Friday, November 18, 2016

What's New in GUHSD

El Capitan Global Language and Leadership Program Receives Excellence in Innovation Award

El Capitan is honored along with partners from the Lakeside School District, Tierra del Sol and Riverview Elementary Schools
The East County Schools Federal Credit Union established an Excellence in Innovation and Collaboration Award to recognize school site efforts that have resulted in innovative collaboration that benefits the students of the district. The award recognizes those who have developed and implemented a program that highlights an innovative example of collaboration among multiple groups with evidenced success.

The “Global Language and Leadership Program,” a four-year dual language immersion program in Spanish and Mandarin at El Capitan High School, was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Excellence in Innovation Award.

The November 15 Governing Board meeting included a recognition of El Capitan's collaboration and innovation which furthers the dual language immersion experience that has existed in the Lakeside School District for many years. The program begins at Riverview Elementary School and continues on through both middle schools, Lakeside and Tierra del Sol.

With the recent addition of the high school program, students can now have a K-12 experience with language acquisition and the opportunity to become tri-literate, thanks to the collaboration between the two districts and among the various schools.

We thank the East County Schools Federal Credit Union for recognizing this important work on behalf of our East County youth.

Mount Miguel Girls Attend Business Conference for Women

Mount Miguel Principal Dr. Hedrick with business students
On Thursday November 3, 2016, a group of 15 girls from Mount Miguel High School's Business Academy attended the Connecting Women to Power Business Conference. They were accompanied by their Principal Dr. Kimberlee Hedrick. At the conference students heard from keynote speaker and NASA Astronaut Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, who spoke about her perseverance in achieving her dream of becoming an astronaut. 

Students also sat in on several breakout sessions, in which female panelists discussed their paths to success and hurdles along the way. In the last session of the day, the young women were inspired to further their leadership skills, from Edna Murphy, the Deputy Director of Administration for the California State Board of Equalization.

Santana Students Participate in Architectural Heritage Tour

Santana students in Balboa Park
Digital Fabrication students from Santana High School went on a field trip to Balboa Park on Friday, November 4, to see how the Spanish Revival architectural style of buildings has influenced famous buildings throughout America. The students are creating their own digitally fabricated buildings using some of the architectural features seen in Balboa Park.

The project is a Linked Learning team project called “The Land of Opportunity,” which incorporates their English, history, math, and CTE pathway classes.

Mount Miguel Medical Academy Seniors Visit Avondale Elementary

Health Pathways Student of the Month Noemi Avenido is honored by Principal Hedrick, Superintendent Glover & Health Pathways Coordinator Heather Peterson
On Wednesday, November 9, Superintendent Glover, Principal Hedrick and district health pathways coordinator, Heather Peterson visited Mount Miguel High School Science teacher and Medical Academy Coordinator Bridget DeSonia's classroom.

A very deserving young woman in the Human Anatomy class, Noemi Avenido, Medical Academy President, was recognized as the Grossmont Healthcare District Health Pathways student of the month. Following the recognition, the group walked to Avondale Elementary where teams in the Human Anatomy class read children's books that they created to a second and third grade classes. These books were a representation of the learning from students' skeletal unit, outlining the process of bone repair.

The high school and elementary students were all smiles following the activity. Our students did an outstanding job representing the Medical Academy at Mount Miguel High School.

RSVP Today: Eric Paredes Save A Life Health Screening Event – 12/4


The Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation is hosting a free heart screening event on December 4, at Monte Vista High School for any individuals ages 12 – 24, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Details on how to register are available here.

28th Annual Thanksgiving Feast at Chaparral

Dr. Glover, Trustee Dr. Gary Woods, and Principal Dave Napoleon with students at the Thanksgiving Feast
Chaparral High School held its 28th Annual Thanksgiving Feast on Friday, November 18, at 11:15 a.m. as students and staff were treated to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

The annual tradition is a fitting close to the week before break. Sponsored by Chaparral’s ASB, the event has its origins in the staff wanting to ensure that students at the continuation school received a Thanksgiving dinner and that this time-honored tradition enjoyed by so many is not taken for granted. Several students shared what they were thankful for and fellow students provided musical entertainment during the lunchtime event.

I end this issue by wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. It is my hope that each of you has an opportunity to spend time with your loved ones next week and that your holiday is safe and enjoyable.

