San Diego Unified School District Newsfeed

Kiwanis Club of San Diego names Alyson Ramirez School Counselor of the Year

2015-06-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Kiwanis Club of San Diego recently honored Alyson Ramirez, head counselor at De Portola Middle School, as the district's 2014-15 Counselor of the Year. The award was presented at the Counseling and Guidance Department End-of-Year Meeting held May 29.

De Portola Principal Ryan Brock supported Ramirez's nomination by stating, “Simply put, she amazes me. She handles an incredible workload with a tremendous amount of responsibility with grace and ease. I never hear anything but overwhelming praise for her and the work she does. She is an amazing head counselor, woman and mother. She really deserves this honor and she represents so many great aspects of school counseling.”

Ramirez has been a school counselor in San Diego Unified for 12 years. She grew up in Brawley, CA and moved to San Diego to attend college. She has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Education with an emphasis in Guidance Counseling. In addition to her work at De Portola Middle School, Ramirez is a member of the district’s Crisis Response Team.

Principal Brock, vice principals Heather Potter and Suzanne Fore, and school counselor Amy Ericson attended the event on May 29 to support their colleague. The Kiwanis Club of San Diego has been a long-time partner-in-education with district's Counseling and Guidance Department.

Hoover High Counselor Honored at White House

2015-02-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

One San Diego counselor received a big honor at the White House Friday.

Tawnya Pringle, a counselor at Hoover High School, was one of five counselors invited to the White House. She was honored as one of the top five 2015 School Counselor of the Year finalists by First Lady Michelle Obama and actress Connie Britton.

The ceremony marked the first time school counselors were honored at a White House event dedicated to their work.

Pringle said the experience was humbling and was one of the “most amazing times of my life.”

Read more from NBC San Diego.

Top administrators honored for 2013-14 school year

2014-06-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Administrators at schools and programs around the district have been honored by the Administrators Association of San Diego, the organization that represents many of San Diego Unified's managers, including principals.

Honored for the 2013-14 school year are: Barbara Baron, Program Manager, Instructional Resources and Materials Department; Cheryl Hibbeln, Principal, Kearny High Complex School of Digital Media and Design, and Construction Tech Academy; Sylvia Kravitz, Food Services Regional Food Services; Maria Moore-Flagg, Supervising Administrative Assistant, Auxiliary Services; Ana Morales, Manager, Translation and Community Services; Dr. Lesley Pearson. Early Childhood Education Program Administrator; Bob Raines, AASD Retiree Network.

For many years, the association has honored distinguished leaders for their service, Association President Donis Coronel said.

"This year, the Member Relations Committee redesigned the program and expanded the criteria to include eight areas of selection criteria," said Coronel.

The criteria are: how the nominee's work skills contribute to the organization and operation of the district; the nominee's interaction with coworkers and staff; the nominees leadership qualities; the nominees community involvement; the level in which the nominee volunteers and participates in work site activities; an activity of major involvement that affects the life of others; the level in which the nominee supports the educational process of adults and/or youth and the nominees commitment and involvement with AASD.

For more information, visit the association's website.

As Program Manager for Instructional Resources and Development, Baron is San Diego Unfied's top librarian, working with partners in the San Diego Public Library to create a better off-school environment for students to explore the world and complete homework. She's also worked with private sector partners such as Target and Heart of America to bring the organizations' "Library Makeovers" to many campuses.

Cheryl Hibbeln, outgoing principal of two of the small schools at the Kearny High complex, was honored for her visionary leadership and mentoring of principals, assets that she will continue using in her new high school coordinating position in the main district office. Her work at Kearny has helped the community to strengthen their high school standing ultimately drastically improving student achievement. Pioneering efforts in the area of Linked Learning at Kearny High School of Digital Media and Design have brought honors to the school from the state and federal governments.

At the Food Services Department, Regional Manager Sylvia Kravitz works to promote teamwork among her 24 Area Managers and staff, ensuring they provide the best tasting and most nutritious food to students, as well as providing outstanding customer service to our kids. She's also been dedicated to the professional development of her team, helping many to receive certifications from the School Nutrition Association. Outside of the workplace, Sylvia is active in her synagogue where she participates in activities including the winter inter-faith shelter for homeless individuals and families.

In her position in the Auxiliary Services Department, Maria Flagg Moore supervises the clerical staff in the Physical Plant Operations facility. She's helped many of her coworkers receive Microsoft Windows training along with other skills to help them improve their job performance and contributions to educating the next generation of San Diegans. Maria is active in the annual Holiday Hope Food Basket and Food Drive which benefits children and families at various San Diego Unified schools. She has also volunteered for women’s rights organizations that assist young girls and women.

