Friday, August 17, 2012

Encouraging The Next Generation of Scientists and Engineers

IN THE NEWS: Patrick Henry, Preuss and High Tech High students spend summer at Naval Warfare Summer Academy. Read more from DVIDS News»

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Free, Reduced Price Lunch Policy Set for 2012-13

The San Diego Unified School District today announced its policy for providing free and reduced-price meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The Food Services central office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

The household size and income criteria identified below will be used to determine eligibility for free, reduced-price (currently there is no charge for reduced-price meals in San Diego Unified School District), or full-price meal benefits (meal prices are $ 1.00 for breakfast, $2.00 for elementary lunch, and $2.50 for secondary lunch). Children from households whose gross income is at or below the levels shown here are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Households who receive CalFresh (also known as SNAP or Food Stamps), California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payments (Kin-GAP), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits are automatically eligible for free meals regardless of the income of the household in which they reside.

Application Forms will be distributed to households with a letter informing them of the availability of free and reduced-price meals for enrolled children. Applications are also available at the office in each school. To apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits, households must complete an application and return it to the school office or mail it to the central Food Services office for processing. Households may also apply on-line by going to www.sandi.net and selecting the School Meal Info/Application shortcut. To apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits, households must complete an application and return it to the school office, mail it to the central Food Services office for processing, or complete the on-line application.

Applications may be submitted at any time during the school year. The information households provide on the application will be used to determine meal eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by school or program officials.

Requirements for school officials to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits are as follows: For households receiving CalFresh (also known as SNAP or Food Stamps), CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR benefits – applications need only include the enrolled child(ren)'s name, CalFresh, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR case number, and the signature of an adult household member. For households who do not list a CalFresh CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR case number, the application must include the names of all household members, the gross amount and source of the income received by each household member, and the signature and corresponding last four digits of the adult household members Social Security number. If the household member who signs the application does not have a Social Security number, the household member must check the box indicating on the application that they do not have a Social Security number.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price meal policy, the determining official(s), as designated by the San Diego Unified School District Food Services department, shall review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the eligibility ruling may discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents may also make a formal request for an appeal hearing of the decision and may do so orally or in writing with the Food Services hearing official. Parents or guardians should contact Food Services for specific information regarding the name of the determining official and/or hearing official for San Diego Unified School District.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact Food Services. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household's income falls at or below the levels shown above.

Households that receive CalFresh, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR benefits may not have to complete an Application for Free or Reduced-Price Meals. Food Service officials will determine eligibility for free meals based on documentation obtained directly from the CalFresh, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR office that a child is a member of a household currently receiving CalFresh or FDPIR benefits or an assistance unit receiving CalWORKs or Kin-GAP benefits. Food Service officials will notify households of their eligibility, but those who do not want their child(ren) to receive free meals must contact Food Services. SNAP, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, and FDPIR households should complete an application if they are not notified of their eligibility by September 1, 2012.

To find out more about the free and reduced-price meal program, contact Food Services as (858) 627-7328 or on the web at www.sandi.net and select the School Meal Info/Application.
San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) also participates in the National School Lunch/Breakfast Programs Provision 2 program which is a program that reduces application burdens, simplifies meal counting and claiming procedures, and provides meals at no charge to all students attending schools operating under Provision 2. In the 2012-2013 school year the following schools/programs will begin the base year of Provision 2; Florence ES, Garfield HS, Pacific American Academy, Porter North/South ES, Sports Science Academy, Metro Schools, CTEC Independent Study, Choice Community School, First Avenue Literacy Community, Thurgood Marshall Community School, Youth Day Center, BCA Youth Build Community School, University Community School, Metro Tech Academy, Mira Mesa Community School, Bay Point PK, Dewey CDC, Fletcher CDC, Walker CDC, Wegeforth CDC. The district has 81 other schools participating in Provision 2 where all students are receiving meals at no charge, for a listing of schools please go to www.sandi.net/food.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjunction, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Household Size Table

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Officer's last conversation reverberates

IN THE NEWS: A year ago at a McDonald’s in City Heights, Daveon Scott, then 13, held the last conversation anyone would have with San Diego police officer Jeremy Henwood. Scott is a freshman at Hoover High School. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune»

Monday, August 13, 2012

Summerbridge Program Sends College Message to 150 Students

Martel Irby from SCPA leads his
Summerbridge class in the dissection
of a sheep's brain.
Elementary and middle school students considered "at risk" recently completed the Summerbridge program at La Jolla High School.

The program, established in 1993, this year helped 150 students in grades 5-8 improve their English-language arts, math and science skills. Students with good skills in these areas generally go farther in their education. The program also takes students to local colleges, universities and other areas so they can see what higher education has to offer.

