MEDIA ADVISORY: Crown Point Junior Music Academy to Celebrate Dedication of New Classroom and Music Center in Honor of Late Violin Academy Founder

 

 

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

Crown Point Junior Music Academy to Celebrate Dedication of New Classroom and Music Center in Honor of Late Violin Academy Founder

 

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 

 

WHAT:           

San Diego Unified School District leaders will join Crown Point Junior Music Academy (CPJMA) students, staff, and parents to celebrate the completion of the campus’s upgrades. The family of the late Stephen Luchs, the beloved violin academy founder, will also participate. 

 

WHEN:           

Thursday, April 16, 2026

8:00 - 8:45 a.m.*

 

*School drop-off occurs from 7:30-7:40 a.m. Expect heavy traffic if arriving during that time.

 

WHERE:        

Crown Point Junior Music Academy

1625 Pacific Beach Dr.

San Diego, CA 92109

 

VISUALS:       

8:00 - 8:05 a.m. - CPJMA Choir Performance

8:05 - 8:15 a.m. - Podium Speaking Portion 

8:15 - 8:25 a.m. - Ribbon-Cutting, Photo Opps 

8:25 - 8:45 a.m. - Media 1-1s, Violin Classroom Tour

 

Photos of the late Stephen Luchs and new facilities can be found here. 

 

SPEAKERS:  

Dr. Cody Petterson, Board of Education Trustee, San Diego Unified 

Sakeenah Smith, Principal, CPJMA

Jackson Partain, 5th Grade Student, CPJMA

Amber Luchs, Daughter of Late Violin Academy Founder Stephen Luchs

Kelly Gemelli, President, CPJMA Parent Teacher Organization 

 

BACKGROUND: 

A TK-through-fifth-grade magnet school, Crown Point Junior Music Academy has served the Crown Point and Pacific Beach neighborhoods since 1948. 

In 2008, teacher Stephen Luchs brought the Suzuki Violin program to what was then known as Crown Point Elementary, teaching both students and parents how to play violin together, perform together, and bring awareness to the importance of parent involvement. That same year, the school was renamed Crown Point Junior Music Academy. A veteran of the San Diego Symphony, Luchs taught violin to elementary school students and parents for 26 years. He passed away in April 2022. 

One year after his death, construction began on the campus’s Whole Site Modernization project, which includes the construction of a new TK/kindergarten facility, a music center and makerspace, renovated classrooms, a safe and secure main campus entryway, and outdoor improvements. 

Replacing an aging portable classroom, the new TK/kindergarten facility along Fortuna Avenue includes state-of-the-art classrooms with modern technology and furniture, and collaborative workspaces. 

To create a secure main campus entryway, student services offices moved from Ingraham Street to Pacific Beach Drive. The vacated Ingraham Street building transformed into a music center and makerspace with new music and practice rooms. Further improving school security, new cameras, an emergency communications system, and perimeter fencing were installed.

Outdoor improvements include a learning area near the music and makerspace, a new play structure, hardscape striping, shade shelters, an expanded parking lot, and an on-site dedicated drop-off and pick-up off Jewell Street, which includes solar panel structures.

In addition to its Suzuki Violin program, Crown Point Junior Music Academy offers a free after-school music club and music enrichment instruction in homeroom classes. Open to fourth and fifth-grade students, the music club offers instruction from professional musicians and focuses on instrument-playing skills, playing and writing songs, and making audio and video recordings. 

EVENT MAP: 

Media can park on the street. Parking will be easier before and after school drop-off, which occurs from 7:30 - 7:40 a.m. 

 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Jamie Ries, Information Services Specialist, San Diego Unified, (619) 855-9283, jries@sandi.net.

 

###

 

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MAGNET SCHOOLS OF AMERICA TO CONVENE NATIONAL CONFERENCE, SHOWCASING IMMERSIVE SCHOOL TOURS ACROSS SAN DIEGO UNIFIED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: 

Marisa Berumen, mberumen@sandi.net, 619-847-6029 

Jenna Roberson, jenna.roberson@magnet.edu

Director of External Affairs, Magnet Schools of America

MAGNET SCHOOLS OF AMERICA TO CONVENE NATIONAL CONFERENCE, SHOWCASING IMMERSIVE SCHOOL TOURS ACROSS SAN DIEGO UNIFIED 

SAN DIEGO, CA (APRIL 13, 2026) — Magnet Schools of America (MSA) will host its annual National Conference from April 13-17, 2026, in San Diego, California, convening more than 1,400 educators, school leaders, and policymakers from across the country to advance innovation and excellence in public education.

This year’s conference will spotlight one of the nation’s most dynamic magnet systems, offering attendees unparalleled access to real-world examples of magnet education in practice in the San Diego Unified School District.

