CCR Newsletter

As we enter the month of November, the College and Career Readiness department wants to take a moment to express our gratitude for our incredible students, dedicated staff, and supportive administrators. Together, you create opportunities four our students every day.

Through experiences like guest speaker presentations, mock interviews, and work-based internships, our students are building real-world skills to ensure they are truly college and career ready.

In this edition, we are excited to share:

• CTE Program Spotlights: Highlighting the amazing achievements and activities happening across our pathways.

• November Events: Keeping you up to date on everything scheduled for this month.

• 8th Grade College & Career Day: Details on this exciting upcoming milestone for our future high schoolers.

• Counselor Spotlights: Celebrating the guidance leaders who support our students' dreams every step of the way.

Did you know that Visalia Unified School District is now part of the California State University (CSU) Direct Admission Program?

This is an EXCITING opportunity for our VUSD seniors! Through this new partnership, eligible graduating seniors who meet the CSU's minimum admission requirements and apply to one of the 17 participating CSU campuses are guaranteed admission!

CSU applications are officially OPEN, and now is the time to take advantage of this incredible opportunity!

Eligible students must still submit their CSU application and complete all required steps. Admission to specific majors may have additional requirements.

We encourage all VUSD seniors to connect with their school counselor, check their eligibility, and apply!

Don’t have an eighth grader attending Career Day? You can still explore the opportunities available to VUSD students! On the evening of Career Day, students and families of all grade levels are invited to College Partnership Night to learn how our district’s college partnerships can help students plan for their futures.

Representatives from Fresno State, UC Merced, Fresno Pacific University, and Sonoma State will join us in person to share information about their programs, automatic-admission opportunities, and partnership benefits. Families can hear directly from our college partners, ask questions, and learn about eligibility requirements and steps students can take to participate.

It’s never too early to start exploring. Some partnership programs allow students to begin participating as early as ninth grade, helping them establish a path toward admission while working to meet program requirements throughout high school. Learning about these opportunities now can help students make informed choices about their classes and goals—and help families feel more confident navigating the college process.

Whether your student is years away from high school or already preparing college applications, join us to discover what’s possible!

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 p.m.
L.J. Williams Theater
1001 W. Main St., Visalia, CA 93291
Questions? Call 559-730-7510.

Seniors, take the next step toward college! Join VUSD for Senior Application Night on November 17, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at the Oaks Professional Building, Room 2C, located at 4930 W. Kaweah Ct., Visalia. Receive one-on-one support with applications to UC, CSU, private colleges and universities, and California Community Colleges.

Bring a charged laptop or Chromebook, your application login information, and your questions. Let’s help you move forward with confidence before application deadlines!

Questions? Call 559-756-6100.

This November, our elementary schools will kick off their College and Career Readiness lessons with our first-grade students!

Our first graders will explore different careers, learn about the skills needed to be successful, and begin discovering the many exciting possibilities for their futures!

Keep the Conversation Going at Home!

We encourage families to continue the conversation by asking their students:

• What careers did you learn about today?

• What tools or clothing help people do their jobs?

• What was your mystery career?

• What interests or talents do you have that might help you succeed in that career?

• What career would you like to learn more about?

Want to learn more? Reach out to your student's school counselor or teacher to discover how you can support your child's college and career exploration at home!

Great things are happening at Riverway Elementary! School Counselor Mr. Alonzo has been working to make morning and lunch recess more engaging, inclusive, and positive for students.

Through organized games, creative activities, and opportunities for students to connect with their peers, Mr. Alonzo is helping students put the social-emotional skills they learn through their monthly CharacterStrong lessons into practice. These activities reinforce important skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, cooperation, and building positive friendships.

By connecting CharacterStrong lessons to everyday experiences, students have opportunities to practice what they are learning in the classroom while having fun with their peers. These efforts are helping create a more structured recess environment where students feel included, stay engaged, and experience fewer conflicts.

A big thank you to Mr. Alonzo and the Riverway team for working together to create a positive school environment where students can build friendships, develop important life skills, and feel connected to their school community!

Ridgeview Middle School Counselors Mrs. Lopez and Mrs. Ayala Navarro are dedicated to supporting the academic, social-emotional, and personal growth of their students. Through individual counseling, small-group support, classroom lessons, and collaboration with teachers and families, they help students build important skills and provide support when needed.

