Three district schools honored with 2015 Gold Ribbon Schools Award

Henry, Scripps Ranch and Serra high schools have been honored as 2015 California Gold Ribbon Schools. Health Sciences High and Middle College, Preuss and San Diego Vision Academy Middle charter schools also appeared on the 2015 list of Gold Ribbon schools released by the California Department of Education on May 5.

This is the first year that the California Gold Ribbon Schools Awards Program has been implemented. The program is temporarily taking the place of the California Distinguished Schools Program, which is on hiatus while the state transitions to new assessment and accountability systems.

The Gold Ribbon awards recognize California schools that have demonstrated exemplary achievements in implementing the academic content and performance standards adopted by the State Board of Education – including the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics, California English Language Development Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

“These schools are academically successful, vibrant and innovative centers of learning and teaching,” State Superintendent Tom Torlakson said. “They provide great examples of the things educators are doing right—embracing rigorous academic standards, providing excellence and creativity in teaching, and creating a positive school climate.”

Schools apply for the Gold Ribbon awards based on a model program that includes standards-based activities, projects, strategies and practices. The new award is recognizing middle and high schools this year and elementary schools in 2016.

In addition to receiving a Gold Ribbon Award, Serra High School and the three charter schools were distinguished as Title I Academic Achieving Schools. This recognition is given the schools on the list receiving federal Title I funds that assist in meeting the educational needs of students living at or below the poverty line.

"It is a great honor and privilege to become a Gold Ribbon School Award Recipient," said Serra High Principal Vincent Mays. "I am so proud of our dedicated faculty and staff members, they embodied the true spirit of professionalism. They have worked tirelessly with our student body to push them to greater academic heights. I know that our parents and community members also celebrate this special honor."

For more information and a complete list of recipients, please visit the California Gold Ribbon Schools Program on the California Department of Education’s Web site.

Crown Point’s Music Education Program receives national recognition

Crown Point Junior Music Academy has been awarded the SupportMusic Merit Award from The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

The SupportMusic Merit Award is given to individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Crown Point is one of 120 schools nationwide and 18 schools in California being recognized by the NAMM Foundation for their school-based music education programs.

The NAMM Foundation presents this award as part of the Best Communities for Music Education program through the SupportMusic Coalition, an advocacy effort for the promotion of music education as a core academic subject in schools.

Crown Point is known for its focus on strong academics through music education. Following their motto, “Music Opens Minds,” teachers at Crown Point focus on integrating music into their entire curriculum which helps improve students’ intellectual development and musical skill.

“Crown Point is a small school with a big vision,” said Principal Muriel Bartolini. “All stakeholders involved in the school believe music to be a vital part of a child’s education, and because of that, our teachers work hard at incorporating music in all they do within the students’ day. Receiving this award has honored our vision.”

This is the first time Crown Point has received this award.

Green Elementary wins "2015 Bright Ideas Society" Competition

Green Elementary School was one of three local schools named as ​winner of the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering​ "Bright Ideas Society" award.

The award is presented to one outstanding science and engineering club at the elementary, middle and high school level for their illuminating science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) ideas. The other two schools were Twin Peaks Middle School in Poway and High Tech High International, a charter school. Under the direction of their advisor, the students will produce an interactive exhibit to share their findings with more than 25,000 EXPO DAY attendees. 

Students from Green will help EXPO guests understand the danger of storm water in our local community in a highly interactive exhibit. Participants will be able to add ‘rain’, ‘trash’ and ‘oil’ to their storm water sample and watch it reach San Diego Bay in mock 3D setup of San Diego. Kids and parents will then have the opportunity to filter the polluted water. This display will provide a hands-on look on the dangers of storm water pollution and ways it is filtered preventing environmental damage. 

The schools will present their innovative ideas to thousands of children and adults during the Festival’s EXPO Day at PETCO Park on Saturday, March 21. Additionally, the students will receive a proclamation from Council President District 1 Sherri Lightner, who serves on the Festival steering committee. The proclamation will be presented at 11 a.m. on EXPO Day.

“We are fortunate to have a number of K-12 schools in San Diego County involved in STEM education, which means a brighter future for all of us,” says Sara Pagano, managing director, San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering. “The selection of the winners was a very competitive process. Applications were reviewed and vetted by our education committee, which then selected the top three. Our Bright Ideas Society competition demonstrates our ongoing commitment to develop tomorrow’s STEM innovators.” 

A program of the Biocom Institute, the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering presented by Illumina, aims to encourage and get kids excited about science and related fields so they might one day aspire to be tomorrow’s STEM innovators. More than 65,000 kids, parents, scientists, educators and community members are expected to participate in the week-long event and EXPO Day. Several features and events are scheduled, designed to shine the light on how STEM makes an impact in our everyday lives:

Festival Week: March 14-20, 2015. Hundreds of community businesses and organizations throughout San Diego County will present a week of science, technology, engineering and math activities for kids in kindergarten through 12th grade, but everyone is welcome. Visit www.lovestemsd.org for a complete list of Festival Week activities around San Diego County. Many of the events are free to the public.

Nifty 50 Speaker Series: The Nifty 50 presenters are innovative science and engineer professionals drawn from industry, local research organizations and universities. They are partnered with teachers and students from regional schools studying STEM topics that match the area of their expertise.

EXPO DAY: Saturday, March 21, 2015 at PETCO Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a mind-blowing day of hands-on science, technology, engineering and math exhibits and activities to budding K-12 science lovers, but everyone is welcome. This event is free and open to the public. More than 25,000 people are expected to attend. EXPO Day is free of charge and open to the public.

