Saturday, December 19, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Local student to ride float in Rose Parade
SAN DIEGO: D’rell Gist, a sixth-grader at the Language Academy magnet school in San Diego, will get to view the 121st Rose Parade on New Year’s Day from a special vantage point.
He was chosen to ride on a float sponsored by the Kaiser Permanente health system.
D’rell, 11, of San Diego’s City Heights neighborhood, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes two years ago.
He receives six to eight insulin shots daily to maintain a proper blood-sugar level.
Kaiser officials selected eight pediatric patients for the parade ride.
The float will feature whimsical merry-go-round animals and a giant cornucopia overflowing with fruits and vegetables.
IN THE NEWS: Board Members Assail State Budget Cuts
In a news conference Dec. 17, the new President and Vice President of the Board of Education say cuts in state funding could force a catastrophic $220 million cut in general fund budget.
See reports from:
Friday, December 18, 2009
PB Middle International Baccalaureate Goes Global
Dedicated to providing education and assistance to the children living in the slums of India, Walking Tall Charity provided a unique opportunity for PB Middle IB teacher Erin Knight (at left in photo) who traveled to India to hand-deliver the PB Middle pen-pal letters.
“The children in the charity were excited by our delivery and immediately sat down to write back to their pen-pal,” said Knight. “Not only did this service learning project bring awareness to the issues faced by children living in the slums of India, but our students were able to establish meaningful friendships across the world.”
For more information, please contact Jennifer Sim, IB coordinator, at (858) 273-9070 ext. 2357or jsims@sandi.net.
For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Students Spend Time at Sony Online Entertainment
Students from Serra High School's Computerized Graphic Design and Multimedia classes recently spent the morning at Sony Online Entertainment to learn about what it takes to be a video game designer.
Students learned about future opportunities in the field and took home special Sony gifts, including video game software.
For more information, please contact Stacy Brennan, employer outreach specialist, at (858) 496-8342 x 241 or sbrennan@sandi.net.
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Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation Grant Awarded to SD MET High
The grant was a result of a collaboration with Stedman Graham & Associates, and is sponsored by Wells Fargo. All San Diego MET High freshmen participate in Graham's "Teens Can Make It Happen: Nine Steps for Success" training program.
The mission of The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation is to build strong and vibrant communities, improve the quality of life, and make a positive difference. They recognize that the MET, located on the Mesa College campus, is accomplishing these goals and many others through their internship program that partners with more than 400 local businesses for real world projects and authentic assessment.
For more information, please contact Principal Mildred Phillips at (619)388-2296 or mphillips@sandi.net.
For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
5 SD Unified Schools on US News Top High School List
Five schools in the San Diego Unified School District have placed on the annual US News and World Report "America's Best High Schools" list, with two schools, Preuss UCSD Charter and the School of International Studies at the San Diego High School Educational Complex, ranking in the prestigious Top 100.
Preuss ranked No. 32 of the top 100, with International Studies coming in at 44. Other schools recognized in San Diego Unified were: LEADS at San Diego High, San Diego MET and School of International Business at Kearny High, in the Bronze category; and La Jolla High with an Honorable Mention.
The magazine, in a partnership with School Evaluation Services, looked at more than 21,000 high schools around the nation, doing a detailed analysis on 1,750. The study analyzed academic and enrollment data, placing them into gold, silver, bronze, or honorable mention categories. Results were released Dec. 9.Clairemont High Clothing & Design Wizards
Funded by the 21st Century Grant, the after-school program gave students the opportunity to create costumes for the Emerald City scene.
"It helps me develop skills for my career goal in fashion," said student Coldy Vilzaysane.
For more information, please contact Pamela Sherwood, program teacher, at (858) 273-0201 x 4114 or psherwood@sandi.net.
For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Millennial Tech Students Working as Scientific Researchers
In partnership with Groundwork San Diego Chollas Creek, MTM Conservation Science students participate in outdoor research labs and field projects on MTM’s four-acre Earth Lab and in the local canyons of the southeast community.
Click here for more photos or contact Heather Potter, vice principal, at (619) 527-6933.
For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Business Community Recognizes 13 Schools
District honorees are Cadman, Ericson, Field, Florence, Hickman, Juarez, Lindbergh Schweitzer, Mason, Ocean Beach, Penn, and Vista Grande elementary schools. Also making the grade are Preuss School UCSD and Kearny High International School of Business.
The Honor Roll includes public elementary, middle and high schools that have been recognized by California’s business community for demonstrating consistent high student academic achievement and making significant progress toward closing achievement gaps among all students.
For more information, contact Kearny Principal Ana Diaz-Booz at (858) 496-8370 or adiaz@sandi.net .
Saturday, December 12, 2009
First Joint-Use Library Opens in Logan Heights
The Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the new Logan Heights Branch Library was held Friday. In the first partnership of its kind, San Diego Unified and the City of San Diego have come together to create a beautiful new 25,000 square-foot library that is located on a portion of the Logan K-8 School campus.
The two-story, joint-use library will serve the three adjacent schools -- Logan K-8 School, Memorial Preparatory School for Scholars and Athletes, and the King-Chavez Charter -- and the neighboring community.
The library features a digital reference center, a 35-computer lab, a cultural center for student programs and more. For more information, please contact Randy White, real estate specialist, at (858) 637-6268 or rwhite1@sandi.net.
