Friday, May 29, 2009

NEWS RELEASE -- Campus Calendar from the San Diego Unified School District

Campus Calendar -- Upcoming Events in the San Diego Unified School District, May 29, 2009

Your coverage is invited of any of the following upcoming events on the campuses of the San Diego Unified School District.

Note: Sandburg Elementary School's concert has been moved to June 9.

(*) New or revised this week.

May

30 -- "Annie Jr." Benchley-Weinberger Elementary School, 6269 Twin Lake Dr. (92119). It's the classic comic strip story with Annie, Daddy Warbucks as the spunky Depression-era orphan has fun-filled adventures. Performances by the fourth grade classes of a junior version of the classic "Annie" with shows daily at 6:30 p.m., 12:30 p.m. on May 28-29. Information: (619) 463-9271. Open to the public.

30 -- Birney's Annual Rummage Sale and Pancake Breakfast, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Birney Elementary School, 4345 Campus Ave. (92103). Arts, crafts and just stuff will be available for purchase and rummaging through during the annual event, which goes to support the International Studies Magnet and other programs at the school. Information: (619) 497-3500. Open to the public.

30 -- Film Festival, 11:30-1:30, Ken Theatre, 4061 Adams Ave. (92116). International Baccalaureate Film Studies students from the School of International Studies at the San Diego High School Complex will present a festival of their photographic and film work. Information: (619) 525-7464. Open to the public.

June

* 1 -- District E Community Forum with Board President Shelia Jackson, 6 p.m., Crawford High School, 4191 Colts Way, 92115. Join Board of Education District E Representative Shelia Jackson in a public meeting with her constituents. Contact: (619) 725-5550. Open to the public.

1 -- Dance Salon, 7 p.m., San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) Florence Johnson Grand Theatre, 2425 Dusk Drive (92139). This is the first event of the exciting new Salon Series at SCPA; discourse will center on the art and performance of dance with professional dancers/choreographers and the SCPA faculty. Admission is free. Box office: (619) 475-8556 or go to www.scpa.sandi.net. Open to the pubic.

2 -- Makeover Day II, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Walker Elementary School, 9245 Hillery Dr. (92126). Volunteer San Diego and Met Life Volunteers will be working with students and staff to beautify the Mira Mesa school. Contact: Rochelle Dawes, Principal, (858) 566-7370. Not open to the public.

3 -- Madison Spring Concert, 6:30 p.m., Madison High School, 4833 Dolvia Drive. Madison's choral department will present their Spring Concert in the Performing Arts Center. Pizza and drinks will be available for sale at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door. Please join us and help support choral music at Madison. Contact: (858) 496-8410. Open to the public.

* 3 -- Mission Bay High Dixie Jazz Band Performs at Padres Discount Ticket Night, 7 p.m., Petco Park. San Diego Unified and the Padres have teemed to give all fans a great ticket discount and the Padres will donate $2 a ticket to San Diego Unified's Visual and Performing Arts Programs. Tonight the Padres play the Phillies and before the game, the Mission Bay High Dixie Jazz Band performs at the Park in the Park. Just go to the website, www.padres.com/grouppromo and enter the code "SDUSD" for the discount. Other games: Friday, June 19, vs. Oakland; Tuesday, June 30 vs. Houston.

3-6 -- SCPA Student Art Exhibition, Ole Kittleson Little Theatre, San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), 2425 Dusk Drive (92139). Drawing, painting, sculpture, and photography will be featured from students grades six through twelve. Included are pieces inspired by art throughout the ages and award winners from various competitions. Information: (619) 470-0555 or www.scpa.sandi.net. Free and open to the public during school hours.

4-6 -- SCPA Spring Dance Concert, 7 p.m., San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) Florence Johnson Grand Theatre, 2425 Dusk Drive (92139). Showcasing SCPA's Dance Ensembles as well as intermediate and new dancers, and pre-majors in a variety of different styles including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and musical theatre. Tickets are $8-$10 adults, $7-$9 for students, senior and military. Box office: (619) 475- 8556 or go to www.scpa.sandi.net. Open to the public.

4 -- District English Learner Advisory Committee, 6:30 p.m., Harold J. Ballard Parent Center at Fremont Elementary School, 2375 Congress Ave. (92110). Committee includes representatives from each school's English Learner Advisory Committee, a school-based committee required if there are more than 21 English Learners at that school. Information: Office of Language Acquisition, (619) 725-7264. Open to the public.

4 -- Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for Special Education, 7 p.m., Lindbergh-Schweitzer School, West Campus Auditorium, 4133 Mt. Albertine, 992111). The committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Education and Special Education administration on the implementation of the Special Education Local Plan. Contact: Susan Martinez, Staff Liaison, (619) 725-7650. Open to the public.

5 -- Bayview Terrace Elementary Military Appreciation Day, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Bayview Terrace Elementary School, 2445 Fogg St. (92109) Music by the U.S. Navy Band, poetry and essay readings, patriotic songs, military displays, and special letters and banners made for the troops overseas will all be a part of this special event. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served at the conclusion of the program. Information: (858) 273-5244. Open to the public.

* 8 -- District E Community Forum with Board President Shelia Jackson, 6 p.m., Porter Elementary School (south campus), 4800 T Street, 92113. Join Board of Education District E Representative Shelia Jackson in a public meeting with her constituents. Contact: (619) 725-5550. Open to the public.

9 -- Concert on the Green, 6-7 p.m., Sandburg Elementary School, 11230 Avenida del Gato (92126). The concert is presented by our Sandburg Band and Orchestra under the musical direction of Harvey Tellinghuisen and Steve Luchs. The concert takes place on campus on the grassy knoll. Come and enjoy a musical delight under the stars. Contact: Laurie Hinzman, principal (858) 566-0510 x1103. Open to the public.

9 -- Board of Education Meeting, 5 p.m., Auditorium, Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal Street (92103). Open to the public. Agenda and information: www.sandi.net/indices/board.htm

10 -- District Advisory Council for Compensatory Education Programs, 6:30 p.m., Harold J. Ballard Parent Center at Fremont Elementary School, 2375 Congress Ave. (92110). Parents, staff and community leaders consult with the Board of Education and district staff on behalf of Title I compensatory education program participants. Information: Program Monitoring Department, (858) 496-4048. Open to the public.

12, 15 - 2009 Senior High School Commencement Ceremonies, Various times, locations. http://www.sandi.net/commencement.pdf

* 13 Auditions for Summer Intensive, San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), 2425 Dusk Drive (92139). Auditions for intensive two-week program that gives advancing high school students an opportunity to develop in their chosen arts discipline; taught by SCPA faculty and Master Artists from San Diego and Los Angeles. Program is free for accepted students. Contact: Artistic Director Richard Trujillo at (619) 470-0555. Not open to the public.

15 -- Traditional Calendar Last Day of School.
* 15 -- District E Community Forum with Board President Shelia Jackson, 6 p.m., Morse High School, 6905 Skyline Drive (92114). Join Board of Education District E Representative Shelia Jackson in a public meeting with her constituents. Contact: (619) 725-5550. Open to the public.

