FRIDAY NOTES -- News about students, schools and more, from the San Diego Unified School District

March 14, 2014


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[Friday Notes]<http://www.sandi.net/>



From the District
Cluster meetings provide setting for community input on the district's LCAP<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=19400&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=86370&PageID=1>
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Thanks to the hundreds of parents, students, administrators, teachers, support staff and community members who participated in the district's five Vision 2020 forums, centered around creating quality schools in every neighborhood. Your input was vital to the future of our schools as well as to the development of the district Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). Looking ahead, LCAP workshops have now been scheduled at the Cluster level. Read more<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=19400&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=86370&PageID=1>.

District's new mass notification provider goes live April 1
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Automated phone and email messages you receive from your school site and from the district will have a slightly different look to them starting next month. As of April 1, the district will be using SchoolMessenger to provide mass notification services. District employees and parents who receive communication will hear no difference in the phone messages (the prompt that said "This is an important message from...Please press 1 to hear the message" has been removed) and will only see minor formatting changes on outreach and attendance emails. There will be more options available to all parties regarding message access and preferences. Stay tuned for more details.

An incredible week of science and engineering starts March 15<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=19400&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=86668&PageID=1>
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The annual San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering (formerly known as the San Diego Science Festival) features a week of interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities and dynamic speakers to engage kids and families in science and engineering. This year's festival begins Saturday, March 15, and culminates with EXPO DAY at PETCO Park on Saturday, March 22. Read more<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=19400&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=86668&PageID=1>.

San Carlos adults have 40-year reunion with elementary teachers<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=19400&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=86290&PageID=1> <http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=19400&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=86290&PageID=1>
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It's been two decades since Forward Elementary School closed in the San Carlos neighborhood, but not only is the school remembered fondly; three special teachers are still in the minds and hearts of school alumni. Now-retired teachers James Baker, Bill Knapp and Ralph Graves were honored by the group San Carlos Survivors for their inspiration to their students, now adults aged 40+. Read more<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=19400&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=86290&PageID=1>.

Prop S & Z Update: Thomas Jefferson Elementary gets facelift<http://www.sandi.net/site/Default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=82&PageID=951&ViewID=97313d1d-a9cf-4646-a5a5-0c355fbac071&FlexDataID=86719>
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Students, parents and district leaders joined Principal Francisco Morga at the dedication ceremony celebrating the renovations to the front of Jefferson Elementary School<http://www.sandi.net/jefferson>. The school's frontage project provided enhancements to site security and the entrance to the campus Other upgrades included new fencing, new landscaping and signage. Read more<http://www.sandi.net/site/Default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=82&PageID=951&ViewID=97313d1d-a9cf-4646-a5a5-0c355fbac071&FlexDataID=86719>.

SD Community College District and San Diego Unified to hold joint meeting<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=19400&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=86843&PageID=1>
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For the third time in recent years, the governing boards of the two largest education systems in the county will hold a special joint board meeting on March 18. These meetings are part of an ongoing effort at better coordinating approaches to issues vital for both the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) and San Diego Unified. Among the many items to be discussed are a K-14 Accountability Framework for Student Success, aligning mathematics and English curriculum with Common Core standards, establishing a connection and articulation between specific K-12 areas of study and SDCCD college majors, early childhood education legislation, and Assembly Bill 86. Read more<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=19400&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=86843&PageID=1>.


School News

Backpacks of food for families at Juarez Elementary<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=19400&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=86749&PageID=1>
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More than 200 families at Juarez Elementary School<http://www.sandi.net/juarez> in Serra Mesa will receive backpacks of food every Friday thanks to the Blessings in a Backpack program and the Walmart Foundation. "Through Walmart's support, we are able to help hundreds of local students receive access to the food they need to stay healthy and strong and help them stay focused at school," said Isaac Santillan, guidance assistant at Juarez Elementary. Read more<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=19400&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=86749&PageID=1>.

Students get hospitality lesson from local industry executives<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=19400&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=86597&PageID=1>
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More than 300 students from San Diego Unified's Culinary Arts and Management courses got the opportunity to tour local hotels and restaurants and hear from industry executives as part of the 16th annual High School Hospitality Conference at the Convention Center. Students from Mira Mesa<http://www.sandi.net/miramesa>, Morse<http://www.sandi.net/morse>, Madison<http://www.sandi.net/madison>, Scripps Ranch<http://srhsfalcons.org>, Hoover<http://www.sandi.net/hoover>, and Garfield<http://www.sandi.net/garfield> high schools attended the conference, which prepares hospitality and culinary students for careers they can expect post-graduation. Read more<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=19400&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=86597&PageID=1>.

