San Diego Unified School District Newsfeed

From the Superintendendent: Sobering Budget News from Sacramento

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Fri, 25 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000

Now that the Governor’s May Revise Budget has been released, the District CFO team is finalizing our budget and the associated deficit target for implementing the 2012/13 fiscal year on July 1. In the past few months, we have watched with growing concern as the state’s projected tax revenues have consistently fallen well below projection. This trend prompted Governor Brown to recently report that the state-wide deficit has grown from almost $9 billion dollars to almost $16 billion dollars. Given this sobering news, the Governor’s May Revise did not improve the funding outlook for K-12 education in our state. On contrary, the updated budget points to even deeper potential cuts to education based on the outcome of the November ballot measure.

With this as backdrop, this past Tuesday, the Board of Education took the very difficult step of approving final certificated layoff notices for 1,534 teachers, nurses, counselors and librarians. Based on the fluid nature of resignations, retirements, leaves of absence, and the like, we do expect that several hundred of our certificated employees will be called back before the school year starts to fill vacancies. But the unfortunate reality remains that the district will not be able to recall more than 1,000 of our certificated staff. There is simply no new revenue in the immediate future that would override this terrible occurrence. You can see a video of my remarks to the Board here that further details the situation.

The district remains open to begin discussion with our employee unions about alternative solutions to these layoffs. We remain hopeful that we can work together to find a way to reduce the number of these layoffs and mitigate the impacts that these budget cuts will have on our students.

Sincerely
BILL KOWBA
Superintendent

Garfield High Students Cater Luncheon

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Employees of San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) enjoyed a deluxe nacho bar on Cinco de Mayo prepared served by culinary students from Garfield High School.

The three seniors, Diego Sanchez, Israel Gonzalez and Christopher Martinez, helped prepare the lunch, then transported and served it for more than 60 employees. The menu included beef or chicken nachos, a special chipotle cream sauce, salsa ranchero, and for dessert, tres leches with fresh berries.

Sanchez, Gonzalez, and Martinez are all active in their culinary arts program including after school activities. The three combined have volunteered more than for after school events that include food preparation and serving. Gonzalez is currently pursuing some culinary schools for his post-secondary education.

The employees of SANDAG were very pleased with the food and the professional service the students gave. They were even more pleased to know they were supporting a school program and offering the students some valuable experience.

Garfield High School's Culinary Arts Program is a professional training program designed to help students become qualified to enter the food services industry. For more information on the program or to talk about catering your next event, contact Arlyn Hackett, CCTE Culinary Arts Instructor at ahacket@sandi.net.

Clairemont, Madison High Auto Students Take Cuyamaca Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

A student works to
diagnose a problem
during the Cuyamaca
College competition.

Clairemont and Madison high school automotive technology students recently tested their skills against other San Diego County students in Cuyamaca College's 33rd annual High School Automotive Skills Day.

The competition tested the students' skills in areas such as repair of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering, brakes and air conditioning. Students were also asked to improve performance on an engine, with prizes awarded to the winning teams.

The competition was won by students from the program at Ramona High School.

Judges, included Cuyamaca College instructors and students, as well as technicians and operators of local automotive repair shops, students compete individually or in pairs in advanced and beginning divisions.

It takes two hours for the competitors to go through all eight stations set up in the college’s high-tech automotive technology building.

For more information on the automotive technologies programs, contact Greg Quirin, resource teacher, at gquirin@sandi.net.

Memorial Day Holiday is Monday, May 28

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

All San Diego Unified School District offices and schools are closed Monday, May 28, in observance of the Memorial Day federal holiday.

Washington Post Recognizes Nine High Schools, Charter

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Nine high schools and one charter school in the San Diego Unified School District have placed on the Washington Post list of America's Most Challenging High Schools.

Two of the six schools at San Diego High made the list: International Studies, and Science and Technology. Other schools on the list are Pt. Loma, Scripps Ranch, University City, Mira Mesa, Serra, Crawford CHAMPS and Clairemont. Preuss UCSD charter also made the list.