This school year, the counselors have been visiting classrooms to provide College and Career Readiness lessons, helping students explore their interests and begin thinking about their future goals and plans. They also run the VISION Store every Thursday, where students can redeem points they have earned for snacks, fidgets, and other fun items. In September, the counseling team also hosted an event to promote suicide awareness and the importance of mental health.

The counselors have also started their first round of small groups, including an 8th-grade Motivational Interviewing group focused on supporting English Learner students, which has already shown positive results. In addition, they are holding academic improvement sessions after each marking period to provide students with additional academic support, resources, and opportunities to set goals for improvement.

Through these efforts, Mrs. Lopez and Mrs. Ayala Navarro continue to create a supportive school environment where students feel connected and have access to the resources they need to succeed.

At Sequoia High School (SHS), every student deserves a fresh start, the opportunity to grow, and the confidence to succeed! The SHS Counseling Team, made up of two academic school counselors and two transitional counselors, is dedicated to helping students overcome challenges, recognize their strengths, and build pathways toward academic and postsecondary success.

As an academic credit recovery and social skills recovery school, Sequoia focuses on meeting students where they are and celebrating progress every step of the way. Through individualized support, weekly classroom counseling lessons, small-group interventions, and intentional relationship building, counselors help students strengthen academic skills, develop resilience, and take ownership of their educational journey.

Students participate in transcript reviews, career exploration, academic planning, and postsecondary readiness activities that help them connect their education to future opportunities. Experiences such as college campus tours, SCICON leadership opportunities, athletics, and pathway programs further encourage students to explore their interests, build confidence, and prepare for life beyond high school.

The impact of this work is evident! To date, Sequoia's Student Services Team has documented more than 5,500 student support and intervention logs, highlighting their commitment to providing individualized support, building meaningful relationships, and monitoring student progress.

Looking ahead, the counseling team is focused on strengthening student outcomes, supporting successful transitions back to comprehensive high schools, and expanding postsecondary opportunities. One exciting next step is exploring concurrent college enrollment opportunities, allowing students to begin earning college credit while completing their high school education.

At Sequoia High School, success is about more than recovering credits. It's about helping students rediscover their potential, believe in themselves, and build the skills and confidence to succeed in their next chapter!

Visalia Unified is excited to continue into Year 2 of implementing CharacterStrong across our TK–6th grade classrooms! CharacterStrong provides a consistent, research-based framework to help students develop essential life skills for success both inside and outside the classroom.

Each month, TK–6th grade students participate in grade-level lessons focused on important skills, including:

• Self-awareness and emotional regulation

• Empathy and responsibility

• Healthy relationships and communication

• Problem-solving and decision-making

• Resilience and confidence

October Focus: Responsibility & Test-Taking Skills

TK–5th Grade: Responsibility

This October, students will explore what it means to be responsible. Through engaging activities and discussions, students will learn how to demonstrate responsibility by following directions and understanding what responsible behavior looks like, sounds like, and feels like. Students will also explore the importance of taking ownership of their actions and recognizing the difference between owning their choices and blaming others.

6th Grade: Test-Taking Skills

Sixth-grade students will focus on building confidence and reducing stress during assessments. Students will learn three practical test-taking strategies designed to help them prepare, stay focused, and manage test-related stress. They will also discuss how to apply these strategies to become more confident and successful test-takers.

Together, these lessons help students develop the communication, teamwork, leadership, and self-management skills needed for success in school and future college and career opportunities.

It’s never too early to start discussing college and career readiness. Our elementary and middle schools are dedicated to fostering a college-going mindset in students from a young age. This includes exploring pathways like certificates, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and beyond.

College Wednesdays is one way school counselors are sharing information with students about various post-secondary options. This month, the featured institutions are:

• UCLA

• CSU Fresno

• St. Mary’s College

Senior year is an exciting and busy time! Not sure where to start? Use this Fall Checklist to stay on track for graduation and prepare for your plans after high school. Whether you are planning to attend a four-year university, community college, career or technical program, enter the workforce, join the military, or pursue another pathway, your school counselor is here to support you every step of the way.

