, 2020

Activism


Azen Seagulls Project
New videos every Monday. A non-profit organization that aims to educate about art. The Azen Seagulls strive to share our love for arts and crafts with others. We provide engaging and interactive videos for young kids and teens that will enhance or begin their experience with arts and crafts. Especially with quarantine, we believe it’s the perfect time to explore new things, and we believe that art can take you places!

The EcoWay
Grow. Give. Gratify. Join us to help enhance the environment one step at a time. Sign up now! https://www.instagram.com/team.ecoway/.

Milpitas Interact
An international service organization for youths ages 12-18. It promotes leadership, responsible citizenship, international understanding, and peace. It allows opportunities for having fun while carrying out service projects and learning about the world. Sponsored by local Rotary Club.

Milpitas Xtreme Robotics Making 3D Face Shields
One of the new projects we have undertaken is our effort to 3D print face shield parts in partnership with Maker Nexus to donate to local hospitals, and we have already printed over 50 so far.

Project Maskify
GoFundMe site. We strive to equip our first line of defense against COVID-19, our healthcare workers in the Santa Clara County, with handmade masks.


Read For a Cause aka My roots Are Rich
Facebook link. Our mission is to empower, inspire, and educate people, by reinforcing the rich culture of African Americans and their contributions to America. Instagram, YouTube. Sign up to read. Kids through adults welcome.

Alumni


Milpitas High School Class of 2019 Graduation Slideshow

Alumni
A number of classes from Milpitas High School and Ayer High School have virtual and real reunions. Contact fellow graduates through this Yahoo Group.

Hall of Fame
MHS recognizes alumni and staff who have contributed greatly to the school and the community. Dinner held each November.

Milpitas Alumni Memorial Page
Facebook page to memorialize those from our schools who have passed away.

Athletics


3-STAR National Recruit | Tariq Bracy – RB/DB – Milpitas Trojans
More Milpitas High School Football Videos

Milpitas Trojans Official Athletics Website
Fall, Winter and Spring sports lists for boys and girls.

Milpitas Trojans Athletics on Instagram
Congratulations to everyone for an outstanding performance, effort, and endurance through a challenging school year.

Milpitas High School Athletic Booster Club
Here you’ll find the latest pictures and news about the Booster Club and upcoming events. Visit us regularly to see what we’re up to.

AD Milpitas High School
Find the results of recent athletic events here on Twitter.

Streaming MHS Football Games
Every Trojan home game streamed live here. Subscribe to get unlimited access.

Tweets by AD Milpitas High
Tweets by Athletic Department at Milpitas High.

Calendars and Events

2020-2021 Milpitas High School Calendar
School begins Thursday, August 13, 2020. Last day of school (Finals last day), Thursday, June 3, 2021. Graduation Friday, June 4, 2021, 6:30pm.

Clubs

Milpitas High School Clubs and Organizations
The Governing Board is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs, activities, and practices shall be free from discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. The Board shall promote programs which ensure that discriminatory practices are eliminated in all district activities. (BP 0410)

Milpitas High School Science Olympiad
Whether you are new or a returner, we would love to have you join and experience many new, memorable opportunities with us. Due to the pandemic, we will have changes to our system in regards to meetings and competition–all of which will be discussed in our introductory meeting.

Milpitas Speech and Debate
The official Facebook page for the Milpitas High School Speech and Debate team. Like and Follow for updates regarding the team and upcoming events.

The Union
The official website of the Mipitas High School Newspaper.

Facebook

Humans of Milpitas High
The story behind the faces of MHS, one person at a time. Run by the students of the Union.

Milpitas High School
Milpitas High School empowers all students to succeed in and contribute to our global community.

Map to Milpitas High School

Music


Milpitas High School Fight Song, March 4, 2021.
Here is our school’s fight song done virtually by members of our band and color guard.

Milpitas Misfits / Hip Hop Club Lunar Show 2018

Milpitas High School Marching Band 2019 Dublin

Milpitas High School Music Department
Schedules, Director and staff, photos, alumni info.

Music Boosters
The Music Boosters is comprised entirely of parent and community volunteers that work to add funding to the programs, and they assist the program in many different volunteer aspects.Parents

MHS Parent, Teacher Student Association
We believe that parental involvement in education is a critical element for success at Milpitas High School. We provide a link between staff and parents to support all of our students.

Parent/Student Handbook
We have high expectations for every student, and provide multiple opportunities and pathways for success. We provide learning opportunities for all, and create nurturing environments where students are inspired and empowered.

A Perfect Partnership: School & Program Needs
Schools looking for businesses and non-profits to partner with schools to provide funding or sources for the following school and program needs in Milpitas.

Order a MHS Transcript
Order your Milpitas High School transcript through Parchment. In one place, request transcripts, store them securely and send official transcripts to any destination worldwide.

More resources for parents

Staff

Staff Resources and Directory
Everything staff needs to use or communicate with one another.

Work Permits

Work Permits for Students
Bring your completed application to Milpitas High School between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for processing.

Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association Scholarship

Sunnyhills Scholarship

The Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association (SNA) recognizes the importance of higher education to the residents of our community, and the burden of it’s expense, especially for those in financial need. The SNA Scholarship is available to members of the senior class of Milpitas High School (MHS) and Calaveras Hills High School (CHHS) who will attend college following graduation and are from the Sunnyhills area (from the Milpitas/Fremont border to Jacklin Blvd, between Milpitas Blvd. and I-680). Priority will be given to those who can establish financial need and those who have volunteered or performed community service for SNA. The scholarship shall be presented at the Milpitas High School Senior Awards ceremony or the Calaveras Hills High School Awards Night.

Get original copy of application form

Award: 

$500 Scholarship

Deadline:

Applications must be received by email no later than April 15, at 3PM, at info@SunnyhillsNeighborhood.org

Eligibility:

  • Must be a graduating senior at Milpitas High School or Calaveras Hills High School
  • Must plan on attending a 2 or a 4-year college or university in the fall of the year of graduation and taking a “full-time student class load”
  • Must compose a 1,000 word essay or an 8 minute video on the following topic: How has living in Sunnyhills made a difference in who I have become?”

Submission Requirements:

  1. Completed Cover Page
  2. MHS and/or CHHS Unofficial Transcript
  3. Evidence of volunteering or providing community service for the SNA if relevant
  4. Copy of free or reduced lunch documentation if relevant to establishing financial need
  5. 1,000 word computer printed essay or link to 8 minute video on the topic “How has living in Sunnyhills made a difference in who I have become?”

Selection:

The winner will be selected by a panel of Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association members who will choose the most inspiring applicant. The winner will be announced at the winner’s  Awards Night in May. All decisions are final.

Payment:

The check will be issued by SNA upon receipt of the winner’s Fall class schedule as proof of full-time enrollment in a 2 or 4 year college program. The winner’s schedule must be received by SNA by Oct.1, 2021. Please send proof to Sunnyhills Neighborhood Association, 1421 Yellowstone Ave, Milpitas, CA 95035-6913 or info@sunnyhillsneighborhood.org

Application Form

All of the following must be submitted along with this complete application:

  1. A copy of your unofficial high school transcript
  2. A 1,000 word essay or 8 minute video about how living in Sunnyhills made a difference in who you have become.
  3. Evidence of free or reduced lunch status if relevant.
  4. Evidence of volunteer service for SNA if relevant.

Education Demographics for Milpitas

A resource page for gathering recent education demographics for Milpitas Unified School District student data and statistics.

education demographics

California

A Lexicon of Learning
Education, like all professions, has a specialized vocabulary that parents and others may have a difficult time understanding. This online dictionary, A Lexicon of Learning, provides clear definitions of educational terms in everyday language.

Databases

California School Dashboard
Milpitas Unified School District education demographics reports.

Data & Statistics
Administration of data and statistics collected from California’s schools and learning support resources for the purpose of identifying trends, measuring performance, and identifying educational needs.

DataQuest
Provides meaningful data and statistics about California’s K-12 public educational system that supports a wide variety of informational, research, and policy needs. Summary and detailed data reports are available for multiple subject areas at the school, district, county, and state levels.

District Overview
From GreatSchools.Net, Milpitas schools reviewed here. Information on this page is based on data provided by schools to the California Department of Education.

National Assessment of Educational Progress
NAEP, often called “The Nation’s Report Card,” can let you know how well the public schools in California are teaching reading and other basic skills.

English Learners

English Learner Students by Language by Grade Milpitas Unified 2020-21
You’ll be amazed by the number of languages spoken in the homes of Milpitas students.

Language Groups that Meet the ’15 Percent and Above’ Translation Needs For Milpitas Unified (2020-21)
Spanish and Vietnamese students are the largest groups of students needing translation help in schools here.

Funding

Budget Act for 2020–21: Information
This letter, prepared by the California Department of Education (CDE) fiscal policy staff, provides information on the budget actions that affect Kindergarten through grade twelve (K–12), adult education, and early education programs. In the May Revision, the Governor announced that the state faced a revenue shortfall of well over $50 billion, and deep cuts across all state programs, including education, were necessary in order to balance the budget.

Graduates

12th Grade Graduates Completing all Courses Required for UC and/or CSU Entrance All Students Milpitas Unified (2016-17)
Out of 753 graduates of Milpitas High, 401 graduated with UC/CSU required courses in 2017. (Last date available 4/2021.)

Private and Parochial Schools in or Near Milpitas

Milpitas has a good number of alternatives to public schools within the city limits or quite close by, including a homeschool group. Check out these private schools here in Milpitas and nearby.

