News Archives

Stratford School has Unusual Funding Source

New Stratford School facility will open at former Orchard Supply site
By Eric Shapiro, Milpitas Beat, September 9, 2021
Per a Milpitas Planning Commision vote last month, on August 11, the 44,088-square-foot site will become a private school for students in preschool and early elementary grades. The school, which will be able to accommodate a maximum of 480 such students, will be operated by Stratford Schools, a company with existing locations on Great Mall Parkway and Corning Avenue, and is expected to open its doors in the Fall of 2022.

Go Milpitas
I dug a little deeper into Stratford’s business. Spring Education Group (SEG), is a for-profit private school company based in Campbell, (or Saratoga, depending on the site), California. SEG’s CEO is Shawn Weidmann. It is majority-owned by Primavera Capital Group, a Chinese-based investment group. Makes one wonder about end game here. If you want to go down another rabbit hole, google Fred Hu, the chair of Primavera. He, who attended Harvard, currently sits on Hong Kong Government’s Strategic Development Committee and the Advisory Committee for the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission. In other words, this is not the way your typical private school is funded. Primavera’s intention is to “Connect Global Investors to China’s Leading Companies.” Says so on the Primavera home page.

Spring Education Group is organized into 3 divisions:

The Early Childhood Education Division includes 135+ schools (as of 2021) offering infant care through PreK/K programs. Our locations span a nationwide geographic footprint and a diverse array of pedagogical approaches — including our proprietary Links to Learning curriculum that draws from the collective expertise of renowned early-age educators such as Dewey, Piaget and Vygotsky; Montessori schools that embrace both accredited Montessori methods – AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) and AMS (American Montessori Society); and progressive language immersion programs in Mandarin and Spanish.
The K-12 Division includes 55+ schools (as of 2021), with programs spanning Preschool, Elementary, Middle School and High School. Across all of our K-12 schools, the common theme is our dedication to providing high-quality education and delivering superior educational outcomes through a variety of acclaimed pedagogical approaches. Our proven curricula include the top-ranked BASIS Curriculum used in our BASIS Independent Schools and Stratford’s STEAM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum that was recognized by the White House as a leader in early childhood STEM education.
The Online Division features Laurel Springs School, a WASC-accredited pioneer in online private school education since 1991 that provides flexible and personalized learning experiences for students in kindergarten through 12th grade and beyond.

The SEG is buying up schools right and left all over the US. If you have one to sell them, just fill out the form and they’ll gobble it up, and run it and invest in it from Communist China. They already own Merryhill School in Milpitas.

What does Shawn Weidmann bring to your child’s education through experienced leadership of educators? Shawn joined Stratford School as the CEO in April 2015. Previously, he was the COO of Public Storage, the world’s largest operator of self-storage facilities with over 2200 sites in the 38 states. His extensive career as a leader includes being President of Teleflora, the world’s largest network of retail florists; consultant at McKinsey & Company; product manager for Progressive Insurance; and a partner at EHS Partners, a boutique consulting firm. He launched his career as an Army officer, leaving active duty as a Captain.

Fire in the laundry room at the Humane Society 2024-12-16

Fire in the laundry room at the Humane Society this Morning
Milpitas, CA – December 16, 2024

Here is the press release being sent out regarding the fire incident at Humane Society Silicon Valley this morning.

Temporary Closure of Medical, Adoptions and Community Services

This morning, a fire broke out in the laundry room at the Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) adoption center, resulting in damage to the laundry room as well as the operations and medical areas. Fortunately, there were no injuries to staff, volunteers, or animals. All animals have been safely evacuated and are being cared for in temporary accommodations.

As a result of the fire, HSSV has temporarily closed its Medical, Adoptions, and Community Services for today, December 16, 2024.

“We are incredibly grateful for the quick response from the Milpitas Fire Department Station 4 and the dedication of our staff and volunteers who ensured the safety of all animals and people on-site,” said Kurt Krukenberg, HSSV President. “We are assessing the extent of the damage and working diligently to resume operations as quickly as possible.”

Stay Updated
HSSV will provide updates regarding the reopening of Adoptions and Community Services through our social media channels. Unfortunately, our website (hssv.org) is also experiencing temporary difficulties due to the fire, but we will be updating it as soon as possible.

HSSV is grateful for the outpouring of support and understanding from the community during this difficult time.

Sid Shivnath wins bronze and silver medals in Rubik’s Cube competitions

12-year-old Sid Shivnath wins bronze and silver medals in Rubik’s Cube competitions

By Rhoda Shapiro
August 9, 2024

Twelve-year-old Milpitas resident Sid Shivnath has won silver and bronze medals in two recent Rubik’s Cube competitions hosted by the World Cube Association.

When asked how he felt about his recent wins, Sid spoke of how proud he was to be able to get himself “in the zone.”

“I was happy I was able to deal with the pressure, compete with everyone else, and be able to come out in the Top 3,” Sid told The Beat.

Honoring Rohit Godhani

Honoring Rohit Godhani: A call for river safety awareness and faster emergency response

Milpitas Beat, July 12, 2024

The Milpitas community grieves the sudden passing of Rohit Godhani, a beloved resident cherished for his warmth, intellect, and kindness. Rohit tragically drowned in the Rogue River in Oregon on July 4, 2024. This heartbreaking loss has sparked a crucial conversation about river safety and emergency response times.

Rohit, a devoted husband and father of two young children, was admired for his contributions as a Software Engineer at a prominent Bay Area medical device company. His passion for life and dedication to his family left a lasting impact, making his loss even more devastating.