"Summerbridge has helped me becore more confident in myself," said Kenneth Chaney, a fifth grader at Encanto Elementary School. "I am now comfortable standing up and speaking in front of a crowd of people. I also feel that I am getting ready to go to college to become an entrepreneur."

San Diego Unified School District, UC San Diego, San Diego State University and the University of San Diego work with non-profit Summerbridge San Diego.

"Summerbridge ensures that a group of district students connects with enthusiastic teachers who inspire in them a love of learning and a commitment toward higher education," said Conrado Castro, Executive Director of Summerbridge. "In addition, Summerbridge San Diego includes families in their students' learning."

The program isn't limited to the summer months; during the school year it holds parent events, plus tutoring and mentoring opportunities with university partners.

"There is a trust, a bonding, even a magic that takes place throughout the summer and the school year," said Castro. "With the support of Summerbridge and our partners, our students return to their schools stronger students, exemplary role models, and leaders in their communities."

For more information, contact Executive Director Conrado Castro at ccastro2@sandi.net.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Tournament for Young Anglers Aug. 11

Young anglers ages six through 15 are invited to compete in the free 10th Annual Young Angler Tournament this summer at the Shelter Island Pier.

Date: Sat. Aug. 11, 2012
Location: Shelter Island Pier
1776 Shelter Island Drive
Time:
Onsite Registration: 9 a.m.
Fishing: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Prizes are awarded by 2 p.m.
 
Young anglers ages six through 15 are invited to compete in the free 10th Annual Young Angler Tournament this summer at the Shelter Island Pier, located at 1776 Shelter Island Drive. This saltwater event is sponsored by the San Diego Sportfishing Council, the International Game Fish Association and the Port of San Diego.

The tournament will feature a points system to allow for catch and release. Winners-one in each age category between six and 15 — will be determined by adding up points for various fish caught. The angler with the most points overall will be recognized on the tournaments’ perpetual trophy. IGFA representatives and volunteers from the United Pier and Shore Anglers Club, San Diego Rod & Reel and the San Diego Anglers will be on hand to assist young anglers and to tally points. Young anglers in the competition are encouraged to bring their own gear, although a limited number of loaner rods will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Small quantities of bait will be provided each angler while supplies last.

The Shelter Island Pier Tournament is slated for Saturday, Aug. 11. Registration begins at 9 a.m., fishing runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., prizes are awarded by 2 p.m. dHot dogs, chips, and sodas will be served to all registered anglers. Lunch provided courtesy of Stump's Village Market of Rancho Santa Fe and Tommy Gomes from Catalina Offshore Products and Specialty Produce.

Sponsors include OKUMA Fishing Tackle, West Marine, Anglers Distributing, De-Fishing Soap, Friends of Rollo, Point Loma Sportfishing and H&M Landing. Prizes and raffle drawing items for the tournament include rods and reels, hats, T-shirts, and fishing gear and deep sea fishing trips. Loaner Gear, Bait, and tackle are provided by Okuma Fishing Tackle, Anglers Distributing, and Friends of Rollo.

The San Diego Sportfishing Council is California non-profit corporation established in 1979 to promote San Diego fishing as an attractive marine recreational activity, to increase awareness and availability of "how, when and where" information on sportfishing opportunities.

For details on the event, visit the San Diego Sportfishing Council website or call 619-234-8793.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Securing Our eCity, Cybersecurity Poster Contest 2012


The Securing Our eCity, Cybersecurity Poster Contest 2012 is a contest for 6th-12th grade students designed to help promote cybersecurity awareness and education throughout Southern California schools. We are offering students an opportunity to showcase their creative talents and submit posters that will be used in our local cybersecurity campaign throughout 2012-13.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Observe Teen Curfew, Driving Rules This Summer

Curfew and driving laws in the State of California and the City of San Diego can affect teens' time off and should be known by students and their parents, according to San Diego Unified's School Police Chief.

"Curfew enforcement is intended to protect children from dangerous circumstances and people," said Rueben Littlejohn, police chief. "While it may be an inconvenience, it's important to make sure at home when the curfew starts at 10 p.m."

As teens have more free time during the summer, it means they have more opportunities to run afoul of these laws, which also include restrictions on teen drivers. The rules are enforced by the San Diego Police Department, California Highway Patrol and other local police agencies. A conviction can put a mark on a young person's record that might otherwise be clean, he said.

"The regulations also have sections with that affect parents," he said. "A teen who breaks the law may face punishment -- and so can their parents."

More information on the local laws