Magnet schools are public schools of choice that offer specialized academic programs, such as STEM, performing arts, world languages, and career pathways, designed to attract students from different backgrounds and neighborhoods. For more than five decades, magnet schools have expanded access to high-quality public education while promoting innovation and academic excellence. Today, more than 4,000 magnet schools serve millions of students in communities across the country; over 17,000 students are enrolled in magnets in San Diego Unified.

The conference will feature nationally recognized keynote speakers, expert-led sessions, and collaborative learning opportunities focused on curriculum and instruction, advanced technology integration, leadership development, and the design and sustainability of high-quality magnet schools. Participants will engage with forward-looking strategies and proven approaches that strengthen public school choice and expand student opportunity.

A central highlight of the 2026 conference is its extensive lineup of school tours and site visits across San Diego Unified, as well as nearby Cajon Valley Union Elementary School District, Coronado Unified School District, and High Tech High charter network, where participants will visit more than a dozen magnet schools representing a wide range of themes and grade levels.

Conference participants will visit the following San Diego Unified schools:

• Barnard Mandarin Magnet Elementary
• Clairemont High School (Linked Learning Academy)
• Creative Performing Media Arts (CPMA Middle)
• Freese Arts and Culture Museum School
• Language Academy (French and Spanish Immersion)
• Mira Mesa High School (CTE Pathways)
• Montgomery Middle School (Media Arts and STEAM Magnet)
• Nipaquay Elementary School
• Oak Park Elementary (Music and Media Arts Magnet)
• Pacific Beach Middle School (IB World School)
• Roosevelt International Middle School (IB and Media Arts Magnet)
• San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDCPA)
• Wangenheim Middle School
• Webster Elementary Academy of Science and the Arts
• Zamorano Elementary Fine Arts Academy

These immersive experiences are designed to bring the magnet model to life. Attendees will tour classrooms, observe innovative teaching and learning in action, and explore how specialized programs are implemented with fidelity and impact.

 

“San Diego provides an exceptional example of how magnet schools can deliver academic excellence while expanding opportunity for students from different backgrounds,” said MSA CEO Ramin Taheri. “By opening their doors to conference participants, these schools are offering a powerful, on-the-ground look at what makes the magnet model a proven and enduring approach to public school choice.”

The school tours are intentionally structured to move beyond observation, giving attendees concrete, replicable practices they can adapt within their own local contexts. For many participants, these visits are the most impactful component of the conference—bridging the gap among policy, design, and day-to-day implementation.

“We are proud to welcome educators from across the country to San Diego Unified to see our magnet schools in action,” said San Diego Unified Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D. “Our magnet programs create engaging, high-quality learning experiences that expand opportunity, spark curiosity, and prepare students for success in college, career, and life.”

This conference comes on the heels of a recent survey commissioned by MSA that found 76% of Americans view magnet schools favorably, with strong support across Democrats, Republicans, and independents. The poll also found that Americans support magnets more than a range of other popular school choice initiatives.

For registration and additional information, including details on school tour offerings, please visit www.magnet.edu.

###

About San Diego Unified School District

San Diego Unified School District is California’s second-largest school district, serving a diverse population of students across the city of San Diego with a commitment to academic excellence, equity, and whole-child development. Visit SanDiegoUnified.org to learn more. 

About Magnet Schools of America

Founded in 1986, Magnet Schools of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education association representing and serving the nation’s thousands of magnet and theme-based schools.

Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Office: 619-725-5578 Email: communications@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

NEWS RELEASE: Pacific View Leadership Elementary Students Celebrate Opening of Playfield with All-Campus Recess

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:

Samer Naji, 619-548-3388, snaji@sandi.net

EVENT VIDEO AND PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND HERE.

Pacific View Leadership Elementary Celebrates Opening of New Grass Playfield

   

SAN DIEGO (April 10, 2026) –  A new grass playfield is officially open to students in Paradise Hills. 

Students at Pacific View Leadership Elementary School celebrated Friday with a student-led Pledge of Allegiance, remarks from school and district leaders, a ceremonial ribbon cutting with confetti, and a schoolwide recess as students and familiies were welcomed onto the new field for the first time.

Replacing a decomposed granite field, the new two-acre grass playfield at Pacific View Leadership Elementary includes an asphalt walking path, trees and landscaping, a drinking fountain, and fencing to separate school and public areas.

“This new field is an investment in our students’ health, wellness, and sense of community,” said San Diego Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Fabi Bagula. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the City of San Diego to create safe, high-quality spaces where students can learn, play, and thrive during the school day, and where families can gather after hours.”

