Summer Commencement Ceremony to recognize class of 2014 graduates

More than 100 district students who were unable to attend June graduation ceremonies with their high school class will get the chance to walk in San Diego Unified's annual Summer Commencement Ceremony, scheduled for Friday, August 1 at 2:30 p.m. at Lincoln High School, 4777 Imperial Ave. (92113).

"Our students have been working toward this goal their entire lives," said Superintendent Cindy Marten, who will officiate at the ceremony. "Truly, they've lived by our 'no excuses' rule and have made it through many challenges. They have earned the opportunity to take the ceremonial walk of graduates. I am so proud of their ability to persevere."

Students from all of the district's 18 high school campuses will participate. Each student's name, as in the traditional ceremony, is read aloud as they make their way across the stage in black caps and gowns.

The special summer ceremony has been a district tradition since 2005. Before this late-summer ceremony was established, students would eventually receive a diploma by mail but wouldn't be able to participate in a graduation ceremony. This ceremony allows seniors who needed additional time to complete the California High School Exit Exam or credit requirements needed for graduation to be recognized.

High school graduation requirements include 44 semester credits, a 2.0 or higher grade point average, science and math course requirements, and passing the exit exam.

Serra High counselor says goodbye after 43 years

Serra High counselor Susan Skinner was one of more than 700 employees who retired last week. Skinner spent 43 years with the San Diego Unified School District. Watch story from NBC 7»

'Salute To Excellence' for Top One Percent Grads

San Diego Unified's annual Recognition event for seniors ranked in the top one percent from each San Diego Unified School District high school's Class of 2014 welcomed representatives from high schools, including all valedictorians. Principals, parents and counselors were in attendance, as were Board of Education members and Supt. Cindy Marten. Go to event photos»

Some of these students are the first in their families to go to college. More than 800 of the students have already been accepted to a university, college or community colleges that include their hometown San Diego State University, UC San Diego, University of San Diego, Pt. Loma Nazarene University and San Diego Mesa College. Others are committed to large, internationally known universities such as UCLA, UC Berkeley, Caltech, Stanford, New York University, the University of Chicago. Some of the world's top small, private universities are welcoming San Diego Unified graduates, such as Elizabethtown College, Champlain College and University College Cork, in Cork, Ireland.

The annual event brings students together from all high schools, where they receive a certificate and a medal marking their achievement. Sponsors of the event include Mission Federal Credit Union and University of San Diego.

"Salute to Excellence" is scheduled 3:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 29, 2014. Social mixer from 3:30-4:15 p.m.; ceremony begins at 4:15 p.m. It will be held at the Shiley Theater, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park (92110). City Council Member Todd Gloria is the guest speaker.
Here's a partial list of the schools accepting students from the Class of 2014.

Abilene Christian University, Academy of Art University, AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts, American Academy of Dramatic Arts, American Academy of Dramatic Arts/West, American University, Amherst College, Arizona State University, Arkansas State University, Art Center College of Design, Auburn University, Augustana College, Aurora University, Azusa Pacific University

Babson College, Ball State University, Baylor University, Beloit College, Bemidji State University, Bentley University, Berklee College of Music, Biola University, Boise State University, Boston College, Boston University, Bowdoin College, Bradley University, Brandeis University, Brigham Young University, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Brigham Young University, Idaho", Brown College, Brown University, Bucknell University, Butler University

California Baptist University, California College (San Marcos), California College of the Arts (Oakland), California College of the Arts (San Francisco), California Institute of Technology, California Institute of the Arts, California Lutheran University, California Maritime Academy, "California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo", "California State Polytechnic University, Pomona", "California State University, Bakersfield", "California State University, Channel Islands", "California State University, Chico", "California State University, Dominguez Hills", "California State University, East Bay", "California State University, Fresno", "California State University, Fullerton", "California State University, Long Beach", "California State University, Los Angeles", "California State University, Monterey Bay", "California State University, Northridge", "California State University, Sacramento", "California State University, San Bernardino", "California State University, San Marcos", "California State University, Stanislaus", Calvin College, Carleton College, Carnegie Mellon University, Case Western Reserve University, Chaffey College, Champlain College, Chapman University, Claremont McKenna College, Clark Atlanta University, Clark University, Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University, Coconino County Community College, College of Charleston, College of the Holy Cross, College of William and Mary, Colorado College, Colorado Mesa University, "Colorado Mountain College, Timberline", Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University, Columbia College Chicago, Columbia University, Concordia University - Irvine, Concordia University - Portland, Connecticut College, Corban College, Cornell University, Cornish College of the Arts, Creighton University, Cuyamaca College

