Minimum Day Schedule on Monday, September 15 for Schools Without 100% Air-Conditioned Classrooms

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Weather Updates National Weather Service - NOAA ACPD Air Quality Forecast

San Diego Unified is implementing minimum day schedules at schools without air conditioning in every classroom (See list) on Monday, Sept. 15, due to the continued heat wave in terms of temperatures, humidity and the heat index. The schools on a minimum day schedule are those which lack air conditioning in 100% of the classrooms. Schools with 100% A/C in the classrooms (see list) will have regular day schedule and are expected to operate under our Hot Weather Plan guidelines.

The decision to operate these schools on a minimum day is based on information and guidelines from the National Weather Service (NWS) indicating local temperatures of 95 and higher, with a heat index of 103 and higher – a combination terms by the NWS as “dangerous” health conditions (See the latest regional advisory here) and our strong commitment to the safety and well-being of our students. Analysis conducted by a cross-sectional team at several schools on Friday also informed this decision.

The district will closely monitor forecasted conditions for Tuesday, using these same parameters, to see if a minimum day for these same schools on Tuesday – a decision that will be made by noon on Monday. Again, this is only schools without 100% classroom air conditioning.

Schools on Minimum Day Schedule

Schools on Regular Day Schedule

Lindbergh Schweitzer hosts Resource Fair for parents

The PTA and staff at Lindbergh Schweitzer Elementary School in Clairemont welcomed returning and new parents to their first day of school by hosting a Family Resource Fair.

The fair was aimed at giving parents valuable information for health care, afterschool programs and childcare, as well as contacts for other services in the community.

“Providing resources that can help our students be successful in their lives is a way for Lindbergh Schweitzer to welcome families and connect them to the community – their neighborhood schools,” said Principal Deanne Rohde.

A variety of local organizations were in attendance, including the Boys and Girls Club, S.A.Y. San Diego, United Cerebral Palsy, the National Foundation for Autism Research, and San Diego Unified’s Special Education Division, among others.

Crown Point Academy celebrates new mural, western barbecue

It was a busy month at the Crown Point Junior Music Academy which celebrated not only the completion of its new mural, but also held a family barbecue.

The school's new look on Ingraham Street was celebrated Feb. 7 as local artist Matthew Cavanagh revealed the amazing "Music Opens Minds" mural for the school and its community.

"This mural represents the hard work and dedication parents, staff, and community have put forth in not only fighting to keep the school open, but also in supporting the various music programs that Crown Point Junior Music Academy has to offer," said Principal Muriel Bartolini.

Artist Cavanaugh said he very much enjoyed helping the school.

"Wow. This was such a great event to be a part of," he said. "I enjoyed all the great compliments parents, staff, and students had to say about my work. During the time I was painting the mural a lot of cars honked; pedestrians passing by gave me thumbs up and told me what a great job I was doing."

At the ceremony, string students from Steve Luch's class performed, along with musicians from Pacific Beach Middle School, for dignitaries that included: Phil Stover, Deputy Superintendent of Business Support Services; Mark Nicholson, Instrumental Music Specialist, San Diego Unified Visual and Performing Arts Department; Pacific Beach Middle School Music Director John O'Donnell; and Principal Pacific Beach Middle School Principal Ernest Remillard,

"The mural is so beautiful!" said one parent. "This is what Crown Point needed to show the outside community what (this school) is all about."

Later in the month, Feb. 21, the school had a western barbecue lunch where parents were invited to have lunch with their kids at school.

"I enjoyed dressing up in Western clothes, boots and hat with my daughter," said a first-grade parent. "I love these events!"

"It makes me happy when I see how excited my children get when I am able to come have lunch with them," said another parent. This event was amazing and the hamburgers and hotdogs were really good."

"I like it when my mom and dad sit with me to eat lunch," said a second grader.

For more information on the school, visit its website.

Balboa Elementary parents visit universities; principal honored

It's been a busy few weeks at Balboa Elementary School in the Shelltown neighborhood, as parents joined their kids on a tour of two local universities and the principal received a prestigious award.

Principal Fabiola Bagula has received the 2013 Visionary Award from the San Diego César E. Chávez Commemoration Committee. The certificate commends her for her strong leadership, compassion, integrity and justice in the community.

The award was presented at the 15th Annual Cesar Chavez Community Breakfast on April 8. More than 200 people attended the reception along with many San Diego politicians, including Mayor Bob Filner.

Thanks to the generosity of the Bravo Foundation, parents visited UC San Diego and University of San Diego.

"For many of our families," said Principal Bagula, "this was the first opportunity to visit a university campus. We hope this continues to fuel the dream of college-bound children at Balboa."

On the tours, parents learned about the differences between public and private college institutions, visited classrooms, dorm rooms and met college students who come from Balboa's neighborhood. They were also advised on what to monitor to ensure that their child is a college-bound student.

