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Education + Communication = A Better Nation
Covering the Escondido Union School District and Escondido Union High School District
www.SchoolNewsRollCall.com
Volume 9, Issue 30
February­—APRIL 2014
Common Core State Standards Incorporate Wisdom from Benjamin Franklin
By Karyl T. O’Brien, Community
Relations CoordinatorEscondido Union High School District
An author, politician, postmaster,
scientist, musician, inventor, satirist,
civic activist, and diplomat, Benjamin
Franklin once wisely said, “Tell
me and I forget. Teach me and I
remember. Involve me and I learn.”
In classrooms throughout
Escondido Union High School
District (EUHSD), you can see, hear,
and feel the changes being made as
teachers and students begin to adapt
to the Common Core State Standards
(CCSS). Nowhere is this more evident
than in mathematics classes. Here,
student instruction is now more
focused on key abilities, coherence
between grade levels, and rigor.
The CCSS initiative is a state-led
effort that established a single set
of clear educational standards for
kindergarten through 12th grade
in English language arts and
mathematics that 45 states,
including California have voluntarily
More than just memorization, math now requires high school students to be able to explain and apply their answers to real world problems.
adopted. While these standards do not specifically tell
educators how to teach, they do set clear guidelines for
what students are expected to know in each grade level
by the end of each school year. The new standards are
designed to ensure that students graduate from high
school prepared for college and/or the workforce, while
addressing head-on many of the concerns expressed by
business and community leaders. More problem solving
and collaborative learning and a higher level of mastery
in key concepts are critical components of CCSS. In all
levels of math courses, students are encouraged to explore
multiple perspectives and different ways to solve the same
math problems.
See Common Core • Page 11
Excellence—Volume II: It’s a Dynamic Process that involves You
Katie Ragazzi, Executive Director
Escondido Education Foundation
If everyone agrees that schools in
Escondido ought to be the very
best they can be, then surely we
have a lot in common, especially a
willingness to work together to make
that goal a reality.
“Excellence” is the theme of the cover stories
from the Escondido Union School District this year
in the School News Roll Call. In the last issue, we
provided examples of excellence in EUSD (Two
Teachers of the Year winners, awards, honors,
and teachers organizing their own professional
development “unconference.”) This column
explores excellence in Escondido’s public schools
through the lens of participants or stakeholders in
the process. Afterall, excellence is a process and
mindset as much as it is an outcome.
Visualize a triangle. At the three points are
the words: Students, Parents/Community, and
Teachers/District. (I’ll capitalize these stakeholder
EUSD families and community leaders mingle at the
reception after the 2013 Escondido Youth Media Festival
at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
groups to help us keep the image in mind.)
Admittedly, this is a simple concept, but let’s see
how useful it is. One exercise is to read all the
articles in this issue and see which stakeholder
group(s) from the triangle they address. (Go
ahead, try it. Find some interesting examples
of each?) Once we have these three stakeholder
groups clearly in mind, Escondido Union can zero
in on excellence.
If our goal is high achievement for all students,
we know that only an excellent system can deliver
this result. Our triangle diagram ties together all
three points. So, for one point of the triangle to
be “excellent,” the other ones must be excellent
too. Or if one point in our system is weaker, the
other two can be stronger to compensate. In any
case, the collective strength of the system reflects
the interactions between these three stakeholder
groups. As an example, for students to achieve,
progress and realize their potential, they rely on
multiple kinds of support and encouragement both
See Excellence—Volume II • Page 3
INSIDE: EUSD pages 3—10 • EUHSD pages 11—14 • City of Escondido Mayor, Escondido Public Library page 15 • Contest page 15
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Happy New Year! The holidays
seem so long ago as the students are
focused on the new semester and
looking forward to Spring Break.
We have been publishing School
News covering the EUSD and
EUHSD for 9 years. We appreciate
you continuing to include School
News among your reading choices.
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P.O. Box 728, Seal Beach, CA 90740
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Reproduction in whole or in part without written
permission is strictly prohibited unless otherwise stated.
Opinions expressed by contributing writers and guest
columnists are their views and not necessarily those of
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publication.
Escondido Union School District
2310 Aldergrove Ave., Escondido, CA 92029 • 760/432-2400 • www.eusd4kids.org
Superintendent of schools
Excellence—Volumn II • From Page 1
Great ideas feed on each other. They build as individuals
use their imaginations in creative endeavors, which when “fed”
properly, then produce powerful innovation. Such innovation
in education is occurring in the Escondido Union School
District around how best to leverage technology applications in
classrooms. Talented teachers have been personally utilizing
technology to enhance student learning in significantly different
ways that mere book, pencil and paper can. For the last eight
Jennifer L.
years, groups of Escondido Union‘s teachers have been working
Walters, Ed.D.
in their classrooms and collaborating with fellow teachers
across classrooms and across schools to afford interactive, deep, and powerful
learning opportunities. EdTech2U, a districtwide technology sharing event,
was led by teachers, for teachers to deepen teachers’ collective understanding
of how best to use technology to personalize and challenge students’ thinking.
The February first event featured teacher presenters sharing diverse
electronic learning tools to expand students’ personal knowledge, through
such things as “virtual field trips,” individually levelled learning applications,
and enhancing student communication skills with their peers and teachers
via electronic on-line tools. Got innovation? Got Rigor? Got high expectations?
Escondido Union School district teachers do and they proudly collaborate about
their students’ successes with other teachers committed to continual learning
too. Excellence in Escondido’s public schools? Absolutely.
Escondido Union School District Board of Education
Marty Hranek
President
Linda Woods
Vice President
Paulette Donnellon
Clerk
Jose Fragozo
Member
Escondido Union School District Preschool
Program enrollment starts May 1.
Applications are available at any
elementary school office and at the
Preschool Office located at
Lincoln Elementary,
1029 N. Broadway, Room G
Covering the Districts of:
Escondido Union and Escondido Union High School
Joan Gardner
Member
at home and at school. Our model shows common sense connections, and we
may forget about them sometimes, but the interdependency is still there. Of
course, excellence in public schools can never remain theoretical for very long.
Last issue, Superintendent Walters described two “sweeping statewide
legislative changes” that will impact Escondido Students this year: the new
Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and the shift away from the STAR
(Standardized Testing and Reporting) test to a new one called Smarter
Balanced, which relates to the new Common Core State Standards. (If these
sound foreign to you, one can easily look up each of these on-line.)
Each of these two changes is complex, but for our purposes here, let’s
consider how the new funding - LCFF - will enable the Parent/Community
stakeholders to learn about and affect funding decisions in the Teacher/District
point of our triangle (For example, there is an explanatory video, survey and
informational event invitation on EUSD’s homepage, eusd.org)
Regarding Students, we can visualize how big changes in curriculum and
testing will directly impact them, and information about their achievements
will flow the other way to Parents and Teachers. To make things interesting,
these two changes are happening simultaneously, so as we think about
excellence, we have many things to keep in mind at the same time.
Before we finish our second exploration of excellence in Escondido’s public
schools, it’s important to remember that the vast majority of Escondido and
indeed our country’s children attend public schools. In the Escondido Union
School District, there are nearly 18,000 Students and more than 1,000 Teachers
working in 23 school sites every day. In ways that are radically changing every
aspect of education and the workplace, technology links students, teachers,
parents, and community members with peers all over the world. For reasons
both of scale and the leverage technology provides, public school districts offer
great potential for huge impact as they adapt to prepare young people for the
changing world economy.