De Anza College, DePaul University, Dominican University of California, Drexel University, Duke University, Durham University

Eastman School of Music of the U of Rochester, Eckerd College, Elizabethtown College, Elmhurst College, Elon University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - AZ, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - FL, Emerson College, Emory University

Fairleigh Dickinson University, "Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Irvine", "Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles", Fashion Institute of Technology, Florida Southern College, Fordham University, Fort Lewis College, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Franklin and Marshall College, Fullerton College

George Fox University, George Mason University, Georgetown University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Gonzaga University, Gordon College, Goucher College, Grand Canyon University, Grinnell College, Grossmont College, Gustavus Adolphus College

Hampton University, Hartwick College, Harvard College, Hawaii Pacific University, Hendrix College, Hofstra University, Hope College, Humboldt State University

Illinois Wesleyan University, Indiana University at Bloomington, Iona College, Iowa State University, Irvine Valley College, ITT Technical Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Johnson & Wales University, Johnson & Wales University, Johnson & Wales University (Providence)

Kansas State University, Knox College

La Sierra University, Lafayette College, Laguna College of Art and Design, Lake Forest College, Lehigh University, Lewis & Clark College, Linfield College, Louisiana State University, Louisiana Tech University, Loyola Marymount University, Loyola University Chicago, Loyola University New Orleans, Lubbock Christian University, Lynn University

Macalester College, Marietta College, Marquette University, Marymount California University, Marymount Manhattan College, Maryville University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, "Master's College and Seminary, The", McGill University, Menlo College, Merrimack College, Mesa Community College, Michigan State University, Mills College, "Minnesota State University, Moorhead", MiraCosta College, Mississippi College, Monmouth University, "Montana State University, Billings", "Montana State University, Bozeman", Mount San Jacinto College - Menifee Valley Campus, Mount St. Mary's College (Chalon), Muhlenberg College

NCAA Eligibility Center, New Mexico State University, New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, New York University, Northeastern University, Northern Arizona University, Northern Michigan University, Northwest Christian University, Northwestern University

Oberlin College, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Occidental College, Ohio University, Olivet Nazarene University, Onondaga Community College, Oregon State University, Otis College of Art and Design, Our Lady of the Lake University of San Antonio

Pace University, New York City", Pacific Lutheran University, Pacific University, Parsons The New School for Design, Pasadena City College, Paul Mitchell Beauty School, Pennsylvania State University - World Campus, "Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg", "Pennsylvania State University, University Park", Pepperdine University, Pierce College, Platt College San Diego, Point Loma Nazarene University, Point Park University, Pomona College, Portland State University, Prairie View A&M University, Pratt Institute, Princeton University, Purdue University

Randolph College, Reed College, Regis University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rhodes College, Rice University, Richmond The American International College in London, Ripon College, Roanoke College, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rocky Mountain College, Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design, "Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey at Newark"

Saint Anselm College, Saint Louis University, Saint Martin's University, Saint Mary's College of California, Saint Michael's College, Salem State University, Salve Regina University, San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, San Diego Miramar College, San Diego State University, San Francisco Art Institute, San Francisco State University, San Jose State University, Santa Barbara City College, Santa Clara University, Santa Fe University of Art and Design, Sarah Lawrence College, Savannah College of Art and Design, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Scripps College, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, Seton Hall University, Sierra Nevada College, Simmons College, Skidmore College, Smith College, Sonoma State University, Southern Methodist University, Southern Oregon University, Southern Utah University, Southwest Baptist University, Southwestern College, Spelman College, St. Ambrose University, St. Edward's University, St. John's University - Manhattan Campus, St. John's University - Queens Campus, St. John's University - Staten Island Campus, St. Thomas University, Stanford University, Stonehill College, Suffolk University, Susquehanna University, Syracuse University

Temple University, Texas A&M University, Texas Christian University, Texas Southern University, Texas Tech University, The American University of Paris, The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire, The Art Institute of California -- San Diego, The Catholic University of America, The College of Wooster, The Evergreen State College, The George Washington University, The Ohio State University, The University of Akron, The University of Alabama, The University of Arizona, The University of Iowa, "The University of Montana, Missoula", The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, The University of Tampa, "The University of Texas, Austin", Trinity College, Trinity University, Truman State University, Tufts University, Tulane University, Tuskegee University

