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| L: 2014/15 Teacher of the Year John Berray with 2015/16 nominees Matt Norris, Andrea Cooke and Superintendent Swenson |
On Saturday, October 10, two of Grossmont’s finest educators were honored at “A Salute to Teachers,” the San Diego County Teacher of the Year awards. Representing GUHSD in the competition were this year’s nominees, Matt Norris (West Hills) and Andrea Cooke (El Capitan), who competed against many outstanding teachers countywide. Also present was 2014-15 San Diego County Teacher of the Year from West Hills High School, John Berray.
The annual event honors San Diego County’s public school teachers and was televised live on Channel 4 San Diego from the Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego. This year’s telecast marks 41 years of honoring teachers in San Diego County.
The culminating event of the evening was the naming of the five San Diego County Teachers of the Year.
The San Diego County Teacher of the Year Awards program is the official stepping-stone to the California Teacher of the Year and National Teacher of the Year events. The five Teachers of the Year selected last week will represent San Diego County in the California Teacher of the Year program, which will be announced later this year. Nominees for San Diego County Teacher of the Year were selected based on student achievement, teaching philosophy, familiarity with current issues in education and community involvement.
El Capitan Hosts Halftime Ceremony to Honor Synthetic Field Contributions
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| L: Travis Lyon (EC Foundation), Clifford LaChappa (Barona), Supervisor Jacob and Rich Hurst (EC Stadium Association) are recognized for donations |
A brief halftime ceremony took place on Friday, October 9, to honor those whose contributions resulted in the replacement of the synthetic turf playing field at El Capitan High School over the summer. Asphalt sealing work was also completed, with a total construction cost of $430,000.
The synthetic turf stadium field was replaced with grants awarded by: The County of San Diego Neighborhood Reinvestment Grant - $200,000, El Capitan Stadium Association - $60,000, The Barona Band of Mission Indians and the El Capitan High School Foundation - $30,000, and the Grossmont Union High School District - $140,000.
The Field Turf synthetic field features CoolPlay infill, which is made of cork instead of rubber, reducing the surface temperature on the field.
Jason Van Named First Quarter Outstanding Classified Employee
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| Jason Van is honored by the Governing Board |
At the Governing Board meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2015, Jason Van was recognized as the First Quarter Outstanding Classified Employee of 2015-2016.
Jason serves the Grossmont District as a Special Education aide at REACH Academy. He is recognized for his exceptional dedication in the classroom and his ability to motivate and lead students to success on the sports fields.
Classified employees provide critical support to our educational mission and programs. Congratulations, Jason Van, on being selected as the First Quarter Outstanding Classified Employee of 2015-2016!
Ambassador to Senegal Addresses Granite Hills Students
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| US Ambassador to Senegal James P. Zumwalt talks with students at Granite Hills |
On Tuesday, October 13, advanced level IB/AP Spanish and French classes gathered in the new College/Career Center at Granite Hills to hear from a distinguished guest, U.S. Ambassador James P. Zumwalt. An El Cajon native, he is the brother of teacher Fran Zumwalt and is currently serving as the United States Ambassador to Senegal. He has an extensive career in Foreign Service and spoke to students about foreign service, the importance of learning a second language, and he told interesting tales of his service to our country.
Jim Zumwalt was sworn in as United States Ambassador to the Republic of Senegal and the Republic of Guinea Bissau on January 9, 2015. Previously he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Japan and Korean affairs from 2012-2014 and as Embassy Tokyo’s Deputy Chief of Mission from 2008-2012.
Academic League Season Schedule
The 33rd Academic League season schedule is here. Matches begin on Wednesday, November 5. All schools play each other at least once during the ten-game season. The team with the best record will advance to the County Championship in May.
I hope you will find an opportunity to view a Wednesday afternoon match at your school before the season draws to a close.
Superintendent Ralf Swenson
