October 30, 2018 Discover your Drive - Automotive Students go to College for the Day CTE Automotive students from Crawford, Mira Mesa, Madison, Morse and Clairemont had the opportunity to test-drive Miramar College for the day. The experience was called “Discover your Drive” which was unlike any typical college tour. For this real learning experience students went to class and were taught by college professors at the Miramar College Advanced Transportation program. The students attended three hands-on lab concentration courses and experienced the following subjects: Aviation- All students received a basic overview and the function of flight controls, aviation mechanical systems and a hands on activity which consisted of a sheet metal repair, followed by the performance testing and running a 600HP turbo prop engine and actual seat time behind the controls of a professional flight simulator. Automotive – Students participated in three hands on activities which consisted of performing a tire rotation using Toyota and Honda manufacturer service specifications and tools to service dozens of late model Toyota, Lexus, Acura and Honda vehicles. Part two, students performed 4 wheel brake inspections which required taking measurements and calculating brake pad friction material thickness. Finally, students diagnosed and solved electrical faults by putting Ohms law theory to use and pinpointing electrical failures by following a wiring diagram and a digital multi-meter. Diesel Technology – Students took part in performance testing commercial application Caterpillar Diesel engine on a dynamometer and measured an output working measurement of 1200 foot pounds of torque running on biodiesel. Students also performance tested a CNG natural gas converted engine and experienced a cleaner alternative fuel which emits far less emissions. For the final part of the diesel experience, select students took over the controls of a Caterpillar fork lift and were taught basic forklift operation. By the end of the day, students had a one of a kind experience and now have an enhanced awareness of their local community college offerings. CCTE has set a goal to continue working on building a college experience for all CTE programs by providing fun and engaging opportunities so that students are better informed and comfortable with the transition to college. Opportunities such as this take the unknowns and fear out of the college experience and provide for a smoother transition for students to go on to college. https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2018/10/discover-your-drive-automotive-students.html Counselors for Computing (C4C) Help Counselors Explore Viable Pathways for Computer Science “California has nearly 75,000 open computing jobs (3.8x the state demand average rate) and more than 70% of STEM careers require computer science.” (Counselors for computing). On Tuesday, October 23, 2018, the National Center for Women in Technology (NCWIT) hosted the NCWIT Counselors for Computing (C4C) professional development for school counselors across San Diego. They provided counselors with information and resources they can use to support all students as they explore computer science education and careers. National and local data about Computer Science, education and careers was presented. Counselors had the opportunity to code and learn about the different pathways for computer science. https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2018/10/counselors-for-computing-c4c-help.html Mission Bay and Serra High School ASB Presidents Serve as Honorary SDUSD Student Board Representatives Cynthia Taboada, the ASB President of Mission Bay High School, and Marco Abbiate, the ASB President of Serra High School, recently served as San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) Student Board Representatives. The students joined the Board Members on the dais and provided reports about what has been happening at their schools both socially and academically. https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2018/10/mission-bay-and-serra-high-school-asb.html At Last - Time for Reading! Practice what we preach - - - we’ve all heard the saying but how often do teachers have time to learn by doing? This week, teachers around the district had time to experience independent reading and complete a follow-up task using the tech tool of Flipgrid! Teachers were thrilled to have 10 minutes to read a text of choice and record themselves reacting to the text chosen. Teachers reached for the most talked about book of the season with an upcoming movie of the same name, The Hate U Give! Others reached for Lincoln on Leadership and the Untold History of the United States. One teacher was interested in reading a National Geographic on the Science of the Teenage Brain. “I can’t remember the last time I had time to sit down and enjoy a book! I know it’s important for students but sometimes I don’t make time to be a learner myself,” said one English teacher. “Now that I’ve experienced the tech tool myself, I know how the students feel and what challenges they might face. It feels good to put myself in their shoes!” Let’s all pick up a book tonight. https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2018/10/at-last-time-for-reading.html Week 10 Alarm Clock Pep Rally: Serra High School The Serra Conquistadors hosted the Week 10 Alarm Clock Pep Rally bright and early Friday morning, the day they were scheduled to play their rivals, the Patrick Henry Patriots.  