Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Partners with District on Parent Program

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law successfully launched its Parental Readiness and Empowerment Program (PREP) thanks to the generous support of Qualcomm, Inc. and its partnership with the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD).

This past spring, PREP:

• Trained almost 300 parents about their child’s educational rights;

• Recruited 25 volunteers to provide educational consultation advice to 24 parents

• Facilitated three workshops in collaboration with SDUSD’s Parent Outreach and Engagement Department

Workshops in March and May focused on parents’ rights and responsibilities regarding school discipline. The June workshop focused on the parents’ role in special education identification and advocating for Individual Education Plan (IEP) services.

 

For more information, contact the committee at PREP@lawyerscommittee.org or call 202-662-8600.

IN THE NEWS: Creative Partnership Between SCPA, San Diego Rep

The San Diego REP's production of "Tommy" just closed but it showcased a partnership with the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts that might be a model for other schools wanting to keep a strong arts component in education. Listen and read more from KPBS-FM»

IN THE NEWS: Talking about school uniforms, dress codes (en Español)

Sustainable Technologies Project Breaks Ground

District officials marked the start of construction on the new Sustainable Technologies Facility at Scripps Ranch High School with a ceremonial groundbreaking at the project site that included board trustee Kevin Beiser, College Career & Technical Education and Proposition S teams, and project partners.

Speakers at the late afternoon ceremony addressed the importance of sustainable and renewable resources, and how the new facility will enable student learning in this emerging industry under the school’s Sustainable Technologies Program.

The $6.4 million facility includes five structures totaling 10,000 square feet and will incorporate sustainable design and green building strategies to create a healthy learning environment.  It will also serve as an educational lab for teaching students about renewable technologies, such as photovoltaic panels and renewable/recycled building products.http://fpcprojects.sandi.net or call 619-725-7252.

The CCTE project, which is funded by a California Proposition 1D grant and Proposition S, is expected to be completed in fall 2012.  For more details, please visit the Prop. S website.

IN THE NEWS: Program’s graduates are first to enter SDSU

City Heights students praise value of ambitious partnership. 44 students, about 10 of whom have been together from Rosa Parks through Monroe Clark Middle School and Hoover High School, started at SDSU on Monday as the first alums of the ambitious collaborative, a 13-year-old partnership among Price Charities, SDSU’s College of Education, the San Diego Unified School District and the district’s teachers union. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune»

Next Redistricting Committee Meeting to Discuss Alternative Maps

The Board of Education's Redistricting Advisory Committee will discuss several alternatives for redrawing sub-district boundaries in the San Diego Unified School District at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, in Room 2226, Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal St. (92103).

The meeting is open to the public and testimony will be taken.

The committee will recommend to the Board of Education adjustments the school board election boundaries to balance population with 2010 Census numbers. Changes would affect which board members represent the districts; school attendance boundaries or high school feeder patterns would not be affected.

At the meeting, the Committee will review several alternative maps that make changes to sub district boundaries. The maps and more information are available online at www.sandi.net/redistrict<http://www.sandi.net/redistrict>.

Healthiest, Freshest Food Offerings Increasing in Cafeterias

As the Food Services Department prepares for the opening of 200 school cafes (whew!) school cafe managers gathered on Thursday for the final in a series of three orientation/training meetings.

This training was a little different.

Farmers and chefs were invited to the meeting termed “Know your Farmer, Know Your Food”. The day included a mini-farmer’s market, a tomato tasting and cooking demonstrations to integrate more local raw product into our school menus.

The group then enjoyed the fruits of their labor as they ate the lunch they prepared during the morning. The goal is to continue to make the Farm to School Program, which began last year as an integral part of school menu planning and preparation.

For more information on the Farm to School Program, contact Vanessa Zajfen at vzajfen@sandi.net or 858-627-7310.

Tdap Clinics Come to Mission Bay High Monday and Tuesday

Parents of students in grades 7-12 can bring their children
to receive the pertussis booster shot or a vaccination against the disease
at Mission Bay High School Monday and Tuesday next week, as the County of
San Diego Health and Human Services Agency holds a clinic.

The shots will be available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days at the school,
2475 Grand Ave. in Pacific Beach.

Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that can spread quickly and can
be deadly, especially to children. In 2010, two local infants died from
complications of the disease. A new state law requires all students in
grades 7-12 to show proof of having received the pertussis booster shot,
or Tdap, in order to enroll in school. Parents have up to 30 days to meet
the requirement.

For more information about Tdap or the vaccination clinics, visit
www.sdiz.org or call 2-1-1.