The landmark Geisel Library at UC San Diego, along with statues to Dr. Seuss and his characters, were on the tour stops. Ted Geisel created the Dr. Seuss character and books, and lived in La Jolla much of his life.

For more information on the events, contact Principal Bagula at (619) 362-4100.

Juarez Elementary parent shares fingerpainting techniques

Juarez parent Dr. Pinkie Feinstein brought his "intuitive painting" process to school, helping kids work through issues with artistic expression.

New to San Diego, Dr. Feinstein, father of three Juarez students, demonstrated the process that, while fun and relaxing, helps relieve stress and helps kids focus.

"Putting pastels to paper and listening to upbeat music, participants create beautiful and colorful renderings," said Principal Marceline Marques. "Intuitive painting is widely utilized in schools in Israel, where the family is from."

The activity is helpful to all students, especially those with ADHD and emotional challenges. Participants are given paper and pastels and only instructed to "cover the entire paper with color."

"It fits in with both behavior support/emotional regulation and the school wide art program," she said.

A grade 5 teacher, Michael Wilson, invited Dr. Feinstein to run a workshop in his classroom.

"The students thoroughly enjoyed the art aspect while processing emotions and developing right brain function," said Marques.

Dr. Feinstein is a psychiatrist with his degree from the University of Tel Aviv. He has authored several books on topics such as child rearing, dealing with anxiety, ADHD, and his IP methods. For more information contact Principal Marceline Marques at mmarques@sandi.net, or (858) 496-8145.

School Choice Applications Now Accepted for 13-14

School choice applications are now being accepted online for the 2013-14 school year.

Parents only need to apply during this period if they plan to "choice" out of their neighborhood school. The application period runs from Nov. 1, 2012 through Feb. 15, 2013.

 

For more information, visit the Neighborhood Schools and Enrollment Options website»

Parents/Guardians Can Help Fund Schools By Returning Federal Survey Cards

Students at most schools last week brought home Federal Impact Survey Cards, which your school is asking parents/guardians to complete and promptly return to their schools. The returned cards qualify the public schools for significant dollars in federal funds.

The annual survey determines the number of military and non-military federally connected students in the public school system for whom the district receives impact aid funds. These funds provide partial reimbursement to the district for local tax loss resulting from tax-free federal installations or property. By filling out and returning the survey cards, parents help our schools claim and benefit from the district’s authorized share of federal support. Each survey card is important because federal impact aid is determined from the survey card responses. Please, complete, sign and return the card as it is the children who will benefit.

"If you're active duty military, live in Navy housing, or are a civilian working on one of our bases or a federal property, you know the importance of returning these cards," said Superintendent Bill Kowba. "But it's important for all parents to return these cards. It only takes a few minutes and it helps our district qualify for much-needed federal funds."

The San Diego Unified School District has a high proportion of military dependents and federal lands within its boundaries, as San Diego is a worldwide center for Navy and Marine Corps activities.

"These school districts face special challenges — they must provide a quality education to the children living on the Indian and other Federal lands and meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, while sometimes operating with less local revenue than is available to other school districts, because the Federal property is exempt from local property taxes," says the US Department of Education's website.

Under federal privacy rules, information on the Impact Aid survey cards is not used for any other purposes. If you have questions about Impact Aid or the Impact Aid survey card, please contact your principal.

Tragedy, Discrimination are Topics of Movie Showing August 30

Join the San Diego American Indian Health Center and Parent Outreach and Engagement, Title VII Indian Education Program, to watch a powerful movie, Two Spirits. It is based on a true story of a 16-year-old Navajo youth’s life and death. It is being presented in partnership with Tribal-TANF, Indian Human Resource Center and Soaring Eagles.

When: Thursday, August 30
Time: 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Ballard Parent Center in Old Town
2375 Congress Street, San Diego, CA 92110.
Details: In the tradition of the Native American culture, dinner Where: will be provided and potluck is always welcomed!

For more information please contact Christopher Scott, Health Center Coordinator at 619-234-2158, ext. 111.

Please note the serious topics addressed in this movie.
About the movie. Two Spirits interviews the tragic story of a mother’s loss of her son with a revealing look at a time when the world wasn’t simply divided into male and female and many Native American cultures held places of honor for people of integrated genders. Fred Martinez was nádleehí, a male-bodied person with a feminine nature, a special gift according to his ancient Navajo culture. But the place where two discriminations meet is a dangerous place to live, and Fred became one of the youngest hate-crime victims in modern history when he was brutally murdered at 16. Between tradition and controversy, sex and spirit, and freedom and fear, lives the truth—the bravest choice you can make is to be yourself.

Free Tdap clinic at John Muir School August 28

A free Tdap clinic for all sixth grade students who have not received the Tdap booster they need to enter seventh grade is being held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, August 28, at John Muir School, 4431 Mt. Herbert Ave. (92117).

