Theresa Kemper Honored with Prestigious Women In Leadership Award
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| 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
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| 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.
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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.
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
