Swine Flu Update from San Diego Unified

Media partners: This update was sent out to parents and staff of San Diego Unified this morning. It's part of our effort to keep in touch with our parents during this uncertain time.

You and the public are invited to check our website, http://www.sandi.net/depts/nursing_wellness/swine_flu.html, for regular updates. RSS feeds are also available.

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

This is an update to the San Diego Unified School District community on issues related to the swine flu outbreak as of 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 30, 2009.

-- Cases: As of this writing, no new cases of swine flu have been confirmed in San Diego County since yesterday. No cases have been reported among San Diego Unified students or staff.

-- Schools Open: All traditional calendar San Diego Unified schools are scheduled to be open tomorrow Friday, May 1. Year-round schools are currently on Spring break and are scheduled to re-open on Monday, May 4, 2009.

-- State of Emergency: The County of San Diego and Imperial County both proclaimed local health emergencies on April 29. The proclamations are routine steps in preparations for addressing an outbreak of swine flu. Read more.

-- Connect-Ed Message to Year-Round Schools: A Connect-Ed message will be sent to all year-round school parents and staff on Friday, May 1, and Sunday, May 3, with a reminder to stay at home if they are exhibiting symptoms of fever with recent onset of cough and/or sore throat and other respiratory symptoms such as runny nose or nasal congestion.

-- Prevention/Precautions: Frequent hand-washing and covering a cough or sneeze are the best protection from the flu and the best defense against the spread of germs, both at school and at home.

-- National Travel Advisory: The CDC has issued a warning to avoid nonessential travel to Mexico. Read more.

-- Planning: The early stages of San Diego Unified's Pandemic Flu plan are being followed. If needed, the district will further implement the plan.

For More Information: San Diego County residents can call the County of San Diego Swine Influenza Information Line at (858) 715-2250, or visit http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/Portal/News/swineflu.html.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me or Nursing and Wellness at (858) 627-7580. Your continued cooperation and attention is much appreciated during this serious medical emergency.

# # #
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Renowned Guest Choreographers at SCPA

News Release from the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, April 30, 2009

Guest Choreographers Creating Dances for San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts'
SPRING DANCE CONCERT running June 4-6, 2009

A principal dancer with the Jose Limon Company, a veteran Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater dancer, and a lead dancer for Broadway's The Lion King are slated to create dance pieces for the final concert scheduled for the 2008-2009 San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) Performance Season. These three renowned dancers/teachers/choreographers will see their works performed in the SPRING DANCE CONCERT June 4-6, 2009 at 7 p.m. in the Florence Johnson Grand Theatre.

Pablo Fransisco Ruvalcaba has been a principal dancer with the Jose Limon Company for the last 15 years. A native of Tijuana, Mexico, he is a Juilliard School graduate with a BFA in dance who regularly tours internationally, teaching master classes and choreographing. This is Mr. Ruvalcaba's second visit to SCPA as a guest teacher/choreographer in the past three years.

For the past 16 years Christopher Huggins has worked as a freelance artist throughout the world, following his departure from the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, Mr. Huggins attended the State University of New York at Purchase and the Juilliard School. He has been featured in several Broadway and regional theatre productions and is the recipient of the Ira Aldridge Award for best Choreography from the Black Theatre Alliance In Chicago. Mr. Huggins is presently in Italy performing, as well as currently choreographing for The Ailey School and the New York City Housing Authority.

Ray Mercer is a mainstay of the cast of The Lion King on Broadway, who is also very involved with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, earning the Gypsy of the Year Award in 2005 when he performed at the Dancers Responding to AIDS event. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Mr. Mercer studied at the University of New Orleans. When not performing eight shows a week in Disney's longstanding hit, he is pursuing choreographic opportunities with his own dance group. "Choreography for me is like being a painter or a songwriter," he explains. "I've always had a story to tell. Whether it's a lie, or the truth, or a personal experience. It has to come from a real place for me."

The SPRING DANCE CONCERT is the final show of the SCPA 2008-2009 Performance Season. Tickets are $8-$10 for adults and $7-$9 for students, seniors and military. Remember to purchase your tickets early before this concert sells out, online at www.scpa.sandi.net or call the box office at 619/475-8556.

Prior to this event, the Season includes the DRAMA SHOWCASE May 6-8 in the Little Theatre and the very popular SPRING MUSIC CONCERT May 19-21 in the Grand Theatre, which is another expected sell-out.

# # #

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

May 19-21. Spring Music Concert, Florence Johnson Grand Theatre, San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), 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. Performances at 7 p.m. Box office: (619) 475- 8556 or go to www.scpa.sandi.net. Open to the public.

June 4-6. Spring Dance Concert, Florence Johnson Grand Theatre, San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), 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. Performances at 7 p.m. Box office: (619) 475- 8556 or go to www.scpa.sandi.net. Open to the public.

