What's New in GUHSD

Grossmont High’s New Student Support Services and Art Classroom Buildings

A ribbon cutting ceremony marks the completion of  new facilities at Grossmont High

On Wednesday, September 28, we held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the new student support services and arts classroom buildings at Grossmont High School. Elected officials and community stakeholders joined students and staff for the event.

These new buildings provide modern classrooms and offices to support our award-winning Associated Student Body, Art Department and Student Support Services.

The new art building is a modern two-story building housing our art department in three classrooms – one for photography and digital design, one for 2-D art, and one for 3-D art (clay and metal). Two other rooms in the art building include a classroom that supports the school’s special education transition program and the other room is used by the Associated Student Body, the finance office, and a student store.

The new student support services building is a two-story modern facility that is now home to the school’s Administrative Offices, Counseling Department, College and Career Center, and the Grossmont Resource Center.

Extensive site work included additional parking, new accessible pathways and a revamped bus drop-off area, new site lighting and security cameras for improved safety and a new ADA restroom building to support the student population during the day and stadium events after hours.

I thank our taxpayers, board members and district staff who support our efforts to provide quality instruction and modern facilities for our students. These new student support services and arts classroom buildings at Grossmont High School are a part of the Proposition U bond, passed in November 2008 by East County voters.

More detailed information on the project is available here.

Upcoming District Events . . .

GOT PLANS? Career & College Fair on Oct. 8

The East County Education Alliance is hosting the thirteenth annual Got Plans? Career & College Fair for high school students and parents on Saturday, October 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Cuyamaca College at 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway in El Cajon.

At the event, students and parents will be able to interact with admissions representatives from public and private universities, community colleges, vocational schools, and the military.

Free workshops will be presented on topics including financial aid and career opportunities. Additional information will be available regarding NCAA eligibility for student-athletes, updates and changes to the SAT and ACT tests, transfer options and more.

Admission to the fair is free and open to the public.

Save the Date: Building Rededication & Open House at Valhalla on Oct. 11

The Grossmont Union High School District is hosting a Building Rededication and Open House for Valhalla High School's Modernized Main Building and Theater on Tuesday, October 11. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 3:30 p.m., followed by tours of the facility from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. More information is available here.

Save the Date: Parent Safety Forum on Oct. 27

East County school districts are partnering with local law enforcement and the San Diego County Office of Education to host a Parent Safety Forum on October 27, 2016, at Greenfield Middle School, 1495 Greenfield Drive in El Cajon. Presentations will begin at 6:00 p.m. Food trucks will be available from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Topics discussed in brief presentations include School Safety Procedures, Internet Safety, Current Drug Trends, and Pedestrian Safety.

There will also be representatives from various community agencies to provide information to parents.

Childcare and translation services will be available.

We hope to see you there!

Dr. Tim Glover

Superintendent

What's New in GUHSD

Theresa Kemper Honored with Prestigious Women In Leadership Award 

Theresa Kemper with Dr. Glover and  East County Chamber CEO Eric Lund

GUHSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Theresa Kemper was honored as a Women in Leadership winner last Friday at the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce's 14th Annual Women in Leadership Luncheon. Ms. Kemper was selected as one of seven women for the prestigious award that honors dynamic women who are leaders in their fields and communities.

I was pleased to nominate Theresa for this award because she daily demonstrates exemplary character, integrity, and outstanding leadership as a member of my senior management team. Grossmont Cuyamaca Community College District Chancellor Cindy Miles actively supported Theresa's nomination as a powerful agent for change in our East County, embodying the leadership skills that are improving educational options for our East County youth.

The inspirational event was held at the Town and Country Resort in Mission Valley. We thank the East County Chamber of Commerce for recognizing Theresa Kemper's tireless commitment to our community and for honoring the other women who are role models in their respective fields.