In Milpitas or Very Close By

Merryhill School
We teach the core academics of reading, writing and math along with Spanish, technology, wellness and physical education. Owned and operated by Spring Education Group, a Chinese investment group.
1500 Yosemite Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035
408-945-9090

Milpitas/Berryessa Community Chinese School
To enrich the quality of life with Chinese heritage for our children. Classes held in several north San Jose locations.
P.O. Box 32988, San Jose, CA 95132
Voice Mail: 408-764-9648

North Valley Chinese School
NVCS provides an environment for youth in Milpitas and the surrounding areas to develop their Chinese language skills and experience the variety of the Chinese culture. Facebook Page.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 361856. Regular Classes are on every Saturday from 9am-11:30am, then Culture classes are from 11:40am -12:25pm. Location of all Classes:
Milpitas Christian School(MCS) Main Campus
3435 Birchwood Lane
San Jose, CA 95132
408-849-9421

Opportunity Youth Academy Sobrato
Charter school that offers high school students a blended learning program of teacher-directed instruction and online credit accrual and recovery options.
512 Valley Way
844-692-4888

Stratford School

Stratford School
The private Stratford School, which has campuses around the Bay Area serving preschool, elementary and middle school students, has submitted an application to operate a 55,600-square-foot school within the former Heald College site. Teachers wanted. Owned and operated by Spring Education Group, a Chinese investment group.
408-914-9000
341 Great Mall Parkway
and
25 Corning Ave

Homeschooling

In California, families homeschool by forming a small, private school. See a2zhomeschooling.com for more information.

Milpitas Homeschool Support
We’re a relaxed group, with no bylaws or dues: everything is free or pay as you go. We support all local homeschool families no matter how they choose to homeschool or why. Most families come from Milpitas, or close by in Berryessa (San Jose) or Warm Springs (Fremont) neighborhoods.

California Homeschooling
This is part of the A to Z Home’s Cool Homeschooling website, which I once owned. You can find out about state-wide associations, laws pertaining to homeschooling, events, and resources such as field trips. Resources here to help any family working academically with their children at home.

Non-Denominational Schools Nearby

Canyon Heights Academy
The rich content of our liberal arts-based curriculum allows our students to discover the world around them, think critically about it, and meet the challenges of life.
775 Waldo Road, Campbell, CA 95008
408-370-6727

Carden Academy of Almaden
Carden Academy of Almaden is a co-educational, non-sectarian, independent private elementary and middle school. Our spacious and newly remodeled campus is near Meridian Ave and Highway 85 in San Jose.
5200 Dent Avenue, San Jose, CA 95118
408-265-3392

Castilleja School
Castilleja is the only non-sectarian all-girls middle and high school in the San Francisco Bay Area. A college-preparatory school, we enroll 415 girls in grades six through twelve.
1310 Bryant Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-328-3160

Challenger Schools
Challenger helps children become adults who are led by neither peer pressures nor common sentiment, but by the strength of their own thinking.
Several Locations Nearby. Put 95035 in search field.

French-American School of Silicon Valley
An academically excellent, integrated, French-American bilingual and bicultural education, infused with the principles of self-expression and differentiated pedagogy.
1522 Lewiston Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94087
408-746-0460

Harker School
We enroll 400 students and provide an exceptional education in science, math, history, literature, Jewish studies, Hebrew language, music, fine arts, sports, and technology.
Several Locations and Contact Numbers, San Jose, CA.

Hillbrook School
Hillbrook joins with parents in creating an environment which considers the development of empathy, compassion and caring for others as equal in importance to academic excellence and intellectual inquiry.
300 Marchmont Dr., Los Gatos, CA 95032
408-356-6110

Menlo School
An independent, coeducational college preparatory day school for students in grades 6-12.
50 Valparaiso Avenue, Atherton, CA 94027
650-330-2000

Oakwood
Beginning in preschool, students learn through a hands-on, multi-sensory approach, learning to work, play and share with others while developing self-esteem through many meaningful experiences.
105 John Wilson Way, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
408-782-7177

Silicon Valley International School
Students here learn more than just an additional language, they learn how to become agile, responsive, global thinkers. Our three bilingual programs (Chinese, French, or German) are strengthened through the IB (International Baccalaureate) framework that codifies our structured inquiry pedagogy.
151 Laura Lane, Palo Alto, CA 94303
650-251-8500

Valley International Academy
College Prep Academy for grades 6-12 with classical curriculum, small classes and scholarships. Homeschool, after school and summer school programs.
Campbell Community Center, 1 W. Campbell Ave. Room E-43, Campbell CA 94087.
408-249-1488 [Correct Phone Number.]

Parochial Schools

Catholic Parochial Schools
In Milpitas there is just one Catholic school, so often Catholic parents will enroll there children near one where they work.

Protestant
Both protestant christian schools are located at the south end of Milpitas. One just within the Milpitas border, and one a few blocks into San Jose.

Jewish

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School
We enroll 400 students and provide an exceptional education in science, math, history, literature, Jewish studies, Hebrew language, music, fine arts, sports, and technology.
450 San Antonio Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306
650-494-8200

Directories of Area Private Schools

The Bay Area Private School Guide
Explore private K-12 education in the San Francisco Bay Area. Choose a school for your child, research scholarships or special education programs, or look to find a teaching job.

Milpitas Alumni Groups & Reunions

Milpitas Library

Milpitas Elementary Alumni
Milpitas Elementary Alumni showed up Saturday, January 10, 2009 for the Grand Opening Ceremony of the “New” Public Library In front of the historic Milpitas Grammar School, 160 N. Main St.

