IN THE NEWS: The value of learning music plays out to young students

Students from the Oak Park Elementary Percussion Ensemble in San Diego are finding out that there’s more to learning how to play a musical instrument than just developing a skill and having fun. It plays a role in their brain development and overall well being. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune»

IN THE NEWS: For 75 High School Seniors, Graduation at Last

More than 75 San Diego Unified high school seniors are expected to participate in a summer commencement ceremony Friday at Lincoln High School. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune»

IN THE NEWS: San Diego man reads to inner-city school children

Dick Troncone has cracked a book and read to children at inner-city schools weekly for more than 20 years. He doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon. San Diego senior reads at Chavez Elementary School. Read more from San Diego Union-Tribune»

Class of '11 To End with Summer Commencement

Ceremony Includes Students from Throughout District

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 5, at Lincoln High School, 4777 Imperial Ave. (92111).

"I salute the great dedication and perseverance on the part of these young men and women," said Supt. Bill Kowba. "Many of these students -- and their families -- thought they would never have a chance to take part in the tradition of wearing a cap and gown and having their name announced."

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.

This is the sixth year that the district has held the special summer ceremony. Before this late-summer ceremony was established, students would eventually receive a diploma 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.

For more information visit this website.

IN THE NEWS: San Diego students attend D.C. leadership conference

Students from Hoover, Lincoln and Madison high schools traveled to Washington, D.C., in mid-July for a Bank of America-sponsored series of workshops and debates covering leadership and community service. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune»

IN THE NEWS: Both students, teachers learning at Summerbridge

The word of the day was “sportsmanship.” Whenever the word was spoken — and throughout the day’s variety of academic, social and athletic activities, it was spoken often — all of the Summerbridge students within earshot cheered with unrestrained enthusiasm. Read more from the La Jolla Light»

IN THE NEWS: Musicians, business team up to raise school music funds

What better way to promote music in the schools than with music — and mouse traps. To help rebuild the San Diego Unified School District’s budget for music education, a local exterminator helped launch the “Find Your Voice” campaign to raise up to $175,000 to support music and art lessons for children throughout the city. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune»