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Newsline
October 5, 2009
Open Enrollment Fairs and Seasonal Flu Shots (not H1N1)

Open Enrollment Fairs have been scheduled in preparation for the annual Open Enrollment period in November - the one time of the year when employees can make changes to their benefit plans. Employees can attend any of the following fairs from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day (with one noted exception below). Seasonal Flu shots (not H1N1) are also available free of charge to active district employees during fair hours. Dates and locations follow:

  • Wednesday, October 14 -- Transportation Department
    4710 Cardin St. (92111)

  • Thursday, October 15 -- Ed Center (front lawn)
    4100 Normal St. (92103)
    *note: Fair and flu shots begin at 11 a.m. due to statewide earthquake drill

  • Wednesday, October 21 -- Crawford High School
    4191 Colts Way (92115)

  • Thursday, October 22 -- Marshall Middle School (media center)
    9700 Avenue of Nations (92131)

  • Wednesday, October 28 -- Hoover High School (media center)
    4474 El Cajon Blvd. (92115)

  • Thursday, October 29 -- Ed Center (front lawn)
    4100 Normal St. (92103)

  • Friday, October 30 -- Morse High School (cafeteria)
    6905 Skyline Dr. (92114)
Statewide Earthquake Drill on Thursday, October 15
Next Thursday, at 10:15 a.m., all schools and central office work sites will participate in the 2009 Shake-Out Earthquake Drill, joining millions of Californians as we practice the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” procedure and other aspects of site emergency plans. For more information, visit http://www.shakeout.org.
Academic Program Survey for All School Site Teachers

Due to the district’s Program Improvement Status under No Child Left Behind, the Academic Program Survey (APS) must be taken by all school site teachers by October 16. The APS is a state-provided tool that collects important input about ways to increase student achievement. Site teachers should contact their principal for assistance in taking the survey.  All other questions can be directed to Ana Luisa Biffle, Federal and Special Programs, at (619) 725-7093 or abiffle@sandi.net.

District Assistance Survey for All District Managers, Supervisors and Resource Teachers

Also due to the district’s Program Improvement Status under No Child Left Behind, the District Assistance Survey (DAS) must be taken by October 16 by all district managers, supervisors, resource teachers and parents who serve on district parent committees, such as DAC, DELAC and CAC. The DAS is a state-provided tool that collects important input regarding the support that the district provides schools. For access to the online survey, contact your principal, department head or Ana Luisa Biffle, Federal and Special Programs, at (619) 725-7093 or abiffle@sandi.net.

Williams Complaints

Williams Complaints for the period July-September 2009 should be forwarded to Legal Services. Complaints must be received by close of business, Friday, October 23, for our mandatory quarterly filing. Schools should refer to Administrative Procedure 1700 Adobe PDF, forms Form 1700-01 Adobe PDF, Form 1700-02 Adobe PDF and the fax transmittal form Adobe PDF. Questions concerning Williams Complaints should be referred to Legal Services at (619) 725-5630.

International Walk to School Day

Wednesday, October 7, is International Walk To School Day. (http://www.walktoschool-usa.org/) If your school is participating in this annual safety event, the Communications Department would like to know. Please email the planned activities and time, if applicable, to Jack Brandais, media relations specialist, at jbrandais@sandi.net. Check the calendar on the district homepage to see if your school is listed.

Character Education Month
The California Department of Education has designated October as Character Education Month. Schools are encouraged to embed character education in the core curriculum and the school culture on an ongoing basis. See attached Adobe PDF for more information. References and online resources can be found online.
Family Friendly Schools Certification Underway
Schools are encouraged to become certified as a Family Friendly School, providing opportunities to recruit new families, engage veteran families and promote volunteerism.  A simplified district certification process has been developed and the first workshop for principals and/or designated Family Friendly School team members is being offered on multiple days: October 13, 22 or 27, at the Ballard Parent Center. At the end of the year, Family Friendly Certified Schools will earn a Family Friendly School flag, district-wide recognition and additional support with school marketing efforts.  Visit the Family Friendly Schools Program website to sign up for the first workshop, find key contacts or for more information.
Human Resources Update
During the week of October 12, Human Resources will be moving staff members within the division to fit the new HR organizational structure.  During this time, Human Resources will remain open during normal business hours.
Office Depot Back to Schools Program
Spread the word about the Office Depot Back to Schools Program that earns 5% in Office Depot credit for our schools. Every time you make a purchase at an Office Depot retail store, provide your “Back to Schools” program school ID number. Your favorite school will receive 5% of qualifying school supply purchases in the form of an Office Depot merchandise card.  Visit your local Office Depot store to find a listing of 5% Back to Schools ID numbers or visit www.school.com for more information.
District Purchase Card Training

District Purchase Card training will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, on October 21 and November 18, in the Ed Center auditorium. Training is required for all new card holders, approvers or reconcilers who have not yet attended this class. RSVP to Julie Nguyen in the Fiscal Control Office at (619) 725-7669 or jnguyen1@sandi.net.