De Portola Continues as Model Middle School

De Portola Middle School in Tierrasanta has once again been re-designated a model middle school by the California Department of Education's Schools to Watch™−Taking Center Stage (STW™−TCS) program. This year marks
De Portola's third re-designation, representing nine years of continuous improvement.

The school's academic excellence, responsiveness to students needs were lauded by Tom Torlakson, state Superintendent of Schools, in an announcement from Sacramento. Across California, 15 schools were returned to the "watch" list, while seven schools were added to the honor roll. There are more than 1,300 middle schools in California and 95 in San Diego County. De Portola is being joined by Olive Peirce Middle School in Ramona as the only honored schools in San Diego County.

"I commend the students, their parents, teachers, and administrators, for their efforts in helping make these 15 schools models of excellence," Torlakson said. "Their success is amazing, especially considering they are swimming against the tide of massive budget cuts, crowded classrooms, and school employee layoffs."

STW™—TCS middle grades schools are high-performing model schools that demonstrate academic excellence, developmental responsiveness to the needs and interests of young adolescents, social equity, and organizational support. These model schools host visitors from California and around the world who are looking for replicable practices that will help them improve their middle grades schools and close the achievement gap. In order to retain the designation, each school is re-evaluated every three years.

All of the schools will be formally recognized in Sacramento at the California Middle Grades Alliance annual luncheon Feb. 26, 2015.

For more information about the Schools to Watch™−Taking Center Stage model school program, visit the California Department of Education Website at California Schools to Watch--Taking Center Stage - Middle Grades.

Hoover High counselor named Counselor of the Year finalist

Tawnya Pringle, a full-time counselor at Hoover High School, has been named one of the five finalists for 2015 Counselor of the Year by the American School Counselor Association.
 
The award honors the professionals who devote their careers to serving as advocates - and often lifesavers - for the nation's students. Pringle is the only finalist from the state of California.

The other finalists include Jennifer Degruise from Montegut, La; Jennifer Diaz, from Sugar Hill, Ga; Cory Notestine, from Alamosa, Colo; and Liz Parker from Laurel, Va.

Nominations for the School Counselor of the Year awards program were submitted by the state counselor associations.

The School Counselor of the Year awards panel was composed of representatives from the School Superintendents Association, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, No Kid Hungry and school counselors.

The panel selected the finalists based on several criteria, including: school counseling innovations, effective school counseling programs, leadership and advocacy skills and contributions to student achievement.

"School counselors make significant contributions to the overall well-being of students and their success," said Richard Wong, Ed.D, executive director, American School Counselor Association. "They have unique qualifications and skills that allow them to address students' academic achievement, personal/social and career development needs."

Pringle, Principal Joe Austin and a representative from the California School Counselors Association will be flown to Washington, D.C., in January 2015. They will join the other finalists for three days of celebratory events. The honorees will have meetings with their members of Congress, attend a congressional briefing, be honored at the White House and be formally recognized at a black-tie gala.

National honors for San Diego Early/Middle College

San Diego Early/Middle College earned the ranking of 90 out of 500 schools nationwide among Newsweek’s 2014 America’s Top Schools for low-income students. It is the only San Diego County school to earn a ranking.

In its “Beating the Odds” list, Newsweek sought to recognize schools that are performing better than statistically expected for their level of poverty.

“Our college readiness score is 93 percent and we are the only school south of Los Angeles to earn this distinction,” noted Principal Elizabeth Larkin. “We are very proud of our students and out staff for their hard work.”

For this list, Newsweek ranked schools on how well they prepare their students for college, taking students’ socio-economic background into account. The list is the magazine’s way of recognizing schools that narrow the achievement gap.

In addition to the Newsweek honor, San Diego Early Middle College also earned a Silver Medal for U.S. News and World Reports’ 2014 Best High Schools. For more details on this distinction, please visit U.S. News and World Report.

For a complete list of Newsweek honorees, please visit Newsweek’s website.

Tomorrow's technologists show projects to San Diego community

Students from Crawford and University City high schools, as well as Marshall Middle School, were champions at the seventh annual College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE) Showcase event at Liberty Station.

The event connects business partners with students and teachers to develop a strong foundation for the economic future for San Diego. More than 300 industry professionals volunteer each year as mentors, guest speakers, or advisers for student teams. The students exhibit products they produce and business problems they solve in collaboration with members of the local business community.

This year’s champion in the High School Team category was Crawford High School’s Urban Revolution project that educated students and community members about energy conservation and healthy living. The project provided opportunities for students to work with community members to learn about science, technology and math.

University City High School was named the champion in the High School Open category with a project partnering the Project Lead the Way Biomedical Innovations course grant proposal with Quench and Connect, a non-profit organization. The grant proposal seeks to provide funding for a secondary school in rural Uganda and implement funds for the school to maintain a marketable tilapia fish farm.

Marshall Middle School students examined multiple questions about zoos in the 21st century and which animals should have priority in the San Diego Zoo system in order to be chosen as the Middle School Champion. Student teams researched, designed and built a physical or digital zoo enclosure to best meet the needs of the zoo animal, employees and visitors.

