What's New in GUHSD

I begin this issue of Newsline with the announcement of two leadership changes:

Robin Ballarin was appointed as the new Principal of West Hills High School at the Governing Board meeting last week. During her 21-year career with the District, Robin has served as a teacher, Vice Principal and Director II, Curriculum. Robin is recognized as a leader both in the District and in the educational community. Her experience as an educator and administrator will enable Robin to be successful in leading West Hills High School.

Dr. Kimberlee Hedrick has been appointed as the new Principal of Mount Miguel High School. Dr. Hedrick’s start date is July 1, 2015. She is currently serving as the Principal of Kenmore Junior High School in Bothell, Washington; she also was a Vice Principal at Lynnwood High School. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, Education Specialist Degree in Education Administration, Masters in Teaching, Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication.

Congratulations to both!

Annual AVID Student Leadership Conference

Valhalla students complete a "Home Group" poster at the start of the AVID Conference

On Thursday, April 16, I delivered opening remarks to GUHSD’s Annual AVID Student Leadership Conference, which was held at the Ronald Reagan Community Center. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It is a post-secondary, college readiness system that is designed to increase schoolwide learning and performance for all students, focusing on those students in the academic middle. Monte Vista High School has been recognized as a National AVID Demonstration School.

The AVID Student Leadership Conference focuses on developing leadership skills and exploring ideas on how to become student leaders on their campuses. This year’s theme was, “AVID is my Superpower!” Annual keynote speaker Steve Gonzalez, Founder and President of Dream Weavers, guided students through a series of team-building activities that challenged them to solve problems and work collaboratively.

I’ve witnessed firsthand the difference that this vibrant program can make in the lives of students. I thank our Categorical Programs office and AVID site coordinators for their commitment to this vital program.

Granite Hills Brings the Heat

The "Mean Beans" culinary team from Granite Hills

The recent record-breaking radiating heat in San Diego County was also felt at the annual chili cook off at Granite Hills High School. On Wednesday, March 25, teams of students from teacher Jill Enright-Stewart’s CTE Culinary Arts pathway presented their creations to a panel of judges made up of teachers, administrators, and members of the El Cajon Police Department.

There was a tie for first place between “Mean Beans” (Sarah Black, Emily Wujek, Brianna Swenson, and Karena Sanchez) and “Afterburn” (Jazz Phillips, Blake Branvall, and Alicia Vargas). Third place went to “Fiery Flame” (Tilea Armstrong, Sofia Medina, Marcos Dobia, and Marissa Ackerson).

The Afterburn team will be entering their winning chili in the City of El Cajon’s Chili Cook-Off on May 16, where they will represent the El Cajon Police Department.

“Bowls of Steel” (Johnathon Francis, Angelica Sarenana, and Kyler Gilliland) won for best cornbread.

The Culinary pathway at Granite Hills High School prepares students for post-secondary educational opportunities and careers in the Hospitality and Culinary industries. For more information about this and other Career Technical Education programs in the district, visit the CTE website.

El Cajon Valley Students Examine US Legal System

An El Cajon Valley student tries on the robe aside Hon. Janis Sammartino

Twenty-two students in El Cajon Valley teacher Brad Sheffer’s government class participated in the Open Doors to the Courts program. This national program welcomes thousands of students into local federal courthouses around the country. The annual event was divided into three segments: Credit Abuse Resistance Education (CARE) hosted by experts in the field of bankruptcy law; a Legal Careers Panel; and a mock trial in which students took on the various roles.

Bankruptcy Court Judges Laura Taylor and Margaret Mann discussed the ramifications of using credit and how to wisely use credit cards. They also discussed the pros and cons of student loans. The goal of the CARE program is to train young men and women to intelligently manage their credit and to keep them from ever seeing the inside of a bankruptcy court.

Students also heard from an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Federal Defender, as well as  a U.S. probation officer, courtroom deputy, court reporter, interpreter, and Deputy  U.S.  Marshal, who each discussed their individual roles. These professionals also shared information about the education and experience required to attain these positions.

Finally, the students participated in the culminating event: a scripted Mock Trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino. The trial  explored  the  real-life  hazards  of texting while driving. The day emphasized the importance of civic responsibility, good citizenship and impartiality to these young men and women preparing to leave high school and enter the adult work force.

