What's New in GUHSD

Hundreds Enjoy Band & Color Guard Performances

The 2016 Annual District Fall Showcase

Hundreds of family members and band supporters were entertained on the evening of Thursday, November 17, from the stands at Monte Vista High School's football field as marching bands and color guards from GUHSD high schools performed routines in the annual District Fall Showcase.

The evening began with all the GUHSD marching bands playing the national anthem and the Mt Miguel JROTC presenting the colors. This was followed by a succession of all the district high school marching bands playing excerpts from their repertoires. Our student musicians and color guard members dazzled the crowd.

I had the pleasure of directing a massed band performance of all schools in the grand finale. I like to think my directing of "Livin on a Prayer" made the piece sound wonderful, but we all know it was our talented students.

The evening provided the audience with a look at the musical prowess and skill of our marching bands and color guards as the football season draws to a close.

I extend special thanks to our District Band Directors and the parents of the Parent Music Advocacy Group (PMAG) who make this annual event such a success!

El Capitan FFA Chapter Receives Numerous Honors

El Capitan High School FFA Chapter

It's been a very eventful couple of months for the El Capitan FFA Chapter according to student reporter Conner Watson. He shared that first- and second-year members earned Greenhand and Chapter FFA degrees, and they were honored with a potluck at the Lakeside Rodeo Hall. Additionally, a select group of students attended the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.

At the National Conference, 12 of El Capitan’s FFA members received their American Degree, the highest award in the FFA, which only .04% of members receive. Along with those outstanding accomplishments, President and Vice-President Blake Jackson and Anne Signore were chosen to be two out of the 38 delegates representing California (over 100 applicants).

Former El Capitan FFA President, Dustin Suttles, was selected to be a national finalist after being awarded as the California State winner for agriculture mechanics design & fabrication. At National Convention, Dustin was recognized for his amazing work and achievements on stage in front of thousands of FFA members. 

It was a distinct honor to have our El Capitan chapter recognized at the national level and to showcase what our students and chapter are capable of. The El Capitan FFA Chapter provides opportunities for its members to explore their horizons through agriculture based projects and experiences to develop a sense of leadership, meaning, and purpose.

Santana Culinary Arts Students Participate in Industry Tour

Santana Culinary Arts students observe Mom's art of making apple pie

On Thursday, November 10, the Culinary Arts class at Santana High School, under the guidance of Donna Small, went to Mom's Apple Pie House in Julian on an Industry Tour.

"Mom" Anita Nichols started her pie business in 1984 in a small storefront with seating for two. Today Anita has 40 employees and two Julian locations. "Mom" guided the students on the tour of the processing facility and discussed starting the business and how it has changed over the past 30+ years.  The class observed the apple pie baking process from cold storage of the apples, to the peeling and coring machine, to crust making, filling, topping and finally baking.

The grand conclusion on the tour was a slice of apple pie hot from the oven. This industry tour exposed the students to how one individual can start a successful business from a family recipe and hard work in the culinary field. Thanks, “Mom,” for the wonderful learning experience for our students and for your delicious pies!

Eric Paredes Save A Life Health Screening Event – 12/4

The Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation is hosting a free heart screening event on December 4, at Monte Vista High School for individuals ages 12 – 24, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Parents do not need to be present, but are required to complete and sign the parent consent/screening packet that is available online. More details are available here: http://bit.ly/EPRgstr

Save the Date: 12th Annual East County Young Men’s Leadership Conference on 1/21

Mount Miguel High School will host its 12th Annual East County Young Men’s Leadership Conference on Saturday, January 21, 2017, from 8:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Presenters will include esteemed educators, professionals, and college students as well as community activists, who spend a day sharing their expertise. Workshops and breakout sessions by prominent educators and professionals will provide an innovative and engaging atmosphere for those in attendance.

The conference is open to all young men in grades 6 – 12 throughout San Diego County. The goal is to motivate, support and encourage them to effect positive change in their lives through self-empowerment and wise decision-making.

For more information on how to sponsor or attend the free conference, please contact Mike Love at mlove@guhsd.net.