University College Cork, University of Arkansas, University of California at Berkeley, University of California at Davis, University of California at Irvine, University of California at Los Angeles, University of California at Merced, University of California at Riverside, University of California at San Diego, University of California at Santa Barbara, University of California at Santa Cruz, "University of California, San Francisco", University of Central Arkansas, University of Chicago, University of Cincinnati, University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, University of Connecticut, University of Dallas, University of Denver, University of Evansville, University of Florida, University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of Idaho, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Kansas, University of La Verne, University of Louisiana, University of Louisiana at Monroe, University of Louisville, University of Maine, "University of Maryland, College Park", "University of Massachusetts, Amherst", University of Miami, University of Michigan, "University of Minnesota, Twin Cities", University of Mississippi, University of Missouri Columbia, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha, "University of Nevada, Las Vegas", "University of Nevada, Reno", University of New Hampshire, University of New Mexico, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, University of North Dakota, University of North Florida, University of Notre Dame, University of Oklahoma, University of Oregon, University of Pennsylvania, University of Portland, University of Puget Sound, University of Redlands, University of Richmond, University of Rochester, University of San Diego, University of San Francisco, University of South Carolina, University of Southern California, University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, University of St. Thomas, "University of Tennessee, Knoxville", University of the Pacific, University of Tulsa, University of Utah, University of Vermont, University of Washington, "University of Washington, Bothell", University of Waterloo, "University of Wisconsin, Madison", University of Wyoming, "USC - College of Letters, Arts and Sciences BA/MD Program", Utah State University, Utah State University -- College of Eastern Utah

Vanderbilt University, Vassar College, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Viterbo University, Wagner College

Warner Pacific College, Washington College, Washington State University, Washington University in St. Louis, Webster University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, West Texas A&M University, "West Virginia University, Institute of Technology", Western Washington University, Westminster College, Westmont College, Wheaton College IL, Whitman College, Whittier College, Whitworth University, Willamette University, William Peace University, Woodbury University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Xavier University, Xavier University of Louisiana

Yale University

2014 high school commencement schedule announced

Commencement schedules for the class of 2014 have been announced. The ceremonies are open to the public but some may require a ticket for entry.

School	Time	Location
Friday, May 30
San Diego Unified Adult School	5 p.m.	Balboa Park Organ Pavilion
Wednesday, June 11
Hoover High	5 p.m.	Breitbard Stadium, Hoover High, 4474 El Cajon Blvd. (92115)
iHigh Virtual Academy	1 p.m.	Ballard Center Auditorium, 2375 Congress St. (92110)
Mt. Everest Academy	1 p.m.	Marston Middle School Auditorium, 3799 Clairemont Dr. (92117)
Muir School	6 p.m.	Administrative Courtyard, Balboa Park East, 2125 Park Blvd.
Serra High	2 p.m.	Jenny Craig Pavilion, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park (92110)
Thursday, June 12
Clairemont High	5 p.m.	Clairemont High Stadium, 4150 Ute Dr. (92117)
Crawford High Complex	3 p.m.	Golden Hall, San Diego Concourse, 202 C St. (92101)
Garfield High	2 p.m.	Harry West Gymnasium, San Diego City College, 1313 Park Blvd. (92101)
Patrick Henry High	4 p.m.	Jenny Craig Pavilion, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park (92110)
Kearny High Complex	5:30 p.m.	Golden Hall, San Diego Concourse, 202 C St. (92101)
La Jolla High	2 p.m.	Gene Edwards Stadium, La Jolla High, 750 Nautilus St. (92037)
Lincoln High	1:30 p.m.	Vic Player Stadium, Lincoln High, 4777 Imperial Ave. (92113)
James Madison High	1:30 p.m.	John Hoagland Sadium, Madison High, 4833 Doliva Dr. (92117)
Mira Mesa High	5 p.m.	Mira Mesa High Stadium, 10510 Reagan Rd. (92126)
Morse High	1:30 p.m.	Viejas Arena, San Diego State University, 5500 Canyon Crest Dr. (92182)
Point Loma High	3 p.m.	Pete Ross Stadium, Point Loma High, 2335 Chatsworth Blvd. (92106)
San Diego Early/Middle College	4 p.m.	Saville Theater, San Diego City College, 1313 Park Blvd. (92101)
San Diego High Complex	5:30 p.m.	Balboa Stadium, San Diego High, 1405 Park Blvd. (92101)
San Diego Met	10 a.m.	Shiley Theatre, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park (92110)
San Diego SCPA	2 p.m.	SCPA Circle-in-the-Sun Amphitheatre, 2425 Dusk Dr. (92139)
Scripps Ranch High	6 p.m.	Viejas Arena, San Diego State University, 5500 Canyon Crest Dr. (92182)
Twain Mesa and Morse	1 p.m.	Shiley Theatre, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park (92110)
Twain Main and SOAR	3 p.m.	Shiley Theatre, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park (92110)
University City High	2 p.m.	UC High Stadium, 6949 Genesee Ave. (92122)
Friday, June 13
Mission Bay	5 p.m.	Clairemont High Stadium, 4150 Ute Dr. (92117)