Funded, designed, and constructed by San Diego Unified, the project is part of the City’s Play All Day parks program, which expands access to green space in communities across San Diego. Through this joint-use partnership, the field serves Pacific View Leadership Elementary students during the school day and will be open in late spring 2026 to the community as a neighborhood park during evenings, weekends, and school breaks. The joint-use field is now open for student use and will open for public use as a community park after school hours later in the spring. 

“Access to safe, welcoming green space is essential for our students and families,” said Board of Education Trustee Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Payne. “This project reflects our commitment to equity and ensuring that every community has spaces that support recreation, connection, and opportunity.”

The field was constructed as part of a broader campus-wide modernization. The Pacific View Leadership Elementary School Whole Site Modernization project transformed the campus into a more welcoming learning environment for students and staff. The project included upgrades to classrooms, restrooms, and support spaces across campus, along with improvements to essential building systems, including security, electrical, and plumbing.

As part of the modernization, existing school buildings were renovated to support today’s educational needs, including updated kindergarten classrooms, improved learning spaces, and enhancements to the auditorium and food service areas. The administrative area was also expanded and reconfigured to better serve students, families, and staff.

To create more open and functional outdoor space, aging portable classrooms were removed and replaced with new site improvements. Exterior upgrades included improved student drop-off and pick-up areas, a new parking lot, and accessible pathways throughout the campus to ensure safe and easy access for all.

About Pacific View Leadership Elementary 

Pacific View Leadership Elementary School, located in the Paradise Hills community, is known for its focus on student leadership, college and career readiness, and whole-child development. Pacific View Leadership Elementary School serves approximately 260 students in transitional kindergarten through 5th grade. The school offers a rigorous academic program that includes Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) classes, special education services, and English learner support through Mainstream English Cluster and Sheltered English Immersion programs. Pacific View emphasizes leadership development, high academic expectations, and a positive, collaborative learning environment where students, staff, and families work together to support student success. Through a whole-child approach, the school promotes student achievement, wellness, and strong community connections.

To read other recent bond program stories, please visit: https://www.sandiegounified.org/about/newscenter/school_bond_program. 

###  

---

From: SDUSD Facilities Info <sdusdfacilitiesinfo@sandi.net>
Sent: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 11:55 AM
Cc: Ries Jamie <jries@sandi.net>; Naji Samer <snaji@sandi.net>
Subject: Pacific View Leadership Elementary Students to Celebrate Opening of Playfield with All-Campus Recess

MEDIA ADVISORY

Pacific View Leadership Elementary Students to Celebrate Opening of Playfield with All-Campus Recess

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 

WHAT:         Joined by San Diego Unified School District leaders, Pacific View Leadership

            Elementary School students and families will celebrate the opening of a new playfield in Paradise Hills. 

WHEN:       Friday, April 10, 2026 

8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

WHERE:     Pacific View Leadership Elementary 

            6196 Childs Ave.

San Diego, CA 92139

VISUALS:         8:15 - 8:18 a.m.-  Student-led Pledge of Allegiance 

8:18 - 8:28 a.m. - Speaking Ceremony

8:28- 8:30 a.m. -  Ribbon-Cutting 

8:30 - 9:00 a.m. - Students/Families Run on Field/All School Recess, Media 1-1s 

SPEAKERS:    Dr. Erika Simmons, Principal, Pacific View Leadership Elementary 

Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Paybe, Board of Education Trustee, San Diego Unified 

School District 

Wyatt Montgomery, 5th Grade Student, Pacific View Leadership Elementary
      Louis Avalos, Direct Services Coordinator, Feeding San Diego

BACKGROUND:  

Replacing a decomposed granite field, the new two-acre grass playfield at Pacific View Leadership Elementary includes an asphalt walking path, trees and landscaping, a drinking fountain, and fencing to separate school and public areas.

Funded, designed, and constructed by the San Diego Unified facilities bond program, the project is part of the City of San Diego’s “Play All Day” parks program and will be available for community use in late spring. 

Through the joint-use partnership with the City of San Diego, the field serves Pacific View Leadership Elementary students during the school day and will be open to the community as a neighborhood park during evenings, weekends, and school breaks.

The joint-use field was constructed as part of a broader campus-wide modernization. The Pacific View Leadership Elementary School Whole Site Modernization project transforms the campus into a more welcoming learning environment for students and staff. The project includes upgrades to classrooms, restrooms, and support spaces across campus, along with improvements to essential building systems, including security, electrical, and plumbing.

As part of the modernization, existing school buildings were renovated to support today’s educational needs, including updated kindergarten classrooms, improved learning spaces, and enhancements to the auditorium and food service areas. The administrative area was also expanded and reconfigured to better serve students, families, and staff.

