Vote Mack Jackson for best janitor

Mack Jackson, janitor at Washington Elementary School, is one of 10 finalists in Cintas’ Corporation’s National Janitor of the Year Contest.

Now he needs your help to win.

The public is being asked to vote by ranking the 10 candidates. Their biographies are available to learn more about each deserving candidate. Voting is open now through May 1, 2015. The website to vote is http://www.cintas.com/customer_applications/JanitorOfTheYear2015/vote.aspx

“Getting ready for the day, Mack takes our kids who come too early under his care, as he waters the gardens, sets up trash cans, washes tables, vacuums and scrubs floors,” said Washington Elementary Principal David Crum. “He carries on conversations with the kids, tutors them and trains them to help while still getting everything done on time.”

CW 6 recently visited Washington Elementary to learn more about Jackson.

The 2015 Janitor of the Year will receive a $2,500 cash prize along with $2,500 in products and services for his or her school from Cintas and Rubbermaid Commercial Products.

To learn more about the contest, visit: http://www.cintas.com/customer_applications/JanitorOfTheYear2015/cast-your-vote-for-2015-janitor-of-the-year-contest.aspx

Bethune K-8 students become engineers for the day

Middle school students from Bethune K-8 got the chance to be engineers for the day thanks to Qualcomm and it's Think-a-Bit Lab. Students received hands-on training in engineering by learning about computer programming and working with code to create a robotic art project. Check out the half cat/half dragon that Bethune students created in this piece from Cox Channel 4.

Qualcomm and San Diego Unified worked together to develop the curriculum for the lab and make it applicable and enjoyable for middle school students.

Link to Channel 4 San Diego

Link to YouTube (accessible outside district network)

Radio station helps keep the peace at John Muir

Rest assured that the halls and grounds at John Muir are safe and stylish with the Peace Patrol on duty. Peace Patrol students are sporting new uniforms - hats, lanyards and matching shirts - thanks to a generous donation by Magic 92.5’s Jagger and Kristi.

A testament to the old adage, “It never hurts to ask,” the Peace Patrol received their new swag after one student’s mother, Asia Martinez, wrote in to Jagger and Kristi during their Christmas Wishes season asking if they would help the Patrol reach its goal of $700 to purchase hats and lanyards.

The radio station went a step further, inviting Martinez and Peace Patrol advisor Barbara Waller on the show and surprising them with a $1,350 donation to purchase not only hats and lanyards, but shirts as well.

Waller has since returned to the show to talk about the Peace Patrol program and give an update on the uniforms.

Jagger and Kristi visited John Muir on Thursday, March 5 as guest readers for the school's celebration of Read Across America, an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading.

Founded in the fall of 2011, each recess the Peace Patrol assists students with social issues and promotes good character skills by handing out stickers, pencils, bracelets and bookmarks. Peace Patrol students also participate in several service projects each year.

Last year the students raised enough funds to purchase and decorate a Buddy Bench for the John Muir playground.

Each spring, Peace Patrol members recruit students who will be entering 4th, 5th or 6th grade to apply to be in Peace Patrol. To complete the process, students must fill out an application form and submit a teacher recommendation.

New CCTE director, Al Love, comes full circle

A Kearny High School graduate, a coach, an industrial arts teacher, an administrator – these are all titles you might use to refer to Al Love. Now one more title can be added to that list – Director of College, Career and Technical Education for San Diego Unified.

Crystal Boggio, John Riego de Dios, Al Love

Love started his career at San Diego Unified as an instructional aid in the Machine Shop Technology Program at Kearny High. He then left the district and worked his way up through the administration at various middle and high schools where he oversaw CCTE-type programs.

Love recently found his way back to San Diego upon being selected for the CCTE director position, which he said was a natural opportunity for him to return to his home district. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and confidence that he can make a positive impact on the future of the CCTE program.

As director, Love’s goal is to align the technical skills classes offered through CCTE with “A-G” requirements so that students do not have to choose between gaining real-world application based skills and meeting requirements for postsecondary education. In order to be considered for admission by UC and CSU schools, high school students must complete approved “A-G” courses.

“In the past, these [CCTE] classes were to the side – they weren’t seen as rigorous or as relevant as core classes,” Love said. “I want to show that they can be both. That we are in unison, and that students don’t have to make a choice between one or the other.”

In order to implement this integration, CCTE is developing course curriculum maps that align with the “A-G” requirements. CCTE will then submit those plans to the UC system for approval.

Love sees this as an opportunity for CCTE to continue to grow. A product of the ROP Machine Tool Technology program at Kearny High, 1980, Love knows firsthand the value that these technical and occupational based classes provide.