Graduation rate rise, dropout rate decline continues four-year trend in San Diego Unified

San Diego Unified again has the lowest dropout rate among the state's largest districts, while the overall graduation rate has risen more than five percentage points in four years according to statistics released today by the California Department of Education.

For the Class of 2013, the dropout rate continued its decline, to 5.2 percent in 2013 from 6.2 percent in 2012, for the lowest rate among large California districts. Other rates ranged from second-place Sacramento with 5.9 percent, to Oakland, with 21.6 percent.

San Diego Unified is still the district with the second-highest graduation rate among large, urban school districts in California with 87.8 percent of seniors graduating among the 7,282 students in 2013 cohort -- students who began together in ninth grade. Only Garden Grove Unified School District had a higher rate, with 89 percent of its 3,879-student cohort graduating. Sacramento, with 85.4 percent of its 2,826-student cohort was third. Other districts' rates ranged from Oakland's 62.7 to Long Beach's 80.6.

"I want to salute our hard-working students for realizing that staying in school is one of the most important decisions that they can make," said Board of Education President Kevin Beiser. "Creating an environment where our students are challenged and can thrive is one of our goals in Vision 2020."

Graduation rates between ethnic groups continued to tighten, although there is still a gap. For example, in 2010, the Hispanic graduation rate was 73.8 percent, compared with the White rate, which was 92.7, a difference of 16.6 points. In 2013, the difference had narrowed to 12.5 points. For the Class of 2013, the graduation rate among African Americans was 82.8; Filipino, 96.8; and Asian, 92.9. District wide, it was 87.8. The dropout rate for the largest ethnic groups: Filipino, 1.0; White, 2.4 percent; Asian, 3.3; African American, 6.7; Hispanic, 8.2.San Diego Unified has made reducing the dropout rate a top priority since 2007.

“This is a tremendous success and a great celebration for San Diego Unified.   I am proud of what I'm seeing today." said Superintendent Cindy Marten. "I am especially proud of our students. We are well on our way to our Vision 2020 goal of having a quality school in every neighborhood.” 

The superintendent made special mention of four programs that have been successful and she hopes to expand in future years: the Check and Connect pilot program, graduation coaches at many high schools, the Linked Learning Initiative schools, and the district-wide College Career and Technical Education program.

The results have meant more high school graduates from San Diego Unified's campuses. For specific school results, go to the California Department of Education website, cde.ca.gov.

San Diego Unified Honors Summer Grads

IN THE NEWS: Most of San Diego Unified’s graduates donned caps and gowns in June. But parents, friends, siblings and others filled the auditorium at Lincoln High School on Friday to cheer on almost 80 San Diego Unified grads who couldn’t walk with their classmates when the school year ended. Most had classes left to finish or the state high school exit exam to pass. See more from KPBS»

Class of 2013 comes to close with all-district Summer Commencement Ceremony

High school seniors who hadn't fulfilled graduation requirements in time for June ceremonies with their high school class will take the graduation walk in San Diego Unified's annual Summer Commencement Ceremony, 2:30 p.m. Friday, August 2, at Lincoln High School, 4777 Imperial Ave. (92111).

"These students have been working towards this goal their entire lives,"said Superintendent Cindy Marten, who will officiate at the ceremony. "Truly, they've lived by our 'no excuses' rule and have made it through many challenges. They deserve to take the ceremonial walk of graduates."

Students from all of the district's 18 high school campuses will participate. Each student's name, as in the traditional ceremony, is read aloud, and students wear the caps and gowns in their school's traditional colors.

Seniors who participated are those who may not have passed the California
High School Exit Exam in time for June graduation, or needed summer school
to pick up credits needed to graduate.

The special summer ceremony has been a district tradition since 2005. Before this late-summer ceremony was established, students would eventually receive a diploma by mail but wouldn't be able to participate in a graduation ceremony.

High school graduation requirements include 44 semester credits, a 2.0 or
higher grade point average, science and math course requirements, and passing the exit exam.