Ana Morales leads the team of translators and interpreters in the district's busy Translation Services Department. At any time, translators and interpreters may be at locations all through the district, doing everything from helping students understand why they are being disciplined or having trouble with school, interpreting parent meetings, IEPs and public meetings such as the Board of Education. In addition to leading a high-performing team, Ana must ensure that all legally required translation and interpretation is performed in a district of vast size. Ana takes her involvement with local groups home with her as well, volunteering with organizations such as Ties for Teens, Mid City Community Advocacy Network and the Tariq Kamisa Foundation.

As Early Childhood Education Program Administrator, Leslie Barnes leads a team that works with the youngest San Diegans to give them a great start on their road to college and career. Students, families, and staff are treated with care, respect and compassion. Professional, yet firm, willing to listen, all the while keeping the best interest of the children and families at the forefront of each interaction -- that is Lesley’s way. She's also active in the community with Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, Children's Hospital La Playa unit, the MADCAPS mother/daughter club, Westminister Presbyterian Church, Vanguard Theatre ans Sheakespeare Society.

Bob Raines was also honored for his work with AASD retirees. A 2007 retiree where his last position was Director of Assessment Services, he continues serving the district by staying involved with AASD and ensuring some of the district's most experienced and dedicated supporters -- its retirees -- continue to help San Diego's kids. He serves on numerous AASD committees, including those involved in healthcare for both retirees and current workers and member relations. Outside of AASD, Bob has been a member of Phi Delta Kappa since 1976, has served on the Greater San Diego Mathematics Council and was a member of the Voluntary Employee Benefits Association (VEBA) for two years.

Council Member Emerald honors Crawford New Arrivals Center

2014-05-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

San Diego City Council Member Marti Emerald has honored Crawford High School's New Arrivals Center with a proclamation that declared May 16, 2014 "Crawford High School New Arrival Center Day" in the City of San Diego.

The recognition was accepted by the school, as well as special recognition for teachers Gwen Osgard, Skye Cooke-Pinon and Viraj Ward, during special performances by students reflecting the nearly 40 languages and more than 30 countries represented at the Mid-City campus. Students from the New Arrival Center celebrated their many cultures in a performance that included singing, dancing and poetry recitals in more than 10 languages. Parents, community members, staff and Emerald attended the afternoon performance entitled “The Big Celebration.”

Located in the Mid-City area of San Diego, Crawford High School is one of the most diverse high schools in San Diego, with more than 37 languages from 33 countries. The New Arrival Center, now in its sixth year, is a program that was specifically designed to assist the unique needs of English Language Learners as they make the transition from their home countries to the academic demands of high school.

Students are given a year in a self-contained classroom to not only acquire English in an accelerated course of instruction, but to learn about American cultures and customs as well.
During the celebration, Emerald presented the New Arrival teachers with the proclamation to acknowledge the efforts of both the center’s teachers and its goals.

Emerald said that “immigrants are the backbone of the strength and diversity of the United States “and they often “face immeasurable traumas and obstacles when they arrive to the United States.” She extended the Council’s “appreciation of the service, value and contributions” of the New Arrival Center at Crawford.

For more information on the New Arrival Center, contact Principal Ana Marie Alvarez at (619) 362-3700.

Special Education panel honors those who go "above and beyond"

2014-05-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Above and Beyond Awards, which honor individuals who have contributed “Above and Beyond” the usual expectation in the area of Special Education, were held on May 8, 2014. The Community Advisory Committee for Special Education in collaboration with SDUSD hold the nominations and awards annually and are open to school district employees, students, family members and community members.

Pictured above are the 2014 CAC Above and Beyond Award winners. Bottom Row, left to right: Sonia Picos (Executive Director of Special Education), April McKay, First Sergeant Keller, Shannon Dearborn, Valerie Crisci, Ian Law, Jeannie Heffley, Christy Scadden (CAC Chair). Back Row, left to right: Rakeisha Gomez, Lieutenant Colonel Josten, Joanne Gilson, Sara Fredrick, Mary Kay Cook, Maegan Champion.

Lincoln High nurse honored as 'Outstanding Urban School Leader'

2014-05-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Lincoln High Nurse Kathy Ryan has been named Outstanding Urban School Leader by by The Healthy Schools Campaign, School Health Corporation and Maico Diagnostics.