The newspaper ranks schools based on the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Advanced International Certificate of Education tests taken by its students, compared to the number of students at the school. In addition, school staff must complete a survey with the information to be included on the list.

There are more than 22,000 high schools in the nation; according to the newspaper, fewer than nine percent are on the list of Most Challenging High Schools. These tests are neither required nor funded by most schools; since they cost extra, schools in California cannot require students to take them.

"It's very important that we challenge our students to achieve," said Superintendent Bill Kowba. "Inclusion on this list means that these schools are doing a great job of motivating their students to do better."

The schools and their ranking:

For more information on the list, go to the Washington Post website.

De Portola Middle School 'Walk and Roll' Celebrates Friends, Fitness

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

De Portola Middle School in Tierrasanta had a great day of celebrating fitness, fundraising, and acceptance of friends from all walks of life through the second annual "Walk and Roll" event sponsored by the Circle of Friends club.

"We had over 160 students join together in a parade around the outdoor stage," said Principal Elizabeth Gillingham, "walking with friends while holding signs pledging to be friends with others."

Students were sponsored by family and friends for each lap walked or rolled (some in wheel chairs) raising money for their club and working on their overall fitness with friends. The event was held May 8.

"We had students holding signs to promote kindness and acceptance," said Diana Aquilizan, a moderate-severe education specialist. "We also encouraged them to dress alike, walk a like or do some other creative collaborations."

For more information, contact Principal Gillingham at (858) 496-8080.

IN THE NEWS: State plans big changes to testing, instruction

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000

California has embarked on a course to fundamentally reshape how every student is taught and tested.These new “common core standards” for grades K-12 go into effect in fall 2014 for English Language Arts and math. Revisions to the curriculum and assessments for other subjects, such as science and history, will follow in later years. Read more from the San Diego Union-Tribune.»

2012 High School Graduation Schedule Announced

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000

The high school graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2012 will be held on June 11-12 in various locations. Read more»

Henry Students Advance to World Junior Achevement Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Patrick Henry High School students Bryan Nguyen and Armando Narciso have advanced the World Global Junior Achievement Titan Challenge with their virtual manufacturing simulation, Team 1%.

Junior Achievement annually holds competitions around the world to encourage students to learn about business and entepreneurship. The student pair acted as corporate business leaders to make decisions that affect the profitability and sustainability of their virtual company and attempt to outperform their competitors in profit, sales and market share. They set prices, determine production levels, invest in capital, plan marketing and research, and development budgets.

“Through this experience, I’ve found out that anything can happen, good or bad," said Bryan. "If you can quickly assess and adapt to the situation, things can turn out all right.”

The team earned the trip to trip to the world competition by placing second in the national finals.

They will compete against teams from Russia, China, Canada and other parts of the United States. San Diego Unified School District has traditionally had at least four teams in the Junior Achievement Titan San Diego and regional competitions from various high schools, including Clairemont, Henry, Scripps Ranch and San Diego.

For more information on Team 1%, contact Mark Abbott at mabbott@sandi.net. For more information about the Global Junior Achievement Titan Challenge, contact http://www.jaworldwide.org.

Newsweek Honors High Schools

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Newsweek Magazine and its sister website The Daily Beast have placed San Diego High's School of International Studies, La Jolla and University City high schools, along with Preuss UCSD charter, on their list of the top 1,000 high schools in the nation.

International Studies ranked 168, La Jolla was 327, and University City 783. International Studies also ranked 12th on the magazine's Top 25 Transformative High Schools. Preuss UCSD charter topped the Transformative High Schools list, placing 30th on the overall list.

"This is just super," said Superintendent Bill Kowba. "The teachers, staff, students and parents of each of these schools deserve congratulations for their hard work and commitment to education."

According to the website, the list was compiled by surveying principals at more than 2,000 schools.

"In order to be considered for our list, a school had to complete a survey requesting specific data from the 2010-2011 academic year. In all, more than 2,300 schools were assessed to produce the final list of the top 1,000 schools," according to the website.

