August 20, 2007

Public Forum on NCLB Slated for August 27
SDUSD and Congresswoman Susan Davis are sponsoring a public forum to address key issues involving No Child Left Behind in preparation for the upcoming re-authorization. The forum will take place on Monday, August 27, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., in the San Diego High Educational Complex MVA Performing Arts Theater. Panelists include Superintendent Carl Cohn, County Superintendent Randolph Ward, as well as representatives from other districts, the PTA, and SDEA. Parents, educators and community members are encouraged to attend. For information, contact Government Relations at (619) 725-7087.
Lend a Hand
Wilson Middle School will receive a $35,000 makeover as part of Volunteer San Diego’s annual Hands On San Diego event. Wilson was one of seven school projects nationwide chosen to be a part of Hands On Schools 2007, a new program that aims to reestablish schools as the focal points of communities. Wilson’s transformation will take place September 22 and 23. Hundreds of volunteers are needed to complete tasks such as painting the buildings, planting new landscape and beautifying the fence and field areas. For information and to volunteer, visit www.volunteersandiego.org.
Save Money on School and Office Supplies
Employees can receive the district’s discounted Office Depot contract price on items purchased at any Office Depot retail store by registering a personal credit card and e-mail address online. Employees automatically receive the district contract price or the store price, whichever is lower, when using their registered credit card. Items must be purchased as CREDIT not DEBIT. Only items included in the contract are eligible for the discount. Other items will be sold at the regular store price. Remember to give your school ID when shopping at Office Depot and the school will receive 5% back on qualifying school supplies included in this program. The Office Depot cashier can look up a school’s ID at check-out. For information, contact John Groll at jgroll@sandi.net or (858) 522-5821.
Refresher Course on Office Depot Online Ordering
All Office Depot “Approvers” or “Requesters” are invited to attend an upcoming refresher course about online ordering. Sessions will be held on Fridays, August 31, September 14 and 21, from 2 to 3 p.m., in the Education Center auditorium. For information, contact John Groll at jgroll@sandi.net or (858) 522-5821.
Funding Opportunities
• 2008 Best Buy Teach Awards
Applications are now available for the 2008 Best Buy Teach Awards, which reward innovative use of technology in K-12 classrooms. This year, more than 1,500 schools will receive Teach Awards of $2,000 to $10,000. Last year, San Diego Unified received the $250,000 National Best Buy Teach Award. The deadline to submit an application is September 30. For information and an application, visit https://bestbuyteach.scholarshipamerica.org/ .
• Awards of Up to $500 for Unique Classroom Teachers
The Kids in Needs Foundation offers $100 to $500 in funding opportunities for K-12 classroom teachers who have innovative, commendable ideas. Applications are available online through Sunday, September 30. For information, visit www.kidsinneed.net .
• $1,000 Awards for Innovative Math, Science Programs
The mission of Toshiba America Foundation is to promote quality science and mathematics education in U.S. schools. K-6 teachers are eligible to apply to the Grants Program for Science & Math Education Adobe PDF. The application deadline is Monday, October 1.
Professional Development
• Stay Legal with Royalty Free Music
Learn what music students can use legally at a workshop Adobe PDF being held Wednesday, August 22, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., at the SD County Office of Education. Using Garageband on a Mac or Audacity (free for Mac/PC), students can edit the clips and create entire soundtracks for their videos and podcasts. Workshop fee is $75 and includes one music volume of your choice. Attendees can bring two students. For information or to register, go to http://ems.sdcoe.net/showmore.asp?EventID=23611 or call Becki Goehl at (858) 292-3832.
Upcoming Events
• New ERAA Back to School Event
Everybody Recommitting to Academic Achievement (ERAA) is sponsoring its annual free Back to School Conference, Walk and Festival Adobe PDF on Saturday, August 25. The event features workshops for parents and students, district-sponsored booths, food, giveaways and entertainment. For information and to register, visit www.sandiegocalsoap.com/star/events.php or call (619) 264-6870 or (619) 262-6954.
In the News
Take a Second Look at San Diego Unified School District Adobe PDF, an op-ed piece by Communications Specialist and REALTOR® Jennie Breister, was published in the July/August 2007 issue of San Diego REALTOR® magazine.
Are there any other topics on which you'd like an update? Send a "Newsline Idea" email to communications@sandi.net.