News Coverage
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Friday, December 11, 2009
Working Together to Make a Greener District
Students conduct contests, clean ups, fundraisers and other activities as part of the program. Two elementary schools, Perkins and Holmes, in conjunction with the Energy/Utility Management section of the Physical Plant Operations Department, have developed special recognition banners to recognize individual classrooms for their recycling efforts. These colorful banners (see photo) will rotate among the Perkins and Holmes classrooms that increase recycling efforts for the month.
Remember, all recyclables -- bottles, cans, newspaper, white paper, magazines, etc. -- should be placed in the blue recycling bins.
For information, please call the district’s recycling hotline at (858) 627-7376, or J. William Naish, supervisor, energy/utility management, at (858) 627-7217.
For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Patrick Henry Soccer Player Meets Goals
SAN CARLOS — When Anthony Rosales joined the Patrick Henry High soccer team as a freshman, he wasn’t interested in listening to the older players.
Rosales was brimming with talent. He admits to being cocky, but it’s easy to understand why. Rosales believed with unshaken confidence that he was destined to become a professional soccer player. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune.
IN THE NEWS: New Logan Heights Library at Logan Elementary
LOGAN HEIGHTS — Logan Heights is getting a new, $14.5 million library more than 30 years after it was first proposed.
The two-story, 25,000-square-foot Logan Heights Library Branch, at 28th Street and Ocean View Boulevard, opened Dec. 11 in a densely populated, predominantly Latino neighborhood where the literacy and graduation rates are below the county average. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Guidelines Regarding Student Fees, Donations and Fundraising
In response to this issue, the district Legal Services has developed guidelines for staff and parents. Taken as a whole, the intent of these guidelines is to emphasize that the question is not whether schools and their communities can raise money to support programs -- they can -- but how funds can be raised through lawful means.
For more information, please contact Kristi Dean, interim chief elementary school improvement officer, at (619) 725-7170, or Sid Salazar, chief secondary school improvement officer, at (619) 725-7772. Read the guidelines.
For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Math Scores Up in National Test
San Diego’s eighth-graders are in the national spotlight for making the most progress on a federal math assessment administered in the nation’s largest urban school districts.
Released yesterday, the “Nation’s Report Card” shows results from math tests taken by fourth- and eighth-graders last academic year in 18 big-city districts. Although the San Diego Unified School District made overall gains in both grade levels, the eight-point jump made by eighth-graders has academics buzzing. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Also covered by:
- KPBS-FM: San Diego Eighth Graders Earn High Marks In Math
- SDNN: National Math Tests Show Gains for San Diego
- KGTV-10: 4th, 8th Grade Math Scores Rise
- Voice of San Diego: Math Scores Keep Rising
Donations to Schools by Local Companies TCR Services and Sony
The printers came from Sony, which had removed the equipment from service. TCR Services would normally have refurbished, then sold the equipment, but decided to donate the equipment and supplies to the district.
“Our schools, students and teachers are hurting for the resources they need to become successful,” stated Laura Olsen, TCR's Sales Manager. “TCR decided, together with Sony, that the donation would ease the burden of having to come up with additional funds for new equipment and supplies.”
For more information, please contact Ellen Tiffany, community relations manager, at (619) 725-5594.
For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
SDUSD Math Scores Show Big Gain In National Survey
SAN DIEGO -- San Diego Unified's eighth grade students showed dramatic gains in mastering math skills in 2008-09 and fourth graders also raised their scores, according to results of "The Nation's Report Card" for urban school districts, released today.
Both grades 4 and 8 continued the upward trend in nearly every student group, with eighth graders rising 8 points over the last test in 2007 and 16 points higher than when the first test was administered in 2003. These eighth-grade students continued the improvements they made as fourth graders, when a similar increase was registered.
"This goes to show what sustained progress and determination by our hard-working teachers and students means over the long run," said Bill Kowba, Interim Superintendent. "Not only is the increase this year very impressive, but the fact that these students were able to repeat their fourth grade success as eighth graders is even more noteworthy."
The "Report Card" is a product of the National Assessment of Educational Progress and began in 1969. The current results from the Trial Urban District Assessment compare 18 big-city school districts, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, the District of Columbia, Los Angeles and New York City.
The test looks at a level of proficiency above State of California standards and is designed to challenge the students in a number of areas. Among eighth graders, only Austin and Charlotte beat the national average of 282 points, while San Diego Unified was about equal at 280. A "basic" knowledge score was set at 262 points, while the large-city median was 271.
For fourth graders, proficient was set at 249 points, the average national score was 239, and the large city average was 231 points. San Diego joined Boston, Houston and Miami-Dade County at 236 points, surpassed by only the Charlotte and Austin districts. The basic knowledge score was 214 points.
The achievement gaps between student groups persisted in the 2009 scores. Nearly all student groups in the district saw improved performance compared to 2003. However, compared to 2007, fourth-grade performance declined for several student groups, including students who are eligible for free- or reduced-price lunch, an indicator of their family's income.
Read More
Results from the reading portion of the test are expected to be released in the Spring.
Special Education Hotline
Parents can call (619) 725-7057 and leave their name and phone number, their student's name and birth date and a brief message regarding their concern(s). A return phone call will be received within 24 hours.
For general special education information, please call (619) 725-7700.