“It is personally fulfilling to remember what this program did for me and to see it is still helping students today,” Love said.

In addition to keeping students on track for postsecondary education, CCTE is building the certification process into programs so that students will also be career ready upon graduation.

The Machine Tool and Engineering Program at Kearny High is housed in the same room that Love sat in as an ROP student, and the program’s current teacher, John Riego de Dios, was a classmate of Love’s in the ‘80s. The program recently received NIMS accreditation, becoming one of only two schools in California who can boast this credentialing from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills.

As CCTE adds accreditation opportunities to its programs and continues to align coursework with “A-G” requirements and Common Core State Standards, the program’s ability to provide students with the tools necessary to succeed in both college and career only grows stronger.

San Diego Unified celebrates Read Across America

Elementary students throughout the district recently celebrated Dr. Seuss and the National Education Association’s Read Across America Day. During the week of March 2-6, schools honored the beloved children’s author with carnivals, parades, costumes and guest readers.

Students at Field ES.

Read Across America is a year-round program that focuses on motivating children to read through events, partnerships and reading resources. The program culminates each year with a call for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss.

See how schools throughout the district honored Dr. Seuss and celebrated literacy.

Cabrillo ES: Cabrillo Elementary invited various local professionals to promote literacy and show a love for reading on March 3. Before guests read to students, they held a sing-a-long to Dr. Seuss songs to get everyone in the spirit. After spending time in classrooms reading Dr. Seuss and other favorite books, the guests shared with students the importance of reading in their careers.

Fay ES: Fay Elementary kicked off the week with a spirit assembly on Monday and welcomed guest readers throughout the week. Readers included Board Trustee Richard Barrera, news reporters John Howard and Laura Cavanaugh, and Jagger and Kristi from Magic 92.5.

Field ES: Field Elementary followed suit, holding activities throughout the week to celebrate Dr. Seuss and literacy. The school incorporated Spirit Week activities such as Crazy Sock Day, Crazy Hair Day, Pajama Day, Grade Level Color Day and Mismatched Day.

Literacy events at Field included a school-wide Reading Rally; a Rolling Teacher Reader Day, where teachers matched with another class and brought them to their rooms for a read aloud; a Dr. Seuss themed Door/Window Decorating Contest; and a Family Literacy Night.

Students at Franklin ES.

Franklin ES: Students at Franklin Elementary discovered, or rediscovered, the magic and fun of Dr. Seuss' books during their celebration of Read Across America.

"One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, is my favorite Dr. Seuss book because it has funny, colorful pictures that make me laugh,” said Jackie, a kindergartener at Franklin. “It also has funny rhyming words.”

Each class had at least two guest readers visit and read Dr. Seuss books. Afterward, Cat in the Hat led a parade of students dressed in their finest Dr. Seuss attire around the school.

Lindbergh Schweitzer ES: Fun with furry-friends was to be had at Lindbergh Schweitzer Elementary on March 3 as the school welcomed 12 Paws'tive Teams Therapy dogs and their owners, dressed in their finest Dr. Seuss attire, to read to classrooms – one class even got to experience a live animal encounter thanks to the Helen Woodward Animal Center. Other classes heard from local guest authors, the San Diego Zoo’s traveling education department and Circus Vargas performers who not only read, but acted out the emotions of the characters.  

Sessions ES: Donning Dr. Seuss hats and carrying Dr. Seuss books, nearly 25 military men and women from Point Loma Naval base visited each classroom at Kate Sessions Elementary School and read a book to each class. KUSI visited the school and interviewed Captain Warner, the principal, and Carol Beville, the military liaison, regarding the event. Students loved the visiting military personnel as many of their mothers and fathers are deployed.  

Walker ES: To kick-off Read Across America at Walker Elementary school, Authors, Illustrators and Journalists (AIJ) Academy students created a newsletter for the entire school. Students also celebrated student above and beyond reading goals with a VIP luncheon with children’s book authors Mathew Ward and Henry Herz. The school also held a Barnes and Noble Book Fair and Family Fun Night with the Mira Mesa community.

Fulton K-8 unveils new Mission and Vision Mural

The new Mission and Vision Mural at Fulton Pre-K-8 embodies everything that the school stands for. It is a visual representation of the schools mission, vision and values.

The mural includes a bridge to the 21st century and a globe made of puzzle pieces to signify the new economy and the importance of collaboration and communication to ensure global success. The space shuttle on the mural represents the limitless possibilities if you dream big. Additionally, the images of students represent the diversity that exists at Fulton.