Read more at The Daily Beast»

Special Ed Tech is Classified Employee of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Tue, 22 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000

A Special Education Technician is the district's Classified Employee of the Year, with an Administrative Assistant and Community Assistant as runners-up.

Brenda Bailey-Burks, a Special Education Technician at Serra High School in Tierrasanta, is the 2012 Classified Employee of the Year. Bailey-Burks has been working as a Special Education Aide with one student, as well as the a member of the school's Integrated Life Skills team at the school. She has been with the same student for more than six years.

Margaret Lathan, an Administrative Aide with the district's Visual and Performing Arts Program, and Bounhong Khommarath, a Community Assistant II with the Parent Outreach and Engagement Department, are runners up.
The trio and individual school Classified Employees of the Year were celebrated at this special meeting of the Board of Education on May 22. Classified employees -- those without teaching credentials -- are San Diego Unified's support staff. They perform tasks ranging from financial management to maintenance. Read more»

San Diego Unified May Have Money For You.

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

"Unclaimed Funds" have been sitting with district for at least three years. Read more»

Honoring Those Who Go Above and Beyond

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Photo credit to CAPT Tim Conroy, USN (ret) left to right:
Dave Elmer, Executive Director of Special Education Susan Martinez, Jazelle Aytes, Shelly Suggs, Charles James, Magdalena Tavasci, Mike Dominguez, Norma Strickland, Daphne Terrell, and CAC Chairperson Moira Allbritton

Every spring, the district Community Advisory Committee for Special Education (CAC), in collaboration with Special Education staff, accepts nominations for the Above and Beyond awards, which recognize parents, employees, students and community members who exemplify the district's commitment to high expectations for all students. The 2012 Above & Beyond award recipients were announced on May 10 for their excellence in supporting the educational outcomes of San Diego Unified students with disabilities. Congratulations to all the honorees!

Honorees included:
Jazelle Aytes, student, Fletcher Elementary School
Michael Dominguez, Logan K-8 School
Dave Elmer, SDUSD Employee, Polinsky Children's Center
Meagan Hood, La Jolla Elementary School
Charles James, Morse High School
Norma Strickland, Special Education Early Childhood
Shelly Suggs, DePortola Middle School
Magdalena Tavasci, Bayview Terrace Elementary School
Daphne Terrell, Lindbergh Schweitzer Elementary School

The following individuals were selected for the CAC Honor Roll:
Liz Carroll, Jones Elementary School
Raylene Dickinson, CAC Member
Elizabeth Finch, Kumeyaay Elementary School
Janna Hemphill, San Diego Cooperative Charter School
Amanda Johnson, Taft Middle School
Jennifer Kuklenski, Mission Bay High School
Meghan Main, Point Loma High School
Loralei Olsen, Tierrasanta Elementary School
Molly Perry, San Diego Cooperative Charter School
Carrie Rydzic, Kumeyaay Elementary School
Nathan Sachdeva, Patrick Henry High School
Nancy Shea, Special Education Program
Calvin Smith (“Mr. CT”), Lincoln High School
Anthony Villasenor, San Diego Cooperative Charter School
Leslie Vittori, Special Education Program
Debby Warner, Special Education Programs Division
Karin Wehsener, Jones Elementary School
Andrea Yoder-Clark, SurfAid International

For more information, visit the CAC website.

Classified School Employee Week May 20-26

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Sun, 20 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Since 1986, California has taken the third week in May to honor the invaluable contributions of classified school employees. This year's theme is "Classified Employees: A Legacy of Service."

Classified School Employee Week began as a resolution at CSEA’s Annual Conference in 1984. Two years later, it was adopted as California Senate Bill 1552 and decreed to be an official recognition of classified school employees. From the time students board a school bus to the time they head home at the end of the day, every aspect of their educational experience is impacted by a classified school employee.

San Diego Unified recognizes the more than 7,100 classified employees who a play crucial role in the education of our students. From transporting and feeding students to teaching them vital skills and ensuring that schools are operating smoothly, thank you for your dedication and commitment.

Read more.