Click here...https://www.kusi.com/pep-rally-serra-high-school/ Teachers Put On Their Student Hat Middle School Capacity Builders, teachers designated to receive training they bring back to their department, are seeing what students are experiencing as they try on the Next Generation Science Standards for themselves. Teachers first wandered around the room observing various photos and news articles, and fairly quickly concluded that we would be focusing on climate change. They then dove deeper into the phenomena by participating in an investigation, which helped them understand, in a practical way, what is happening to our oceans as oxygen is depleted. Finally, they read about oxygen minimum zones and their growth rate. After reflections and consensus from their peers, they had an idea of what was happening near the equator and how to make their thinking visible in their science notebooks https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2018/10/teachers-put-on-their-student-hat.html Why should students take Advanced Placement courses? Students have many decisions to make in high school. One big choice is whether or not to take AP courses. The Advanced Placement Program® (AP) enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. Taking AP courses and exams can help students in at least two big ways: (1) AP students stand out on college applications! AP courses on a student’s transcript shows that they’ve challenged themselves with the most rigorous courses available to them. And success on an AP Exam shows that they’re ready for college-level coursework. (2) AP students earn college credit and/or skip introductory courses in college! Most four-year colleges and universities in the United States—as well as many institutions in more than 100 other countries—grant students credit, placement, or both for qualifying AP Exam scores. Want to hear from former AP students and explore courses? Visit: https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/exploreap/what-it-takes/student-voices https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2018/10/why-should-students-take-advanced.html Teachers Make Math Meaningful! Teachers at University City High School met to talk about how they are making math instruction relevant to their students. Department chair, Margie Himes, challenged her teammates to consider how they can bring math to life by inspiring students and providing a meaningful learning experience. Teachers are making connections to students’ lives--they are making meaning(ful) happen! https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2018/10/teachers-make-math-meaningful.html Students Reflect While Learning Teachers at Montgomery and Taft Middle Schools are inviting students to participate deeply in their learning through active questioning and reflection. To frame their learning, teachers are asking students to consider important questions as they begin each class period: What am I learning? Why am I learning it? How do I know I have learned it? Reflection questions like these are encouraging students to think beyond simply arriving to a classroom and being directed by teachers. Rather, they are being given space to reflect on the impact of their learning in the larger context of how the skills and knowledge can be transferred beyond just that classroom and into other classes, as well as into their personal lives. It’s an effort to make learning more visible, and it’s working. Already in just a few short weeks, students have become more active and engaged participants in the learning process. Teachers believe that this type of engagement will lead to deeper learning, better preparation for high school, and ultimately, more thoughtful citizens. https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2018/10/students-reflect-while-learning.html SDSCPA Choirs to feature in Grossmont Symphony Concert Choral students from the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts will be appearing as special guest artists with the Grossmont Symphony Orchestra (GSO) and Master Chorale in their next concert. SDSCPA Choral Director Andrew Bearden has partnered with the GSO and their conductor Randall Tweed to jointly perform The Queen Symphony. Composed in 2002 by Turkish composer Tolga Kashif, the six-movement symphonic work is based on thirteen songs from the classic rock band Queen. The work lasts nearly an hour and also features a multimedia presentation component.  