IN THE NEWS: La Jolla High teachers reflect on love, life, teaching

When longtime La Jolla High School teachers Rachel and Howard Tenebaum were in college -- Rachel, a freshman, and Howard, a junior -- they attended an orientation event for students eager to make friends.

Flash forward 32 years, the twosome are still together happily and teaching at La Jolla High School, with Rachel teaching biology since 2002 and Howard teaching environmental science and chemistry since 2007.

Read their special love story published in the La Jolla Light.

Happy Valentine's Day!

District celebrates volunteers, partners who contribute to local schools

School-site volunteers, Partners-in-Education, advisory and cluster committee volunteer chairs were honored at the 2014 Volunteer and Partner Recognition event held at Clairemont High School on June 4.

Sponsored by California Coast Credit Union, honorees enjoyed a reception with entertainment provided by the student band Loose Gravel, followed by a formal recognition ceremony.

View event photos

Honorees were recognized for the countless hours, efforts and in many cases, funds they contribute to their local San Diego Unified schools. Each individual and organization was given a certificate and all were applauded for their efforts during the ceremony.

Superintendent Cindy Marten, Board President Kevin Beiser and California Coast representatives Rene McKee and Perette Godwin shared hosting duties. During the ceremony, Trustees Richard Barrera and John Lee Evans also thanked volunteers for their time and efforts.

Central Elementary School’s Warren LaVallee received special recognition for his 53 years of volunteer service to the City Heights elementary school.

Although the afternoon belonged to the volunteers and partners, the event also featured several outstanding student performances. The band Loose Gravel, which is comprised of elementary and middle school students from four San Diego Unified schools, played a mix of rock tunes during the reception while guests snacked on wraps, vegetables and cookies provided by the district’s Food Services Catering Department. Clairemont High’s own Kyra Johnson kicked off the ceremony with the National Anthem.

Each year, thousands of individuals volunteer their time at school sites across the district and organizations partner with their local school to provide a variety of services or goods to students.

San Diego Unified salutes all of its volunteers and partners and thanks them for their continued support and contributions.

Clark Middle School demonstrates Vision 2020 in action

The district's Vision 2020 calls for Quality Schools in Every Neighborhood. To help identify what defines a quality school, the board and district staff developed 12 indicators of a quality school. In her efforts to support the implementation of the vision, Supt. Cindy Marten is making weekly visits to district schools, looking for concrete examples of Vision 2020 indicators in action to share with others. This year's priority indicators are: 1) access to a broad and challenging curriculum, 2) quality teaching and 3) quality leadership.

The superintendent recently visited Clark Middle School in City Heights and saw first-hand the great work being done at the school. Clark Principal Tom Liberto escorted Supt. Marten, Chief of Staff Staci Monreal and Area 5 Supt. Mitzi Merino around the campus and into multiple classrooms, where they saw students actively engaged in learning a broad and challenging curriculum, many through the use of technology in the classroom. 

Of particular note was the school's Welcome Center, where brand new students from around the world have the opportunity to learn with and from each other. A supportive environment that values diversity is one of the 12 indicators.

"In the Welcome Center, we saw real collaborative student learning," said Supt. Marten. "One of our core beliefs is that you learn language by using language. This was very evident at Clark Middle School."

For more information about the Vision 2020, go to www.sandi.net/vision2020.  

New science program makes learning fun at Bayview Terrace Elementary

Students at Bayview Terrace Elementary School are being transformed into scientists as they take a new approach to learning core standards.

Through the Foss (Full Option Science System) Program, the school is using integrated learning to increase the literary skills of its students through an avenue they enjoy: science. By implementing projects they are interested in, students get excited about learning and are more invested in the work that accompanies it.

“Students’ writing, project work, and communication skills have improved because of this program,” said Principal Magdalena Tavasci. “They love it.”

Students at Bayview Terrace have had the opportunity to explore electricity by assembling conductor detectors and finding materials to complete circuits. They have also used kitchen magnets to learn about magnetism and metal fillings.

The goals of the Science Foss Program are threefold: to create an atmosphere of exemplary science engagement during the school day, improve literary skills through science notebooks, and expose students to opportunities beyond the classroom.

The program fits well into the district’s goal of preparing all students to be college and career ready.

“The biggest take-away is exciting the children about careers in science,” said Tavasci. “We want to develop children in science because that is where the careers will be.”

Bayview Terrace is one of eight elementary schools in the San Diego Unified School District that have implemented this program. Other schools include Bethune, Dingeman, Emerson, Johnson, Lindbergh-Schweitzer, Tierrasanta, and Whitman.

Teachers and principals are specifically trained in the Foss Science Program to better implement the curriculum.

For more information contact the principal at 858-273-5244.

City Heights Campus Breaks Ground On School-Based Health Centers

IN THE NEWS: Central Elementary is like a lot of campuses in the San Diego Unified School District. It is staffed with a caring principal and caring teachers. The folks in the office know all of the kids by name. And lunchtime is filled with a mixture of conversation punctuated by shrieks of laughter. Read more from KPBS>>.

