Staff Bulletin: Scenes From Schools, October 13, 2004

October 13, 2004

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Scenes from Schools

Student Salutes

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phone: (619)725-5578; fax: (619)725-5576
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Scenes from Schools

•	CSA Provides Toothbrushes to Special Ed. Students At the end of last school year, the district's Community Service Association (CSA) provided the "Happy Smiles" Dental Disease Prevention Program with a grant of $1,000. "Happy Smiles" purchased 288 electric toothbrushes for Special Education students at San Diego High, Field Elementary and Memorial Academy. In this photo, Memorial students show off their new electric toothbrushes before learning how to use them to brush and care for their teeth. This year, CSA has approved a grant of $1,800 to purchase more electric toothbrushes. If you are interested in receiving electric toothbrushes for your Special Ed. students, please contact Pat Meyer at (619) 525-7400 x119. For more information about CSA or to contribute, please call Mary Bartholomew at (619) 465-2210.
•	Boone Celebrates Ribbon-cutting On June 30, students at Boone Elementary dedicated their new library and classroom building. The ceremony took on a patriotic theme as students sang "This Land Is Your Land," "Grand Old Flag" and "Let's Hear It For America." The project was funded by Proposition MM. The school's new facility incorporates cutting-edge energy efficient features, such as window glazing and occupancy sensors. This will save $11,000 in electricity costs per year. In addition, the district and architect received an incentive of $16,000 from SDG&E for incorporating the features. SDG&E featured the Boone project in its Savings By Design newsletter, page 4.
•	First Crawford Graduating Class Celebrates Reunion On September 18, 2004, the first graduating class of Crawford High School celebrated their 45th Reunion. The 1959 Colt graduates convened at the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina for a reception, dinner and dancing as well as a chance to reconnect with friends, reminisce about the high school years, and have a great time. The event was coordinated by Golden State Reunions. Crawford High School was named after Dr. Will C. Crawford, the district's superintendent from July 1, 1934 to February 1, 1954, a period of "phenomenal" growth. Five years after his reign, this graduating class stepped out the doors of Crawford, ready to embark on their own phenomenal endeavors.
•	Hearst Teachers Board USS Lincoln On August 13, 2004, eleven adventurers, including two teachers from Hearst Elementary, had a chance to visit the USS Abraham Lincoln, a Navy aircraft carrier, as Distinguished Visitors (DV's). The USS Lincoln was off of the coast of Mexico, so each DV was flown in a C-2 (COD) aircraft which landed on the ship in an arrested landing (stopped by a large cable wire). The DV's toured the ship, spoke with Navy sailors, and watched the ship's flight operations and breathtaking view from the Captain's chair. At the end of the trip, the DV's strapped into a C-2 for a second time and left the aircraft in a catapult-assisted launch. Amy Sepkowitz, one of the teachers from Hearst Elementary, described her experience as "a thrill of a lifetime and the best roller coaster ride I'll ever experience."
•	Marvin's New Science Program in Full Bloom To increase students' capacity for using technology and in an effort to expand the science curriculum, Marvin Elementary has implemented a Science Rotation Program, led by teacher Donna Roland, to better prepare students (Grades K-5) for today's digital age. The three-part rotation includes time in the computer lab, library and a science lab. In this photo, students participate in the San Diego County Office of Education's (SDCOE) "Splash Mobile Science Lab." After a successful first year focused on physical science that included designing their own simple machines and inventions, students this year are learning about life science. As an introduction to this year, students established an on-campus flower garden last spring and are now working on a vegetable garden and greenhouse consisting of crops selected by each classroom. Both garden projects were made possible through generous community support, including the SDCOE Outdoor Education Program, the San Diego Water Authority, Lowe's, a local Eagle Scout, and RCP. In recognition of their garden facelift, Marvin received a school beautification award from SDCOE, including ice cream sundaes for all students in June 2004.
•	Pershing Opens Joint-use Turf Field On July 10, students at Pershing Middle School ran onto their new artificial turf field for the first time. The artificial turf covers five acres and can be used for soccer and other sports activities. It replaces a previously dirt field. By using artificial turf instead of sod, the field will save nearly 8.8 million gallons of water each year. A 10-foot-wide artificial running track surrounds the field. The project was a collaborative effort between the City of San Diego, Navajo Community Planners, Pershing Foundation, the district and many community members. As a joint-use field, the school district will retain ownership of the property and the City will pay for maintenance. Community members will be able to use the field during non-school hours. Speakers at the grand opening event were Mayor Dick Murphy, SDCS Chief Facilities Officer Bob Kiesling, and Park and Recreation Director Ellen Oppenheim.

The mission of San Diego City Schools is to improve student achievement by supporting teaching and learning in the classroom.