Helix Charter Wins Most 2015-16 League Championships

Executive Director Kevin Osborn & Athletic Director Damon Chase Accepting for Helix

Congratulations to Helix Charter High School, whose athletic teams won or shared eleven league championships, the most among our eleven Conference schools for the 2015-16 school year. Helix Executive Director Kevin Osborn, Grade Level Principal/Athletic Director Damon Chase, and recently-retired Executive Director Dr. Mike Lewis accepted the award on behalf of their student-athletes. Presenting the awards were Conference President Brian Wilbur and CIF-SDS Commissioner Jerry Schniepp. Brian was happy to report that ten of our eleven schools won at least one title last year.

Brian Wilbur and Jerry Schniepp with Mindy & Mike Lewis

The Conference was also proud to honor Dr. Mike Lewis, as he recently retired as CEO/Principal of Helix High School. Dr. Lewis was a star athlete in high school, capturing the 300 meter low hurdle conference championship as a senior at Monte Vista. He served our district over the next 30 years as a teacher, coach, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent. He twice served as Athletic Conference President, member of the CIF-SDS Coordinating Council, Board of Managers, and State Federated Council. He also was Chair of the Board of Managers for three years, expertly guiding the San Diego Section through some difficult times. Dr. Lewis and his wife Mindy were presented with a trophy and a GUHSD life pass. Congratulations to Dr. Lewis.

El Cajon Valley Hosts 2nd Annual Leadership Symposium

El Cajon Valley Alumnus Daryl Priest ('77) Addresses Students

El Cajon Valley High School was proud to host its 2nd Annual Student Leadership Symposium on Saturday, September 17. This year's theme was Service Leadership.

Following powerful keynote addresses by El Cajon Valley alumni Abraham Muheize and Daryl Priest, students were given the opportunity to choose from nine different leadership workshops hosted by alumni and community leaders. Students were exposed to inspirational stories and provided with tools to build their leadership capacity.

El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells also spoke, sharing his thoughts on service leadership and encouraged the students to continue doing positive work on campus and in our community. Mayor Wells attended last year’s Inaugural Leadership Symposium and was so impressed that he wanted to come back again this year. Students were exposed to inspirational stories and provided tools to build their leadership capacity.

The growth of student leadership on campus has been a high priority at El Cajon Valley, as positive work continues to build student connectedness and engagement. Students were motivated to immediately apply their learning to their respective organizations on campus as El Cajon Valley High School continues its mission to “work together, learn together, and succeed together!” Special thanks is extended to Daryl Priest for sponsoring the event.

Valhalla Football Volunteers at American Heart Association’s Heart Walk

Valhalla Norsemen Football Squad at Heart Walk

On Saturday, September 17, the entire Valhalla Norsemen football squad, families, and coaching staff volunteered at the American Heart Association’s San Diego Heart Walk in Balboa Park. Over 60 student athletes gave back to their community by guiding walkers, cheering on finishers, and helping to keep the route clean and safe for participants of all ages. Head Football Coach Charles Bussey initiated a mandatory community service project for his players this year; a new tradition at Valhalla High School. The community supports Valhalla's team in so many ways, and he felt it was time for them to start giving back in other ways.

Following the event, Lara Diamond Phillips, company leader responsible for Sharp HealthCare's employee participation and fundraising for the San Diego Heart & Stroke Walk, sent a personal note letting Valhalla know how impressed she was with the group of young men. She wrote, “Not only were they helpful and hardworking, but every single thing they did was carried out with a smile and a great attitude. In my role at Sharp, I work with a number of employees who volunteer for our large special events, and we are proud to deliver ‘The Sharp Experience’ by exceeding expectations in every interaction. I don't know what you’re doing or what's in the water over there, but your boys truly exemplified what we call the Sharp Experience -- they were kind, courteous, positive, earnest and a pleasure to be around.”

We're exceedingly proud of Valhalla High School and these young men!

Monte Vista Participates in Coastal Cleanup

Monte Vista Students at Coastal Clean-up in Mission Beach

On the morning of Saturday, September 17, over 70 Monte Vista students made their way to Mission Beach. Instead of towels and surfboards, these students were geared with latex gloves and plastic bags as they scoured the beach for trash.

This is Monte Vista's sixth year participating in I Love A Clean San Diego's Coastal Clean-up Day. The Monarch Team is led by Paula Delgado and Marisa Alvarado, who teach Oceanography and AP Environmental Science respectively. The students arrived at 9:00 a.m. and were assigned a section of the beach to patrol. In a three-hour shift, the students collected approximately 150 lbs. of trash.

Another great student volunteerism story – thanks to our students at Monte Vista!

International Newcomer Center Parent Forum Tomorrow!

The District’s English Learner Programs is proud to present its first Parent Forum on Saturday, September 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at El Cajon Valley High School. This parent training will provide parents with the tools to access their children's grades, attendance, and transcripts on Infinite Campus.

Parents will also have opportunities to increase their understanding of the high school system and English Learner Programs. The goal of the Parent Forum is to empower parents to be an integral part of their children's success. This informative session is intended for all parents, but is especially useful for parents of English Learners. Interpreters will be available in Spanish and Arabic. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.

El Cajon Valley High School is located at 1035 E. Madison Avenue in El Cajon.

Dr. Tim Glover

Superintendent

What's New in GUHSD

Santana’s Brooke Crocker Named 2016-17 San Diego County Teacher of the Year

Brooke Crocker (Right) with 2016-17 San Diego County Teachers of the Year

Santana High School Teacher Brooke Crocker was one of five local educators who were named San Diego County Teachers of the Year during the 26th annual “Cox Presents: A Salute to Teachers,” sponsored by San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU) in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE). 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. 

Brooke Crocker teaches AP U.S. history, U.S. history, and honors geography to 9th- and 11th-grade students at Santana High School. She began teaching at Santana in 1994. She is very involved at Santana as AP/GATE Coordinator, US History PLC Leader, and Varsity Academic League Coach. She received the Varsity Academic League Coach of the Year award seven times and was a Golden Apple Award winner in 2007.

A total of 43 teachers were nominated for the 2016-17 County Teacher of the Year honor from among the 26,000 public school teachers in the region, and the field was narrowed to ten finalists. The finalists were selected based on student achievement, professional development and community involvement, teaching philosophy, knowledge of current issues in education, promotion and development of the teaching profession, accountability, and ability to serve as ambassadors of education. The five teachers of the year will represent San Diego County in the California Teacher of the Year program. The state winners will be announced later this year.

Dr. Jeffers and his wife Artielia at the VIP Reception

The County Teacher of the Year honor also includes the selection of five finalists and Dr. Mark Jeffers of Mount Miguel High School was awarded this high honor. Brooke Crocker and Dr. Jeffers represent the very best we offer to students each and every day in GUHSD. We are proud of them and their steadfast commitment to our students.

El Cajon Valley Remembers Victims at 9/11 Memorial Ceremony

El Cajon Valley Link Crew

A 9/11 Memorial Ceremony was held at El Cajon's Centennial Plaza last Sunday. Interns from Senator Joel Anderson's office placed 2,977 miniature American flags in the plaza by El Cajon City Hall, with each flag representing a life lost on 9/11. 

El Cajon Valley Link Crew students Haneen Qaryaqoos and Lydya Shawka both bravely spoke at the event and shared what 9/11 meant to them and their families as refugees. Afterward a women came up to the group in tears and hugged them both while saying how glad she is they are here and safe now. 

Link Crew members assisted with tying “in memory of” yellow ribbons around the small flags after the ceremony. They assisted with the clean up after the event and spoke with local firefighters and police officers. Senator Anderson’s office has requested that El Cajon Valley students participate and speak at the event next year as well.

Participation in the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony by El Cajon Valley students and staff is a powerful example of the positive connections being built between our schools and the broader community.

Jeni Mendel Receives Life Changer Award

L: Dr. Glover, Jeni Mendel, Lucia Washburn, and Bob Mueller (SDCOE)

On Friday, September 9, I was pleased to participate in the Annual Summit on Student Engagement and Attendance where GUHSD's Jeni Mendel was honored with the prestigious Life Changer Award. 

