METROPOLITAN EDUCATION DISTRICT

June 5, 2025

CTE Newsletter Vol. 11 Issue 8

 

Inside this Issue

Superintendent's Message

Hello Shannon,

 

As my first year at MetroED comes to a close, I find myself filled with gratitude—for our students, staff, families, and partners who make this work so deeply meaningful.

 

This has been a year of learning and growth not just for our students, but for me as well. I’ve had the privilege of seeing up close what makes Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) center and Silicon Valley Adult Education (SVAE) so impactful. These programs teach skills and change lives.

 

SVCTE continues to foster aspirations for high school students across the region, offering hands-on, career-connected learning that prepares them for college, career, and life. Whether they're welding, coding, designing, or caring for others, our students are gaining real-world experience that builds confidence and a path for their future.

 

At SVAE, I’ve met adults courageously returning to the classroom, some for the first time in decades, some for the first time in this country. Whether they’re learning English, earning a diploma, or gaining career certification, we are honored to be a stop on their life and learning journey.

 

Both of our programs serve as bridges—connecting students to opportunity, and classrooms to community. This only happens because of the incredible commitment of our teachers, classified staff, administrators, and industry partners. Your belief in our mission fuels everything we do.

 

My first year with MetroED has been wonderfully memorable. I look forward to continuing this work together as we create a future filled with opportunity, purpose, and hope.

 

Wishing you a joyful, restorative summer!

Erin O'Neill

Superintendent

News and Highlights

Meet the 37 Adults Who Didn’t Give Up

SVAE held its graduation on May 29 for 18 High School Diploma graduates and 19 High School Equivalency completers. Senator Dave Cortese presented certificates of congratulations to the graduating class. Dr. Bob Harper, retired executive director of the South Bay Consortium for Adult Education, was the keynote speaker.

Thirteen graduates were awarded $6,300 in scholarships, supported by partnerships with organizations including The McKinley Educational Initiative, Los Altos Sunset Rotary Club, MetroED Foundation, and former superintendent Alyssa Lynch. Samnang Kea received the Lifelong Learner award, while Carrie Rivas received the Outstanding Graduate award.

SVCTE Recognizes More Than 100 Students at the Awards Ceremony 

SVCTE proudly hosted its 56th Annual Awards Ceremony on May 16, recognizing the achievements of more than 100 students for their dedication and excellence in career and technical education.

Students were awarded tools, equipment, and more than $5,300 in scholarships—resources to support their transition into the workforce or further education. Support for these scholarships comes from partnering organizations, including the MetroED Foundation, McKinley Educational Initiative, Los Altos Sunset Rotary Club, West Valley-Mission Community College, and former MetroED Superintendent Alyssa Lynch.

Teacher of the Year: Cassidy Cannizzaro

Cassidy Cannizzaro, SVCTE Metals Technology teacher, has been named MetroED’s Teacher of the Year. Cannizzaro will be honored at the 55th Santa Clara County Office of Education Teacher Recognition Celebration in the fall, among 31 other Teachers of the Year from throughout the county. Of Cannizzaro, his colleagues shared:

 

"A former SVCTE student turned model educator, Cassidy inspires the next generation with industry expertise, real-world opportunities, and a passion for student success—truly living the mission of SVCTE."

Classified School Employee of the Year: Maria Luna

Maria Luna, SVCTE site registrar, has been named MetroED’s Classified School Employee of the Year. Of Luna, her colleagues shared:

 

"Maria holds herself to a high standard of work done well and promptly. She has helped build and maintain a positive, professional atmosphere in the SVCTE office."

SVCTE Culinary Arts Program Recognized with

Santa Clara County Hoffmann Award

On May 7, MetroED proudly celebrated as its SVCTE Culinary Arts course was honored with the prestigious 2025 Glenn W. Hoffmann Award, one of only six awarded across the county from the Santa Clara County School Boards Association. This 41-year tradition recognizes educational programs that significantly impact student success in Santa Clara County. We were thrilled to host the awards dinner right here on the MetroED campus — and even more proud that our talented Culinary Arts students beautifully catered it. A big congratulations to Culinary Arts teacher Chef Danielle Clark for receiving the award on the program's behalf and all that she does to inspire and support her students every day. Watch the Culinary Arts Hoffmann video here: bit.ly/hoffmannculinaryarts. For more photos, click here.