Here is a full list of upcoming clinics.

-- Monday, August 29, 2011 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mission Bay High School
2475 Grand Ave. San Diego, CA 92109

-- Monday, August 29, 2011 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. North Central Public Health
Center 5055 Ruffin Rd., San Diego, CA 92123

-- Tuesday, August 30, 2011 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. South Region Public Health
Center 690 Oxford St., Chula Vista, CA 91911

-- Tuesday, August 30, 2011 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mission Bay High School
2475 Grand Ave., San Diego, CA 92109

-- Tuesday, August 30, 2011 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. North Central Public Health
Center 5055 Ruffin Rd., San Diego, CA 92123

-- Wednesday, August 31, 2011 1-6 p.m. North Inland
Regional
Center 600 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025

-- Friday, September 2, 2011 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monte Vista High School
3230 Sweetwater Springs Blvd., Spring Valley,

-- Friday, Sept. 2, 2011 2-6 p.m. Standley Middle
School 6298 Radcliffe Dr., 92122

Top Statewide English Scores as Testing Gains Continue at San Diego Unified

State test scores gained for the fifth straight year for students in the San Diego Unified School District, according to results released today by the state Department of Education, with San Diego Unified now having the highest English Language Arts scores of any large urban district in California.

Across-the-board increases were seen in the four subjects tested: English language arts, mathematics, science, and history/social sciences, as more students now have knowledge rated "proficient" or "advanced," the top two rankings in the California Standards Test. Overall, students testing proficient or advanced on the test increased by: English, 3 points over 2010 and 14 points since 2007; mathematics up 2 points from last year and 12 since 2007. California's standard for students is that they have a proficient or advanced knowledge of the subject (the other levels are basic, below basic and far below basic).

"All of us in San Diego and in California owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our school communities," said Richard Barrera, president of the San Diego Unified Board of Education. "Facing the worst financial crisis to ever hit public education, our teachers, principals, support staff, parents and students continue to keep their focus and make clear, steady progress in educating California's next generation.

"Now it's up to the rest of us to pull together and do our part to support public education and the heroes in our local school communities." Superintendent Bill Kowba also lauded the effort.

"I congratulate all of our students, teachers and staff for this outstanding result," said Kowba. "This continued progress comes despite some of the most trying times in the long history of our district, as the budget has had significant cuts each of these years." San Diego Unified overtook San Francisco Unified for the top spot in English Language Arts proficiency, with 59 percent of students showing
proficient or advanced knowledge of the subject. Last year, San Diego and San Francisco tied at 56.

Other large-district scores include: Los Angeles, 44 percent; Fresno, 39 percent, and Sacramento, 49 percent.

These test scores are closely watched as a barometer of the achievement gap -- the difference in test scores between ethnic groups. There was a narrowing of the gap in English language arts, as Hispanic students showed a 16 percent gain and African Americans rose 13 percent since 2007, outpacing the 12 point rise shown by White students. Still, students testing proficient or advanced numbered 44 percent for Hispanics and 46 percent for African Americans, well behind the White score of 81 percent.

"Our efforts continue to bring student achievement up for all ethnic groups, especially Hispanics and African-Americans," said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Deputy Superintendent for Academics. "We continue to work not only with our teachers and staff, but the San Diego community to find local solutions to this national problem."

Individual schools showed significant increases in English language arts over 2010. Among  elementary schools, Marvin Elementary had the largest jump, with 80.6 percent of the students now proficient or advanced, up from 65.6 in 2010. Roosevelt Middle increased to 55.9  from 47.6; and San Diego High School of the Arts to 34.7 from 23.5.

Statewide, San Diego Unified was also near the top of the list of largest districts in other tested areas. In mathematics, San Diego's 51 percent proficient or advanced was topped only by Garden Grove with 60 and San Francisco with 56. Other districts' scores include: Sacramento, 49; Los Angeles, 43; Oakland, 45; and San Bernardino, 38.

Overall science scores (combined grades 5, 8 and 10 science tests required by the No Child Left Behind Act) put San Diego Unified at 61 percent proficient or advanced, tied with San Francisco. Garden Grove topped the list with 64 percent. A sampling of other districts' scores: Los Angeles, 46 percent, Fresno and San Bernardino, 40 percent; and Sacramento, 48 percent.

For more details on the scores and tests, go the California Department of Education website at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/.

Many in Grades 7-12 Still Need Tdap Proof

More than 42,000 students in grades 7-12 across the county still need to provide proof they have received the pertussis booster shot or get vaccinated against the disease.