Additional schools recognized for their projects included: Kearny Construction Tech Academy’s Energy Initiative 2020 with a focus on energy efficiency in an effort to cut emissions and reduce dependence on foreign fuel (High School Team category); Mira Mesa High School’s WAMPBAT, a machine that allows a person in a wheelchair to run the infield and outfield practice of a baseball team (High School Open category); and Innovation Middle School’s 3D printed wind turbine which highlights the technology and physics that are involved with the generation of electricity with wind turbines, as well as the creation of these turbines and uses that power an LED light.

For more information about the CCTE Showcase, please contact Ralph West, Interim Director CCTE, at rwest1@sandi.net.

Thine contest winner is Pacific Beach Middle School

Pacific Beach Middle International Baccalaureate World School won a trophy for best scene at the Shakespeare Festival in Balboa Park. Eight Pacific Beach Middle International Baccalaureate World School students — Sophie Adams, Vance Allan, Nicholas Archer, Ryleigh Maple, Whitney Marshall, Nina Morch, Sophie Reich and Emma Rodriguez — with the assistance of their history and art teacher Mrs. Liebke and Music teacher Mr. O’Donnell, performed a scene at the Shakespeare Festival in Balboa Park in May.

The scenes had to be 9-11 minutes long, could be interpreted openly, but had to stick to Shakespeare’s words. Nina put together a compilation of a scene from Hamlet and a scene from Macbeth that all students performed.

Benchley/Weinberger, Sherman elementary schools win video awards

The student produced videos "So You Want to Make an iVIE" received a "Grand Recognition" for Benchley/Weinberger Elementary and Sherman Elementary's "Food Fight" topped its category as San Diego County's student video competition "The Ivie Awards" handed out its 2014 trophies.


Benchley/Weinberger's video was awarded top honors in the competition, which is sponsored by the San Diego County Office of Education. "So You Want to Make an IVIE," was produced by students working with teacher Kathy Aufsesser and media lab instructor Kathy Bouman. The video gives a humorous yet factual and interesting look at how to create a video. Participating students were Ethan L., Ryan S., Josh B., Jacob C., Hunter H., Jasmine L., Gianna B.

“Aside from the obvious issue of creatively teaching to the standards I feel these videos reach kids with different learning strengths and styles,” Aufsesser told the San Diego County Office of Education at the program's awards ceremony on May 6. “Perhaps the largest benefit to the students is the tremendous boost in enthusiasm for learning they exhibit.”

Winner of the top award in the Grade 3-5 Language Arts -- History category was "Food Fight," Sherman Elementary students' take on nutrition. It starred students Edwin, Xihtlally, Stephanie, Kelly.

"It's a really good experience for the students, just being able to see all of their hard work pay off in the end," Lito De los Reyes told the San Diego County Office of Education. She's the teacher at Sherman Academy who has helped students prepare videos for the competition for the past four years. "It's really fun for them to dress up and go down the red carpet and answer questions about their video. It makes them feel more important and adds weight to what they did."

The Innovative Video in Education (iVIE) program is an annual k-12 student video competition that has drawn thousands of participating students from every grade level across San Diego County for more than a decade. Throughout the school year, teachers and students use video as a project-based learning tool in the classroom, ultimately creating videos that ignite imagination and inspire student confidence while integrating state content standards.

Since 2001, iVIE has grown into a major video competition with more than 300 videos submitted this year in categories ranging from math, science and language arts to documentary and public service announcement. Entries are judged by media professionals and educators. Judges select winners in each category at different grade levels, as well as three "Grand Recognition" winners. This year, there was also a "People's Choice" award picked by viewers at the iVIE Festival, where all of the nominees were shown in April.

iVIE is sponsored by the San Diego County Office of Education, San Diego County Credit Union, Sony, Unified Port of San Diego, San Diego Computer-Using Educators, and The City of San Diego's Environmental Services Department.

• Visit the IVIE website»
• "So You Want to Make an iVIE," Benchley/Weinberger Elementary»
• "Cowles Mountain," Benchley/Weinberger Elementary»
• "Food Fight," Sherman Elementary»
• "Sleep: It's the Right Thing to Do," Sherman Elementary»

iHigh’s online dual enrollment program recognized by Classroom of the Future Foundation

iHigh Virtual Academy’s Online Dual Enrollment Program received the Classroom of the Future Foundation’s Achieve Award at the annual Innovation Awards ceremony on May 21.

The award recognizes “the tangible program results that drive student learning. It specifically focuses on the program evidence that directly correlates to positive student outcomes.” During the past four years, San Diego Unified high school students have completed over 2,800 full-version course credits through the iHigh Dual Enrollment Program. Of these, almost 1,500 credits were completed by graduating seniors.

The program’s success is the result of a collaborative, ongoing partnership between the iHigh teachers and a special cadre of high school counselors, grad coaches and mentors from across the district. iHigh wishes to thank our district partners, the Classroom of the Future Foundation, and Mission Federal Credit Union, the $5,000 prize sponsor.

Council Member Emerald honors Crawford New Arrivals Center

San Diego City Council Member Marti Emerald has honored Crawford High School's New Arrivals Center with a proclamation that declared May 16, 2014 "Crawford High School New Arrival Center Day" in the City of San Diego.

The recognition was accepted by the school, as well as special recognition for teachers Gwen Osgard, Skye Cooke-Pinon and Viraj Ward, during special performances by students reflecting the nearly 40 languages and more than 30 countries represented at the Mid-City campus. Students from the New Arrival Center celebrated their many cultures in a performance that included singing, dancing and poetry recitals in more than 10 languages. Parents, community members, staff and Emerald attended the afternoon performance entitled “The Big Celebration.”