Dr. Tim Glover
Superintendent

Thursday, November 10, 2016

What's New in GUHSD

27th Annual JRTOC Veterans Day Ceremony at Mount Miguel


Veterans were remembered with honor on the morning of Monday, November 7, as the JROTC Program at Mount Miguel High School held its 27th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony. Principal Kim Hedrick and Superintendent Glover were joined by parents and staff who witnessed the ceremony as more than 100 JROTC Cadets honored military personnel who have served our country throughout its history.

The morning ceremony began with Cadet Battalion Executive Officer Logyn Kelsey introducing the key leaders of the battalion and their companies, before delivering a brief message on the significance of this important day.

She spoke of how from the first battle of the American Revolution to our ongoing war against terrorism in conflicts around the globe, and in humanitarian missions at home and abroad, our veterans have saved countless lives. Over 250,000 American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are deployed and stationed in more than 100 countries. Their determination and readiness to go where needed serve as compelling symbols of liberty, justice and hope for freedom all over the world.

The program also included the Corps of Cadets conducting ceremonial procedures and marching in formation. The Flag Detail raised the flag in conjunction with the playing of Reveille, which was followed by the National Anthem, performed by Cadet Second Lieutenant Raven Sanferrare.

Special thanks is extended to the Encanto VFW Post 1512, which was instrumental in providing the means for more than 50 cadets from the award-winning Mount Miguel High School "Matador" Army JROTC Battalion Cadets to participate in the 2016 San Diego Veterans Day Parade on Friday.

To all of our service members, past and present, whether far from home or here in the United States, we thank you for your countless contributions and selfless sacrifices.

Grossmont NJROTC to Honor Veterans


In further JROTC news, Grossmont High School’s NJROTC program will travel to Elmcroft on Veterans Day to conduct a ceremony and visit with veterans who reside there.

Also on November 11, the Grossmont High School NJROTC Color Guard will perform in the City of El Cajon's Veterans Day Celebration at Centennial Plaza. Music will be provided by the Hillsdale Middle School Symphonic Band.

Thank you to ALL of our students for honoring our veterans’ service to this great country.

Monte Vista High School Awarded Jimmie Johnson Foundation Grant


NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson and his wife Chandra, announced on Wednesday, that Monte Vista High School was selected as a recipient of a $70,554 education grant.

The Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Champions Grant will bring students much needed access to technology that can revolutionize their learning. The grant funds the purchase of two class sets of Virtual Reality headsets and smartphones, allowing students to benefit from cutting edge educational technology. Virtual Reality will make challenging concepts such as relative size and distance of planets in the solar system, functions within the human body at the cellular level, and understanding of physics concepts, accessible and highly engaging for ALL learners, especially English Language Learners and Special Education students who may struggle with traditional single modality learning environments.

Since 2009, Granite Hills’ alumnus Jimmie Johnson and the Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Champions Grant has been giving back to our schools in a highly significant way. He is a true champion!

IDEA Center Student a 2016 Art Contest Winner

IDEA Center Student Linnea Mast
In conjunction with their 2016 Education Law Conference, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, sponsored a statewide art contest for all junior and senior students enrolled in public education. Students created a work of art that visually captured the essence of this year’s conference theme “Igniting the Passion to Lead”—unique to their own perspectives—in a celebratory fashion. Entrants were critiqued on theme, execution, and creativity.

IDEA Center Student Linnea Mast won $1,000 for her winning piece of art as well as $500 in art supplies for her teacher Michael Leyva’s art department. Linnea and her teacher received the awards in a recognition ceremony at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, November 3, 2016.

Winning art pieces will be on display in the firm’s headquarters in Cerritos and on the firm’s website for one year. Check out the art contest video here.

GUHSD Shares Successful Approaches at SDCUE Technology Fair

El Cajon Valley High's Instructional Technology Team
Nearly 60 GUHSD teachers attended the annual SDCUE Technology Fair at La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad. The annual event offers teachers a wide array of learning opportunities on how to integrate technology into the classroom and provide innovative experiences to students.

Additionally, 12 sessions were presented by 20 GUHSD teachers and administrators. With the backdrop of our FutureForward program, GUHSD continues to empower teachers to bring relevant and modern strategies into our classrooms. These teachers illustrate that leadership within the district and across the county. Visit this link for a full list of GUHSD sessions and resources.

Happening Next Week: District Fall Showcase

The annual GUHSD Marching Band and Color Guard District Fall Showcase is next Thursday, November 17, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. at Monte Vista High School. 

Please come out and support this annual fundraiser which features musical performances by our schools. Tickets are $8 at the gate. Middle schoolers and under are free.