One of five 2014 School Nurse Leadership Award winners, she received the recognition of her work as a school nurse leader, a nurse and nurse practitioner for over 37 years.

“It’s our pleasure to recognize these outstanding school nurses who have gone above and beyond to create healthier school environments,” said Healthy Schools Campaign President and CEO Rochelle Davis. “We have long supported school nurses and the critical role they play in school health and wellness. The School Nurse Leadership Award is a way for us to highlight the meaningful and innovative approaches school nurses are taking to prioritize student health.”

In honoring Ryan, the Health Schools Campaign staff wrote of her leadership in open a clinic in one of San Diego's most challenging neighborhoods.

"Kathleen understands the critical relationship between school health and students’ academic success. Serving in a low-income school, Kathleen garnered the necessary support to bring a school-based health center (SBHC) to her school to address students’ unmet health care needs. The SBHC opened in 2008, providing free primary and preventative care, health education and behavior health services to the school’s 2,400 students. Today, the SBHC is a community hub that links students, parents and the school with community resources," they wrote.

"The five winners and four honorable mentions selected from across the country represent school nurses who are blazing new trails in their field, reimagining the role that school nurses play in school health and wellness, students’ academic success and the health of the larger community. These exemplary individuals have made significant contributions in the following nurse leadership categories: state, policy, urban schools, rural schools, and innovative programs," said Davis. In addition to Ryan, the other honored nurses were from New Mexico, Missouri, Ohio, North Carolina, Michigan, Illinois and Kentucky.

Kathy precepts nursing students from several Southern California nursing programs, including school nurse credential candidates, students in community health and leadership rotations, and nurse practitioner students. She promotes the concepts of population health when she serves as a preceptor for these students. Kathy utilizes her knowledge of community health nursing within the school health environment to more effectively address the needs of her students and their families, the faculty and staff.

Kathy is a member of community and state workgroups that address school health concerns. Her primary efforts are to increase awareness of the role of health care policy in school health and school nursing. She assists CSNO (state and local chapter), the San Diego County Office of Education and the American Academy of Pediatricians School Health committees in planning and providing continuing education programs for school nurses, pediatricians and other school health providers.

Kathy joined CSNO in 2006. She is immediate past president for the San Diego/Imperial section, and started her term as California School Nurses Organization State President-elect in June, 2013. She feels her volunteerism with the organization supports her role as a school nurse, and helps her to have a broader perspective of areas of concern.

Kathy is an alumni of the Nurse in Washington Internship program, and utilizes what she learned there in her work at school, with CSNO and in the community. She feels that NIWI prepared her to be a strong advocate for school nurses as well as to work with the high school students who are members of the Lincoln High School Youth Health Council (LHSYHC).

Kathy educates others regarding the relationship between school health and the academic success of students. She encourages self-advocacy among her students and their parents at school and in the community. She represents the CSNO San Diego Imperial chapter at community events, promoting the role of the school nurse while advancing awareness of school health needs and challenges.
Kathy is the founder and advisor of the LHSYHC, where she mentors 20-40 high school students in leadership and decision making activities related to adolescent health concerns. Their goal is to improve the well-being of teens at school (healthy students+healthy families=healthy homes=healthy communities). Students on the council learn about and practice community health advocacy and leadership. Kathy provides and facilitates training and educational opportunities to prepare YHC members to develop and refine their health advocacy skills.

Some of the issues Kathy has helped the YHC to address include: racism, bullying, nutrition, and healthy teen relationships. During the summer of 2011, the LHSYHC planned and presented a four part Community Wellness series to educate their parents and community members about the link between healthy students, healthy families and healthy communities. Kathy has taken YHC members to the California School Health Center conference in Sacramento, where they met with state legislators at the capitol.

San Diego Unified Honors Top Classified Employees

2014-05-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

A special education assistant from Bay Park Elementary School is San Diego Unified School District's Classified Employee of the Year, with runners-up working at Madison High and Marston Middle schools in Clairemont.

Pauline Burt

Penny Clark

Cynthia McIntyre

Pauline Burt, who's been a part of the Bay Park community for nearly 30 years, is the 2014 Classified Employee of the Year, representing more than 5,000 San Diego Unified employees who don't have a teaching credential, such as custodians, school secretaries and Burt's position, special education assistants. Watch a video about Pauline.

Runners up are Cynthia McIntyre, a special education assistant at Marston Middle School, and Roana "Penny" Clark, a Dropout Prevention Program mentor at Madison High School.

San Diego Unified annually honors excellence by both its classified and certificated employees.