Professional Development
  • Fall Discover Program Classes
    Discover the many opportunities available for professional growth, staff development, and district salary advancement credits. A sampling of courses in October-December include:

    • CPR - Basic Life Support and First Aid (.5cr.)
    • Re-directing for a Cooperative Classroom™ (1 cr.)
    • Dynamic Management: Toward a New Concept of Classroom Control (2 cr.)
    • Functional Spanish for K-12 Teachers, Administrators, and Staff - A Guide for      
      Communicating with Students and Their Families, Part II (1 cr.) 
    • and many more…

    Please register early as classes are held based on registrations received. Visit the Discover website or for further information, contact Kathy Siverio at (619) 725-7431 or ksiverio@sandi.net.
  • Opportunities for Arts Educators
    A VAPA Standards 101 workshop will be held Thursday, October 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in room 301 at the County Office of Education, 6401 Linda Vista Rd. The workshop provides an overview of the Framework and Content Standards for the State of California, hands-on activities and networking opportunities. $40 fee includes materials and continental breakfast. For information and to register, call Ron Jessee at (858) 292-3547 or visit the County VAPA webpage.
  • 2010 Summer Fellowships for Teachers
    Fund For Teachers is now accepting applications for individual grants of $5,000 and team grants of up to $10,000 for summer 2010.  Teachers have the freedom to design and propose a summer fellowship experience that will most impact their lives, their profession and their community.  See flier Adobe PDF for more information. Applications are due by January 29, 2010.
  • CSET Prep Courses
    Teacher Preparation and Induction will offer California Subject Examinations for Teacher (CSET) Prep Courses to prepare teachers for the November 7 exam. Classes begin Thursday, October 8.  Courses are available in Single Subject English, Mathematics, Science and Multiple Subjects. Courses are free for district employees; $60 for Charter schools and all others. Register deadline is 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 1.  See registration form and schedules (multi-page PDF) Adobe PDF. For more information, contact Lucy Delvalle at ldelvalle@sandi.net or (858) 539-5330.

  • "Each One - Teach Many" Service-Learning Networking Event
    Excel Youth Zone, a partner with the Community Relations Department, is hosting a free service-learning networking event on Thursday, October 8, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at Explorer Elementary School in Liberty Station. The event will highlight a student exhibition of service-learning projects focusing on character education, PeaceJam, the environment and participation in a book project for refugee children in Uganda.  A panel of students will share their inspiring stories of service and answer questions about their experiences. RSVP in advance to Jennifer Hamilton at jhamilton@excelyouthzone.org or call (619) 599-8205 ext. 2.  All participants must sign media/photo releases.  For more information on service-learning, contact Nancy Hemmings at (619) 725-5597 or nhemmings@sandi.net.
  • Free Recorder Lessons for Teachers
    Teachers who would like to learn to play the recorder, read notes and teach students to play the recorder can sign up for a series of six music instruction classes, offered on Tuesdays, October 20 – December 1, from 4-5:30 p.m., at Crown Point Junior Music Academy. Costs are $5 for a recorder and $5 for a method book. Instruction is open to both district and out-of-district teachers.  Third grade teachers are especially encouraged to attend – the first ten 3rd grade teachers to sign up will receive a free recorder and method book. See flier Adobe PDF for more information.
  • School of Education Information Night at Point Loma Nazarene University
    Point Loma Nazarene will hold an information night on Wednesday, October 7, at 6 p.m., at its Mission Valley Regional Center. Programs offered include a Master of Arts in Teaching with Preliminary Credential (New Program), School Counseling and Administrative Credentials, Certificates, and Master of Arts in Education. To RSVP or for more information, go to www.pointloma.edu/education or call (619) 563-2810.
  • Learn More about Early San Diego History
    The San Diego Regional History Collaborative will host a two-day conference, October 10-11, focused on local race relations prior to 1848. Scholarship Funds are available from the Old Town Program to the first 20 schools to register.  Discovery credit is available for conference attendees: .5 units for 8 hours, or 1.0 unit for full two-day participation. For registration and more information, contact Karla Shiminski at kshiminski@sandi.net.