FALL: Plan, Prepare & Apply

Graduation:

• Meet with your school counselor for your ILP Senior Meeting.

• Review your transcript and confirm you are on track to meet all graduation requirements.

• Check your current grades regularly and get support early if you are struggling in a class.

• Make sure your school counselor knows your plans for after graduation.

Explore Your Options:

• Finalize your plan for what you want to do after high school.

• Research colleges, universities, community colleges, career/technical programs, military options, apprenticeships, or employment opportunities that interest you.

• If applying to colleges, create a list of schools you are considering.

• Review admission requirements, costs, programs/majors, and important deadlines.

• Attend college and career events, presentations, workshops, and campus visits when available.

Applications:

• Create a professional email address that you will check regularly.

• Create accounts for the colleges, universities, or programs where you plan to apply.

• Keep a calendar or list of all application deadlines.

• Begin and submit applications before the deadlines.

• Complete required essays or personal statements.

• Request letters of recommendation early, if required.

• Request transcripts or other documents required for your applications.

• Determine whether your colleges require or accept SAT/ACT scores and submit scores if needed.

• Save copies or confirmation emails for all submitted applications.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

• Create the accounts needed to complete your financial aid application.

• Complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, if applicable.

• Check whether colleges or programs require additional financial aid forms.

• Begin searching and applying for scholarships.

• Talk with your family about the cost of your different postsecondary options.

Fresno State is offering FREE virtual application support sessions to help students complete their CSU applications!

If you're planning to apply to Fresno State and need help with your application, join one of their upcoming webinars! This is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and receive guidance through the application process.

Before joining, please:

• Have your transcripts available from all high schools and/or colleges you have attended.

• Join using a laptop or desktop computer. Please do not use a phone or iPad.

• Register for the webinar using one of the links below.

Don't miss this opportunity to get support and take the next step toward becoming a Fresno State Bulldog!

Webinar Registration Links

Looking to build new skills? Fresno State's Rising Initiative for Success in Education (RISE) is offering FREE virtual courses for VUSD families!

Beginning November 16, 2026, participants can take four-week evening courses focused on computer skills, email navigation, Google Drive, professional development, and small business development.

Classes are offered through Zoom from 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Register Here

Fall is in full swing, and our CTE Pathway students have been busier than ever! From inspiring guest speakers and behind-the-scenes industry tours to hands-on learning and student-led events, our classrooms are buzzing with excitement and opportunity! Students are making meaningful industry connections, exploring future careers, building professional skills, and putting their classroom knowledge into action. These real-world experiences are what make Career Technical Education so valuable—and our students are proving that CTE is where learning comes to life!

Students from all four VUSD comprehensive high schools are kicking off out first ever Sports Media Technician Internships! Students are gaining hands-on experience operating state-of-the-art Daktronics scoreboards at Mineral King Bowl and Community Stadium while working alongside VUSD staff during live sporting events. This exciting opportunity combines technology, teamwork, and real-world career skills, creating a valuable learning experience for everyone involved!

For the first time, students from Sequoia High School’s Education Academy and Mt. Whitney High School’s Cadet Corps completed training, testing, and certification in American Red Cross Adult, Child & Infant CPR! Earning industry-recognized certifications while still in high school gives students a competitive edge, builds confidence, and strengthens their resumes. These future professionals are gaining lifesaving skills while taking important steps toward becoming career-ready!

First Responders Academy Job Shadows

Our Golden West First Responders Academy seniors wrapped up their job shadows with Visalia Police Department, Visalia Fire Department, and American Ambulance this past month!

Students had the opportunity to experience firsthand what a day on the job looks like for our local first responders, gaining valuable insight into the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of serving our community.

A huge THANK YOU to Visalia PD, Visalia Fire, and American Ambulance for their continued partnership.

Golden West CTE Guest Speaker Spotlight Series

On Monday, October 19, Golden West High School welcomed 11 industry professionals for our CTE Guest Speaker Spotlight Series! Students across our CTE pathways and academies heard firsthand about career journeys, industry experiences, and opportunities beyond the classroom. These conversations brought real-world perspectives directly to our students!