News Coverage

KUSI-TV» On-air Website

School Police sergeant graduates from police leadership academy

2014-05-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Sgt. Troy Holliday of the San Diego Unified School Police Department is now a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, a professional leadership development program for law enforcement supervisors.

“This leadership training opportunity is the perfect forum to help develop the skillsets of our line-level supervisors," said Lt. Michael Marquez, the department's operations lieutenant, "giving them the tools needed to interact with and mentor other officers on the department,”

One of the goals of the San Diego Unified School District Police Department is to consistently provide training opportunities to all sergeants.

The institute provides a forum for personal growth and development of the qualities necessary for effective public safety leadership by teaching leadership and ethical decision-making skills to front-line supervisors. The curriculum teaches students management and leadership through inspiring, challenging and developing, while providing insight on how each discipline compliments the other. The program was designed and implemented in 1988 through the efforts of California law enforcement professionals and top educators and trainers.

Students take 192 hours of course study during an eight-month period. Among the course participants were a diverse group of professionals from public entities.It is the mission of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to continually enhance the professionalism of California law enforcement serving its communities.

District, high school athletics leaders honored

2014-04-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

The district's Director of Physical Education, Health and Interscholistic Athletics, as well as two athletic directors at San Diego Unified high schools, have been honored by the California State Athletic Directors Association.

Bruce Ward, who oversees all district athletic programs, as well as John Murphy of Pt. Loma High and Gerry Knuppel at Clairemont High, received recognition from the association.

Ward, a member of the district's Hall of Fame, received the Region President's Merit Award from the association. He is outgoing president of the association, which represents high school athletic directors around the state. He attended Kearny High, Montgomery and Taft middle schools, Angier and Jones elementary schools, and San Diego State University, where he played football under legendary coach Don Coryell. Drafted by the NFL's San Diego Chargers, he played for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Southern California Sun (World Football League).

Murphy received the Norm Mackenzie Award which is presented to "rookie" athletic directors who display superior leadership skills and have been in their current role for less than four years. In addition to his athletic director duties, he coaches women's soccer and the surf PE program.

Knuppel received the Sue Kamiyama Leadership Award. He has been at Clairemont High School for more than 30 years, including more than 10 years as athletic director. Over the years he has been football defensive coach, boys and girls volleyball, track and field, badminton and wrestling coaches.

LJ Elementary staff member rides 6,000 miles to work; is top commuter

2014-04-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sigurd Kallhovde bikes to work daily, inspiring students and parents at La Jolla Elementary School with a total of 6,000 miles logged in 2013.

For that effort, he's been named a 2014 Diamond Award winner by the San Diego Association of Government for "embracing sustainable commute choices."

The SANDAG iCommute program honored ten organizations and two individuals with Diamond Awards for their outstanding contributions to promoting and participating in alternative transportation choices in the San Diego region.

These winners help relieve traffic congestion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
and improve mobility by carpooling, walking, biking, taking transit, teleworking, working a compressed schedule, or a combination of these.

In addition to his work at La Jolla Elementary, Kallhovde manages the sdbikecommuter.com forum where cyclists can communicate and motivate one another.

Art of Science Incubator taps three district staff members as Fellows

2014-04-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Art of Science Learning Incubator for Innovation San Diego, the local branch of a National Science Foundation-funded initiative that uses the arts to spark creativity in science education and the development of an innovative 21st Century STEM workforce, has named three San Diego Unified staff members as Fellows.

Kathryn Smart of the Office of Accountability, and teachers Jennifer Pickering from Serra High and Laura Berlin of Clairemont High, will join ten other local teams to develop new water-related educational programs and projects that integrate arts-based approaches into STEM learning, products or services around water conservation in the San Diego region.

Funded by a $2.6 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, these nationwide think-and-do-tanks are designed to spark and strengthen the creativity skills and innovative capabilities of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learners and professionals through arts-based experiences. Chicago, and Worcester, Mass., also have similar programs.

The Balboa Park Cultural Partnership is hosting the year-long fellowship program brings together 100 participants diverse in expertise and life experience from the San Diego and Tijuana regions for an intensive course in innovation. Expert faculty provide incubator Fellows arts-based techniques in sculpture, drawing, dance, drama and music for generating, transforming, prototyping and communicating creative ideas. These experiences act as a catalyst for creativity in science education and foster the development of a skilled 21st Century STEM workforce.