For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Board of Education Holds Rare Friday Evening Meeting
IN THE NEWS: Parents Outraged at Upcoming Budget Cuts
From KUSI-TV, coverage of the Dec. 3 budget town hall:
- San Diego City schools are facing budget cuts far deeper than they anticipated. Watch video from KUSI-TV »
Grant races to three high schools
Crawford High School of Multimedia & Visual Arts School received $87,000 to create an art fabrication lab that will prepare students for careers in the local media arts industry by allowing them to design high-tech community-based projects. Under the direction of instructor Brian Black, MVAS students will use the lab to design and produce media art projects that will improve the quality of life in the City Heights community.
Crawford High School IDEA was awarded $32,495 in support of the career technical education program related to transportation technology and alternative fuels. Under the direction of instructors Carl Kingsly and Greg Quirin, students enrolled in the automotive classes at the school will convert gasoline powered engines to operate on cleaner, alternative fuels.
Point Loma High School received $90,000 to build a weight room and exercise facility for students. Athletic Director John Murphy believes that this facility, which will be used by student athletes and students participating in physical education programs, will help the young people focus on health and fitness using state-of-the-art equipment.
“This is what the foundation is all about, being able to give back to communities in need. We are grateful for the partnership with Lowe’s and their guidance as our foundation begins its work in education,” said Johnson.
For a complete list of 2009 grant recipients and projects, please visit the foundation's website.
For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
GATE Distinguished Lecture Series Wednesday
A Continuum of Differentiation by Dr. Sandra Kaplan will be presented to staff from 4 to 6 p.m., and to parents from 7 to 8:30 p.m., in the auditorium at the Education Center.
For more information, please contact the GATE Department at (858) 573-5998.
For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Enrollment Options Catalogs In The Mail
The San Diego Unified School District has sent out its annual enrollment options catalog to households throughout the city. Parents who want their children to attend a campus other than their neighborhood school have until Feb. 15 to apply. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Friday, December 4, 2009
H1N1 Flu Update for Dec. 4
However, it’s important to continue to take precautions to protect yourself and family from the flu, particularly since the regular flu season starts in January.
Physicians and other health care professionals recommend the following actions to help prevent the spread of H1N1 and seasonal flu: stay home when sick, cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands frequently and get the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines as soon as possible.
For a list of SD County H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine clinics, visit the county's H1N1 flu site; more information is also available on the district's flu website.
For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Check Out This Week's Friday Notes
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
SDG&E, SD Unified Partnership Saves Parents Money
An innovative partnership between the San Diego Unified School District and San Diego Gas and Electric Company has reduced gas and electric bills by 20% for 2,719 San Diego families, with more to come.
Under this innovative partnership, the school district is sharing its list of families qualifying for the federal Free and Reduced Priced Lunch Program with the utility. Chances are, families whose children qualify for free lunch also qualify for the California Alternative Rate for Energy (CARE) program. The program also helps the school district, since SDG&E provides a $15 per household payment for each new CARE program participants from the program.
The first check from SDG&E to San Diego Unified, for $40,785, was presented at the Board of Education meeting on Nov. 17.
“We’re happy that SDG&E is able to bring this program to our families,” said Shelia Jackson, SDUSD Board of Education President. “In this difficult economy, every bit helps.”
The CARE program offers income-qualified households a 20 percent discount on their energy bill.
“This extraordinary partnership between the school district and SDG&E just shows how much caring there is for our San Diego families both at school and at our company,” said Mitch Mitchell, regional vice president for external affairs for San Diego Gas & Electric. “This is a program that’s available to all low income customers in California. Working with San Diego Unified has made contacting these families just that much easier.”
The first phase of the program resulted in 2,719 families signing up for the CARE program. At least two more groups of addresses will be forwarded to the utility over the coming months.
For more information on the CARE program, contact SDG&E at (800) 6
Einstein Academies Video Earns a Healthy Makeover
As winners, the school will receive a healthy lunch coaching session from Chef Ann, a renowned chef who travels the nation promoting changes to cafeteria programs.
For more information, please contact Principal Jeanette Vaughn at (619) 725-1190, ext. 2124 or jvaughn@aeacs.org.
For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Morse coach knows life lessons are crucial to turnaround
“That, going 0-10, will never happen again,” said Roberts, a running back and strong safety. “We're going to try to make it so no one remembers that. No one.” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune.
SD High Int'l Studies Teacher Receives Milken Prize
The tables turned at a schoolwide assembly Nov. 16 when the Milken Family Foundation honored — and stunned — Jaime Enochs of the School of International Studies at San Diego High with its Milken Educator Award, which comes with a no-strings-attached cash prize of $25,000.
Foundation Chairman Lowell Milken, California Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell, State Assemblymember and Speaker Pro Tempore Lori Saldaña, San Diego Unified School District Interim Superintendent Bill Kowba and San Diego Unified School Board President Sheila Jackson were among the leaders participating in the surprise celebration to honor the International Baccalaureate (IB) English department chair and youngest in the department.
Dubbed “the Oscars of teaching” by Teacher Magazine, the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards were conceived by Lowell Milken to recognize the importance of outstanding educators and encourage talented young people to enter the teaching profession. Unlike most teaching awards, the Milken Educator Awards have no formal nomination or application process. Each year exceptional teachers, principals and specialists—recommended without their knowledge by a blue-ribbon panel appointed by each state’s department of education—are surprised with the news of their awards.