* 19 -- Padres Discount Ticket Night, 7 p.m., Petco Park. San Diego Unified and the Padres have teemed to give all fans a great ticket discount and the Padres will donate $2 a ticket to San Diego Unified's Visual and Performing Arts Programs. Tonight the Padres play the Oakland A's. Just go to the website, www.padres.com/grouppromo and enter the code "SDUSD" for the discount. Other game: Tuesday, June 30 vs. Houston.

22 -- Summer Fun Café Begins at 22 schools throughout the district. Summer lunch program at schools and recreation centers is open to all children under the age of 18. Contact: Food Services, Joanne Tucker, (858) 627-7301. Open to the public.

24-Board of Education Meeting, 5 p.m., Auditorium, Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal Street (92103). Open to the public. Agenda and information: www.sandi.net/indices/board.htm

24 -- Summer Fun Café Kickoff, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Skyline Hills Recreation Center, 8285 Skyline Dr.. San Diego. Matt Wilhelm, linebacker, San Diego Chargers, is Master of Ceremonies to mark the opening of the kids' lunch program. Contact: Food Services, Joanne Tucker, (858) 627-7301. Open to the public.

25 -- Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for Special Education Executive Committee, 6:30 p.m., Ballard Parent Center, Room 3, 2375 Congress Street, (92110). The committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Education and Special Education administration on the implementation of the Special Education Local Plan. Contact: Susan Martinez, Staff Liaison, (619) 725-7650. Open to the public.

26 -- Celebration of the Arts from Page to Stage, 6 p.m., Montgomery Middle School, 2470 Ulric St. (92111). Creative writing, poetry, music, dance, visual arts and more have been part of the Montgomery Middle School staff and students partnership with the San Diego Art Institute in Balboa Park. The climax of the 16 week program is the celebration. Information: (858) 496-8330. Open to the public.

30 - Ocean Beach Elementary School Artwork On Display at Ocean Beach Shops and Restaurants, open business hours in the Ocean Beach community. Student work from the AT&T Yellow Pages Project Redirectory Phone Book Recycling Art Challenge will be decorating businesses, including 10-15 pieces at the Ocean Beach Peoples Organic Food Co-op. Contact: Donna Lamb, Ocean Beach Elementary School, (619) 223-1631

30-31 -- Character Development Conference, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., University of San Diego, School of Leadership and Education Sciences, Character Development Center. Two-day conference includes speakers who will discuss the particulars of character education. A program of the University of San Diego. Information: (619) 260-2250. Open to the public with fee and registration.

July

3 -- Independence Day Observed, all schools and administrative offices closed.

21 -- Year-Round Calendar Last Day of School.
August

3-14. Summer Intensive, San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), 2425 Dusk Drive (92139). Two-week for advancing high school students interested developing their chosen arts discipline; taught by SCPA faculty and Master Artists from San Diego and Los Angeles. Contact: Artistic Director, Richard Trujillo, (619) 470-0555, ext. 212. Not open to the public.

September

8 - First Day of Classes for 2009/2010 School Year
October

30-31 -- Crawford High Class of 1959 50th Reunion, Town and Country Hotel, Mission Valley. Contacts: Sandra Craig Allen, (951) 301-7098; Alice James McCapes, (951) 306-7706.

Ongoing

Tuesday: Mira Mesa Farmer's Market, Mira Mesa High School, 3-7 p.m., 10510 Reagan Rd. (92126). Some proceeds go to the Mira Mesa High School Foundation. Contact: www.miramesafarmersmarket.com.

Thursday: de Portola Middle School Farmers Market, 3-7 p.m., 11010 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. (92124). Information: (858) 272-7054. Open to the public.

Saturday: Scripps Ranch Farmers Market and Art Festival, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary School, 11778 Cypress Canyon Rd. (92131). (92131). Contact: Bev Cassity, (858) 586-7933, srfarmersmarket@aol.com, or visit www.srfm.org. Open to the public.

Sunday: La Jolla Elementary Open Air Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., La Jolla Elementary School, 1111 Marine St., La Jolla (92037). Proceeds benefit La Jolla Elementary School. Market hotline, (858) 454-1699. Web site: www.lajollamarket.com. Open to the public.

Notes to editors and reporters

-- To receive news releases by e-mail from San Diego Unified, go to http://sandi.net/comm/media/signup/.

-- FAXes: Do you still want faxes of this to your newsroom? Want faxes but aren't receiving them? Send an e-mail to jbrandais@sandi.net and let us know.

-- Friday Notes Online: Each Friday afternoon, Superintendent Terry Grier updates district staff and community on a variety of issues. The newsletter is posted online at www.sandi.net/fridaynotes/archive.html. To sign up for the Friday Notes e-mail list, go to www.sandi.net/fridaynotes/signup/default.aspx.

-- To separate public events from school functions we'd like you to cover, items open to the public are now labeled as such. "Not open to the public" means that you're welcome to cover it, but it's not something to list in an events calendar.
# # #


Jack Brandais
Communications Department
San Diego Unified School District
(619) 607-0477 (cell)
(619) 725-5570 (desk)
You are a subscriber to the news release mailing list for the San Diego Unified School District. To unsubscribe, send a message to "media@lists-sandi-net" with the word "unsubscribe" in the body of the message.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Post Enclosures

PLEASE NOTE:  Attached notices and agenda:

 

·          Notice of Special Board Meeting/Agenda—Tuesday, June 2, 2009, 8:30 a.m.

 

Supporting documentation for agenda items can be found at the following link: http://www.boarddocs.com/ca/sandi/board.nsf

 

Thank you.

 

Melissa Hudson

Confidential Administrative Assistant II

Board of Education

San Diego Unified School District

4100 Normal Street, Room 2231

San Diego, CA 92103-2682

Office: (619) 725-5550

Fax: (619) 297-5624

mmabe2@sandi.net

"The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives." - Robert M. Hutchins

SCPA Summer Intensive PR

News Release from the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, May 28, 2009

San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) is proud to announce the first ever Summer Intensive August 3-14, 2009,
featuring well known guest Master Artists

SAN DIEGO – A new pilot Summer Intensive Program will take place this summer August 3-14, 2009 at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA). This intensive two-week program is designed to give advancing high school students an opportunity to ensconce themselves in their chosen discipline. The program is designed after The Juilliard School's summer intensive and is funded through the 21st Century ASSET's grant. Required auditions are set for June 13, 2009.

Students will need to audition to be accepted into the program. Once accepted students will attend classes that are designed to challenge and further develop technique and theory. Classes will take place beginning August 3, at 9 a.m. Each student will be required to attend both the morning and afternoon sessions. Morning sessions will end at 12 noon and afternoon sessions will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. and run till 3:30 p.m. SCPA faculty will teach morning sessions.

SCPA is thrilled to announce that the afternoon sessions will be led by guest Master Artists from San Diego and Los Angeles! Names include Sam Woodhouse, Artistic Director at San Diego Repertory Company, Pablo Francisco from The Limon Dance Company, Sandy McCree from HBO's The Wire, and Dr. Ella Steinberg, conductor for the San Diego Youth Symphony.

Students who are serious about their major, and committed to this kind of intensified training are encouraged to sign up for an audition. Auditions will held on Saturday, June 13, 2009 on the campus of SCPA. Please contact Artistic Director, Richard Trujillo, at 619/470-0555, ext. 21 2 to schedule an audition time.