How do you measure excellence? As with beauty, perhaps it has much to
do with the eye of the beholder. Of course, we all need to base our decisions
and work on real-world data, but our triangle model and the two “sweeping
changes” mentioned here demonstrate that all stakeholder groups have to make
the effort to stay informed, to communicate and to work together to benefit all
students. Perhaps true excellence in any school or district directly reflects the
passionate care, hard work and patient teamwork between all the stakeholder
groups.
La inscripción para el programa de enseñanza
preescolar del Distrito Escolar de Escondido,
comienza el primero de mayo.
Se pueden obtener solicitudes en todas
las escuelas primarias y en la oficina del
programa preescolar en la Escuela
Lincoln, ubicada en el
1029 N. Broadway, Salón G
February—April 2014
3
Escondido Union School District Services
2310 Aldergrove Ave., Escondido, CA 92029 • 760/432-2400 • www.eusd4kids.org
Parent Advisory Council
Did you know there is a Parent Advisory Council (PAC) that
represents each of the district’s nine preschool programs? Every
other month, the parent leaders come together and discuss
program strengths and needs, assessments, and getting ready for
kindergarten. Each meeting parents receive training, as well. In
January, every parent created an interactive math book to take
home and begin working with their children on number sense
Paula Pendell
from
zero to ten. The EUSD program is stronger because parents
Director/Principal
are
involved
and committed to excellence.
Preschool Program/
Quality Initiative
Program
Legislation for School Nutrition
The California School Nutrition Association (CSNA) is a
professional organization whose members are foodservice
professionals committed to providing healthy meals to more
than 3.3 million California school children every day. CSNA
supports continuous improvement through strong state and
federal policies and actively lobbies yearly in Sacramento and
Washington D.C. for continued support of our programs and
Gail Gousha
Director Nutriton new initiatives. For 2014 CSNA is asking our state legislature to
Services
support the following issues:
1. AJR31 that recommends indexing school meal eligibility
reimbursements to reflect costs. Currently the statute applies a single, national
standard for poverty, whereas some communities’ cost of living is substantially
higher, resulting in families who are living in poverty relative to their location
yet find themselves ineligible for the federal nutrition programs that are
intended to assist them.
2. Policies that would encourage schools to adjust schedules to ensure
students have adequate time to eat. CSNA is recommending that students
have a minimum of 20 minutes to eat after being served a meal. The recently
updated USDA meal pattern increases the amount of fruits and vegetables and
they require more chew time.
3. Support policies that will educate children about the benefits of nutrition
and physical activity for lifelong wellness.
I will be attending the Legislative Action Conference in Sacramento in late
January and will be talking with our local legislators about these areas of
concern regarding our students.
EUSD Partners with Parents to Support Student Achievement
Parents make the difference in the education of their children.
Escondido Education Foundation
2310 Aldergrove Ave., Escondido, CA 92029 • 760/432-2362 • www.escondido-education-foundation.org
All Together Now!
It’s that time of year, just after holiday memories and New
Year resolutions. At the Escondido Education Foundation (EEF,)
we’re gearing up for the second annual 50/50 Together Campaign,
which runs February 1 - March 28th this year.
The Foundation exists to bring together additional resources
to help schools prepare our community’s 18,000 young people for
exciting, productive and rewarding futures. The funds we raise
are spent directly on student learning in two ways. Each fall our
Katie Ragazzi
Dr.
Mike Caston Innovation Awards incentivize teachers and
Executive Director
school teams to put forth their most creative ideas for educational
projects. Last month EEF gave out $37,000 to an impressive array of applicants!
Each spring, the Escondido Youth Media Festival gives 18,000 students the
opportunity to submit their very best work in digital media, and for some
students and teams to be recognized as best in their age and media category
(Mark your calendar for June 6!)
To make this kind of magic happen throughout the district and throughout
the year, EEF does some fancy footwork so that the entire community pitches
in what they can in the 50/50 Together Campaign. Check us out online because
with just a little oomph, you can help us reach and surpass our goal, which is all
about helping our children shine!
Research shows that parent involvement is vital to student
achievement. In response to that research, the Escondido Union
School District has developed a parent education program,
coordinated by staff members known as parent liaisons, called
Parent University. These workshops are designed to educate,
inform, and support parents’ ability to help their children be
Leila Sackfield successful. The core topics for this program include: Common
Core State Standards, Positive Behavior Interventions and
Deputy
Superintendent Supports, effective home-school communications, school
Educational
attendance, and understanding assessments. Other topics are
Services
addressed based on parent interest.
Workshops are presented by a variety of school personnel
including parent liaisons, teachers, principals, and outside community agencies.
Our parent liaisons are a key link to supporting families with parent education,
helping in classrooms, supporting activities and events on campus, linking
parents to community services, and assisting parents in getting involved in
school governance and advisory committees.
EUSD staff and parents meet for regional Parent University workshops.
4
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Bear Valley Middle School
3003 Bear Valley Pkwy., Escondido, CA 92025 • 760/432-4060 • www.eusd4kids.org
The Value of Art
Art is an important component of the learning at Bear Valley
Middle School (BVMS). Art teacher Terrilynn Quick believes the
visual arts can change a community by inspiring conversation
and reflection and building self-esteem. The arts help students
better understand themselves, while engaging them in higherlevel critical thinking. The visual arts teach honesty, kindness,
compassion, respect, responsibility, and what it means to be
Angel Gotay
human.
Principal
Her rigorous program at BVMS encourages creativity and
honors personal self-expression. In the 12-week exploration of the arts, BVMS
students develop an appreciation for art history, learn the use of materials,
develop observation and drawing skills and are told there is no such thing as a
wrong answer.
The full-year class has opportunities to explore various media, work on
technical skills, and develop personal style. Their work is exhibited at notable
museums and on campus.
The sm{ART} festival is March 8, 2014 at The Center for the Arts, Escondido.
This project is encouraging participation from all students, teachers, staff,
administration, parents, and local artists to help in creating a recycled weaving
project.
Bernardo Elementary
1122 Mt. Heights Dr., Escondido, CA 92029 • 760/432-2700 • www.eusd4kids.org
Holiday Happiness
The Bernardo School PTA hosted our annual Holiday Festival
in December, and it was a blast! We had a fantastic turnout, and
most of our families stayed right up to the end. We owe a huge
thank you to our wonderful volunteers, who put in countless
hours planning, setting up, and running this big event. Without
these volunteers, the Holiday Festival would not be possible.
Families enjoyed making holiday crafts and took part in
Lisa Clark
games, including mini golf, go fish, the candy cane tree, and the
Principal
dreidel game. In between the crafts and games, families danced
to live music from the fabulous Bernardo Chorus and watched a thrilling
exhibition from current and former Bernardo gymnasts. And, of course, there
was food! Hot dogs, chili, popcorn, and Mrs. Whitney’s famous cookies were
enjoyed by all.
Many of our parents, students, and teachers said this was the best Holiday
Festival ever!
Central Elementary
122 W. Fourth Ave., Escondido, CA 92025 • 760/432-2431 • www.eusd4kids.org
Fun Fitness...the Central Way!
Libby Campbell
Principal
At Central School, we have lots of opportunities to get
exercise. We play soccer, thanks to Mr Marquez and our loyal
volunteers! We enjoy parachute activities, thanks to Mr Mickey!