Dr. Tim Glover
Superintendent

Friday, November 4, 2016

What's New in GUHSD

Grossmont NJROTC Cadets Visit Naval Air Station, North Island

Grossmont Cadet Gisela Munguia & Lieutenant Danielle Redmond, USN, inside a US Navy Seahawk Helicopter
A group of Grossmont High School NJROTC Cadets made a visit to the Naval Air Station, North Island to visit the “Battlecats” of HSM-73. The Cadets received a briefing on College ROTC scholarships as well as a detailed presentation on the duties and responsibilities of Navy pilots. After the briefing, the Cadets were provided with the opportunity to try their hand at flying the Navy’s most sophisticated tactical helicopters in the Air Station’s $40 million flight simulator.

The two-hour session provided the Cadets with a realistic sample of the challenges that pilots face every day. The visit concluded with a trip to the hanger and a detailed look at an actual Navy Seahawk helicopter. The visit was hosted by Lieutenant Danielle Redmond, a Navy pilot and former high school ROTC Cadet. Lieutenant Redmond’s career path included a Navy ROTC scholarship and flight school, which is the exact path Grossmont Cadets hope to follow. She is a frequent visitor and supporter of Grossmont’s NJROTC program, making several visits and presentations, as well as functioning as the Unit’s Inspecting Officer during last year’s Annual Military Inspection.

Grossmont Girls Earn Grand Prize at Women’s Hackathon

Proud members of Grossmont's Hacker Team
On Saturday, October 15, the Grossmont female computer hacker team consisting of Keilani Thorpe, Ashley Prus, Vina Culas, Lili Flores, Monica Nuno, and Laura Harris won the Grand Prize at Cal State San Marcos Women's Hackathon for a website that they developed for recycling.

​The 12-hour semi-annual event is open to all female high school and college students, who work collaboratively to design a website, game, or mobile app that addresses a selected real world challenge.

The Grossmont team competed against 50 other girls from high schools across the county and from some of the local colleges. We are very proud of our students and their IT Pathway teacher Patrick Giovengo, as well as teacher Todd Benrud who equipped them with website building foundations last year.

Academic League Season Underway

Academic League Varsity Match at Santana this week
The 34th Academic League season schedule is underway. Matches began on October 26. I attended this week’s match at Santana High School, where they hosted Steele Canyon. I was impressed by the caliber of our students in this spirited competition.

All of our schools play each other at least once during the ten-game season. The team with the best record advances to the County Championship in May.

The schedule is available here.

I hope you will find an opportunity to view a Wednesday afternoon match at your school before the season draws to a close.

Granite Hills Hosts Leadership East County

Granite Hills Principal Mike Fowler speaks to the Leadership East County Class
On Friday, October 14, Granite Hills High School hosted a respected group of community leaders as part of the annual Education Day for the Leadership East County Class.

Sponsored by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce, the Leadership East County Class toured the Career Technical Education Pathways offered at Granite Hills. The group was welcomed by Principal Mike Fowler, who shared many of the wonderful things that are occurring at Granite Hills as well as powerful student success stories. This was followed by a discussion about the CTE Pathways’ accomplishments and how these community leaders could become involved in the CTE Pathways. Finally, the group was led on a tour of the programs by our student ambassadors, who are trained as leaders to represent the CTE Pathways.

Linked Learning Teachers Explore Project-Based Learning

Grossmont High AME Pathway teachers with Assistant Principal Joel Tropp
Teachers from Grossmont High School’s Arts, Media, and Entertainment (AME) pathway participated in the Career Pathways Project-Based Learning Leadership Academy on October 19-21, 2016. The team consisted of English teacher Karen Manns, photography teacher Carolyn Jungman, and history teacher Nicole Williams. Joel Tropp, Assistant Principal, added his support during the three-day conference.

The goal of the conference was for the teacher team to collaborate on project design, implement cross-curricular work, and develop college and career readiness strategies. As a result, the AME team will be able to lead other linked learning teams in project development and provide the AME pathway students an enriched learning experience.

Save the Date: GUHSD Marching Band & Color Guard District Fall Showcase on 11/17

The Annual Marching Band & Color Guard District Fall Showcase is a Hit
The annual GUHSD Marching Band and Color Guard District Fall Showcase is coming up on Thursday, November 17, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. at Monte Vista High School. Yours truly will be performing as a guest conductor.

This annual fundraiser features musical performances by our schools. Tickets are $8 at the gate. Middle schoolers and under are free.

Dr. Tim Glover
Superintendent