District Policy on Political Activities by District Employees
The Governor’s proposed budget cuts have raised questions about what district employees can and cannot do regarding political activities. State law prohibits the use of school district funds, services, supplies or equipment for the urging of support or defeat of any ballot measure or candidate. District policy I-1255 states “Political activities during assigned hours of duty are prohibited. Proposed legislation affecting the school program shall not be discussed with students with the intent of influencing parents’ support for, or opposition to, a particular measure”. Admin. Circular 78 provides additional guidelines. Employees can campaign as private citizens on their own time and at their own expense. It should be clear that views expressed are personal. With questions, contact the Legal Office at (619) 725-5630.
Site Emergency Plans due March 31
Site Emergency Plan template forms must be completed and submitted by Monday, March 31, to meet the deadlines of the Emergency Response Crisis Management Grant. A hard copy of the plan was provided to site administrators who attended or will be attending the four-hour command team training. Complete the requested information in the template then call Carolyn Harshman, emergency planning consultant, at (858) 483-4626 to arrange the faxing of the cover page along with pages 2, 5, 9, 10, 16, 17, 26. Do not leave more than one message for Carolyn. She will return the call. If you do not have the template, contact Det. Dana Ellis at (619)725-7000. Electronic versions of this standardized template are not available.
Open Enrollment for Voluntary 12-Pay Option for SDEA Members
SDEA bargaining unit members who did not sign up in spring of 2007 for the voluntary 12-Pay Option can elect 12-Pay for the 2008-09 contract year by submitting the required forms to Payroll by Wednesday, April 30. For information, go to the Voluntary 12-Pay website.
Share Knowledge, Earn Extra Income
Would you like to share your knowledge and expertise with others and earn extra income? The Discover Program is seeking instructors to develop and teach classes to certificated and classified employees during the summer and fall sessions (July-December, 2008). Instructors are paid $45.29/hour for teaching time; $30.57/hour for preparation time spent outside of assigned workday. If interested or for information, contact Esther Caluza at ecaluza@sandi.net or (858) 496-1887.
Professional Development
April Discover Program Courses
“The Sexually Healthy Adolescent: What Classroom Teachers Should Know” (.5 cr)
“GATE–Utilizing Tiering and Compacting Strategies for Gifted Students” (.5 cr)
“Basic Life Support and First Aid” (.5 cr)
“Garden Design/ Project Based-Part 1 and 2” (.5 cr)
“Cross Curriculum Vocabulary Strategies” (.5 cr)
“Redirecting for a Cooperative Classroom” (1 cr)
To view course descriptions and to register online, go to the DISCOVER website at www.sandi.net/discover. For information, contact Esther Caluza at ecaluza@sandi.net or (858) 496-1887.
MSTE Masters Program Open House is Tonight
Learn more about the new Masters in Education program being developed by San Diego Unified and the University of San Diego at an Open House tonight, March 10, from 4-6 p.m., at USD. The new program gives teachers the opportunity to earn a Masters in Education with a focus on Math, Science and Technology. For information or to RSVP, contact Sandy Buczynski at sandyb@sandiego.edu or (619) 260-7991.
Service Learning Training
Volunteer San Diego is offering On-Site Projects and Reflection training on Thursday, March 13, from 4-6:30 p.m. The training will provide the tools to create successful on-site service projects that focus on environmental education and disaster preparation. Participants will receive free resources and on-going support after completion of the training. Registration fee is $30. District employees may receive a fee waiver by contacting Nancy Hemmings at nhemmings@sandi.net or (619) 725-5597. For information, contact Jennifer Hamilton at jhamilton@volunteersandiego.org or (858)-636-4137.
ELDA Open House
The Educational Leadership Development Academy (ELDA) at the University of San Diego invites teachers, counselors and nurses who are interested in earning the Tier I Preliminary Administrative Services Credential to attend an Open House on Wednesday, March 12, from 4-6 pm. RSVP to Carmen Valencia at cvalencia@sandiego.edu . For more information, go to www.sandiego.edu/academics/soles/acadprog/elda/.
