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 |
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.
