November 5, 2019 |
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Arts Educators Participate in San Diego “Mega Conference” |
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San Diego Unified educators in dance, music, theatre, and visual art joined those from all over San Diego County for the Arts Empower Mega Conference, held on October 17 in Balboa Park. The annual conference is organized by Arts Empower, an initiative of the San Diego County Office of Education, with the support of the local chapters of arts education associations. More than 500 people attended this year’s conference, over 50 of them were from San Diego Unified, and several of them presenters.
The morning began with a general session featuring SDUSD VAPA Director Russ Sperling, along with SDCOE VAPA Coordinator Pauline Crooks and Jonathan Glus, Executive Director of the City of San Diego’s Commission for Arts and Culture.
Numerous breakout sessions were available in three segments during the late morning and afternoon. Some were led by SDUSD teachers, including:
• Andrea Lemaitre (SCPA, dance), “Dance: Incorporating Limon Technique in Your Dance Classes Through Structured Improvisation Games”
• Summer Williams and Sara Dickman (CPMA, dance): “Tap Drills and Skills”
• Kayla Rodgers (San Diego High School, music): “Barbershop Harmony: Yes, You May”
• Russell Shedd (Scripps Ranch High School, music): “Students are Your Best Teachers”
• J.P. Riley (Crawford High School, music): “Composing in the Classroom”
Additionally, Desiree Cera, SDUSD Behavior Support Resource Specialist, co-presented with Guitars in the Classroom founder Jess Baron in a session called “Adaptive Music for Special Education: Teach Music Inclusively with AMASE”. VAPA Department administrators Russ Sperling and Anne Fennell presented the breakout session “Know Your Students – Grow Your Program!” (pictured), and Anne also co-presented a later session called “Music Connections for Infinite Possibilities.”
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AEP Brings the Arts to 11,000 SDUSD Elementary Students |
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The Arts Education Project (AEP) provides regular and ongoing Professional Learning Community (PLC) release time for elementary classroom teachers through a rotation of discrete arts lessons. AEP utilizes specially trained Visiting Teachers with arts backgrounds who teach a sequence of standards-based lesson plans provided by the VAPA Department. Now in its fourth year, AEP has continued to expand, reaching over 11,000 students at 29 elementary schools in San Diego Unified.
During each visit, students at AEP schools receive three approximately one-hour arts lessons in a rotation of dance, music, theatre, and/or visual art. Schools can select from a nine-visit program or an eighteen-visit program. All elementary schools in San Diego Unified were invited to participate in the program.
Schools use a variety of site based funding sources to pay for a customized AEP package that is tailored to their budget and staff needs. Most of the schools in the program use Title I funds while others use funds from foundations, site discretionary resources, and/or parent-teacher associations. The cost of the program for the site includes the Visiting Teachers’ salaries, benefits and training. It also includes materials and technology required to access lesson plans and teaching resources, and plug into classroom displays. Through this program, elementary grade-level teams can meet for a half-day block of PLC time (without having to write lesson plans), and every student receives a half-day of standards-based learning in the visual and performing arts. Schools participating in the Arts Education Project (AEP) this year: Benchley-Weinberger, Bethune K-8, Burbank, Carver, Chavez, Crown Point, Dingeman, Emerson-Bandini, Encanto, Fay, Field, Florence, Freese, Ibarra, Johnson, Jones, Kimbrough, Lafayette, Normal Heights, Pacific View, Penn, Porter, Rodriguez, Sequoia, Spreckels, Washington, Webster, Whitman, Zamorano
https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2019/11/aep-brings-arts-to-11000-sdusd.html
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Parent Voices Redesign School’s Website |
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Parents at Carson Elementary STEAM Magnet gathered around their smart phones and school iPads to give input and to make the school website work better for everyone.
Parents and guardians clicked, scrolled, and explored through the website with questions like: What’s working? What could be better? And, what do we want to see?
One attendee suggested: "Do interviews with kids, starting with the little ones on up, and ask them ‘What do you like about STEAM? Why do you like coming to a STEAM school?" Another attendee suggested, “Have parent workshops to teach parents how to use the educational programs linked on the website, so parents can have a partnership with the student and the teacher.”
These ideas empower our students as the owners of their STEAM experience, and also validate parents as active partners in their children’s learning. Parents will reconvene in the future to look at the changes made, give further input, and plan for ways to engage and share the changes with other parents who could not be at the meeting.
Parents are key stakeholders in our STEAM program. They ensure that learning continues beyond the school day and advocate for children in ways that strengthen our learning community.
