October 29, 2007

Schools Reopen Tomorrow
All district schools and extended day programs will reopen to students tomorrow, October 30. Field trips requiring district bus transportation are canceled through November 2. This includes all off-campus activities, such as the Old Town and Balboa Park programs. Camp Palomar is closed until further notice.
Monitoring Air Quality
San Diego County's air quality continues to improve. All school interiors have been cleaned to remove ash and school exteriors have been cleaned to minimize tracking ash into buildings. The district will continue to monitor outdoor air quality and adjust operations as necessary. Risk Management is posting daily updates on air quality on its webpage at http://www.sandi.net/risk/.
Open Enrollment Fairs Offer Info, Free Flu Shots
Informational fairs will be held in conjunction with November’s Open Enrollment Adobe PDF. Representatives from the district’s medical, dental, vision and life insurance carriers will be available to answer questions. In addition, free flu shots will be available for all active employees. Dates, times and locations include:
  • Cancelled – Tuesday, October 30, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Marshall Middle School
  • Wednesday, October 31, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Morse High School
  • Thursday, November 1, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hoover High School
  • Friday, November 2, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mission Bay High School
  • Friday, November 9, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Education Center auditorium
For information on November’s Open Enrollment, see Administrative Circular 38 at http://www.sandi.net/staff/circulars/0708/ac038.pdf.
Check, Update Contact Info in PeopleSoft HR
Last week’s events highlighted the importance of having accurate contact information for employees. Make sure the information in PeopleSoft HR is accurate and up-to-date. For help, see the job aid to update phone numbers Adobe PDF. Remember to check the “Preferred” checkbox for your business phone number. Also available is a job aid for updating emergency contact information Adobe PDF.
Help with Fire Relief Efforts
School sites and departments may be interested in organizing donations to help with fire relief efforts. Schools should contact their area superintendent for information. Departments should contact the Finance Department. For information on disaster response volunteer opportunities for students and adults, contact Volunteer San Diego at www.volunteersandiego.org.
October Safety Newsletter
The district’s Safety/Health Action Committee has published the first issue of The Safety Net Adobe PDF for the 2007-08 school year. Articles include “Safety Belts Save Lives” and “How Safe is Your Playground?” The publication is posted on the Risk Management website at www.sandi.net/risk/07NewsletterOctober.pdf.
Deadline to Apply for Winter Session Classified Positions Extended
The winter intersession program is January 7 – 18, 2008. Applications from classified staff interested in winter intersession employment must be submitted to Ester Victorio, Human Resources, Ed Center, Room 1241, by Friday, November 2. See Admin. Circular 36 at http://www.sandi.net/staff/circulars/0708/ac036.pdf for application instructions. For information, call (619) 725-8114. Applications submitted on or before the deadline will be used to determine classified staffing eligibility for Winter Intersession.
Position Classification Review for Classified Employees
The annual period for submitting Requests for Position Classification Review Adobe PDF for positions held by incumbents has been extended Thursday, November 15. Completed forms with required signatures should be submitted to Human Resources, Annex 9. Requests submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. For information, contact Mary Wager at mwager@sandi.net or (619) 725-8070.
CalCoast Credit Union Offers $1,000 Fire Relief Funds to Members
California Coast Credit Union (CCCU) has set up a fire relief fund Adobe PDF to provide a $1,000 donation to eligible CCCU members who lost their homes in the recent wildfires. For information, call (858) 636-3075.
Free Parenting Workshops Available in Spanish
Dr. Susan Wais is available to facilitate workshops in Spanish for K-8 parents at no cost. The workshop consists of six sessions, one hour each week at school sites. Topics include Communication: Learning to Listen and Effective Ways to Deal with Anger. To schedule a workshop, contact jswh@aol.com or (858) 456-9698.
Professional Development
All SDUSD Professional Development for staff has been cancelled through November 2.
Funding Opportunities
• Teaching American History Grant Program
The Teaching American History Grant Program supports projects that aim to raise student achievement by improving teachers' knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of traditional American history. Awards range from $500,000 to $2 million. The deadline is Friday, November 9.
• NEA Books Across America Library Books Awards
The NEA Books Across America Library Books Awards provide $1,000 to public schools serving economically disadvantaged students to purchase books for school libraries. The application MS Word deadline is Monday, November 12.
For a complete listing of current grant and funding opportunities, visit the district’s Office of Resource Development website at http://www.sandi.net/depts/grants/index.htm.
Science Center Expands Challenger Learning Center
By popular demand, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center has expanded the programs available through the Challenger Learning Center. Now students in grades 3-4 can join the center’s flight directors for a unique mission simulation in the Micronauts program. Programs for grades 5 and up include Voyage to Mars and Return to the Moon. For information, visit www.rhfleet.org or contact Julie Lawrence at JLawrence@rhfleet.org or (619) 238-1233 ext. 808.
Upcoming Events
• SDSU Teacher Appreciation Night
The San Diego State Athletic Department will honor local teachers on Saturday, November 3, at the Aztec vs. University of Wyoming football game. Kick-off is at 6 p.m. at Qualcomm Stadium. Ticket vouchers, good for four free tickets, are available for the first 2,000 teachers and their families. To request a voucher or for information, e-mail lfersch@sdcoe.net.
• Hearst Elementary Class of 1974 Reunion
The Hearst Elementary Class of 1974 is planning reunion in December. Classes 1972 – 76 are also welcome to attend. We are looking for teachers who taught at Hearst during 1972 – 1976 who would like to come. If you’re interested in attending, call Lisa Guth-Sheldon at (619) 725-7265.
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