Congratulations to the Class of 2013

Created with flickr slideshow. The graduation walk was taken by 6,403 San Diegans this week, completing their high school careers as San Diego Unified School District campuses held their 2013 commencement exercises.
Cheering them on were thousands of family members and friends, as graduation venues -- ranging from high school stadiums to the Viejas Arena at San Diego State University -- were in many cases packed to capacity.

"It's tough enough to make it through high school, but the Class of 2013 faced a great number of challenges during the Great Recession," said Superintendent Bill Kowba. "That they persevered and are now entering society as a high school graduate is a tribute to their collective dedication and goals."

The Class of 2013 graduates at a time of transition in education. As recently as five years ago, classrooms had white boards and students primarily used books, paper and pencil as their tools of learning. Today, despite funding problems and thanks to bonds approved by San Diego voters, a majority of the students were in classrooms with "smart boards" tied into the teachers' computers, tablet computers and more up-to-date technology.

Some graduates are heading out of San Diego to prestigious colleges and universities around the nation -- including Harvard, Yale and Stanford -- while others will stay right here in San Diego at San Diego State University, UC San Diego and the other local four-year institutions. Students are also headed to community colleges, trade schools and directly to the workforce, confident that they'll always be a high school graduate.

Top one percent of Class of 2013 takes a bow

Seniors graduating in the top 1 percent of their class were recognized at the district’s Salute to Excellence ceremony May 29 at the University of San Diego.

Each of the 81 students honored registered some of the top grade point averages at their schools during their high school career, ranging from 3.34 to 4.86. As a result of their hard work, many of them have earned valedictorian honors as well as entrance into some of the country’s finest colleges, including Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley and UC San Diego.

“Throughout life, you will move from one school to another,” Superintendent Bill Kowba told the honorees. “I ask that at each stage, you apply the qualities and core values that got you to today’s recognition. They include hard work, honest effort, and an emphasis on excellence in every undertaking. Be focused, be caring, be considerate, be contributing, and most importantly be yourselves.”

Superintendent Kowba was joined on stage at the event by Superintendent designate-Marten, Board Vice President Kevin Beiser and Trustees Barnett, Barrera and Foster. Each had the opportunity to offer their congratulations and words of encouragement to the honorees.

With family and friends cheering from the audience, each student was introduced and escorted to the stage by their principal, where they received a medal and congratulatory handshakes from the dignitaries.

The University of San Diego generously hosted the event, while KUSI sportscaster Paul Rudy served as master of ceremonies. Sponsors California Coast Credit Union and the Jimmie Johnson Foundation provided prizes for the afternoon's raffle for students. 

Salute to Excellence Slide Show

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Go to photo gallery»

Calendar of commencement, promotion ceremonies is now online

Another school year is coming to a close and that means graduation and promotion ceremonies will be held soon. The last day for students in traditional calendar schools is Tuesday, June 11. High school graduation ceremonies will be held June 10 and 11; traditional calendar middle school promotion ceremonies will also take place June 10 and 11. Promotion ceremonies for year-round middle schools will be held July 18 and 19, as their last day of school is Friday, July 19.

Schedule

• High Schools»
• Middle Schools»

 

There’s an additional Gates Scholar from SD Unified; total of eight

Walter Parker of Crawford High is the eighth student from the San Diego Unified School District to be awarded a Gates Millennial Scholarship for 2013.
Parker joins graduating seniors from Kearny High Science Connections and Technology, San Diego High School of Business, Scripps Ranch High School and University City High schools among 1,000 students nationwide who have been received the scholarships.

San Diego Unified staff unfortunately missed Parker's name on the list of Gates scholars and failed to include it in the April 30 announcement.

The program awards the Class of 2013 Gates Millennium Scholars good-through-graduation scholarships which can be used to pursue degrees in any undergraduate major at the accredited college or university of the recipients’ choice. It is funded through a $1.6 billion grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and has helped remove barriers to education for more than 20,000 high-performing, low income students since it was established in 1999. It is administered by the United Negro College Fund in partnership with with the American Indian Graduate Center Scholars, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund.

Three students from University City High School – Susan Stewart, Matthew Wood and Calvin Yao – received the scholarships. Also receiving scholarships were: from the San Diego High School of Business, Miguel Anzelmetti and Anesheawa Senior; Nhat Quang Thai, Kearny Science Connections and Technology; and Solomon Ephraim, Scripps Ranch High School; and Walter Parker of Crawford High.