The concert will take place on Friday, November 2 at 7:30pm at Foothills United Methodist Church in La Mesa. https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2018/10/sdscpa-choirs-to-feature-in-grossmont. Linked Learning In Action On Monday, October 15th, a group of educators from San Francisco Unified School District visited Kearny High School to learn about the work teachers and students are doing around project based learning. Students led groups of visiting teachers through classrooms to observe the way various content classes are supporting project outcomes. For example, they observed integrated project work in physics, American Literature, and Multimedia Production at the School of Digital Media and Design. In the afternoon, the visiting teams met together to determine ways to implement similar project outcomes at their school sites. Kearny High School continues to be a leader in Linked Learning across the state. https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2018/10/linked-learning-in-action.html The Trauma Informed School All teachers and staff participated in a second day of Trauma Informed Practices training at Morse High School on October 24th, conducted by the Office of Children and Youth in Transition. The first day of training was completed in September, with teachers and staff learning about the high proportions of students who suffer from trauma and the impact trauma has on the brain, impacting behavior and learning. Today, the focus was on strategies that can be used in and out of classrooms to provide a safe environment in which students can feel connected, an essential focus for helping students to heal from past trauma and increasing chances for academic and life success. https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-trauma-informed-school.html Celebrating our AP Scholars! Advanced Placement (AP) courses are challenging college-level courses and students work hard all year to feel confident on exam day in May. AP scores are on a 1-5 scale, with most universities accepting 3 or higher for college credit. SDUSD is proud to announce that 1665 of our students earned the AP Scholar status by earning a 3 or higher on 3 or more exams. Of those 1665 scholars, 97 students earned the elite status of National AP Scholar by scoring a 4 or higher on 8 or more exams! Congratulations students on your exceptional academic skills and hard work! https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2018/10/celebrating-our-ap-scholars.html Knowing What's Next Fifth grade students from Nye and Porter Elementary visited Knox Middle School to see what’s next. Some of Knox’s finest eighth graders lead groups of students around campus to visit classrooms. Fifth graders eagerly peeked in classes to get a glimpse of what life will be like for them next year. Students ended their visit with a popular team building activity, also lead by eighth graders. Nye and Porter elementary students left Knox with a feeling of anticipation of life beyond elementary schools. The visit helped dismiss fears that they had about middle school. Good job bridging the gap! https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2018/10/knowing-whats-next.html American Heart Association recognizes San Diego Unified for workplace health achievement Scientific, evidenced-based instrument rates and recognizes workplace health programs and workforce heart health The results of the American Heart Association 2018 Workplace Health Achievement Index have been announced and San Diego Unified School District achieved Gold level recognition for taking significant steps to build a culture of health in the workplace. More than 1000 companies completed the Index assessment this year. San Diego Unified School District was one of 186 companies to achieve Gold level, and one of only twelve educational service organizations in the nation to receive this recognition, out of the 105 educational service organizations that participated. Gold level companies received national recognition in the September 18, 2018 issue of Forbes magazine. The American Heart Association created the Index with its CEO Roundtable members, a leadership collaborative of more than 40 CEOs from some of America’s largest companies who are committed to applying evidence-based approaches to improve their employees’ overall health. The Index uses science-based best practices to evaluate the overall quality and comprehensiveness of their workplace health programs. A unique feature of the Index is that it calculates an average heart health score for employees of participating companies that securely submit aggregate health data. Companies receive benchmarking reports, which allow them to identify potential areas of improvement so that they can advance their annual performance and recognition in the Index and help their workforce move toward ideal heart health. “San Diego Unified schools have made tremendous progress over the last few years in creating learning environments that not only support academics but also promote physical and social-emotional health, wellness and exercise,” said Superintendent Cindy Marten. “Encanto, Kimbrough and Rowan elementary schools show they are committed to improving student health by increasing opportunities for physical activity, promoting healthier eating, and creating an overall positive culture for students. We could not be more proud of their achievements.” The Association’s Workplace Health Achievement Index allows companies to measure the effectiveness of their workplace health programs as well as the overall heart health of their employees. Unlike other existing organizational scorecards, the Index also scores companies on the heart health of their employees based on Life’s Simple 7® – the Association’s scientifically validated definition of ideal heart health. The American Heart Association’s Workplace Health Achievement Index assessment is grounded in data-driven science and a quality improvement framework. According to the Nielsen 2016 Employee Health