Superintendent Ralf Swenson

What's New in GUHSD

GUHSD 2015-2016 Teachers of the Year with the Governing Board and Superintendent Swenson

2015 – 2016 Teacher of the Year Recognition Ceremony

At the Governing Board meeting on April 16, we recognized the Teacher of the Year nominees from each of our schools. This is a great honor, as each nominee was selected by their peers. 

School site nominees are interviewed by a panel comprised of previous Teachers of the Year and District personnel. The panel selects two representatives from this distinguished group to recommend to our Board of Trustees for consideration for the San Diego County Teacher of the Year competition. If selected to represent the County, the next step is the California Teacher of the Year Competition. 

These GUHSD teachers are representative of the quality of our educators. I am pleased to present to you the GUHSD 2015-2016 Teachers of the Year:

El Cajon Valley High School:

Franz Ruiz – Biology, AP Environmental Science

Granite Hills High School:

John Houston – Social Science, AP US History

Grossmont High School:

Tom Eklund – Physics, AP Physics

Monte Vista High School:

Marisa Alvarado – Biology, AP Environmental Science, Science 1C

Mount Miguel High School:

First Sergeant Brian Bennett – JROTC Army Instructor

Santana High School:

Donna A. Small – Culinary Arts, Foods and Nutrition

Valhalla High School:

Shoshana Adams – Humanities II

Alternative Education/Chaparral High School:

Brenda Davis-Landini – CTE Floral Design

And our two 2015 - 2016 GUHSD Teachers of the Year who advance to compete at the County level for San Diego County Teacher of the Year:

Matt Norris & Andie Cooke, GUHSD Teachers of the Year, who advance to the County Competition

Andrea (Andie) Cooke – Representing El Capitan High School

Andie is a Spanish and AP Spanish Teacher as well as the Chairperson of the World Language Department at El Capitan High School, where she has been teaching since 2005.  Andie reports that teaching the Spanish language and culture is her passion. She enjoys teaching the beginning classes and watching her students grow to comprehend the language and participate conversationally.

According to Principal Laura Whitaker, “Andie pours her heart and soul into her teaching and she genuinely cares about her students.”  A colleague shared, “She is dynamic and full of motivational energy that really inspires her students.”

Matthew Norris – Representing West Hills High School

Matt is a Social Science, AP World History Teacher and the Infinite Campus Trainer/Teacher Coach at West Hills High School, where he has been teaching since 2003. Matt was inspired to become a teacher after a six-week trip to Mexico, where he visited factories, mines, businesses, farms, and presidential palaces. There, he saw the power of education in changing lives.

Principal Robin Ballarin describes Matt as organized, diligent and extremely dependable. He cares deeply about his students and their learning. A colleague shared, “Matt is an extraordinary teacher, who consistently pushes himself to provide the best learning experience for his students on a day-to-day basis, year after year.”

Please join me in congratulating Andrea Cooke and Matthew Norris, as well as our other inspirational Teachers of the Year! We are very proud to have these fine teachers represent their school sites and our district as our 2015-2016 Teachers of the Year.

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In closing, I share with you a number of board recognitions, many of which showcase the academic achievement and athletic prowess shown by our talented students:

Varsity Academic League Champions, Helix Charter High School

Junior Varsity Academic League Champions, Santana High School

Retiring Academic League Coordinator, Richard Beach

2015 Fall CIF-SDS Girls' Basketball Division IV Champions, El Capitan 

2015 Fall CIF-SDS Boys' Basketball Division III Champions, El Cajon Valley

Director of Information and Technology Services, Rick Roberts, Receives State Recognition

What's New in GUHSD

El Cajon PD recognizes Grossmont students and staff

Grossmont High School was highlighted in the news this week to showcase how the El Cajon Police Department is working to utilize students’ innovative minds to work collaboratively on an issue as important as school safety.

Earlier in the school year, Grossmont’s School Resource Officer, Jeannine Johns, developed a classroom competition for students and staff to create "Emergency Preparedness Kits."

The competition was a voluntary effort with staff and students to develop emergency kits and plans that could be used in multiple, “shelter in place” emergency situations including natural disasters, fires, active shooter, etc. The plans were to include basic items such as water and sustainable foods, but also plans of action and other innovative ideas. 

El Cajon PD, El Cajon Fire Department and school administrators judged the preparedness kits last month. Two classrooms were selected as winners and the El Cajon Police Officer's Association sponsored a luncheon for them on Wednesday.

The overall goal of the pilot project was to be a more prepared campus for any type of critical incident. We will determine viability for possible implementation at other schools and explore a variety of funding options.

Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee Issues 2014 Annual Report

The independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) has issued its 2014 Annual Report to community.

It is publicly accessible via this web site link. Print versions of the report are being distributed to PTAs this month. It will also be available in all school offices, county libraries within the district, and at CBOC and Governing Board meetings.

CBOC community volunteers met a total of 28 times last year. They reviewed all planned projects and expenditures, the district’s Deferred Maintenance program, and annual performance and financial audits completed by an independent auditor. They also reviewed a 2013 Grand Jury report concerning the planned high school in Alpine.

The CBOC annual report provides a comprehensive review of the CBOC’s role as well as challenges and accomplishments of the Prop H/U program. Included in the report is a review of the financial status, projects, and results of the latest audits.

We appreciate the work of these volunteers’ steadfast commitment to actively review and report on the proper expenditure of taxpayers’ money for school construction. I also extend our appreciation to 2014 outgoing CBOC members Nick Marinovich and John Pagenkopp.

Grossmont Healthcare District Awards Scholarships

2015 Grossmont Healthcare District scholarship recipients

At a recent board meeting, the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), a public agency that supports various health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County region, presented $85,500 in scholarships to 38 high school students interested in a career as a healthcare professional.

The students from 19 high schools in the East County were selected by school administrators for their academic excellence, outstanding citizenship and a desire to improve our world in the healthcare field. Two students from each high school will receive a GHD scholarship of either $3,000 or $1,500. Students will receive checks from GHD at the end of their first semester of college, contingent on completing at least nine units with a grade point average of 2.0 or better.

GUHSD scholarship recipients include:

Chaparral: Martin LaRue, Julia Genovese

El Cajon Valley: Jesery Mendez, Mustafa Haleem

El Capitan: Leslye Santiago, Torie Rogers

Granite Hills: Joshua Kurtz, Holly Benoit

Grossmont: Kaitlyn Moreno, Sean Dawson

Grossmont Middle College: Ryan Zentmyer, Ivan Jebrael

Helix Charter: Vivian Kimberly Hua, Jennifer Lee Sung

Monte Vista: Cierra Johnson, Diana Gonzalez

Mount Miguel: Cinthya Gonzalez, Cierra Conwright

Santana: Kayla Hayes, Samantha Pazo

Steele Canyon: Linh Cook, Brandon Sanchez

Valhalla: Madelyn Dow, Noemi Barragan

West Hills: Iona Vestemean, Jules Hinderliter

GHD has honored local high school students interested in a healthcare career with scholarship grants since 1999. Over the years, hundreds of local high school students have received individual scholarships totaling $962,000.

Thank you for providing financial support to our students so that they may pursue their dream of working in the healthcare arena.

Students Learn About WWII through Visual Presentation

West Hills' teacher Dan Sutton in uniform

At West Hills High School on Friday, March 20, students in Social Science teacher Dan Sutton’s class were transported back to the World War II era as part of an annual living history presentation. The day-long presentation was held in the school’s outdoor amphitheater and provided an opportunity for students to gain a greater understanding of the largest conflict in the history of mankind.

This was the eleventh year of the World War II Living History presentation, which included original vehicles, weapons, Hollywood props and first-person presentations by historical reenactors. The presenters were dressed in original uniforms as they portrayed actual combatants from various countries.

Superintendent Ralf Swenson

What's New in GUHSD

I begin this issue by wishing you a safe and relaxing Spring Break as we embark on our annual week-long spring recess. As a reminder, Spring Break is from March 30 through April 3, 2015, with school resuming on Monday, April 6. During this time away, it is my hope that our students, staff and families will enjoy some well-deserved rest, relaxation, and quality time spent with loved ones.

Ethics in Business Conference 2015

Business leader Steve Devan facilitates a discussion with students

The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce and the Grossmont Union High School District presented the annual Ethics in Business Conference for 180 advanced CTE students on Tuesday, March 24, at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon. The annual event’s goal is to train the next generation to become principled leaders. The half-day conference challenged students to consider ideas and situations that are designed to help them think critically about ethics in business situations.