Located in the Mid-City area of San Diego, Crawford High School is one of the most diverse high schools in San Diego, with more than 37 languages from 33 countries. The New Arrival Center, now in its sixth year, is a program that was specifically designed to assist the unique needs of English Language Learners as they make the transition from their home countries to the academic demands of high school.

Students are given a year in a self-contained classroom to not only acquire English in an accelerated course of instruction, but to learn about American cultures and customs as well.
During the celebration, Emerald presented the New Arrival teachers with the proclamation to acknowledge the efforts of both the center’s teachers and its goals.

Emerald said that “immigrants are the backbone of the strength and diversity of the United States “and they often “face immeasurable traumas and obstacles when they arrive to the United States.” She extended the Council’s “appreciation of the service, value and contributions” of the New Arrival Center at Crawford.

For more information on the New Arrival Center, contact Principal Ana Marie Alvarez at (619) 362-3700.

Jefferson Elementary celebrates a century of getting the next generation off to a great start

North Park's Jefferson Elementary School is marking more than a century of educating the next generation of San Diegans with a series of events May 28.

The school, located at 3770 Utah St., opened in 1908, 1912 or 1913, depending on the sources, with the site growing to 2.75 acres over the years. It was rebuilt in 1961, expanded over the years and celebrated a makeover earlier this year that included a 21st century entrance.

Events will begin at 4:30 p.m. with an alumni reunion, followed by the centennial celebration at 5:30 p.m. and open house at 6:30 p.m. Today, the school, named for President Thomas Jefferson, is a STEAM magnet and International Baccalaureate World School. View invitation»

Writer Andy Hinds in the Uptown News profiled the school recently. Read more»

Burbank Elementary becomes part of Presidential arts program

Grammy winner Jason Mraz will be working with Burbank Elementary School now that it has been selected as one of ten schools statewide to participate in the Turnaround Arts CA, a signature affiliate program of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

Over the next two years, Burbank Elementary will be working with the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities and Turnaround Arts CA to ensure that the arts are an available avenue to success for all students. The school will also have Mraz as its artist mentor, who will work with superintendents and principals to maximize support and awareness for their efforts.

Superintendent Cindy Marten and Principal Rachel Messineo accepted the award at a White House ceremony.

San Diego Unified is nationally known for its commitment to arts in schools, having been named one of America's Best Music Communities two years in a row and being honored by the Kennedy Center in 2011.

Turnaround Arts is a public-private partnership launched by the White House in 2012 designed to help failing schools develop and implement high quality arts education that will be used specifically to effectively address and turnaround the pervasive and persistent problems found in high-poverty, chronically underperforming schools. By using the arts as a strategic tool in failing schools’ turnaround efforts, students are engaged while they learn 21st century skills critical to their success.

“Through Turnaround Arts CA we hope to expand our successes in and out of the classroom by adding more opportunities for our students, families, and teachers to learn through dance, art, drama, and music,” says Burbank Principal Rachel Messineo. “The arts are a proven way to boost student achievement, keep kids interested in school, and help schools connect with their communities. We are thrilled to have been chosen to participate in this cutting-edge program.”

It has been proven that by placing the arts as the heart and soul of a school, leadership is provided with powerful tools in professional learning, curriculum development, improving school climate and culture, as well as increasing student and parent engagement ultimately contributes to improved academic achievement and successful turnaround of a failing school.

There is a growing body of research that demonstrates the positive effect of arts engagement on students. This is particularly important in a state like California where the arts play a significant role in the “creative economy.”

“This isn’t about bringing painting or music lessons to an already failing school and hoping for new and improved outcomes,” says Dr. James Catterall, Professor Emeritus, UCLA and Director of the Centers for Research on Creativity. “This is about the arts as ways of thinking, problem solving, and creative design.”

For more information on Turnaround Arts, please go to http://turnaroundarts.pcah.gov/

Monroe Clark, Kearny, Mira Mesa, Pershing volunteers top Donornation competition

Grand Prize winner Hermelinda Figueroa from Monroe Clark Middle School walked away with a $5,000 check from DonorNation for her school as the online fundrasing platform held its School Volunteer of the Year competition.

Hermelinda Figueroa

Jerry Butkiewicz

Other winners from San Diego Unified were Jerry Butkiewicz from Kearny Construction Tech Academy; Barbara Shortill of Mira Mesa High; and Kathy Monroe from Pershing Middle School.

Additional prizes included a year's worth of groceries from Sprouts Farmers Market, season passes for La Jolla Playhouse, and a family membership to The New Children's Museum.

Grand Prize Winner Figueroa has been volunteering to help improve the future for students in City Heights for 18 years – while raising her three grandchildren. She is a strong student advocate who encourages inter-generational participation in community and cultural programs, such as “Latinos and Latinas in Action” and IRC's “New Roots,” City Heights Community Farm. She is passionate about encouraging students to go to college, to become self-sufficient and successful. She remains dedicated to increasing parent involvement and engagement with teachers, staff and community members to maximize opportunities for all students to achieve the highest level of success.

Second runner-up Jerry Butkiewicz has been a tirelessly energetic volunteer who embraced his own former struggles in school to connect with students facing adversity. Since 2001, he has volunteered as a mentor and role model for these underserved students. Butkiewicz works countless hours spearheading career programs, organizing field trips, and finding businesses to support real-life experiences to provide students at Kearny High Contraction Tech Academy with a strong foundation for future success.