2008 Innovation in Education Awards Deadline is March 12
The Innovation in Education Awards showcase innovative, creative and effective new uses of technology in K-12 education. Categories include Inspire, Innovate, and Achieve which award $5,000 each. The Impact category awards $10,000. The nomination form is due Wednesday, March 12. For information, visit www.classroomofthefuture.org.
2008 Food Services Essay, Poetry, Rap Contest
This year’s contest addresses the obesity epidemic with the topic: “Why is it important to maintain a healthy weight and what is the best way to do it?” K – 12 students are encouraged to submit their answer to these questions in the form of an essay, a poem or a rap. Schools have received flyers to distribute to each student. Entries are due to Food Services by Monday, March 31. Last year, more than 2,200 students entered. Each student who enters receives a small gift bag. The names of teachers who submit entries from their entire class are entered in a drawing to win a Silver Passport to SeaWorld. Schools with the most entries receive a SeaWorld library of books. For details, go to www.sandi.net/food.
Family Histories Essay Program/Competition Postponed
Due to its relocation to a permanent new home at the NTC Promenade at Liberty Station, the New Americans Museum is postponing the 2008 Family Histories Essay Competition. Student essays that have already been submitted will be held over for consideration in the spring 2009 essay contest. For information or with questions, call (619) 255-8908 or (619) 255-5041.
Journey to Academic Success Parenting Class
The Ballard Parent Center is offering a free, hands-on Make-It/Take-It Lab class for parents on Thursdays, March 13 and 27, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Tubman - Chavez Multicultural Family Center. Attendees will make their own literacy games to use at home to help increase their child’s reading and other literacy skills. For information, contact Elneda Shannon at eshannon@sandi.net or (619) 293-4431.
Upcoming Events
Free Red Cross CPR Training this Saturday
The Red Cross will offer free, three-hour CPR training at the 17th annual CPR Saturday on March 15, beginning on the hour from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hundreds of instructors and volunteers will teach CPR in Golden Hall at the San Diego Concourse. All participants who successfully complete the course will receive certification at no cost. For information, visit www.sdarc.org or call (858) 309-1275.
Join the Race for Autism
The San Diego Race for Autism - 5K Run\Walk and 1-Mile Family Fun Walk will take place Saturday, March 29, in Balboa Park. Registration opens at 7 a.m. Proceeds from the race fund outreach, pilot research and educational programs for San Diego children with autism as well as the San Diego Autism Teacher’s Fund. The Teacher's Fund provides grants to teachers for specialized programs, software, and materials to help students learn. For information, visit www.raceforautism.org or contact Race@RaceforAutism.org or (858) 679-8800.
Student Art Exhibit on Display through April 11
The district’s Student Art Exhibit 2008 will hang in the halls of the Ed Center through Friday, April 11. Art pieces created by elementary, middle and high school students include drawings, paintings, photographs, collages, mixed media, sculptures and ceramics. Students will share their creative projects at a reception on Wednesday, April 9, from 5-7 p.m. Family members, teachers, district staff and the general public are invited to attend. For information, contact Marty Stegeman at mstegeman@sandi.net or (858) 539-5353.
Area 5 Parent Community Forums
Area 5 Superintendent Dr. Delfino Alemán will host Parent Community Forums on Tuesday, April 15, at Burbank Elementary; (English | Spanish) and Tuesday, May 20, at Bird Rock Elementary (English | Spanish). All forums will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. Childcare, and interpreter services will be available. For information, contact Albert Servin at aservin@sandi.net or (619) 525-2053.
EyeMobile Fundraiser Benefits Pre-school Students
Join the UCSD EyeMobile at Petco Park for the Padres vs. Rockies game on Thursday, April 17. Proceeds benefit the EyeMobile, which provides exams and glasses (and replacements as needed) at no cost for children in San Diego Unified Child Development Centers and Pre-Schools. To purchase tickets, visit www.padres.com/groupevents (Promo Code: EyeMobile). For information, contact Luisa Monson, RN, at lmonson@sandi.net or (858) 627-7589.
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