The Incident and Urgent Need for Action

Rohit’s passing serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in recreational water activities, especially near rivers with unpredictable currents and sudden drop-offs. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved public awareness, stronger safety measures, and a faster emergency response.

Queen Elf Jennifer Cullenbine is retiring from the Family Giving Tree

By Eric Shapiro, Milpitas Beat, July 1, 2024

Family Giving Tree (FGT), the renowned Milpitas gift-giving nonprofit, announced today that its founder and CEO Jennifer Cullenbine will be retiring at the end of 2024. As of now, Jill Mitsch, who has been with the organization since 2020 and has served as its Director of Development and Deputy Director, is fulfilling the role of interim CEO.

Cullenbine, widely known by her nickname “Queen Elf,” founded FGT 35 years ago. During her run, 2.25 million people have been gifted during the winter holidays and back-to-school time.

Andrea Borch, Chair of FGT’s Board of Directors, said in a press release, “We are immensely grateful for Jennifer’s vision and kindness in starting Family Giving Tree and making our programs fixtures in communities across northern California. Her impact on the organization and the lives of those we serve cannot be overstated.”

Family struggling with loss after raging fire burns house down in Milpitas

ByRhoda Shapiro

November 15, 2023

It was just after 6:30pm when Efren Rosas heard a crackling sound coming from behind him.

He was dozing off on the couch; the television was on. There was no one else home at the time. His brother, Galdino Rosas, had gone out to see a movie with the rest of the family.

But Efren had stayed behind, wanting to relax.

When the crackling sound got his attention, Efren turned to see a wave of growing flames moving toward him.

He quickly got himself up and pulled himself into his wheelchair. Then he wheeled himself out the front door of the house, the growing fire right at his back.

As Efren is disabled, with only one leg, making it out of the home alive was no easy feat. But he made it out in time. Just barely.

“The house is on fire,” Efren told his brother Galdino over the phone, once he was outside and safe.

Galdino rushed back home to find his brother out in front of the house. The fire department arrived a few minutes later. Read more…

Letter: An-Jan Feed and Pet Supply will be missed

September 15, 2023
Dear Editor,

An-Jan Feed and Pet Supply will be sorely missed.
An-Jan has been my family’s go-to since 1984 when I moved to Milpitas.
We have used their vet services, and bought all of our cat, dog, bird, and lizard supplies from there over the years.
Aaron has been at An-Jan as long as I can remember. He has always been friendly, professional, and knowledgeable concerning our needs…even the time our newly acquired dragon lizard and the crickets we fed him were covered with ants one morning! He knew exactly what we needed to do to prevent another episode. Whew!
An-Jan and Aaron are synonymous.
An-Jan Feed and Pet Supply will be sorely missed.
We wish Aaron the absolute best!
Any employer would be lucky to have you!
Barb Martens
Milpitas Resident

Ex Milpitas Teacher and San Mateo Resident Arrested

Ex Milpitas Teacher and San Mateo Resident Arrested on Multiple Counts of Felony Sexual Assault With Student

By Nina Singh-Hudson, Published on August 17, 2023

A former teacher at Milpitas High School, Daniel McQuigg, has been arrested on multiple counts of felony sexual assault. According to a press release by the Milpitas Police Department, McQuigg was taken into custody on August 15, 2023, following an investigation into allegations brought forth by a woman who reported prior sexual assaults that began when she was a minor.

Fancy Dancers of Milpitas perform in Oahu, Hawaii

By Rhoda Shapiro & Eric Shapiro, The Milpitas Post, July 19, 2023

Earlier this summer, local dance group Fancy Dancers (of Fancy Dancers, Inc., at 1491 N. Milpitas Blvd.) took a trip to Oahu, Hawaii, for an educational performance tour. During the overseas adventure, the dancers took hula lessons, learned how to snorkel, went hiking at Diamond Head State Monument, attended a real-live luau, and took a tour of Pearl Harbor, where some of them earned Junior Ranger badges.

The Fancy Dancers got started in 1984, and are coming up on their 40th anniversary show in Spring, 2024. The dancers there range in age from 10 to 22.

A fresh wave of auditions is coming up on August 28. New dancer auditions are at 5:30 pm and returning dancer auditions are at 6:45 pm.

Learn more about the Fancy Dancers here.

Read the Rest

New Milpitas High School principal Greg Wohlman brings experience & grit

By Rhoda Shapiro, July 31, 2023, Milpitas Beat

When Greg Wohlman was 18 years old, he left his hometown of Fargo, North Dakota – and never looked back.

“I had a driver’s license, a can of Mountain Dew, a Snickers bar, and a high school diploma,” said Wohlman in an interview with The Beat. “And I drove as fast as I could.”

He drove out to Texas, where he attended East Texas State University, studying advertising and art, with a focus on copywriting. However, several years later, after graduating from school, he had the realization that the advertising industry just wasn’t for him, that there was a deeper calling…

That deeper calling was education.

And so, in 1998, he answered that calling and began teaching. Twenty-five years later, on July 1 of this year, he officially stepped into the role of Principal at Milpitas High School (MHS). As someone who resonates with the “culture of we” mentality that the Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) works to instill across its schools, Wohlman feels he’s found something truly special.

“When we look at the ‘culture of we’ in Milpitas, we’re more than just a high school,” said Wohlman. “We need to look at the kindergarten or pre-k student walking into our system. We need to harness their student voice along their journey, so that we’re constantly shaping what we do at the high school to honor our clientele. I think it’s a new way of thinking about education. Our Superintendent and School Board totally understand that.”