Dear San Diego Unified Community,
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, it is time to reflect upon all of the bounties we enjoy locally and across this great country. It is also our first break of the year, after three months of hard work by our students, teachers and staff.
The 2011-12 school year has so far been outstanding in many ways. One of our teachers, Mark Alcorn, of Lee Elementary School, was named one of the County Teachers of the Year for 2011. Principal Cindy Marten of Central Elementary was just named Principal of the Year by the local YMCA.
Our students continue to excel, as our district-wide English-language arts scores are now tops among California's largest districts. Our high school juniors and seniors are receiving scholarship awards that they'll use at a college or university. We hope to set a record for daily attendance and for graduation in 2012.
The community continues to give us great support in monetary contributions and by volunteering. NASCAR great Jimmie Johnson's foundation donated nearly $100,000, Target and partners completed a library makeover at Kimbrough Elementary, and thousands of volunteers help kids every day at our schools. New facilities continue to open, a result of our voters' support of Prop. S in 2010. Our school communities have been organized into clusters that are contributing every day to excellence in education.
Overall, our district should be enjoying one of the best periods in its history, despite the continuing crisis in funding that threatens our collective good work. However, Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday where we give thanks for all we've been given. For 2011, our district has much to be thankful for. I urge all of you to look for the good in our district and say thanks for it not only on Thursday, but for the rest of the school year.
Sincerely,
Bill Kowba
Superintendent
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