Superintendent's Newsline: What's New in GUHSD

2016-17 Gold Star Parent Volunteers Recognized

Governing Board Recognition of Gold Star Parent Volunteers

At the Governing Board meeting on Tuesday 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.

2016-17 GUHSD Gold Star Parent Volunteers:

Chaparral High School – Rob Nolan

El Cajon Valley High School – Daryl Priest

El Capitan High School – Tami Gritz

Granite Hills High School – Marsi Walker

Grossmont High School – Carolyn Laethem

IDEA Center – Michelle Menne

Monte Vista High School – Iris Gonzales

Mount Miguel High School – Crystal Conwright

Santana High School – Darlene Homer

Valhalla High School – Shannon Vint

West Hills High School – Alicia Haddix

Helix Water District’s 15th Annual High School Photo Contest

Best-in-Show, Red Reflection, by Zahra Nazeri, El Cajon Valley

Helix Water District awarded cash and prizes to winners of its annual high school photo contest. Celebrating its 15th year, the competition was created to bring awareness to water issues in East County. All high schools within the Helix service area were eligible to participate. Students’ work was honored with first, second and third places in color and black & white categories, as well as Best-in-Show.

Student Winners:

Best-in-Show

Zahra Nazeri (El Cajon Valley)

First Place

Anthony Moreno, Color (El Cajon Valley)

Mohammed Jiyad, Black & White (El Cajon Valley)

Second Place

Michelle Bristol, Color (El Capitan)

Austin Finch, Black & White (El Capitan)

Third Place

Gonzalo Leon Garcia, Color (Mount Miguel)

Destiny Kassab, Black & White (Mount Miguel)

Honorable Mention - Color:

Stephanie Szumilas (Mount Miguel)

Gonzalo Leon Garcia (Mount Miguel)

Kawther Fadhil (El Cajon Valley)

Eduardo Silva (El Cajon Valley)

Chrestina Polus (El Cajon Valley)

Erik Jared Martinez (El Capitan)

Honorable Mention - Black & White:

Angel Ramirez (El Cajon Valley)

Students received $250 for best in show, $200 for first place, $100 for second place, $50 for third place, and $25 for honorable mention. All winners received a certificate, ribbon and a flash drive.

This summer, winning entries and several others will be on display in a rotating exhibit in the water district’s administration building lobby at 7811 University Avenue in La Mesa.

Meantime, the photo gallery is available here.

Project Cornerstone Partners with El Capitan Building and Construction Pathway

El Capitan Students Receive an Up-Close Lesson on Heavy Equipment Machinery

In order to educate the younger generation about jobs available to them, Project Cornerstone created a hands-on CTE program. Project Cornerstone is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate students about the importance of the construction aggregates industry through the use of STEM activities.

Project Cornerstone kicked off its CTE program by partnering with the Building and Construction CTE class at El Capitan High School. The program is an incredible opportunity for students to learn about the various jobs within the construction aggregates industry. It introduced students to how materials are made, what equipment is used at a facility, as well as safety, engineering, and interview preparation. This was accomplished through several field trips and in-class activities.

In addition, the companies partnering with Project Cornerstone will offer summer internships to eligible students. We are excited to build on the success of this program and offer it to other CTE classes. We are grateful for the various partners who have made this program possible including the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce and the annual sponsors of Project Cornerstone.

Monte Vista Auto Pathway Students Compete in 50th SkillsUSA State Championship

Monte Vista Auto Pathway Students Compete in SkillsUSA State Championship

Monte Vista High School Automotive Pathway students competed in the 50th SkillsUSA State Championships April 20-23 at the Town and Country Hotel in Mission Valley.

The students competed against the best of the best throughout the state in automotive technology. Eight students were in the "Basic" division, of which one team won third place. In the "Advanced" division, Monte Vista had one student place in the "Top 10" of 20 state finalists.

Congratulations to all on their automotive awards!

Grossmont Students Attack Hacking Competitions

Grossmont High School Student Hacking Team

It's been quite a banner year for the student hackers and Grossmont High School. In October, the girls won the grand prize at the Cal State San Marcos Hackathon. In November, their app challenge team won for Congresswoman Davis' district and secured a trip to Washington, DC, to present at the congressional House of Code. In March, the school's primary hacking team finished the CyberPatriot competition in 3rd place for the Western Region Silver Division.

On March 25, the all-star hacking team of eight students took third place at the SoCal Cyber Cup finals at the UCSD Super Computer Center. They received a $2,000 check for their efforts. The primary sponsor for the Cyber Cup was Booz Allen Hamilton and representatives were present for the awards ceremony. They are looking to partner with Grossmont High and the University of San Diego Computer Science department to offer some courses on Grossmont's campus to further the pursuit of cyber security.

On Saturday, April 22, a new team of girls competed in the Spring edition of the Cal State San Marcos Hackathon. This group consisted primarily of girls who have never competed in any event like this but are intrigued by the idea and positive experiences of the students that have participated in similar events.

Congratulations to all!

East County Career Center Teams up with Viejas for Job Fair

East County Career Center & Viejas Host Job Fair

The East County Career Center (ECCC), along with Viejas Casino, combined forces for a very successful Job Fair last Saturday, May 6, at ECCC. The event ran from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm and brought in 91 adults from our community who were searching for a job. Viejas was able to hire 12 people on the spot and set up additional interviews for another 22 people.

The Career Center provides job placement services to adults living in the East County free of charge. Additional information can be found here.

Save the Date: Grossmont College Parent Orientation on 5/24

Did you know that Grossmont College:

·Is just $46 per unit?

·Offers more than 150 certificate and degree programs?

·Has training programs for careers in law enforcement, health care & more?

·Provides a pathway to transfer to a four-year university?

Learn this and more at the Grossmont College parent orientation from 5:45-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24, at Griffin Gate, Building 60. Parents will learn more about the onboarding process, associate degree and certificate programs, counseling services, financial aid, university transfer options, and special student support programs.

A complimentary dinner will be provided for those who RSVP by May 15 to Karolia Macias at 619-668-1732 or karolia.macias@gcccd.edu.

Grossmont College is located at 8800 Grossmont College Drive in El Cajon. A free parking permit can be obtained from any parking lot permit machine using code 886.

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. As we head toward the end of another school year, students face celebrations, final exams and the time-honored ritual of leaving family and longtime friends.

For many, there are also a host of other pressures and any of these challenges can send students on an emotional roller coaster. As such, we want to connect you with these community partners whose resources address suicide prevention and depression:

It’s Up to Us program – Up2sd.org

San Diego Access and Crisis Line – (888) 724-7240

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – (800) 273-8255 or text TALK to 741-741

. . .

In closing, following are a number of recognitions, primarily from this week’s Governing Board meeting, showcasing student and staff achievements, and athletic accomplishments: