Hold My Cafecito

In this special May the Fourth episode of Hold My Cafecito, we bring you timely State and Federal compliance updates with a Star Wars twist. We cover an urgent ELPAC reclassification clarification impacting eligible students, the opening of the 2026–27 CARS Spring Release, and upcoming Interim Assessment Hand Scoring Workshops. We also highlight the Prop 28 annual certification requirement and key timelines for summative assessment results and family notifications. Stay ahead of deadlines, act quickly where needed, and keep your systems aligned to ensure compliance across your LEA.TOP 5 Document

In this April episode of Hold My Cafecito, we highlight key updates for school leaders, including major CERS enhancements, a call for Newcomer Conference proposals, and a reminder about the ELPAC testing deadline. We also share details on the upcoming Williams Overview Meeting and the Leadership Network Kick-Off featuring Gerry Brooks. Stay informed with timely updates to support planning and compliance.Top 5 DocumentNewcomer Conference Registration Newcomer Conference ProposalsWilliams Meeting RegistrationMerced County Leadership Network Kick-Off

In this late-March episode of Hold My Cafecito, “Percolating Policy—March Updates You Don’t Want to Miss,” key State and Federal updates are highlighted to help district and site leaders stay organized and proactive. The episode covers the upcoming CSIS Data Governance Academy watch party and important registration deadlines, newly released LCFF Equity Multiplier funding allocations, and Transitional Kindergarten multilingual learner screening requirements with phased implementation timelines. It also outlines attendance recovery expectations focused on student-centered, non-punitive approaches, and highlights CSU Fresno’s Bilingual Authorization Program as a valuable professional learning opportunity. This episode provides practical guidance and timely reminders to support effective planning, compliance, and instructional leadership throughout the spring season.Top 5 Document

In this March 2nd episode of Hold My Cafecito, “March Momentum—Compliance, Reclassification & Funding Clarity for Spring,” Emily, Manuel, and Nestor unpack five essential State and Federal updates districts need to act on now. From the April 1 Home-to-School Transportation Plan deadline and critical CSI/TSI SPSA and Federal Addendum requirements, to ELPAC reclassification actions and the newly signed Federal Fiscal Year 2026 funding bill, this episode keeps leaders informed and ahead of key timelines. Plus, we spotlight professional growth opportunities through CSUSM’s online Bilingual Authorization and MA programs. Perfect for district and site leaders who want focused, practical guidance during a busy spring season.Top 5 DocumentTraining opportunities can be found in the ⁠MCOE Professional Development folder⁠.

In this February episode of Hold My Cafecito, “Mid-Winter News—Funding, Testing & Compliance You Can’t Miss This February,” Emily, Manuel, and Nestor break down the top five State and Federal updates districts need on their radar right now. From key February deadlines and reporting requirements to Title I guidance, CSI subgrant reporting, the opening of the Summative ELPAC testing window, and upcoming professional learning opportunities, this episode helps district and site leaders stay compliant, prepared, and proactive during a busy season. Perfect for administrators and teams who want clear, timely updates!TOP 5 DOCUMENT Immunization Event: English and SpanishAdditional training opportunities can be found in the MCOE Professional Development folder.

Join us for a cafecito as we help launch The Open Mind Podcast with ConnectED MINDS—bringing community, conversation, and connection together.The Open Mind Podcast Channel

Kick off 2026 with a fresh pour of clarity and confidence. In this episode of Hold My Cafecito, Emily, Manuel, and Nestor welcome listeners back after the New Year and break down key State and Federal updates to start the year strong. From January CARS and CALPADS deadlines and SARC governing board approvals to assessment system downtime, upcoming professional learning opportunities, and a tour of the new State & Federal Programs website, this episode helps districts set clear priorities and smart resolutions for the months ahead. Perfect for administrators and district teams ready to start the year organized, informed, and caffeinated.TOP 5 DocumentState & Federal Programs website

In this episode of Hold My Cafecito, we’re joined by Richard Winters—Coordinator of Library Services, Literature & Language Literacy, and Language & Library—to talk literacy leadership across the Central Valley. Richard shares how connecting schools, libraries, and classrooms strengthens regional literacy systems and why access to engaging, representative texts matters now more than ever. We also spotlight the 20th Annual Region VII Central Valley Literacy Conference, highlighting who should attend and why this event is a meaningful investment in readers, writers, and educators across our region.Register for the Conference Here

In this episode of Hold My Cafecito, One Last Pour — Wrapping Up the Year’s Updates Before Winter Break, we’re serving five essential reminders to help you close out the year confidently and compliantly. We highlight the statewide recruitment for new districts to join the RAISE Network, share key deadlines for the now-open 2025–26 CARS Winter Release, and stress the importance of accurate data ahead of the CALPADS Fall 1 certification deadline on December 12, which impacts Indicators 9 and 10 and overdue annual reviews. We also remind ELPAC Coordinators that AST training must be completed by today, and we wrap with a final nudge to order Summative ELPAC Writing materials for grades K–2 by December 19 to ensure smooth January administration. Grab your mug and settle in—here’s everything you need before heading into winter break.RAISE NetworkTop 5 Document