Other winners were: People's Choice (Category 3), Barbara Shortill of Mira Mesa High School; and Honorable Mention, Cathy Monroe of Pershing Middle School.
For more information about DonorNation's 2013-14 School Volunteer of the Year Awards, visit http://www.donornation.org/award

DonorNation is the "Marketplace with a Heart" where every purchase or donation of goods and services benefits schools and nonprofits. The San Diego-based company helps unlock the power of the community by providing its users with the tools to provide a sustainable source of funding for schools and nonprofit organizations while supporting community-minded businesses. Visit www.donornation.org for more information.

Title I Academic Achievement Award goes to three SD Unified schools

Barnard and Sherman elementary schools, along with the Health Sciences High charter have been named 2013-14 Title I Academic Achievement Award Schools by the California Department of Education.

To receive this distinction, the school must demonstrate that all students are making significant progress toward proficiency on California's academic content standards. Additionally, the school's socioeconomically disadvantaged students must have doubled the achievement targets set for them for two consecutive years.

Barnard Asian Pacific Language Academy is located in Pacific Beach, moving this school year from its original Pt. Loma location. The school offers language immersion Mandarin Chinese, Korean and Japanese languages, as well as an international cultural outlook.

Sherman's comprehensive instructional program focuses on 21st-century skills, in which students are prepared for life in a global society by receiving a strong foundation in English and Spanish language arts (via a 50/50 dual-immersion program), mathematics, science, history and social science, cultural understanding, technological and media literacy, and visual and performing arts.

At Health Sciences High charter, students work with healthcare professionals through job shadowing and internships to explore real-world applications of their school-based knowledge and skills as well as future career choices.

State Superintendent Tom Torlakson said the schools have accomplished much under challenging circumstances.

“Their administrators and teachers are committed to giving their students every opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills that will help them in school and throughout their lives,” he said.

The Title I Academic Achievement Award is given to schools receiving federal Title I funds as authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Title I, the single largest federal educational program for K-12 public education, assists schools in meeting the educational needs of students living at or below the poverty line. Of the approximately 10,000 schools in California, more than 6,000 of them participate in the Title I program.

Around California, just 106 schools were named 2013-14 Title I Academic Achievement Award Schools.

Three elementary, one charter named 'Distinguished Schools' by State Education Department

Barnard, Miller and Ocean Beach elementary schools and the San Diego Global Vision charter have been named Distinguished Schools by the California Department of Education. In addition, Ocean Beach Elementary was named an Exemplary Arts Education Program.

According to the California Department of Education, the 2014 California Distinguished Schools Program focuses on California’s students’ right to an equitable and rigorous education, and recognizes those schools that have made progress in narrowing the academic achievement gap. Elementary schools are honored in even-numbered years, while middle and high schools take their bows in odd-numbered years.

Board of Education President Kevin Beiser noted that two of the three elementary schools, Miller and Ocean Beach, are considered neighborhood schools. Barnard is a magnet school.

"This is just another indicator that we are well along on our goal to place a quality school in every neighborhood," said Beiser. "The principals, staffs and students all deserve credit for this important award."

To apply for Distinguished School honors, schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria, including accountability measures. Once schools are deemed eligible, the California Department of Education (CDE) invites them to apply to be recognized as a California Distinguished School. The process consists of a written application, which includes a comprehensive description of two of the school's signature practices, and a county-led site validation review process focused on the implementation of those signature practices.

“I applaud these strong, thriving schools that are making such impressive strides in preparing their students for continued success,” state Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said. “This award is well-deserved by these school communities for their enduring dedication to high standards, hard work, and unwavering support.”

Schools earning the Distinguished School title agree to share their signature practices with other schools and become a mentor to those seeking to replicate their work.

Barnard Asian Pacific Language Academy is located in Pacific Beach, moving this school year from its original Pt. Loma location. The school offers language immersion Mandarin Chinese, Korean and Japanese languages, as well as an international cultural outlook.

Miller Elementary School is located in the Tierrasanta/Murphy Canyon community, serving mostly students from military housing and other areas in the community. The Miller Way (respectful, responsible, and caring) is modeled and practiced by our staff and students.

Ocean Beach Elementary School is one of the centers of its namesake neighborhood. Monthly themes of self-discipline, determination, positive attitude, respect, friendship, responsibility, enthusiasm, team spirit, and personal best permeate our classrooms, hallways, and conversations. The City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department is a partner and provides some of the arts programs.

Winners of the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair announced

Winners of the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair have been announced. Here are the winners at San Diego Unified School District schools. Congratulations to all the participants!

