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News
You Can Use
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Reducing SPAM Emails
The Information Technology Department (IT) constantly monitors and makes necessary adjustments to our system for incoming SPAM email by filtering it out without stopping legitimate email from coming through. In an effort to drastically reduce SPAM, IT will be discontinuing QuickMail forwarding as of June 30, 2005. Currently, email addressed to your old QuickMail address is being forwarded to your new Outlook Web Access (OWA) account, including all of the SPAM. By removing the "forwarding rule" that is associated with your old email account, the SPAM you receive will be greatly reduced. As of June 30, 2005, people who send email to your old account will have their messages "bounced." If you have not already done so, it is recommended that you email your contacts to let them know that your email has changed to avoid having messages bounced once forwarding is discontinued on June 30, 2005.
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New Online Districtwide Master Calendar
A new districtwide master calendar is now accessible through Outlook and OWA. Included on this calendar are Board meetings, districtwide parent group meetings, district holidays, etc. Please use this calendar for planning purposes (e.g., to avoid overlapping events) and as a one-stop-shop for information on upcoming districtwide meetings. To access the calendar, open Public Folders > All Public Folders > Shared Public Resource Calendars > SDCS Master Calendar. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Jaycox at (619) 725-5598.
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Ride to the Arts on ArtsBusXpress!
 These students from Encanto Elementary are on their way to the Kroc Performing Arts Center for a performance of "Conga Caliente," presented by Classics for Kids. But, the bus they're boarding isn't your ordinary school bus-it's ArtsBusXpress! This program connects students to cultural destinations such as museums, art galleries, concerts, theatre and dance performances. Since the program began in October 2002, over 14,000 students have received a ride to the arts. View two of their letters of appreciation: 1 | 2 To contribute or learn how your school or classroom can benefit, please call (619) 687-3562 or visit www.artsbusxpress.org. Encanto's trip was captured on film by ITV. View the segment online
(requires Real Player) by clicking on Education Spotlight: ArtsBusXpress.
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Food Services Essay, Poetry Rap Contest for Students
Bright blue student flyers announcing the Food Services Essay, Poetry Rap Contest are now available at all school sites. Last year over 1,200 students from every grade level entered this contest, which runs each year during the month of March. Sponsored by Sea World, this contest includes prizes, bookmarks and coupons to Sea World for student participants. For more information, please contact Joanne Tucker at (858) 627-7316.
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Keep California Beautiful Clean-Ups!
San Diego City Schools' Recycling Office, in partnership with Keep California Beautiful, is participating in Keep California Beautiful Clean-Ups! Anyone can participate! Environmental clubs, girl and boy scouts, adults, student governments all can help collect trash and recyclables from parks, vacant lots, streets, trails, roadways, recreational areas, beaches, lagoons, or your school! Trash bags, gloves, flower seeds and volunteer rewards will be provided. Sign up today by contacting Andrea Eaton of the Recycling Office at 858-627-7376.
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ICOC Annual Report on Prop MM
Last week, schools received the 2004 Annual Report on Proposition MM, published by the Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee (ICOC), an 11-member volunteer task force that monitors the Proposition MM program. Please check with your school's front office if you would like a copy or visit the Prop MM website. For more information, please contact Leslie Caporale at (858) 637-3609.
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Proposition MM Ribbon-Cutting Events
Is your new Proposition MM building or library nearly complete? If so, consider hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate with your staff, students and parents! Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are a fun and simple way to showcase your new facility and thank your community for supporting Proposition MM. For assistance with your event and to reserve the "giant scissors," please contact Proposition MM Communications at (619) 725-5602. For information on how to plan your ribbon-cutting event, please review the checklist and invitation samples.
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WANTED: Your Kodak Moments for the SDCS Website!
The Web Services Team would like to invite you to submit your best color photos of school events or student artwork to be included on the front page of the district website.
