East County College and High School District Boards Discuss New Education Alliance in Joint Meeting
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| Members of the GUHSD & Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Boards |
The new East County Education Alliance, a partnership between the East County high school and college districts, was the topic of discussion at the first joint meeting of the two districts’ Governing Boards on May 19.
At the meeting, members of the governing boards for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District and Grossmont Union High School District heard reports on the progress the Alliance has made since its formation last Fall.
The Alliance was formed to increase collaboration between the two districts so that students are better informed about their college and career options after high school and have a smoother path to college. The partnership is also working to encourage more high school students to take college preparatory and for-credit classes so they are better prepared when they take the next step in their education.
The Alliance wants to increase the number of students who graduate from high school prepared for college, along with increasing the numbers of students who graduate from college ready to enter the workforce.
Since the Alliance’s initial meeting in October, representatives from the high school and college district have been meeting to develop strategies in specific areas including:
•Aligning curriculum so that high school students learn what they need to know to succeed in their college classes
•Promoting readiness for college for high school students
•Developing communications with high school students and their parents to inform them about preparing for college and a career
•Engaging businesses and the community to help define and support Alliance goals
A fall summit is planned for Wednesday, September 30, 2015.
Mount Miguel JROTC Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
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| Mount Miguel JROTC's Annual Memorial Day Ceremony |
Mount Miguel High School JROTC held its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 18, 2015. The program began with Battalion Executive Officer Cadet Major Karlyle Laraya providing a brief history and understanding of the significance of this important day.
The program included the playing of Reveille, followed by the National Anthem, performed by Cadet Marie Cris Cruz, as the flag was raised.
Originally, Memorial Day was called “Decoration Day,” because it was traditionally marked by parades, memorial speeches, ceremonies, and the decoration of gravesites with flowers and flags. In honor of this tradition, Cadet 2LT Devin Terlaje served as Honor Bearer, placing an American Flag, a helmet, and a pair of boots at the base of the flag pole. He then slowly saluted the flag as a symbol of respect and honor to those who have served and sacrificed their lives for America’s freedom.
The ceremony closed as the flag was lowered while To the Colors and Taps were played.
2014-15 Sportsmanship Awards Ceremony
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| GUHSD 2014-15 Sportsmanship Award Recipients |
The 2014-15 Sportsmanship Awards Ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 19, at the La Mesa Community Center. At the annual event, 22 GUHSD student athletes took to the stage to accept their awards in the presence of family members, coaches and school officials. Two students from each high school in the District were honored, not just for excellence in sports, but in recognition of their sportsmanship and character.
After accepting their awards, the students and their family members received complimentary photos courtesy of Boyd Anderson Photography. Parents, siblings and other family members stood with the students after pictures with coaches and administrators were taken.
The Grossmont Athletic Conference is the only one in San Diego County to present sportsmanship awards of this kind. I believe the event is an important extension of what we aim for as an educational institution and is consistent with upholding the CIF 16 Principles of Pursuing Victory with Honor.
Congratulations to the following 2014-15 Sportsmanship Award Recipients:
El Cajon Valley High School - Matthew Shearin & Mary Grace Ronquillo
El Capitan High School - Bradley Cagle & Taylor Towne
Granite Hills - Joshua Kurtz & Tawnee Hopper
Grossmont - Ryan Daniel Barnes & Theresa Mapp
Helix Charter - Dominic J. Pletcher & Brandi Watkins
Monte Vista - Jonathan Christian Taripe & Lia Ortega
Mount Miguel - Charlie Jones III & Cierra Conwright
Santana - Ryan Bratlien & Kristi-Ana Lopez Martinez
Steele Canyon - Derek Charles Tyler & Sophia Alcaraz
Valhalla - Abigail Metsch & Tyler Myron Buzzell
West Hills - Raphael “Raphy” Carr & Marissa M. Miller
2nd Annual Celebration of Community Partners Event
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| GUHSD celebrated its WorkAbility & Transition Partnership Project, which mutually benefits students with special needs, employers and the local community |
The Grossmont Union High School District celebrated community partners involved with its WorkAbility & Transition Partnership Project at the Elks Lodge in El Cajon on Thursday, May 21. The event highlighted employers who have partnered with the school district and agencies to support special needs students with employment and higher education. WorkAbility and the Transition Partnership Project are statewide collaborative programs of the California Department of Education, the State Department of Rehabilitation, and local education agencies.
These programs were created through interagency agreements in order to promote career exploration and teach vocational skills to students in Special Education.
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| Student Joey Terhaar shares his work experience |
The event included employers sharing their success stories of students’ employment and a multimedia presentation showcasing students and employers in the work place. A highlight was hearing from students Joseph Ross, Darren Santos, Cody Sherrill and Joey Terhaar, who shared their inspiring work experiences.
Business organizations that participated in the event included: Chapel of the Valley, Children’s Choice, Department of Rehabilitation, Elks Lodge/El Cajon, Friends of Cats, Heaven’s Windows, Jack in the Box, Marshalls, Mossy VW of El Cajon, Mount Miguel Covenant Village, Rancho Valhalla Nursery, Red Hawk Ranch, Rita’s Catering, Round Table Pizza, San Miguel Fire Department, Spring Valley Youth & Family Coalition, The Chapel at Grossmont, Cuyamaca Water Conservation Garden and Walgreens.
Together, we are building strong partnerships with community business leaders that result in high quality work-based education programs that are helping high school students with varied disabilities transition into successful employment or higher education.
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In closing, I wish you and your families a safe and fun-filled Memorial Day. I also take this opportunity to thank all of the men and women who have fought and died to protect our freedom as well as those who are presently serving our country.
Superintendent Ralf Swenson