Survey, robust and comprehensive strategies for wellbeing are associated with positive impacts on employees’ health. To get involved in our district’s Wellness Initiative, please visit https://www.sandiegounified.org/health-and-wellness or contact Kate McDevitt, District Wellness Supervisor at wellness@sandi.net https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2018/10/american-heart-association-recognizes.html Language Academy - Setting the Morning "Intention" Improving school climate and culture is a top priority and the Language Academy has a creative method to do so. Each morning students sit in their classroom lines, demonstrate pro-social behaviors, and learn a new social/emotional skill tip of the day. On this particular morning students were prompted to set their "intention" for the day. We overheard one 3rd grader say "I will be a great listener today". We are very excited and proud of the Language Academy community since this initiative is led by students. Not only are they building agency, they are also increasing the social/emotional awareness and capacity of the student body. https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2018/10/language-academy-setting-morning.html STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES What is the Common App? The Common Application, which is also more informally referred to as the Common App, is an advanced college application that is used to help prospective college students apply to multiple institutions at once. While you cannot apply to every single accredited institution by using this single online application, you can apply to a large number of undergraduate programs all across the world. Visit: https://www.commonapp.org/ for more information Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's R2L NextGen Program Are you a high school student who wants to learn about how government works? Apply now to CHCI’s R2L NextGen program and take advantage of an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. R2L® NextGen is a week-long leadership and civic engagement program for current high school sophomores and juniors. CHCI will bring a group of Latino high school students to D.C. to learn about how the Federal Government works, meet key leaders, visit historic sites and develop a deeper understanding of how they can affect positive change in their communities and their nation. CHCI is excited to announce that we will be hosting two classes of R2L NextGen participants in 2019. The program is completely FREE of charge to all selected student participants. APPLICATION DEADLINE January 15, 2019 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time San Diego County students will participate in the program during the week of July 15-20, 2019. In order to be eligible to apply, students must: Reside in San Diego County Be a current 10th or 11th grade student Demonstrate interest in learning more about civic engagement While CHCI does require applicants to share their grades and a copy of their transcript, there is no minimum GPA requirement to apply. All individuals are welcome to apply. However, preference is given to individuals with financial need. Interested in applying? Visit apply.chci.org and complete the application named R2L NextGen – San Diego, California SeaWorld is HIRING! Are you at least 16 years old?  Do you want to make money this summer? Part time positions were posted on Friday, October 26th on SEAWORLDJOBS.COM Open positions will include Culinary Host, Photo Ambassador and Guest Arrival Concierge.  INTERVIEWS FOR THESE GREAT PART TIME POSITIONS WILL FILL UP QUICKLY! Part Time Ambassadors at SeaWorld are eligible for tuition reimbursement, 401K, free admission to all our parks, passes for friends and family, park discounts and more. These year round part time jobs are a great fit for students, anyone looking to rejoin the workforce or individuals who just want to pick up extra hours. Thank you for your continued partnership and help with sharing our employment opportunities! SeaWorld San Diego Employment Team 619-226-3900 X2078 The James Alan Cox Foundation For Student Photojournalists Type of Awards:  Five (5) Digital Cameras will be awarded to five (5) high school students. (High school applicants should only submit still photographs. The video awards are for college and graduate students only.)  Five (5) $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to five (5) college or technical school students, payable to their school. Four awards will be for video work while one will be for still photography.  One (1) $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to one (1) graduate student, payable to their school, for video work.  Focus of work and entries: PHOTOJOURNALISM. (Please see the 2017 or previous years’ scholarship recipients to view examples of winning photographs and videos.) Scholarships will be awarded to those students whose work “tells a story”. This is a fairly broad topic and may include a variety of subject matter and approaches (breaking news, sporting events, etc.) Jim Cox, who was a television photojournalist in Phoenix, always “told a story” through his work, whether it was in video or still photography. Scholarship applications must be submitted between July 15, 2018 and Midnight, the Evening of November 15th, 2018. Scholarships will be announced and awarded in early to mid-December. Click here for more information AXA Achievement Scholarship The AXA Achievement Scholarship provides over $1.4 million in scholarships to young people throughout the nation representing all 50 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico. Students have the opportunity to receive a $2,500, $10,000 or $25,000 scholarship. In addition, for every student who wins a scholarship, a grant in the amount of $1,000 will be made to the winner’s school. How to apply  The 2019 program year is now open until December 14, 2018 or until 10,000 applications are received.  