"All of us at the San Diego Unified School District commend the hard work of these students and are thrilled with the opportunity they are receiving from the Gates Millennium Scholarship Program," said Superintendent Bill Kowba.

According to the program, it provides recipients with leadership development opportunities, mentoring, academic and social support as well as financial support. Known for its recipients' high graduation rates, Gates Millennium Scholars have a six-year graduation rate of more than 86 percent (38 percent higher than the national graduation rates for all students) and comparable to the rates for students from high-income families.

Students have already been accepted to four-year institutions. Scripps Ranch High's Ephraim is scheduled to attend UC Santa Barbara. At UC High, Susan Stewart is slated for UC Berkeley, New York University or UCLA; Matthew Wood, Brown University; and Calvin Yao, UC Berkeley, University of Chicago or UCLA. San Diego High's School of Business Miguel Anzelmetti is going to UCSD and Anesheawa Senior is going to Tuskegee University. From Crawford High, Walter Parker will be attending UC Davis.

Qualifications for the program include: a 3.3 grade point average; African American, American Indian – Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, or Hispanic American ethnic groups; will enroll for the first time at a U.S. located, accredited college or university (with the exception of students concurrently pursuing a high school diploma) in the fall of 2013 as a full-time, degree-seeking, first-year student; have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular or other activities; meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria. First-time college enrollees can also be GED recipients.

For more information, visit the program's website.

Dell Scholarships go to nine students

Nine students in two district schools have been accepted into the prestigious Dell Scholars Program, sponsored by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.

The students, from Crawford High School and the School of International Business at Kearny High, will be part of the Dell Scholars Program, which provides its students with resources and mentoring beyond initial financial assistance to ensure they have the support they need to obtain a college degree.

The students are, from Crawford High School: Ikram Aweys, Israel Barbosa, Ayan Fara, Quang Nguyen and Nongfa Tain; from the Kearny School of International Business, Noema Aguilar, Yusife Nazir, Andy Tran.

"All of us at the San Diego Unified School District congratulate these hard-working students and the schools where they are receiving their high school diploma," said Superintendent Bill Kowba. "The Dell Scholars program will help them to continue their road to success."

To be eligible, students must attend a high school with a college readiness program, such as AVID or GEAR UP, which are used by the San Diego Unified School District. At the Kearny School of International Business, Principal Ana Diaz-Booz attributed the student success to the AVID program and the hard work of the students.

"Our teachers and counselors have worked endlessly to support these students," she said. "Erica Heinzman, the AVID Coordinator, is especially committed to the students' success."

GEAR UP, funded through a federal grant, has provided counselors that have moved from year-to-year with the classes of 2012-13 at several high schools, including Crawford.

The Dell Scholars Program accepts students who not only need financial assistance, but have shown the ability to work hard and have had "unique experiences in and out of the classroom," according to the program's website. It also recognizes academic potential and determination. Since 2004, the foundation has awarded 300 scholarships each year.

Dell Scholars receive $20,000 each to complete their higher education over the course of six years. In addition, the Dell Scholars Program provides its students with technology, a private scholar networking community, resources, and mentoring to ensure they have the support they need to achieve their college degrees. Scholars become part of a support network for each other that is made up of themselves, their schools, families, peers and a dedicated Dell Scholar team at the Michael & Susan Dell foundation.

• Visit the Dell Scholars Program website.
• News coverage from UT San Diego»

SD Unified's graduation rates continue improvement; most dropout rates decline

A three-year trend of increasing graduation rates has continued for the San Diego Unified School District, which had 86.9 percent of its students graduate in 2012, an increase of 1.6 percent over 2011 and 4.7 from 2010, according to data released April 9 by the California Department of Education. San Diego Unified leads the San Diego County average by 8.4 percentage points.

Graduation day at Madison High.

Only one large school district in California had a higher graduation rate than San Diego Unified's 86.9 percent: Garden Grove with 87.8. Other large districts ranged from San Francisco's 82.2 to Oakland's 73.2. San Diego Unified's overall dropout rate of 6.2 percent was the lowest among the nine other large urban largest districts in California, with San Francisco the next lowest at 10 percent.

"This continued improvement means that our district, and most importantly our students, are on the right path," said Superintendent Bill Kowba. "To have a nearly five percent jump in just three years shows the outstanding work done every day by everyone in the San Diego Unified School District."

Across San Diego County, the graduation rate is 78.4 percent with a dropout rate of 10.4 percent, 4.2 percentage points above the county's largest school district. The statistics report the overall graduation rate, which is the number of students attending in ninth grade who get a diploma. The dropout rate is the number of students entering grade 12 but fail to graduate.