With the focus of San Diego’s Incubator being the STEM-related civic challenge of regional water supply and demand, an interactive exhibit is planned for the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center as part of its offerings during the 2015 Balboa Park Centennial Celebration, followed by an exhibition in Chicago, Worcester, and other cities nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.artofsciencelearning.org/.

Region's educators salute three San Diego Unified staff members

2014-03-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

A principal, department director and Education Center administrative assistant are being honored by regional education organizations.

Recognized as Administrators of the Year for the Association of California School Administrators and the San Diego County School Boards Association are: Michelle Irwin, Principal of Marshall Middle School in Scripps Ranch; Shawn Loescher, Director of College Career and Technical Education; and Josefina Viorato, Confidential Employee, Confidential Administrative Assistant II, Board of Education Services.

The trio will be honored at the organizations' "Honoring Our Own" awards dinner on May 2.
Each year, the associations ensure that school leaders are recognized for their excellence by rewarding excellence throughout the county. Other award winners come from the other 42 districts in San Diego County and the San Diego County Office of Education.

In announcing the awards, a release from Region 18 said "we honor School Board Members, Administrators, Staff, Parents, College Professors, and Community Members for their achievements and their dedication to public education. Many of our Honorees have gone on to be recognized at the State and National levels."

Region 18 Past Presidents’ Committee selects award winners for each category. The award winners, along with the Region 18 Membership, are notified about their accomplishment and are recognized at the Annual “Honoring Our Own” Awards Dinner. The San Diego County School Boards Association has a similar process and they honor five award categories at the “HOO” Awards Dinner.
Nearly 500 educational leaders and friends of the educational community attend this gala event.

Additionally, representatives from over 20 local businesses attend and support the event with sponsorships ranging from $500.00 up to $5,000.00. Sponsors are recognized for their support of public education in our Region throughout the evening.
For more information, visit the association's website at http://regions.acsa.org/18/about/awards-program/

Race and Human Relations pupil advocate is now a city arts commissioner

2014-03-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Macedonio Arteaga Jr., a pupil advocate in the Race Human Relations and Advocacy Department, has been appointed to the City of San Diego’s Commission for Arts and Culture.

The panel advises San Diego's mayor and city council on promoting, encouraging and increasing support for the arts and culture institutions of San Diego.

Macedonio sees this appointment as an opportunity to help the City of San Diego fulfill its mission “to promote, encourage and increase support for the region’s artistic and cultural assets, integrating arts and culture into community life and showcasing San Diego as an international tourist destination.”

Arteaga brings to this appointment an extensive background in the visual and performing arts, directing plays and sharing his knowledge of unusual musical instruments. He has been able to share his expertise locally, nationally and internationally making an impact on students and adults from diverse educational and socioeconomic backgrounds.

The Commission consists of 15 volunteers appointed by the Mayor of San Diego, supported by a professional staff.

New wheels help keep things moving at Lindbergh Schweitzer

2013-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to donations from the staff, Tom Alvarez, a Childcare Activity Assistant at Lindbergh Schweitzer Elementary School in Clairemont, has received a brand new bicycle to help him complete part of his job on the 17-acre school site.

"Tom will have a little more fun delivering the mail at Lindbergh Schweitzer," said Principal Deanna Rohde. "So if you see him ride by, give him a wave and a smile. He deserves it!"

Wanting to make his four or more daily trips across the campus easier, the staff put together a fundraising campaign that only took four days to reach success. The shiny blue (school colors) bike came complete with a basket to carry the red mail bag and other delivery items, a helmet, and a cheery little bell to announce his arrivals.

For more information, contact Rohde at (858) 496-8400.

EB Scripps, Gage School Psychologist Honored

2013-11-18T14:00:00.000-08:00

Jessica Coleman, school psychologist at Ellen Browning Scripps and Gage elementary schools, has been named Outstanding School Psychologist Region VII by the California Association of School Psychologists.

Coleman was saluted for her special education law, behavioral supports, interventions, consultation and collaboration and disability specific needs. The organization also noted that teachers are frequently in consultation and collaboration with her; seek her guidance; and use her as a constant, vigilant resource.

The California Association of School Psychologists recognizes the outstanding work of school psychologists through the Nadine M. Lambert Outstanding School Psychologist award. Only practicing school psychologists providing direct services to students, teachers, parents or community agencies are eligible for the award.

Coleman received her award Nov. 8 at the association's convention.