Finally, this is a professional audition, which does take time. Class sizes are extremely limited for this pilot program! SCPA hopes that the success of this year's intensive will allow this district arts-based magnet school to expand the program next summer. As a result, please be advised that this will be a very competitive audition.

# # #

Please use the following as a listing for your publication or announcement schedules:

August 3-14. Summer Intensive, San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), 2425 Dusk Drive (92139). Intensive two-week pilot program designed to give advancing high school students an opportunity to further their development in their chosen arts discipline. Taught by SCPA faculty and Master Artists from San Diego and Los Angeles. Auditions will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2009 on the campus of SCPA. Program is free for accepted students. Please contact Artistic Director, Richard Trujillo at 619/470-0555, x 212 to schedule an audition time.

# # #

Contact: David Donadio
Press and Promotions
San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts
619/470-0555, x 135

You are a subscriber to the news release mailing list for the San Diego Unified School District. To unsubscribe, send a message to "media@lists-sandi-net" with the word "unsubscribe" in the body of the message.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Post Enclosures

PLEASE NOTE:  Attached notices and agenda:

 

·          Notice of Special Board Meeting/Agenda—Tuesday, June 2, 2009, 5:00 p.m.

·          Notice of Cancellation of Special Meeting---Tuesday, June 2, 2009, 8:00 a.m.

 

Supporting documentation for agenda items (Closed Session excluded) can be found at the following link: http://www.boarddocs.com/ca/sandi/board.nsf

 

Please forward to staff as appropriate, print notice and agenda, and post in a prominent, accessible location at your site.

 

Thank you.

 

Melissa Hudson

Confidential Administrative Assistant II

Board of Education

San Diego Unified School District

4100 Normal Street, Room 2231

San Diego, CA 92103-2682

Office: (619) 725-5550

Fax: (619) 297-5624

mmabe2@sandi.net

"The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives." - Robert M. Hutchins

 

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

NEWS RELEASE -- Board Facing Tough Choices at June 2 Meeting

NEWS RELEASE from the San Diego Unified School District, May 26, 2009

Board Facing Tough Choices at June 2 Meeting

Superintendent Lists Possible Cuts to Close $135 Million Gap

SAN DIEGO -- Nearly $135 million in budget cuts for the 2009-10 school year will be considered by the Board of Education at its special June 2, 2009 meeting.

The cuts, a result of a reduction in funds from the State of California, are on top of $45 million approved by the Board on March 10.

Superintendent Terry Grier presented a list of alternatives to the Board at its budget workshop on May 26, which included a variety of program and staff reductions. In a video to the school community recorded on Friday, May 22, Grier said that expenses have continued to grow even though the funding will decline for the 2009-10 school year.

“Never in my career have I experienced the budget disaster that is now impacting California’s schools,” said Grier.

The Board spent more than two hours discussing the budget situation, which is a result of the defeat May 19 of several statewide budget propositions and lower than project tax receipts.

The May 21 revised budget statement from the Governor is a $26 million cut in the current, 2008-09 school budget, and an additional $62 million reduction in the projected 2009-10 funding, as well as $3.5 million in Title I funding. Schools must present a balanced budget for the ending, new and next school year by July 1.

Current estimates are that the district has projected expenditures for the 2009-10 school year of $1.3 billion, with funding of $1.1 billion.

Backup materials for the May 26 meeting are online; as is a full list of the proposed reductions.

Among the proposed cuts:

·       Off-Campus Integrated Learning Experiences (OCILE) programs closed; these are the weeklong Old Town (4th grade), Balboa Park (5th grade) and Palomar Mountain (6th grade camp) programs.

·       Class Size Increases: 9th grade English classes, removes 15 students to one teacher ratio; K-2 (15:1 in 29 schools) and K-3 (under state-mandated 22); GATE Seminar from 23:1 to 25:1.

·       Positions: 19 landscapers; 28 elementary counselors; 91.5 health techs; 18.5 district librarians; 43 vice principals; 110.89 central office positions.

·       25 percent reduction in school site supply budgets.

Additional items are awaiting negotiations with employee unions, including changes to the healthcare package, a district-wide salary rollback and increasing class size in grades 6-12.

Other options not currently under consideration but available for Board review are elimination of the Visual and Performing Arts Programs, athletics in grades 9-12 and reducing the district’s reserve contribution.

The time of the June 2, 2009 meeting has not yet been announced. For the agenda and other information on the meeting, go online to the district’s website, www.sandi.net.

# # #



Jack Brandais
Communications Department
San Diego Unified School District
(619) 607-0477 (cell)
(619) 725-5570 (desk)

SCPA Dance Salon Press Release

News Release from the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, May 26, 20009

San Diego School of Creative and Performing (SCPA) Announces a New Salon Series Beginning on June 1, 2009 With the First Dance Salon

SAN DIEGO - A new Salon Series will begin on June 1, 2009 with a DANCE SALON at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA). The dictionary defines salon as "the periodic gathering of people of social and intellectual distinction," as well as "a hall or gallery for the exhibition of art." It is with this in mind that this arts-based magnet school program in the S. D. Unified School District will present an ongoing series of community forums with working arts professionals from each discipline of visual arts, dance, music, choral, drama, and musical theatre. The entire series will be FREE and open to the public. This event will take place beginning at 7 p.m. in the Florence Johnson Grand Theatre.

This first ever Salon will center on the art and performance of dance and will include such well known professionals as Maria Mahon of the California Ballet, Jean Isaacs from San Diego Dance, Kathryn Irye, owner of Stage 7, Nikki Dunnan of the Eveoke Dance Company, as well as the distinguished faculty. Several of the participating community artists are from arts organizations around San Diego, which make up SCPA's Partners in Education. This forum will serve the purposes of discourse, asking and answering questions, while at the same time educating parents and students and expanding appreciation for the art of dance.

With the recent appointment of Mr. Richard Trujillo as the new Artistic Director at SCPA, a stronger emphasis of sharing SCPA's strengths with San Diego and the national arts scene has become a goal. Mrs. Mitzi Lizarraga, the Principal, and the Arts Department Chairpersons are currently fine tuning next year's season of performances and events which will expand the audience for SCPA and extend the knowledge and range of performers enrolled in the magnet arts program.

This new Salon Series is but one of several innovations in the works for the upcoming SCPA 2009-2010 Performance Season. Information concerning this will be forthcoming. For additional information on this event and the remaining 2008-2009 shows, which include the SENIOR CONCERTO SHOWCASE May 29, 2009, the STUDENT ART EXHIBITION June 3-6, 2009, and the SPRING DANCE CONCERT June 4-6, 2009, please contact the school at 619/470-0555 and the Box Office at 619/475-8556.
# # #

Please use the following as a listing for you publication or announcement schedules:

June 1. Dance Salon, Florence Johnson Grand Theatre, San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), 2425 Dusk Drive (2139). This is the first event of the exciting new Salon Series at SCPA; it centers on the art and performance of dance with professional dancers/choreographers and the SCPA faculty. This community forum begins at 7 p.m. Box office: (619) 475-8556 or go to www.scpa.sandi.net. Admission is FREE. Open to the pubic.