  • Growing Green Careers Symposium
    The Growing Green Careers Symposium will be held on Friday, October 16, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Cuyamaca College. The free event is for high school faculty, administrators and counselors to learn effective models for “greening” their existing curricula.  See registration information Adobe PDF for further details.
Funding Opportunities
  • Mission 4R Schools Fundraising Opportunity
    Mission Federal Credit Union’s latest program rewards new account holders $25 and a matching $25 donation to a school of choice.  See flier Adobe PDF for more information.
  • Hot Spots Community Cards
    Schools may want to consider a fundraising opportunity through Hot Spots Community Cards, raising funds while saving money for San Diego residents. The card offers repeat discounts in dining, health, automotive and entertainment. Visit www.hotspotscc.com or call (619) 955-7303.
  • Attention: Grant Seekers
    The Grants and Development Office is prepared to assist you in finding and applying for grant funding. Please visit the Grants and Development web page for helpful tips, forms and step-by-step directions about applying for grants.

Be sure to check Current Grant Opportunities to see a list of live grants, updated monthly.  Contact Aly Evans with questions at aevans2@sandi.net or (619) 725-5582.

Student Opportunities
  • Green Skills for Life
    On October 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., students are invited to learn ways to green their lives with hands-on and educational activities at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. For details on free student admission and an adult discount admission coupon, visit the webpage.
  • Careers in Pharmacy
    The pharmacy residents at VA San Diego Healthcare System invite students to learn about exciting careers in pharmacy. Topics of discussion include: reasons to pursue a career in pharmacy, the steps necessary to enter the profession and the various opportunities that are available to pharmacists.  Several dates are available during National Pharmacy Week, October 18-24. To schedule a date and for more information, contact Anh-Thu Ha at Anh-Thu.Ha@va.gov or (858) 552-8585 ext 5339.
  • Free Nano for Logo Contest Winner
    The Advanced Placement Incentive Program (APIP) needs a logo and invites contest participation from students at any of the APIP schools: Hoover, Kearny, Madison, Mission Bay, Point Loma and Serra. See contest guidelines Adobe PDF and flier Adobe PDF for more information. Deadline for logo submissions is November 2.

  • U.S. Department of Education’s Video Contest for Students
    The U.S. Department of Education invites students to submit videos for the "I Am What I Learn!" contest. The contest asks each student to lay out the reasons education is so important to his or her future. Any student with a clear vision of where their education and career training can take them is encouraged to submit a two-minute video. Participating students have the chance to win a $1,000 grand prize. Visit I am what I learn for more information. The deadline for submissions is Monday, November 2.
  • Free Pregnant Teen Workshops
    Paradise Valley Hospital’s Center for Health Promotion presents Help! I’m going to be a Mommy!, a free six-session birth education and parenting program that begins November 2. Workshops take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Paradise Valley Hospital in National City. See flier Adobe PDF for more information.

  • Cool to be Smart Program Boosts AP Class Participation
    Schools are encouraged to participate in the district’s Cool to be Smart Adobe PDF incentive program which encourages students to participate and excel in AP programs. In partnership with Mossy Automotive Group, two new cars will be given away in June 2010. Students must meet five specific criteria related to their AP studies to be eligible. For more information, contact Aly Evans at (619) 725-5582 or aevans2@sandi.net.
Parent Opportunities
Free Parenting Classes through Parent University

Ballard Parent Center in Old Town will host the first quarter of free parenting classes (flier English | Spanish Adobe PDF) from October 13 – December 9, on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Classes include “Passport to Success”, “Raising Skilled Readers” and “Tools for Life”, and are offered in both English and Spanish. Transportation and childcare are provided for Quarter I classes.

Additional classes include:

  • Families Working Together – Forum for Somali Families (English | Somali Adobe PDF )
  • Journey to Academic Success – Project Ujima, focused on African American Children (flier Adobe PDF )

For a complete list of classes offered or to register parents, call (619) 293-4431.

Upcoming Events
  • Year of the School Volunteer BBQ at Mt. Everest
    On Friday, October 9. Mt. Everest Academy will kick off the Year of the School Volunteer with a barbecue from 5:30 to 7 p.m.  Parents and students will enjoy hot dogs and refreshments while learning about different ways to help make a difference for students. See flier Adobe PDF for more information or call (858) 496-8778.