# # #

For Immediate Release
Contact: David Donadio
Press and Promotions
San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts
619/470-0555

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NEWS RELEASE -- School Budget Town Hall Draws Local, State Officials; Open Forum Scheduled for Thursday, April 30

News Release from the San Diego Unified School District, April 28, 2009

School Budget Town Hall Draws Local, State Officials
Open Forum Scheduled for Thursday, April 30

SAN DIEGO – Members of the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education are scheduled to be joined by state representatives for a public town hall meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at Kearny High School, 7651 Wellington Street (92111).

The public is invited to the session to not only share their opinions on current budget issues, but if they arrive at 6:30, can ask district staff members directly about their departments and how they are working to keep cuts aware from the classroom.

The town hall is an official meeting of the Board of Education and all five members are scheduled to attend: President Shelia Jackson, Vice President Richard Barrera, John De Beck, John Lee Evans and Katherine Nakamura. State Senator Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) and Assemblymember Marty Block (D-San Diego) are scheduled to attend. Representatives of other state elected officials are also expected.

Parents, school communities and taxpayers are invited to share ideas with the Board members and state representatives. The discussion will include the use of federal stimulus funds and other budget options.

# # #

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.

PLEASE NOTE:  Attached Agenda:

 

·          Revised Agenda-Regular Board Meeting—Tuesday, April 28, 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 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

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."

 

Special Mtg Notices and Agendas

PLEASE NOTE:  Attached Notices and Agendas:

 

·          Notice and Call of Special Meeting/Agenda—Tuesday, April 28, 2009, 9:00 a.m.

·          Agenda-Regular Board Meeting—Tuesday, April 28, 2009, 5:00 p.m.

·          Notice and Call of Special ICOC Subcommittee Meeting/Agenda—Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 4:00 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 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

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."

 

Campus Calendar

Campus Calendar

Upcoming Events in the San Diego Unified School District

April 24, 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.

April

25 -- RECESS Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Field Elementary School, 4375 Bannock Ave. (92117). Professionals from the community and UCSD Alpha Phi Omega students will be on hand to encourage students to stay in school and get focused on a career. Students are encouraged to dress in a costume appropriate to their future career. Contact: Robin Stern, Principal, (858) 273-3323. Open to the public.

25 -- Rose Creek Cleanup, 9 a.m. to noon. The students and community of Doyle Elementary School in University City will be participating in a cleanup project in Rose Creek, a nearby stream. Doyle has adopted the stream. Part of I Love a Clean San Diego’s annual “Bay to Creek Cleanup.” Contact (I Love a Clean San Diego): (619) 291-0103 x3014. Open to the public.

*26 –Servapoolza, Noon to 4 p.m., Balboa Park. Adults, teens and families are invited to attend this free, one-of-a-kind, service festival. Live entertainment, food, raffle prizes, more than 50 community organizations offering hands-on service projects for volunteers to complete. Contact Jill McManigal, Servapalooza, at (760-730-3320. Open to the public.

27 -- Open House, iHigh Virtual Academy, 1-3 p.m., Fremont Center, 2375 Congress St. Contact: Eileen Warrington Franco, (858) 496-8764. Open to the public.

28 -- Board of Education meeting, 5 p.m., Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal Street. Agenda and future schedules available at www.sandi.net/indices/board.htm .Open to the public.

*30 -- Lincoln High School College Fund Benefit, 6-9 p.m., Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, 404 Euclid Avenue. “Emeralds and Pearls” silent auction fund-raiser to benefit the Monique Palmer Scholarship Fund, established in memory of the slain Lincoln High student. Open to the public. Tickets: $25 Presale; $30 Night of Event. Contact: Daniel Camacho, (619) 266-6508 or www.emeraldsandpearls.com.

*30 – Budget Town Hall Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Kearny High School Auditorium, 7651 Wellington St, (92111). The public is invited to learn more about the state budget crisis and its impacts on public K-12 education. Attendees will have the opportunity to share ideas and opinions with the Board of Education and state representatives who have been invited to attend. Contact: Bernie Rhinerson, (619) 725-5578, or communications@sandi.net. Open to the public.

May

1 -- Education Center Annual Spring Craft Fair, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal St., Annex 9, Testing Room (92103). Talented district artisans will have their art and handicrafts for sale. Contact: Elaine Lindberg, (619) 725-7104. Shopping is open to the public.

 

* 4 -- Yancheng Acrobats, 9-10 a.m., Barnard Elementary School Mandarin Chinese Magnet, 2930 Barnard St. (92110).  Performance to highlight the magnet school’s new Partnership in Education with the Confucius Institute of San Diego State University.  Contact: Edward Park, Principal, (619) 224-3306. Open to the public.