Three counselors get $1,000 grants for excellence from San Diego Downtown Kiwanis

2013-10-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Longtime Counseling Department supporter Kiwanis Club of San Diego has awarded three, $1,000 grants to school counselors Nico Negrette of Balboa Elementary in Shelltown, Clara Hayashigawa from Miller Elementary in Tierrasanta, and Trina Lee, head counselor at Hoover High in City Heights.

During the 2012-2013 school year, it sponsored an incentive project to support the school counselors with the Six-Step Accountability Process known as MEASURES (Mission, Element, Analyze, Stakeholders-Unite, Results, Educate Stakeholders) and subsequent Results Reporting. School counselors who participated in this process drafted their MEASURES with principal support and monitored the progress of their students.

At the end of the 2012-2013 school year, they presented their results through a peer review process and three school counselors were recognized at the All School Counselors’ Opening Meeting on September 19 at San Diego State University.

San Diego Unified School District extends its congratulations to all three recipients and their gratitude to the Kiwanis Club of San Diego for its continued support.

California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance honors district staff, programs

2013-07-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

The team from Pacific Beach Middle School.

The San Diego branch of the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance recently recognized outstanding health, physical education, recreation and dance teachers and programs in the county at its annual awards banquet at Paradise Point Resort.

Several district staff and programs were honored, including:

Shanna Jennings, Silver Gate Elementary - Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
Pacific Beach Middle School - Secondary Physical Education Program of the Year
Cesar Santos, Mann Middle School - Outstanding New Physical Education Professional
Brenna Baringer, Department of Physical Education, Health and Athletics - Outstanding Service to the Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (HPERD) Profession
Mary Lou Baranowski, Lindbergh Schweitzer Elementary - American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAPHERD) Southwest District Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Baranowski was also one of six finalists for the National Association for Sport and Physical Education Teacher of the Year award.

In addition, those in attendance celebrated the retirement of Adapted Physical Education teacher Harry Smith, who has dedicated more than 25 years to education.

The California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance is dedicated to promoting healthful lifestyles through quality education and programs. To nominate a local exemplary HPERD teacher or program in 2013-14, visit www.sdcoe.net/lret/hpe or contact Paige Metz at pmetz@sdcoe.net.

For more information on the district’s Health and Physical Education programs, contact Brenna Baringer at bbaringer@sandi.net.

Principal, Arts Director honored by state music educators

2013-06-24T06:00:00.001-07:00

Cadman Elementary School Principal Elizabeth Ballard and Dr. Karen Childress-Evans, Director of the Visual and Performing Arts program at San Diego Unified, have been honored by the Southern Border Section of the California Music Educators Association.

Ballard received the 2013 Elementary Administrator of the Year Award for her "outstanding support of music education in San Diego County." According to the Association, she works collaboratively at her school to provide each student with a diverse education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes self-discipline, motivation and excellence in learning through the arts.

Ballard was also lauded for creating a team of teachers and staff at Cadman that is "dedicated to creating a challenging and supportive environment which promotes academic excellence and social competence for students to become confident, successful, and contributing members of our global society."

"Music and the arts have contributed greatly to student success at her school where student standardized test scores jumped over 80 points in one year due in a great part to integrating music into the curriculum," said Dr. Childress-Evans, who supervises visual and performing arts programs across the district. "Congratulations to Elizabeth Ballard for excellence in promoting music education to elementary students in San Diego County."

Dr. Childress-Evans received the prestigious 2013 Fortissimo Award from the Association, "for her outstanding leadership in music education in San Diego County," according to the association.

The Fortissimo Award is given to music advocates whose work to promote quality music education for all students has resulted in national, regional and local recognition. Dr. Childress-Evans represented San Diego Unified by accepting the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) 2013 Best Communities for Music Education in America Award. She is an advisor on the Board of CMEA-SBS, a professional musician and educator, and has worked to increase the number of students enrolled in music programs across the district over her 9-year tenure.

Throughout her multi-faceted career, Dr. Childress-Evans continues to be a strong advocate for quality arts instruction in our schools and continues to dedicate herself in collaboration with other arts advocates and educators to further arts education for all students.

Local theater educators honor SCPA principal, resource teacher, Pershing and Marshall programs

2013-06-16T11:00:00.001-07:00

Principal Mitzi Lizarraga of the San Diego School for the Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) has received the Bravissimo Award from the San Diego Theatre Educators Alliance.

At the same June 3 event, Patrick Garcia, VAPA Theatre Resource Teacher, received the Spirit of Bravissimo Star Award. Jeff Russell, formerly of Marshall Middle, and Terry Miller, formerly of Pershing Middle School, were honored with the Distinguished Theatre Program.