University City High gets New Field and Track

One of the last Prop. S projects completed during this school year was at University City High School. The project included a new synthetic turf football field, an all-weather track, new lighting and a new scoreboard for the stadium. To celebrate, the school will hold a dedication ceremony during its first varsity football home game in the fall.

This is one of nearly 40 major construction projects that have been completed since Prop. S passed in 2008, including College, Career and Technical Education facilities, new classroom buildings, rebuilt high school stadiums, other synthetic turf fields and all-weather tracks, air conditioning, and student drop-off and pick-up improvements. There are approximately 65 projects in the design phase, and nearly 20 in various stages of construction. More construction projects will begin during the summer.

Prop. S funds are generated by a general obligation bond measure that was passed in 2008 to repair and renovate district schools. The funds cannot be used to pay teacher or administrator salaries.

For details on school projects, please visit http://fpcprojects.sandi.net/. For information on Prop. S, visit www.sandi.net/PropS  or e-mail PropSinfo@sandi.net .

Hunter Family Music Memory Music Bee, Orchestra Nova Honor Students

It was a 21st century version of the old "Name That Tune" TV show as teams from elementary schools recently competed to see who could identify snippets of songs played by a live orchestra.

The Fourth Annual Hunter Family Music Memory Music Bee, sponsored by Orchestra Nova, welcomed students from all over the county, with competition in grades 3-4 and 5-6. Held at Birch North Park Theatre, May 22, bronze, silver and gold ribbons were given to winners correctly identifying musical excerpts performed by a live orchestra. San Diego Unified School District winning teams included:

Bronze ribbon winners:

• Bayview Terrace Elementary 3-4 and 5-6 teams – Gretchen Robrock, teacher
• Golden Hill Elementary 3-4 team, Virginia Simpson, teacher
• Hickman Elementary 5-6 team, Kathy Stanton, teacher
• Jerabek Elementary 5-6 team, Margie Orem, teacher
• La Jolla Elementary 3-4 team, Julie Greathouse, teacher
• Ross Elementary 5-6 team, Malou Rogers, teacher

Silver ribbon winners:

• Crown Point Junior Music Academy 5-6 team, Debbie Burton, teacher
• Doyle Elementary 3-4 team, Mary Laiuppa, teacher
• Golden Hill Elementary 5-6 team, Virginia Simpson, teacher
• Hickman Elementary 3-4 team, Kathy Stanton, teacher
• Jerabek Elementary 3-4 team, Margie Orem, teacher
• E.B. Scripps Elementary 3-4 and 5-6 teams, Dr. Linda Lungren, teacher

Gold ribbon winners:

• Crown Point Junior Music Academy 3-4 team, Debbie Burton, teacher
• Torrey Pines elementary 3-4 team, Rebecca Tang, teacher
• Whitman Elementary 3-4 and 5-6 teams, Tom Waczek, teacher

For more information on the program, contact Karen Childress-Evans at 858-539-5349 or mailto:%20kchildressevans@sandi.net.

Mira Mesa Students, District Physical Plant Operations Partner On T-Shirt Design

Mira Mesa High graphics students Ronald Bonslater, left,  Mariela Catalan, Danielle Le, Ashley Rindfleisch.  Not pictured: Marlene Alspaugh who did the computer/design work.

Creative students and staff are joining forces in a fundraiser to raise money for the district's Physical Plant Operations and Facilities Planning and Construction departments' employee emergency fund.

New "Planner, Estimator, Inspector" t-shirts are rolling off the presses with a design created by the Computerized Graphic Arts program at Mira Mesa High School. The slogan was created by employee Richard Kite.

The students in the College, Career and Technical Education program run a production facility, working in small teams to design, print, sort, pack and even ship their creations. They're graded on the ability to follow projects from concept to creation. Clients include the school administration, clubs and organizations, and other sources, such as the Physical Plant, as well as outside companies.

"The class stays very busy, and is often booked 6-8 weeks in advance," said the class's teacher, Art Spurlock.

The Physical Plant Operations and Facilities Planning departments' emergency fund assists colleagues and their families with costs such as insurance needs and living expenses when families go through challenging times.

If you would like more information on the program, or to get a printing quote, please contact Spurlock at aspurlock@sandi.net.

Scripps Ranch Students Turn Castoffs into Clutchbags

Students enrolled in Clothing and Design at Scripps Ranch High School participated in a Re-Cycle or Re-Use project.

Some students used their sewing skills to create tote bags that replace paper or plastic grocery bags. Others turned gently used pillow cases, jeans, shirts, jackets and other out-of-use household items into trendy drawstring bags and zipper clutches. Discarded buttons and lace were then added as design embellishments.

