IN THE NEWS: He’s no ‘Superman,’ just a dedicated teacher

Rob Meza-Ehlert of Digital Media and Design School is part of Kearny's shift that reflects movie's model. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune»

It Was a Rainy Walk to School Day

A rainy October 6 morning did not dampen the spirits of schools participating in the International Walk to School Day.

City Heights elementary schools within two miles of each other that participated in International Walk to School Day. The project a collaboration between the City Heights Community Development Corporation and other community partners -- encouraged nearly 6,000 students and parents to walk to school.

Walk to School participants included Cherokee Point, Central, Fay, Hamilton, Ibarra, Joyner, Marshall and Rosa Parks elementary schools, among several others throughout the district.

Local businesses, community stakeholders and County Supervisor Ron Roberts contributed to a fund to buy themed yellow t-shirts, which unified students across the different schools. The t-shirts meet school uniform requirements and are proudly worn by students year-round.

At Cherokee Point Elementary, City Councilmember Todd Gloria, School Board President Richard Barrera and other officials spoke about the importance of safe walking environments and practices.

Participants then enjoyed a healthy breakfast and a Health and Safety Fair, where representatives from the San Diego County Public Health Department, Red Cross, Police Department, City Heights on Patrol (CHOP) and neighboring high school students offered health and safety tips to families. For more information, contact Principal Godwin Higa at ghiga@sandi.net .

Other participating schools included:

• Lincoln and Morse high school areas. San Diego Unified School Police and San Diego Police departments coordinated efforts in the area, including Porter Elementary. Students from that school met at Kennedy Park, 47th and T streets, anded  to their campus.
• Sunset View Elementary School.
• Curie Elementary School.
• Holmes Elementary School.
• Horton Elementary School.
• Sherman Elementary School.
  

IN THE NEWS: Board President, Superintendent Talk Budget Issues

The San Diego Unified School District is facing a projected $141 million budget deficit next year. Superintendent Bill Kowba and school board president, Richard Barrera, join us to discuss the potential cuts the district is considering. We also discuss how Prop. J, the school parcel tax proposal, could affect the district's budget in the future. Listen to report from KPBS-FM»

Signs of Success Continue to Grow

As the district deals with the ongoing financial crisis, our students continue to make progress. Students are excelling in many areas as evidenced in the 2009-10 Indicators of Student Success .

This is a tribute to our staff’s ability to keep its focus on what’s most important – the success of our students. Please join me in congratulating our entire team — staff, students and parents — for a job well done!

IN THE NEWS: Homecoming marks 80 years of Hoover history

Hoover High football player Byreese Taylor drops into the gymnasium two or three times a week, walks over to the west wall and looks up.

There, photos of 23 of the school’s most famous athletes tower above him on a wall filled with the Hall of Fame Legends. He sees more than just old black and white pictures with names he barely knows.

“They’re my inspiration,” said Taylor, a senior wide receiver-linebacker who helped lead the Cardinals in a 7-7 tie with San Diego High on Friday night before a near-capacity crowd estimated at more than 3,000 that came out to see the school’s 80th homecoming game under portable lights. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune»

Mira Mesa Cadets Start Program After Attending National Conference

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

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

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

Clairemont High PTSA Hosts "Waiting for Superman" Dialogue

The public is invited to a community dialogue on the new movie, "Waiting for Superman," and issues involving San Diego's schools.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 11, in the library at Clairemont High School, 4150 Ute Dr. (92117). It is sponsored by the San Diego Council of PTAs and the Clairemont High School PTSA.

The film, which opens Oct. 8, looks at struggling schools through the eyes of five students. The meeting will discuss the film and how it relates to San Diego's schools. Emily Alpert, Voice of San Diego reporter, will moderate the discussion.

For more information, contact Michelle Huffaker or Maureen Atwell.