Local women engineers guide the next generation

One generation of San Diego women engineers is mentoring the next generation as the local chapter of the Society of Women Engineers has connected with girls studying engineering at Mira Mesa and Scripps Ranch high schools.

Under the watchful eye of today's professionals, the Mira Mesa High team developed a toy to help teach primary colors to a client while the Scripps Ranch High team was matched with a client that cannot communicate verbally and only has function of two fingers. A lap desk was built for the client to assist with answering yes/no questions.

The challenge from the professionals was building and presenting a learning adaptability solution for a patient at Rady Children’s Hospital.

Girls from Mira Mesa and Scripps Ranch High Schools participated in the STEP Up event sponsored by the local chapter of the Society of Women Engineers to use their engineering skills in the service of others. STEP Up (Service Through Engineering Program) is in its third year and focuses on building and presenting a learning adaptability solution for a patient at Rady Children’s Hospital. The teams, consisting of three-six girls, are matched to a child patient as well as their parents and physical therapist.

Students from both teams said the event was a great learning experience that helped them see that engineers solve problems to help people. It further emphasized the importance of communication, working as a team, and time management. The girls are all currently enrolled in the engineering programs at their high schools that are supported in the district by the Office of College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE).

For more information, please contact Melissa Woods in the CCTE Office at mwoods@sandi.net or (858) 503-1837 or the Society of Women Engineers STEP Up program.

Welcome to the 2013-14 San Diego Unified School District

It's back to work today, Sept. 3, for more than 130,000 students in the San Diego Unified School District.

The district welcomes its new Superintendent, Cindy Marten, formerly principal of Central Elementary School. Marten replaced Bill Kowba, who retired in July after more than seven years with the district, three as Superintendent.

Parents/guardians should double-check their student's schedule to make sure that they're at school on time the first day of school – and every day.

Students at Barnard Elementary School should make sure they go to the new location, 2445 Fogg Street (92109). The award-winning Mandarin Chinese Magnet School is moving to the site of the former Bayview Terrace Elementary School, expanding to become the Barnard Asian Pacific Language Magnet School.

Parents unsure of their child's school can use the convenient SchoolFinder.

More information on back to school

• Enrollment: Students who are new to the district have to be enrolled at their neighborhood school. No enrollment is necessary for students who are returning; or for students enrolled in the district last year that reached the highest grade level of the current school and will be continuing to the next level (they were automatically matriculated to the next school level). To find your neighborhood school, please use the School Finder. All neighborhood schools will be accepting enrollments beginning Thursday, August 22. Complete enrollment requirements.
  
• Tdap Immunization: Don't forget that students in grades 7-12 must show proof of their Tdap immunization against pertussis (whooping cough) prior to the first day of school. Your student will not be allowed to attend school unless you provide the proof of vaccine or sign the Tdap consent. The consent form will be available at school on Tuesday morning and is available here in English and Spanish. Then your child may receive a FREE Tdap booster at school and the requirement will be met. Please read this information statement about Tdap. (English) (Spanish).
  

• 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. 22, 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. Applications are now being accepted. Read more.

Supt. Marten welcomes all to the 2013-14 school year

Welcome to the 2013-14 School Year! Those are words that carry a great deal of meaning to me as opening a new school year enforces my belief that we have amazing opportunities to make a difference in the lives of our students.

For the past several years, I have been welcoming students and parents to Central Elementary School. As the principal, I understood how exciting the first day was, not only for our students and parents but for every teacher and staff member.

This year as superintendent, I have the honor and privilege to welcome back more than 110,000 students and their families on Sept. 3. I could not be more excited or committed to the work we will do together this year as we build on our past successes under the direction of the Board of Education’s 2020 Vision to create quality schools in every neighborhood.

Over the summer, we have been busy getting ready for Sept. 3. The new leadership team is in place, made up of familiar faces who know the district and the community. With 40 new principals at our schools this year, we have a shared focus on quality leadership and making sure all of our principals have the support and skills needed to lead a quality school.

The focus on teaching and learning will be preparing for the shift to the Common Core State Standards in 2014-15. Our vision is to provide a broad and challenging curriculum that is relevant and high quality so our children will be prepared for success in the workplace and the world.