The items are on display in the school office, reminding us that with a little bit of creativity, we can all make changes toward a greener way of life. For more information, contact Barbara Hillman, CCTE teacher, at (858) 621-9020 ext 4504.

For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.

Historic day for district, Mira Mesa High Sapphire Sound Band and Color Guard

The Mira Mesa High School Sapphire Sound Band and Color Guard took the Silver Medal at the recent Southern California Field Championships.

The group had an amazing performance with percussion taking second overall, color guard third overall, and receiving “High Music” for the day. This is the first time any San Diego Unified school has received a medal at this state championship, which was held Dec. 4. What an amazing way to finish the season.

Congratulations to Mira Mesa High School for this great accomplishment! For more information, contact John Dally, Band Director.

Sun Begins to Shine On Boat Entries

Students from San Diego Sci-Tech High School get started on their 2010-11 solar-powered boat.

Students from Scripps Ranch and San Diego Sci-Tech high schools began their seven-month journey to design, build, test, tune and operate a 16 foot, 24 volt, 320-watt solar-powered boat for the Solar Cup, the nation’s largest solar boat competition.

The San Diego regional competition is sponsored by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
The Engineering and Green Tech students were provided with wood and materials to begin construction on a canoe-style hull. All boats must conform to the same specifications.

Students will need to spend time studying and using Ohm’s Law and its variations, W = V x I (Watts = Voltage x Current). In full sunlight, the solar panels attached to the student boats produce 36 volts of direct current voltage (V) and have a current output of 9 amps (I). Using the formula, the solar panel will produce 324 watts of power as long as the panel is in direct sunlight [36 x 9 – 324 watts of power].
Students will attempt to maximize all variables with their solar panel placement and design to win the races. Students from Scripps Ranch High hope to take home a solar cup title for a second year in a row, while Sci-Tech  students from the San Diego High Educational Complex are looking for their first win.

The students' boats will compete in a series of races over a three-day period in May 2011.

For more information, please contact Greg Quirin, CCTE Program Specialist at (858) 503-1736.

For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.

Excellent Test Scores, Community Involvement, Scholarship Winners

Here are some recent achievements by Scripps Ranch High students.

• Nitish Padmanaban earned the highest composite score of 36 on the ACT college admissions and placement exam. On average, less than one-tenth of one percent of all test takers earns the top score. The ACT consists of tests in English mathematics, reading and science with each test scores on a scale of 1-36, and a stunt’s composite score is the average of all four test scores.
  
• Senior Kristin Cleavinger and sophomore Kimberly Marron have been selected to serve on the 2010-11 La Jolla Playhouse Student Board of Trustees. They completed an application and interview process for these extremely competitive positions, which help the artistic director plan for playhouse events.
  
• Senior Jong Hoon Chang has been selected as one of the winners of the Outstanding Student Scholarship Award from the Korean American Educational Research Center. He received this award because he demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and service in the community.

For more information on this or any other topic about Scripps Ranch High School, contact Principal Kurt Madden at (858) 621-9020, ext. 1103.

For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.

IN THE NEWS: Stolen Flags Replaced at Mira Mesa School

Students at Sandburg Elementary School in Mira Mesa were greeted with a surprise Thursday morning, two months after an unusual theft on campus.The excited students jumped and pointed when they arrived in the school's courtyard for lunch. More from KGTV-10.

Mira Mesa Cadets Start Program After Attending National Conference

After attending the Military Child Education Coalition Student 2 Student conference last month in San Antonio, Tex., Mira Mesa High JROTC cadets Menji Chiem and Shaina Razon were inspired to create one of these programs on their own campus.

The conference highlighted aspects of the program, including how to help ease the transition of highly mobile children in and out of school focusing on three key aspects: finding their way around a new campus; academic credit compatibility; and relationships children develop among their peers. Menji and Shaina have already established a School 2 School program at Mira Mesa High School, which has five new student members.

The group will seek support from the Board of Education to broaden the initiative to the entire district. For more information, please contact the Office of College, Career and Technical Education at (858) 503-1738.

IN THE NEWS: Shall I Compare Thee to Summer School?

Educators fear that summer can be a setback for English learners who stop using English at home when school lets out. So San Diego Unified keeps summer school open to all high school English learners who want it, even if they ace their classes.

• Read more from Voice of San Diego
• Watch video from KNSD-TV

IN THE NEWS: Angela Bass to Oversee Mira Mesa Schools

Veteran educator Angela Bass has been appointed to oversee Area 5, which encompasses Scripps Ranch and Mira Mesa high schools and their feeder elementary and middle schools. Read more from Mira Mesa Living»

Yearbook Receives County Fair Honors

Thurgood Marshall Middle School's yearbook won first place for the second year in a row at the San Diego County Fair. Congratulations to yearbook teacher, Beulah Forrest, and the entire yearbook staff for a job well done. For more information, please contact Principal Michelle Irwin at (858) 549-5400 or mirwin@sandi.net .

For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.