Dr. Tim Glover

Superintendent

What's New in GUHSD

El Capitan Global Language and Leadership Program Receives Excellence in Innovation Award

El Capitan is honored along with partners from the Lakeside School District, Tierra del Sol and Riverview Elementary Schools

The East County Schools Federal Credit Union established an Excellence in Innovation and Collaboration Award to recognize school site efforts that have resulted in innovative collaboration that benefits the students of the district. The award recognizes those who have developed and implemented a program that highlights an innovative example of collaboration among multiple groups with evidenced success.

The “Global Language and Leadership Program,” a four-year dual language immersion program in Spanish and Mandarin at El Capitan High School, was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Excellence in Innovation Award.

The November 15 Governing Board meeting included a recognition of El Capitan's collaboration and innovation which furthers the dual language immersion experience that has existed in the Lakeside School District for many years. The program begins at Riverview Elementary School and continues on through both middle schools, Lakeside and Tierra del Sol.

With the recent addition of the high school program, students can now have a K-12 experience with language acquisition and the opportunity to become tri-literate, thanks to the collaboration between the two districts and among the various schools.

We thank the East County Schools Federal Credit Union for recognizing this important work on behalf of our East County youth.

Mount Miguel Girls Attend Business Conference for Women

Mount Miguel Principal Dr. Hedrick with business students

On Thursday November 3, 2016, a group of 15 girls from Mount Miguel High School's Business Academy attended the Connecting Women to Power Business Conference. They were accompanied by their Principal Dr. Kimberlee Hedrick. At the conference students heard from keynote speaker and NASA Astronaut Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, who spoke about her perseverance in achieving her dream of becoming an astronaut. 

Students also sat in on several breakout sessions, in which female panelists discussed their paths to success and hurdles along the way. In the last session of the day, the young women were inspired to further their leadership skills, from Edna Murphy, the Deputy Director of Administration for the California State Board of Equalization.

Santana Students Participate in Architectural Heritage Tour

Santana students in Balboa Park

Digital Fabrication students from Santana High School went on a field trip to Balboa Park on Friday, November 4, to see how the Spanish Revival architectural style of buildings has influenced famous buildings throughout America. The students are creating their own digitally fabricated buildings using some of the architectural features seen in Balboa Park.

The project is a Linked Learning team project called “The Land of Opportunity,” which incorporates their English, history, math, and CTE pathway classes.

Mount Miguel Medical Academy Seniors Visit Avondale Elementary

Health Pathways Student of the Month Noemi Avenido is honored by Principal Hedrick, Superintendent Glover & Health Pathways Coordinator Heather Peterson

On Wednesday, November 9, Superintendent Glover, Principal Hedrick and district health pathways coordinator, Heather Peterson visited Mount Miguel High School Science teacher and Medical Academy Coordinator Bridget DeSonia's classroom.

A very deserving young woman in the Human Anatomy class, Noemi Avenido, Medical Academy President, was recognized as the Grossmont Healthcare District Health Pathways student of the month. Following the recognition, the group walked to Avondale Elementary where teams in the Human Anatomy class read children's books that they created to a second and third grade classes. These books were a representation of the learning from students' skeletal unit, outlining the process of bone repair.

The high school and elementary students were all smiles following the activity. Our students did an outstanding job representing the Medical Academy at Mount Miguel High School.

RSVP Today: Eric Paredes Save A Life Health Screening Event – 12/4

The Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation is hosting a free heart screening event on December 4, at Monte Vista High School for any individuals ages 12 – 24, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Details on how to register are available here.

28^th Annual Thanksgiving Feast at Chaparral

Dr. Glover, Trustee Dr. Gary Woods, and Principal Dave Napoleon with students at the Thanksgiving Feast

Chaparral High School held its 28th Annual Thanksgiving Feast on Friday, November 18, at 11:15 a.m. as students and staff were treated to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

The annual tradition is a fitting close to the week before break. Sponsored by Chaparral’s ASB, the event has its origins in the staff wanting to ensure that students at the continuation school received a Thanksgiving dinner and that this time-honored tradition enjoyed by so many is not taken for granted. Several students shared what they were thankful for and fellow students provided musical entertainment during the lunchtime event.