Ms. Mendel provides crucial support to students as our Coordinator of Child Welfare and Attendance, as well as in her capacity as our Liaison for Foster, Homeless and Military Youth. Jeni was selected for this high honor in acknowledgement of her unwavering support and commitment to the youth and families of San Diego County.

Recognition of Monte Vista & District Staff for Heroism in Saving the Life of a Student

Governing Board Recognition of Staff & First Responders

At the Governing Board Meeting on September 8, we recognized the heroic acts of several staff members at Monte Vista High School whose quick actions ultimately saved the life of a student. When a student collapsed walking across campus and required immediate medical intervention, trained staff sprung into action, providing CPR and using the site's AED unit until the paramedics arrived to take over care of the student. 

Special Education Aide Carmen Gray, Dropout Prevention Specialist Ron Carper, substitute LVN Macy Heiderich, and Assistant Principal Bill Sullivan were commended for their heroism. Representatives from San Diego Project Heart Beat, Cardiac Science Corporation, AMR Ambulance and participating Fire and Transport Paramedics were present for the recognition.

We later learned that the report from the AED unit indicated that the staff's actions saved the student's life. Even though they were providing CPR, the shock from the AED is what re-started the student's heart. It was a joy to honor the staff members whose reward is knowing they truly made all the difference in this young man's life.

El Capitan FFA Chapter Participates in Leadership Camp-Out

El Capitan FFA Attends Leadership Camp-Out

This past weekend, Chapter Officers from El Capitan High School's FFA Chapter attended the San Diego Section FFA Leadership Camp-Out at El Prado campground in Mount Laguna. This Olympic-themed camp-out inspired San Diego members to "Go for Gold!" and to make the most of this year and to live up to their chapter's full potential. 

Participating El Capitan FFA Chapter students learned new skills and gathered new ideas to bring back to their local chapter and community. Students learned how to successfully publicize FFA events, received tips on public speaking and how to run a meeting according to parliamentary procedure. They also learned the importance of community service and how their chapter can positively affect the lives of others. Best wishes to our talented students in achieving their goals!

Please Support PTA!

Dr. Glover Addressed PTSA/DAC Members at their September Meeting

Parents, if you are not a member of your school PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association), I encourage you to get involved. Parent involvement and dedication is making a difference at our high schools. 

PTSAs work with schools to engage and involve parents and help implement programs that support the safety, well-being, and achievement of all students on campus. By joining PTSA, you're helping to do great things for students at your school.

If you have not already joined or supported your school’s PTSA, I encourage you to do so today by accessing this form.

My thanks to the extensive Foothills Council PTSA network of parents and community members who are working to improve the educational experience and well-being of all our students.

Dr. Tim Glover

Superintendent

What's New in GUHSD

Law Enforcement Presence Enhances Campus Safety

GUHSD School Resource Officers (SROs) and Area Law Enforcement Professionals

GUHSD believes that the learning environment is enhanced when students feel safe. As such, we provide full-time School Resource Officers on our campuses. Under the watchful eye of deputies from the Lakeside, Rancho San Diego and Santee Sheriff’s Stations, as well as police officers from the El Cajon and La Mesa Police Departments, our students attend schools that emphasize safety first.

School Resource Officers (SROs) help keep our GUHSD campuses safe and are key players in the District’s efforts to prevent criminal activity at or near our schools. The presence of these armed and uniformed officers is an effective deterrent.

In the presence of law enforcement agencies, we continually revisit our safety plans and hold regular emergency drills in order to equip our students and staff with an understanding of what to do if an emergency arises. Campus supervisors work with school leadership to reinforce that commitment and to create an environment that allows for learning to occur and for our students to feel secure.

Grossmont High NJROTC Hosts Mini Boot Camp

2016 Mini Boot Camp Participants

Grossmont High School’s NJROTC program hosted its first Mini Boot Camp on August 26 - 28. Seventy Cadets received training in Drill and Ceremonies, Physical Fitness, Personnel Inspection, and setting priorities. The unit was fortunate to have U.S. Army Drill Sergeants from the U.S. Army Reserve’s 95th Division conduct the training and supervise instruction. 

The initial session was conducted in the Old Gym by Drill Sergeant Izunza. The three-hour session on Friday, covered individual drill movements and personal bearing. The Saturday session began with a briefing in the Old Gym followed by four solid hours of instruction in Drill and Ceremonies on Grossmont’s Drill pad. The afternoon session focused on physical fitness and included a Team Handball tournament (an NJROTC staple activity), which was won by Third Platoon, led by Cadet Melanie Gonzalez. The Saturday training concluded with “Drill Sergeant’s Time.” 

Sunday morning began with a competitive inspection where each Cadet was evaluated based on their compliance with the U.S. Navy Cadet Field Manual. Second Platoon was declared the inspection champions, led by Cadet Savanah Metcalfe. The final event was Drill Competition. Despite all three platoons posing fierce competition, Second Platoon, led by Cadet Elizabeth Felix, earned top honors in Drill and went on to earn the distinction of being the training “Honor Platoon.” Grossmont’s Cadets did a superior job and are off to an outstanding start to the school year. 

Throughout the year, those who attended will use their knowledge from the training to teach their peers and use this extracurricular activity as a head start toward reaching the collective goal of the distinction “Most Improved Unit.” This award is given by the Area Manager, Commander Ken Liles, to the one unit each year that demonstrates exceptional effort and achievement. Grossmont’s company has made reaching this goal a top priority. Cadets train on a weekly schedule of rigorous physical training, uniform inspection, Team Handball, naval science, and extracurricular teams such as the award-winning marksmanship team and exhibition drill. All hands are vital toward achieving the unit’s goals for the year.

Upcoming District Events . . . 

International Newcomer Center Parent Forum on Sept. 24

The District’s English Learner Programs is proud to present our first Parent Forum on Saturday, September 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at El Cajon Valley High School. This parent training will provide parents with the tools to access their children's grades, attendance, and transcripts on Infinite Campus.

Parents will also have opportunities to increase their understanding of the high school system and English Learner Programs. The goal of the Parent Forum is to empower parents to be an integral part of their children's success. This informative session is intended for all parents, but is especially useful for parents of English Learners. Interpreters will be available in Spanish and Arabic. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.

El Cajon Valley High School is located at 1035 E. Madison Avenue in El Cajon.

GOT PLANS? Career & College Fair on Oct. 8

The East County Education Alliance is hosting the thirteenth annual Got Plans? Career & College Fair for high school students and parents on Saturday, October 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Cuyamaca College at 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway in El Cajon.

The annual event awakens students to the many opportunities available to them after high school, both locally and across the country. Once they make contact with college and career representatives at Got Plans?, students begin to think more seriously about their options after high school.

At the event, students and parents will be able to interact with admissions representatives from public and private universities, community colleges, vocational schools, and the military.

Free workshops will be presented on topics including financial aid and career opportunities. Additional information will be available regarding NCAA eligibility for student-athletes, updates and changes to the SAT and ACT tests, transfer options and more. 

Admission to the fair is free and open to the public. 

We hope to see you there!

Dr. Tim Glover

Superintendent

What's New in GUHSD

CTE Prepares Students for Success

Today’s rigorous and relevant Career Technical Education (CTE) prepares youth and adults for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers. The Grossmont Union High School District Career and Technical Education program is a major focus of our overall instructional program. The CTE focus transforms high schools by providing programs of study that give students the technical, academic, and employability skills they will need for their future. For thousands of students, CTE provides motivation for attending and staying in school.

The Grossmont Union High School District continues to support and expand quality programs to ensure that students are both college and career ready when they graduate. Currently, we offer over 40 Career Technical Education Pathways in high-wage, high-demand Industry Sectors.

Our CTE pathways serve over 4,000 students and include two to four year sequences of classes in an industry sector. We also have over 2,000 students participating in our Healthcare Pathways supported by the Grossmont Healthcare District. In addition, some of our pathways are implementing a Linked Learning approach where the students’ CTE and academic classes are coordinated to have a unique career-themed, learning experience with additional student support from their teacher team. Students in all pathways learn industry-current technical skills and incorporate their academic standards in an applied and relevant project-based learning environment with authentic audiences.