Across the district, from bus drivers, to custodians; food service associates to secretaries, principals and teachers, we are all committed to making sure our students are on the pathway for life’s success. We are ready!

We are cautiously encouraged about the budget passed by the State’s legislators and the reinvestment in public education. Although we still face financial challenges and will continue to be prudent with our dollars, there is hope. The newly implemented Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) drastically changes the structure of how school districts receive funding from the state level. In very simple terms, the LCFF will shift the focus from funding dozens of state-mandated programs to funding based on local district control and student needs, with extra dollars allotted to low-income children, foster youth and English learners.

As we work collaboratively to assure that each child in our district receives the best education possible, we need everyone to be involved. The start of a new school year gives us a renewed sense of anticipation, hope and enthusiasm. I look forward to working closely with you as we advance the hope and promise of public education in San Diego and across the nation.

State Superintendent of Schools offers back-to-school checklist

San Diego Unified School District classes start tomorrow, Sept. 3. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson offers parents 10 timely back-to-school tips today for the start of the new term.

"Our state's future depends on our public schools," Torlakson said. "Across California, students are starting the school year with high hopes. And though teachers, school employees, and administrators are coping with enormous challenges, I know they are committed to making this year the very best for each and every student. Welcome back to school, California!"

Tom's Back-to-School Tips

1. Get your shots. Seventh through twelve graders must get their pertussis shots, and must show proof of immunization to attend public and private schools this fall. Administrators may allow unimmunized students to remain in school for 30 days after the start of school before meeting the vaccine requirement. For more information, please visit Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccine Requirement - Health Services & School Nursing. 
2. Get your sleep. Doctors recommend children in the first through fifth grades get as much as 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night. Lack of sleep can affect a child's ability to learn and may affect their immune systems.
3. Have a healthy breakfast. Hungry children do not learn as well as well-nourished ones. If you don't have time to pack a healthy lunch, schools usually serve students well-balanced meals. Low-income children may qualify for free and reduced-price meals. Just fill out an application directly at your school. (Many San Diego Unified elementary and K-8 schools offer Breakfast in the Classroom and other schools have breakfast snacks available.)
4. Stay active. Keep children physically active with bike rides, basketball, and walkathons. Studies show that physically active students have better classroom behavior and a better ability to learn and achieve.
5. Avoid school absences. Chronic absences are an early predictor of students dropping out of school that could affect their academic and career success.
6. Read! Reading to children calms them at bedtime and exposes them to language, sounds, new ideas, and the love of reading. Create a comfortable, quiet, well-lit place to study in your house for older children, away from distractions like electronic devices and toys. This will help them concentrate and absorb more of what they are trying to learn.
7. Get to know your child's teacher. This will help create a good line of communication to help avoid conflicts and misunderstandings about your child's education.
8. Lend a hand. Volunteer your time, raise money through booster clubs, and donate supplies to your local school. In these tough economic times, schools have cut back severely. Plus, the school and students benefit from parents who are actively engaged in their children's education.
9. Drink plenty of water. Many students have already started training for the high school sports season. With temperatures still in the 90s, everyone needs to watch out for heat exhaustion. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention has created a free online course to prevent heat-related illness. For the free course, please visit Health Studies: Natural Disasters and Severe Weather: Heat Related Illness (HRI) Prevention | CDC HSB .
10. Spend quality time with your kids. This helps in your children's development and happiness, and helps reduce your own stress.

School starts Tuesday; here are some tips from pediatricians

The following health and safety tips are from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Making the first day easier

• Remind your child that there are probably a lot of students who are uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
• Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun! She'll see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh her positive memories about previous years, when she may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because she had a good time.
• Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride on the bus.
• If you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk with her) to school and pick her up on the first day.

Backpack Safety

• Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
• Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of your child’s body weight.
• Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.
• If your school allows, consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs, and they may be difficult to roll in snow.