To create a more open and functional outdoor space, aging portable classrooms were removed and replaced with new site improvements. Exterior upgrades included improved student drop-off and pick-up areas, a new parking lot, and accessible pathways throughout the campus to ensure safe and easy access for all.

PARKING MAP: 

MEDIA CONTACTS:  

Jamie Ries, Information Services Specialist, San Diego Unified, (619) 855-9283, jries@sandi.net

Samer Naji, Facilities Communications Supervisor,  619-548-3388, snaji@sandi.net 

_______________________________________________ Media mailing list Media@mailman.sandi.net http://mailman.sandi.net/mailman/listinfo/media

Pacific View Leadership Elementary Students to Celebrate Opening of Playfield with All-Campus Recess

MEDIA ADVISORY

Pacific View Leadership Elementary Students to Celebrate Opening of Playfield with All-Campus Recess

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 

WHAT:         Joined by San Diego Unified School District leaders, Pacific View Leadership

            Elementary School students and families will celebrate the opening of a new playfield in Paradise Hills. 

WHEN:       Friday, April 10, 2026 

8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

WHERE:     Pacific View Leadership Elementary 

            6196 Childs Ave.

San Diego, CA 92139

VISUALS:         8:15 - 8:18 a.m.-  Student-led Pledge of Allegiance 

8:18 - 8:28 a.m. - Speaking Ceremony

8:28- 8:30 a.m. -  Ribbon-Cutting 

8:30 - 9:00 a.m. - Students/Families Run on Field/All School Recess, Media 1-1s 

SPEAKERS:    Dr. Erika Simmons, Principal, Pacific View Leadership Elementary 

Dr. Sharon Whitehurst-Paybe, Board of Education Trustee, San Diego Unified 

School District 

Wyatt Montgomery, 5th Grade Student, Pacific View Leadership Elementary
      Louis Avalos, Direct Services Coordinator, Feeding San Diego

BACKGROUND:  

Replacing a decomposed granite field, the new two-acre grass playfield at Pacific View Leadership Elementary includes an asphalt walking path, trees and landscaping, a drinking fountain, and fencing to separate school and public areas.

Funded, designed, and constructed by the San Diego Unified facilities bond program, the project is part of the City of San Diego’s “Play All Day” parks program and will be available for community use in late spring. 

Through the joint-use partnership with the City of San Diego, the field serves Pacific View Leadership Elementary students during the school day and will be open to the community as a neighborhood park during evenings, weekends, and school breaks.

The joint-use field was constructed as part of a broader campus-wide modernization. The Pacific View Leadership Elementary School Whole Site Modernization project transforms the campus into a more welcoming learning environment for students and staff. The project includes upgrades to classrooms, restrooms, and support spaces across campus, along with improvements to essential building systems, including security, electrical, and plumbing.

As part of the modernization, existing school buildings were renovated to support today’s educational needs, including updated kindergarten classrooms, improved learning spaces, and enhancements to the auditorium and food service areas. The administrative area was also expanded and reconfigured to better serve students, families, and staff.

To create a more open and functional outdoor space, aging portable classrooms were removed and replaced with new site improvements. Exterior upgrades included improved student drop-off and pick-up areas, a new parking lot, and accessible pathways throughout the campus to ensure safe and easy access for all.

PARKING MAP: 

MEDIA CONTACTS:  

Jamie Ries, Information Services Specialist, San Diego Unified, (619) 855-9283, jries@sandi.net

Samer Naji, Facilities Communications Supervisor,  619-548-3388, snaji@sandi.net 

_______________________________________________ Media mailing list Media@mailman.sandi.net http://mailman.sandi.net/mailman/listinfo/media

SD Unified & Urban School Districts' Response to the 2026-27 January State Budget Proposal

Hi there, in case you are interested in reporting on it, San Diego Unified School District at the end of last month (March 24) joined other urban California school districts in lobbying Governor Gavin Newsom to:

 

• Oppose the $5.6 Billion Proposition 98 Funding Withholding and Request the State to Fully Fund the Proposition 98 Guarantee
• Fund the Annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Above the Statutory Level
• Funding the Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant and $1.9 Billion Settle-Up
• Support $2.8 Billion Discretionary Block Grant to Support Local Priorities to Serve Students
• Support$1 Billion Ongoing for Community Schools in Manner that Sustains Existing Sites and Allows Additional Sites
• Support the $509 Million Ongoing Funds to Increase the Special Education Base Rates
• Request One-Time Allocation for Early Learning Behavioral Supports and Early Interventions
• Request the TK-12 Grade Mandate Block Grant Amounts Be Adjusted with Recently Approved Mandates

 

You can read the details in the attached letter.

 

Thanks, James

 

James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

 

 

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