From The Superintendent: Ask Sacramento to Let Us Vote for Schools

Contact Your Legislators

Visit the California PTA's website to help you make your voice heard. Business leaders endorse vote plan San Diego Unified Budget Page

As I’m sure you’re well aware, our district is facing a fourth year of huge funding cuts from the State of California. As we prepare next year’s budget, the $120 million reduction could mean that more than 900 of our certificated staff — teachers, counselors, librarians and nurses — and more than 500 of our support staff may lose their jobs on July 1.
Class sizes will jump, especially in the early years where Kindergarten through grade 3 will go from our current average of 24 students per class to an average of 29.5 students.
One of Gov. Brown’s plans is to spare education from bigger cuts by asking voters to extend several taxes we’re already paying. To do this he’s requested the state legislature to put this matter before voters in June.
If California voters approve these measures, our district will be able to restore about $57 million in budget cuts, save hundreds of teacher and support staff jobs, and possibly keep our K-3 classrooms at their current size.
We urge all of our school families and the community to learn more about this critical issue. We hope you'll take action by contacting your state representatives and urge them to give California voters the right to vote on school funding choices on a special June election ballot.
Our California PTA has a website that will help you find and contact your state legislators.
Thank you for becoming a more informed and involved member of our school community.

Presidential Medal of Science Recipient Visits Serra High

On Feb. 16, Junipero Serra High School welcomed UCSD Chancellor Marye Anne Fox, who was honored by the school’s Science in the City program for receiving the National Medal of Science from President Barack Obama.

Serra High science teacher Ericka Senegar-Mitchell invited Fox to speak to the Ladies of Science in the City, a student-run program that promotes a passion for science among peers while exposing students to various careers in the field of science. Following a presentation and luncheon, Fox joined students in the biotech lab to conduct a pickle experiment, by her side, husband and UCSD chemistry professor, James Whitesell.

Senegar-Mitchell, a current County Teacher of the Year, started the Science in the City program on campus to make a positive impact on dropout prevention. For more information, contact Ericka Senegar-Mitchell at (858) 496-8342.

Physics Projects Shown by Mt. Everest Students

The physics class at Mt. Everest Academy hosted a Physics Project Exhibit for staff, fellow students, and family members to attend.  Each student selected a physics concept to research, and then built a physical model demonstrating that principle.  The students each explained the concept to their audience, and then showed the principle in action with their exhibit.

The physics principles demonstrated were:  Bernoulli’s Principle, Newton’s Third Law, wavelengths, force, gravity, acceleration, pressure, speed and velocity.

After observing the presentations, attendees were asked to grade each project.  First place was awarded for the Centripetal Acceleration display and second place was awarded for the Wavelength display.


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Scripps Ranch Students Turn Castoffs into Clutchbags

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

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

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

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Longfellow Video Takes National Honors

The National 2011 Discover Languages Video Contest, hosted by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, has awarded students at Longfellow Academy first prize in its 2011 contest to "Bilingualism."

The video was a cross-curricular project between Spanish and multimedia classes. This allowed the students to first study the benefits of multilingualism in Spanish class, write a script and record the video on campus. The project was finished in their Multimedia class. Watch video»


Contact Cary Knight, Middle School Multimedia Teacher, Longfellow Spanish Immersion Magnet School, (619) 276-4206, for more information.

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Author’s Visit Inspires Hoover High Students

On Feb. 3, Hoover High School hosted a visit and reading from celebrated writer, lê thi diem thúy, author of “The Gangster We Are All Looking For.” The true-life novel about a Vietnamese refugee family in San Diego is told from the perspective of the family’s young daughter.

More than 250 students, teachers, staff and other invited guests participated in a deeply meaningful, intellectual and personal experience. Students were attentive and engaged during both the readings, and the question and answer period.

Earlier in the year, Hoover’s teachers assigned the book to their students, guiding them to deeper levels of analysis. This course of study set the groundwork for many thoughtful questions for the author. Following the visit, students reported feeling “more alive, connected and inspired.” For more information, contact Principal Chuck Podhorsky at (619) 283-6281.

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Silver Gate PE Teacher Gets Statewide Honors

Geoff McCloud has been named California Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. The Silver Gate Elementary School teacher will be honored at the Association's upcoming conference.

"It was an honor and a privilege to watch him in action!" said Ruth Silofau, a former winner who is involved in the selection. "To be teaching for as long as he has and to still have that type of enthusiasm and energy is a tribute to who he is as a person and as a teacher."

McCloud said he was honored to receive the award as recognition of his success with students.

"My mission statement is simple: Silver Gate Physical Education... building better citizens through meaningful movement," he said. "Making movement fun at the elementary level increases the chances of having active humans
throughout their lives. I really do have the best job in the whole world."

For more information on McCloud and Silver Gate Elementary, contact Sandra McClure, principal, at (619) 222-1139. Contact the Association for more on its Teacher of the Year program.

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