# # #

For Immediate Release
Contact: David Donadio
Press and Promotions
San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts
619/470-0555
You are a subscriber to the news release mailing list for the San Diego Unified School District. To unsubscribe, send a message to "media@lists-sandi-net" with the word "unsubscribe" in the body of the message.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Today's Board Budget Meetings Live Online

Today's important Board of Education meetings are being streamed live online and shown in the San Diego area on cable Ch. 16. The board budget workshop began at 8:30 a.m. and the regular meeting will begin at 5 p.m. The streaming address is:

http://www.sandi.net/board/video.html

A list of proposed cuts to close a budget gap of approximately $180 million is available online at

http://www.boarddocs.com/ca/sandi/Board.nsf/bed78c7a5382b7b98725731b0060c8db/5bfca2722892ae61872575bc0056005c?OpenDocument


Jack Brandais
Media Relations
San Diego Unified School District
(619) 725-5570 (desk)
(619) 607-0477 (cell)

You are a subscriber to the news release mailing list for the San Diego Unified School District. To unsubscribe, send a message to "media@lists-sandi-net" with the word "unsubscribe" in the body of the message.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Post Enclosures

PLEASE NOTE:  Attached notice and agenda:

 

·          Notice of Revision to Agenda of Regular Board Meeting/Agenda—Tuesday, May 26, 2009, 5:00 p.m.

 

Supporting documentation for agenda items (Closed Session excluded) can be found at the following link: http://www.boarddocs.com/ca/sandi/board.nsf

 

Please forward to staff as appropriate, print notice and agenda, and post in a prominent, accessible location at your site.

 

Thank you.

 

 

Josefina Viorato -

Confidential Administrative Assistant II

San Diego Unified School District

Board Services

4100 Normal Street, Room 2231

San Diego, CA  92103

( (619) 725-5551

7 (619) 297-5624

* jviorato@sandi.net

"Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

 

NEWS RELEASE -- Campus Calendar from the San Diego Unified School District

Campus Calendar -- Upcoming Events in the San Diego Unified School District, May 22, 2009

Your coverage is invited of any of the following upcoming events on the campuses of the San Diego Unified School District.

(*) New or revised this week.

May

25 -- Memorial Day, all schools and offices closed.

* 26-Board of Education Meetings, 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Auditorium, Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal Street (92103). Special morning workshop to work on budget issues; evening meeting will have standard agenda. Open to the public.

27 -- GATE Distinguished Lecture Series with Eric Jensen, 7 p.m., Auditorium, Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal Street (92103). Jensen, author of "Parenting the Gifted Brain," is the guest speaker at this lecture series, sponsored by the Gifted and Talented Education Department. The series gives the community a chance to hear and meet experts in the field of gifted education. Contact: GATE Department, (858) 573-5998. Open to the public.

* 28 - AT&T Yellow Pages Project Redirectory Phone Book Recycling Art Challenge Exhibition and Ocean Beach Elementary Open House, 6 p.m., Ocean Beach Elementary School, 4741 Santa Monica Ave. (92107). Student artwork will decorate the walls of the school as parents and the community are invited to stop by. Information: (619) 223-1631. Open to the public.

* 28-30 -- "Annie Jr." Benchley-Weinberger Elementary School, 6269 Twin Lake Dr. (92119). It's the classic comic strip story with Annie, Daddy Warbucks as the spunky Depression-era orphan has fun-filled adventures. Performances by the fourth grade classes of a junior version of the classic "Annie" with shows daily at 6:30 p.m., 12:30 p.m. on May 28-29. Information: (619) 463-9271. Open to the public.

28 -- Sandburg School Student Art Exhibit and Open House, 6 p.m., 11230 Avenida del Gato (92126). Student artwork (grades K-5) will be displayed throughout the auditorium. Parents, students, and community members are invited to tour the art exhibit as well as classrooms during this time to view additional student academic products and celebrations. Contact: Laurie Hinzman, principal, at (858) 566-0510 x1103. Open to the public.

28 -- Community Advisory Committee for Special Education Executive Committee, 6:30 p.m., Ballard Parent Center, Room 3, 2375 Congress Street, (92110). The advisory committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Education and Special Education administration on the implementation of the Special Education Local Plan. Contact: Susan Martinez, Staff Liaison, (619) 725-7650. Open to the public.

29 -- Senior Concerto Showcase, 6 p.m., San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) Florence Johnson Grand Theatre, 2425 Dusk Drive (92139). Spotlighting SCPA's graduating senior musicians in virtuoso performances and featuring Grammy nominated viola artist, Karen Elaine, SPCA class of 1983. FREE admission; donations welcome to support the Music Department. Box Office (619) 475-8556 or visit the website at www.scpa.sandi.net. Open to the public.

29 -- Makeover Day I, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Walker Elementary School, 9245 Hillery Dr. (92126). Volunteer San Diego and Met Life Volunteers will be working with students and staff to beautify the Mira Mesa school. Second day will be Tuesday, June 2. Contact: Rochelle Dawes, Principal, (858) 566-7370. Not open to the public.

* 30 -- Birney's Annual Rummage Sale and Pancake Breakfast, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Birney Elementary School, 4345 Campus Ave. (92103). Arts, crafts and just stuff will be available for purchase and rummaging through during the annual event, which goes to support the International Studies Magnet and other programs at the school. Information: (619) 497-3500. Open to the public.

30 -- Film Festival, 11:30-1:30, Ken Theatre, 4061 Adams Ave. (92116). International Baccalaureate Film Studies students from the School of International Studies at the San Diego High School Complex will present a festival of their photographic and film work. Information: (619) 525-7464. Open to the public.

June

* 1 -- Dance Salon, 7 p.m., San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) Florence Johnson Grand Theatre, 2425 Dusk Drive (92139). This is the first event of the exciting new Salon Series at SCPA; discourse will center on the art and performance of dance with professional dancers/choreographers and the SCPA faculty. Admission is free. Box office: (619) 475-8556 or go to www.scpa.sandi.net. Open to the pubic.

2 -- Makeover Day II, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Walker Elementary School, 9245 Hillery Dr. (92126). Volunteer San Diego and Met Life Volunteers will be working with students and staff to beautify the Mira Mesa school. Contact: Rochelle Dawes, Principal, (858) 566-7370. Not open to the public.

3 -- Concert on the Green, 6-7 p.m., Sandburg Elementary School, 11230 Avenida del Gato (92126). The concert is presented by our Sandburg Band and Orchestra under the musical direction of Harvey Tellinghuisen and Steve Luchs. The concert takes place on campus on the grassy knoll. Come and enjoy a musical delight under the stars. Contact: Laurie Hinzman, principal (858) 566-0510 x1103. Open to the public.

3 -- Madison Spring Concert, 6:30 p.m., Madison High School, 4833 Dolvia Drive. Madison's choral department will present their Spring Concert in the Performing Arts Center. Pizza and drinks will be available for sale at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door. Please join us and help support choral music at Madison. Contact: (858) 496-8410. Open to the public.

3-6 -- SCPA Student Art Exhibition, Ole Kittleson Little Theatre, San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), 2425 Dusk Drive (92139). Drawing, painting, sculpture, and photography will be featured from students grades six through twelve. Included are pieces inspired by art throughout the ages and award winners from various competitions. Information: (619) 470-0555 or www.scpa.sandi.net. Free and open to the public during school hours.

