IN THE NEWS: Hard work earns dancer a summer with Bolshoi ballet

Pt. Loma High freshman Margo van den Helder headed to summer with famed troupe in Moscow. The nine-week program through the Russian American Foundation and the Bolshoi Ballet Academy will allow Margo to train with the academy in New York City and Moscow and also study Russian language, history, arts and culture. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune»

Mt. Everest Students' Work on Display At San Diego Air and Space Museum

Antigone and Jeff with "astronaut."

On your next visit to the San Diego Air and Space Museum in Balboa Park, look for an exhibit segment entitled “The Space Race,” created by Mt. Everest Academy students Antigone Brickman and Jeff Meyers.

Antigone and Jeff's exhibit, part of the school's 20th Century Museum, looked at the competition between the USA and USSR beginning in the 1950s to explore space. Their display includes lifesize astronaut models and displays talking about the milestones in the race.

The 20th Century Museum was a school project that allowed students to study individual events and trends during the last century. Other featured topics included: the Russian Revolution, the Jazz Age, the Atomic Age, the Women’s Movement and the Internet.

Family, friends, teachers from other schools, local business representatives and San Diego State University professors were on hand to take a stroll down memory lane and judge students’ work. Students demonstrated their proficiency in displaying blended content from multiple subject areas.

Retirees Saluted by Superintendent, Board of Education

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San Diego Unified's Class of 2011 Retirees were lauded for their hard work in educating generations of San Diegans and Americans during a special retirement ceremony June 16 at the Education Center.

Board of Education President Richard Barrera, Trustee Shelia Jackson and Superintendent Bill Kowba lead the ceremony, which was attended by about 100 of this year's retirees.

"I thank you for all your hard work in helping each generation take its place," said Barrera. "This is a team effort, whether you are teaching, providing support at a school or central facility, or here at the Ed Center."

Jackson said each would be missed but invited the retirees to return as volunteers.
"We still need your experience and skill, so I hope you will continue to help our kids," she said.

In his remarks, Kowba lauded the retirees for their legacy.

"We commend you for your service and the countless hours you have dedicated to making a difference in the lives of thousands of San Diego students," he said. "We also extend our appreciation to your family and friends for their support and, sometimes, sacrifices.

"You have our best wishes for good health, happiness and all the rewards you so richly deserve."

The ceremony, an annual tradition, was organized by the Human Resources and Communications department. It featured the Monroe Clark Middle School Advanced Band and catering by the Food Services Department. Sponsors of the event included California Coast and Mission Federal credit unions.

IN THE NEWS: Bird Rock students do battle over books

During their last few days of classes at Bird Rock Elementary School, all the third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students participated in the school’s first annual Battle of the Books competition. Read more from the La Jolla Light»

Joyner MicroSociety Named Magnet School of Distinction

Principal Gilbert Gutierrez and Dr. Robert G. Brooks, executive director, Magnet Schools of America

The school that creates a microcosm of society where each student plays a role in running the world has been named a Magnet School of Distinction.

Florence Griffith Joyner MicroSociety Magnet School was honored by the Magnet Schools of America at its 29th annual conference, held May 17 in Indiana.

The merit award recognizes the school’s commitment to high academic standards, curriculum innovation, successful diversity efforts, a specialized teaching staff, and parent and community involvement.

Principal Gilbert Gutierrez received the award from William Magnotta, president of Magnet Schools of America, and Dr. Robert G. Brooks, executive director.
For more information, contact Rebecca Penh, magnet resource teacher, at rpenh@sandi.net or (619) 640-4000.

IN THE NEWS: Volunteers earn PTA service award

Linda Dowley, Kathy Fackler and Sarah Schrier recently received the PTA Honorary Service Award for their “endless hours of volunteering for La Jolla High School,” according to PTA President Betsy Mueller. Read more from the La Jolla Light»

San Diego County Fair Honors Crawford MVAS Websites

Website projects by students at the School of Multimedia and Visual Arts at Crawford High have taken three awards at the San Diego County Fair.

The school's website, a profile on nearby Colina Park and a La Jolla store's website, all designed and maintained by the students, were recognized by judges at the county fair.

The top award at the fair, Best of Show, went to the MVAS School website, http://mvashigh.com with student Ranny Thorn as project leader. The site continues to be maintained by MVAS students. 
A Best of Class award went to the Stories of Colina Park, http://storiesofcolinapark.org/, a multi-year project where students profile the people of Colina Park through personal stories, recipes, art and the Urban Ag garden. This year’s website was created by project leader Diana Nguyen along with Towady Chea, Christina Saycocie, Jhanell Kirkaldy and Uriel Ayala.

Another Best of Class award went to La Jolla Lighting, http://lajollalightingonline.com/, a commercial website created and maintained by MVAS students for a local lighting store. This year the site was maintained and updated by Tan Nguyen.

For more information, please contact Gail Lake, ROP teacher, at glake@sandi.net.