Name	Grade	School	Category	Division	Card	Award
Conrad Bell	8	de Portola Middle	Biochem	2	27	3rd
Marissa Rose Chang	8	de Portola Middle	Eng-En/Tra	2	37	3
Kai Colorado	8	de Portola Middle	Biochem	2	26	3rd
Sarah Hajj	8	de Portola Middle	Behav/Soc	2	25	1st
Emily Joslin	8	de Portola Middle	Behav/Soc	2	24	3rd
Gabriel Mayer	8	de Portola Middle	Behav/Soc	2	17	3rd
Brandon Moore	8	de Portola Middle	Eng-El/Mec	2	33	1st
Katie Riley	8	de Portola Middle	Microbio	2	49	2nd
Rachel Schwall	8	de Portola Middle	Eng-En/Tra	2	38	1st
Megan Swanson	8	de Portola Middle	Behav/Soc	2	22	3rd
Nathan Tran	8	de Portola Middle	Behav/Soc	2	24	3rd
Sierra Williamson	8	de Portola Middle	Plant Sci.	2	14	3rd
Allyssa Alcasabas	8	Farb Middle	Microbio	2	47	3rd
Jasmin Alvarado	8	Farb Middle	Physics	2	51	4th
Jared Boothby	8	Farb Middle	Chemistry	2	29	4th
Camryn Cothen	8	Farb Middle	Behav/Soc	2	19	3rd
James Diep	8	Farb Middle	Physics	2	52	4th
Jasmine Jeffrey	8	Farb Middle	Animal	2	15	3rd
Jimmy Nguyen	8	Farb Middle	Eng-El/Mec	2	34	1st
Anette Ramirez	8	Farb Middle	Behav/Soc	2	22	3rd
Brenda Rozas	8	Farb Middle	Animal	2	1	2nd
Ritchinny Srouy	8	Farb Middle	Environ	2	42	4th
Alexis Zuniga	8	Farb Middle	Consumer	2	57	3rd
Lucas Fowler	8	Grant	Behav/Soc	2	17	3rd
Max Hauptschein	8	Grant	Microbio	2	49	4th
Daniel Hickman	7	Grant	Comp Sci	2	30	3rd
Sara Simpson	12	Henry High	Medicine	1	11	2nd
Chloe Kuo	10	La Jolla High	Eng-El/Mec	1	6	1st
Arya Barlinge	8	Marshall Middle	Biochem	2	26	1st
Samuel Boone	8	Marshall Middle	Environ	2	43	2nd
Zane Calini	8	Marshall Middle	Eng-Mat/Bi	2	40	1st
Ryan Cantrell	8	Marshall Middle	Animal	2	15	1st
Clayton Cassidy	8	Marshall Middle	Physics	2	54	2nd
Sabrina Chan	8	Marshall Middle	Consumer	2	59	1
Adrienne Corr	8	Marshall Middle	Eng-En/Tra	2	36	1st
Elizabeth Cutler	8	Marshall Middle	Microbio	2	47	1st
Sebastian Eisenbach	8	Marshall Middle	Eng-En/Tra	2	38	1st
Jared Ellis	8	Marshall Middle	Environ	2	42	1st
Brenna Fineman	8	Marshall Middle	Microbio	2	48	2nd
Jennifer Gomberg	8	Marshall Middle	Physics	2	50	1st
Marina Grimmett	8	Marshall Middle	Eng-En/Tra	2	37	1st
Nicholas Hern	8	Marshall Middle	Eng-El/Mec	2	32	1st
Emily Huang	8	Marshall Middle	Microbio	2	48	1st
Sophia Izzo	8	Marshall Middle	Physics	2	51	1st
Katherine Jones	8	Marshall Middle	Environ	2	42	4th
Julie Laporte	8	Marshall Middle	Behav/Soc	2	20	1st
Joonhyuk Lee	8	Marshall Middle	Eng-El/Mec	2	35	1st
Alina Luk	8	Marshall Middle	Animal	2	16	2nd
Jonathan Luo	8	Marshall Middle	Comp Sci	2	30	2nd
Ananya Madabushi	8	Marshall Middle	Physics	2	50	1st
Gregory Martin	8	Marshall Middle	Plant Sci.	2	55	1st
Tiffany Meng	8	Marshall Middle	Behav/Soc	2	20	2nd
William Mrdjenovich	8	Marshall Middle	Microbio	2	48	1st
Melba Nuzen	8	Marshall Middle	Eng-El/Mec	2	35	1st
Drew Pagaduan	8	Marshall Middle	Physics	2	51	2nd
Bryan Pan	8	Marshall Middle	Physics	2	52	1st
Nikhil Penugonda	8	Marshall Middle	Environ	2	41	2nd
Flora Perlmutter	8	Marshall Middle	Plant Sci.	2	55	1st
Anton Phan	8	Marshall Middle	Eng-El/Mec	2	33	3rd
Alex Poonoosamy	8	Marshall Middle	Eng-En/Tra	2	38	1st
Ananya Rao	7	Marshall Middle	Environ	2	43	1st
Troy Romana	8	Marshall Middle	Consumer	2	58	1st
Nicholas Scudder	8	Marshall Middle	Environ	2	42	3rd
Isabella Sferra	8	Marshall Middle	Environ	2	43	2nd
Sohum Shah	8	Marshall Middle	Math	2	10	3rd
Lauren Sheehan-Clark	8	Marshall Middle	Behav/Soc	2	25	1st
Deine Shin	8	Marshall Middle	Behav/Soc	2	17	2nd
Anshul Singh	8	Marshall Middle	Eng-El/Mec	2	34	1st
Colin Snyder	8	Marshall Middle	Environ	2	44	1st
Shayna Sragovicz	8	Marshall Middle	Behav/Soc	2	20	1st
Matthew Wang	8	Marshall Middle	Eng-Mat/Bi	2	8	1st
Patrick Wildenhain	8	Marshall Middle	Comp Sci	2	30	1st
Michelle Wong	8	Marshall Middle	Eng-En/Tra	2	7	2nd
Daniel Woods	8	Marshall Middle	Math	2	10	2nd
Courtney Zohn	8	Marshall Middle	Microbio	2	12	1st
Dayna Pham	8	Montgomery Middle	Chemistry	2	4	3rd
Ge-Ann Candare, Emmanuel Llanda	12	Morse High	Microbio	1	12	3rd
Leah Eria	12	Morse High	Behav/Soc	1	2	4th
Maurice Harris, Macam Samnovem	12	Morse High	Comp Sci	1	5	3rd
Noorhan Amani	9	Mt. Everest Academy	Behav/Soc	1	2	1st
Isaac Chizhik	8	Mt. Everest Academy	Behav/Soc	2	17	1st
Hunter Conway	8	Mt. Everest Academy	Eng-El/Mec	2	34	4th
Michele Eggleston	8	Mt. Everest Academy	Physics	2	54	1st
Michael Kottke	8	Mt. Everest Academy	Eng-El/Mec	2	32	2nd
David Limon	8	Mt. Everest Academy	Eng-El/Mec	2	35	2nd
Isabella Catanzaro	7	Pacific Beach	Chemistry	2	28	2
Joshua Cheung	8	Pershing Middle	Biochem	2	27	2nd
Troy Cristobal	8	Pershing Middle	Eng-En/Tra	2	37	3rd
Sierra Gilmore	8	Pershing Middle	Eng-En/Tra	2	38	1st
Megan Hayes	8	Pershing Middle	Earth/Plan	2	31	2nd
Caroline Meyers	8	Pershing Middle	Environ	2	42	1st
Aya Nelson	8	Pershing Middle	Environ	2	44	3rd
Sean Romero	8	Pershing Middle	Physics	2	51	3rd
Stephanie Smith	8	Pershing Middle	Behav/Soc	2	17	2nd
Jesse Stewart	8	Pershing Middle	Eng-En/Tra	2	36	2nd
Rachel Amber	8	Pershing Middle	Behav/Soc Behav/Soc	2	24	2nd
William Hang	11	Scripps Ranch High	Comp Sci	1	5	1st
Janie Kim	9	Scripps Ranch High	Microbio	1	12	1st
Jason Provol	9	Scripps Ranch High	Physics	1	13	1st
Justin Todd	9	Scripps Ranch High	Environ	1	9	3rd
Evan Wildenhain	11	Scripps Ranch High	Comp Sci	1	5	1st
Adeleidia Alcantara	8	Wangenheim Middle	Consumer	2	59	2nd
Andrew Book	8	Wangenheim Middle	Plant Sci.	2	55	3rd
Davis Boring	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-Mat/Bi	2	40	1st
Megan Bowers	8	Wangenheim Middle	Environ	2	44	1st
Nathalia Buelna	8	Wangenheim Middle	Plant Sci.	2	56	3rd
Keegan Bushouer	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-En/Tra	2	38	2nd
Yves Cerezo	8	Wangenheim Middle	Plant Sci.	2	55	3
Emily Chhay	8	Wangenheim Middle	Consumer	2	60	3rd
Edward Chhit	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-En/Tra	2	38	1st
Olivia Chu	8	Wangenheim Middle	Plant Sci.	2	56	3rd
Andrea Corona	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-El/Mec	2	35	3rd
Mordecai De Guzman	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-El/Mec	2	33	3rd
Jimmy Du	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-El/Mec	2	35	3rd
Sandy Duong	8	Wangenheim Middle	Medicine	2	46	3rd
Kaithleane Elefane	8	Wangenheim Middle	Microbio	2	47	3rd
Joanna Gacuya	8	Wangenheim Middle	Physics	2	52	3rd
Hannah Galang	8	Wangenheim Middle	Physics	2	53	4th
Elizabeth Gonzalez	8	Wangenheim Middle	Medicine	2	45	1st
Anthony Gray	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-En/Tra	2	36	3rd
Ares Hamilton	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-El/Mec	2	35	4th
Ivan Hernandez	8	Wangenheim Middle	Behav/Soc	2	19	2nd
Thao Hoang	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-Mat/Bi	2	39	4th
Jaeden Howard	8	Wangenheim Middle	Biochem	2	26	2nd
Nadira Johnson	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-En/Tra	2	36	3rd
Evans Lan	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-El/Mec	2	33	2nd
Mary Ann Le	8	Wangenheim Middle	Physics	2	53	4th
William Luu	8	Wangenheim Middle	Chemistry	2	28	2nd
Albert Nguyen	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-Mat/Bi	2	39	3rd
Anneliese Nguyen	8	Wangenheim Middle	Biochem	2	27	3rd
Megan Nguyen	8	Wangenheim Middle	Environ	2	41	4th
Carolyn Obdianela	8	Wangenheim Middle	Physics	2	50	4th
Kenneth Oldan	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-En/Tra	2	37	4th
Anthony Marc Pereyra	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-El/Mec	2	32	3rd
Tobey Pineda	8	Wangenheim Middle	Environ	2	42	3rd
Jordyn Preslar	8	Wangenheim Middle	Medicine	2	45	2nd
Ryan Ramirez	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-El/Mec	2	35	3rd
Leia Salongo	8	Wangenheim Middle	Biochem	2	27	4th
Roland Salvador	8	Wangenheim Middle	Comp Sci	2	30	3rd
Erica Sisouphanthong	8	Wangenheim Middle	Biochem	2	3	1st
Amy Songvilay	8	Wangenheim Middle	Environ	2	41	3rd
Tori Takeshita	8	Wangenheim Middle	Biochem	2	3	1st
Brenden Timothy	8	Wangenheim Middle	Physics	2	52	3rd
Kiara Todd	8	Wangenheim Middle	Consumer	2	57	3rd
Natalie Tran	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-El/Mec	2	35	2nd
Jonathan Trinh	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-El/Mec	2	33	2nd
Tiffany Vilay	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-El/Mec	2	32	3rd
Brandon Villegas	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-En/Tra	2	38	1st
Namkhue Vo	8	Wangenheim Middle	Physics	2	51	3rd
David Webber	8	Wangenheim Middle	Eng-En/Tra	2	7	4th
Katharine Yuen	8	Wangenheim Middle	Microbio	2	12	1st
Alex Galvan	10	Whittier	Eng-El/Mec	1	6	2nd
Austin Hiscock	10	Whittier	Eng-En/Tra	1	7	4th