IN THE NEWS: Stages of Learning: Theater and Language in San Diego Schools

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Sun, 20 May 2012 01:00:00 +0000

Known for its sunny beaches and mild Mediterranean climate, its tourist attractions and international conventions, San Diego is a popular travel destination. Yet this cultured and cosmopolitan city has another face, which is little known to outsiders. East of downtown and south of the Martin Luther King Jr. Freeway lies the area locals call "the Southeast." Through the last three decades, it has been plagued by gang violence, homicide, and poverty. In fact, its reputation was so bad back in 1992 that Councilman George Stevens campaigned against any official use of the designation "Southeast San Diego," pointing to the term's perceived negative connotations.

Yet something significant has been happening in the elementary schools in this part of the city. While schools in the coastal and northern areas of San Diego have usually scored well, now innovative programs have begun to energize schools in neighborhoods that were once left behind. Read more from KCET>>

UCHS Senior named Best Female Scholar-Athlete in CA

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Sat, 19 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to University City High School senior Marina Varano, who was recently selected as the top female scholar-athlete from California in the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Scholarship program. Varano was chosen from a pool of public and private school students throughout the state. The scholarship recognizes the distinguished scholastic, leadership and sportsmanship attributes of high school student athletes, and the importance of high school athletics in each student's life.

Marina has received 7 varsity letters throughout her high school athletic career and was recognized as a tri-varsity athlete in 2011, competing in volleyball, water polo and swim. During her senior year, Varano was MVP in volleyball and received the Coach's Award in water polo. Varano currently maintains a 4.4 GPA and is ranked 19th in her class.

IN THE NEWS: San Diego Unified approves first-ever ‘Harvey Milk Day Proclamation’

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Fri, 18 May 2012 21:40:00 +0000

The San Diego Unifed School District announced Thursday (May 17) its first ever “Harvey Milk Day Proclamation” which will be unrolled to all schools within its system. According to the district, no other school system in San Diego County has had an official Harvey Milk Day.
“Harvey Milk Day Proclamation” was first introduced by Trustee Kevin Beiser to the board members of the San Diego Unified School District. The decision was approved by the board by a 5-0 vote.
“After working to enact historic anti-bullying policies, I am thrilled that we are honoring the contributions of such a great man who stood up for equal rights for all,” said Beiser. -- San Diego LGBT Weekly, May 17, 2012

JROTC Cadets Return from Freedoms Foundation, Washington DC

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:03:00 +0000

JROTC cadets from throughout San Diego Unified joined cadets from across the country at the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge and Washington D.C. Leadership Conference, April 19-25. The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, founded in 1949, celebrates the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights and their relevance to our daily lives.

This year's Freedom Foundation attendees were: Zabrina Reyes and Arnelle Sambile, Mira Mesa High; Jordan Robertson, Patrick Henry High; Michelle Mayo and Audrey Pelonia, Morse High; Marielena Teng, Scripps Ranch High; and Stephen Fang, Kearny High. The attendees returned with a greater sense of awareness and appreciation of the principles and responsibilities of a free and democratic society. The educational trip, sponsored and fully-funded by the Military Order of World Wars (MOWW), was held at the Freedoms Foundation's 85-acre campus in historic Valley Forge, PA, and culminated with a visit to Washington DC.

This year’s American Leaders Youth Summit conference focused on leadership, American Government and history. During the conference students were assessed and recognized for their leadership qualities, participation and subject knowledge. Congratulations to the San Diego cadets who were awarded the top two honors in the four Leadership Award categories.

Cadets completed their time in Pennsylvania with a trip to Philadelphia and visited Independence Hall where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted. From Philadelphia, the cadets travelled to Washington D.C., where they toured Arlington National Cemetery, the American History Museum, the National Archives to view the Declaration of Independence and USConstitution, and a show at the historice Ford Theatre. The highlight was a tour of the Unitied States Capitol sponsored by San Diego Congresswoman, Susan Davis.

For more information about the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, go to www.freedomsfoundation.org.

Breakfast Key Ingredient in Academic Achievement

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:30:00 +0000

San Diego Unified offers multiple programs that provide students with breakfast to ensure they are fueled and ready to learn each day.