This clinic is open to all students accompanied by parent who will sign consent. VFC qualification is not required as the district has obtained some unrestricted Tdap vaccine from the County for distribution.

Proof of immunization will be available in SDIR after all data is entered from clinic.

For more information, contact Adrienne Lenhoff, RN, at alenhoff@sandi.net.

Transitional Kindergarten Begins in 2012-13

In accordance with the Kindergarten Readiness Act, students who turn 5 years old between Nov. 1 and Dec. 2, 2012, will be enrolled in a Transitional Kindergarten Program for the school year starting on Sept. 4, 2012.

For full details in English and Spanish, see the Transitional Kindergarten website.

Tournament for Young Anglers Aug. 11

Young anglers ages six through 15 are invited to compete in the free 10th Annual Young Angler Tournament this summer at the Shelter Island Pier.

Date: Sat. Aug. 11, 2012
Location: Shelter Island Pier
1776 Shelter Island Drive
Time:
Onsite Registration: 9 a.m.
Fishing: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Prizes are awarded by 2 p.m.

 

Young anglers ages six through 15 are invited to compete in the free 10th Annual Young Angler Tournament this summer at the Shelter Island Pier, located at 1776 Shelter Island Drive. This saltwater event is sponsored by the San Diego Sportfishing Council, the International Game Fish Association and the Port of San Diego.

The tournament will feature a points system to allow for catch and release. Winners-one in each age category between six and 15 — will be determined by adding up points for various fish caught. The angler with the most points overall will be recognized on the tournaments’ perpetual trophy. IGFA representatives and volunteers from the United Pier and Shore Anglers Club, San Diego Rod & Reel and the San Diego Anglers will be on hand to assist young anglers and to tally points. Young anglers in the competition are encouraged to bring their own gear, although a limited number of loaner rods will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Small quantities of bait will be provided each angler while supplies last.

The Shelter Island Pier Tournament is slated for Saturday, Aug. 11. Registration begins at 9 a.m., fishing runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., prizes are awarded by 2 p.m. dHot dogs, chips, and sodas will be served to all registered anglers. Lunch provided courtesy of Stump's Village Market of Rancho Santa Fe and Tommy Gomes from Catalina Offshore Products and Specialty Produce.

Sponsors include OKUMA Fishing Tackle, West Marine, Anglers Distributing, De-Fishing Soap, Friends of Rollo, Point Loma Sportfishing and H&M Landing. Prizes and raffle drawing items for the tournament include rods and reels, hats, T-shirts, and fishing gear and deep sea fishing trips. Loaner Gear, Bait, and tackle are provided by Okuma Fishing Tackle, Anglers Distributing, and Friends of Rollo.

The San Diego Sportfishing Council is California non-profit corporation established in 1979 to promote San Diego fishing as an attractive marine recreational activity, to increase awareness and availability of "how, when and where" information on sportfishing opportunities.

For details on the event, visit the San Diego Sportfishing Council website or call 619-234-8793.

Observe Teen Curfew, Driving Rules This Summer

Curfew and driving laws in the State of California and the City of San Diego can affect teens' time off and should be known by students and their parents, according to San Diego Unified's School Police Chief.

"Curfew enforcement is intended to protect children from dangerous circumstances and people," said Rueben Littlejohn, police chief. "While it may be an inconvenience, it's important to make sure at home when the curfew starts at 10 p.m."

As teens have more free time during the summer, it means they have more opportunities to run afoul of these laws, which also include restrictions on teen drivers. The rules are enforced by the San Diego Police Department, California Highway Patrol and other local police agencies. A conviction can put a mark on a young person's record that might otherwise be clean, he said.

"The regulations also have sections with that affect parents," he said. "A teen who breaks the law may face punishment -- and so can their parents."

More information on the local laws

• City of San Diego curfew» Parents  Teens
  
• California teen driver laws» Teens and Parents
  

Help Your Favorite Middle School and Save Energy at the Same Time

The more energy you save, the more you can win! The San Diego Energy Challenge will run from June through Nov. 30, 2012, and your school could win big. The winning schools will split $30,000 and households can win tablet computers and gift cards.

This summer, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is sponsoring the San Diego Energy Challenge, an online game that encourages our community to conserve energy. Through the San Diego Energy Challenge, San Diego Unified area residents are eligible to earn "Reduce Your Use" day rewards by saving energy, while also earning points for the San Diego Unified middle school of their choice. Even if you do not have a child attending a middle school, you can still participate in the Energy Challenge if you live within the boundaries of San Diego Unified. This is a social and fun way to get everyone working together to save energy.

It’s easy to get started:

Step 1: Have your SDG&E® account number ready and sign up at www.sdenergychallenge.com .