School Alumni Groups

Milpitas, Ayer and Calaveras Alumni
Alumni from the city of Milpitas, CA. Milpitas High, Samuel Ayer high, Calaveras High, Rancho Jr. and Randall Jr. When you join the group, announce yourself on the wall by your school, year and maiden name, if needed. If you don’t see your Yearbook cover, post it under the Photo Sections. If you are the “leader” or “Prez” of your Alumni Class, let me know what School and Year and I’ll add you to the Admin.

Milpitas High Class Reunion Organizers
Open to Reunion Organizers for classes that graduated from Milpitas High, and those that track school reunion info. Please use this group to help find your missing classmates, share ideas, plan mixed-grad year activities, etc.

Milpitas High School on Facebook
Join and post on The Wall or discussion board. View photos of old friends. Find out what they are doing now!

Milpitas High School Alumni Registry
Add your name to this registry, or find alumni. This registry is a part of Classmates.com.

Rancho Jr. high on Facebook
If you were a Rancho Don, then this group is for you.

Samuel Ayer High School Alumni
For all graduates and former students and teachers of Samuel Ayer High School from 1959 to its closing in 1980 and their families. A place to share memories, reconnect or make new friends with others who are connected to the Samuel Ayer Trojans and the great city of Milpitas, California! (Please add SAHS to your “INFO” school, so we can add you without further inquiries!)

Class Alumni Groups

Samuel Ayer High – Class of 76
Watch here for announcements and details related to (a possible) 40 year reunion for 2016. If you have ideas for venues, locations, and/or activities please let us know. Also, if you would like to help in any way (i.e. getting the word out, planning, finding classmates, etc.) let us know.

Samuel Ayer Trojans Class of 1978
A place where we can reminisce, reflect and renew old friendships.

MHS Class of 1979
30th Reunion Saturday, August 15, 2009, 6p to midnight, at the Fremont Marriott, with a picnic the next day. An active message board where you may get information or contact other alumni. Moderator is Trish McDermott, 510-501-0692 or mhs1979@comcast.net.

Milpitas High School Class Of 1980
Facebook group announcing life events for the Class of 1980.

Ayer/Milpitas H.S. Class of 1981
Class of 1981 had a 30th reunion in 2011. Let’s get everyone reconnect here so we can have a great 35th. We don’t care if you graduated at another school or earlier or later than the rest of us. If you went through a good part of school with us, and we are your friends, we want to see you at the reunions!

Milpitas High School & Cal Hills Class of 1986!
A place for the Class of 86! Milpitas High & Cal Hills Classmates. 30th Reunion Announcement! Come on, Class of ’86!

Milpitas High School Class of 1987 30 Year Reunion
We are in the beginning stages of organizing our 30 year reunion for Milpitas High School Class of 1987. Like and turn on notifications to stay updated. Website.

MHS Class of 1988
For all the people out there that graduated or was ever a member of M.H.S. Class of 1988. (all Cal Hill graduates are welcome!!!!!!)

Milpitas High School Class of ’89 20 Year Reunion
Here lies the remains of the Milpitas High School CLASS OF 1988!   Come one, come all… Once a fairly lively Yahoo Group

Milpitas High School Class of 1990 20-Year Reunion Group
Hello class of 90, does anyone know about what’s going on with are 25th class reunion?

Milpitas High School Class of 1991
Hello, Milpitas High School Class of 1991! We have created a Facebook group to keep you posted on any news, upcoming events, & also provide you with a place to share your pictures, memories, & thoughts.

Milpitas High School Class of 1992 Alumni
Connecting with all Class of 1992 graduates!

Milpitas Class of 1993
GO MILPITAS HIGH SCHOOL!!! THE MIGHTY CLASS OF 93 IS ON THE PREMISES!!! Anybody who graduated from MHS in 1993 is welcome to join. Anybody who graduated from Cal Hills in 1993 is welcome to join.

Milpitas Class of 1994 Alumni
Milpitas only shares certain information with everyone. To learn more about Milpitas, add him as a friend.

Milpitas High School Class of 1995
Welcome Class of ’95! It’s great to see you! Come here to reminisce, share photos and videos, relive memories and learn about any events we have coming up, including our 20th Reunion!

MHS Class of 1996
This is an alumni Facebook group for members of the Class of 1996 of Milpitas High School, Milpitas, CA.

Milpitas High School, Class of 1996
Has it really been almost 22 years since we graduated?!

Milpitas High School, Class of 1997
Has it really been almost 21 years since we graduated?!

Milpitas HIgh School Alumni Class of 2000
For Alumni of Milpitas High School, Class of 2000… Please feel free to add any fellow classmates.

Milpitas High School Class of 2005
Looks like not enough interest, so reunion may be cancelled or downsized.

Milpitas High School Class of 2006 and ’06
For the Milpitas High School Class of 2006 to re-connect.

Milpitas High School Class of 2008
It’s been nearly 10 years since we graduated MHS! Please add our classmates from the class of 2008 so we can plan our 10-year reunion.

Milpitas High School Class Of 2010
Join this Facebook Group if you graduated from Milpitas High in 2010.

Milpitas High School Class Of 2011
For all the Milpitas High students graduating in 2011!