Developing good homework and study habits

• Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters need a permanent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that is quiet, without distractions, and promotes study.
• Schedule ample time for homework.
• Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time.
• Supervise computer and Internet use.
• Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child's homework for her.
• Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive.
• If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren't able to help her yourself, a tutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child's teacher first.
• Some children need help organizing their homework. Checklists, timers, and parental supervision can help overcome homework problems.

Free and Reduced Lunch Policy Announced

The San Diego Unified School District has announced its policy for providing free and reduced-price meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The Food Services central office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

The household size and income criteria identified below will be used to determine eligibility for free, reduced-price (currently there is no charge for reduced-price meals in San Diego Unified School District), or full-price meal benefits (meal prices are $1.00 for breakfast, $2.00 for elementary lunch, and $2.50 for secondary lunch). Children from households whose gross income is at or below the levels shown here are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Households who receive CalFresh (also known as SNAP or Food Stamps), California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payments (Kin-GAP), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits are automatically eligible for free meals regardless of the income of the household in which they reside.

Application Forms will be distributed to households with a letter informing them of the availability of free and reduced-price meals for enrolled children. Applications are also available in the school office. To apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits, households must complete an application and return it to the school office or mail it to the central Food Services office for processing. Households may also apply on-line by going to www.sandi.net and selecting the School Meal Info/Application shortcut. Applications may be submitted at any time during the school year. The information households provide on the application will be used to determine meal eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by school or program officials.

Requirements for school officials to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits are as follows: For households receiving CalFresh (also known as SNAP or Food Stamps), CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR benefits – applications need to only include the enrolled child(ren)'s name, CalFresh, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR case number, name of the household member receiving benefits, and the signature of an adult household member. For households who do not list a CalFresh CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR case number, the application must include the names of all household members, the gross monthly amount and source of the income received by each household member, and the signature and corresponding last four digits of the adult household members Social Security number. If the household member who signs the application does not have a Social Security number, the household member must check the box indicating on the application that they do not have a Social Security number.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price meal policy, the determining official(s), as designated by the San Diego Unified School District Food Services Department, shall review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the eligibility ruling may discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents may also make a formal request for an appeal hearing of the decision and may do so orally or in writing with the Food Services hearing official. Parents or guardians should contact Food Services for specific information regarding the name of the determining official and/or hearing official for San Diego Unified School District.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact Food Services. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household's income falls at or below the levels as shown below.

Households that receive CalFresh, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR benefits may not have to complete an Application for Free or Reduced-Price Meals. Food Services officials will determine eligibility for free meals based on documentation obtained directly from the CalFresh, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR office that a child is a member of a household currently receiving CalFresh or FDPIR benefits or an assistance unit receiving CalWORKs or Kin-GAP benefits. Food Services officials will notify households of their eligibility prior to the start of school.

To find out more about the free and reduced-price meal program, contact Food Services at (858) 627-7328 or on the web at www.sandi.net and select the School Meal Info/Application.
San Diego Unified School District also participates in the National School Lunch/Breakfast Programs Provision 2 program which is a program that reduces application burdens, simplifies meal counting and claiming procedures, and provides meals at no charge to all students attending schools operating under Provision 2. In the 2013-2014 school year, the following schools will begin the base year of Provision 2: Bell MS, Farb MS, e3 Civic High, America’s Finest Charter School, King Chavez Preparatory, Arroyo Paseo, Penn ES. The district has 91 other schools participating in Provision 2 where all students are receiving meals at no charge; for a listing of schools, please go to www.sandi.net/food.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjunction, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339, or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Safety tips can make back-to-school incident free

With the new school year beginning on Tuesday, September 3, it is important for students and the public to remember they need to exercise additional caution on or around school campuses.

It is important for parents to remember to always set a good example for children, whether walking, riding or driving.

Our schools have designated drop off zones; use them! Because many parents drive their students to school, there can be traffic at schools in the morning and afternoon. Follow the rules established by the school. Your child’s safety is worth a few minutes in traffic.

To ensure maximum safety of all students, San Diego Unified School District suggests students and parents abide by the following guidelines set by the National Safe Kids Campaign (www.safekids.org/tips/tips.html).

In addition, San Diego Unified’s website has many tips for pedestrian safety in both English (http://www.sandi.net/safeschools/index.htm) and Spanish (http://www.sandi.net/safeschools/index_sp.htm).