While the throwing of the tassels in the air is the ultimate goal – graduation from college and competing in the 21st century global economy in a career of the scholars’ choice – the final product was always about setting high expectations for students and conveying that message to the larger community.

The Mission and Vision Mural was a collaborative effort involving the students, staff, community and muralist Matthew Cavanagh. This is one of many murals on the Fulton campus.

Fulton Pre-K-8 School is committed to ensuring that each student is prepared to graduate from college with the requisite aptitude to compete in the 21st century with the skills that higher education requires and the workforce demands.

To learn more about muralist Matthew Cavanagh please visit http://www.mafasd.com/ or matt@mafasd.com or 619-306-2876.

Oak Park students talk social justice with Ghandi relative

Students in grades 3-5 at Oak Park Music Conservatory recently had the opportunity to conduct a Skype interview with Arun Gandhi, the grandson of Mohandas Gandhi (known to his many followers as Mahatma).

Students have been exploring the roots of the American Civil Rights Movement in their classes taught by teachers Mick Rabin and Mary Beth Milliken. Social justice is an important component of their studies in cultural competence so the students have been reading about the life of civil rights legend, Congressman John Lewis, as well as the very inspiration for civil disobedience, Mohandas Gandhi. Mick Rabin reached out to Arun Gandhi who lived with his grandfather--the man who lead 300 million Indians to independence--toward the end of his life.

Arun Gandhi spoke with the students about his grandfather's nonviolence, finding positive ways to channel anger, and about carrying on the Gandhi torch of responding to the needs of the world's poorest and most oppressed. Now retired, the 80 year-old Arun Gandhi, recalled what it was like to live with his grandfather who modeled a life of simplicity and service to the needy.

The Oak Park students had a chance to ask Mr. Gandhi some questions about his own life and about the peaceful legacy of his grandfather. They composed and shared some poems in honor of Arun Gandhi's famous grandfather and heard some words of encouragement about leading by example and advocating on behalf of the people in society who have the least.

"Thanks to Mr. Gandhi, this will be a day that our third and fourth graders at Oak Park Music Conservatory will never forget," Rabin said.

For more information on the Skype session, email mrabin@sandi.net.

News Coverage:

Third-graders talk social justice with Gandhi's grandson - UT San Diego

Bringing STEAM to the mainstream

IN THE NEWS: The San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering kicks off on Saturday, bringing six days of experiments, activities and interactions with local science educators and professionals. Rodger Ashworth, 47, a resource teacher and administrator at Washington Elementary STEAM Magnet is one of the event’s participants. The University City resident challenged his kindergarten through fifth grade students to design and build arcade games, which will be on display at the festival’s Petco Park Expo Day on March 21. Ashworth, a native San Diegan who went to Santa Fe Christian High School and Point Loma Nazarene University, explains why art is an important part of science. Read more from UT San Diego.

Photo courtesy of UT San Diego

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Using Social Media for Cyber-bullying, Threats

Over the past week, school districts throughout San Diego County, including San Diego Unified, have been addressing a troublesome social media phone app that many students are downloading and using called Burnbook. This app allows “anonymous” posts associated with high schools and universities throughout the county. Unfortunately, the purpose of this app is to post negative information, to post critiques of fellow students and mean things about people.

While students may think their posts are completely anonymous, with Wi-Fi use and cell towers, posts can be traced back to the phone and/or computer that posted the comments. It is important for students to know that all posts on any platform of social media never disappear and are never fully anonymous. This includes personal information, photos and any form of threat.

 

When students post threatening or any other types of inappropriate messages (pornographic content, harassment, bullying, etc.) they can and will be charged by the school and/or local law enforcement. There have been several arrests of juveniles this past week as a result of threatening posts on Burnbook.

 

Threats are not jokes. They are considered a felony, a crime that may be punishable by imprisonment. In addition to criminal punishment, students who make threats will be referred for expulsion from school. The sharing of pornography involving minors and harassment are also punishable under the law.

 

We are encouraging all students to delete the app and continue to focus their energies on increasing their positive anti-bullying activities. Our anti-bullying policy expressly prohibits bullying, harassment, or intimidation of any kind. We encourage students to report bullying via our anonymous Students Speaking Out line at 888-580-8477 in keeping with our safe schools program.

 

Parents are encouraged to review with their child our district’s Student Internet Acceptable Use policy, which outlines the access provided to students within our schools, along with students’ responsibilities for acceptable and prohibited uses. We hope parents will take this opportunity to discuss online social media with their students. We also recommend that parents periodically review the content on their student’s phone, including apps and photos.