"Mitzi’s outstanding leadership has contributed to excellence in theater education for all her students by providing them with high quality opportunities to participate in multiple components of a theatrical production in order to create a comprehensive understanding of the essential elements each component provides," said Karen Childress-Evans, program manager for San Diego Unified's Visual and Performing Arts Program. "Students develop world views by exploring dramatic literature that is representative of various cultural perspectives and are challenged to view theater as a lightning rod for social change, replacing complacency with action and apathy with empathy."

The Bravissimo Awards are held yearly. The awards are decided and given by the San Diego Theatre Educators Alliance, a professional association of theatre teachers in San Diego County. Their mission statement: SDTEA exists to promote and advocate for quality theatre education throughout San Diego County and encourage educational excellence through an environment that embraces an atmosphere of diversity and fosters cooperation with other established arts organizations.

"Ms. Lizarraga was recognized for her consistent support of the theatre program at the San Diego SCPA and the greater community," said Russ Sperling, Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator for the San Diego County Office of Education.

Bravissimo is their annual event that recognizes excellence in theatre education. Educational Awards include: Bravissimo Choice, Rookie of the Year, Administrator of the Year, and more. Special recognition is also given to their beloved retirees as they induct members into the SDTEA Hall of Fame. This gala event celebrates the educational theatre community and is a great way to wind down the school year.

Special Education ‘Above and Beyond’ awards honor 15

2013-05-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Community Advisory Committee for Special Education and San Diego Unified's special Education division have named 15 to its Honor Roll for "exceptional contributions to the educational outcomes of students with disabilities."

Honored were Erin Grettenberger, Alcott Elementary; Andrea Marcus, Bay Park Elementary; Andrew McNally, Behavior Support Resources; Irene Reed, Behavior Support Resources; Jane Doft, Vocational Rehabilitation; Kyle Benson, Fletcher Elementary; Patricia Harver, Cubberley Elementary; Alison Labastida, Alan Morales, Aaron Smith, Millennial Tech Middle School; Dana McKenna, Doyle Elementary; Rita McKerring, Green Elementary; Janice Von Arx, Lisa Walker, Whittier Center.

The committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Board of Education and Special Education administration on the implementation of the Special Education Local Plan Area. This plan is a legal document that describes how the district provides services to students with exceptional needs. Committee membership is comprised of parents with students who receive Special Education services, parents with students in general education, district staff from both special and general education, community agency representatives and any community member who is interested in Special Education.

Any parent of a student in the district, staff or community member may attend and participate in committee meetings. For more information, visit the committee's website.

Walker Child Development Center's Lisa Love is Classified Employee of the Year

2013-05-23T06:00:00.001-07:00

Lisa Love, the child care attendant at Walker Elementary School's Child Development Center in Mira Mesa, has been selected the 2013 San Diego Unified Classified Employee of the Year. Jolene Ress, administrative aide at Montgomery Middle School was named runner-up. Love and Ress, along with more than 75 select site and department classified employees from across the district, were honored at the May 21 Classified Employee of the Year celebration.

Area 4 Superintendent honored at recent awards dinner

2013-05-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

Area 4 Superintendent Dr. Marian Kim-Phelps was formally recognized recently for being named the 2013 Central Office Administrator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 18. Dr. Phelps oversees the Clairemont, Kearny and Madison clusters.

The recognition took place at the annual "Honoring Our Own" awards dinner, sponsored by Association of California School Administrators and San Diego County School Boards Association. More than 20 educators in a variety of job categories within ACSA Region 18 were honored along with Dr. Phelps. Superintendent Bill Kowba, Superintendent Designate Cindy Marten, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Nellie Meyer, Area 4 principals and office staff joined in the celebration.

The mission of ACSA is to support California's educational leaders; to ensure all children have the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel; and to champion public education. Nearly 1,000 educational leaders belong to ACSA Region 18, which encompasses San Diego and Imperial Counties.

‘Roadeo school’ bus drivers bring trophies back to San Diego Unified

2013-05-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

San Diego Unified's Special Needs Roadeo team of Robelyn Watson and her attendant, Cindy Wrightcame, in third in the recent National Special Needs Team Roadeo in Frisco, Tx.

Watson, a State Certified Instructor who is an Extraboard School Bus Driver, and Wright, also a State Certified Instructor who is an Instructor for San Diego Unified, are part of the district's Transportation Department team, which transports thousands of students daily with special needs or students changing schools under the federal No Child Left Behind act. The department has a history of victory in regional Roadeos -- organized competitions between districts to show school bus drivers' skill and safety.