Opportunities include:

• Work-based learning integrated at each level (industry tours, guest speakers, community projects, teacher job shadows and externships)
• Exposure to a full range of post-secondary options: entry-level jobs, apprenticeships, military, two- or four-year colleges
• Articulation and alignment with post-secondary institutions and industry level certifications

The Grossmont Union High School District is partnering with other high school and post-secondary districts as well as with private organizations and business partners to implement and expand this work at a local and regional level. 

Following are two examples of the great opportunities available to students in our pathways programs.

Health-Careers Exploration Summer Institute

During the summer months, 15 Health Career Pathway students from Granite Hills, Mount Miguel, Valhalla, Santana and West Hills served as hospital interns, gaining skills working at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa. The Health-Careers Exploration Summer Institute (HESI) program began with an intense month of preparatory homework leading up to the program start date and four rigorous training days.

Next, the interns spent the month of July rotating through nearly 20 hospital departments. Students spent over seven hours a day with medical professionals and spent their evenings researching and writing case studies and reflecting on their personal growth. Additionally, students generated e-portfolios. These digital spaces house the students’ CVs, resumes, evidence of scientific writing competency, and transcribed interviews with healthcare professionals, which can all be used by the students long after their attendance in the HESI program.

The departments that hosted our students welcomed them and taught them about their careers, medical procedures and technology, and patient. Most importantly, these mentors provided them with life lessons and insights that will alter the course of their lives.  In this way, students benefitted from incredible career exposure, learned about the value of finding a career they will be passionate about, practiced work readiness and communication skills, and applied knowledge from their Health Career Pathway courses to a “real-world” setting.

The rigorous internship program concluded with individual final student presentations at the Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center to a crowd of nearly 90 guests including families, Grossmont Healthcare District Board Members and CEO Barry Jantz, Sharp Grossmont Hospital staff, GUHSD Governing Board Members, and several members of my management team.

Our students did a superb job in sharing their transformative experiences and afterward officially graduated from the program. Photos from the event are available here. 

Inaugural Solar Energy Academy

Also over the summer, GUHSD-CTE partnered with SunPower Energy, Vital Link and Cuyamaca College to offer interested juniors and seniors an opportunity to participate in the SunPower Solar Energy Academy.

The intense, five-day event, was hosted by Cuyamaca College. It provided students with an in-depth working knowledge of residential photovoltaic system design and installation.

In collaborative teams, students learned how to design a residential solar system, calculate financing and present the benefits of solar energy in a high-quality presentation. This week also included lectures from solar professionals, hands-on activities and a visit to the impressive SDG&E Energy Innovation Center. GUHSD Program Managers Dena Johnson and Lindsey Emerson also outlined their role in the Valhalla Solar Project.

CTE teachers Joe Cota (El Capitan) and Todd Myers (IDEA Center), with support from SunPower and Vital Link consultants, provided a great opportunity for students to:

• receive hands-on experience and training
• acquire valuable technical and professional skills
• build teamwork and problem-solving skills with like-minded students
• expand  their resume, career portfolio and college application content

Students from the following programs participated:

• Building and Construction Trades: El Capitan and IDEA
• Advanced Manufacturing: Santana and West Hills
• Engineering: Santana 
• Transportation: Monte Vista
• Business & Marketing: Mount Miguel

The week culminated with student presentations held at the Energy Innovation Center. Business panelists were very impressed with the quality of the content and presentation skills displayed by the students.

I thank the following panelists for contributing their valuable time for our students: 

• Lindsay Boyd, Project Coordinator, Sea World
• Tisha Tumangan, Senior Human Resources Representative, Sea World
• Samuel Lindsey, District 21 Director, American Welding Society
• Rich Nagel, ASI Heating and Air
• Carmen Contreras, Business Development Specialist, Point Loma Credit Union

These are but two examples of the many experiences GUHSD students may benefit from on the way to college and careers.

Labor Day Send-off

In closing, I wish you and your families a safe and enjoyable Labor Day Weekend. Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 6.

Dr. Tim Glover

Superintendent