4-6 -- SCPA Spring Dance Concert, 7 p.m., San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) Florence Johnson Grand Theatre, 2425 Dusk Drive (92139). Showcasing SCPA's Dance Ensembles as well as intermediate and new dancers, and pre-majors in a variety of different styles including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and musical theatre. Tickets are $8-$10 adults, $7-$9 for students, senior and military. Box office: (619) 475- 8556 or go to www.scpa.sandi.net. Open to the public.

4 -- District English Learner Advisory Committee, 6:30 p.m., Harold J. Ballard Parent Center at Fremont Elementary School, 2375 Congress Ave. (92110). Committee includes representatives from each school's English Learner Advisory Committee, a school-based committee required if there are more than 21 English Learners at that school. Information: Office of Language Acquisition, (619) 725-7264. Open to the public.

4 -- Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for Special Education, 7 p.m., Lindbergh-Schweitzer School, West Campus Auditorium, 4133 Mt. Albertine, 992111). The committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Education and Special Education administration on the implementation of the Special Education Local Plan. Contact: Susan Martinez, Staff Liaison, (619) 725-7650. Open to the public.

5 -- Bayview Terrace Elementary Military Appreciation Day, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Bayview Terrace Elementary School, 2445 Fogg St. (92109) Music by the U.S. Navy Band, poetry and essay readings, patriotic songs, military displays, and special letters and banners made for the troops overseas will all be a part of this special event. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served at the conclusion of the program. Information: (858) 273-5244. Open to the public.

* 9 -- Board of Education Meeting, 5 p.m., Auditorium, Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal Street (92103). Open to the public. Agenda and information: www.sandi.net/indices/board.htm

10 -- District Advisory Council for Compensatory Education Programs, 6:30 p.m., Harold J. Ballard Parent Center at Fremont Elementary School, 2375 Congress Ave. (92110). Parents, staff and community leaders consult with the Board of Education and district staff on behalf of Title I compensatory education program participants. Information: Program Monitoring Department, (858) 496-4048. Open to the public.

12, 15 - 2009 Senior High School Commencement Ceremonies, Various times, locations. http://www.sandi.net/commencement.pdf

15 -- Traditional Calendar Last Day of School.

22 -- Summer Fun Café Begins at 22 schools throughout the district. Summer lunch program at schools and recreation centers is open to all children under the age of 18. Contact: Food Services, Joanne Tucker, (858) 627-7301. Open to the public.

* 24-Board of Education Meeting, 5 p.m., Auditorium, Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal Street (92103). Open to the public. Agenda and information: www.sandi.net/indices/board.htm

24 -- Summer Fun Café Kickoff, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Skyline Hills Recreation Center, 8285 Skyline Dr.. San Diego. Matt Wilhelm, linebacker, San Diego Chargers, is Master of Ceremonies to mark the opening of the kids' lunch program. Contact: Food Services, Joanne Tucker, (858) 627-7301. Open to the public.

25 -- Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for Special Education Executive Committee, 6:30 p.m., Ballard Parent Center, Room 3, 2375 Congress Street, (92110). The committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Education and Special Education administration on the implementation of the Special Education Local Plan. Contact: Susan Martinez, Staff Liaison, (619) 725-7650. Open to the public.

26 -- Celebration of the Arts from Page to Stage, 6 p.m., Montgomery Middle School, 2470 Ulric St. (92111). Creative writing, poetry, music, dance, visual arts and more have been part of the Montgomery Middle School staff and students partnership with the San Diego Art Institute in Balboa Park. The climax of the 16 week program is the celebration. Information: (858) 496-8330. Open to the public.

30 - Ocean Beach Elementary School Artwork On Display at Ocean Beach Shops and Restaurants, open business hours in the Ocean Beach community. Student work from the AT&T Yellow Pages Project Redirectory Phone Book Recycling Art Challenge will be decorating businesses, including 10-15 pieces at the Ocean Beach Peoples Organic Food Co-op. Contact: Donna Lamb, Ocean Beach Elementary School, (619) 223-1631

30-31 -- Character Development Conference, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., University of San Diego, School of Leadership and Education Sciences, Character Development Center. Two-day conference includes speakers who will discuss the particulars of character education. A program of the University of San Diego. Information: (619) 260-2250. Open to the public with fee and registration.

July

3 -- Independence Day Observed, all schools and administrative offices closed.

21 -- Year-Round Calendar Last Day of School.

September

8 - First Day of Classes for 2009/2010 School Year

October

30-31 -- Crawford High Class of 1959 50th Reunion, Town and Country Hotel, Mission Valley. Contacts: Sandra Craig Allen, (951) 301-7098; Alice James McCapes, (951) 306-7706.

Ongoing

Tuesday: Mira Mesa Farmer's Market, Mira Mesa High School, 3-7 p.m., 10510 Reagan Rd. (92126). Some proceeds go to the Mira Mesa High School Foundation. Contact: www.miramesafarmersmarket.com.

Thursday: de Portola Middle School Farmers Market, 3-7 p.m., 11010 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. (92124). Information: (858) 272-7054. Open to the public.

Saturday: Scripps Ranch Farmers Market and Art Festival, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary School, 11778 Cypress Canyon Rd. (92131). (92131). Contact: Bev Cassity, (858) 586-7933, srfarmersmarket@aol.com, or visit www.srfm.org. Open to the public.

Sunday: La Jolla Elementary Open Air Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., La Jolla Elementary School, 1111 Marine St., La Jolla (92037). Proceeds benefit La Jolla Elementary School. Market hotline, (858) 454-1699. Web site: www.lajollamarket.com. Open to the public.

Notes to editors and reporters

-- To receive news releases by e-mail from San Diego Unified, go to http://sandi.net/comm/media/signup/.

-- FAXes: Do you still want faxes of this to your newsroom? Want faxes but aren't receiving them? Send an e-mail to jbrandais@sandi.net and let us know.

-- Friday Notes Online: Each Friday afternoon, Superintendent Terry Grier updates district staff and community on a variety of issues. The newsletter is posted online at www.sandi.net/fridaynotes/archive.html. To sign up for the Friday Notes e-mail list, go to www.sandi.net/fridaynotes/signup/default.aspx.

-- To separate public events from school functions we'd like you to cover, items open to the public are now labeled as such. "Not open to the public" means that you're welcome to cover it, but it's not something to list in an events calendar.

# # #

Jack Brandais
Communications Department
San Diego Unified School District
(619) 607-0477 (cell)
(619) 725-5570 (desk)
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NEWS RELEASE -- Special Tuesday Morning Board Meeting Tackles Budget Issues

News Release from the San Diego Unified School District, May 22, 2009

SPECIAL TUESDAY MORNING BOARD MEETING TACKLES BUDGET ISSUES

SAN DIEGO -- The continuing budget crisis in California -- and its
effects on San Diego Unified -- will be the topic of a special Board of
Education workshop starting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, in the
Education Center auditorium, 4100 Normal Street.

Superintendent Terry Grier is expected to have budget figures for the
current and next school years, based on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's May
15 revised estimate.

Because of the failure of the state budget propositions on May 19 and
the continued economic distress in the state, it is expected that Dr.
Grier will be proposing additional cuts on next year's school district
budget.