SVCTE Students Commit to Careers in Skilled Trades at SkillsUSA National Signing Day Event

Students from SVCTE were celebrated on May 6 at the Lowe’s store on Cottle Road in San Jose during the 2025 SkillsUSA National Signing Day, a nationwide celebration showcasing our next generation of professionals in the skilled pathways that are essential to America’s future. For more photos from the event, click here.

 

In partnership with SkillsUSA and the Lowe’s Foundation, the event honored Construction Technology and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) students as they signed symbolic letters of intent for apprenticeships, job offers, or advanced technical training, mirroring athletic signing days but focused on high-demand industries. Held in over 25 states, SkillsUSA’s Signing Day spotlights students poised to enter essential, rewarding careers. To read the News Release, click here.

MetroED Hosts National Apprenticeship Day Event

MetroED hosted the National Apprenticeship Day convening, organized by Orrian Willis from the Northern California Apprenticeship Network (NCAN). Forty-nine attendees across postsecondary education, workforce development, tech, and nonprofit sectors joined us to explore innovative pre-apprenticeship approaches.

 

Guest speakers from the California Department of Education, BAVC Media, and Pleasanton Unified School District shared powerful insights on successful program implementation. MetroED continues collaborating with NCAN and other partners to expand pre-apprenticeship opportunities across traditional and emerging industries—empowering students with real-world experience and clear pathways to fulfilling, future-ready careers. For more photos, click here.

Four SVCTE Student Trailers Screened at

2025 Sweded Film Festival

Four trailers created by students in the Film & Video Production course at SVCTE were officially selected and screened at the 2025 Sweded Film Festival on May 2 in Fresno—a national celebration of DIY recreations of iconic movie trailers, produced with humor, heart, and low-budget ingenuity. To read the News Release, click here.

 

The following trailers and student filmmakers were selected for the festival:

Clueless video (2:33 minutes) from East Side UHSD: Alex Cabral from Silver Creek and Amber Francis from Santa Teresa; and from San Jose USD: Rebecca Ofverberg from Willow Glen and Ash Wells from Leland.

May 22, 2025

 

Contact: Shannon Carr

Communications Coordinator

(408) 723-4229

May 21, 2025

 

Contact: Shannon Carr

Communications Coordinator

(408) 723-4229

San Jose, CA — Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) center proudly hosted its 56th Annual Awards Ceremony on May 16, recognizing the achievements of more than 100 students for their dedication and excellence in career and technical education. At SVCTE, students are taught by instructors who bring years of real-world industry experience into the classroom, providing hands-on learning that connects directly to today's workforce needs.

The Awards Ceremony highlights SVCTE’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for high-demand, high-paying careers through hands-on, real-world learning experiences. Students were awarded tools, equipment, and more than $5,300 in scholarships—resources to support their transition into the workforce or further education. Support for these scholarships comes from partnering organizations including the MetroED Foundation, McKinley Educational Initiative, Los Altos Sunset Rotary Club, and West Valley-Mission Community College, and former MetroED Superintendent Alyssa Lynch.

 

Ninety-two students (50 in Electrical Maintenance and 42 in Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning) received the LeRoy Morell Trust Tool Scholarship, established in honor of LeRoy Morell, a 1938 graduate of San Jose Technical High School. Each recipient on the awarded tools list received tools valued at approximately $750 to support them as they move forward into the next phase of their education or career.

 

Additionally, there were Outstanding Student Awards, Achievement Awards, and recognition for students’ accomplishments in SkillsUSA and HOSA competitions—both of which are Career and Technical Student Organizations offered at SVCTE. 

 

Families and friends gathered in celebration, applauding the students’ perseverance and success across a wide range of career pathways.

 

“Parents and family, thank you for your continued support of our students,” SVCTE Principal Jeff Arnett said in closing the event. “Your presence here today not only demonstrates your joy for your student’s accomplishment, but also serves as your commitment to their continued success. Finally, I need to recognize the hard work of our teachers and staff. Each day, they work to model habits of success.  Redirect when a student sways off course. Provide comfort and encouragement when the stress overwhelms. They are mentors for our students and alumni. I am fortunate to work with this team.”  

 

The following are the scholarship recipients:

 

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