I end this issue by wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. It is my hope that each of you has an opportunity to spend time with your loved ones next week and that your holiday is safe and enjoyable.

Dr. Tim Glover

Superintendent

What's New in GUHSD

27th Annual JRTOC Veterans Day Ceremony at Mount Miguel

Veterans were remembered with honor on the morning of Monday, November 7, as the JROTC Program at Mount Miguel High School held its 27th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony. Principal Kim Hedrick and Superintendent Glover were joined by parents and staff who witnessed the ceremony as more than 100 JROTC Cadets honored military personnel who have served our country throughout its history.

The morning ceremony began with Cadet Battalion Executive Officer Logyn Kelsey introducing the key leaders of the battalion and their companies, before delivering a brief message on the significance of this important day.

She spoke of how from the first battle of the American Revolution to our ongoing war against terrorism in conflicts around the globe, and in humanitarian missions at home and abroad, our veterans have saved countless lives. Over 250,000 American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are deployed and stationed in more than 100 countries. Their determination and readiness to go where needed serve as compelling symbols of liberty, justice and hope for freedom all over the world.

The program also included the Corps of Cadets conducting ceremonial procedures and marching in formation. The Flag Detail raised the flag in conjunction with the playing of Reveille, which was followed by the National Anthem, performed by Cadet Second Lieutenant Raven Sanferrare.

Special thanks is extended to the Encanto VFW Post 1512, which was instrumental in providing the means for more than 50 cadets from the award-winning Mount Miguel High School "Matador" Army JROTC Battalion Cadets to participate in the 2016 San Diego Veterans Day Parade on Friday.

To all of our service members, past and present, whether far from home or here in the United States, we thank you for your countless contributions and selfless sacrifices.

Grossmont NJROTC to Honor Veterans

In further JROTC news, Grossmont High School’s NJROTC program will travel to Elmcroft on Veterans Day to conduct a ceremony and visit with veterans who reside there.

Also on November 11, the Grossmont High School NJROTC Color Guard will perform in the City of El Cajon's Veterans Day Celebration at Centennial Plaza. Music will be provided by the Hillsdale Middle School Symphonic Band.

Thank you to ALL of our students for honoring our veterans’ service to this great country.

Monte Vista High School Awarded Jimmie Johnson Foundation Grant

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson and his wife Chandra, announced on Wednesday, that Monte Vista High School was selected as a recipient of a $70,554 education grant.

The Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Champions Grant will bring students much needed access to technology that can revolutionize their learning. The grant funds the purchase of two class sets of Virtual Reality headsets and smartphones, allowing students to benefit from cutting edge educational technology. Virtual Reality will make challenging concepts such as relative size and distance of planets in the solar system, functions within the human body at the cellular level, and understanding of physics concepts, accessible and highly engaging for ALL learners, especially English Language Learners and Special Education students who may struggle with traditional single modality learning environments.

Since 2009, Granite Hills’ alumnus Jimmie Johnson and the Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Champions Grant has been giving back to our schools in a highly significant way. He is a true champion!

IDEA Center Student a 2016 Art Contest Winner

IDEA Center Student Linnea Mast

In conjunction with their 2016 Education Law Conference, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, sponsored a statewide art contest for all junior and senior students enrolled in public education. Students created a work of art that visually captured the essence of this year’s conference theme “Igniting the Passion to Lead”—unique to their own perspectives—in a celebratory fashion. Entrants were critiqued on theme, execution, and creativity.

IDEA Center Student Linnea Mast won $1,000 for her winning piece of art as well as $500 in art supplies for her teacher Michael Leyva’s art department. Linnea and her teacher received the awards in a recognition ceremony at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, November 3, 2016.

Winning art pieces will be on display in the firm’s headquarters in Cerritos and on the firm’s website for one year. Check out the art contest video here.