A huge thank you to our industry partners for sharing their time, knowledge, and experiences! Pictured L–R: Josh Levine, J Matthews Creative Studio (Film/Video); Tony Brasil, VUSD Maintenance (Metal Manufacturing); David Weaver, Transition Farming (Plant Science); Bryan Soares, Progressive Dairy Solutions (Vet Science, Animal Science & Ag Science); Kerissa Chapman, Tulare County Farm Bureau (Ag Mechanics); Homer Ruiz & Alejandra Flores, CSET's VITA Program (Business & Finance Academy); Orrin Kroon, Groppetti Automotive (Automotive); Kristin Morton & Kayla Grever, Visalia PD Communications Center (First Responders Academy); Roger McCoy, San Joaquin Fine Woodworkers Association (Building & Construction Trades).

Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to Isaac Hernandez-Corona, Destiny Chavez, and Samuel Barcenas Rendon on receiving a $600 scholarship through CSET's Bank of American Scholarship program. Each student interned over 100 hours this summer for VUSD's Maintenance Department.

Carolina Benevidez Palacios, Aaron Rodriguez, Camila Sanchez, Pedro Saldana Rodriguez, and Breanna Padilla each received a $500 scholarship through the Tulare County Workforce Investment Board in recognition of their dedication and hard work after completing over 80 hours of unpaid summer internships.

Congratulations to all eight students for turning their summer experiences into valuable career opportunities and well-deserved recognition!

Trades Day

More than 80 advanced pathway students from Golden West's Ag Mechanics, Metal Manufacturing, Woodshop, and Automotive classes attended Trades Day at the Porterville Fairgrounds this past week! From exploring career opportunities to getting hands-on with industry professionals, students had a great time connecting with vendors, asking questions, and discovering what's happening in the trades.

Industry Tours

Golden West students gained firsthand exposure to career pathways and educational opportunities this past month through visits to the COS Police/Fire Academy & Paramedic Program, Modesto Junior College, Kearney Agricultural Research Center, Forestiere Underground Gardens, Sierra Nevada Farms, and UC Davis Veterinary Extension in Tulare.

Redwood High School's​​ Academy of Law & Justice freshmen (two classes) explored the heart of Tulare County’s judicial system! Students spent the day at the Superior Courthouse, gaining firsthand insights into the critical roles and responsibilities of departments that serve our community.

Students visited the Tulare County Public Law Library, where they engaged in an interactive activity led by Law Library Director Claire Zurcher-Hamm. Students also toured the Tulare County District Attorney's Office, where Assistant District Attorney Erica Gonzalez provided a presentation on the department and its work. Supervising Attorney Jarrett Rodgers and Investigator Nalleli Espinoza of The Law Offices of the Public Defender also welcomed the students, and students learned about the important role that these individuals play in the judicial system. The tour concluded with an informative session by Deanna Jasso, Director of Court Administration, who shared insights into the court's filing system, jury selection, and courtroom operations, giving students a unique look into the justice process.

We sincerely thank our industry partners for taking the time to educate and inspire our students during this annual trip.

ABC30 visited Mt. Whitney High School to spotlight the Academy of Computer Science! Student ambassadors showcased robotics, spoke about cybersecurity, drone technology, and new programs in the academy. Our new Lead Teacher, Mr. Israel, shared how the academy continues to evolve alongside a rapidly changing industry. Through innovative curriculum and strong industry partnerships, students gain the skills, certifications, and real-world experiences needed for tomorrow’s careers! Students put their public speaking and interview skills to good use by keeping clam and clear during on-camera interviews.

Ag Mechanics

Our El Diamante Ag Mechanics Program/Pathway received a very generous donation of $35,000 from Ag West for equipment upgrades. Thank you AG West for supporting our community & students!

Leaders of Tomorrow (LOFT) Connects Students with Industry Professionals

The Leaders of Tomorrow was a tremendous success for both STRONG Academy and Media Arts students, providing invaluable opportunities to connect directly with industry professionals and explore future career pathways.

-STRONG Academy

Fifty-five STRONG Academy students participated in the event, meeting with seven industry professionals for an impressive 385 informational interviews. Students gained firsthand insight into careers in healthcare, sports medicine, fitness, and related fields while building their professional communication and networking skills.