“Highly effective educators are the human capital that will equip America’s youth in this increasingly competitive global economy,” said Lowell Milken, chairman and co-founder of the Milken Family Foundation. “By shining a national spotlight on exceptional people like Jaime Enochs, the Milken Educator Awards send a powerful message of the critical role that talented teachers play in preparing young people for a bright future.”
At the School of International Studies located at the San Diego High Educational Complex, Jaime Enochs has developed innovative ways to navigate students through the rigors of IB curriculum. From this blend of creativity and critical thinking emerged her section on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, in which Enochs created a “character meter” for her students to track Hamlet’s anxiety level during each act. Her artistic skills are no secret, as she decorates her classroom with elaborate charts and décor she makes herself. She also fashioned pins for her IB English seniors—bees with large eyes to symbolize “IB”—to wear for confidence and solidarity during their rigorous IB testing. Almost 100 percent of her seniors went on to pass the California IB English language exam. The worldwide average is 60 percent.
In addition, almost 100 percent of ninth-grade students passed the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), and scores are far above state averages under Enochs’ direction. The principal attributes these numbers to Enochs’ staff preparations as the coordinator of the school-wide testing program. Enochs’ leadership also triumphed in 2008, when she was the coordinator for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) committee. Under her leadership, the School of International Studies received the highest rating possible with a six-year accreditation. This was the first time a San Diego school had received this level of accreditation in nine years.
Enochs joins 2009 California recipients Roberto Gonzalez of Los Angeles’s Virgil Middle School and Ana Higuera of Lynwood High School.
Since first presented in 1987 to 12 exemplary California teachers, the Milken Educator Awards program is now the nation’s largest teacher recognition program having honored more than 2,400 educators from coast to coast with over $60 million. The Awards alternate each year between elementary and secondary educators. This year, 54 educators are being presented, with cash prizes totaling 1.35 million.
In addition to their cash prizes, the recipients will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles to attend the Milken Educator Forum, a national gathering of award-winning educators to address innovative strategies for advancing teacher effectiveness. A highlight of the Forum will be the presentation of the $25,000 Milken Educator Awards at a recognition dinner and ceremony. They will also join the Milken Educator Network, a group of distinguished educators whose expertise serves as a valuable resource to fellow educators, legislators, school boards and others shaping the future of education.
Award Criteria:
Candidates for the Milken Educator Awards are selected on the basis of the following criteria:
- Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school;
- Exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession;
- Individuals whose contributions to education are largely unheralded yet worthy of the spotlight;
- Early- to mid-career educators who offer strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and
- Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.
For more information about the Milken Educator Awards and the surprise notification events held across the nation, visit http://www.mff.org
Monday, November 16, 2009
Fox 5 visits Pt. Loma High
Watch video (click here if you don't see video window).
Number of National Board Certified Teachers Grows
Congratulations to the following district teachers who have been recertified as National Board Certified Teachers by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards:
- Maria Nichols, Magnet Program Office
- Bonnie Paget-Milse, Dailard Elementary
- Rebecca Reid, Sunset View Elementary
- Amy Sanders, Nye Elementary
- Betsy Shirazi, DePortola Middle
- Jon Strebler, San Diego High School of International Studies
For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.
Friday, November 13, 2009
H1N1 Update for Nov. 13: Prevent Spread of Disease
- Wash hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol are most effective.
- Do not to share personal items like drinks, food or unwashed utensils.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues; or use the elbow, arm or sleeve when tissue is unavailable. Dispose of used tissue immediately and wash hands.
- Know the signs and symptoms of the flu, which include fever 100° F (37.8° Celsius) with a cough and/or sore throat. Other symptoms may include a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, vomiting and diarrhea.
- If you or your child has a pre-existing health condition, notify your doctor or healthcare provider if flu symptoms develop.
- Get vaccinated for seasonal and H1N1 flu as soon as possible. The H1N1 flu vaccine is recommended even for those who have had suspected H1N1 influenza.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
School Choice Enrollment Period Kicks Off
Visit www.sandi.net/enrollmentoptions for the online application and other helpful materials. Applications are given a computer-generated random number and are treated equally once received during the open enrollment period -- first come, first served does not apply.
To help families learn more about the many schools and programs offered at San Diego Unified, two enrollment fairs are scheduled:
- Magnet Schools Fair, Nov. 14, 2009
- Enrollment Options Fair (all district-run schools and programs), Jan. 30, 2010
For more information, contact Enrollment Options at (619) 725-5672 or eoptions@sandi.net.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Budget Town Hall Meetings Set
Parents, students, employees and community members are strongly encouraged to attend one of five upcoming Budget Town Hall Meetings. Attendees will learn more about the budget crisis and offer ideas and feedback for the Board of Education on the best ways to balance the budget for the 2010-11 school year. Each meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
A Board of Education member will officiate at each meeting, which is open to the public.
- Thursday, Nov. 19: Serra High School, Media Center, 5156 Santo Road (92124). Sub-District B — Katherine Nakamura.
- Thursday, Dec. 3: San Diego High Educational Complex, Performing Arts Theater, 1405 Park Blvd. (92101). Sub-District D — Richard Barrera.
- Wednesday, Dec. 9: Mission Bay High School, auditorium, 2475 Grand Ave. (92109). Sub-District C — John de Beck.
- Monday, Dec. 14: Porter Elementary North, Auditorium, 445 S. 47th St. (92113). Sub-District E, Shelia Jackson.
