Open Enrollment Mtgs. Provide Info, Free Flu Shots
The annual Benefits Open Enrollment period will be held October 13 - November 21, 2008. During this period, eligible employees may enroll for medical/dental coverage, change plans, and/or add eligible dependents. All Open Enrollment changes will become effective January 1, 2009. Open Enrollment packets will soon be distributed to eligible employees. Several Open Enrollment Meetings have been scheduled throughout the month of October where employees can meet with representatives from the district medical and dental providers. Free flu shots will also be available at these meetings. For information, contact Ronnie Adair at radair1@sandi.net.
Vacation Accrual Policy
In accordance with district policy and collective bargaining agreements, employees can accumulate a maximum of 328 vacation hours. Employees at or above 328 hours can carry excess vacation accrual forward for use prior to August 31. (Regular classroom teachers do not accrue vacation.) Any vacation time that exceeds 328 hours at the end of August will be paid to the employee on the September pay warrant. At the same time, the employee’s vacation balance will be reset to 328 hours. Managers and employees share responsibility in monitoring vacation balances to make sure they do not exceed the 328 hour maximum at the end of August each year. A manager or supervisor may require an employee to use vacation hours to avoid reaching the maximum accumulation. For information, read the Vacation Accrual Policy on the Payroll Department website. With questions, contact your payroll specialist.
NOAA Free School Radio Program
School sites will be receiving National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) All-Hazard Weather Radios free of charge. The radio constantly monitors National Weather Service warnings, watches and forecasts. It also sends alerts of hazards from other agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security or local emergency management agency. Users are informed of natural disasters, technological disasters such as chemical spills, and other safety issues such as missing children (Amber Alerts). School Police recommends the radio be placed in an area occupied during regular business hours. Before using, each school is required to register the radio and will need to program the radio to receive local information. For information about how to program and register the radio as well as a list of FAQs, visit the website or contact Sara Strizzi at sara.strizzi@ed.gov.
Instructional Materials Adoption Committee Members Needed
Teachers, parents and community members are invited to help evaluate new instructional materials for adoption in the following subjects: College, Careers, and Technical Educational – Graphic Communications Technology 1-4; English Language Arts – American Literature 1,2 and Honors, Contemporary Voices in Literature, English Literature and Composition 1,2 AP, World Literature 1,2; History/Social Science – Principles of Economics 1; World Language – French 1-2, German 1-4, Spanish 1-2; Mathematics – Algebra 1-2 and Advanced, Geometry 1-2, Mathematics K-5th and 6th, Pre-Algebra 7th, Pre-Algebra Advanced, Statistics 1-2 AP, Unifying Algebra and Geometry 1-2; Science – Chemistry 1-2 / AP / and Honors; Special Education – Applied English 9th-10th and 11th-12th, Functional Language Arts K-5th; Visual and Performing Arts – Art History 1,2 AP, and Music Appreciation 1,2. Certificated district site instructors are paid at the curriculum writing rate. Interested employees should contact their site administrator by Friday, October 17. Interested parents and community members should contact Robin Clabaugh at rclabaugh@sandi.net or (858) 496-8466.
New Name for Legal Office
Effective immediately, the district Office of General Counsel is now Legal Services. The office is still located in Room 2148 at the Education Center. For information, contact Diane Harrelson at dharrelson@sandi.net or (619) 725-5630.
Join the CSA Board of Directors
The Community Service Association (CSA) is the district’s employee charitable organization that provides funding to nonprofit agencies throughout San Diego County. The association’s Board of Directors is comprised of ten members (two administrators, five certificated and three classified employees). One certificated and one classified position on the board will become vacant December 31, 2008. Current certificated or classified CSA members who would like more information about serving as a board member should contact Michele Fettig, CSA Secretary/Treasurer, at (619) 282-9596 or mfettig@sandi.net by 5 p.m., this Friday, October 10.
Community Conversation on Underage Drinking
Students, parents, educators and community members are invited to attend a community conversation, Underage Drinking…is Everyone’s Problem, on Tuesday, October 21, from 6-7:30 p.m., at the Mission Valley Resort. For information, contact Chris Boyd at cboyd1@sandi.net or (858) 503-3180.
Buick Invitational Tickets on Sale to Support Our Sports
Tickets are now on sale for the 2009 Buick Invitational PGA Golf Tournament as a fundraiser for our district physical education, athletic and extra curriculum programs. Tickets are $15/each and can be used for a one-day entry into the tournament any day during the weeklong event, February 3-8, 2009. Tickets can be purchased from participating high schools or from the PE/Health Athletics Department at the Education Center, Room 1008A. For information, call (619) 725-7126.