A special thank you to our industry partners for investing their time and expertise in our students:

• Kaweah Health
• College of the Sequoias (COS)
• Dr. Hobbs, Visalia Synergy
• Dr. Kimberly Watamura, El Diamante Athletic Director
• Horizon Fitness

-Media Arts

The Media Arts Leaders of Tomorrow event also delivered an outstanding experience, connecting 30 students with five industry professionals for a total of 150 informational interviews.

Students explored careers in film production, digital media, entertainment, and creative arts while learning about industry trends, career pathways, and the real-world experiences of working professionals. These meaningful conversations helped students better understand the opportunities available within the creative sector and the skills needed to succeed.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our Media Arts industry partners:

• Windsong Productions
• Visalia Fox Theatre
• VUSD Digital Media Team
• Adam Beck, Cinematographer
• Film Owl Productions

Programs like Leaders of Tomorrow exemplify the power of community partnerships, giving students the opportunity to learn directly from professionals and helping them make informed decisions about their futures.

Exciting opportunities are ahead for Visalia Unified’s incoming high school students! The journey begins at the district’s 8th Grade Career Day at Mt. Whitney High School, where students can explore high school programs, learn about different careers, and start thinking about their future.

What Can Students Expect?

• Explore Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathways: Meet current high school students and learn about hands-on career programs.
• Discover High School Programs: Learn about Linked Learning Academies and Open Enrollment Pathways.
• Meet Colleges & Community Partners: Ask questions and explore future college and career opportunities.
• Enjoy Live Performances: Watch students from their future high schools showcase their Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) programs, including music, theater, and art.

Explore, Ask Questions & Win Prizes!
Every student will receive a College & Career Day Passport to collect stamps as they visit booths and talk with students and community partners. Students can turn in their completed passports at the end of the event for a chance to win raffle prizes!

How Families Can Help

• Before the Event: Ask your student what they’ve learned in their college and career readiness lessons and which careers or pathways interest them. Review the high school CTE pathways below together.
• Prepare Questions Together: Help your student think of questions about classes, hands-on experiences, career opportunities, and education needed after high school.
• Keep the Conversation Going: Afterward, ask what they discovered, which programs excited them, and what they might want to explore in high school.

CTE Academy & Pathway Enrollment Timeline

Linked Learning Academies and Open Enrollment Pathways allow students to explore their interests, gain hands-on experience, and develop real-world skills that prepare them for college and career.

Important Dates for Families:

• Wednesday, November 4: 8th Grade College & Career Day at Mt. Whitney High School
• Thursday, November 5: Academy and pathway applications open
• Wednesday, November 18: Parent Information Night at the Oaks 2C, 6:00 p.m.
• Friday, January 15, 2027: Application window closes

After the deadline, schools will review applications and determine placements. Families can expect acceptance or waitlist notifications in February. Programs with remaining openings may offer additional enrollment opportunities.

Career exploration starts with a conversation! Your support helps students make informed decisions about the opportunities waiting for them in high school and beyond.

Explore Our High School CTE Pathways Below!

Join us for VUSD's Career Technical Education (CTE) Parent Night! This is a great opportunity for families to learn more about the exciting Linked Learning Academies or Open Enrollment CTE Pathways available to students as they enter high school.

Families will hear a brief presentation about available programs and the enrollment timeline, followed by an opportunity to meet with teachers and school representatives, ask questions, and explore which programs may be the best fit for their student's interests and future goals.

Event Details:

• November 18th
• 6:00 PM
• VUSD District Office – Oaks 2C

4930 W. Kaweah Ct., Visalia, CA 93277

We encourage all families of incoming high school students to attend and discover the many opportunities VUSD has to offer!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Each of our high schools offers CTE programs designed to give students hands-on learning, industry-specific skills, and clear pathways to college and careers. Check out the programs below!

College & Career Readiness: site visits, field trips and community events happening across our CTE programs and academies this month.