- Thursday, Dec. 17: Madison High School, Performing Arts Center, 4833 Doliva Dr. (92117). Sub-District A — John Lee Evans.
Friday, November 6, 2009
H1N1 Update for Nov. 6
San Diego Unified continues to work closely with the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency as the H1N1 flu virus circulates throughout the San Diego region. Schools throughout the county, including some in our district, are experiencing increased absenteeism that may be due to suspected H1N1 flu. San Diego County Public Health personnel are currently investigating numerous San Diego County schools for probable outbreak of H1N1 flu.
San Diego Unified parents will be notified by their school if County Public Health opens an investigation of a possible H1N1 outbreak. If an investigation is opened and/or an outbreak is declared, public health officials advise that schools continue to follow the guidelines established at the beginning of the school year. Schools will remain open. Students who are sick will NOT be allowed at school. Students who are well should attend school as usual. Families should continue to be vigilant about practicing good hygiene. Parents should have their children vaccinated as soon as possible.For more information about the H1N1 flu virus and vaccine, visit www.sdiz.org, call 2-1-1 or call the district H1N1 Flu Information line at (619) 260-5409.
Friday, October 30, 2009
H1N1 Update for Oct. 30
San Diego Unified continues to work closely with County Public Health Services to organize vaccination clinics at some of our schools pending a signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by the County of San Diego. A limited number of our schools will have clinics. Parents will be notified if and when their school site will host a clinic and should not contact the school or district offices for that information. Receiving the H1N1 vaccine is voluntary and parent permission will be required.
PLEASE NOTE: It’s important for parents to contact their private health care provider or a county community clinic as the preferred means to receive the H1N1 vaccine for their children or other eligible family members. Locations of County vaccination sites can be found at www.sdiz.org or by calling 2-1-1.
Visit the district H1N1 website to review the latest information.
Henry Navy JROTC Cadets Tour Nation’s Capitol
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Thursday, October 29, 2009
Crawford IDEA's Green Lawnmower Eyed at Growing Green Careers Symposium
Crawford IDEA students Danny Ngo and Pride McGinnis presented the auto shop's propane-fueled riding lawnmower at the Growing Green Careers Symposium, a recent confab at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon. The mower, which was converted from gasoline to propane by students at IDEA, is the first collaboration between students and district staff to reduce our carbon footprint. In addition to the students, teachers Carl Kingsbury, Mena Abdo and Jon Karanopoulos presented on topics ranging from biofuels, propane technologies and the new Green Technology and Energy program at Scripps Ranch and Sci-Tech high schools. Contact Greg Quirin at (858) 503-1736 or gquirin@sandi.net.
For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Chalk One Up for De Portola, Paint the Way for MVAS
Students from De Portola Middle School and Crawford MVAS participated in the Oct. 11 Little Italy Street Painting Festival (photo at right). Eighth graders Chris Gonzalez and Jennifer Tachiquin, from Mrs. Pearson's art class at De Portola in Tierrasanta, recreated Da Vinci's "Lady With Ermine" in chalk on the sidewalk during the Oct. 11, 2009 Gesso Italiano in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood. The pair teamed up, with Jennifer working on the arm and body, while Chris worked on the face. Mrs. Pearson helped a bit as well. Jennifer and Chris were the only middle school students participating in the competition, which shows the amazing talent at De Portola. For more information, contact principal Elizabeth Gillingham at (858) 496-8080. Crawford MVAS students also participated; contact principal Diego Gutierrez at dgutierrez@sandi.net for details.
For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Montgomery Middle Gets Dutch Treat
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Monday, October 26, 2009
Congressional Page Position Available
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Saturday, October 24, 2009
Superintendent’s Message: Budgeting Begins for 2010-11
The district has cut $180 million from our budget in the last two years but thanks to federal stimulus dollars, early retirements and streamlining our organization, for the most part, our classrooms were protected. For the 2010-11 budget year, the district is facing a budget deficit of approximately $80 to $100 million even before new cuts that are expected from the state. That means the Board of Education will once again be facing extremely difficult choices to balance next year’s budget.
The State of California is continuing to face the impacts of a deep economic recession and tax revenues coming in far below estimates for the current budget year. Current projections show that the state may be facing another $8-16 billion deficit, which will mean even more severe cuts for public education. We won’t know the state’s projected budget until January, but San Diego Unified could face an additional $100 million or more in cuts for the next budget year on top of our current projected deficit of nearly $100 million!
In the face of this bleak budget outlook, as Interim Superintendent, I share the strong commitment of the Board of Education to keep budget reductions as far from the classroom as possible. During the coming weeks, our staff will be conducting a complete review our operations and programs to identify a full range of budget reduction alternatives for the Board. The Board will also be considering a targeted freeze on hiring and expenses to help us save as many dollars as possible in the current budget year.
We encourage the public to stay informed about the education budget crisis and to share your concerns. We are launching a community outreach program to give our school communities and the public access to current budget information and provide opportunities for input. This program will include a series of Town Hall meetings during November and December. We also encourage the public to visit our new Budget Crisis website to get the latest information and to share ideas and comments on our Budget Blog.
During this difficult period for public education, I want to assure our parents, our staff and the public that we will remain focused on our primary goal, providing quality education for every student on every school day.
Friday, October 23, 2009
H1N1 Update, Oct. 23, 2009
- Effective this week, school principals will advise parents and staff in the event of an H1N1 outbreak, as defined (PDF) by the California Department of Public Health.
