Friday, October 23, 2015

What's New in GUHSD

Grossmont High School Celebrates 95th Anniversary

2015 Inductees into the Grossmont High School Hall of Honor
Our flagship school, Grossmont High, celebrated its 95th Anniversary at homecoming last Friday. Grossmont is the oldest high school in San Diego County to have its original school building still standing in what is now the District Office. The granite “Castle,” an East County landmark since its construction, has been beautifully restored.

That afternoon I led a tour of the renovated original school that included many members of the Class of 1955. It was a pleasure to hear tales as they relived their memories while wandering the halls.

The 95th Anniversary included the induction of six alumni and two faculty members into the Grossmont Hall of Honor. Six inductees were present along with the families of Merle Donahue and “Woody” Clarke. Each were presented with a commemorative plaque. The 2015 Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony included performances by Grossmont's Red Robe Choir and Royal Blue Regiment Band.

The eight inductees included:

Jean Landis, Class of 1936, WASP (Women’s Air Force Service Pilot) during WWII

Timothy Miller, Class of 1956, Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon for Combat Wounded through Operation Mend

Bill Woolman, Class of 1962: Grossmont High School Benefactor

Brian Sipe, Class of 1967, NFL MVP Quarterback for the Cleveland Browns

“Woody” George Clarke, Class of 1969, SD Superior Court Judge and National DNA expert

Julia Stewart, Class of 1973, Chairman and CEO of DineEquity, Inc., Restaurant Businesswoman

Merle Donahue: 1929-1962 GHS Choral Director

Jim Nichols: 1959-1988 GHS Instrumental Music Director

The event program is available here. Grossmont High School also has a museum, which opened in 2008. It celebrates the traditions and the pride that have distinguished Grossmont since it began in 1920. More information is available here.

El Cajon Valley Students Explore STEM Careers

An El Cajon Valley science student examines a marine invertebrate
On Thursday, October 5, Health Pathway students from El Cajon Valley High School participated in three fields. They interacted with STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) professionals at the High Tech Fair on the the Del Mar Fairgrounds, toured Grossmont College, and Torrey Pines State Beach, where students connected learning about ocean ecology to an actual ecosystem.

The High Tech Fair, hosted by San Diego Science Alliance, is designed to excite and inspire students through hands-on demonstrations from colleges and STEM industry professionals. Our students were exposed to dozens of careers in STEM, while connecting what they are learning in the classroom to the world around them. 

GUHSD Health Pathways Students Participate in Breast Cancer Walk 

GUHSD students participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
GUHSD Health Pathways participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Balboa Park last Sunday. The team, comprised of health pathway students, parents, and staff, joined over 25,000 participants to walk the four-mile course. The team was thrilled to be a part of the monumental event. Students were particularly excited to have the chance to march on a closed section of the 163 freeway.

Save the Date: GUHSD Marching Band and Color Guard District Fall Showcase on 11/19

I’d like to inform you of an upcoming student performance you won’t want to miss: the GUHSD Marching Band and Color Guard District Fall Showcase on Thursday, November 19, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. at West Hills High School Stadium. This annual fundraiser by the Parent Music Advocacy Group (PMAG) features spectacular musical performances by students throughout the district. Tickets are $8.00 at the gate.

Superintendent Ralf Swenson