We run, every day, thanks to Mrs Jerotz and our encouraging
team of teachers and parent volunteers, who help keep our
Running Club going...each and every morning! Forty students
have joined the 25 mile club, and eight students are members
of the 50 mile club. Even our teachers join in with the fun on
‘Fit Fridays’! We are
excited that our kids
enjoy getting exercise...
and, we know these
activities help develop
skills around team
building, relationships,
and fitness...Keep it
up, Central! We are
proud of you for your
participation with Fun
Fitness...the Central
Way.
Covering the Districts of:
Escondido Union and Escondido Union High School
Conway Elementary
1325 Conway Dr., Escondido, CA 92027 • 760/432-2435 • www.eusd4kids.org
Science and Social Studies Take the Stage!
Ask a Conway student what the favorite part of their day is,
and they may not say recess! Social studies and science are now
the clear favorites! This year, teachers began teaching reading,
writing, listening, speaking and skills like collaboration, critical
thinking, creativity and communication through the lens of these
subjects, and our students couldn’t be happier!
Social studies and science are the glue that holds the lessons
Kim Reed
together. They’re “sticky” enough to hold students’ attention and
Principal
create motivation and allow students to think at a deeper level.
Some students are discovering how the actions of one person may change the
lives of many, while our youngest learners are discovering the qualities of good
citizen or a friend.
These social studies
concepts require
students to read,
write, collaborate,
think deeply, and
create positions to
communicate to their
class.
We’re bringing
learning together in a
meaningful way, and
student engagement
and love of learning
are growing as a
result.
So recess, stand
First graders creating a planter box for their study on plants.
aside!
February—April 2014
5
Del Dios Middle School
1400 W. 9th Ave., Escondido, CA 92025 • 760/432-2439 • www.eusd4kids.org
Farr Elementary
933 Farr Ave., Escondido, CA 92026 • 760/735-3049 • www.eusd4kids.org
Del Dios Dragons Prepare for STEM Careers
Excellence in science education is a long tradition at Del Dios
Middle School (DDMS). Our scores prove our excellence, but this
month’s science fair projects really show our prowess. Student
projects investigated bacteria content in milk, bio-fuel as an
energy source, and solar power, to name a few. Scientists from a
well-known global security company donated their time to judge
Suzanne Adkins our science fair. Their time and donations help make this project
one that students remember for a lifetime.
Principal
DDMS students are also sharpening their competitive skills
in preparation for a Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Achievement
competition this month. Hands-on, inquiry-based educational experiences are
the key to science excellence on our campus.
Working collaboratively on Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM) projects allows students to experience real-world
application of these subjects and also provides experience in collaboration,
critical thinking, creativity, and communication.
The DDMS Dragons promise to be among the top contenders for future jobs
in the area of STEM.
Felicita Elementary
Join the Club!
We know that learning happens even outside of our
classrooms. That is why we encourage students to get involved in
extracurricular activities. Here are just two of the clubs we have a
Farr Elementary School.
Come on our campus on a Thursday afternoon and you will
see boys and girls dressed in colorful costumes practicing dance
routines. This is our Ballet Folklorico. It is open to any student at
Fabiola Elias
Farr. They perform at various school and community functions.
Principal
So if you see very talented, elementary-aged children dressed in
beautiful costumes, they might be Farr’s Ballet Folklorico.
Our Media Club
meets on Tuesday
afternoons and is
open to students
in third through
fifth grades. They learn
how to create music,
audio, photos, and
videos using devices
like computers, and
electronic tablets.
Students’ innovative
creations are then
entered into Escondido’s
Youth Media Festival
(EYMF). If you have a
chance to attend EYMF,
please do. You won’t be
disappointed.
Ballet Folklorico performing at Santa’s Night at Farr.
Glen View Elementary
2201 E. Mission Ave., Escondido, CA 92027 • 760/432-2448 • www.eusd4kids.org
The Big Surprise!
737 W. 13th Ave., Escondido, CA 92025 • 760/432-2444 • www.eusd4kids.org
Nonfiction Writing Is the Key
Nonfiction writing is the key to student achievement. The
power of students using the writing process to analyze and
synthesize new information and thinking into their writing shows
a command of content, language and text comprehension.
Communication and the demands of writing in college and the
workplace have increased. Our
Bobcats will meet these challenges
Kathy Morris
by becoming experienced
Principal
and capable writers through
schoolwide attention to nonfiction writing and
a clear multistep process for teaching writing.
Our DMR (Decision Making for Results) and
grade-level data-teams processes include
SMART goals, collaborative scoring, grade-level
team dialog and a deliberate, systematic plan to
monitor progress. These things also comprise
an opportunity for teacher mentorship and
collaboration.
The focus on student achievement in all grade
levels is perceptible. Achievement is increasing
through consistent implementation of strategies,
collaboration, engagement in a standards-based
writing program, using tech tools, and leveraging
and sustaining all professional knowledge gained
through our SIG (School Improvement Grant)
opportunity.
6
www.schoolnewsrollcall.com
Cesar Carrasco
Principal
In December, the third-graders piled into the auditorium for
the announcement of the essay winner. Students were asked to
write an essay about one of the Pillars of Characters and explain
its importance. Their expressions were eager as they whispered
quietly to one another, wondering what the prize would be.
As they looked around, they saw people they didn’t recognize
and wondered who they were. The winner was announced
and was presented with a brand-new, shiny bicycle! Students
clapped and cheered,
but there was more.
The presenter joining
Mr. Carrasco turned,
looked at the audience,
and asked if there was
another bike. Two more
appeared! Then, the
lights went out, the
curtain opened, and
there were 125 bikes for
all the third-graders!
The joy was palpable
as students jumped,
hugged, and shed tears
of happiness!
We thank Bikes for
Kids, the Rotary Club
and a local construction
company for making
this happen.
Hidden Valley Middle School
2700 Reed Rd., Escondido, CA 92027 • 760/432-2457 • www.eusd4kids.org
Juniper Elementary
1809 S. Juniper St., Escondido, CA 92025 • 760/432-2462 • www.eusd4kids.org
Promoting Positive Behavior
The students at Hidden Valley are committed to being safe,
respectful, responsible and involved. They begin their school
day by discussing these concepts with their teachers, and often
explore the different ways that they can incorporate them into
their behavior choices.
As a staff, we encourage positive student behavior by
rewarding
our children with Raider Tickets for their positive
Trent Smith
behavior and actions. Students can use them to enter raffle
Principal
drawings on big-ticket items that are highly coveted. This
includes sports equipment, gift cards to various stores, brand name clothing
and accessories, and movie tickets.
No information this issue.
Cliff Smith
Principal
L.R. Green Elementary
3115 Las Palmas Ave., Escondido, CA 92025 • 760/432-2260 • www.eusd4kids.org
Student Council Leaders Tackle Big Projects
At L.R. Green School, students in grades 3, 4 and 5 have
the opportunity to serve as Student Council representatives.
Students devote a lot of time and energy to their Student Council
duties. Fourth- and fifth-grade students serve as officers and run
the entire meeting with the help of an adult advisor.
Some of the projects that Student Council has tackled this
Susan Freeman year are a food drive for the Salvation Army, raising over $4,000
for the Lymphoma/Leukemia Society, lunch fun days and spirit
Principal
days, and running the Great Kindness Challenge. All L.R. Green
students will be participating in that great program designed to help students
combat bullying and learn about and demonstrate kindness for their school
peers.
At L.R. Green, all students are benefitting from the great work that the
Student Council leaders are doing. L.R. Green students are learning leadership
skills today so that they will be prepared to be the leaders of the future.