- Students and staff who are not ill should come to school each day, including schools where an outbreak has occurred. Schools are being given updated instructions to protect the health of our students and staff.
- Students and staff with flu symptoms may return when fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication during those 24 hours.
- Children with underlying health conditions (including asthma, immune system problems, neuromuscular disorders, diabetes, sickle cell anemia and pregnancy) who experience flu symptoms should contact their doctor, as they may be eligible for an anti-viral medication.
Visit the district H1N1 website
Achievement Gap Task Force Reports Progress in Closing Gap
Thursday, October 22, 2009
County Teacher of the Year Awards
San Diego Unified teachers shined at the annual Cox Presents a Salute to Teachers Awards last Saturday night. Kelly Kovacic (2nd from left) of The Preuss School UCSD joins four other outstanding educators as the newest County Teachers of the Year who will now compete at the state level. Kelly teaches social studies at Preuss, a charter school for grades 6-12 that provides a college preparatory education for motivated low-income students who will become the first in their families to graduate from college.
Now in its 36th year, the 2009 Salute to Teachers event honored more than 26,000 teaching professionals throughout San Diego County. Bill Freeman of Porter North Elementary, one of San Diego Unified’s Teachers of the Year, was also honored on stage as one of the ten finalists for the county award. Congratulations to Kelly, Bill and all our teachers for their commitment to our students. For more information, visit www.sdcoe.net.
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Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Our Most Valued Cargo
As the rider-ship continues to expand, so do the responsibilities aligned to safety in Title 5 California Code of Regulations, which states “students are under the authority of and directly responsible to the driver.”
Our drivers take this responsibility very seriously and appreciate the support of school staff and parents who remind students about the importance of enjoying the ride to and back home from school each day. Students are instructed to be calm and respectful riders so their driver can focus on the roads and freeways for the safety of all.
For information, please contact Lee Eddy, manager of transportation operations, at (858) 496-8781 or leddy@sandi.net.
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Governor Signs Compact Helping Military Dependents
About 10 percent of San Diego Unified's students are military dependents, including almost half in the Tierrasanta area, home to Serra High, De Portola and Farb middle schools, and Hancock, Kumeyaay, Miller, Tierrasanta and Vista Grande elementary schools and child development centers. There are many other schools in the district with large military populations. For more information please contact Pam Hosmer at phosmer@sandi.net.
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Monday, October 19, 2009
Pop Rock Group ‘Honor Society’ Partners with USA Pears
During lunch on Thursday, Oct. 22, Taft Middle School students enjoyed a rare live concert by one of the country’s hottest new acts, Honor Society. The pop band is partnering with USA Pears to promote a healthy lifestyle, rich with fruits and vegetables.
Each student received a fresh pear as part of the concert.
Lead singer Michael Bruno said “we couldn’t be more excited about this cool program with USA Pears. With us constantly on the road, we have to pay special attention to our diets so we are at our best at each and every performance.”
For more information, please contact Gary Petill, director, food services, at (858) 627-7301 or gpetill@sandi.net.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Special Budget Meeting of Board of Education Tuesday
Saturday, October 17, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Lincoln's Test Scores Highlighted
Friday, October 16, 2009
Henry High Student is Studying Polar Bears in the Arctic
Daniel has been volunteering at the San Diego Zoo from a very young age, and was chosen as the zoo’s polar bear ambassador through an application process. For more information, please contact Principal Pat Crowder at (619) 286-7700. Read Daniel’s blog.
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Thursday, October 15, 2009
Free & Reduced-Price Meal Applications Impact School Funding
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Washington Elementary Nominated for Architectural Award
In an out-of-sight part of this lively neighborhood, the elementary school was screaming for color! With a few strokes of color, (18 colors to be exact) a whole new light and life has been given to Washington Elementary as a learning community asset.” The winners will be announced on Thursday, November 12.
For more information on the nomination, and to vote, please visit the webpage. For information on the school, please contact Principal Janie Wardlow at (619) 525-7475.
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New Programs Provide Academic Support
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Blue Angels Visit Campuses
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H1N1 Update, Oct. 13, 2009
Parents of children with certain ongoing health condition should take extra precautions. Click here to read more (Adobe PDF) . For additional information, visit the district H1N1 website at www.sandi.net/H1N1.
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Monday, October 12, 2009
Lincoln JROTC Supports Autism Fundraiser
IN THE NEWS: Food Overhaul Gets High Grades
Then-Superintendent Terry Grier commented that never in his career had he heard high school students offer such enthusiastic and unsolicited praise of the school lunch menu. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Story of Success: TRACE-VITAS Hospice Partnership
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Sunday, October 11, 2009
IN THE NEWS: School Trustee Unhappy With SDSU Admissions Change
Special Education Community Meeting
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Chargers Huddle at Mann Middle School
As part of the annual NFL Hometown Huddle, members of the San Diego Chargers took over Mann Middle School’s play fields on October 6, holding a mini-camp for the school’s students and other students from around the county. The day ended with a $2,500 donation presented to the school from the team and the United Way. Chargers players on hand included No. 28, safety/cornerback Steve Gregory; No. 92, defensive end Vaughn Martin; and No. 20, cornerback Antoine Cason.