The competition tests the skills and knowledge of the driver and attendant in a variety of written and drive tests focusing on special needs understanding.

Some of the areas of knowledge tested are wheelchair securement, manufacturing and laws; pupil management of special needs students; car seat knowledge and securement; safe emergency evacuation from an imaginary fire on the bus; pre-trip of the school bus (which is required of every bus driven every day by every driver!); driving skills (while managing unruly passengers!) and a written test that requires the contestants to research a variety of disabilities, laws and special need knowledge.

The focus of the competition is to learn and improve the skills of the drivers and attendants. The competition is sponsored by the National Association of Pupil Transportation and School Transportation News.

Teams from throughout the US came to Texas to participate. Robelyn and Cindy look forward to participating again in 2014. Robelyn will be competing in the Special Needs category soon in the California Association of School Transportation Officials Southern Sectional Roadeo in Apple Valley. She will be joined by the rest of San Diego Unified's Roadeo team, who compete in the categories of Transit or Conventional and Special Needs school bus.

Deputy Superintendent is ‘Woman of Distinction’

2013-05-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Dr. Nellie Meyer, San Diego Unified Deputy Superintendent for Academics, has been name one of the Women of Distinction by the San Diego Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, a women's professional education sorority.

Dr. Meyer was honored for her years of service at San Diego Unified School District, the academic accomplishments of the schools, departments and now the district academic program that has been under her leadership.

Board of Education Member Richard Barrera attended the ceremony on April 18 and said gains in test scores and graduation rates over the last several years are due to the hard work by Dr. Meyer and her staff.

"Dr. Meyer's leadership style and her knowledge of educational reforms have been a key in the revival of excellence in the San Diego Unified School District," he said.

A native San Diegan, Dr. Meyer started as a teacher's aide at Jackson Elementary School while a student at San Diego State University. After graduation she taught middle and high school before starting her administrative career. She was principal at Clairemont High School before moving on to the Education Center where she currently is the district's top academic officer after Superintendent Bill Kowba.

Founded in 1906, Phi Delta Kappa International is a global association for professional educators. The organization's mission is to support education, particularly public education, as the cornerstone of democracy. More information is online at www.pdkintl.org.

For more information on the Phi Delta Kappa chapter, contact Dr. Jeanne Steeg at js@jeanniesteeg.com.

Mira Mesa High head counselor honored by San Diego State University

2013-03-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

Mary McDonald, head counselor at Mira Mesa High, honored "for her tireless effort and commitment assisting students in fulfilling their dreams of going to college," has received the 2012-13 San Diego State University Frank Jonasson Endowment.

The Jonasson award is given annually to a San Diego or Imperial County high school counselor for superior service in preparing students for higher education. The recipient is awarded funding to attend the annual Western Association of College Admission Counselors conference as well as a $1,000 stipend. The endowment is overseen by San Diego State University's Enrollment Services Department and the university's Campanile Foundation.

"Mary gives all of her students the star treatment so they can fulfill their college dreams and reach their full potential," said Scott Giusti, Mira Mesa High Principal. "She is well-respected, and the entire faculty at Mira Mesa High School join Mary in the quest to have a 'college-going-culture' on the campus. Mary is truly deserving of this honor."

The recipient is selected by the Jonasson Endowment Committee, which is comprised of high school counselors from San Diego and Imperial counties, including representatives from San Diego Unified, Grossmont Union and Sweetwater Union High school districts. McDonald received the award from Matthew Herbert, of San Diego State University's Enrollment Services. She was congratulated by San Diego Unified's Chief of Student Services, Dr. Joe Fulcher; Melissa Janak, Director, Counseling and Guidance/Placement and Appeal; and Ty Eveleth, San Diego Unified Head Counselor.

"Mary has helped many students navigate the college admission process because she knows how life changing attending college can be," said Giusti. "She stresses to students and their parents to apply broadly. If a family has reservations about paying for college, Mary encourages the student to apply to college, apply for financial aid including scholarships, then wait to see where the student is accepted and what type of financial aid package is offered."

The endowment was established by Frank Jonasson, San Diego State's former Director of Student Outreach Services, to support local high school counselors who go above and beyond to help their students get to college.

Giusti added that McDonald is adept at sizing up students and seeing their potential in college.

“She has a knack for scrutinizing a student’s entire educational career and seeing trends in behavior and academics," he said. This helps focus a student's college search and can result in more success in college acceptance and winning scholarships.