At 53 elementary schools, breakfast is served to almost 30,000 students a day through the district’s Breakfast in the Classroom program. In fact, elementary schools have increased breakfast participation by 188 percent. Eight secondary schools also have breakfast alternative programs, including Breakfast in the Classroom and Nutrition Break. All other schools continue to offer regular breakfast in their cafeterias.

State Superintendent for Public Instruction Tom Torlakson recently shared in a letter with district superintendents and school food service directors that research confirms the clear connection amongst health, learning, and attendance.

“Healthy children are more successful in school, miss fewer days of school, are more attentive and well behaved, and are more likely to graduate from high school and go to college,” the letter stated. Click here to read the letter.

For more information about SDUSD Breakfast Programs, contact Norma Johnson at njohnson4@sandi.net or 858-627-7308.

Clairemont High Students Win AP Biology Bowl

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

The team from Clairemont High narrowly edged out teams from La Jolla and Serra high schools to claim victory at the 3rd Annual Advanced Placement Biology Bowl held recently at Serra High.

The academic bowl competition prepares students for the Advanced Placement biology examination. Comprised of 12 total rounds of competition, each round tests students’ knowledge of the eight major themes to be tested on the AP exam, including biochemistry, cell biology, cell division, evolution, anatomy and physiology and genetics.

The final round of competition featured teams from Clairemont High, led by coach Jason Kammerer, and La Jolla High, coached by Rachel Tenenbaum.

More than 130 students, parents, and teachers attended the event. Superintendent Bill Kowba and Board Trustees Kevin Beiser and Richard Barrera participated in the welcoming ceremony. Superintendent Kowba encouraged all participants to do their very best in the competition and on the exam.

All participants gained a competitive edge that would favor them in the AP exam on May 14. Other schools in attendance included Mira Mesa High School (Coach Lisa Yoneda), Lincoln High School (Coach Jennifer Ogo), Patrick Henry High School (Coach Andy Mangahis) and host school, Serra High School (Coach Ericka Senegar-Mitchell).

The AP Biology Bowl was established in 2010 by Serra High’s Dr. Ericka Senegar-Mitchell, and coordinated each year with help from Tenenbaum and Ogo. More than 12 high schools have participated since the bowl began three years ago.

Serra High’s Foundation also supported the Bio Bowl by providing breakfast and lunch to all scholars, teachers and volunteers in attendance.

Jones Elementary Fifth-Graders Spend Day at USD

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:13:00 +0000

All fifth grade students at Jones Elementary School recently participated in the school’s first I’m Going to College Day, with an all-day visit to the University of San Diego (USD) campus. The visit provided the students with an up close and personal view of a real college campus.

As an AVID school, college readiness is one of the foundational components at Jones Elementary. To be successful in a global society, AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and career readiness.

The day's activities included a tour of the USD campus by college freshmen and attending a standard- based English and math class taught by two different USD professors. Students participated by explaining their thinking in the math class, and after learning about “free verse” poetry, students wrote and shared their individual poems.

At the end of the day, a mock graduation was held for the fifth-graders. The students received a certificate of completion and a commemorative hand shake by the Assistant Dean of Students, their teacher and the principal. It was inspirational to see the Jones students glow with a sense of pride and purpose as they succeeded in their first college campus experience.

Jones principal Rita Powell and fifth-grade teachers would like to thank USD Assistant Dean Pauline Berryman Powell from the College of Arts and Sciences, Vice President of Public Affairs Pamela Gray Payton, and Admissions Counselor Lisa Saldias for transforming the vision of post-secondary education into a reality and inspiring the students to think beyond high school.

For additional information contact Rita Powell at rpowell@sandi.net or 858-496-8140.

Music Educators Saluted by State Music Association

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Board Member Kevin Beiser, left, Area
Superintendent Marian Phelps, M. Nicholson.

Educators from throughout the district were honored during the annual Fortissimo Awards of Excellence, which salutes music educators and their site administrators for exceptional work in music education.