'Birney Bees' looking out for their namesakes<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=19400&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=86306&PageID=1>
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At Birney Elementary International Studies Magnet<http://www.sandi.net/birney>, students, teachers, and parents are showing some love for their school's mascot, the bee, by asking local stores to help save the honeybee. As part of Birney's innovative Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Program, students have been studying the detrimental effects of neonic pesticides on bees, and sent letters to Lowes, Home Depot and large hardware stores asking them to remove these pesticides from their shelves. Read more<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=19400&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=86306&PageID=1>.
'Magnet School of Distinction' award goes to Barnard Pacific Rim Magnet<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=19400&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=86294&PageID=1>
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The Barnard Asian Pacific Language Academy<http://www.barnardelementary.com> in Pacific Beach has been named a "Magnet School of Distinction" by the Magnet Schools of America. Principal Eddie Park says Barnard emphasizes diversity, a school-wide instructional approach, academic excellence and equity, which are just some of the reasons Barnard was recognized. It was only one of three schools in California to receive a national merit award from Magnet Schools of America. Read more<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=1&ModuleInstanceID=19400&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=86294&PageID=1>.

Scripps Ranch High pianist receives standing ovation at Board meeting<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageID=3258>
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Scripps Ranch High School<http://srhsfalcons.org> junior Grace Keane performed a piano solo at Tuesday's board meeting, earning a standing ovation from board members and attendees. Keane is a member of the orchestra at Scripps Ranch High, which is one of the few schools in the district to also offer a piano instruction class. Watch video<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageID=3258>.


For Parents

Deaf and Hard of Hearing College and Career Transition Fair March 25<http://www.sandi.net/site/Default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=225&PageID=2515&ViewID=047e6be3-6d87-4130-8424-d8e4e9ed6c2a&FlexDataID=86538>
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Madison High School<http://www.sandi.net/madison> will be hosting the 9th Annual Deaf and Hard of Hearing College and Career Transition Fair Tuesday, March 25, focusing on services and educational opportunities for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. This fun and informative event will take place from 6-8 p.m. in the Madison High School cafeteria. Parent breakout sessions include strategies to enhance reading and literacy skills and information about the IEP process. Read more<http://www.sandi.net/site/Default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=225&PageID=2515&ViewID=047e6be3-6d87-4130-8424-d8e4e9ed6c2a&FlexDataID=86538>.

Do you know someone who goes 'Above and Beyond' for Special Education?<http://www.sandi.net/site/Default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=225&PageID=2515&ViewID=047e6be3-6d87-4130-8424-d8e4e9ed6c2a&FlexDataID=85564>
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The Community Advisory Committee for Special Education<http://www.sandi.net/domain/449>, in collaboration with San Diego Unified Special Education Department, will be honoring individuals who have contributed above and beyond the usual expectation in the area of special education. Nominations may include students, family members, community members or staff members who have been exemplary in their commitment to improve educational outcomes, including social, life and vocational skills of students with disabilities. Read more<http://www.sandi.net/site/Default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=225&PageID=2515&ViewID=047e6be3-6d87-4130-8424-d8e4e9ed6c2a&FlexDataID=85564>.

For Students

Water Conservation Student Poster and Film Contests<http://www.sandiego.gov/water/conservation/contests/index.shtml>
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The City of San Diego Public Utilities Department is hosting its annual water conservation student poster and film contests. The poster contest is open to students in grades 1-6 and the film contest is open to high school students. This year's theme for both is "Waste No Water. All Days. All Ways." Poster contest entries are due March 28; film entries April 11. Read more<http://www.sandiego.gov/water/conservation/contests/index.shtml>.

Spring 2014 Character Matters essay contest<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=19549&ViewID=7b97f7ed-8e5e-4120-848f-a8b4987d588f&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=83606&PageID=2705>
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The Character Matters Essay Contest, hosted by USD, provides a platform for insightful classroom discussion and students' personal reflections on their experiences. This contest offers students an opportunity for conscious reflection and to engage in the Common Core State Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Sciences, and Technical Subjects. Teachers are encouraged to work with their students to write an essay that focuses on the 10 Badges of Character and the theme "Why Character Matters." Read more<http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=19549&ViewID=7b97f7ed-8e5e-4120-848f-a8b4987d588f&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=83606&PageID=2705>.

Student Voices: Selected stories from student media

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Students at Mission Bay<http://www.beachcombermb.com/top-stories/2014/03/10/gay-lesbian-bisexual-and-transgender-students-at-mission-bay/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+beachcombermb%2FoJrE+%28The+Beachcomber%29>, The Beachcomber, Mission Bay High School, March 10, 2014

In the News

A big early schooling shift (UT San Diego March 8, 2014)<http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/Mar/08/a-big-early-schooling-shift/2/?#article-copy>

Dutch educators take tips from San Diego schools (UT San Diego March 10, 2014)<http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/mar/10/dutch-educators-san-diego-felicita/>

SD Unified pushes early retirement plan (UT San Diego, March 11, 2014 <http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/mar/11/san-diego-unified-pushes-early-retirement-plan/>



[sdusd] Do you have an article for Friday Notes? Share information about a recent event that motivated students; your teachers' creativity; awards received by your school, staff and students; parent engagement activities; and community involvement. Friday Notes Guidelines<http://www.sandi.net/communications/fridaynotes> can be found on the Communications Department website. Story submissions should be sent with photos to communications@sandi.net<mailto:communications@sandi.net>. *Communications Dept has final approval of all items.



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