Launch an Elementary School Website at No Cost
The Communications and Information Technology departments have a joint project that provides elementary schools with the tools and knowledge to create and manage their own websites at no cost. After attending two 3-hour training sessions, schools can develop and launch a website without special equipment or technical expertise. The next training will be held Thursdays, October 9 (Part 1), and 16 (Part 2), from noon to 3 p.m., with open labs from 3-5 p.m. For information or to register, contact Geoff Smith, at gsmith2@sandi.net or (619) 725-7464.
Fall Quarter Parent Classes
San Diego Parent University begins its first quarter of free Parent Classes (English | Spanish) on Tuesday October 14. The classes offer helpful information on parenting issues along with effective tools and techniques to help children achieve academically. Classes are open to all parents of students who attend Title 1 schools. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ballard Parent Center. For information, contact Elneda Shannon at eshannon@sandi.net or Bea Fernandez at bfernandez@sandi.net, or call (619) 293-4431.
Latino Education Summit
Addressing the Achievement of Latinos K-16 (English | Spanish) is the topic of an upcoming workshop being held Saturday, October 25, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the San Diego Office of Education. Educators, parents, students, and business and community leaders are invited to attend. Registration fee is $10; registration deadline is Wednesday, October 15. For information, contact Norma Gómez at (858) 292-3829.
District Trainings
School Site Council (SSC) Training The Program Monitoring Department is offering training for School Site Council (SSC) members on October 7, 20, 28, 30, November 5, 13, and 17. The training will provide information about implementing Title I mandates, SSC responsibilities and bylaws, the revised Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) template, understanding budgets and categorical budget guidelines. Register for any one of the training dates by calling the Program Monitoring Department at (858) 496-4048.
Purchase Card Training Employees must attend a training session prior to becoming a district purchase cardholder, approver or reconciler. The next training will be held this Thursday, October 9, from 1-3 p.m., in the Ed Center auditorium. Principals, site administrators, financial clerks and secretaries who have not attended training are also encouraged to attend. For information or to RSVP, contact Julie Nguyen at jnguyen1@sandi.net or (619) 725-7669.
Professional Development
VAPA Trainings The Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Department has several upcoming trainings for elementary teachers. For a list of trainings and to register, go to http://registration.sandi.net. Click on Offerings and Type VAPA in the Event Name section of the Search field. For information, contact Margaret Lathan at mlathan@sandi.net.
Educational Technology Professional Development Classes The Educational Technology Department has added seven 2-hour classes to the Fall/Winter Semester Professional Development offerings in November and two all-day classes in January. The classes being offered include an overview to Podcasting, Wikis, Blogs, Mac OS X Basics and Windows XP Basics. For information and to register, go to http://registration.sandi.net. Click on Offerings and Type EDTECH in the Event Name section of the Search field.
Grades K-5 Physical Science Training The science department has developed a professional development workshop on implementing the physical science curriculum for grade K-5 teachers. The workshops will be held on several different dates in October at several locations. Register online at http://registration.sandi.net. Contact the science department at (619) 725-7315 with questions.
Earn National Board Certification, Master's Degree at the Same Time In partnership with National University, district teachers can pursue National Board Certification in 2009-10 while completing a Master's Degree in Teaching, a Master's with an Administrative Credential, or simply National Board Certification. Approximately 80 district teachers are currently participating in this partnership program. Classes meet one night per week at a district school and online in our hybrid program. Apply for the February cohort no later than February 2, 2009. Plan to attend an informational meeting to learn more. For questions, contact Julia Groff at jgroff@sandi.net or visit the Teacher Preparation and Student Support Division website.
County Offers Technology Workshops to SDUSD Teachers, Students The San Diego County Office of Education has released the 2008 fall schedule of Technology Workshops offered at the San Diego County Regional Technology Centers. Classes are available for teachers, support personnel and students of San Diego County schools. Many classes are free. Register online. For information, e-mail Becki Goehl at bgoehl@sdcoe.net.
Funding Opportunities
Walden University ‘Educator for a Day’ Grants
Walden University will honor schools and educators across the nation with its campaign in support of the National Education Association (NEA) Educator for a Day program. Walden will award $5,000 grants to three P–12 schools that host Educator for a Day events as part of NEA’s American Education Week, observed November 16–22, 2008. The deadline for nominations is Monday, October 20. For information, visit www.WaldenU.edu/educatorforaday.
Grants for Math and Science Enrichment Projects
The Motorola Foundation, via its Innovation Generation grants program, is providing $100,000 in support of math and science enrichment projects proposed by public school teachers. Proposals must cost $800 or less, and must be for math and science enrichment projects. For more information, go to www.donorschoose.org.
Student Opportunities
The National Alliance of Black School Educators is sponsoring an essay contest in which high school seniors are asked to write an essay stating, “Why I Believe Education is a Civil Right.” Students are competing for $1,000 - $2,500 in scholarship funds. The contest ends, Sunday, October 12. For information, e-mail alewis@nabse.org or call (202) 608-6314.
Upcoming Events
Free Exhibit Promotes Solar Education The City Tour for Solar will be on display in San Diego on October 12-19. The free public solar educational exhibit is touring 50 cities to educate municipal leaders, community members, public schools, universities and utilities on how to make solar energy a meaningful power resource for their cities. The Kids Zone includes interactive touch screens, solar-powered water fountains and solar-baked cookies.
An Evening with Richard Lederer
The San Diego Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa is hosting a dinner meeting on Tuesday, October 21, at 5 p.m., at the Handlery Hotel and Resort. Noted author and columnist Dr. Richard Lederer will be talking about his newest book, Presidential Trivia. Dr. Lederer is the author of more than 30 books about language and humor, His syndicated column, “Looking at Language,” appears in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States. Cost is $20. For information and to make a reservation, contact Jeannie Steeg at jeannie@aasdcs.org or (619) 295-2118.
Public Auction Set for October 23
The district is holding a public auction starting at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 23, at the Supply Center Yard, 2351 Cardinal Lane, 92123. Obsolete, no parts available and beyond economical repair furniture and equipment will be for sale. Items will include miscellaneous school and office furniture, shop, audio/visual and computer equipment, construction materials, and more. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. A $200 cash refundable deposit is required to receive a bidder number. For information, contact Rose Gustafson at (858) 522-5850 or Anstead’s Auctioneers and Associates at (619) 233-3148.
Teacher Appreciation at SDSU vs. Colorado State Football Game
San Diego County teachers can purchase up to four Plaza/Club Corner tickets at $5 each for the San Diego State Aztecs vs. Colorado State football game on Saturday, October 25 (6:30 p.m. kickoff). A copy of this letter must be presented at the Aztecs Ticket Office located at Qualcomm Stadium to purchase these special tickets. For information, call the Aztec Ticket Office at (619) 283-7378.
San Diego Union-Tribune
October 4, 2008 Virtual high school may 'open' next month http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/education/20081004-9999-1cz4virtual.html
A virtual high school will open in San Diego this year to serve a growing number of students who want to get their education online and off campus.
San Diego Union-Tribune
October 2, 2008 Enrollment increases at schools again http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/education/20081002-9999-1m2enroll.html
San Diego public schools have seen a modest bump in student enrollment for the second straight year, breaking a downward trend that has plagued other large urban districts in California.
S.D. Unified pushes Prop. S for fix-it funding http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/education/20081002-9999-1cz2props.html
A decade ago, the Padres were on their way to the World Series, home prices were skyrocketing and Proposition MM was a household name – thanks to unprecedented cooperation among teachers, parents, business leaders and a newly hired superintendent.
3 BD/2 BA house in San Carlos.1-car garage. New carpet, paint. Fenced yard. Available now. Call (619) 697-3569.
Custom new home. 3BR/2½ BA, 2-car garage. Central San Diego. Upgraded appliances, fenced, view. $2,000/mo. Possible Lease-to-own. Call (619) 729-1205.
2 BR/2 BA condo in Las Vegas. Nov. 23-30. Sleeps 6. Kitchen. W/D. Gated community. 5 pools/spas. 2 blks from Strip. $775. Call Lynn at (619) 582-8605.
Garage Sales
Estate Sale. Saturday, October 11, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., 5476 Redding Rd, SD (92115). Furniture, tools, kitchen & household items, jewelry.
Neighborhood Garage Sale. October 11, 8 a.m. to noon. 3600 block of Martha St., Clairemont. Lots of stuff, inc. baby items, housewares and collectibles.
Garage Sale. October 18, 7 a.m. 4145 Highland, City Heights. Craft supplies, holiday decorations, small appliances.
Wanted
Female roommate to share a 2BD apt. in City Heights. Non-smoker. $400/mo. Call (619) 988-9018.
Carpool. Vista to Mira Mesa area. Approx. 6:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Contact resparza1@sandi.net or (760) 917-3945.
Travel
Staff members at Gage Elementary are organizing a 15-day trip to Ireland, starting July 27, 2009. For information or to join the group, contact Milanne at mtolson@sandi.net.
There are 10 seats available for the Roosevelt Middle School trip to Thailand during Thanksgiving break. $1400 inc. air, 3-star hotel, daily breakfast and city tour. For information, contact sboe@sandi.net for information.
Classified ads are accepted from district employees only and cannot be used to advertise commercial activities. Submit ads by e-mail to communications@sandi.net. Limit to 15 words (not including phone number). Include work location and phone number (for ID purposes only).
Do you have an announcement for Newsline?Newsline is published every Monday; the deadline to submit items is noon on the preceding Friday. E-mail items to communications@sandi.net and mark “Newsline” in the subject line.
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