Here are a few reminders.

Walking to School

Teach children the following pedestrian safety rules:

• Do not cross the street alone if you're younger than age 10.
• Never play in the road.
• Always try to walk on paths or sidewalks. If there are no sidewalks or paths, walk facing road traffic.
• Look both ways for danger before and while crossing the street.
• Dress in bright colors or wear reflective materials so drivers can easily see you.

Driving

• Follow school traffic rules for dropping off students. Be aware of crosswalks
• Every person riding in a car or truck needs his or her own seat belt. Do not let passengers ride in storage areas or on other people's laps.
• Children should always ride in a back seat restrained in a car seat or safety belt.

Bicycles

• Wear a bicycle or motorcycle helmet on every ride (state law).
• Ride so drivers and cyclists can see you.
• Look both ways for oncoming vehicles before turning or crossing a street. Go only when it is clear.
• Watch out for potholes, cracks, rocks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks or anything that could make you lose control of your bike.
• Make sure your bike fits your height, weight and age.

Riding the Bus

• Have children arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled arrival of the bus. Children should stay out of the street while waiting and not horseplay.
• Urge children to remain seated on the bus at all times and not shout or distract the driver. Children should know to keep their head and arms inside the bus at all times.
• Make sure children know to wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before getting on or off. Children should be made aware that the driver has a “blind spot” -- the area from the front of the bus to about 10 feet in front of the bus - and they should not walk in this area after getting off.

Supt. Marten talks about back-to-school 2013

IN THE NEWS: Supt. Cindy Marten visits TV morning shows with message that it will be an exciting school year, her first as superintendent.

Watch video

• KUSI»

• San Diego 6»

• NBC San Diego»

• Fox 5 San Diego»

New scoreboard, walkway greet La Jolla High class of 2013

IN THE NEWS: Principal talks about enrollment, opening of school. Read more from La Jolla Light»

Getting School Off To A Good Start at Serra High

IN THE NEWS: Serra High students show they're happy to be back for 2012-13 school year. Watch video.

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Fox 5 San Diego

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San Diego 6

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San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.com

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Back-To-School Shopping Spree Gives Students Fresh Start

Phil Mickelson and friends.

Going back to school never felt so good for 1,500 deserving, underprivileged San Diego County students thanks to the eighth annual START SMART event, underwritten by professional golfer Phil Mickelson and his wife, Amy. The START SMART initiative, coordinated through the Mickelson Foundation and the San Diego County Office of Education, provided students from eight local school districts,  including San Diego Unified, with a once in a lifetime shopping experience for school clothes and school supplies.

“Our number one goal is to provide a fun and safe morning for children to get them excited about going back to school,” said Mickelson.

The Start Smart event was held Aug. 18 at the Mission Valley Target Store where each first-through-fourth grade student left with a wardrobe of new clothes and shoes, along with a bag full of school supplies and new backpack. Angiers, Carson, Emerson/Bandini, Fulton, Rosa Parks and Sherman elementary schools were the San Diego Unified Schools selected to particpate this year. Each school chose their “most deserving” children to participate in the back to school event along with one parent or guardian to accompany them.

In the case of several of the students, this was their first time shopping in a large department store and for others it was their first time ever to pick out new clothes.

Throughout the morning, parents and teachers were overjoyed as they helped children select brand new tops, shirts, pants, skirts, jackets, backpacks and socks. KPMG, one of Mickelson’s PGA tour sponsors, also took part in the event, giving each student a new Dr. Seuss book: Green Eggs and Ham for first and second graders, and Fox and Socks for third and fourth graders. The front page of each book included a congratulatory note from the Mickelsons.

The Mickelsons also paid for the bus transportation of students, parents and dozens of teachers and administrators. San Diego Unified schools were the first to shop, arriving at Target at 6 a.m. The early morning wake-up call did not deter the excitement of the children once they arrived at the store. Several principals did remark, however that the bus ride from school to Target was one of the quietest they had ever experienced.

Other districts participating this year included La Mesa-Spring Valley, South Bay Union, Cardiff, Vista, Santee and Borrego Springs along with County's Monarch School.