 

The San Diego Unified School District partners with the San Diego Police Department and the San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to help students and families monitor and manage social media.  For resources to assist you in talking to your child about safe online behavior, please visit http://www.smartcyberchoices.org/ or http://studentsspeakingout.org/students.html to learn more.

Posted March 13, 2015

Correia Middle student brings school together to bury time capsule

Correia Middle School recently celebrated their 30th anniversary by burying a time capsule in front of their library, and a ceremony honoring the historic occasion. The event was made possible by the efforts of one student.

Steven Correia and Jacob Wade

As part of his participation in ASB, Jacob Wade was working with the yearbook class and organizing storage rooms. He happened to find a yearbook from Correia Middle School’s class of 1985.

This was the school’s first yearbook after transitioning from Collier Junior High to Correia Middle. Jake recognized how rare it was that his school was named after somebody who was still alive, Steven V. Correia, an influential glassblowing artist.

Combined with his interest in history, this spark gave Jake a hunger for more knowledge of his school’s past.

“One of my big projects was to organize the yearbooks from 1979 to present day,” Jake said. “I had gone through a lot of old back rooms and found a lot of things that students used in the 80s, a lot of different floppy discs, card stocks from the foundation and letters that had actually been written from Mr. Correia to the people who designed our logos in Hawaii.”

In May 2014, Jake was finishing 7th grade when he had the idea to bury a time capsule in honor of Correia Middle’s 30th anniversary. Rejoining ASB in 8th grade gave him the opportunity to make his idea a reality. With help from Correia Middle Principal Jonathan McDade, librarian Julie McKay and other ASB members, Jake spearheaded the event.

“The challenge was getting the physical set-up and getting from a concept to actually making it happen,” Jake said.

On January 16, ASB representatives, PTA members, staff and students gathered on campus in celebration of their school’s heritage. Steven Correia and Principal McDade gave speeches. Then Jake gave a speech about the history of the school. After that, Jake and Principal McDade lowered the time capsule into a hole in front of the library.

Inside the time capsule is present day memorabilia such as letters to the future, newspapers, pictures of President Obama and information on current trends. There are also four yearbooks from four decades: 1984, 1994, 2004 and 2014.

Jake knew from the beginning that this ceremony would be a big project, but with help, he was confident that he could pull it off.

“Even though I’m just a student, and I’m not anything special at the school, I can contact the newspaper, I can contact the news and I can make a big thing happen,” Jake said. “If I just get into the school, get involved, there’s nothing stopping me from making something happen.”

Jacob Wade is something special. He is an ambitious young student who took the initiative to honor his school’s legacy. He also plans to continue being a part of ASB as he goes into high school.

“I like getting involved in the school, I like feeling more a part of the school than just a student who goes to the school,” Jake said.

As for digging up Correia Middle’s time capsule in 2045, he will definitely be there.

News Coverage:

Correia Middle School buries time capsule - SD News.com

PrimeTime Program applications now available

Applications for the before- and after-school care program, PrimeTime, for next school year are being accepted through May 1.

The PrimeTime Extended Day Program provides elementary and middle school students with a fun and engaging learning environment during the hours most parents/guardians are working.
Parents/guardians can feel comfortable knowing their children are not only receiving professional academic support, but are also interacting with peers in a physically and emotionally safe environment.

New applications are required for the 2015-16 school year, which begins in September, even if a child is currently in the program. Applications were sent home starting March 2 and are available online to print.

PrimeTime is designed by experts in child development, education and youth leadership. PrimeTime creates a physically and emotionally safe environment conducive to learning while improving reading, writing, verbal, math, science, social and communication skills. At most schools, programs are funded to serve approximately 85-100 students per school day at the elementary level and 100-300 students per school day at the middle school level. PrimeTime adds a strong youth development focus, including life skills, positive communication, conflict resolution, goal setting and decision making.

At many program sites, demand exceeds capacity; therefore, enrollment is based on need and compliance to the attendance policy. Families will be contacted when they have been selected for an available opening. Children who apply, but are not enrolled, will be placed on a wait list.

PrimeTime operates every regular school day. Parents/guardians may choose to have their child(ren) attend the before school and/or after school program.

PrimeTime is available before school hours at most, but not all schools, and start times vary among schools. Before school programs operate for a minimum of 90 minutes. Students are expected to attend every day for the full range of program hours.

After school, PrimeTime remains open until at least 6 p.m. each day for a minimum of 15 hours per week. Students are expected to attend every day for the full range of program hours.

To be considered for enrollment, you must complete a PrimeTime Extended Day Program Application, available at each school offering a program or online. Applications will be reviewed and prioritized based on a rating system.

Please visit the PrimeTime website for more information.