Sample ethical dilemmas the students explored included:

Does your set of rules change frequently based on what’s easiest for you to do at the time, or is it consistent and based on a strong set of rules that never varies?

If your manager was training you for a new position that included embezzling money or hiding company property, what would you do? What would you say? Who would you tell?

The award-winning Ethics in Business Program, which is presented by the Chamber’s Business Education Committee, was developed in 1992 to educate our high school seniors about situations and ethical dilemmas that occur in the workplace. This year’s keynote speaker was former US Navy Seal and film/commercial stuntman Jeff Bramstedt. Many San Diego East County Chamber members participated in the program by facilitating table discussions with groups of high school students.

I thank our many business partners who served as facilitators and the Ethics in Business subcommittee members who planned the event for our students. Special thanks are extended to the following event sponsors: San Diego Gas & Electric, Foothills Christian Church, California Metals/OneEarth Recycling, Team Kia of El Cajon, San Diego East County Chamber Foundation, Cox Communications, DSD Business Systems, Grossmont Schools Federal Credit Union, Cindie Wolf Photography, Grove Pastry Shop, Junior Achievement, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Aflac (Becky Burgstiner, Agent), Grossmont Healthcare District and First Citizens Bank.

El Capitan Agriculture Wins State Awards

El Capitan Principal Laura Whitaker and students showcase their awards

The Southern Region FFA State Degree and Proficiency Awards Banquet was held on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at Sonora High School in La Habra. The event included a barbeque luncheon and ceremony.

Eighteen El Capitan High School students were bestowed the high honor of the Golden State FFA Degree Award for their outstanding accomplishments. An additional 20 Proficiency Award winners were recognized, including eight Region winners:

Dustin Suttles, Ag Mechanics, Design, and Fabrication

Ralph Eastham, Ag Mechanics, Design, and Fabrication

Blake Jackson, Agricultural Sales Entrepreneurship

Daniel McMullen, Agriscience Research Integrated Systems

Kennady Wagner, Diversified Agricultural Production

Brock Roland, Environmental Science & Natural Resources

Aaron McCranie, Outdoor Recreation

Tatiana Woliung, Poultry Production

El Capitan students also won awards for Star in Agriscience (Daniel McMullen) and Star Farmer (Kennady Wagner.)

Additional school awards included Gold Star Counselor (GIS, Frank Quinones) and Gold Star Administrator (Principal, Laura Whitaker).

Congratulations, El Capitan FFA students and staff. The Grossmont Union High School District and Southern Region FFA are very proud of your outstanding accomplishments.

Annual District Airbands Competition

Steele Canyon's "Candy Men" take the top prize 

Since the 1980s, ASBs around San Diego County have provided opportunities for students who possess the talent for knowing precisely how to mouth the words to songs of practically every genre, giving birth to the phenomenon of Airbands.

On Wednesday, March 18, Grossmont High School was home to the annual Grossmont District Airband Championships. The top two winners from eight participating GUHSD schools went on to compete for cash prizes in the District competition. Traditionally, District Airbands has been a battle between Helix and Grossmont, but lately Steele Canyon and newcomer Valhalla have found the winning combination of tight lip-synching, choreography, dance, originality, creativity, costume and set design, and the right montage of songs mixed into a clever story line.

Though Granite Hills, El Cajon Valley, Grossmont and El Capitan performed well this year, Mount Miguel captured fifth place with “M-Unit’s” performance reenacting the top vines from last year. Valhalla, made its first appearance in a number of years, taking third place with a game show themed group called “Synonic.” Second place went to Steele Canyon’s “Toxic Honey.” The first place prize went to Steele Canyon’s “Candy Men” team.

Congratulations to all. The packed house at this event each year shows that Airbands are alive and well in East County!

Superintendent Ralf Swenson

What's New in GUHSD

Annual Academic League Spaghetti Dinner

The Academic League Awards Dinner is a fitting close to the season

Valhalla High School hosted the 2015 Annual Academic League Awards Dinner on Wednesday, March 11. The evening included an awards banquet and meal for nearly 300 players and their parents.

The dinner event was held to honor and thank the students, parents, organizers and moderators, as well as the coaches of the Academic League program.

High honors went to Helix Charter’s Varsity team for their League Championship. On the JV front, Santana High School was honored for their championship, 10-0 season.