Free, Reduced Price Lunch Policy Set for 2012-13

• En Español

The San Diego Unified School District today announced its policy for providing free and reduced-price meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The Food Services central office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

The household size and income criteria identified below will be used to determine eligibility for free, reduced-price (currently there is no charge for reduced-price meals in San Diego Unified School District), or full-price meal benefits (meal prices are $ 1.00 for breakfast, $2.00 for elementary lunch, and $2.50 for secondary lunch). Children from households whose gross income is at or below the levels shown here are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Households who receive CalFresh (also known as SNAP or Food Stamps), California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payments (Kin-GAP), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits are automatically eligible for free meals regardless of the income of the household in which they reside.

Application Forms will be distributed to households with a letter informing them of the availability of free and reduced-price meals for enrolled children. Applications are also available at the office in each school. To apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits, households must complete an application and return it to the school office or mail it to the central Food Services office for processing. Households may also apply on-line by going to www.sandi.net and selecting the School Meal Info/Application shortcut. To apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits, households must complete an application and return it to the school office, mail it to the central Food Services office for processing, or complete the on-line application.

Applications may be submitted at any time during the school year. The information households provide on the application will be used to determine meal eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by school or program officials.

Requirements for school officials to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits are as follows: For households receiving CalFresh (also known as SNAP or Food Stamps), CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR benefits – applications need only include the enrolled child(ren)'s name, CalFresh, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR case number, and the signature of an adult household member. For households who do not list a CalFresh CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR case number, the application must include the names of all household members, the gross amount and source of the income received by each household member, and the signature and corresponding last four digits of the adult household members Social Security number. If the household member who signs the application does not have a Social Security number, the household member must check the box indicating on the application that they do not have a Social Security number.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price meal policy, the determining official(s), as designated by the San Diego Unified School District Food Services department, shall review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the eligibility ruling may discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents may also make a formal request for an appeal hearing of the decision and may do so orally or in writing with the Food Services hearing official. Parents or guardians should contact Food Services for specific information regarding the name of the determining official and/or hearing official for San Diego Unified School District.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact Food Services. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household's income falls at or below the levels shown above.

Households that receive CalFresh, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR benefits may not have to complete an Application for Free or Reduced-Price Meals. Food Service officials will determine eligibility for free meals based on documentation obtained directly from the CalFresh, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR office that a child is a member of a household currently receiving CalFresh or FDPIR benefits or an assistance unit receiving CalWORKs or Kin-GAP benefits. Food Service officials will notify households of their eligibility, but those who do not want their child(ren) to receive free meals must contact Food Services. SNAP, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, and FDPIR households should complete an application if they are not notified of their eligibility by September 1, 2012.

To find out more about the free and reduced-price meal program, contact Food Services as (858) 627-7328 or on the web at www.sandi.net and select the School Meal Info/Application.
San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) also participates in the National School Lunch/Breakfast Programs Provision 2 program which is a program that reduces application burdens, simplifies meal counting and claiming procedures, and provides meals at no charge to all students attending schools operating under Provision 2. In the 2012-2013 school year the following schools/programs will begin the base year of Provision 2; Florence ES, Garfield HS, Pacific American Academy, Porter North/South ES, Sports Science Academy, Metro Schools, CTEC Independent Study, Choice Community School, First Avenue Literacy Community, Thurgood Marshall Community School, Youth Day Center, BCA Youth Build Community School, University Community School, Metro Tech Academy, Mira Mesa Community School, Bay Point PK, Dewey CDC, Fletcher CDC, Walker CDC, Wegeforth CDC. The district has 81 other schools participating in Provision 2 where all students are receiving meals at no charge, for a listing of schools please go to www.sandi.net/food.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjunction, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

IN THE NEWS: New school year recalls the old and new at La Jolla High

A senior at La Jolla High looks to the future and the past as the school year begins. Read more from La Jolla Light»

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

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.

New Work Permits Needed for School Year

As the 2010-2011 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 7. 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 district’s work  permit office at (858) 627-7355, or see the website at  http://www.sandi.net/career/wp.html