Part of the Star/Pal program supported by law enforcement agencies around San Diego County, mini-camp activities take students through some of the physical training that pro football players go through before the season begins, including running and workouts. Kids have an opportunity to learn football skills and more importantly, spend time with positive role models. Police officers from the district and the county and local fire fighters serve as volunteer coaches. At Mann Middle School, Chargers players stressed the importance of becoming a positive influence in the community while offering tips on the game.
For more information, contact School Police Sgt. Alfonso Contreras at (619) 725-7004 or acontreras@sandi.net.
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Friday, October 9, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Running with Confidence
Crawford MVAS Students Make a Difference in Community
It is a two-year service learning project between San Diego Local Initiatives Support Corporation, the Boulevard Business Association and the Multimedia and Visual Arts School (MVAS) at Crawford.
During the 2008-09 school year, and continuing this school year, 80 MVAS students have identified and interviewed diverse community leaders, written human interest stories based on these interviews, interpreted the stories through art, created public art installations displayed along El Cajon Boulevard and documented the project through a website and printed materials.
To check out their work, go to http://www.storiesofcolinapark.org. For more information, please contact Principal Diego Gutierrez at (619) 583-2500.
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
Board President Discusses District Issues
Watch video
District "Checkbook" Goes Public
The reports show amounts paid to vendors for various supplies and services. Those wishing more information should contact the Office of the Controller and reference the Voucher ID number, listed by the transaction. For more information, please contact Ken Leighton, controller, at kleighton@sandi.net or (619) 725-7667.
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Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Mira Mesa Cluster Advisory Board Meets Oct. 12
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Year of the School Volunteer
Research supports that individual adult attention is a key contributor to student achievement and overall success in life. The district salutes the thousands of volunteers who already give their time and support to our students. We look forward to welcoming more volunteers who share our commitment to making a difference in the lives of San Diego children. For more information, please contact the Volunteer program at (619) 725-5592.
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Lincoln High Area District E Parent and Community Forum
Monday, October 5, 2009
First Five Gives Reprieve to Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenting Program
The program had been in jeopardy when the state eliminated its funding as part of this year¹s budget cutbacks, but First 5 stepped up with funding to carry the program through the current school year. The program provides case management, counseling and parent child attunement and interaction therapy services to pregnant and parenting youth residing throughout San Diego County.
During the 2008-09 school year, 92 percent of eligible participating students graduated. Congratulations to the students and congratulations to SANDAPP staff for your hard work and dedication to San Diego's pregnant and parenting teens and thanks to our local First 5 commissioners and staff for allowing this important work to continue. For more information, please contact Cindy Grossman at cgrossman@sandi.net.
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H1N1 Update: District Activates Special Info Phone Line
The new H1N1 Information Phone Line is set-up to take messages, which will be answered by a school nurse within 24 hours. With more urgent health-related questions, call the Nursing and Wellness Program Office at (858) 627-7580. For non health-related district H1N1 issues, please email H1N1@sandi.net.
The district continues to maintain an H1N1 webpage with the latest information. For H1N1 issues not specific to San Diego Unified, call 211 or visit www.flu.gov.
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Sunday, October 4, 2009
High School Science Student Achieves Another First
Patrick Henry High School senior Anna Simpson is the first high school student ever to have an article published on the LiveScience website.
Anna describes first-hand her experiences doing research in a UCSD chemistry lab and presenting her award-winning mobile autonomous chemical-detecting robot at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair as well as the California State Science Fair last spring.
For more information, contact Pat Crowder, principal, at (619) 286-7700 ext. 2208.
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Saturday, October 3, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Crawford IDEA in "School Spotlight"
UC High and Scripps Health Form Partnership
Currently, UC High has more than 60 students enrolled in the Health Essentials Course, a class comprised mostly of seniors who are anxious to have "hands-on" experiences in a hospital setting. This is UC High's first year participating in the Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences program, which is designed to introduce students to health sciences and allied health careers.
Project Lead the Way has been working closely with the Regional Occupational Program to expose students to the many career opportunities in health sciences. For more information, please contact Ellie Vandiver at evandiver@sandi.net or (858) 457-3040 ext. 150.
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Friday, October 2, 2009
Annual Facilities Inspections in Progress
The surveys inspect eight major areas, including plumbing, electrical, heating and ventilation systems, and overall site cleanliness and safety. Williams inspections are conducted by an independent, third-party; SARC inspections are conducted by Physical Plant Operations (PPO) staff.
Physical Plant Operations will use the Williams and SARC facility inspection results to determine where change needs to occur. Comparisons from previous year\'s Williams/SARC facilities inspection results will be analyzed to help focus our business practices and improve customer service.
For more information, please contact Tracy Higgins, support services supervisor, at (858) 627-7151 or thiggins@sandi.net.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Mission Bay Student Athlete Selected to Play in the All American Bowl
On Wednesday, September 30, Dillon will receive his bowl game uniform at a special event hosted by the U.S. Army, at Mission Bay High.
Scheduled to appear at the event are the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team and Paul Rudy, host of KUSI’s Prep Pigskin Report. The U.S. Army will also provide its Fitness for Life tour for Mission Bay High students. This interactive experience includes a technology pod with robotics, flight simulators and a climbing wall.
The bowl game draws outstanding high school football players from across the U.S. In its ten-year history, the game has featured some of the nation’s most elite young football players, including college and NFL stars Adrian Peterson, Reggie Bush, Vince Young, Tim Tebow and Terrelle Pryor.