To help parents meet this new requirement, the County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), working with the County Office of Education and school districts, is organizing additional vaccination clinics to immunize all middle and high school students before the new school year starts in about two weeks.

"The clinics are a great opportunity for parents to vaccinate their children so that they can start school on time," said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. "The booster shot will help protect students from contracting pertussis andavoid infecting their classmates or younger siblings at home."

AB 354 went into effect July 1and requires all students in grades 7-12 -- in public and private schools -- to show proof of having received the pertussis booster shot, or Tdap, in order to enroll in school.

The new law impacted about230,000 local students; more than half had not received the vaccine when schools districts increased their efforts to identity those that have not received the booster shot.

In the past three months, school officials have been able to obtain Tdap proof or vaccinate an additional 70,000 students. However, there are still an estimated 40,000 middle and high school students that need to be vaccinated or show proof they’ve received the vaccine; 21,000 of those attend school in the San Diego Unified School District.

"Schools are committed to doing everything they can to protect the safety and well being of all students," said San Diego Unified Superintendent Bill Kowba. "While parents will have up to 30 days to meet the Tdap requirement once classes begin, we recommend they vaccinate their children now to avoid any class disruptions."

In addition to the special clinics organized by HHSA, parents can also get the vaccine from their primarycare physician, community clinic or retail pharmacy. Those with no medical coverage can vaccinate their children at one of the County’s seven public health centers.
"Doctors' appointments are filling up fast," added Wooten. "We encourage parents to vaccinate their children now to avoid long lines and wait times."

AB 354 was passed as a result of last year’s pertussis epidemic, which established new records of whooping cough cases across the state, including San Diego County where 1,144 cases were reported. This year, 326 pertussis cases have been reported to date.

Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that can spread quickly and can be deadly. In 2010, two local infants died from complications from the disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children get one dose of DTaP vaccine at the following ages: 2 months; 4 months; 6 months; 15 to 18 months; and 4 to 6 years. The Tdap booster shot is recommended for adolescents, age 11 to 18years, preferably administered at age 11 to 12 years.
A typical case of pertussis in children and adults starts with a cough and runny nose for one to two weeks,followed by weeks to months of rapid coughing fits that sometimes end with a whooping sound. Fever, if present, is usually mild. The disease is treatablewith antibiotics.
For more information about Tdapor the vaccination clinics, visit www.sdiz.org or call 2-1-1.

Date	Time	Location	Address
Monday, August 22, 2011	8 a.m. to 12 p.m.	Cajon Valley Middle School	550 E. Park Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020
Monday, August 22, 2011	8 a.m. to 3 p.m.	Potter Junior High School	1743 Reche Rd., Fallbrook, CA 92028
Tuesday, August 23, 2011	8 a.m. to 3 p.m.	Potter Junior High School	1743 Reche Rd., Fallbrook, CA 92028
Tuesday, August 23, 2011	8 a.m. to 3 p.m.	South Region Public Health Center	690 Oxford St., Chula Vista, CA 91911
Wednesday, August 24, 2011	2-6 p.m.	Ramona Library	1275 Main St., Ramona, CA 92065
Friday, August 26, 2011	1-5 p.m.	Santee School District	9613 CuyamacaSt., Santee, CA 92071
Friday, August 26, 2011	8 a.m. to 1 p.m.	Mission Bay High School	2475 Grand Ave., San Diego, CA 92109
Friday, August 26, 2011	9 a.m. to 4 p.m.	North Central Public Health Center	5055 Ruffin Rd., San Diego, CA 92123
Monday, August 29, 2011	8 a.m. to 1 p.m.	Mission Bay High School	2475 Grand Ave. San Diego, CA 92109
Monday, August 29, 2011	9 a.m. to 4 p.m.	North Central Public Health Center	5055 Ruffin Rd., San Diego, CA 92123
Tuesday, August 30, 2011	8 a.m. to 3 p.m.	South Region Public Health Center	690 Oxford St., Chula Vista, CA 91911
Tuesday, August 30, 2011	8 a.m. to 1 p.m.	Mission Bay High School	2475 Grand Ave., San Diego, CA 92109
Tuesday, August 30, 2011	9 a.m. to 4 p.m.	North Central Public Health Center	5055 Ruffin Rd., San Diego, CA 92123
Wednesday, August 31, 2011	1-6 p.m.	North Inland Regional Center	600 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025
Friday, September 2, 2011	9 a.m. to 4 p.m.	Monte Vista High School	3230 Sweetwater Springs Blvd., Spring Valley,