Milpitas High School Class Of 2013
Pride to SOPHOMORES We’re so much MORE than cool, we got a page here. Add our sister site.

Milpitas High School Class Of 2020
Parents of MHS Class of 2020 Students.

Samuel Ayer High School Alumni – 1959 to 1980
Reunion planned in September 2019 in Murphy Park.

Memorial and Other Alumni Notification Groups

Milpitas Alumni Memorial Page
Remember the passing of any Milpitas school’s alumni or staff.

A Perfect Partnership: School & Program Needs

Schools looking for businesses and non-profits (CDOs) to partner with schools to provide funding or sources for the following school and program needs in Milpitas.

MUSD & CBOs Sept. 9_2020 School-Program Needs

The school district may edit this table from time to time in their Google Docs. Check here for A Perfect Partnership: MUSD & CBOs Sept. 9, 2020 School/Program Needs.

Should we homeschool independently during Covid-19?

I have already heard from several parents who are open to homeschooling independently from the Milpitas School District this coming school year, 2020-2021. If you have additional questions, please use the chat bot to contact me, Ann Zeise. If you want me to call you, please leave your name and phone number and a good time to call. I will only use that information to contact you.

First, what do you need to consider?

Primarily consider putting your family health first. If someone in your household is compromised such as they might die if they catch Covid-19, then definitely read on.

Did your children enjoy the online EcuatEveryWhere virtual classroom?

The district has learned some things, so they are calling it Version 2.0 this year. But if learning at the computer is not ideal for your child or your home life, consider that, when homeschooling outside of an online program, your child could spend more time learning with you or other family members, or on their own, reading a wide variety of books on all sorts of things they’d rather be learning about. They could be playing games with other family members, learning strategies useful through life. This is not to say they would never be on a computer, but it would be for learning computer applications, or learning with resources there that they truly enjoy and find worthwhile.

Does you child expect the same social experience that they had at school pre-Covid?

It won’t be like any new school year.

Their best friends may be in a different class. They will be assigned a new teacher, and will be with the same 10 or so students throughout the year, virtually now, and in maybe 2 days of school each week in 2021. Does that sound like normal socialization to you?

Milpitas USD plan for the 2020-2021 school year

When in-person instruction is appropriate, we have a phased-in hybrid plan to minimize risk for students and staff, with consideration of scientific research regarding the spread of COVID-19. This includes:

  • Limiting numbers of students on campuses to meet PHD guidelines
  • Maintaining stable cohorts of students & teachers with measures to avoid mixing elementary students with other classes on campus

There won’t be time to be social with the other children: no recess play, no lunch break. Grab & Go lunches will be provided for kids to take home, which I’m sure will be nutritious, but will they be foods your child enjoys?

There will be lots of time spent reinforcing “wellness protocols.” Try to imagine what keeping 10 kids 6′ apart for a full school day is going to be like?

  • Establish daily wellness protocols
  • Ensure we have adequate supplies of personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer, and access to handwashing
  • Establish protocols to sanitize frequently used facilities and high touch surfaces
  • Signage and floor markings directing students moving between classes and using safety precautions at all times

Are you or your child concerned about grades?

When home educating, parents instruct their children until they are pretty sure they understand a concept. Only then do they give them some time to work independently for practicing the new skill. The parent stays nearby and answers questions as they come up, when the child isn’t confident about something in the assignment. There is no shame is asking for help from mom or dad or an older sibling. Thus, the assignment is 100% correct. Both the parent and the student knows this. You don’t have to report an “A” to anyone else.

What if you have a high school student who is college bound or intent on a career that takes special skills.

Homeschooled high schoolers get into colleges all the time. Have for decades. Colleges love them! They have learned to research independently on some topic of high interest, much like a grad student. Yes, they need to show mastery in what that college expects, but not some general competency required by some unnamed university. In other words, they can create a portfolio of the amazing things they’ve accomplished where they have talent: might be an artist wanting to get into an art college, an aspiring scientist wanting to go to MIT, an entrepreneur starting his own business at age 15, a writer completing and publishing her first work at age 16. The list is endless. Colleges are like orchestras: they are looking for a diverse student body, with enough students that can thrive in each of their many programs.

What about state standards? Do we have to follow them?

Take a look at the skills that are recommended at each grade level. They may give you some idea of what children in each grade level should be able to learn, if they are have a “standard” intelligence level. Is our child “standard?” Have yet to have a parent tell me their child was average.

Here’s what the Reading Comprehension and Writing Skills overview looks like. Could you do this at home?

“With an emphasis on developing comprehension with texts, students are exposed to a variety of literature and informational texts and learn how different genres, or types, of books have different structures. Students are encouraged to read, read, read and to expand their knowledge in areas of personal interest or new research topics. They begin to develop analytical skills, going beyond stating explicit information from the text to learning how to draw inferences and how to summarize what they read.”

“In grades three through five, students are becoming more sophisticated writers and speakers. These skills include engaging in research projects that question what they read and hear, taking information and putting it into their own words, and creating written pieces that follow a structure geared toward a writing purpose (e.g., a narrative story, an informational report, or an opinion text). Classrooms allow children to explore new topics using books, videos, and technology and participate in interactive, collaborative activities with teachers and classmates.”