For more information and to apply, click here. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest Maximum Amount: $20,000 Application Deadline:  January 4, 2019 Students grades 9 through 12 write an essay about the political courage of a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1956. Essays must have source citations. Applicants must register online before sending essays and have a nominating teacher review the essay. The winner and teacher will be invited to the Kennedy Library to accept the award, and the winner's teacher will receive a grant. Essays are judged on content (55 percent) and presentation (45 percent). Purpose To encourage students to research and write about politics and John F. Kennedy. About the application Applications are available online. A registration form and essay are required.              Click here for more information. Courageous Persuaders Video Contest Applicants may enter as an individual or as a team. Students must submit a 30-second commercial about the dangers of underage drinking or the dangers of texting while driving. Applications are available online Website: http://courageouspersuaders.com/official-rules/ For more student opportunities, please visit the Office of School Innovation & Integrated Youth Services website UPCOMING EVENTS 2019-20 School Choice Application Window Now Open- Closes November 13 https://www.sandiegounified.org/neighborhood-schools-and-enrollment-options Wednesday 10/24/18 Knox Sea World Ocean Link Lab Experience Click Here for More Information Wednesday 10/24/18 Wangenheim USS Midway Excursion Click Here for More Information Wednesday 10/24/18 Cal-SOAP College Fair 6:00PM -8:00PM (Scottish Rite Masonic, 1895 Camino del Rio South) Wednesday 10/31/18 Grant K-8 Sea World Ocean Link Lab Experience Click Here for More Information Thursday 11/01/18 UC Fall 2019 Admission Application Filing Period Opens (Closes 11/30) Thursday 11/01/18 JROTC Holiday Food Drive Begins Thursday 11/01/18 Registration Deadline for December 1 SAT and SAT Subject Tests https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat-subject-tests/important-dates Tuesday 11/06/18 Mann Sea World Ocean Link Lab Experience Click Here for More Information Wednesday 11/07/18 Roosevelt Sea World Ocean Link Lab Experience Click Here for More Information Wednesday 11/07/18 Student Equity Coalition 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (Clairemont High School) Thursday 11/08/18 Latino College Expo (Southwestern Community College, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista)   Monday 11/12/18 Veteran's Day Observance No School Tuesday 11/13/18 2019-20 School Choice Application Window Closes https://www.sandiegounified.org/neighborhood-schools-and-enrollment-options Tuesday 11/13/18 Logan K-8 Sea World Ocean Link Lab Experience Click Here for More Information Wednesday 11/14/18 Bell USS Midway Excursion Click Here for More Information Wednesday 11/14/18 Grant K-8 Sea World Ocean Link Lab Experience Click Here for More Information Wedneday 11/14/18 -Thursday 11/15/18 CPMA Shakespeare Festival 2018: A Midsummer Night's Dream 6:30PM (CPMA Performing Arts Center, 5050 Conrad Ave 92117) A Midsummer Night's Dream (adaptation). This comedy by William Shakespeare involves the events leading up to the marriage of Theseus, the Duke of Athens, to Hippolyta, the former queen of the Amazons. Young lovers, a troupe of six amateur actors, who are controlled by forest fairies make this story fun and magical. Click Here for Tickets Thursday 11/15/18 DELAC General Meeting 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (Ballard Center- 2375 Congress St) Friday 11/16/18 Great American Smoke-Out Monday 11/19/18 & Tuesday 11/20/18 College/FAFSA/ Dream Act Application Workshop 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Lincoln High School, 4777 Imperial Ave) Tuesday 11/20/18 Universal Children's Day United Nations Universal Children’s Day was established in 1954 and is celebrated on November 20th each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare. Friday 11/30/18 National Hispanic College Fair 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM (USD- Hahn Center) Friday 11/30/18 UC Fall 2019 Admission Application Filing Period Closes Friday 12/07/18 - Saturday 12/08/18 & Friday 12/14/18 - Saturday 12/15/18 SDSCPA Presents: "The Crucible" 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Ole Kittleson Little Theater) Click here for more information For a complete list of upcoming School Innovation & Integrated Youth Services events visit our on-line calendar or your school's website. For more information about the Office of School Innovation & Integrated Youth Services please visit our website.