“Attendance figures build on each other," said Kowba. "If the kids are coming to school day in and day out at every grade level and keep moving up the ladder and don’t let up on that emphasis, I think we’re in a great place.”

Since 2007, reducing the dropout rate has been one of the district's top priorities, not only focusing on high school seniors, but starting early -- as early as sixth grade. Studies show that student who miss 10 days or more in sixth grade have a higher high school dropout rate than their classmates who miss fewer days.

"Even with these outstanding overall numbers, the statistics show we were unable to make an impact on Hispanic students last year," said Kowba.

Among Hispanics, while the dropout rate was unchanged at 9.9 percent, the graduation rate rose to 80.2 percent from 78 percent. Among other large ethnic groups, African Americans' dropout rate declined to 7 percent from 7.7 percent and the graduation rate increased to 83.9 from 81.8 in 2011 and 76.9 in 2010.

Programs such as graduation coaches, credit recovery, providing more options for high school students on campus have been instrumental in improving the graduation rate, said Kowba. In 2012, state Superintendent of Schools Tom Torlakson called San Diego Unified a "model of attendance improvement."

To look up specific schools, go to the California Department of Education website at http://dq.cde.ca.gov/dataquest/ 

News Coverage

• More SD students graduate on time (UT San Diego)»
• Graduation Rates Inch Up Across State, San Diego County (KPBS)»

First class with 'A-G' requirements moving through high school

San Diego Unified's plan to have all students complete the classes required to be eligibile for admission into the University of California and California State University is now under way as the Class of 2016 is more than half way through ninth grade.

"These are among the most rigorous graduation requirements for any large district in California," said Dr. Nellie Meyer, Deputy Superintendent of Academics. "We think our students are responding well to having the bar raised."

The new requirements include taking specific high school courses, called 'a-g,' that are minimum subject-area courses for students to be eligible for admission to University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) schools.The Board of Education approved the change in 2009.

"We recognize that all students are not headed to a University of California or California State University campus," said Meyer. "But we do believe they all students should be well-prepared for college, career or whatever the future holds upon graduation."

Changes for the Class of 2016 are:

• World Language: Two years (four credits) of the same language, Grades 7-12;
• Mathematics: Three years (six credits) Algebra, Geometry, Intermediate Algebra, Grades 7-12;
• Visual and Performing Arts: One year (two credits) of UC/CSU “F”-approved visual and performing arts course.

San Diego Unified is providing student learning support, staff training and resources to help all students successfully meet these requirements. Teachers and school counselors are being trained to spot students who may need special help with the requirements.

In addition to completing 'a-g' requirements, the Class of 2016 and beyond must take additional coursework, pass the high school exit exam, complete a senior exhibition and earn at least a 2.0 in overall grades and citizenship to receive a high school diploma from San Diego Unified.

For more information, see the Class of 2016 and Beyond graduation requirements online or check with your child's counselor.

Final Students in Class of ’12 Take Graduation Walk

These adults are now
graduates of Lincoln
High School.

Families of the nearly 150 students who participated in San Diego Unified's annual Summer Commencement Ceremony, for high school seniors who hadn’t fulfilled graduation requirements in time for June ceremonies with their high school class, filled the Lincoln High School auditorium on August 3.

Students from all of the district’s high school campuses participed. Each student’s name, as in the traditional ceremony, was read aloud, and students wore the caps and gowns in their school's traditional colors. Seniors who participated are those who may not have passed the California High School Exit Exam in time for June graduation, or needed summer school to pick up credits needed to graduate.

The district has held this special graduation ceremony since 2005. Officiating was Dr. Patricia Crowder, Principal of Patrick Henry High School, with Dr. Sid Salazar, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Support Services, delivered the commencement address. Richard Barrera, Board of Trustees member, accepted the class on behalf of the Board of Education.

Before the Summer Graduation ceremony was established, students would receive a diploma by mail but wouldn’t be able to participate in a graduation ceremony.

High school graduation requirements include 44 semester credits, a 2.0 or higher grade point average, science and math course requirements, completing a senior portfolio and passing the exit exam.

Lowest Big District Dropout Rate? San Diego Unified

Click on chart for larger
version. Source: California
Department of Education.

New dropout and graduation rates for school districts across California show San Diego Unified School District with the lowest dropout rate among the state's large, urban school districts.

At 5.9 percent, the rate is far below the next lowest district, San Francisco Unified, which has 10.4 percent. The highest rate in the state is at Oakland Unified, with a 27.7 percent.