IN THE NEWS: At Hoover, no one is giving up

Cree Morris takes on the challenge of molding players

Cree Morris and his decorated coaching staff aren’t giving their players the option to give up, part of an effort to build a football program that molds its young players into men. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune»

Working Students Under Age 18 Need New Work Permit for New School Year

NEW WORK PERMITS NEEDED FOR SCHOOL YEAR

SAN DIEGO -- As the 2011-2012 school year begins, working minors and their employers are reminded of the state law that requires any employee less than 18 years of age who has not graduated from high school or passed the California High School Proficiency Examination to have a Permit to Employ and Work.

Minors are responsible for obtaining this work permit application and employers are required to terminate the employment for any minor for whom they do not have an active work permit.

Minors who have graduated from high school or passed the California proficiency exam may give a copy of their high school diploma or proficiency exam certificate to their employer in lieu of a work permit. Minors who have not fulfilled one of these requirements must be enrolled in school in order to have a work permit application processed. A passing score on the California High School Exit Exam (CAHEE) does not exempt minors from work permit requirements.

All current work permits expire on September 13, following the start of the new school year on September 6. The expiration date is indicated on all permits.

Students may obtain application forms, or get information about work permits and child labor laws, at any high school, or contact the district¹s work permit office at (858) 627-7355, or see the website at http://www.sandi.net/carreer/wp.html.

NEW ERAA Conference, Rally is this Saturday at Lincoln High

The annual New ERAA Back to School Conference, Rally for Education and Festival, will be held Saturday, August 20, at Lincoln High School. Registration begins at 7 a.m., general assembly at 8:30 a.m.; Rally for Education begins at 1 p.m.

The free, one-day event includes workshops for parents and students grades K-12, a Rally for Education and a festival featuring nearly 70 exhibitors who will provide relevant information and resources for New ERAA attendees. During the festival, every child will receive a backpack/backsack filled with educational supplies.

New ERAA, which stands for Everybody Recommitting to Academic Achievement, was founded by Pazzaz Inc. and the Center for Parent Involvement in Education. Look for more information on the Pazzaz website at www.pazzaz.org.

CONTACT: Paul or Zoneice Jones, PAZZAZ, (619) 264-6870

Register at Schools Starting Aug. 25

Enroll at Schools Starting Aug. 25

It's Back to School time in San Diego Unified, with classes beginning Tuesday, Sept. 6. Here's some information parents should know.

• Enrollment: Students who are new to the district have to be enrolled at their neighborhood school; if you child is returning, no enrollment is necessary. To find your neighborhood school, use the handy SchoolFinder. All neighborhood schools will be accepting enrollments beginning Thursday, August 25. Complete enrollment requirements.
  
  
• Uniforms: A few of our schools recommend that students wear uniforms. To find a school's uniform policy, check the school's website, or, beginning Aug. 25, call or visit the school.
  
  
• Back to School Supply Lists: In California, public schools cannot charge fees or require parents to purchase supplies -- with a few exceptions. Many schools have recommended supply lists, but all necessary materials will be supplied by your school. Read more.
  
  
• Free and Reduced Price Meals: This state and federal program offers lunch and breakfast at reduced cost, depending on family income. Read more.

There's more in our New to the District section.

Top Statewide English Scores as Testing Gains Continue at San Diego Unified

State test scores gained for the fifth straight year for students in the San Diego Unified School District, according to results released today by the state Department of Education, with San Diego Unified now having the highest English Language Arts scores of any large urban district in California.

Across-the-board increases were seen in the four subjects tested: English language arts, mathematics, science, and history/social sciences, as more students now have knowledge rated "proficient" or "advanced," the top two rankings in the California Standards Test. Overall, students testing proficient or advanced on the test increased by: English, 3 points over 2010 and 14 points since 2007; mathematics up 2 points from last year and 12 since 2007. California's standard for students is that they have a proficient or advanced knowledge of the subject (the other levels are basic, below basic and far below basic).

"All of us in San Diego and in California owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our school communities," said Richard Barrera, president of the San Diego Unified Board of Education. "Facing the worst financial crisis to ever hit public education, our teachers, principals, support staff, parents and students continue to keep their focus and make clear, steady progress in educating California's next generation.

"Now it's up to the rest of us to pull together and do our part to support public education and the heroes in our local school communities."

Superintendent Bill Kowba also lauded the effort.