At home, of course, your children will collaborate with other family members, usually people of a variety of ages, more like the real world. Have you ever collaborated with only people born around the year of your birth? Probably not.

OK, what about something harder than elementary language arts. How about high school science!

“The goal of the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS) is to prepare California students to be informed citizens and future scientists. Students build science mastery through repeated learning experiences centered around everyday events in nature and their lives (“phenomena”). Focusing instruction around these observable phenomena allows students to understand how their world works and gives them the tools to solve problems they identify in it. Students shift from learning facts about science to actually engaging in the practices of science. They learn how to be scientists!”

I emphasized that phrase about nature and their lives, because I don’t believe that the controlled experiences at a high school are at all as wide and interesting as the experiences a teen has in their home and neighborhood. They will be able to devise their own hypotheses, design experiments over and over, and draw their own conclusions based on scientific evidence they have uncovered. No time limits! If the experiment will take weeks, so what? Here are some scientists who were homeschooled or have homeschooled their children.

Where do I learn more about homeschooling?

If you want to learn a whole lot about homeschooling in California right NOW, may I suggest you  check the HSC Conference site. They have been having it in San Jose recently, so handy for us here in Milpitas. It is usually held in late July or early August.

We also have a virtual homeschool group here in Milpitas that has both a page and a group on Facebook.

Milpitas Homeschool Support – East Side Silicon Valley, California
Are you transitioning from the school district’s online program, to homeschooling on your own? We long-time Milpitas homeschoolers can tell you about the various ways to legally homeschool here, resources, and connections. A page, open to anyone for comments. Full of resources for homeschool families, and those who enjoy doing things with their kids.

Milpitas Homeschool Support Group
This is a private group for those who homeschool or plan to homeschool in Milpitas to look for nearby homeschool friends, invite others to join them for an event. You need to be homeschooling a child Kindergarten age or older. Younger and older siblings may attend events if appropriate. This is not a religious group, but is tolerant of all. If you wish to discuss something related to your religion, be very clear about your beliefs so that replies will be relevant. If your Facebook profile says you live in any other city other than Milpitas, you will not be allowed to join, as we want to find homeschool kids ages 5-17 and living nearby.

See also ~ Homeschooling – Milpitas Homeschool Support Group

Milpitas Unified School District Contact & Maps

MUSD

Milpitas Unified School District

MUSD with Contact Info

MUSD
1331 East Calaveras Blvd.
Milpitas, CA 95035
408-635-2600
Superintendent: Cheryl Jordan, x6037

Click on school name to go to its website.
Click on address for map.
Click on principal’s name to bring up an addressed email.
When on cell phone, click on phone number to dial. Area code 408 is already in there.

Get Directions

Child Development Centers

Rose Child Development Center
250A Roswell Drive
635-2686
Coordinator: Gerardo Lopez
Head Teacher: Rita Elmore

Sunnyhills Child Development Center
356 Dixon Road
Site Secretary: Jennifer Bailey

Elementary Schools

#2 Burnett Elementary School
400 Fanyon Street
635-2650
Principal: Hanna Asrat
More Staff Contacts

#3 Curtner Elementary School
275 Redwood Ave
635-2852
Principal Stephanie Park
Staff Directory

Mabel Mattos Elementary
1750 McCandless Dr.
408-635-2695
Principal: Jackie Vo Felbinger

#11 Pomeroy Elementary School
1505 Escuela Parkway
635-2858
Principal: Nichol Klein

#8 Randall Elementary School
Milpitas’ First School with Dual-Immersion Program Primera Escuela de Milpitas con programa de inmersión dual
1300 Edsel
635-2662
Co-Principal: Kristan M. Prolo
Co-Principal: Olivia Contreras

#9 Rose Elementary School
250 Rosewell Drive
635-2668
Principal: Nanci Pass

#4 Sinnott Elementary School
2025 Yellowstone Ave
635-2674
Principal: Laurie Armino

#1 Spangler Elementary School
140 N. Abbott Ave
635-2870
Principal: Luis Lopez

#5 Weller Elementary School
345 Boulder Street
635-2876
Principal: Alicia Padilla

#7 Zanker Elementary School
1585 Fallen Leaf Drive
635-2882
Principal: Shangrila Mia-Ramzan
Front Office Team

Middle Schools

#10 Rancho Milpitas Middle School
Rancho Facebook Page
1915 Yellowstone Ave
635-2656
Principal: Casey McMurray

#11 Thomas Russell Middle School
1500 Escuela Parkway
635-2864
Principal: Sean Anglon

High Schools

Calaveras Hills High School
1331 E. Calaveras Blvd
635-2690
Principal: Carl Stice

#11 Milpitas High School
1285 Escuela Parkway
635-2800
Principal: Francis Rojas

Adult Schools

Adult Education
1331 E. Calaveras Blvd
635-2692
Principal: Giuliana Brahim

See also Adult Education for college level schools and universities.