• Tue, Nov 3, 9:30 AM: CTE District Advisory Board Meeting
• Tue, Nov 3, 11:40 AM: CTE District Advisory Committee Meeting & Program Tour at RHS
• Wed, Nov 4, 9:00 AM: 3:30 PM: CCR 8th Grade College & Career Event
• Wed, Nov 4, 5:00 PM: College Partnership Night (Featured), LJ Williams Theater
• Thu, Nov 5, 8:00 AM: Academy of First Responders Sophomore Class Visit to Cal Fire / US Forest Service
• Thu, Nov 5, 9:30 AM: CTE Site Visit at RHS
• Thu, Nov 12, 9:30 AM: CTE Site Visit at EDHS / VTEC
• Tue, Nov 17, 8:30 AM: Ag Mechanics SACA Training
• Tue, Nov 17, 6:00-7:30 PM: Senior Application Night at VUSD's Professional Building, Room 2C
• Wed, Nov 18, 7:30 AM: Business Finance Academy Juniors Visit to UC Merced Business Program
• Thu, Nov 19, 9:30 AM: CTE Site Visit at MWHS
• Fri, Nov 20, 2:00 PM: CCR Team Meeting

VUSD CTE is launching something new this year. The CTE department is putting classroom teachers in charge of leading the outcomes of its K12 Strong Workforce Program (SWP) grants. The work isn’t being directed from the district office. It’s being shaped by the teachers who know their students and programs best.

The following teachers have been preliminarily accepted as SWP Outcome Leaders:

Health Sciences (SWP LAUNCH): Kym Tucker, Joanne Rodriguez, Tim Perrotta, Lena Cannon, and Jacob Naylor

Agricultural Mechanics (SWP ADVANCE): Zach Brown, Craig Monterio, and Tule Cardoza

Media Arts (SWP ADVANCE): Bill Henshaw and Jason Hopper

Each Outcome Leader will take ownership of one grant outcome and build a baseline standard for how that work is done in their program. The goal is for these standards to scale across each industry sector, so every student in the pathway gets the same high-quality experience no matter which school they attend.

LAUNCH: Health Science and Medical Technology (6 roles)

1. Enrollment Growth (Outcome 1): Kym Tucker. A recruitment and retention playbook to grow Health Science from 307 to 450 students by fall 2027.
2. Equity and Access (Outcome 2): Joanne Rodriguez. A process for finding which student groups are missing from the pathways and the supports that close those gaps.
3. Equipment, Curriculum, and Projects (Outcome 3): Tim Perrotta. A standard for building new equipment into lessons and projects, aligned with COS and industry.
4. Industry, Externships, and WBL (Outcome 4): Lena Cannon. An industry connection model covering externships, guest speakers, and job shadows, and how that learning comes back to the classroom.
5. Budget, Equipment Requests, and CTEFP (Outcome 6): Jacob Naylor. A process for requesting and tracking equipment and spending. This role also leads the Health Science CTEFP (Prop 2) facility work.

ADVANCE: Agricultural Mechanics and Media Arts (8 roles, one per sector for each role)

1. Enrollment, Equity, and Certifications (Outcomes 1, 2, 5): Ag Mech: Zach Brown. Media Arts: Bill Henshaw. Recruiting and keeping students, closing access gaps, and getting students certified.
2. Equipment, Curriculum, and Projects (Outcome 3): Ag Mech: Craig Monteiro. . Building new equipment into lessons and projects, aligned with COS and industry.
3. Industry, WBL, and College Alignment (Outcome 4): Ag Mech: Tule Cardoza. Externships, work-based learning, and alignment with COS.
4. Purchasing, Equipment Requests, and CTEFP (Outcome 6, Year 1 only): Media Arts: Jason Hopper. An equipment request and spending tracking process. This role also leads each pathway’s CTEFP facility work.

For students, this means stronger and more consistent pathways. They’ll get more access to industry certifications, clearer connections to college and careers, and hands-on learning built around what employers expect. In Health Sciences, the work also supports the expansion of CNA and Medical Assisting programs.

Our CTE teachers recently engaged in collaborative professional learning focused on differentiation in the classroom. Teachers came together across pathways to share and refine strategies designed to meet the diverse needs of all learners—ensuring every student gets the support and challenge they need to thrive.

Career Technical Education and real-world workplace skills are critical for preparing our students for life after high school. By tailoring instruction to different learning styles, strengths, and goals, our educators are opening doors and creating environments where all students can master high-demand technical and professional skills.