Raffle drawings are held throughout the year by our Rockin’ Raiders.
These entertaining characters promote our Raider Store drawings through
inspirational video messages that encourage positive behavior. These iconic
figures have become living reminders for our students that being safe,
respectful, responsible and involved is the quickest route to success.
Mission Middle School
939 E. Mission Ave., Escondido, CA 92025 • 760/432-2452 • www.eusd4kids.org
Instructional Rounds
Lincoln Elementary
1029 N. Broadway, Escondido, CA 92026 • 760/432-2466 • www.eusd4kids.org
Bully Blockers
The Lincoln Elementary School Lions are continuing in their
quest to make ours the most positive and safe school around.
The research clearly shows that schools must provide training
to students during elementary years in order to stop aggressive
behaviors before they get more serious. Our own data collecting
shows how bullying is more prevalent in our upper grades than
Barbara Sanchez the lower grades. So as part of our Positive Behavior Intervention
and Supports (PBIS) plan, we have begun a series of lessons on
Principal
bullying that will teach students the skills to reverse bullying and
help our students know how to prevent and reduce all forms of bullying, from
gossiping and exclusion to physical aggression and even cyber-bullying.
Through watching some short movies, participating in book discussions, and
practicing with role-playing, students are learning what makes a bully, how to
block a bully, how to resolve conflict, and how to make our school bully-free. We
are connecting these skills with our Code of Conduct character pillars in order
to reinforce our character development school-wide. This in turn is helping our
Peace Patrol to better communicate a common message that all students can
feel confident that standing up to bullies will be supported by all!
It is exciting to see how quickly our Lions are becoming members of the
Lincoln Bully Blockers Club!
Covering the Districts of:
Escondido Union and Escondido Union High School
At Mission, our focus on instruction includes a collaborative
effort with students, teachers, and families. A great example of
this is Instructional Rounds. Through classroom walkthroughs
and observations, our staff is able to work together to not only
agree on what
high-quality
Jon Centofranchi instruction
is, but to
Principal
collaborate on
ways to improve instruction.
Instructional Rounds includes
a four-step process of
identifying a focus, observing
students and teachers in the
classroom, debriefing, and
focusing on the next level
of work. Recently, we had a
group of parents participate in
Instructional Rounds and they
were able to give a unique
perspective and provide
valuable input on instruction.
Our parents continue to be an
important component of our
success, and we appreciate
their involvement at Mission!
February—April 2014
7
Miller Elementary
1975 Miller Ave., Escondido, CA 92025 • 760/432-2470 • www.eusd4kids.org
Recognizing
Academic
Excellence
Recently
Escondido Union
School District
(EUSD) recognized
students for their
Jim Scott
excellence in math
Principal
at the annual Math
Field Day. Twelve excellent fifthgrade students participated by
competing against students from
the other district elementary
schools in various math events.
Our Math Field Day team worked
hard in preparation for this event
and represented Miller School
well.
In January, EUSD held a
celebration recognizing students
for their excellence in writing. The
excellent writers who represented
Miller School are: Alyssa Martinez,
transitional kindergarten; Ishah
Magana, kindergarten; Summer
Andriso, first grade, Robyn Todd,
(Front) Excellent Writers: Ishah MagaÒa, Lei Rousseau, Elijah Burt, Robyn Todd, Summer Andriso, Alyssa Martinez
second grade; Lei Rousseau, third
(Center) Math Field Day Team: Hannah Palmer, Jason Judilla, Tatiyana Hodge, Jacob Bartelme, Taylor Ellison, Chris Faraguna
grade; Elijah Burt, fourth grade;
(Back) Math Field Day Team: Gavin Isidro, Noah Zamora, Aidan Garris, Brianna Martinez, Dominic Fabela, Marc Ward
and Hannah Palmer, fifth grade.
Congratulations to all these students for their excellence in academics and
These students and their families attended a reception in their honor at Rincon
for being awesome Miller Mustangs!
Middle School, where their outstanding writing pieces were on display for
others to read. Congratulations to these excellent Miller students!
Nicolaysen Community Day School
North Broadway Elementary
420 N. Falconer Rd., Escondido, CA 92027 • 760/432-2474 • www.eusd4kids.org
2301 N. Broadway, Escondido, CA 92026 • 760/432-2479 • www.eusd4kids.org
The Gift of Music
By Jeanie Meyer, Teacher
For the past three years, Nicolaysen Community Day School
(NCDS) has been honored to have Mr. Gary Stewart as our
extraordinary guitar teacher and music mentor. Mr. Stewart
understands the students’ challenges, both in and outside of
school. When asked why he liked working with at-risk youth,
Mr. Stewart stated that if he hadn’t had good mentors in his own
Randy Garcia
life,
he would have been just like the NCDS students. As a child
Director
growing up in Canada, young Gary played ice hockey to get out
his aggression and learned to play piano to calm himself down. Mr. Stewart
learned firsthand that music can provide an appropriate creative outlet to keep
children out of trouble.
NCDS guitar students learn that when they are playing the guitar they can
forget everything else in the world and focus on the music. Another important
lesson our students learn is how to really listen to the music and the mood
it is setting before trying to play their guitar. For some, this is the first time
being taught music basics, such as rhythm, notes, chords, and different styles
of music, and about the musicians themselves. Mr. Stewart never misses an
opportunity to encourage to recognize the value of their education. As one
NCDS student said, “When you learn to play music, you realize that you can do
anything you really want to do!”
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Ignite a Love of Learning!
When a school comes together and we define a common vision
or purpose for why we do what we do, learning miracles happen.
That’s exactly what is happening at North Broadway School, and
it’s contagious!
The great explorer Antoine de Saint Exupéry said, “If you
want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and
don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long
Jason Hoff
for the endless immensity of the sea.” He’s right!
Principal
You see, all organizations know what they do. Most know how
they do it. Great organizations are driven by a united belief and passion for why
they do what they do.
As a staff, we’ve planted the North Broadway flag and declared our cause.
Our passion, our vision and our personal responsibility are to “Ignite a Love of
Learning!” Spread the word!
Are you looking for me
for the contest on page 15?
Oak Hill Elementary
1820 Oak Hill Dr., Escondido, CA 92027 • 760/432-2483 • www.eusd4kids.org
Critical Thinkers
Oak Hill teachers incorporate the four “super skills” into their
mathematics instruction. These are referred to as communicate,
collaborate, think critically, and create.
Students use iPads to engage in written discussions with each
other about mathematics. They also create math video tutorials
to post within a virtual classroom called “My Big Campus.” The
Dr. Susan Paul students work hard to develop a deep understanding of the
concepts so that they can teach others. They carefully plan their
Principal
videos to be interesting as well as mathematically accurate, and
view other student work to make respectful comments and “critique” their
thinking.
Our students are motivated to create, learn deeply, think and communicate.
Beyond the classroom they can also access the video tutorials from their
teachers or
classmates, and view
the lessons as often
as needed. Homework
is easier, and the
students proudly
share their video
tutorials with their
families.
Oak Hill’s
instruction reflects
Benjamin Franklin’s
wisdom: “Tell me and
I forget. Teach me and
I remember. Involve
iPad mini video tutorial.
me and I learn.”
Orange Glen Elementary
2861 E. Valley Pkwy., Escondido, CA 92027 • 760/432-2487 • www.eusd4kids.org
Hoop Shoot Free-Throw Winners!
Each year the Elks National Foundation sponsors the Elks
National Hoop Shoot Free-Throw Program. More than 3 million
students ages 8 to 13 participate each year. Every Escondido
middle and elementary school holds school-wide competitions
trying to find its top shooters to move on to the district level
competition. Last year Orange Glen was fortunate enough to have
two students win first place and the same was repeated in this
Rick Ausby
year’s competition. Itzel Navarro and Gizel Navarro both won first
Principal
place in the district level competition and advanced to the South
Coast District Hoop Shoot challenge in National City.
These two sisters both performed well. Itzel won 3rd place, and Gizel went
on to capture first place in the county competition. Gizel will move on to
compete in the state competition. The Navarro family and Orange Glen are
extremely proud of both girls. They are both great scholars and terrific athletes.
Pioneer Elementary
980 N. Ash St., Escondido, CA 92027 • 760/432-2412 • www.eusd4kids.org
Pioneer MAPs Hall of Fame
Marcia
Karadashian
Principal
Students take the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP)
three times a year. The students pictured below proved they are
college-ready and earned their place in the Pioneer MAP Hall
of Fame by scoring the highest in their grade level and subject,
reading, mathematics and language. Pomp and Circumstance
played while students passed through the “Pillars of Knowledge”
to receive their certificates from a faculty member in cap and
gown. Scores ranged from one grade above level to college level
scores. Congratulations to all the Hall of Fame Students!
Covering the Districts of:
Escondido Union and Escondido Union High School
Reidy Creek Elementary
2869 N. Broadway, Escondido, CA 92026 • 760/739-5800 • www.eusd4kids.org
Technology as a Tool for Common Core
It’s been such an exciting year as we embrace the Common
Core State Standards at Reidy Creek Elementary School. We have
incorporated many different technological devices into student
learning opportunities. Students are using portable media
devices to write literature responses and solve math problems
with partners. Our Transitional Kindergarten students are using
their devices to scan barcodes linked to books they would like
Kelly Mussatti
to have read aloud to them. They are also producing a daily
Principal
classroom blog.
Electronic tablets also play a role in the classrooms. Many students are
involved with other classes across the world in a program called The Global
Read Aloud, in which all of the students read the same book at the same time
and blog their responses to questions related to language arts standards. We
also have students using their tablets to solve math problems with partners,
showing multiple ways solve them, writing out the steps to the solutions, and
sending those responses electronically to their teachers. Using technology,
social studies and science have become areas of high interest, as students use
technology to find multiple sources of information on a topic and take notes.
They also learn critical thinking and reasoning skills as they determine the
reliability of information and then merge the information they have learned
into informational and opinion writing projects. The teachers and students will
continue to find ways to merge technology into the curriculum in order to help
our students become proficient, 21st-century learners.
February—April 2014
9
Rincon Middle School
925 Lehner Ave., Escondido, CA 92026 • 760/432-2491 • www.eusd4kids.org
A New Tradition
Rincon Middle School held its first Rincon Family Fall Festival
in November! The idea for the event came from discussions with
our Parent Teacher Organization.
Some of our current and incoming parents, and even some
students, were not aware of the many student leadership
opportunities and clubs that are available at our school. We
thought a festival would be the best way to bring our community
Beth Crooks
together and be proud of these opportunities.
Principal
There were 20 different clubs and leadership groups that
participated in this evening of food, fun and games, including the Rincon
Parent Teacher Organization, Rincon Library, AVID, the Golf Club, the AntiBullying Club, Infinity/Elite Team, Best Buddies, Peer Buddies, ASB, 7th-Grade
Science, the Travel Club, Embroidery Art Club, the special education team,
advanced art class, yearbook, PLUS, Movie Club, and Guitar Club.
Each club designed and ran an activity booth for the participants, as
conducted by our very own Rincon students. At these booths the students
were able to provide information about their specific club, its purpose, and how
other students could join. We also had entertainment from the Rincon band
and chorus, as well as the Escondido High School cheerleaders and band, and a
martial arts demonstration.
Our Family Fall Festival was a huge success, and an amazing collaboration
between students, teachers, parents and community members. We hope we can
make this event a Rincon tradition for years to come.
Rock Springs Elementary
1155 Deodar Rd., Escondido, CA 92026 • 760/432-2284 • www.eusd4kids.org
‘Rock’ in the Holidays!
For years, the PTA has struggled at Rock Springs. This year,
Rock Springs welcomed a new PTA president, Beth Pluzdrak, to
head our parent group. Her experience, before her retirement,
as a middle school teacher and ASB coordinator at Del Dios
makes her the perfect choice to create family fun events at Rock
Springs.
Her first event, RSU’s Winter Wonderland Festival, was held
Audrey Frank
in December. With over 500 adults and children in attendance,
Principal
this festival was the highlight of the winter season. Students
participated in games, crafts, face painting, dancing to holiday music and
taking a picture with Santa. Eating pizza, hot dogs and salad that were sold for
dinner, families spent a few hours in community with Rock Springs School. It
can best be summed up by Principal Audrey Frank’s comments: “It was a cold,
magical night filled with lights and smiling faces. This was the best-attended
event we have had since I have been principal here, and the children loved it.
I am looking forward to next year’s winter festival.”
Rose Elementary
906 N. Rose St., Escondido, CA 92027 • 760/432-2495 • www.eusd4kids.org
Growth Mindset
Students at Rose
are working hard to
grow their brains!
No longer is there a
fixed mindset where
children accept that
Deb Ganderton they’re either smart
or not. They’re being
Principal
challenged to move
beyond “mark the correct answer”
and instead solve real-world
problems.
Duncan and Jacqueline, first graders in
Our staff started the year
Mrs. Glanz’s class, proudly show us how they
by listening to a speech by
“grow their brains” at Rose Elementary.
Eduardo Briseño: “The Power
of Belief: Mindset and Success,” which inspired our teachers to extend this
way of thinking to their classrooms. They read to their students a book,
Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak, to set the tone for the new
instructional style that includes the California Common Core Standards, which
require a higher level of thinking than before.
We’ve been teaching
students that making
mistakes is normal and that
they’re important in the
learning process. If you walk
into a classroom at Rose, you
might hear a teacher saying,
“If you don’t make at least
one mistake today, I’m not
doing my job.” This is the
new growth-mindset motto of
our teachers. We know that
making mistakes is the portal
Fourth graders Jordan, Miriam, and Isabella, from
to learning!
Mrs. Mitchell’s class, show off their “Dendrite Chant.”
10
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Home Education Program
On the campus of L.R. Green School at 3115 Las Palmas Ave., Escondido, CA 92025 • 760/432-2221
www.eusd4kids.org
Our Wonderful Students
We would like to congratulate the Home Education Program’s
special award winners who were honored at the 2013–2014
Escondido Union School District Writing Celebration. These
students submitted exceptional writing pieces that were
displayed at the “Best of the Best Young Authors Reception” on
January 15 at Rincon Middle School.
We are extremely proud of our students’ creativity, and their
Susan Freeman
dedication to high-quality writing. For the past few years the
Principal
Home Education Program’s teachers have been focusing on the “6
+1 Traits of Writing” in their language arts workshops, and on various writing
assignments with the parents at home.
This year we honored seven students. We also awarded two eighth-grade
students, Matthew and Shera, for their informative and persuasive essays about
cigarettes and drug and alcohol use and abuse, composed during 2013’s Red
Ribbon Week. These were powerful and thought-provoking essays!
Fifth-graders Emilyn, Gracie and Ruby were also honored for their unique
and creative pieces. Emilyn’s essay gives step-by-step directions for making
yummy macaroni and cheese. Gracie’s entertaining and descriptive piece was
written from the perspective of an old and thoughtful oak tree. Ruby’s essay,
called “Pedaling Ahead,” is full of vivid memories and a moral. All three are
clever and fun to read.
Fourth-graders Tiffany and Arissa both composed wonderful essays about
their beloved grandparents. Such variety, and such talent and hard work! Well
done, you Home Education Eagles.
Thank you, parents, for supporting your students in their efforts to be the
“Best of the Best.”
Escondido Union High School District
302 N. Midway Dr., Escondido, CA 92027 • 760/291-3200 • www.euhsd.k12.ca.us
Superintendent
Community Insight Sought for EUHSD
Local Control Accountability Plan
On July 1, 2013, Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill
97, establishing the Local Control Funding Formula or LCFF.
The LCFF does not replace Proposition 98, which was passed
by voters to guarantee a minimum level of funding for public
education, nor does it increase funding; rather it is a new funding
distribution formula based on student populations. Now K–12
Steve Boyle
districts will receive a base amount of funding for every student,
and districts that have significant populations of English learners, students from
low-income families and foster youth will receive additional supplemental funding.
Through the Local Control Funding Formula, the governor is giving
local School Boards greater control and responsibility for funding programs
and services that used to be tied to a myriad of state-controlled categorical
programs. Giving School Boards more local control to meet local needs is a
foundational shift that Governor Brown believes will better serve our students.
Along with the Local Control Funding Formula comes a new accountability
plan called the Local Control Accountability Plan or LCAP. The components of
the Local Control Accountability Plan are being finalized by the State Board
of Education and should be available shortly. Foundational pieces of the Local
Control Accountability Plan are known and are designed to create greater
transparency between our Board of Education’s goals, the funding for those
goals, and student and program outcomes. Another foundational piece of the
Local Control Accountability Plan is to increase school community stakeholder
participation and input into the development of the district’s Local Control
Accountability Plan and monitoring progress.
Three parent community stakeholder meetings are being planned to
provide more information about the Local Control Funding Formula and the
development of our Local Control Accountability Plan. Parents and community
members are encouraged to attend meetings and provide input for the
development of our Local Control Accountability Plan. Information regarding
our plan, including meeting dates, times and locations, can be found on our
Web site at www.euhsd.k12.ca.us. We look forward to your participation as we
develop and prepare our students to be the leaders and citizens of tomorrow.
Common Core • From Page 1
According to Abi Leaf, EUHSD Mathematics Specialist, “Teachers are
diligently working to develop and implement new practices to support CCSS.
We want math to get away from being a performance subject and become a true
learning subject. Math classrooms are being transformed into places where
students feel free to share their understandings and solution strategies, to
make mistakes while learning from them, and most importantly, to feel that
they are capable of learning math if they just try hard enough.”
Through extensive professional development, EUHSD math teachers are
learning how to create an atmosphere conducive to this type of learning.
Teachers are now doing less talking and lecturing, and students are doing
more individually and in collaborative learning groups. You will find engaged
students explaining to their peers the strategies they used to solve problems
and learning to think in a more flexible manner.
No longer should solving a math problem be merely a reflection of a student’s
ability to mimic memorized procedures. The new online assessments, which
will be piloted this spring and implemented in 2015, will ask students to explain
their thinking and apply their knowledge more than previous multiple-answer
tests required. Students will be completing in-depth projects that demonstrate
analytical skills and real-world problem solving. As a result, students (and
parents) will receive more accurate information about whether the students are
on track to graduate and ready for college and/or the workplace.
“All students deserve an education that prepares them for their next step in life,
whether that’s going on to postsecondary education or starting a career,” said Jameson
Rienick, Mathematics Coordinator for the San Diego County Office of Education.
The Escondido Union High School District is committed to ensuring every
student has the tools to succeed and fulfill his or her personal goals.
Covering the Districts of:
Escondido Union and Escondido Union High School
Escondido Community Day School
2065 E. Valley Pkwy., Escondido, CA 92027 • 760/291-3261
Students Making a Difference
By Dana Angel, Administrative Designee
Three students at the Escondido Community Day School
(ECDS) had the honor and privilege to share their ideas at the
recent California School Boards Association conference. Abril
Martinez Cruz, Leslie Hernandez and Junior Aranda were invited
to serve as panelists in a workshop entitled “Youth Discuss School
Practice and Resiliency.”
This workshop was part of the annual conference held
Barbara
in December at the San Diego Convention Center. Nearly 50
Gauthier, Ed.D.
dignitaries, such as School Board members and superintendents
Principal
from all over the state, were in the audience. The panel consisted
of eight students: five from the San Diego Juvenile Court and Community
Schools and three students from ECDS.
Escondido Community Day School students share their personal stories and points of view
at the recent California School Board Association Conference, attended by over 5000.
Although the ECDS students were a bit nervous, they were articulate and
composed as they discussed their experiences at school and why they are more
successful now than in the past. They represented themselves and their school
with pride and dignity. Following the panel discussion, many people from the
audience spoke individually to the students to hear more about their stories.
Each year, the district office staff participates in the holiday Salvation
Army Adopt a Family program. This year, the students at ECDS wanted to
join the district office staff and adopt one of the children in this family. The
ECDS students made a significant difference in the life of this child with their
excitement and outpouring of gifts.
The staff at ECDS is conducting a mascot-naming competition with the students.
Students were asked to select a mascot they feel represents the school and then
submit a justification for their choice. The finalists are Viper and Wolf. The students
know the School Board must give their approval before the mascot can be named.
Stay tuned to learn which mascot will be selected to inspire the students of ECDS.
Escondido Union High School District Board of Education
Jon Petersen
President
George McClure
Vice President
Tina Pope
Clerk
Randy Garcia
Member
Christi Knight
Member
February—April 2014
11
Escondido Adult School/ROP
220 W. Crest St., Escondido, CA 92025 • 760/739-7300 • www.escondidoadultschool-rop.com
We’re Here, There and Everywhere!
By Allison Pickering, Assistant Principal
A unique feature of adult schools is that they are rarely
confined to one location but instead tend to have a wide footprint
across the communities they serve. Escondido Adult School is
no exception. Our many connections and collaborations with
other agencies help us to leverage resources and better serve our
community. For example, EAS offers academic classes—GED
and high school diploma—as well as computer applications at
Dom Gagliardi three of the local American Indian reservations. Rincon, San
Principal
Pasqual and the Pauma tribes all use our teachers and services
to enhance educational opportunities on their lands. The Escondido Public
Library Literacy Services employs one of our teachers to teach one segment of
the multilevel English as a Second Language class that reaches students who
are more comfortable in a smaller class setting; and both Conway and Central
elementary schools offer their parents and nearby residents a multilevel ESL
class in the mornings that helps mitigate the need for transportation and child
care that are often barriers to education.
Del Lago Academy Campus of Applied Science
1740 Scenic Trails Way, Escondido, CA 92029 • 760/291-2500 • www.dellagoacademy.org
Opening Doors and Minds
Del Lago Academy – Campus of Applied Learning (DLA)
opened its doors in August. Now that we have concluded our first
18-week term, we are thankful for the extraordinary opportunity
the Escondido community provided us. The excitement for
the DLA approach to teaching and learning is contagious. Our
scholars are engaged in a hands-on and minds-on curriculum
that places students at the center of their learning. In keeping
Keith Nuthall
with our mission, our scholars routinely ask and answer the
Principal
question, “Why do I need to learn this?” Our partnerships with
professional organizations push our scholars to move beyond simply learning
about how the world works to applying their learning to a real-world context.
The Del Lago Academy mission statement is “Preparing future scholars,
innovators, and world citizens: scholars with the academic skills required for
postsecondary and global workforce success; innovators who create solutions to
local and global problems through empathy, creativity, and collaboration; and
world citizens who are respectful, responsible, ethical, and compassionate.
Just before winter break, our 10th-grade scholars were required to stand
before a panel of industry experts and present their findings. They explained
the form and function of a pharmaceutical and created a documentary detailing
their perspective on the impact of this drug on society. The panelists asked
them key questions and pushed them to take their learning deeper. It’s these
interactions between professionals and our scholars that bring our mission
alive.
Escondido Adult School offers classes throughout the community.
CNA class are held at Las Villas del Norte, pictured with instructor Nelly Waldron.
For some potential students, funding is an issue. Although our classes are
very inexpensive by industry standards, in these hard times, they are still out of
reach for some. Both the Education COMPACT in Escondido and North County
Lifeline, a division of the Alliance for Regional Solutions, are able to offer
qualified individuals financial assistance to attend our career and technology
classes. COMPACT provides assistance to at-risk and low-income young
adults in the form of tuition for Escondido Adult School’s CNA and automotive
programs. North County Lifeline provides tuition assistance, too, but can also
offer housing, job preparation classes and other support services. Recently, we
have provided office space once a week to a representative from North County
Lifeline to make it easier for our students to access their services.
Other community collaborations include Las Villas Del Norte, an assisted
living facility in Escondido that provides classroom space and hands-on
practice for the dedicated souls going through our Certified Nurse Assistant
program. And to better reach our confined elderly, EAS has fitness classes
for seniors and people with disabilities at Casa Escondido and Community
Lutheran Church.
Our mission and our mandate are to serve the people of our community to
develop their roles as members of our local and global communities. If students
cannot come to us, we do our best to get to them!
12
www.schoolnewsrollcall.com
DLA Girls Cross Country team places 5th in the C.I.F. finals meet.
Our scholar athletes are making us all proud as they compete on the varsity
level as freshman and sophomores. They are growing together and making a
name for themselves as hardworking teams with good character. Our crosscountry and volleyball teams both ended the season in second place, with
three scholar athletes earning all-league honors. Boys and girls basketball and
boys and girls soccer are improving each day and entering league play with
enthusiasm and pride.
Stop by and catch the excitement at Del Lago!
Escondido High School
Orange Glen High School
1535 N. Broadway, Escondido, CA 92026 • 760/291-4000 • www.ehscougars.com
2200 Glenridge Rd., Escondido, CA 92027 • 760/291-5000 • www.orangeglenhigh.org
Bike Walk Escondido
Rich Watkins
Principal
I recently attended a meeting of the Bike Walk Escondido
Committee at the request of two Escondido High School (EHS)
students, 11th-grader Valeria Hernandez and 10th-grader George
Shunk. Valeria and George chose to become involved with this
program after watching several of their classmates struggle
with safety while biking to and from school. Their motivation
fits perfectly with the Safe Routes to School program, the goal of
which is to empower and enable youth within the community to
actively commute to and from school safely.
Safety, fitness and fun have increased for EHS students thanks to efforts
led by George Shunk and Valeria Hernandez encouraging biking at any age.
The Escondido Education Compact has joined the Bike Walk Committee’s
efforts by working with schools in the area in support of the program. In the
coming months, EHS will also be taking a more proactive role in the process.
We want to keep our students safe, but biking also supports our goal of
developing lifetime physical fitness in all students. We know that biking has
no age limit, so our students are encouraged to give it a try, knowing that it
is a physical activity they can engage in well after high school. In the near
future, students at EHS can expect to see educational videos on proper biking
etiquette and safety. We are also having early discussions about the possibility
of a biking class on campus to teach proper biking laws, biking safety, and an
introduction to local biking routes.
One of those routes is being discussed by the Bike Walk Committee,
the Escondido Creek. For more information, visit the Escondido Bike Walk
Facebook page.
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How Much Does a Polar Bear Weigh?
By Jessica Young, Students Publications Adviser
It doesn’t matter if you measure it in pounds or grams, the
answer will always be the same. In Room 516 at Orange Glen
High School, a polar bear weighs enough to “break the ice.”
That’s because each class period begins with a game, activity or
discussion that is geared towards having the students open up
and get to know one another.
Tom Allison
As the year progresses, students form bonds with their
Principal
classmates, and the activities shift gears from “getting to know
you” to “learning to understand and work with you.” This unique approach to
classroom management has had an incredibly positive impact on the students
involved.
OGHS Yearbook Editor Anicia Parker says, “We break the ice every day in class. We learn how
to laugh, play, work and create together. I don’t know where else we would learn how to do
that, with so many different kinds of people. Even if you donít want to be a journalist or a
photographer, the skills you get in these programs help you no matter what you want to do.”
“The ice breakers are a huge part of what we do,” said Danielle Pridgen, the
newspaper’s features editor. “They’re silly, and they’re fun, but we also learn
by doing them. We think we’re just playing a game, but when we’re done, Ms.
Young always brings it back to life, working with others and what we gained
from our experience. She tricks us, but in a good way.”
Beginning each class period with a game might seem like valuable minutes
lost, but the impact that these games can have is invaluable. Allowing students
to explore themselves, learn about one another and experiment with leadership
helps build important life skills. Additionally, these activities create bonds and
connections among the students (and their teacher) that foster a strong sense
of community.
Fringe Benefits
It is through ice breakers and other forms of community maintenance that
Orange Glen’s student publications program has grown into a powerhouse.
Building a strong sense of community within the classroom helps the students
take ownership of their work and promotes collaboration.
“We learn a lot from playing the games, but it’s more than that,” said Cara
Heise, the paper’s co-editor in chief. “We work together in a different way. We
learn to care about the other people, and we care about what we do. It’s totally
different than any other class we have on campus.”
Whether the ice breaker calls for drawing a pig, making up a dance move,
or discussing an obstacle that has been overcome, our Orange Glen students
engage themselves in a nontraditional style of learning. The experiences they
get through the publications program at Orange Glen give them a skillset that
they won’t find anywhere else. Not only do these programs prepare students for
the professional world, they also give them life skills that are essential to any
industry.
[email protected] • www.schoolnewsrollcall.com
Covering the Districts of:
Escondido Union and Escondido Union High School
February—April 2014
13
San Pasqual High School
3300 Bear Valley Pkwy., Escondido, CA 92025 • 760/291-6000 • www.sphseagles.com
Machine Shop Builds Skills and Confidence
San Pasqual High School is proud to host one of the few
remaining machine shop programs in the North County. In
the courses in machine-tool technology as well as welding and
metal fabrication, Beau Haubruge’s students have a handson experience of learning safety in the workplace, precision
measurement, horizontal MIG welding, layout, grinding/finishing,
Dr. Tom McCoy tool making and sharpening, sawing and cutting, threading,
drill press, press brake, sheet metal, lathe, vertical mil and an
Principal
introduction to computer numeric-controlled (CNC) machining.
To support their technical learning, students are supported by academic
instruction in blueprint reading, technical math, and computer-assisted design
and computer-assisted machine systems. Students in the machine shop at San
Pasqual use equipment such as measuring and layout tools, welding and metal
working machines, drill presses, saws, lathes, vertical mils and CNC machines.
Students begin the
course building a bottle
opener, a project that
includes the basic skills of
cutting and burring. Mr.
Beau, as his students call
him, takes great pride in
the look on his students’
faces when the first one
who completes the project
is rewarded with a bottle
of soda, which is then
opened in front of the
class by the student with
Machine Tool Technology at SPHS offers hands on experience the bottle opener made
for those pursing a trade or college related degree.”
with his or her own hands.
SPHS junior Shawn Enslow is
enthusiastic when he describes the
Machine-Tool Technology course as a
chance for students to have a handson approach to metal fabrication,
“something many may not ever have
a chance to be exposed to.” Outside
school, Shawn is using machine-tool
technology skills to restore a 1963
International Scout, and he is now
considering a career in machining
after graduating from San Pasqual
in 2015.
SPHS sophomore Logan Linner wants to become a firefighter after
graduation from San Pasqual. He describes Machine-Tool Technology as a
course that will benefit him throughout his career. Additionally, Logan believes
that the course “gives students a chance to make school more enjoyable…using
all of the new useful skills I’ve learned, I’ve made a hammer, a bottle opener,
and even a lamp.”
In the late spring of 2013, Mr. Beau applied for and won a Partnership
Response in Manufacturing Education (PRIME) grant from the Society of
Manufacturing Engineers. The funding from the PRIME grant recognizes the
quality of the San Pasqual program and includes equipment, training, travel
to student competitions and invitations for students to a summer camp that
focuses on involvement with manufacturing. Mr. Beau has also established
connections for San Pasqual students with the San Diego Chapter of the
National Tooling and Machining Association, with future plans to connect
students with mentors and internships in the machining industry.
As part of the College and Career Ready Initiative at San Pasqual High
School, Machine Tool Technology is an opportunity for students to apply their
college-ready academic skills through hands-on learning. These everyday
experiences connect Machine Tool Technology students to their future and
prepares them for success beyond high school.
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Valley High School
410 N. Hidden Trails Rd., Escondido, CA 92027 • 760/291-2240 • www.vhsgrizzlies.com
Placing Second in the Christmas Parade
By Sharon Clark, Teacher and ASSETs Coordinator
Valley High School has been a regular participant in the
Escondido Jaycees Christmas Parade for years. This year the
parade was held on Saturday, December 14, which marked the
63rd year for this local event. Its theme of “Christmas Across the
Galaxy” inspired our students to be especially creative.
In the spirit of cooperation, over seven teachers and 40 Valley
Saundra
students
helped design and/or build a float whose theme was “A
Uribe-Silverman
Star Wars Christmas.” This special float took almost three weeks
Principal
to build and paint, as the students had to do the work around
their other school and work commitments.
The students initially formed work groups that focused on the different
aspects of design and construction. In the process they gained knowledge about
new skills, while also having fun, learning to manage their time, and meeting
a deadline. On the day of the parade, the school group met at 7:30 a.m. to put
their last-minute touches on the float and take it to their tow vehicle.
Decorations a Plus
As an added touch, they also dressed as Star Wars characters to walk
alongside the float during the parade. Each character’s costume was designed
and sewn by students in our after-school “Second Chance” program’s sewing
and art clubs. Each character’s costume included a decorative Christmas
sweater that exhibited the overall holiday spirit of the parade. Several teachers
walked along the parade route as well, and later indicated that the students
were very proud of their entry.
Evan Vogan, Valley graduate, who recently graduated from the Art Institute of California
with a degree in Animation, helped paint Valley‘s winning float for
the Escondido Jaycees 2013 Christmas Parade.
Each parade entrant had the option of competing and being judged against
the other entrants in their categories. Valley’s hard work and dedication won
the school a third-place trophy in the category of nonprofit floats. As the entire
staff and student body supported the building of the float through their ideas
and encouragement, the trophy has now been placed in the school’s main office
for everyone to enjoy.
Valley’s video production teacher and a fellow student also filmed the parade
so that the entire school could enjoy the event. Special thanks go to Daniel
Barajas, Tommy Lee and Keith Martin for their driving, and for providing the
trailer and tow.
The City of Escondido Office of the Mayor
201 N. Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025 • 760/839-4880 • www.escondido.org
Escondido Public Library
239 S. Kalmia St., Escondido, CA 92025 • 760/839-4684 • www.library.escondido.org
Make 2014 An Active & Healthy Year Youth Services
The City of Escondido is proud to partner with EUSD by
providing opportunities for students to participate in the On
Track After School Programs at Conway, Farr, Juniper, Oak Hill,
North Broadway, Reidy Creek, and Rock Springs. Through this
and other programs, Escondido Recreation supports education,
youth and families by providing opportunities to engage in
activities that build confidence, strong bodies, and positive social
interaction, which are necessary to developing healthy happy
Sam Abed
well-educated
citizens.
Mayor
Now is the perfect time to
make changes to your family’s lifestyles that
Now is the perfect time
are sustainable, measurable, and beneficial.
to make changes to your family’s
Escondido Recreation offers a wide variety of
lifestyles that are sustainable,
activities that can assist you in accomplishing
this goal. It may be as simple as exploring
measurable, and beneficial.
Daley Ranch or Kit Carson Park on foot and
logging your miles from now through December,
developing good health through swimming or
dancing, or playing and learning with your children in our Family Classes.
Whatever you may choose, please commit to making 2014 a healthy year for you
and your family.
For more information about the City of Escondido or Escondido Recreation
programs and services, visit us at www.escondido.org or recreation.escondido.org
By Cindi Bouvier, Senior Librarian, Youth Services
Youth Services of the Escondido Public Library announces two new
programs for children ages 7–12. They are “Children around the World,” and the
“Read, Eat, and Discuss Middle Grade Book Club (READ).”
The Children around the World offering is a series of five programs designed
to introduce children to other cultures, and provide a new perspective on our
world and its interconnections. A different country will be presented each
month. The meetings will be held in the Library’s Turrentine Room from 3–4
p.m. The Children around the World series will discuss Ireland on Thursday,
March 13, 2014; India on Thursday, April 10, 2014; and Afghanistan on
Thursday, May 15, 2014.
Each program explores a specific culture, and introduces aspects of society
through stories, books, history, crafts, foods and language. These cultural
programs reinforce the Library’s mission to enrich and educate its readers by
promoting awareness, satisfying curiosity, and encouraging reading through
shared experiences and knowledge.
One author recently noted that, “Book clubs provide a wonderful space for
young readers to commune with others who share the same excitement about
books. Vibrant discussions, book-themed crafts, and socializing with others
are a perfect way to engage reluctant readers.” Telgemeier’s autobiographical
graphic novel for example chronicles her intense experience with dental
surgeries and orthodontics, as well as the complexities of adolescence.
The next READ Middle Grade Book Club meetings will be held on April 4
and May 30, 2014, from 3–4 p.m. in the Turrentine Room. Readers will discuss
Pickle by Kim Baker, and The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate.
Contest!!
The Cat in the Hat is
hidden somewhere
in this publication.
When you find it,
email the
page number to:
[email protected]
(Please put ESC in the subject line)
Your entry must be received by April 15, 2014
From the correct entries, we will draw a winner to receive a
$20 gift certificate redeemable at Barnes and Noble.
Congratulations Jacqueline Marazzi
Winner of last issue Word Search Contest!
Covering the Districts of:
Escondido Union and Escondido Union High School
February—April 2014
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