In this episode of Hold My Cafecito, we’re pouring out five essential November updates to keep your programs warm and your compliance strong before the holidays. From the CDE’s statewide search for high-quality TK multilingual learner screening tools and reminders about CARS Winter Release user access, to required ELPAC AST training and upcoming CAASPP deadlines, we’ve got your to-do list covered. We also unpack the CDE’s ongoing responses to federal actions and communications, reaffirming stability and student protections, and highlight the newly released 2025 California School Dashboard, with growth data coming soon for English Language Arts and Math.So grab your mug, take a moment of gratitude, and stay tuned for the updates that keep California schools informed, compliant, and ready for what’s next.Professional Development Folders⁠⁠Top 5 Document

In this episode of Hold My Cafecito, we’re serving up five essential November updates to keep your compliance and collaboration running smoothly. From the California School Dashboard preview and public release dates, to emergency food resources for families affected by the recent shutdown, we’ve got timely reminders for every district. We’re also spotlighting the launch of the Region 7 English Learner Newsletter, reviewing legal obligations for full academic access for ELs, and highlighting upcoming professional learning opportunities—including the Math Framework Dinner Series and Mastering the ELPAC training.Newsletter Sign-Up Emergency Food Site Referral ListProfessional Development FoldersTop 5 Document

In this episode of Hold My Cafecito, we’re joined by Jessica Gomez—award-winning educational leader, mentor, and advocate for equity—to explore what it means to lead with a people-first mindset. Jessica shares how her experiences have shaped her leadership philosophy, and how those lessons guide her approach to innovation, accountability, and system-wide change. From practical advice for new principals to reframing equity as instructional work, this conversation offers inspiration and actionable takeaways for leaders at every level.

In this episode of  “Spooky Stats & Bewitching Deadlines: No Tricks, Just Policy Treats” — we’re serving up five key October updates every district needs to know. From the latest Title III allocationsand final call to claim 2023–24 funds, to reminders on TOMS accessibilities, the new Accessibility Resources Matrix, and the LCAP upload deadline on myCDEconnect by October 31, we’ve got all the treats to keep your compliance game strong and your deadlines ghost-free. Top 5 DocumentOctober Trainings

In this episode of Morning Grind, Policy Find, we’re kicking off October with five big updates every district needs to know. We start with AB 49, the California Safe Haven Schools Act, reinforcing protections for immigrant students and requiring policy updates by March 2026. Next, we cover the 2025–26 LCAP upload window opening October 13 through 31 on myCDEconnect, followed by CAASPP and ELPAC coordinator reminders on certification, test window setup, and audit readiness. We then break down key CALPADS Fall 1 Census Day deadlines that drive funding and Dashboard data. Finally, we highlight MCOE’s October lineup—from the Mid-Year LCAP Lunch & Learn to Library Workshops, Math Dinner Series, and the Student Resiliency Center’s wellness events.TOP 5 Link October Events Folder

In this episode of Strong Coffee, Strong Compliance — Preparing for Fall Audits & Reporting Requirements, we break down five key updates. We start with the September 30 deadlines for EEF, ELO-P, and UPK expenditure reports, plus the required Proposition 28 Annual Report for arts and music funding. We also share details from the upcoming Mid-Year LCAP Lunch & Learn with Parsec Education, highlight CDE’s statewide survey to update district-level school library contacts, and close with federal reminders on time, effort, and fiscal compliance. A full recap of deadlines, guidance, and compliance tips—brewed strong to keep you focused while you prepare for fall.Top 5 Document

In this episode of Hold My Cafecito, we’re joined by Holly Crivelli, MCOE's Credentialing Programs Senior Coordinator, to unpack the latest updates impacting teacher certification in California. We dive into key changes to the RICA exam, updates to Teacher Performance Assessments (TPAs), and what administrators need to know to support candidates through these transitions. Whether you're in HR, induction, or site leadership, this episode offers practical insights for staying compliant and preparing your future educators.

Espresso Yourself : Answering Your Questions on Funding, Compliance, & Programs dives into the essentials district leaders need this month — from revised LTEL Dashboard criteria and updated Title III immigrant funding rates, to the must-do parent notifications and four-week teacher assignment rules. We also spotlight the upcoming CDE assessment coordinator training on accessibility. A smooth blend of funding, compliance, and program updates — crafted to keep you focused while you sip your coffee.Top 5 DocumentCDE Contacts for Requirements: Program requirements: Geoffrey Ndirangu – [email protected] Fiscal requirements: Annie Abreu Park – [email protected] Title III allocations: Derrick Andrade – [email protected] New Coordinator Training Webinar #5 Register here

In this special episode of Hold My Cafecito, our hosts sit down with behavioral health clinician Thalia to discuss Suicide Awareness Month and what it means for educators. Together, they explore early warning signs, the role of school-based services, and practical ways schools and families can reduce stigma while building stronger support systems for students. This conversation offers educators actionable insights and resources to help ensure every student feels seen, supported, and connected.

"Espresso Deadlines, Filtered Guidance" brews up the latest essentials for district leaders — from fresh CDE guidance on Mahmoud v. Taylor and the launch of universal TK in 2025–26, to new ELPAC interim assessments and professional learning tools. We also cover Dashboard registration and LCAP upload requirements, plus a streamlined look at how to put Title III funds to work without crossing compliance lines. A strong shot of updates, filtered down so you can stay focused while sipping your coffee.For more information click on the ⁠Top 5 Document!

"Our First Sip" kicks off the new school year with a fresh brew of state and federal updates — from dashboard resets and reporting deadlines to big shifts in ELOP funding and must-attend PD events. We’re pouring it fresh and keeping it quick, so you can enjoy your coffee while catching up on what matters most.For more information click on the Top 5 Document Link!