Honorees from the San Diego Unified School District were: Laura Smith, Outstanding Elementary Music Specialist, Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Department; Brad Sullivan, Outstanding General Music Educator, Dailard Elementary; Katherine Girvin, Outstanding Choral Educator , Marshall Middle School; Russell Shedd, Outstanding Orchestra Educator, Scripps Ranch High School; Marc Dwyer, Outstanding Jazz Educator, Correia Middle School; Carmi Strom, Outstanding Vice Principal, Wangenheim Middle School; Michelle Irwin, Outstanding Principal, Marshall Middle School; Marian Kim-Phelps, Outstanding District Administrator, Area Superintendent; Cameron Brown, Fortissimo Choice Award , University City High School.

The awards are given annually by the California Association for Music Education and the San Diego County Office of Education. The April 12 ceremony was hosted by Kevin Beiser, District B Board of Education Member, San Diego Unified School District.

Board Member Kevin Beiser, left, Wangeheim
Vice Principal Carmi Strom, M. Nicholson.

"Congratulations to these outstanding educators who understand and support the importance of a quality music education for every student," said VAPA Director Karen Childress-Evans.

For more information on the program, contact Childress-Evans at (858) 539-5349 or kchildressevans@sandi.net. For more information on the awards, go to the California Association for Music Education website.

Bayview Terrace Elementary Promotes Diversity Through Wearing Orange

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

In an effort to promote diversity and working together, Bayview Terrace Elementary School recently had a day where all students and staff members were encouraged to wear orange to show their solidarity against bullying and stereotypes, especially stereotypes against those with disabilities.

The day's "Spread the Word to End the Word" assembly combined both themes and hear guest speaker Krstina Alicia, a district resource teacher, talk about the positive effects of inclusion.

"Working together, staff, parents and students gain a greater understanding of people with disabilities," said Principal Magalena Tavasci. "The symbolic gesture of everyone wearing the same color showed unity in fighting bullying and helped our school come together."

For more information on Bayview Terrace Elementary School, contact Tavasci at (858) 273-5244.

Roosevelt Middle School Joint-Use Field Under Construction

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Sat, 12 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Roosevelt Middle School Vice Principal Karina Reyes joined School Board Member Richard Barrera, Area 6 Superintendent Gilbert Gutierrez and City Councilmember Todd Gloria to break ground on the new joint-use field at Roosevelt Middle School on April 26.

Neighbors and several other city and district leaders also participated in the event that marked the beginning of construction on the new natural turf field. The City of San Diego recently awarded a construction contract to Palm Engineering Construction Company, Inc. to develop approximately two acres of the eastern portion of the school campus into a multi-purpose field that will include a walking track and three new backstops. The school district contributed $600,000 in Proposition S funds toward construction of the $995,000 project.

Prop. S funds can only be used for capital improvement projects.

Following the completion of construction in late summer, an additional 120 days will be needed to establish the turf before the field will be open to students and community members in Spring 2013.

For more details on this project, contact Randy White, school district real estate specialist, at rwhite1@sandi.net or 619-725-7281; or Barry Kelleher, city park designer/project manager, at 619-533-5219 or bkelleher@sandiego.gov. Media inquiries should be directed to Cynthia Reed-Porter, communications supervisor, at creed-porter@sandi.net or 619-725-5579

"Garden-to-Table" Promotes Healthy Eating Habits

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Unified School District News) — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Preschoolers in room 71 at Lindbergh Schweitzer Elementary worked in pairs, planting vegetables and flowers in their spring garden to discover first-hand the benefits of eating healthy. The young 3-5 year old students are now busy watering and watching the young plants grow. Soon, they will enjoy sampling freshly picked lettuce, cucumbers and strawberries.

"The garden is a huge hit with the students," said proud teachers Phoebe Bishops and Tami Colo. "Healthy eating habits are part of the Extended Core Curriculum of Daily Living Skills provided for our blind and visually impaired students."

For more information contact Julie Harris, media production assistant, at jharris2@sandi.net or 858-496-8400.

For information about the district's Farm to School program, visit the Food Services website at www.sandi.net/food