The team designated as Most Improved this year went to Mount Miguel High School and coach Beverly Jones. The Rookie Coach of the Year award went to Cory Biggerstaff at West Hills High School. Coaching Longevity awards went to Brooke Crocker at Santana and Tina Colera of Helix Charter, for a record-busting 13 years of service. In further news, longtime coordinator Richard Beach is retiring after 23 years of service to the Academic League program.  

Special thanks are extended to Valhalla Principal Mary Beth Kastan for hosting the event, which was enjoyed by so many students and their families that evening.

Campus Clean-Up at El Cajon Adult Center

El Cajon Adult Center Clean-up Volunteers

On Saturday morning, February 20, over sixty-five students, family members, and staff joined together to clean the El Cajon Adult Center campus, including the parking lot, gardens, classrooms, and office.  It was a very productive morning with sweeping, scrubbing, raking, pulling weeds, picking up trash, removing gum from under the desks, and cleaning windows and carpets!

Students from the GED/High School Diploma Program teamed up with students from the ESL Program to complete everything on the “To Do” list in two hours. They shared a sense of pride in their combined efforts to make the school and community a better place.

Board Recognition of Jo Willson as Fourth Quarter Outstanding Classified Employee

Board recognition of Jo Willson as Fourth Quarter Outstanding Classified Employee

At the Governing Board meeting on Tuesday, March 10, Josephine "Jo" Willson was recognized as the Fourth Quarter Outstanding Classified Employee of 2014-2015.  Jo serves as Principal's Secretary at Valhalla High School, and she is known for her professionalism, attention to detail and ability to put others at ease. She is a highly respected member of the Valhalla administrative team and an outstanding contributor at her school site.

Classified employees provide critical support to our educational mission and programs. Congratulations, Jo Willson, on being selected as the Fourth Quarter Outstanding Classified Employee of 2014-2015!

Grossmont ASB Holds Annual Convention

Grossmont's Annual Convention was marked by enthusiasm and colorful costumes

Grossmont High School’s ASB held its annual convention on Friday, March 13. The “Old Gym” was packed with candidates’ elaborate booths. This year’s theme was Cartoon Network vs. Nickelodeon.

A few weeks prior to convention, a schoolwide primary election was held to narrow each position to two candidates.

More than 300 delegates were present in the Old Gym to vote on the final candidates for ten ASB positions. Students had the opportunity to participate in delegation group competitions, cheers and other activities. They also listened to the candidates answer questions and debate prompts, viewed candidates’ campaign videos and watched the commissioners perform activities.

Afterward, each delegation group voted on the commissions, and the votes were counted. At the end of the day, the winners for all ten positions were announced. Delegates also participated in a fashion show of costumes and instructional dance videos were played for entertainment. Overall, it was an engaging and exciting day that taught students about democracy through participation in the political process.

GUHSD Staff Hone Skills at Educating for Careers Conference

Members of the Santana Environmental Design Pathway presented to a standing room only crowd

GUHSD was well represented at the annual statewide Educating for Careers Conference in Sacramento earlier this month. Over 30 GUHSD teachers and administrators were on hand to learn about promoting Career Technical Education, college and career readiness, and Linked Learning.

Participation was funded through a combination of Carl Perkins grant monies and private funding. Its goal was to provide high-quality professional development with breakout session themes that included: Assessment & Accountability, California Partnership Academies Model, Career Pathways/Industry Sectors, Curriculum & Instructional Strategies, Employer & Community Partnerships, Mentor & Internship Programs, Secondary-Postsecondary Connections, and Work-Based Learning.

CTE, Special Education, and academic teachers participated in a variety of workshops and then came together as a GUHSD team to share insights and discuss next steps for promoting college and career readiness for all students. Teams were energized to bring back specific ideas and innovations as CTE pathways continue to gain momentum districtwide.

One of the most popular workshops of the conference this year was presented by GUHSD’s own CTE Environmental Design Pathway team from Santana High School.  Eileen Bagg-Rizzo, Teresa Stanley, Emily Snipes, Howard Rose, Paul Rupp, Clayton Madrid, Lucas Riley and Doug Coffin presented their Linked Learning, cross-curricular projects to a standing room only crowd. They demonstrated the power of engaging students in project-based learning in a meaningful, real world context.

Superintendent Ralf Swenson