5 -- Teacher of the Year Celebration, 4:30 p.m., Sherman Elementary School, 301 22nd St. (92102). Ceremonies honor San Diego Unified’s outstanding individual teachers for the 2008-09 school year. Teachers of the Year will be named for the elementary, middle and high schools. Student musicians will perform and members of the culinary arts program will provide hors d’oeuvres. Open to the public.

6-8 -- Drama Showcase, 7 p.m., Ole Kittleson Little Theatre, San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), 2425 Dusk Drive (92139). Drama students showcase their individual strong points as performers in an eclectic array of musical numbers, monologues, and dramatic scenes in a show for the whole family. Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for students, seniors and military. Box office: (619) 475- 8556 or go to www.scpa.sandi.net. Open to the public.

7 -- 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.

7 -- End-of-Year Community Recognition Event, 4-6 p.m., SeaWorld. Annual event recognizing district partners in education and volunteers. Contact: Janet Delaney, community relations director, (619) 725-5593. Not open to the public.

8 -- Mother’s Day Family Friday, 1:45 p.m., Horton Elementary School, 5050 Guymon St. (92102). Horton moms are invited to visit their child’s classroom and enjoy student Mariachis and Mexican dancers. Contact: Principal Robin McCulloch, (619) 264-0171. Not open to the public.

12 -- Board of Education meeting, 5 p.m., Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal Street. Agenda and future schedules available at www.sandi.net/indices/board.htm. Open to the public.

13 -- Junior Recorder Festival, 9:30 a.m. instruction; 11:15 a.m. concert, De Portola Middle School, 11010 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. (92124). The day begins with period recorder and dance instruction, followed by a concert with students from throughout the district. Contact: Karen Childress-Evans, Director, Visual and Performing Arts Program, (858) 539-5349. Open to the public.

13 -- 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.

*14 -- 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.

15 -- Whitman School 50th Anniversary Celebration, 5 p.m., Whitman Elementary School, 4050 Appleton St. (92117). PTA-sponsored event to mark a half-century of education excellence. They’re looking for old photos and other material. Contact: whitmanpta2008@yahoo.com. 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.

19 -- Classified Employee of the Year Celebration, time and location to be announced. Honoring San Diego Unified’s outstanding individual non-teaching workers for the 2008-09 school year. 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 -- 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.

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 -- 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.

June

4-6 -- 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.

*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.

July

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

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

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

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.

 

# # #

 

 

 

Special Mtg Notices/Agendas

 

PLEASE NOTE:  Attached Notices and Agendas:

 

·          Notice and Call of Special Meeting/ Agenda—Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 8:30 a.m.

·          Notice and Call of Special Closed Session Meeting—Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 4:00 p.m.

·          Notice and Call of Special Meeting/Agenda—Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 5:00 p.m.

·          Notice and Call of Meeting of the Prop S ICOC—Wednesday, April 22, 2009, 4:00 p.m.

·          Notice and Call of Special Meeting—Thursday, April 30, 2009

 

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

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."

 

Correction to Campus Calendar

CORRECTION:  The Board of Education Meeting next week is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, at 5 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE - San Diego Unified Campus Calendar

Campus Calendar

Upcoming Events in the San Diego Unified School District

April 17, 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.

April

18 -- Surfboard Recycling, 9-11 a.m., Pacific Beach Middle School, 4676 Ingraham St. (92109). Part of eighth grader Rusty Mendoza’s service project, board recycler Rerip.com will be on hand to take those old boards off your hands for reuse or recycling. Contact: Dr. Julie Martel, Principal, (858) 273-9070. Open to the public.

21-24 -- Closing the Achievement Gap, Third Annual Title I Parent (ESEA) Training Conference, Parent/Community Coordinator Training, Bahia Hotel, 998 West Mission Bay Drive (92109). Sponsored by the California Advisory on Education Events and the San Diego County Title I Parents Association, conference topics include parent training and involvement. Contact: Diane Haney, (619) 822-4382 or www.caceeconference.com. Open to the public.

*22-- Board of Education meeting, 5 p.m., Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal Street. Agenda and future schedules available at www.sandi.net/indices/board.htm. Open to the public.

*22 -- BeadForLife Party at Open House, 6-8 p.m., John Muir K-12 Magnet School for Global Citizenship, 4431 Mt. Herbert Ave. (92117). BeadforLife is a global organization that helps impoverished Ugandan women who are lifting their families out of poverty with their handmade beaded jewelry. The event will also feature African drumming and music. Contact: Caryn Maroni, magnet coordinator, (858) 268-1954, ext. 145. Open to the public.