The meeting is open to the public and public testimony will be taken. It
will be televised on cable Ch. 16 (Cox/Time Warner within the district
boundaries) and streamed over the internet from the district website.

The regular, 5 p.m. meeting on Tuesday will still be held. That meeting
is also open to the public.

# # #

Board of Education website: http://www.sandi.net/indices/board.htm

Jack Brandais
Communications Department
San Diego Unified School District
(619) 607-0477 (cell)
(619) 725-5570 (desk)
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009

May 26, 2009 Board Agenda

PLEASE NOTE: Attached board agenda:

· Regular Board Meeting Agenda—Tuesday, May 26, 2009, 5:00 p.m.

Supporting documentation for agenda items (Closed Session excluded) can be found at the following link: http://www.boarddocs.com/ca/sandi/board.nsf

Please forward to staff as appropriate, print notice and agenda, and post in a prominent, accessible location at your site.

Thank you.

Josefina Viorato -

Confidential Administrative Assistant II

San Diego Unified School District

Board Services

4100 Normal Street, Room 2231

San Diego, CA 92103

( (619) 725-5551

7 (619) 297-5624

* jviorato@sandi.net

"Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

Post Enclosures

PLEASE NOTE: Attached special meeting notices and agendas:

· Notice of Meetings-Proposition S ICOC Meeting Schedule/Agenda

· Notice and Call of Special Meeting/Agenda—Tuesday, May 26, 2009, 8:30 a.m.

· Notice and Call of Special Meeting/Agenda—Tuesday, June 2, 2009, 8:00 a.m.

Supporting documentation for agenda items (Closed Session excluded) can be found at the following link: http://www.boarddocs.com/ca/sandi/board.nsf

Please forward to staff as appropriate, print notices and agendas, and post in a prominent, accessible location at your site.

Thank you.

Josefina Viorato

Confidential Administrative Assistant II

San Diego Unified School District

Board Services Office

4100 Normal Street, Room 2231

San Diego, CA 92103

( (619) 725-5551

7 (619) 297-5624

* jviorato@sandi.net

"Success isn't measured by the position you reach in life, it is measured by the obstacles you overcome." Booker T. Washington

Monday, May 18, 2009

MEDIA ADVISORY -- San Diego's Top High School Grads Honored

MEDIA ADVISORY from the San Diego Unified School District, May 18, 2009

San Diego's Top High School Grads Honored

Top One Percent Students Feted in "Salute to Excellence"'

What: Salute to Excellence

When: 4:30-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 20

Where: Sea World Nautilus Pavilion, 500 Sea World Dr. (92109)

Background: Recognition event for seniors ranked in the top one
percent in the San Diego Unified School District's Class of 2009.
Representatives of 32 high schools, including all valedictorians, will
be on hand. Principals, parents and counselors will also be in
attendance.

Some of these students are the first in their families to go to college.
The top four schools students are attending include UC Berkeley, UCLA,
UCSD and SDSU. Other universities include: Harvard, Stanford, Dartmouth,
Yale, and Princeton.

Photos: Top students and their principals, performers Pt. Loma High
School Jazz Combo and Morse High School Army JROTC color guard.

Speakers: Board of Education members; Nathaniel Nocum, Morse High
School; Andrea Flores, Pt. Loma High School; Dr. Terry B. Grier,
Superintendent.

Contact: Jack Brandais, Communications Department, San Diego Unified.
Call in advance to arrange for entry to Sea World. The event is not open
to the public.

# # #

Jack Brandais
Media Relations
San Diego Unified School District
(619) 725-5570 (desk)
(619) 607-0477 (cell)

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Spelling Bee 2009 Press Release

Media partners: This isn't our event but I thought you'd be interested in it.

Jack Brandais
Media Relations
San Diego Unified School District
(619) 725-5570 (desk)
(619) 607-0477 (cell)

Connecting students & teachers to create a better world

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Pam Heidler, Spelling Bee Chair, (858) 831-1771, pam@sisterschoolsofsandiego.org

Fernando Hernandez, Principal, Perkins, 619-525-7482, fhernandez@sandi.net

Sister Schools of San Diego Sponsors Bi-National Spelling Bee

San Diego, CA –May 20, 2009. Sister Schools of San Diego (SSSD), a non-profit organization centered on cross-cultural understanding, will sponsor a 2nd annual bi-national spelling bee between elementary school students from San Diego and Mexico on Wednesday, May 20th. The event will be held from 4:30-7:00pm at the SDUSD District Office auditorium located at 4100 Normal Street in San Diego.

The goal of the event, organized in part by Sister Schools of San Diego, is to enhance language and cultural learning among first through sixth-grade students and serve as a model for future cross-cultural events. A total of 47 students from eight participating schools will compete in the event, with one participant per grade level representing each of the eight schools. Participating schools include: Capri Elementary, Del Sur Elementary, and Perkins Elementary in San Diego and Instituto Juan Diego, Instituto Defensores de Baja California, Instituto Metropolitano, Colegio Eifel, and Instituto Miguel de Cervantes in Tijuana.

The spelling bee will be conducted in English. Six individual contests will be held by grade level and trophies will be awarded to the first three finishers in each grade. Pizza will be provided by Papa John's Pizza for contestants, family, and friends after the event.

Sister Schools of San Diego is dedicated to promoting cross-cultural understanding, conquering ignorance, and creating international friendships by connecting schools around the globe. We are constantly developing partnerships with local schools and countries all over the world. For more information about any of our programs, please .contact Liz Hinkle at 858-831-1771 or liz@sisterschoolsofsandiego.org. or visit www.sisterschoolsofsandiego.org

###

SCPA Newsworthy Items Press Release

NEWS RELEASE from the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts,
May 18, 2009

San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) announces several News-worthy Events and Awards

SAN DIEGO: The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) is pleased to announce that Tamara Paige received the Outstanding Orchestra Educator Award on April 28 from the California Music Educators Association Southern Border Section.

SCPA students traveled to the Heritage Music Festival, an international annual event of competing performing arts schools in Los Angeles, CA in April. Students won a vast majority of awards in several categories. Trophies included the Festival Sweepstakes (over all); the Adjudicators Award for both Jazz Band and Chamber Strings; Sweepstakes Instrumental; and Outstanding Orchestra. Additionally the magnet school received Golds in Symphony Orchestra, Vocal Jazz Women's Ensemble, Concert Orchestra, Chamber Strings, Jazz Ensemble, and Advanced Women's Ensemble (Classical). Other various awards, too numerous to mention, were achieved as well.

AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', the sold out musical show from this year's 2008-2009 Performance Season will travel to The California Center for the Arts, Escondido on May 19th for a special performance in their series for local schools and students.

On May 29th the 2009 Senior Concerto Showcase will be held at SCPA in the Grand Theatre beginning at 6:00 p.m. It features student performers and Grammy nominee, Karen Elaine. Ms. Elaine, class of 1983, is the Fist Place Grand Prize winner of the 1988 Bruno Giuranna International Viola Competition. This concert is free, with donations accepted at the door to support the Music Department's outstanding programs.

And finally, the office of Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, has sent official notification to the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) that Jaceli Garcia, a Junior at SCPA, has been selected to serve as a Congressional Page for the term beginning June 7, 2009 and ending June 26, 2009.