GUHSD Shares Successful Approaches at SDCUE Technology Fair

El Cajon Valley High's Instructional Technology Team

Nearly 60 GUHSD teachers attended the annual SDCUE Technology Fair at La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad. The annual event offers teachers a wide array of learning opportunities on how to integrate technology into the classroom and provide innovative experiences to students.

Additionally, 12 sessions were presented by 20 GUHSD teachers and administrators. With the backdrop of our FutureForward program, GUHSD continues to empower teachers to bring relevant and modern strategies into our classrooms. These teachers illustrate that leadership within the district and across the county. Visit this link for a full list of GUHSD sessions and resources.

Happening Next Week: District Fall Showcase

The annual GUHSD Marching Band and Color Guard District Fall Showcase is next Thursday, November 17, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. at Monte Vista High School. 

Please come out and support this annual fundraiser which features musical performances by our schools. Tickets are $8 at the gate. Middle schoolers and under are free.

Dr. Tim Glover

Superintendent

What's New in GUHSD

Grossmont NJROTC Cadets Visit Naval Air Station, North Island

Grossmont Cadet Gisela Munguia & Lieutenant Danielle Redmond, USN, inside a US Navy Seahawk Helicopter

A group of Grossmont High School NJROTC Cadets made a visit to the Naval Air Station, North Island to visit the “Battlecats” of HSM-73. The Cadets received a briefing on College ROTC scholarships as well as a detailed presentation on the duties and responsibilities of Navy pilots. After the briefing, the Cadets were provided with the opportunity to try their hand at flying the Navy’s most sophisticated tactical helicopters in the Air Station’s $40 million flight simulator.

The two-hour session provided the Cadets with a realistic sample of the challenges that pilots face every day. The visit concluded with a trip to the hanger and a detailed look at an actual Navy Seahawk helicopter. The visit was hosted by Lieutenant Danielle Redmond, a Navy pilot and former high school ROTC Cadet. Lieutenant Redmond’s career path included a Navy ROTC scholarship and flight school, which is the exact path Grossmont Cadets hope to follow. She is a frequent visitor and supporter of Grossmont’s NJROTC program, making several visits and presentations, as well as functioning as the Unit’s Inspecting Officer during last year’s Annual Military Inspection.

Grossmont Girls Earn Grand Prize at Women’s Hackathon

Proud members of Grossmont's Hacker Team

On Saturday, October 15, the Grossmont female computer hacker team consisting of Keilani Thorpe, Ashley Prus, Vina Culas, Lili Flores, Monica Nuno, and Laura Harris won the Grand Prize at Cal State San Marcos Women's Hackathon for a website that they developed for recycling.

​The 12-hour semi-annual event is open to all female high school and college students, who work collaboratively to design a website, game, or mobile app that addresses a selected real world challenge.

The Grossmont team competed against 50 other girls from high schools across the county and from some of the local colleges. We are very proud of our students and their IT Pathway teacher Patrick Giovengo, as well as teacher Todd Benrud who equipped them with website building foundations last year.

Academic League Season Underway

Academic League Varsity Match at Santana this week

The 34th Academic League season schedule is underway. Matches began on October 26. I attended this week’s match at Santana High School, where they hosted Steele Canyon. I was impressed by the caliber of our students in this spirited competition.

All of our schools play each other at least once during the ten-game season. The team with the best record advances to the County Championship in May.

The schedule is available here.

I hope you will find an opportunity to view a Wednesday afternoon match at your school before the season draws to a close.

Granite Hills Hosts Leadership East County

Granite Hills Principal Mike Fowler speaks to the Leadership East County Class

On Friday, October 14, Granite Hills High School hosted a respected group of community leaders as part of the annual Education Day for the Leadership East County Class.

Sponsored by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce, the Leadership East County Class toured the Career Technical Education Pathways offered at Granite Hills. The group was welcomed by Principal Mike Fowler, who shared many of the wonderful things that are occurring at Granite Hills as well as powerful student success stories. This was followed by a discussion about the CTE Pathways’ accomplishments and how these community leaders could become involved in the CTE Pathways. Finally, the group was led on a tour of the programs by our student ambassadors, who are trained as leaders to represent the CTE Pathways.