Catholic Parochial Schools

In Milpitas there is just one Catholic school, so often Catholic parents will enroll their children near one where they work.

In Milpitas

St. John the Baptist Catholic School
Serves the families of Milpitas and the Santa Clara Valley, with its central purpose being to assist parents in the Christian education of their children.
360 S Abel, Milpitas, CA 95035
408-262-8110

Near Where We Work in Silicon Valley

Archbishop Mitty High School
Recognized as one of the premier Catholic, college preparatory schools in the United States.
5000 Mitty Avenue, San Jose, CA 95129
408-252-6610.

Bellarmine

Bellarmine College Prep
A Jesuit secondary school. The school enrolls over 1390 students from an extensive geographic area: north to Burlingame and San Francisco, east to Fremont and Livermore, west to Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz, and south to Watsonville and Gilroy.
850 Elm Street, San Jose, CA 95126
408-294-9224 or (888) GO BELLS.

Holy Family School
A parish school rich in the tradition of Catholic education and committed to academic excellence.
4850 Pearl Ave., San Jose, Ca 95136
408-978-1355.

Most Holy Trinity School
As Catholic educators, we seek to emulate the teachings of Jesus and seek opportunities for prayer, model self-reflection and action.
1940 Cunningham Ave., San Jose, CA 95122
408-729-3431.

Notre Dame High School, Belmont
A strong Catholic college preparatory program delivered in a nurturing, moral, focused, and challenging academic environment.
1540 Ralston Ave., Belmont, CA 94002
(650) 595-1913.

Notre Dame High School, San Jose
A private, Catholic, college preparatory high school for girls founded in 1851 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and operates within the Diocese of San Jose.
596 S. Second St., San Jose, CA 95112
408-294-1113.

Presentation High School
A college-preparatory secondary school for girls whose purpose and direction flow from the teaching mission of the Catholic Church and the educational ministry of the Sisters of the Presentation.
2281 Plummer Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125
408-264-1664.

Resurrection Catholic School
A Catholic elementary school. The school draws from a multi-ethnic mix of students, providing an opportunity for a Catholic education to the children of our parish and the community at large.
1395 Hollenbeck Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94087
408-245-4571.

St. Clare School
Integration of the gospel message through teaching, leading, service, and worshiping distinguishes us among other schools. We offer full-day kindergarten, core subjects in first through eighth grade.
725 Washington Street, Santa Clara, CA 95050
408-246-6797.

St. Joseph of Cupertino School
We are affiliated with the Diocese of San Jose, and we are the only Catholic school in Cupertino.
10120 N. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014
408-252-6441.

St. Justin School
Grades K-8. We strive to prepare our students to proclaim the Gospel message of Jesus and to translate this proclamation into action.
2655 Homestead Rd., Santa Clara, CA 95051
408-248-1094.

St. Lucy Parish School
A quality, faith-based Catholic education and community that develops faithful members of the Catholic Church and society.
76 Kennedy Ave, Campbell, CA 95008
408-871-8023

More Diocese of San Jose Schools

Drivers Ed

California online driving class, practice tests, and other tips for teens to learn how to get a permit and California drivers license to be allowed to drive.


How to apply for a provisional permit if you are under 18

To apply for a provisional permit if you are under 18, you will need the following:

Driver License and Identification (ID) Card Information
To apply for a driver license if you are over 18, you will need to do the following. [Also check this DMV site if you have unusual circumstances. I cover only how an English-speaking, American teen can get a license to drive a car.]

Step 1

  • Pass the knowledge test. If you fail the test, you must wait 7 days (1 week), not including the day the test was failed, before retaking the test.
  • If you are 15½–17½ years old, you will need to provide proof that you:
  • Completed driver education (Certificate of Completion of Driver Education) OR
  • Are enrolled and participating in an approved integrated driver education/driver training program (Certificate of Enrollment in an Integrated [Classroom] Driver Education and Driver Training Program). For more information, refer to the Provisional Licensing (FFDL 19) Fast Facts brochure.

When it comes to home instruction, not one other course seems as vital as drivers education. It begins with learning safety as a pedestrian, and progresses through bicycle safety. Then, before you know it, you have a 15 year old teen who wants to earn a drivers license and drive the family car in traffic! At night! During bad weather!

The provisional permit is not valid until you start your behind-the-wheel driver training with an instructor or reach 17½ years old. If you have a permit and plan to drive outside of California, check licensing requirements in that state or country.

Your permit is not valid until you begin driver training; your instructor will sign the permit to validate it. You must practice with a licensed California driver: parent, guardian, driving instructor, spouse, or adult 25 years old or older. The person must sit close enough to you to take control of the vehicle at any time. A provisional permit does not allow you to drive alone at any time, not even to a DMV field office to take a driving test.

Here are some driving schools in nearby Silicon Valley cities.

The Best 10 Driving Schools in San Jose, CA
Learn to drive and qualify for a license in four weekend days. Teen program available. Read reviews in Yelp from students who have taken the driving lessons with each company.

Step 2

Wait times available on these links below for the office and the ones nearest it.

San Jose DMV Field Office
111 W. Alma Ave., 95110, (800) 777-0133. Online appointment.