"I congratulate all of our students, teachers and staff for this outstanding result," said Kowba. "This continued progress comes despite some of the most trying times in the long history of our district, as the budget has had significant cuts each of these years."

San Diego Unified overtook San Francisco Unified for the top spot in English Language Arts proficiency, with 59 percent of students showing proficient or advanced knowledge of the subject. Last year, San Diego and San Francisco tied at 56.

Other large-district scores include: Los Angeles, 44 percent; Fresno, 39 percent, and Sacramento, 49 percent.

These test scores are closely watched as a barometer of the achievement gap -- the difference in test scores between ethnic groups. There was a narrowing of the gap in English language arts, as Hispanic students showed a 16 percent gain and African Americans rose 13 percent since 2007, outpacing the 12 point rise shown by White students. Still, students testing proficient or advanced numbered 44 percent for Hispanics and 46 percent for African Americans, well behind the White score of 81 percent.

"Our efforts continue to bring student achievement up for all ethnic groups, especially Hispanics and African-Americans," said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Deputy Superintendent for Academics. "We continue to work not only with our teachers and staff, but the San Diego community to find local solutions to this national problem."

Individual schools showed significant increases in English language arts over 2010. Among elementary schools, Marvin Elementary had the largest jump, with 80.6 percent of the students now proficient or advanced, up from 65.6 in 2010. Roosevelt Middle increased to 55.9 from 47.6; and San Diego High School of the Arts to 34.7 from 23.5.

Statewide, San Diego Unified was also near the top of the list of largest districts in other tested areas. In mathematics, San Diego's 51 percent proficient or advanced was topped only by Garden Grove with 60 and San Francisco with 56. Other districts' scores include: Sacramento, 49; Los Angeles, 43; Oakland, 45; and San Bernardino, 38.

Overall science scores (combined grades 5, 8 and 10 science tests required by the No Child Left Behind Act) put San Diego Unified at 61 percent proficient or advanced, tied with San Francisco. Garden Grove topped the list with 64 percent. A sampling of other districts' scores: Los Angeles, 46 percent, Fresno and San Bernardino, 40 percent; and Sacramento, 48 percent.


For more details on the scores and tests, go the California Department of Education website at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/.

IN THE NEWS: McGraw-Hill Education and Wells Fargo Announce Donations to Support San Diego School Art Programs

Students at the San Diego High School of the Arts will have access to world-renowned museums and the school will have additional funding to support art instruction thanks to a donation, which will be made by McGraw-Hill Education and Wells Fargo on Aug. 13, at ABC10's Southern California School Expo. The donation of McGraw-Hill in-kind services will be matched by Wells Fargo with a $5,000 donation, which will be used to support core instruction at the school as well as afterschool programs. Read more from company press release»

Dropout Rate Reduced at San Diego Unified

California Urban District Dropout Rates 2009-10
District	Rate
San Francisco	10.7
San Diego Unified	12.8
Long Beach	14.1
Garden Grove	14.4
Fresno	20.1
Sacramento	24.0
Los Angeles	26.1
San Bernardino	33.7
Oakland	37.0

Only one large school district across California -- San Francisco -- has a lower dropout rate than San Diego Unified, according to figures released today by the California Department of Education.

According to the figures, 12.8 percent of San Diego Unified students left high school without a diploma in the 2009-10 school year, under the new reporting system adopted by the state this year. The graduation rate of students in that class was 74.9 percent.

"Ensuring that students graduate is one of the key focuses of our district," said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Deputy Superintendent for Academics. "While we are encouraged by these statistics, it reminds us we must redouble our effort to ensure that all our students graduate."

For four years, reducing the dropout rate has been one of the district's top priorities. The effort has focused not just on high school seniors, but as early as sixth grade, where studies show that students who miss more than 10 days of school have a higher dropout rate. Behavior in middle and high school students, as well as their academic performance, are also monitored, with some struggling teens repeating grades or placed in special programs.

"Even in these tough budget times, we have to remember that it is a tragedy to lose even one student," said Dr. Meyer. "These aren't just numbers, they're our future citizens."
Meyer also noted this is a problem throughout California, particularly with certain ethnic groups, such as Hispanics, with 11.1 percent rate in San Diego Unified, and African American, with 8.6 percent of students failing to receive a district diploma.

