IN THE NEWS: Logan Elementary First Graders Get Bicycles

San Diego's Metropolitan Transit System employees donate two-wheelers for each student in first grade at Logan Elementary School. Watch video»

IN THE NEWS: Lincoln High Dance, Music and Multimedia on Morning News

Check out the moves at Lincoln High School as Fox 5 Morning News visits Lincoln High School. Watch video from KSWB-TV»

Schools In Bear of a Mood for Holidays

Kumeyaay students celebrate their
bear drive with teacher Robyn Bernstein.

Students at Kumeyaay and Benchley-Weinberger elementary schools helped San Diego law enforcement agencies collect hundreds of stuffed bears this holiday season.

Kumeyaay teacher Robyn Bernstein recently received accolades from the San Diego Police Department for collecting 478 new stuffed toys for the annual Teddy Bear Drive benefitting Rady Children’s Hospital. Robyn, a finalist for this year’s County Teacher of the Year award, has been organizing a stuffed toy collection for 11 years for young patients at the hospital.

For more district news, subscribe to the Superintendent's Friday Notes.

Activities Mark Pt. Loma High's 85th Year

Pt. Loma High marked its 85th year with celebrations recently on campus and in the community. Principal Bobbie Samilson said the week started with a "Gala Dash" run lead by the cross-country team and the surf team's "Board Room," with activities leading up to a gala inviting alumni, parents and current students.

"I was gratified to work with the incredible volunteers among my staff, the parents of students, and all of the participating alumni," said Samilson. "Many Gala attendees commented on the amazing ASB students who worked to set up and host the Gala, as well as the student journalism editors/reporters who brought highlights from the new online student newspaper, the PointerNews.com."

Gala attendees also had a chance to see designs for the new state-of-the-art Music Center and Film Production Center; groundbreaking on the project is scheduled early next year.

Another highlight of the weeklong events was the unveiling of a sculpture of the school's mascot, the Pointer. It was created by artist Richard Arnold (see photo).

For more information, contact Principal Samilson at (619) 223-3121.

Montgomery Principal Honored for "Safe Passage"

Jonathan Ton, principal of Montgomery Middle School in Linda Vista, has been recognized by the City of San Diego’s Human Relations Commission for his work with the Safe Passage program through Montgomery’s Family Success Center.

The Safe Passage Program helps Montgomery receives support from local law enforcement agencies, city council in their efforts to provide safe passage for students as they travel to and from school. The Family Success Center has become a popular gathering place in the community.

Ton was nominated by Commissioner Joyce Abrams. The recognition ceremony and reception took place Dec. 8 at the Balboa Park Club in Balboa Park. Through his diligent work with Safe Passage and as an advocate for youth, Ton has demonstrated his commitment and dedication which reflect the mission of the Commission.

For more information regarding the Safe Passage Program, contact Aimee Urbina, resource teacher, at awelshans@sandi.net.

Barnard Students, Principal Visit New Sister School in China

An historic event took place on Oct. 26 when Barnard Mandarin Chinese K-5 Magnet School forged an official sister school partnership with one of the most famous and reputable schools in China.

Barnard is now a sister school to Chongqing Renmin Primary School, a school has 65 years of rich history.
Barnard principal Edward Park, along with students Eddie Kapelczak and Victor Otero were warmly greeted by students, teachers, and administrative staff of Chongqing Renmin.

Principal Catherine Yang of Chongqing Renmin expressed, in fluent English, her enthusiasm to Principal Park to have students collaborate across the two nations to promote friendship and understanding of one another's culture.

• Read more from China»
• More photos»

Historic day for district, Mira Mesa High Sapphire Sound Band and Color Guard

The Mira Mesa High School Sapphire Sound Band and Color Guard took the Silver Medal at the recent Southern California Field Championships.

The group had an amazing performance with percussion taking second overall, color guard third overall, and receiving “High Music” for the day. This is the first time any San Diego Unified school has received a medal at this state championship, which was held Dec. 4. What an amazing way to finish the season.

Congratulations to Mira Mesa High School for this great accomplishment! For more information, contact John Dally, Band Director.