Fremont DMV Field Office
4287 Central Ave., 94536, (800) 777-0133. Online appointment.

Santa Teresa DMV Field Office
180 Martinvale Lane., 95119, (800) 777-0133. Online appointment. Frequently has the shortest wait times.

Step 3

Be prepared with proper identification documents, proof of insurance, for the vision screening, and for the photograph.

  • Application form DL 44 – you can get this online through the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
    Obtain your parents’ or guardians’ signatures on the application form DL 44. When parents or guardians sign for a minor to get a driver license, they are stating that they will accept financial responsibility for that minor. Your parents will need to call their auto insurance agent to check what adjustments may need to be made to include a teen driver in their policy.
  • Provide your social security number.

How to Apply For a Social Security Card
If you need to replace a lost Social Security card, change the name shown on your card, or request a replacement card, you need to complete Form SS-5 which is available for download. Or you can call 1-800-772-1213.

Step 4

  • Study the Drivers Handbook

California Driver Handbook
You are responsible for knowing these tips and regulations before you take the driving test. DMV.

California Driver Handbook, Motorcycle Handbook
You are responsible for knowing these tips and regulations before you take the driving test. DMV.

  • Take a practice test online to get use to the language and format.

California Drivers Test
Interactive sample driving test online, if you have Java-enabled browser. Answer sheet available for those who don’t. From DMV site.

Step 5

What to expect at the DMV when you show up to take the written test.

  • Have all the forms mentioned in Step 2 with you plus the certificate awarded when you passed the drivers ed course.
  • Give a thumb print
  • Have your picture taken (Where to get a haircut in Milpitas.) This photo will be your primary identification for 4 years, so try to make it look great.
  • Pay the $12 application fee (This fee entitles you to three exams of any type within the 12-month period and pays for both the instruction permit and the driver license. If all requirements are not met within the 12-month period, the application becomes void and all steps must be completed again.)
  • Pass a vision exam (Eye care specialists in Milpitas.)
  • Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 46 questions on the test. A passing score is at least 39 correct answers. You have three chances to pass the test. If you fail, you must wait 7 days before taking it again.

Step 6

Get the Keys! Learn to drive!
Get the Keys! Learn to drive!

Congratulations! You passed the written test! What do you do for the next 6 months?

  • Locate a driving school and take the three 2-hour sessions of on-road instruction.

Driving School Association of California
Locate a driving school, safe driving tips, traffic schools, practice tests, insurance rates for new drivers.

  • Begin your on road driving lessons with your parent or guardian or other licensed driver 25 years old or older.
  • Complete 50 hours of practice with an adult 25 years or older. The adult must have a valid California driver license and certify to the 50 hours of practice. At least 10 of the 50 hours must have been done at night.
  • Learn all you can on how to be the best driver you can be.
  • Learn how to take care of the car entrusted to you.

Articles on Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Learn about Road Rage and how to defuse it. By Dr.Leon James and Dr. Diane Nahl.

Free DMV Practice Test for California Permit
Good driving habits that hold true on every highway.

New Driving Laws
The following are bills signed into law by the governor which have the most significant impact on the department.

Scooter Safety
Here are a few easily digestible guidelines for scooter safety that everyone who uses scooters should observe.

Teen New Drivers’ Homepage
Advice from one teenager to others. Some advice adults would probably not think to point out, such as how to best navigate a school parking lot, or that it is best not to hit a school bus. Look out for anything to do with the mail. If there’s one deer there’s bound to be another.

Winter Driving Tips
Winter driving on roads and highways in the snowcapped mountains of California can be a pleasant adventure or it can be frustrating, tiring and sometimes even hazardous. The CHP provides the following information to help make your mountain driving safe and pleasant.

Step 7

Before being eligible to take your driving test you must:

  • Be 16 years old

AND

  • Have possessed your permit for a minimum of six months

AND

AND

AND

  • Have completed 50 hours of practice with an adult 25 years or older. The adult must have a valid California driver license and certify to the 50 hours of practice. At least 10 of the 50 hours must have been done at night.

You will also need to show proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be taking your drive test in.

After you pass your drive test you will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days until you receive your new photo license in the mail. Double check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if you have moved or if your address is incorrect. If you have not received your license after 60 days, call (916) 657-7790 and they can check on the status for you. Have your interim license with you to provide information when requested.

If you fail your drive test, you must wait two weeks before you can take the test again. You have three chances to pass.

Step 8

Congratulations! You passed the road test! You have been issued a provisional license, which has these restrictions for the next year.

  • During the first 6 months you are licensed to drive you must be accompanied by a driver 25 years of age or older if you drive between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. or if you have passengers under the age of 20 in the car at any time.
  • During the second 6 months, you must still be accompanied by a driver 25 years of age or older if you drive between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m., however, now you may have passengers under the age of 20 in the car without supervision between the hours of 5 a.m. and midnight.

Persons under 18 may not be employed to drive a motor vehicle. When you become 18, the provisional part of your license ends. You may continue to drive as an adult using your photo license, which will expire on your 4th birthday after the date you applied.

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