*23 – Arbor Day Tree Planting Celebration, 11 a.m. Balboa Park, just north of the Laurel Street entrance. Students from Roosevelt Middle School and the Garden Club of San Diego High School will help the Friends of Balboa Park  volunteers plant a mixed grove of twenty Engelman Oaks, Island Oaks, and Western Redbuds. Contact: Lorraine Schmalenberger, Friends of Balboa Park Administrative Director, (619) 232-2282. Open to the public.

25 -- RECESS Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Field Elementary School, 4375 Bannock Ave. (92117). Professionals from the community and UCSD Alpha Phi Omega students will be on hand to encourage students to stay in school and get focused on a career. Students are encouraged to dress in a costume appropriate to their future career. Contact: Robin Stern, Principal, (858) 273-3323. Open to the public.

25 -- Rose Creek Cleanup, 9 a.m. to noon. The students and community of Doyle Elementary School in University City will be participating in a cleanup project in Rose Creek, a nearby stream. Doyle has adopted the stream. Part of I Love a Clean San Diego’s annual “Bay to Creek Cleanup.” Contact (I Love a Clean San Diego): (619) 291-0103 x3014. Open to the public.

27 -- Open House, iHigh Virtual Academy, 1-3 p.m., Fremont Center, 2375 Congress St. Contact: Eileen Warrington Franco, (858) 496-8764. Open to the public.

28 -- Board of Education meeting, 5 p.m., Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal Street. Agenda and future schedules available at www.sandi.net/indices/board.htm. Open to the public.

*30 -- Lincoln High School College Fund Benefit, 6-9 p.m., Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, 404 Euclid Avenue. “Emeralds and Pearls” silent auction fund-raiser to benefit the Monique Palmer Scholarship Fund, established in memory of the slain Lincoln High student. Open to the public. Tickets: $25 Presale; $30 Night of Event. Contact: Daniel Camacho, (619) 266-6508 or www.emeraldsandpearls.com.

*30 – Budget Town Hall Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Kearny High School Auditorium, 7651 Wellington St, (92111). The public is invited to learn more about the state budget crisis and its impacts on public K-12 education. Attendees will have the opportunity to share ideas and opinions with the Board of Education and state representatives who have been invited to attend. Contact: Bernie Rhinerson, (619) 725-5578, or communications@sandi.net. Open to the public.

May

1 -- Education Center Annual Spring Craft Fair, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal St., Annex 9, Testing Room (92103). Talented district artisans will have their art and handicrafts for sale. Contact: Elaine Lindberg, (619) 725-7104. Shopping is open to the public.

5 -- Teacher of the Year Celebration, 4:30 p.m., Sherman Elementary School, 301 22nd St. (92102). Ceremonies honor San Diego Unified’s outstanding individual teachers for the 2008-09 school year. Teachers of the Year will be named for the elementary, middle and high schools. Student musicians will perform and members of the culinary arts program will provide hors d’oeuvres. Open to the public.

6-8 -- Drama Showcase, 7 p.m., Ole Kittleson Little Theatre, San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), 2425 Dusk Drive (92139). Drama students showcase their individual strong points as performers in an eclectic array of musical numbers, monologues, and dramatic scenes in a show for the whole family. Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for students, seniors and military. Box office: (619) 475- 8556 or go to www.scpa.sandi.net. Open to the public.

7 -- 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.

7 -- End-of-Year Community Recognition Event, 4-6 p.m., SeaWorld. Annual event recognizing district partners in education and volunteers. Contact: Janet Delaney, community relations director, (619) 725-5593. Not open to the public.

8 -- Mother’s Day Family Friday, 1:45 p.m., Horton Elementary School, 5050 Guymon St. (92102). Horton moms are invited to visit their child’s classroom and enjoy student Mariachis and Mexican dancers. Contact: Principal Robin McCulloch, (619) 264-0171. Not open to the public.

12 -- Board of Education meeting, 5 p.m., Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal Street. Agenda and future schedules available at www.sandi.net/indices/board.htm. Open to the public.

13 -- Junior Recorder Festival, 9:30 a.m. instruction; 11:15 a.m. concert, De Portola Middle School, 11010 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. (92124). The day begins with period recorder and dance instruction, followed by a concert with students from throughout the district. Contact: Karen Childress-Evans, Director, Visual and Performing Arts Program, (858) 539-5349. Open to the public.

13 -- 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.

15 -- Whitman School 50th Anniversary Celebration, 5 p.m., Whitman Elementary School, 4050 Appleton St. (92117). PTA-sponsored event to mark a half-century of education excellence. They’re looking for old photos and other material. Contact: whitmanpta2008@yahoo.com. 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.

19 -- Classified Employee of the Year Celebration, time and location to be announced. Honoring San Diego Unified’s outstanding individual non-teaching workers for the 2008-09 school year. 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 -- 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.

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.

June

4-6 -- 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.

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.

15 -- Traditional Calendar Last Day of School.

July

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

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

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

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.

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