Linked Learning Teachers Explore Project-Based Learning

Grossmont High AME Pathway teachers with Assistant Principal Joel Tropp

Teachers from Grossmont High School’s Arts, Media, and Entertainment (AME) pathway participated in the Career Pathways Project-Based Learning Leadership Academy on October 19-21, 2016. The team consisted of English teacher Karen Manns, photography teacher Carolyn Jungman, and history teacher Nicole Williams. Joel Tropp, Assistant Principal, added his support during the three-day conference.

The goal of the conference was for the teacher team to collaborate on project design, implement cross-curricular work, and develop college and career readiness strategies. As a result, the AME team will be able to lead other linked learning teams in project development and provide the AME pathway students an enriched learning experience.

Save the Date: GUHSD Marching Band & Color Guard District Fall Showcase on 11/17

The Annual Marching Band & Color Guard District Fall Showcase is a Hit

The annual GUHSD Marching Band and Color Guard District Fall Showcase is coming up on Thursday, November 17, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. at Monte Vista High School. Yours truly will be performing as a guest conductor.

This annual fundraiser features musical performances by our schools. Tickets are $8 at the gate. Middle schoolers and under are free.

Dr. Tim Glover

Superintendent

What's New in GUHSD

PROP U REFINANCING SAVES TAXPAYERS $15.7 MILLION

On September 22, the District completed a refinancing of $80 million in Proposition U bonds to lower interest costs.  As a result, the District’s taxpayers will realize a savings of $15.7 million over the next 18 years.  

This was the second time we have been able to refinance Proposition U bonds.  When combined with the previous Proposition U bond refinancing and three prior Proposition H bond refinancings, overall the District has achieved savings of $35.6 million in interest costs.   

We will continue to monitor the financial markets to determine if additional savings opportunities are possible as we strive to honor the trust placed in us by the taxpayers when they approved Propositions H and U.

For a summary of the Prop U accomplishments that are transforming our East County High Schools, please click here.

QUALITY FACILITIES INFLUENCE STUDENT SUCCESS

You may have noticed the above-pictured signs going up in front of your neighborhood high school. They underscore the ongoing facility needs across the Grossmont Union High School District. Quality school facilities and technology are vital in preparing students for college and careers.

After a thorough assessment and planning effort, the Grossmont Union High School District Governing Board took action on August 4, 2016, to place Measure BB, a local school bond, on the November ballot.

Our District maintenance and operations staff work tirelessly in order to keep GUHSD schools safe, clean and in working condition. With 12 high school campuses in constant use by over 21,850 students and over 3,000 staff, our facility needs far exceed the standard funding allotment we receive from the State for school facilities maintenance.

Passing local school bonds is the most common way California communities upgrade their local schools. Over the past year, GUHSD has performed an extensive facility needs assessment identifying the most critical needs to protect the quality of education in our District.  

 

Click here for Measure BB information to see how an ongoing investment in local school facilities will give our students the same opportunities as others to compete for college and 21st century careers.

Following is a quick summary.

Measure BB will:

• Repair aging roofs, deteriorated plumbing, air conditioning, and electrical systems

• Renovate career-training facilities for science, technology, engineering, math and skilled trades

• Upgrade classrooms and technology to meet rising college/university admission requirements

• Rehabilitate or replace aging student support facilities (e.g., labs, libraries, restrooms, etc.)

• Improve campus safety, security and access for disabled students

Measure BB Facts:

• By law, ALL Measure BB funds STAY LOCAL, dedicated to East County (GUHSD) schools ONLY.   

• The State CANNOT take Measure BB funding away.

• Measure BB is for school technology infrastructure, classrooms, facilities and equipment ONLY. 

• NO funds are allowed for administrators' salaries or pensions.

• Independent Citizens' Oversight and mandatory audits will ensure proper spending.

• Passage of Measure BB will qualify GUHSD for up to $50 million in State matching funds.

Dr. Tim Glover

Superintendent