# # #

David Donadio
Press and Promotions
San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts
619/470-0555, x135 (desk)
619/475-8556 (Box Office)


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Friday, May 15, 2009

NEWS RELEASE -- Campus Calendar from the San Diego Unified School District

Campus Calendar -- Upcoming Events in the San Diego Unified School District, May 15, 2009

Your coverage is invited of any of the following upcoming events on the campuses of the San Diego Unified School District.

(*) New or revised this week.

May

16 -- E-Recycling Day, 9 a.m. to noon, Hoover High School, 4474 El Cajon Blvd. (92115). A senior service learning project, donations will be collected from the surrounding community. Everything but mercury based items will be recycled, including computers, cell phones, TV monitors, etc. Contact: Ellen Towers, (619) 283-6281. Open to the public.

* 16 -- Meet the Magnets at Fashion Valley, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Fashion Valley Mall's Center Court, just in front of Macy's. Magnet school principals and teachers will be available to explain the opportunities that San Diegans have to attend Magnet schools in the district and to share their school's emphasis. In addition, Oak Park Elementary, a Music Conservatory, will have a performance at 11:30 a.m. Information: Beth Churchill, (619) 725-7154. Open to the public.

* 16 -- Passport Through China, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Barnard Elementary School, 2930 Barnard St. (92110). In honor of Asian Pacific Heritage Month in May, Barnard Mandarin Chinese Magnet School is holding a carnival, with entertainment from various Asian communities and food from Panda Express. Contact: Edward Park, Principal, (619) 224-3306. Open to the public.

16 -- Benefit Concert, 7 p.m., Lincoln High School auditorium 4777 Imperial Avenue (92113). Sponsored by the Mainly Mozart Festival, the concert features Anthony McGill, principal clarinet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York, Point Loma Nazarene University vocal coach and pianist Ines Irawati, and the Lincoln High School choir. Tickets are $10, $25 and 50. Information: (619) 704-1140, or www.mainlymozart.org. Open to the public.

16 -- Bay Park Western Carnival Extravaganza, 3-7 p.m., Bay Park Elementary School, 2433 Denver St. (92110). 2433 Denver St. (92110). PTA-sponsored school fundraiser offers fun for all. Contact: Bay Park PTA via the school, (619) 276-1471. Open to the public.

* 16 -- Passport Through China, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Barnard Elementary School, 2930 Barnard St. (92110). In honor of Asian Pacific Heritage Month in May, Barnard Mandarin Chinese Magnet School is holding a carnival, with entertainment from various Asian communities and food from Panda Express. Contact: Edward Park, Principal, (619) 224-3306. Open to the public.

* 18 -- Subdistrict E Community Meeting, 6 p.m., Morse High School, 6905 Skyline Dr. Meet with Shelia Jackson, Board of Education District E Representative to talk about issues with education and the San Diego district. Open to the public.

* 19 -- Children In Rage - Listening is the Key, with Janice Higgins, 6 p.m., Ballard Parent Center, 2375 Congress St. (92110). The nationally known author and founder of Project R.A.G.E. (Release Anger and Guilt for Empowerment) will chat with an audience of parents. Contact: Marco Beltran, (619) 293-4431. Open to the public.

* 19 -- Classified Employee of the Year Celebration, 5 p.m., University City High School, 6949 Genessee Ave. (92122). Honoring San Diego Unified's outstanding individual non-teaching workers for the 2008-09 school year. Scheduled Board of Education Meeting. Open to the public.

19-21 -- Spring Music Concert, 7 p.m., San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) Florence Johnson Grand Theatre, 2425 Dusk Drive (92139). Featured are all levels of choral and instrumental talent, from "up-and-comers" to award-winning ensembles. Tickets are $8-$10 adults, $7-$9 for students, senior and military. Box office: (619) 475- 8556 or go to www.scpa.sandi.net. Open to the public.

20 -- Suzuki, Fifth and Third Grade Music Recitals, 6:30 p.m., Crown Point Junior Music Academy, 4033 Ingraham St. (92109). Part of the school's spring open house, the performances will highlight the excellent musicians at academy, which just opened this year. Information: Elaine Hill, Magnet Resource Teacher, (858) 273-9830, ext. 2230. Open to the public.

20 -- Excellence Recognition, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Sea World Nautilus Pavilion, 500 Sea World Drive (92109). Annual event that salutes the academic top one percent in San Diego Unified. Principals from each high school present their students to Board of Education members and the Superintendent. Information: Janet Delaney, Community Relations, (619) 725-5593. Reporters covering the event should contact Jack Brandais at (619) 725-5570 to arrange for access to Sea World. Not open to the public.

* 20 -- Pershing Spring Band Concert, 5 p.m., Pershing Middle School, 8204 San Carlos Dr. (92119). Performances by 6th Grade String Orchestra, 7th Grade String Orchestra, 8th Grade Beginning Band (B-Day Band). Bake sale fundraiser immediately after the concert. Contact: (619) 465-3234. Open to the public.

* 20 -- 'Could There Be Something Going on Besides ADHD?' lecture, 3 p.m., Monroe Clark Middle School, 4388 Thorn St. (92105). Nurse Lisa Ehrlichman will discuss mental health issues among adolescents. Spanish translation available. Information: (858) 636-4380. Open to the public.

* 21 -- Schoolrooms Demonstration, 10:30 a.m., Library, Mira Mesa High School, 10510 Reagan Road (92126). New web portal that will allow all students within San Diego Unified to have access to curriculum based information that is organized by grade level and content. Funded through grant from the California Office of the State Librarian and is a partnership between San Diego Unified and the City of San Diego Public Libraries. Contact: Martha Karanopoulos, (858) 496-8439. Not open to the public.

* 21 -- Pershing Band Fundraising Dinner and Concert, 5 p.m. dinner, 6:30 p.m. concert, Pershing Middle School, 8204 San Carlos Dr. (92119). Join the Pershing Jazz Band and other guests for the 5 p.m. dinner, followed by a 6:30 p.m. concert in the auditorium. Performances by the 6th Grade Concert Band, 7th Grade Band 8th Grade Advanced Band (A-Day Band). Contact: (619) 465-3234. Open to the public.

21 -- 50th Anniversary Celebration, Cubberley Elementary School, 4:30 p.m., Cubberley Elementary School, 3201 Marathon Dr. (92123). Alumni, friends and current families will celebrate a half-century at the Serra Mesa school. Contact: Maria Edwards, jedward1@san.rr.com, or (619) 517-9358. Open to the public.

25 -- Memorial Day, all schools and offices closed.

27 -- GATE Distinguished Lecture Series with Eric Jensen, 7 p.m., Auditorium, Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal Street (92103). Jensen, author of "Parenting the Gifted Brain," is the guest speaker at this lecture series, sponsored by the Gifted and Talented Education Department. The series gives the community a chance to hear and meet experts in the field of gifted education. Contact: GATE Department, (858) 573-5998. Open to the public.

* 28 -- Sandburg School Student Art Exhibit and Open House, 6 p.m., 11230 Avenida del Gato (92126). Student artwork (grades K-5) will be displayed throughout the auditorium. Parents, students, and community members are invited to tour the art exhibit as well as classrooms during this time to view additional student academic products and celebrations. Contact: Laurie Hinzman, principal, at (858) 566-0510 x1103. Open to the public.