Events could include:
Science and Invention Fairs
Family Science, Math or Literacy Nights
Cultural Fairs
Olympic-type Events
Performing and Visual Arts Activities
Digital photos are preferred, with a minimum resolution of 200 dpi at 3"x5". Still photographs are also acceptable if they can be easily scanned. Photographs that are close up should not depict more than three children. If the photograph does show a child close up and clearly identifiable, a Website Photo Release Form or Website Artwork Release Form must be used to obtain parental consent before posting the photo online. For more information, please contact Ursula Kroemer at (619) 725-5579 or Joy Muehlenbein at (619) 724-7464.
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$12,000 in Scholarship Awards Available from California Coast Credit Union
If you know a high school senior who needs cash for college, California Coast Credit Union can help. Their 2005 Scholarship Program recognizes the academic excellence, school activities and community involvement of graduating high school seniors. This year's program offers five scholarships: one for $5,000, two for $2,500 and two for $1,000. The applicant must have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and be a California Coast member, or the son or daughter of a member, by the application deadline of March 31, 2005. For complete details and an application, visit the California Coast Credit Union website and click on the scholarship link under "What's New." Applications are also available at all California Coast branches, or by calling 1-877-495-1600.
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New American History Essay Contest for Students
The New Americans Immigration Museum and Learning Center is now accepting essays for its fourth annual essay competition, "Family Histories: Migrants to the United States Since 1945." Students in Grades 6-12 are encouraged to apply before the deadline on April 1, 2005. This competition is open to students with a wide range of writing abilities and experience, and it is designed to work within the California Standards in Language Arts and History-Social Science. Applications, user guides, teacher aids and posters are available at www.naimlc.org or by contacting Caroline McKoen at (858) 452-7873.
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High School Oratorical Contest for Students
Students (Grades 9-12) are invited to brush up on their public speaking skills with Pazzaz Inc. The High School Oratorical Contest provides San Diego students with a forum to express their feelings and beliefs on important issues and enhances students' research, organization, writing, critical thinking, and oratorical delivery skills. Students are invited to attend workshops in preparation for the competition, which will take place at the Achievement Awards Dinner, on May 22, 2005. This year's topic is "Where, if anywhere, should Congress draw the line on freedom of expression?" For more information, visit the Pazzaz Inc. website or contact Pazzaz Inc. at (619) 264-6870.
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City of San Diego Water Conservation Poster Contest for Students
The City of San Diego is now accepting poster designs for the 5th Annual Water Conservation Poster Contest. To enter, students (Grades 1-6) must draw a poster that illustrates one important point based on this year's theme, "Water. Reduce Your Use!" Posters should display large lettering, only a few words, and must be drawn horizontally on 11" x 14" white paper. The deadline for poster submissions is today, Wednesday, March 30, 2005. Additional information about the contest, including the entry form and a free activity book are available online or by calling (619) 235-1984.
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2005 Farm Water Poster Contest for Fourth Graders
Each year, the California Farm Water Coalition sponsors a poster contest for fourth-grade students. Winners will receive savings bonds certificates, and their entries will be featured on the Coalition website. The deadline for submitting entries is April 18, 2005. For more information, please view the guidelines, call (916) 441-7723 or email mhenry@farmwater.org.
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Summer Internship at Scripps Institute of Oceanography for Staff and Students
This summer, enjoy the fun of ocean summer camp as an aide with the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography. From June 20 to August 26, learn more about educating students (Pre-K to Grade 9) while in an informal science setting. Guide them through hands-on experiments and crafts. Explore local marine habitats. Accompany children on their first tide-pool, snorkel or surf experience. A Certificate of Completion and/or high school credit will be awarded to participants. Applications are available from the Birch Aquarium by calling (858) 822-4934 or by emailing volunteers@siomail.ucsd.edu.
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Free Computers for Low Income Families
Computer Friends is dedicated to helping low income children enhance their academic success. By providing refurbished, used computers to low income families, Computer Friends serves as a match-maker for donated technological tools. In so doing, they hope to help close the digital divide that plagues San Diego County and give both children and computers a second chance for greater success. If you or someone you know is interested in donating, volunteering or applying for donated technology please visit www.compfriends.org or contact Cassidy Brady at (858) 523-0426. |
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