Step 2: Select the SDUSD Middle School of your choice

Step 3: Save energy on a Reduce Your Use day

Step 4: Click here to get energy conservation ideas: www.sdge.com/summer

And, by saving energy on Reduce Your Use days from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., you'll be rewarded with a credit on your SDG&E bill. For more information about "Reduce Your Use" visit www.sdge.com/reduceuse.

IN THE NEWS: Parents to 'Tune In' to Broadcasts Their Students See

Parents in the San Diego Unified School District will be able to view the same Channel One News InterActiv broadcasts their 3rd- through 12-grade students see at school this fall - on their mobile phones. Read more from Education Week»

Adams Elementary Hosts New SDSU President

Dr. Elliot Hirshmann, president of San Diego State University, recently hosted the Parent Institute for Quality Education graduation ceremony at Adams Elementary School in Normal Heights.

The Institute's Parent Engagement Education program is a nine-week class for parents and guardians that helps them foster a positive educational environment for kids at home and at school.

Adams Principal Derek Murchison said the campus was thrilled to have Dr. Hirshmann visit and meet the school's parents.

"We work on encouraging our students to go from Adams to Aztecs," said Murchison. "Dr. Hirshmann shared some wonderful stories about the importance of parent involvement.

"He encouraged all of our students to work hard so they can attend the college of their choice."

The Parent Engagement program gives parents tips such as setting up a study location for their kids, setting a specific time for study and homework and creating an open dialogue with their children.

For more information, contact Murchison at 619-284-1158.

Parents Invited to Serve on District Anti-bullying Advisory Committee

San Diego Unified is looking for parents to serve on the Safe Schools Advisory Group. This group advises the district on how to make sure our students are safe from bullying (including cyber-bullying), harassment and intimidation while at school, at school events, on school buses or even outside of school hours if the intention is to be carried out at school

Parent perspectives are important because parents see the effects of bullying that teachers often don't see.
Parents are invited to join any of the following subgroups:

1. Curriculum Development Subgroup: Develop curriculum and work with teachers and sites to prevent student-to-student bullying, harassment and intimidation. Guide and assist teachers and sites to implement Senate Bill 48. Contact: Matt Hayes at 619-725-7138.
2. Communications Subgroup: Communicate district-wide about the work of the Safe Schools Advisory Group; maintain Safe Schools website; share information with community groups on how to support anti-bullying efforts. Contact: Sandra Salom for Bernie Rhinerson at 619-725-5504.
3. Staff Training Subgroup: Design and train all staff members on student-to-student bullying prevention that includes discussion, information, and/or instruction about the district's anti-bullying strategies and non-discrimination policies and procedures, reporting and investigation requirements, effective interventions to employ when witnessing bullying, harassment or intimidation, and cultural sensitivity related to sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Contact: Marge Kleinsmmith-Hildebrand at 619-725-7123.)
4. Student/Parent Involvement Subgroup: Work directly with parent and student groups (i.e., PTA/PTSA, GSA, ASB) to promote anti-bullying on our school campuses. Contact: Agin Shaheed at 858-490-8691.
5. Community Resources Subgroup: Work directly with community stakeholders from youth-oriented organizations to provide support and resources to the Safe Schools Advisory Committee. Contact: Denise Serrano for Delores Jacobs at 619-692-2077 x103.

Here is the District Policy on bullying, harassment and intimidation.

Serra High Invites Parents to Experience Their Child's School Day

Student Brandon shows his mom, Kay, around school.

What would it be like for adults to go back in time to their high school days?

At Serra High, parents can experience it every year during "Come to School With Your Student Day." It allowed parents and guardians to "shadow" their child at school, spending time in their classrooms, observing during actual instruction time and even having lunch in the cafeteria.

Parents and guardians say they gain a better understanding of what their student is doing at school and in the classrooms.Others said it was helpful to “shadow” their student for the day and be reminded of what it’s like to be in high school again!

In addition to getting a taste of campus life, workshops on Naviance, the district's college and career planning tool, and A-G high school graduation requirements provided parents and guardians with information and resources to support their student’s academic success. The Nov. 10 event was the third-annual "Come to School With Your Student Day."

"Serra High believes that events like this are an excellent way to encourage parents to be more actively engaged in their student’s education," said Principal Mike Jimenez. "Allowing parents to observe classrooms during actual instruction time,for example, provides valuable insight into such things as specific teaching methods and styles. Walking the campus with the students during the day allows parents to experience the true climate and culture of our school."

Serra recognizes the value of parental involvement at school and continues to strive to help all students achieve academic success. For more information, contact Marie Byrd, parent support liaison, at 858-496-8342 x231

IN THE NEWS: Tips from a principal on parent conferences

Sherman Elementary principal talks about what parents should know about teacher meetings (en Español). Watch video from KBNT-TV»