The end of another school year nears as final exams are underway and commencement exercises conclude next week. I am continually impressed by the dedication and quality of our staff as evidenced by the impact we’re having on the lives of our students.
I extend congratulations to the Class of 2015 and their families. As graduation occurs next week, we reflect upon our many accomplishments as we wish our nearly 5,000 graduates continued success. We trust they leave us prepared for a great future and with many fond memories of their educational experience.
I thank each employee for their hard work and continued commitment to our students’ success. I also want to acknowledge the administrators, certificated staff and classified employees who are retiring. Thank you for your years of service and commitment to public education.
Please note, the first day of school for students in the fall is Tuesday, September 1. The Superintendent’s Newsline will return at that time.
2014-15 Gold Star Parent Volunteers Recognized by Board
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| GUHSD Gold Star Parent Volunteers for the 2014-2015 School Year |
At the Governing Board meeting last night we honored Gold Star Parent Volunteers. The Gold Star Parent Volunteers program was developed in 2011 to recognize a parent from each school site who goes above and beyond to assist our schools in a variety of different ways.
It was wonderful to hear the stories of service to our schools as each principal introduced their Gold Star Volunteer. We thank you for your efforts on behalf of our students.
2014-15 GUHSD Gold Star Parent Volunteers:
Chaparral High School – Christy Hazlewood
El Cajon Valley High School – Randy Robinson
El Capitan High School – Mary Jorgensen
Granite Hills High School – Sue Sutton
Grossmont High School – Tony Lawrence
Monte Vista High School – Lori Gunter
Mount Miguel High School – Deborah Childers
Santana High School – Darlene Bautista-Homer
Valhalla High School – Maria Gidden
West Hills High School – Yvonne Edwards
Summer Classes for Graduates at Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges
If you’d like to get a taste of what it’s like to attend college, check out the course offerings this summer at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges. Classes are being offered beginning June 15, June 22, and throughout the summer. It’s a great way to earn some college credits, no matter what school you’ll be attending in the fall.
You’ll find classes that will help you be a better college student, including “College and Career Success,” “Study Skills and Time Management” or “College Reading.” You’ll also find a range of courses, from the history of rock music to classes in English, math, art and history.
Classes are just $46 per credit unit for California residents, plus an $11 health fee and a $1 student government fee. A parking permit costs $18, good for both colleges. Financial aid is also available through the colleges’ financial aid offices.
For a complete list of classes and more information, click here.
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I close by wishing you a wonderful summer. I hope that you will take time to rest, enjoy the company of your family and friends, and reflect upon the wonderful work that you performed this year. Following is a sampling of recent photo highlights that showcase student and staff accomplishments, including several recognitions from last night’s Governing Board Meeting:
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| Recognition of Valhalla Principal Mary Beth Kastan - San Diego County Art Education Association's Artissimo High School Administrator of the Year |
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| Recognition of Chaparral Assistant Principal Jenee Littrell - recipient of the Department of Justice's Missing Children's Citizen Award |
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| Board recognition of outgoing Student Board Representative Alexis Delmar and Alternate Davanna Ross |
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| Recognition of El Cajon Police Department's Cadet Officer of the Year, Valhalla student Melad Tilko |
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| GUHSD Principals honor retiring Mount Miguel Principal Steve Coover |
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| Recognition of 2015 CIF-SDS Boys Volleyball Division II Champions - Valhalla |
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| Recognition of 2015 CIF-SDS Boys Volleyball Division III Champions - Helix Charter |
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| Recognition of 2014-15 State CIF Spirit of Sport Award recipient, El Cajon Valley student Brian Yeager |
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| Mount Miguel High School's Show Choir earned first place at the Music in the Parks competition |
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| El Cajon Valley Club Inspire students deliver new books to Johnson Elementary |
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| Valhalla ASB receives $1K from CalTrans for placing second in Statewide Safe Driver Challenge |
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| Superintendent's Art Award winner Kendra Constant (Granite Hills) with Superintendent Swenson and Principal Fowler |
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| Steele Canyon student Colin Forman is Grand Prize Winner of the Golden Artistry Jewelry Design Competition. Credit Karen Pearlman |
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| El Cajon Valley student Nagham Adeeb awarded prestigious $15K scholarship from COX |
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| Superintendent Swenson with GUHSD's 2015 COX Cares Scholars |
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| Superintendent's Art Award winner Matham Ali (El Cajon Valley) with Principal Richison and teacher Matt Rabasco |
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| Adult School Students receive high school equivalency certificates at the East County Transitional Living Center |
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| Santana's engineering teams competed in the State Engineering Design Competition, with teacher Jason Kay |
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| Chaparral Golden Bee Award recipients with Principal Napoleon. Credit: Boyd Anderson |
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| Superintendent Swenson, Director of Child Nutrition Vince Scimone and Deputy Superintendent Scott Patterson man the grill at the Classified Employees Picnic |