  • Free Event - Family Day in the Park
    The Commission on Children, Youth and Families presents Family Day in the Park on Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., taking place on the 6th Avenue lawn in Balboa Park.  Several local agencies will be on hand representing family support and other services. See flier (English | Spanish Adobe PDF) English/Spanish for more informaton or call (619) 338-2049.
  • AASD General Membership Meeting
    Meeting and elections will take place on Monday, October 12, at Taft Middle School in the cafeteria (north end of campus; dirt parking lot). Refreshments will be served at 4:30 p.m. with the meeting and elections from 5:15 – 6:15 p.m.  See flier Adobe PDF for details.
  • Lindbergh Schweitzer Annual Carnival
    On October 17, from noon to 4 p.m., the Lindbergh Schweitzer Elementary Magnet School P.T.A. welcomes families and the community to its annual carnival. The event will be held on the west campus and includes games, food, crafts and student entertainment.  Admission and parking are free. Craft and game tickets start at 50 cents. For more information, call the school at (858) 496-8400.
  • Kids’ NewsDay
    The 20th annual Union-Tribune Kids’ NewsDay is Tuesday, October 20.  In partnership with NBC 7/39, thousands of volunteers, including school children, firefighters and media celebrities, will sell a special $1 edition of The San Diego Union-Tribune. All proceeds from the paper benefit Rady Children's Hospital.  If your school community is interested in supporting this event, visit the Kids’ NewsDay website, call (858) 966-4965 or email sdelong@rchsd.org.  
  • Paradise Hills Fall Festival
    Paradise Hills Elementary will hold its Fall Festival on Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come join this community event and enjoy games and food. Call (619) 479-3145 for more information or email paradisehillsstaff@yahoo.com.
  • Sequoia Elementary PTA Carnival
    The carnival will be held Saturday, October 31, from noon-4 p.m. Come join this community event. Enjoy a chili cook-off and guess how much the Big Mac pumpkins weigh. Call (858) 496-8240 for more information or email sequoiaelementarypta@yahoo.com.

  • Franklin Elementary Celebrates 80 Years
    An 80th Year Celebration will be held at the school on Saturday, November 14, at 1 p.m.  The Franklin Alumni committee invites former Franklinites to share photos, stories and memorabilia in preparation for the celebration. Visit the reunion website or see flier for registration and other information.

View upcoming events throughout the district on the Campus Calendar.

Classified Ads

Wanted

For Sale

  • Armoire: New, one owner, Century.com, golden khaki, valued at $3,000. Must sell at $550/obo. Call Andrew at (858) 488-5287.

  • Exotic plants: Very rare and exotic Dragon Fruit (Pitahaya) plants, different sizes. Call (760) 510-6934.

  • South Lake Tahoe Timeshare: Tahoe Seasons Resort, prime time, any week, all-suite accommodations across from Heavenly Ski Resort California Base Lodge. Price: $1, plus $32 in taxes and $700 in dues. Contact Deanna at dhastings2@sandi.net.

For Rent

  • 4 BR/2BA house in Granite Hills: 1,546 sq. ft., AC, large yard, 2-car attached garage, fridge, W/D, dishwasher. $2,200/month. Call (858) 278-8053.

  • 4BR/2BA house in Clairemont: Newly remodeled, near Holmes Elementary, 2-car garage, W/D. $2,100/month. Call (858) 495-0107.

  • Office space downtown: Available Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., many free amenities. Located in downtown San Diego financial district. $275/month. Call (619) 549-2199.

  • Room in San Carlos area:  3BR house close to Grossmont College, SDSU and all freeways. $500/month. Call (619) 582-6874.

Travel

  • Spring Break in Paris
    Join art teachers on an 8-day trip, March 26-April 3, 2010. Round trip airfare, ground transportation, hotel, two meals a day and several top attractions and tours included. $2,300. For more information, contact Marty Stegeman at mstegeman@sandi.net.
  • Japan in Summer 2010
    10-day trip to Japan in July/August 2010. $4,000 includes r/t air fare, 3-4 star hotels, all breakfasts and dinners, personal tour guide, taxes, surcharges, entrance fees +. E-mail Julia Groff at jgroff@sandi.net.

  • Galapagos Islands in Summer 2010
    Join Roosevelt Middle School staffers June 29 – July 6, 2010, in the Galapagos Islands. $1,995 (air/land) + taxes. Limited to 30 people. Contact sboe@sandi.net.
Classified ads are accepted from district employees only and cannot be used to advertise commercial activities. Submit ads by e-mail to communications@sandi.net. Limit to 15 words (not including phone number). Include work location and phone number (for ID purposes only).

 

Do you have an announcement for Newsline? Newsline is published every Monday; the deadline to submit items is noon on the preceding Friday.  E-mail items to communications@sandi.net and mark “Newsline” in the subject line.