News You Can Use

• There is a new Administrative Directive involving computer purchases. Effective February 28, 2003, all desktop and laptop computer purchases will be based on standard configurations and pricing. Only IBM and Macintosh computers will be purchased. All computer purchases will include the following: four-year extended warranties, imaging, set-up on site and asset management. The manufacturer will perform all warranty repairs. Additionally, the following SDCS software licensing package will be included on all desktops and laptops: Microsoft Office Professional, Microsoft SQL Client License, Sophos Virus Protection, Email Client License, Calendar Client License and Citrix Client License as appropriate.
  For ordering information and pricing for standard administrative and teacher/classroom configurations, click here. For ordering information and pricing for standard teacher/classroom configurations, click here. Computer purchases outside of the standards will NOT be considered without prior approval. To request an exception to the standard configurations, the following web site has been established: http://sandi.net/swreq. Questions regarding the applicability or implementation of this directive should be addressed to Michael Casey, Executive Director of Information Technology.
  
  
• There are some changes being made on the IT Help Desk in order to support the new software systems being implemented for Student Administration, Financial, and Human Resources functions. The changes will allow the Help Desk to improve customer service and support during this process. These changes will include the following:
  
  
  • Implementation of a new Help Desk software, which will improve efficiency and allow the Help Desk to track problems and develop long term problem solutions.
  • Standardization of processes, including those in place for responses and resolutions.
    

  Help Desk staff will receive training for the improved applications shortly, and IT will keep you informed about when the new changes will take effect. In the meantime, you can continue to request support by phone, voicemail and email. A flyer explaining these changes in greater detail is available on the For District Staff page under Technical Support. Please watch for updates in future Staff Bulletins and Newslines.

• The temporary suspension of the walk-through purchase procedure has been lifted effective immediately. The suspension had affected the pick up of books, teaching aids, and toys and games used by classroom teachers using nonstock requisitions from specified vendors outlined in Site Operations Circular # 1013. The suspension is now lifted, and vendors have been advised accordingly. Please continue contacting your budget analyst for verification of specific fund codes to be used, prior to any purchases being made in this manner. Please contact your budget analyst for additional clarification or if you have any questions.
  
  
• The annual Teacher of the Year recognition process is underway, and if you haven't already submitted your site's nomination forms, you have until Friday, February 28, to do so. This year's Day of the Teacher event will be held at the Board of Education meeting Tuesday, May 13, 2003. Please refer to Administrative Circular # 70 for additional information and to download the nomination and application forms. Interested site nominees should complete the application form and submit an essay and five letters of recommendation by March 14, 2003. For more information, contact Music McCall in the Communications Office at (619) 725-5598 or mmccall@mail.sandi.net.
  
  
• Entries for the Fourth Annual Cesar E. Chavez Essay Contest are being accepted by UCSD's Early Academic Outreach Program and the San Diego Cesar E. Chavez Commemoration Committee, the contest co-sponsors. This year's theme, "Celebrate, Educate, Serve", has been selected to highlight the timely American ideals as well as the standards and ideals for which Cesar E. Chavez stood. For a copy of the essay contest flyer to download and print out, click here. To download an essay contest application, click here. The deadline to apply is March 7, 2003 and winners will be notified March 17, 2003. Award recipients will be invited to attend the Cesar E. Chavez Commemoration Breakfast on March 28, 2003. For additional information, please contact, Rafael Hernandez at (858) 534-4250 or rshernandez@ucsd.edu.
  
  
• High school seniors are being sought to participate in Las Californias Youth Leadership Program, a unique cross-border leadership development opportunity. The program is a collaboration of the International Community Foundation, the International Studies Education Project of San Diego (ISTEP), LEAD San Diego and La Fundación Internacional de la Comunidad. Students must be a senior 2003-2004, have a 3.5 GPA or higher, be of Mexican descent, show potential for leadership, be able to travel to Mexico, and participate throughout their senior year in this program. The program helps students build and improve leadership and community service skills. Weeklong visits to Washington, D.C. and Mexico City are planned. The program is free to students other than costs for medical and travel insurance. For additional information, contacts and to download applications, please visit www.icfdn.org. Applications are due March 14, 2003.
  
  
• The Discover Program is looking for instructors for classes for the spring session, offered April - June 2003. Instructors are sought for all areas: Math, Science, Literacy, Fine Arts, Social Studies, Second Language, Technology, Guidance and Staff Development. Discover courses provide opportunities for teachers to learn from other practicing professionals while earning district salary enhancement credit. Instructors are paid at a rate of $39.04 per hour for teaching time, and $26.34 for preparation time spent outside of an assigned workday. To submit a course proposal, or for additional information, please call Debi Giolzetti at (619) 725-7255