Patrick Henry Navy JROTC places in CyberPatriot competition

Team "Rodney's House" from the Navy JROTC team at Patrick Henry High School placed third in the recent CyberPatriot IV competition.

Each of the members of the winning team received a $1,000 scholarship from the Northrop Grumman Foundation.
Retired Navy Senior Chief John Wood advised the team, which survived competition with 44 other teams to reach the finals, where it was one of 14 teams in the All Service Division. Teams from Clearfield, Ut., and Fitchburg, Ma., topped the Patrick Henry effort.

The CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Education Program was created by the Air Force Association to inspire high school students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines critical to our nation's future. At the core of the CyberPatriot program is the National Youth Cyber Defense Competition, which challenges teams of students to resolve real-life cybersecurity situations in a virtual environment.

“The Air Force Association is very proud of every one of our sponsors, coaches, mentors, team assistants, and most of all, all of our competitors for the enormous time and effort put into this season,” said Bernie Skoch, CyberPatriot Commissioner.

In addition to Patrick Henry, teams from Lincoln, Mira Mesa, Pt. Loma and Scripps Ranch high schools participated in the competition, which began in November. The finals were held March 29 in Arlington, Va.

“Cybersecurity events -- most of them attacks -- are in the news every single day. And as cyber threats to our nation continue to grow in sophistication and frequency, we absolutely must evelopthe next generation of cyber defenders to defeat those threats. Our Cyber Patriot competitors have demonstrated throughout this season that they have the skills to meet that challenge. Congratulations to them all!” said Skoch.

 

For more information on the program, visit the Cyberpatriot website. For information on JROTC programs, contact David Guzman, Director, at dguzman1@sandi.net.

High schools featured in national rankings

Several high schools in the San Diego Unified School District appear on annual lists of "most challenging" and "best" high schools produced by The Washington Post and US News and World Report.

“These national recognitions of our high schools prove that amazing things are happening on our campuses and that our Vision 2020 to create quality schools in every neighborhood is within reach” said Supt. Cindy Marten. “Congratulations to the teachers, students, administrators, school support staff and parents for the hard work and effort it takes to attain this level of excellence.” 

Washington Post  America's Most Challenging High Schools
National Rank	State Rank	School
40	4	Preuss School UCSD Charter
334	40	School of International Studies at San Diego High School
658	87	Point Loma High School
829	111	University City High School
1143	152	Mission Bay High School
1232	167	Mira Mesa High School
1496	208	La Jolla High School
1579	221	School of Science and Technology at San Diego High School
1649	231	Clairemont High School
1661	234	James Madison High School
US News and World Report Best High Schools
National Rank	State Rank	School
42	5	Preuss School UCSD Charter
88	12	School of International Studies at San Diego High School
232	41	La Jolla High School
422	85	Scripps Ranch High School
460	98	University City High School
473	101	Pt. Loma High School
788	160	Mira Mesa High School
940	196	School of Science Connections and Technology at Kearny High
973	208	Patrick Henry High School
1,077	232	SCPA — San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts
1,269	273	School of Digital Media and Design at Kearny High
1,511	338	San Diego Early/Middle College

Garfield High partner Cohn Restaurants honored

San Diego restaurant operators have received the 2014 Restaurant Neighbor Award from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation for their work with Garfield High School.

In 1996, Lesley and David Cohn co-founded the Garfield High School Foundation and the culinary arts program — featuring a $2 million state-of-the-art kitchen, serving line and lecture center — that has graduated 2,000 at-risk youth to date.

Teenage students that are considered high risk for dropping out learn culinary skills to prepare them for future careers in the restaurant industry. The foundation’s annual Thanksgiving fundraising luncheon, run by the students under the guidance of Cohn Restaurant Group’s chefs, has raised more than $300,000 over the past 16 years to benefit the program and staff have volunteered more than 4,000 hours.

The Foundation’s Restaurant Neighbor Award, developed in partnership with American Express, celebrates the outstanding charitable service performed by restaurant operators. Created 16 years ago, this award recognizes the impact restaurants and entrepreneurs have made on their local communities.

In recognizing the Cohns, Rob Gifford, executive vice president of strategic operations and philanthropy for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation said programs like the Cohns at Garfield provide upward mobility for Americans.

“The restaurant industry has provided opportunities for millions of people throughout the U.S. and the recipients of the 2014 Restaurant Neighbor and Faces of Diversity awards demonstrate the incredible opportunities they have been able to create as a result of working in it,” said Gifford. “We are proud to recognize the achievements of these seven national award winners, selected from a pool of hundreds of operators from around the country. Their dedication to the industry and commitment to achieving their dreams is truly exceptional.”

To find out more about the culinary program at Garfield High School, contact the school at (619) 362-4500