28 -- Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for Special Education Executive Committee, 6:30 p.m., Ballard Parent Center, Room 3, 2375 Congress Street, (92110). CAC serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Education (BOE) and Special Education administration on the implementation of the Special Education Local Plan. Contact: Susan Martinez, Staff Liaison, (619) 725-7650. Open to the public.

* 29 -- Makeover Day I, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Walker Elementary School, 9245 Hillery Dr. (92126). Volunteer San Diego and Met Life Volunteers will be working with students and staff to beautify the Mira Mesa school. Second day will be Tuesday, June 2. Contact: Rochelle Dawes, Principal, (858) 566-7370. Not open to the public.
June

* 2 -- Makeover Day II, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Walker Elementary School, 9245 Hillery Dr. (92126). Volunteer San Diego and Met Life Volunteers will be working with students and staff to beautify the Mira Mesa school. Contact: Rochelle Dawes, Principal, (858) 566-7370. Not open to the public.

* 3 -- Concert on the Green, 6-7 p.m., Sandburg Elementary School, 11230 Avenida del Gato (92126). The concert is presented by our Sandburg Band and Orchestra under the musical direction of Harvey Tellinghuisen and Steve Luchs. The concert takes place on campus on the grassy knoll. Come and enjoy a musical delight under the stars. Contact: Laurie Hinzman, principal (858) 566-0510 x1103. Open to the public.

* 3 -- Madison Spring Concert, 6:30 p.m., Madison High School, 4833 Dolvia Drive. Madison's choral department will present their Spring Concert in the Performing Arts Center. Pizza and drinks will be available for sale at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door. Please join us and help support choral music at Madison. Contact: (858) 496-8410. Open to the public.

3-6 -- SCPA Student Art Exhibition, Ole Kittleson Little Theatre, San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), 2425 Dusk Drive (92139). Drawing, painting, sculpture, and photography will be featured from students grades six through twelve. Included are pieces inspired by art throughout the ages and award winners from various competitions. Information: (619) 470-0555 or www.scpa.sandi.net. Free and open to the public during school hours.

4-6 -- SCPA Spring Dance Concert, 7 p.m., San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) Florence Johnson Grand Theatre, 2425 Dusk Drive (92139). Showcasing SCPA's Dance Ensembles as well as intermediate and new dancers, and pre-majors in a variety of different styles including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and musical theatre. Tickets are $8-$10 adults, $7-$9 for students, senior and military. Box office: (619) 475- 8556 or go to www.scpa.sandi.net. Open to the public.

4 -- District English Learner Advisory Committee, 6:30 p.m., Harold J. Ballard Parent Center at Fremont Elementary School, 2375 Congress Ave. (92110). Committee includes representatives from each school's English Learner Advisory Committee, a school-based committee required if there are more than 21 English Learners at that school. Information: Office of Language Acquisition, (619) 725-7264. Open to the public.

4 -- Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for Special Education, 7 p.m., Lindbergh-Schweitzer School, West Campus Auditorium, 4133 Mt. Albertine, 992111). CAC serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Education (BOE) and Special Education administration on the implementation of the Special Education Local Plan. Contact: Susan Martinez, Staff Liaison, (619) 725-7650. Open to the public.

10 -- District Advisory Council for Compensatory Education Programs, 6:30 p.m., Harold J. Ballard Parent Center at Fremont Elementary School, 2375 Congress Ave. (92110). Parents, staff and community leaders consult with the Board of Education and district staff on behalf of Title I compensatory education program participants. Information: Program Monitoring Department, (858) 496-4048. Open to the public.

12, 15 - 2009 Senior High School Commencement Ceremonies, Various times, locations. http://www.sandi.net/commencement.pdf

15 -- Traditional Calendar Last Day of School.

* 22 -- Summer Fun Café Begins at 22 schools throughout the district. Summer lunch program at schools and recreation centers is open to all children under the age of 18. Contact: Food Services, Joanne Tucker, (858) 627-7301. Open to the public.

* 24 -- Summer Fun Café Kickoff, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Skyline Hills Recreation Center, 8285 Skyline Dr.. San Diego. Matt Wilhelm, linebacker, San Diego Chargers, is Master of Ceremonies to mark the opening of the kids' lunch program. Contact: Food Services, Joanne Tucker, (858) 627-7301. Open to the public.

25 -- Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for Special Education Executive Committee, 6:30 p.m., Ballard Parent Center, Room 3, 2375 Congress Street, (92110). CAC serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Education (BOE) and Special Education administration on the implementation of the Special Education Local Plan. Contact: Susan Martinez, Staff Liaison, (619) 725-7650. Open to the public.

30-31 -- Character Development Conference, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., University of San Diego, School of Leadership and Education Sciences, Character Development Center. Two-day conference includes speakers who will discuss the particulars of character education. A program of the University of San Diego. Information: (619) 260-2250. Open to the public with fee and registration.

July

3 -- Independence Day Observed, all schools and administrative offices closed.

21 -- Year-Round Calendar Last Day of School.

September

8 - First Day of Classes for 2009/2010 School Year

October

30-31 -- Crawford High Class of 1959 50th Reunion, Town and Country Hotel, Mission Valley. Contacts: Sandra Craig Allen, (951) 301-7098; Alice James McCapes, (951) 306-7706.

Ongoing

* Tuesday: Mira Mesa Farmer's Market, Mira Mesa High School, 3-7 p.m., 10510 Reagan Rd. (92126). Some proceeds go to the Mira Mesa High School Foundation. Contact: www.miramesafarmersmarket.com.
Thursday: de Portola Middle School Farmers Market, 3-7 p.m., 11010 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. (92124). Information: (858) 272-7054. Open to the public.

Saturday: Scripps Ranch Farmers Market and Art Festival, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary School, 11778 Cypress Canyon Rd. (92131). (92131). Contact: Bev Cassity, (858) 586-7933, srfarmersmarket@aol.com, or visit www.srfm.org. Open to the public.

Sunday: La Jolla Elementary Open Air Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., La Jolla Elementary School, 1111 Marine St., La Jolla (92037). Proceeds benefit La Jolla Elementary School. Market hotline, (858) 454-1699. Web site: www.lajollamarket.com. Open to the public.

Notes to editors and reporters

-- To receive news releases by e-mail from San Diego Unified, go to http://sandi.net/comm/media/signup/.

-- FAXes: Do you still want faxes of this to your newsroom? Want faxes but aren't receiving them? Send an e-mail to jbrandais@sandi.net and let us know.

-- Friday Notes Online: Each Friday afternoon, Superintendent Terry Grier updates district staff and community on a variety of issues. The newsletter is posted online at www.sandi.net/fridaynotes/archive.html. To sign up for the Friday Notes e-mail list, go to www.sandi.net/fridaynotes/signup/default.aspx.

-- To separate public events from school functions we'd like you to cover, items open to the public are now labeled as such. "Not open to the public" means that you're welcome to cover it, but it's not something to list in an events calendar.

# # #

Jack Brandais
Media Relations
San Diego Unified School District
(619) 725-5570 (desk)
(619) 607-0477 (cell)
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