"For parents, this means that they can be confident that their child is receiving, in our district, as good an education as they can get anywhere in California," said Dr. John Lee Evans, Board of Education President. "Our schools are innovative. Our schools are creative. Our schools are accountable. And our schools fit into their communities."

Overall, the district's 83.7 percent graduation rate is 8.5 points higher than the state average.

San Diego Unified also showed gains in ethnic groups that have been a focus of attendance-improvement efforts. For Hispanic students, a nearly four percent increase was registered over 2009-10. The 75.8 percent topped the statewide average of 70.4.

For African-American students, the year-over-year increase is 4.4 percent, with the 80.3 graduation rate is 17.4 percent higher than the statewide average.

"This means that hundreds of young adults beat the odds and became high school graduates last year," said Superintendent Bill Kowba. "This district, our Board of Education and every staff member have made graduation a top priority."

The district has focused resources in recent years on improving graduation rates. This includes sending staff and volunteers to the homes of truant students during the first weeks of school, allowing online and other digital options for students to make up courses, and motivational events at schools. At-risk students are also targeted with extra counseling and support from volunteers.

News Coverage

•  SD Has Fewest Dropouts in State: Report (NBC San Diego)
• Calif. sees progress in graduation, dropout rates (Associated Press via The Republic)
• Statewide Results (California Superintendent)

Two Graduates Have Perfect Attendance

Madison Principal Richard Nash and Erin Westgate.

Principal Pat Crowder and Amelia Hillier of Patrick Henry High.

Two students in the Class of 2012 never missed a day from kindergarten through their graduation on June 12.

Erin Westgate of Madison High School and Amelia Hillier of Patrick Henry had perfect attendance all the way through their primary and secondary education.
Hiller, who will attend the University of Portland next year and pursue a career in nursing, told local media that some days were more difficult than others, but it was a goal she wanted to reach.

"I just really love school and I never wanted to miss out on learning anything. I hate the idea of missing the information," Amelia told U-T San Diego.

At graduation, she received advice from her principal, Pat Crowder.

"Let's see if you can do this all the way through college!," she said.

Westgate was second-team All Western League in Field Hockey and will attend Cal Poly-Pomona next year.

"For those of you counting, that is 2,330 consecutive days or 14,980 hours of attendance without missing a single day," said Marian Kim-Phelps, Area Superintendent, in introducing Westgate at Madison's commencement ceremony. Kim-Phelps noted that Erin began her schooling at Sequoia Elementary on Sept. 7, 1999.

Both students received certificates of achievement from Superintendent Tom Torlakson of the State of California and Bill Kowba from the San Diego Unified School district.

IN THE NEWS: Patrick Henry's Ameilia Hillier Has Perfect Attendance, K-12

Patrick Henry High student Amelia Hillier has had perfect attendance, from kindergarten through grade 12. She's NBC San Diego's Inspirational Student of the Month for June 2012. Watch video»

View more videos at: http://nbcsandiego.com.

2012 High School Graduation Schedule Announced

The high school graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2012 will be held on June 11-12 in various locations. Read more»

Lincoln High Seniors are College Bound

College-bound Hornets.

With one month of hard work to go, more than 235 Lincoln High School seniors out of a class of 341 have been accepted and are planning to attend a community college or university next year. Of these 235 students, 101 will be entering a four-year university in fall 2012

Although college entry requirements are more rigorous than ever, Lincoln High students have been admitted to more than 60 universities across the nation including Brown, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Georgetown, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Morehouse, St. Johns, UCSD and SDSU. Through perseverance and dedication, the class of 2012 has laid the foundation of a college-going culture at Lincoln High School that will continue and flourish for years to come.

To aid the growing number of Lincoln students attending college, the Lincoln High Scholarship Fund has been established. The fund was formed in response to rising college costs and a desire to make college more accessible and affordable to Lincoln students.

This year Lincoln High School's goal is to raise more than $25,000 to support of our college-bound seniors. The scholarships include:

• Willie James Jones Scholarships
• Monique Palmer Scholarships
• Principal Scholarships
• Counselor Scholarships
• Alumni Scholarships

All scholarships will be awarded during the Senior Awards Night on June 5. If you are interested in contributing to the Lincoln High School Scholarship Fund or visiting the Lincoln High School College and Career Center, contact Conrado Castro at ccastro2@sandi.net or (619) 266-6530 x 2325, or Isela Medina at ismedina@ucsd.edu.