Statewide, San Diego Unified's dropout rate placed second-lowest among the largest districts at 12.8 percent, behind only San Francisco's 10.7 percent. Other large districts include: Los Angeles, 26.1 percent; Long Beach, 14.1; and Sacramento, 24.1. San Diego Unified's "cohort rate" -- students in ninth grade who graduated -- was fourth with 74.9 percent, behind: San Francisco, 82.3; Garden Grove, 81.9; and Long Beach, 78.8. Other districts with lower results include: Los Angeles, 64.2; Sacramento, 65.3; and Oakland, 54.3.

• More information on San Diego Unified's Dropout Prevention programs.

IN THE NEWS: UC High Students Honored for Historic Project

Her project was, “A Pictorial History of the San Diego Portuguese Festa Queens: 100 Years in the Making.” Read more from the La Jolla Light»

IN THE NEWS: La Jolla High student named to math Olympiad team

La Jolla High School junior Sarah Herrmann is one of eight girls from throughout the United States to participate in the 2011 China Girls Mathematical Olympiad (CGMO).
The competition began July 31 and runs through Aug. 3 in Shenzhen, a major port city near Hong Kong in Southern China’s Guangdong Province. Read more from the La Jolla Light»

IN THE NEWS: Council approves joint-use park in Serra Mesa

A $3.1 million joint-use park is set to be built at a 54-year-old Serra Mesa elementary school after the City Council approved the final portion of funding. The park will be built on top of what is now a dirt and gravel lot on the Harry M. Wegeforth Elementary School campus. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune.»

IN THE NEWS: The Who’s Tommy Is Selling Out

The new production of The Who's Tommy, the Tony Award-winning stage version of the classic rock album, is a certified hit. The intergenerational hit opened the San Diego Rep’s 36th season, their second co-production with the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA). The singers, dancers and musicians from SCPA join a stellar cast of professional actors and singers, led by local two time Grammy-nominated singer B. Slade in the title role. Read more from the San Diego Reader»

IN THE NEWS: The value of learning music plays out to young students

Students from the Oak Park Elementary Percussion Ensemble in San Diego are finding out that there’s more to learning how to play a musical instrument than just developing a skill and having fun. It plays a role in their brain development and overall well being. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune»

IN THE NEWS: For 75 High School Seniors, Graduation at Last

More than 75 San Diego Unified high school seniors are expected to participate in a summer commencement ceremony Friday at Lincoln High School. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune»

IN THE NEWS: San Diego man reads to inner-city school children

Dick Troncone has cracked a book and read to children at inner-city schools weekly for more than 20 years. He doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon. San Diego senior reads at Chavez Elementary School. Read more from San Diego Union-Tribune»

Class of '11 To End with Summer Commencement

Ceremony Includes Students from Throughout District

High school seniors who hadn't fulfilled graduation requirements in time for June ceremonies with their high school class will take the graduation walk in San Diego Unified's annual Summer Commencement Ceremony, 2:30 p.m. Friday, August 5, at Lincoln High School, 4777 Imperial Ave. (92111).

"I salute the great dedication and perseverance on the part of these young men and women," said Supt. Bill Kowba. "Many of these students -- and their families -- thought they would never have a chance to take part in the tradition of wearing a cap and gown and having their name announced."

Students from all of the district's 18 high school campuses will participate. Each student's name, as in the traditional ceremony, is read aloud, and students wear the caps and gowns in their school's traditional colors.

Seniors who participated are those who may not have passed the California High School Exit Exam in time for June graduation, or needed summer school to pick up credits needed to graduate.

This is the sixth year that the district has held the special summer ceremony. Before this late-summer ceremony was established, students would eventually receive a diploma but wouldn't be able to participate in a graduation ceremony.

High school graduation requirements include 44 semester credits, a 2.0 or higher grade point average, science and math course requirements, completing a senior portfolio and passing the exit exam.

For more information visit this website.

IN THE NEWS: San Diego students attend D.C. leadership conference

Students from Hoover, Lincoln and Madison high schools traveled to Washington, D.C., in mid-July for a Bank of America-sponsored series of workshops and debates covering leadership and community service. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune»

IN THE NEWS: Both students, teachers learning at Summerbridge

The word of the day was “sportsmanship.” Whenever the word was spoken — and throughout the day’s variety of academic, social and athletic activities, it was spoken often — all of the Summerbridge students within earshot cheered with unrestrained enthusiasm. Read more from the La Jolla Light»

IN THE NEWS: Musicians, business team up to raise school music funds

What better way to promote music in the schools than with music — and mouse traps. To help rebuild the San Diego Unified School District’s budget for music education, a local exterminator helped launch the “Find Your Voice” campaign to raise up to $175,000 to support music and art lessons for children throughout the city. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune»