October 10, 2017

TEACHING AND LEARNING SUPPORT
Badges, We Need Badges
	This Fall San Diego Unified issued over 150 unique digital badges to almost 100,000 students (many students received multiple badges) across the district. The district awards these badges as one way of recognizing a skill or achievement a student has earned. These badges will signify accomplishments such as passing AP and Smarter Balanced exams, GPA, attendance, College and Career Technical Education Pathway completion, and much more. Electronic badges are popular among young adults, used by industry, and something we believe will support students as they enter the post-secondary world of college and career by displaying what they can do, as well as what they know. These badges can be collected over time and shared on social media and through resumes. Our badging system is supported by UCSD Extension and other local business partners. Students (badge recipients) received notification of their badge(s) through the Gmail feature of their Google apps for education. Gmail was turned on for secondary schools and will only function as a means for this notification. To ensure student safety, students will not be able to send or receive emails to or from any other entity. More information about the district program and instructions for students who would like to accept their badges can be found at http://sandiegounified.org/badges. This is just the beginning. We are developing a badging system that reflects the whole child, their strengths, their interest and their values. Digital badges along with Unlocking the Genius activities will generate data that can be used to unlock work based learning experiences that align to student interest. The Secondary Schools Office also has the ability to support school sites to develop courses of study for unique badges for their site. For more information or questions please do not hesitate to contact Michael Goodbody.

AP U.S. Government and Politics Redesign Launching Fall 2018

As part of its ongoing process to make AP course and exam materials more effective for teachers and their students, the College Board released to educators a redesigned AP U.S. Government and Politics Curriculum Framework. The redesigned course and exam will launch in the 2018-19 school year.

Dedicated teams of AP teachers and higher education faculty worked together on this framework for four years, gathering wide-ranging input and feedback from the public at-large and experts across the political spectrum. This collaboration is a central and indispensable part of the AP course and exam redesign process.

The result is a clear and balanced approach to the teaching of American government and politics, and an improved course and exam that will benefit teachers and their students.

The framework has earned the support of the National Constitution Center, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization that serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate. The College Board is partnering with the NCC to create a number of free online tools and resources to support teachers and their students.

For information regarding the AP U.S. Government and Politics courses key, changes and the redesigned exam format, please visit www.collegeboard.org.
(From: https://advancesinap.collegeboard.org/english-history-and-social-science/us-government-politics)


Choosing the Right College Campus
	Choosing the right college campus to attend can be a challenging decision for some students, which is why it is important for you to start looking at campuses as early as middle school. Before you decide which campus to attend, take a look at some tips on choosing the best one for you! Distance from Home: If you know you want to stay close to home, or commute from home for that matter, then look at campuses in your area. Majors: If you have already decided on a possible major, then of course you should check if your prospective school offers it! That can be a very important deciding factor. But, if you are undecided, then this may not matter as much. Most colleges offer tons of major options for you to explore and choose from. Sports and Social Activities: If you are an athlete or a sports buff, then you might also consider the school’s sports programs. Or see if it offers a certain fraternity or sorority, or a specific club you want to participate in. Cost: College can be expensive. Consider the price of the school and the availability of scholarships. You can check the school’s web site for that information. Size of School: Do you want to attend a large campus or a small one? Visit the Campus: Experiencing the actual campus, its surroundings and its students, can help you picture yourself there. However, sometimes this is easier said than done. Most schools have a section on their web site where you can explore their campus and student life and take a virtual tour. https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2017/10/choosing-right-college-campus.html

COLLEGE CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CCTE)
CCTE Showcase 2017
	On May 24th, teams from all across San Diego Unified attended the CCTE Showcase to exhibit the inspiring work produced throughout the year as part of an interdisciplinary team or in one of their CTE classes. Projects included work like that of Crawford’s Law Academy which worked closely with the California Innocence Project to analyze cases of inmates who claim to be innocent of their charges, a team from Hoover’s SABE program that build tiny houses for the International Market Fair @44, and a team at Mission Bay high that designed underwater virtual reality games that allow users to explore the ocean and gain awareness of climate change. While teams presented, attendees were able to sample foods prepared by CCTE’s culinary programs at Garfield, Hoover, Madison, Mira Mesa, Morse and San Diego High Schools. We hope you can make it at next year's showcase, May 23, 2018 at Liberty Station.
OFFICE OF RECONNECTION
Student Voice Kick-Off Event
	Student Voice Kick-Off Event is an informational session for high school students and their parents to learn about student voice opportunities. Counseling and Guidance, Nursing and Wellness, Student Equity Ambassadors, Council of ASB Presidents and GSA Collaborative will be available to share information on opportunities for students to help raise awareness about social, educational and cultural issues through a student lens. All high school students are invited to attend to learn about opportunities. RSVP is encouraged but not required. Student Voice Information Night Thursday, October 19, 2017 4:00-6:00pm Kearny High School Auditorium* 1954 Komet Way, San Diego, CA 92111 *Please note location change
PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HEALTH & ATHLETICS
San Diego Unified Students Named Union-Tribune & Hall of Champions Outstanding High School Athletes
	Lauren Gomez Golf \| Point Loma Collecting five birdies, the freshman fired a 4-under-par 32 at Balboa Park Golf Course against Morse. Gomez also shot a 35 at Coronado and a 38 at Torrey Pines South against University City.
	Devon Jones Football \| Kearny A junior, Jones accounted for 240 yards, rushing for 106, catching passes for 108 and returning an interception 26 yards while on defense in helping the Komets improve to 5-0 on the season.
	KP Peterson Field hockey \| Serra One of only two seniors on the team, Peterson was named the Most Valuable Player of the Serra Tournament after leading the Conquistadors to a 3-0 victory over Scripps Ranch in the championship match.
	from: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/high-school-preps/sd-sp-preps-week-0927-htmlstory.html

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
	Calling All 9th-12th Grade Young Women Interested in Computing & Technology The NCWIT Award for AiC honors women in grades 9 through 12 who are active and interested in computing and technology, and encourages them to pursue their passions. The multi-tiered award structure includes designations at national and regional levels, serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and all U.S. overseas military bases. Click Here For More Information Deadline: November 6, 2017.

	Annual Essay Contest on Character Matters The Character Education Resource Center at the University of San Diego, and the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation (FLHF) is pleased and proud to announce their annual essay contest for all students in grades 6 through 8 and grades 9 through 12 in San Diego County. Click Here For More Information Application Deadline: November 17, 2017

	LifeChanger of the Year Awards LifeChanger of the Year is an annual program recognizing K-12 educators and school employees across the country. Our program celebrates those who are making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership. Click Here To Nominate Application Deadline: December 31, 2017

	2017-2018 Civic Learning Awards The Civic Learning Award celebrates public schools' efforts to engage students in civic learning. The award program also identifies models that can be replicated in other schools. Click Here For More Information Application Deadline: January 10, 2018

	The Princeton Prize In Race Relations The Princeton Prize in Race Relations recognizes and rewards high school students who have had a significant positive effect on race relations in their schools or communities through their volunteer efforts. Prize recipients receive a cash prize of $1,000 and an all-expenses-paid weekend to a national symposium on race at Princeton University. Click Here For More Information Deadline: January 31, 2018

	Lexus Eco Challenge Scholarship Opportunity In the Lexus Eco Challenge, student teams tackle environmental issues related to land, water, air, and climate, and create practical solutions while competing for amazing prizes for eligible teachers, students, and schools: $500,000 in scholarships and grants awaits. Click Here For More Information

For more student opportunities, please visit the Office of Secondary Schools website

UPCOMING EVENTS
		2018-19 School Choice Application Window Open https://www.sandiegounified.org/neighborhood-schools-and-enrollment-options

Wednesday 10/11/17		PSAT/NMSQT Day All High Schools

Wednesday 10/11/17		Millennial Tech USS Midway Excursion Click Here for More Information

Friday 10/13/17		Clairemont Homecoming 6:30 PM (Clairemont High School)

Friday 10/13/17		Point Loma Homecoming 6:30 PM (Point Loma High School)

Friday 10/13/17		Serra Homecoming 6:30 PM (Serra High School)

Tuesday 10/17/17		Taft USS Midway Excursion Click Here for More Information

Wednesday 10/18/17		Crawford Community Collaborative 10:00 AM-11:30 AM (Crawford High School) Crawford Community Collaborative, made up of representatives from organizations and schools to provide an opportunity for ideas, communication, coordination, advocacy, and networking that support the students and families living and attending schools within the Crawford Cluster community.

Wednesday 10/18/17		Council of ASB Presidents Meeting 3:00 PM (Ed Center Room 2249)

Wednesday 10/18/17		Student Equity Coalition 5:00 PM-6:30 AM (Crawford High School)

Thursday 10/19/17		Student Voice Kick Off Event 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Kearny High Auditorium) Student Voice Kick Off Event is an informational session for high school students and their parents to learn about student voice opportunities. Various groups will be available to share information on opportunities for students to help raise awareness about social, educational and cultural issues through a student lens.

Friday 10/20/17		Morse Homecoming 6:30 PM (Morse High School)

Friday 10/20/17		San Diego High Homecoming 6:30 PM (San Diego High School)

Friday 10/20/17		University City Homecoming 6:30 PM (University City High School)

Saturday 10/21/17		JROTC Massing of Colors 10:30 - 11:30 AM (Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park)

Monday 10/23/17		Bethune USS Midway Excursion Click Here for More Information

Wednesday 10/25/17		City Heights Roundtable 8:30-10:00 AM (Copley-Price Family YMCA, 4300 El Cajon Blvd) City Heights Roundtable, made up of representatives from organizations and schools to provide an opportunity for ideas, communication, coordination, advocacy, and networking that support the students and families living and attending schools within the City Heights community.

Wednesday 10/25/17		CAL-SOAP College Fair 6:00-8:00 PM (Scottish Rite Center, 1895 Camino Del Rio South)

Thursday 10/26/17		Southeast Collaborative 8:30-10:00 AM (O'Farrell Charter School, 6130 Skyline Dr.) Southeast Collaborative, made up of representatives from organizations and schools to provide an opportunity for ideas, communication, coordination, advocacy, and networking that support the students and families living and attending schools within the Southeast community.

Friday 10/27/17		San Diego Military Family Collaborative 10:00AM -12:00 PM (2133 Fenton Pkwy.) Join us every month as we discuss a current trend affecting military families in San Diego and network with representatives from over 100 organizations!

Friday 10/27/17		Crawford Homecoming 6:30 PM (Crawford High School)

Friday 10/27/17		Henry Homecoming 6:30 PM (Henry High School)

Friday 10/27/17		La Jolla Homecoming 6:30 PM (La Jolla High School)

Saturday 10/28/17		San Diego Miramar College Fall Open House 9:00 AM- Noon (Miramar College) RSVP at sdmiramarfallopenhouse.eventbrite.com

Wednesday 11/01/17		UC Fall 2018 Admission Application Filing Period Opens (Closes 11/30)

Wednesday 11/01/17		Montgomery USS Midway Excursion Click Here for More Information

Thursday 11/01/17		Registration Deadline For December 2nd SAT Subject Tests https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat-subject-tests/important-dates

Friday 11/03/17		National Hispanic College Fair 9:30 AM- 12:30 PM (Scottish Rite Center, 1895 Camino Del Rio South)

Friday 11/03/17		Hoover Homecoming 6:30 PM (Hoover High School)

Friday 11/03/17		Mira Mesa Homecoming 6:30 PM (Mira Mesa High School)

For a complete list of upcoming Secondary Schools events visit our on-line calendar or your school's website.