For more information, please contact Kathy Agosto at (858) 273-1313.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Three La Jolla Schools Benefit from Festival
Breakfast in the Classroom Expands to Middle School
Monday, September 28, 2009
IN THE NEWS: San Diego's Fame school, SCPA
Chargers Donate $200,000 to Morse High Field
Local Initiatives Support Corporation awarded $200,000 in funding for construction of Morse’s artificial turf playing field as part of the “Grassroots Program,” a partnership with the National Football League Youth Football Fund. The Grassroots Program provides nonprofit, neighborhood-based organizations with financial and technical assistance to improve the quality, safety and accessibility of local football fields.
Thanks to the donation, the installation of the track and field took place earlier than planned. Using Prop. S funds, San Diego Unified has begun refurbishing all high school athletic facilities, either installing new synthetic turf football fields and all-weather running tracks, or refurbishing existing synthetic football fields that are approaching their useful service lives. For more information, please contact the Prop. S Communications Office at (619) 725-7252, e-mail PropSinfo@sandi.net or visit the website at www.sandi.net/PropS .
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
IN THE NEWS: Union-Tribune Lauds SDUSD Blue Ribbon Schools
At Ericson Elementary School in Mira Mesa, the staff and students have a school spirit song. Sung to the tune of “You're a Grand Old Flag,” the Ericson song begins, “You're a grand old school, you're a high-ranking school, you're the best in the West we all say ... ” Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune
IN THE NEWS: Farmer's Market That Benefits Schools
Friday, September 25, 2009
Kearny’s JROTC Presents US Colors at Mexico Consulate Ceremony
More than 200 people attended the ceremony, hosted by the Consulate of Mexico at La Jolla’s Museum of Contemporary Art. In attendance were the Consul General of Mexico, Remedios Gómez Arnau, and Lori Holt Pfeiler, mayor of Escondido.
The Kearny students presented the US colors, while the Cardenas school students presented Mexico’s colors. For more information, please contact Col. Harry Ridge Jr. at (858) 496-8203 or hridgejr@sandi.net, or 1SG Theodore Jenkins at (858) 496-8204 or tjenkins@sandi.net.
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Thursday, September 24, 2009
New Ways to Conserve Water
To take the lesson further, when the school’s emergency supply of water packets expired and were about to be replaced with new packets, Bates decided to use the expired pouches to irrigate the school’s garden. The empty water packets, similar to foil Capri Sun pouches, were then recycled through Terracycle.
First grade students (see photo) were the first to use expired water packets on their herb garden. Other schools can take a lesson from Spreckels by using expiring emergency water packets for their school gardens or by working with their site landscape staff to water other campus areas.
For more information, please contact J. William Naish, supervisor, energy/utility management, at (858) 627-7217 or jnaish@sandi.net.
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Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Clairemont High Auto Shop Gassed Up on Donated Car, New Facility
The ROP National Automotive Technical Education Foundation program is also awaiting start of construction on a project funded through the state Prop. 1D and San Diego Unified’s Prop. S, which will include six service bays, automotive specialty tools and diagnostic equipment. Check out construction progress on all Prop. 1D.
For more information, please contact Greg Quirin, program specialist, Office of College, Career and Technical Education, at gquirin@sandi.net or (858) 503-1736.
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Tuesday, September 22, 2009
District A University City Advisory Board Meets Sept. 26
Monday, September 21, 2009
Operation of Schools During Hot Weather
Instructional Program Modifications
Elementary teachers may rearrange the daily schedule so that basic skills subjects are taught at the optimal time. Physical education activities are limited to less strenuous activities and/or are rescheduled to a more appropriate time. Recess activities are limited to quiet games that require a minimum of physical activity.
Alternative Locations for Instruction
Cooler areas of schools buildings and grounds are used when available. As an example, some teachers may have students gather in shaded lawn areas or move to rooms with better cross-ventilation. Students in non-air-conditioned portable facilities may be merged with other classes in air-conditioned buildings, such as media centers, cafeterias or auditoriums.
Extracurricular Activities
Athletic activities and practices may be canceled due to hot weather, or rescheduled for a more appropriate time. Before- and after-school programs may also be modified or activities rearranged.
Keeping Students Cool and Hydrated
Students are encouraged to bring containers of water to school during hot weather. Water fountains are also available in all schools and teachers are encouraging students to take extra water fountain breaks throughout the day. Many teachers keep spray-bottles with water in classrooms so that they can ‘mist’ students at their request or as needed.
Students are asked to dress in lightweight clothing that is in keeping with their school dress codes. Please also make sure to apply sunscreen to your child before school, as school staff are not permitted to apply it. If your child has a medical condition that may be compromised by exposure to high temperatures, you may keep your child at home or arrange for an early release.
More Information
- Administrative Procedure #4302: Operation of Schools During Hot Weather
- District Air Conditioning Policy
- Heat Cramps
- Heat Exhaustion
- Heat Stroke
AP Incentive Program Partners with Borders
On September 4, the Advanced Placement Incentive Program (APIP) hosted its first Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate Resource Fair at the Mission Valley Borders store.
Appreciative AP teachers gave the event rave reviews. “The AP resources supplied will go a long way to improving student success in my classes,” “my students will be thrilled,” “you have made the transition so flawless,” and “thank you for the amazing resources” were just a few of the comments made by those in attendance.
For more information, please contact Don Mitchell, director, APIP, at (858) 505-9724.
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