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Mission Bay – CCTE Engineering Candy Bar Design Competition |
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The 2019 Candy Bar Design Competition is a Project Based Learning project sponsored by the College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE) Engineering Pathway. Students are asked to create a Mission Bay HS themed chocolate bar to be sold at sporting or other school events. Students survey relevant stakeholders, create specifications, and produce marketing material, such as a buyer persona and a full cost analysis. They design the bar, including ingredient-choice, nutritional information, single-serving size, and allergen information. Students also design, model, 3D print, and mold the chocolate bar, as well as designing the wrapper and justifying all of their design choices. Finally, students produce 3 bars to be tested and judged at a competition where they present their chocolate and results to a panel of 12 stakeholder judges. The winning bar is made using batch-production techniques and sold at school events until it sells out. At the end, profit and loss is calculated based on the project. It was exciting to see and taste this real-world project!
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Guitars in the Classroom Partnership |
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A team of Kearny DMD seniors have been working with Guitars in the Classroom (GITC) as part of their senior internship. Pictured left is the students with Executive Director Jessica Baron. The mission of this non-profit organization is to train, inspire and equip educators to provide vibrant daily learning that educates the whole child and promotes academic achievement through the power of cross-curricular, hands-on music. On October 10, the team visited GITC flagship school, Paradise Hills Elementary, where they had the opportunity to interview the school’s principal, Ms. Marin, and film two GITC teachers in action -- Ms. Steele (kindergarten) and Ms. Solorio (1st/2nd). Ms. Steele’s class focused on phonics and literacy with a lively, interactive alphabet song, while Ms. Solorio’s class sang about rows and columns for a musical math lesson.
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STEAM 3.0: Coding, Apps, and Sphero Robots |
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Our SDUSD Instructional Technology team launched their new computer science unit, Amazing Apps, along with an intro to Sphero Robotics at our first Grade 1 STEAM Training of the 2019-20 academic year.
Teachers practiced being STEAM learners by celebrating their risk-taking, open-mindedness, and creativity as they explored the Hour of Code, Sphero robotics and design thinking to make an app prototype. They will be bringing this amazing learning experience to their own first grade classrooms this fall culminating with the worldwide Hour of Code celebration (Dec. 2nd - 6th).
Before teachers left the training, they shared some inspiring reflections on their learning:
“Today I was a risk-taker...I am not very good at using technology, but I had a blast. Thank you for giving us a positive day full of learning and fun. I can't wait to share my learning with my students and parents of course.” - Grade 1 teacher
Q: What did you take away from today's Hour of Code Experience?
- “I am excited to do it with my class and it isn't so scary now that we got to experience it ourselves.”
- “My students will learn a lot and have a ton of fun while learning as we prepare them for their future.”
Q: What are you looking forward to teaching your students about computer science?
- “I am really excited to share this opportunity with my students. I want my students to be creative and show their abilities using coding.”
- “How to explore and not be afraid to try something new.”
- “Having them experience trial and error, which will (hopefully!) lead to celebration and confidence!”
- “...that they will grow into confident, competent coders and app designers which will serve them in their future when they encounter problems and create solutions.”
https://sdusdoss.blogspot.com/2019/11/steam-30-coding-apps-and-sphero-robots.html
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Students participate in Tech Discovery Day with the LEAGUE |
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The LEAGUE of Amazing Programmers has partnered with San Diego Unified for up to 700 middle school students to participate in Tech Discovery Day!
While at the LEAGUE, students learn how computer games, websites, apps, and autonomous robots are created. Activities are led by Electrical Engineers, Software Engineers, and Scientists. Students are exposed to a variety of careers and learn about the diverse backgrounds professionals come from.
Students from Logan, Bethune, Memorial Prep, Bell, Golden Hill, and Wilson are scheduled to participate this year.
The LEAGUE also offers workshops at NO COST for students who qualify, at the Logan Heights Library, Malcolm X Library, and the Central Downtown Library. Students from all levels in grades 5-12 are invited to participate.
Contact The League for more info or to add your student to an interest list today! info@jointheleague.org
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STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES |
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$20,000 Scholarship
For the ninth consecutive year, the Foot Locker Foundation will be awarding 20 incoming college freshmen with $20,000 in scholarship funding through the Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program. The funding is to pursue a 4-year college degree – not because they scored the most touchdowns or goals, but because sports have helped them grow into strong leaders at school and in their communities.
They're searching for applicants who are strong on and off the field; students who have excellent records of community service, academics, and athletics. They're searching for leaders and inspiring individuals!
Scholarship Amount:
20 awards of $20,000 each. As a bonus, one of the 20 winners will be selected for the Ken C. Hicks scholarship for demonstrating superior educational achievement, outstanding leadership, and a true love of the game. This winner will receive an additional $5,000 award.
Eligibility:
In order to be eligible for the Foot Locker Scholar Athletes program, the applicant must:
- Be a current high school senior entering a four-year, accredited US college or university in the Fall of 2020
- Be currently a member (in good standing) of a high school sports team or be involved in after-school sports (e.g. intramurals, martial arts, etc.)
- Have maintained an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher from ninth grade to first semester of 12th grade
- Be a U.S. citizen or US Permanent Legal Resident
- Foot Locker employees and their immediate family members are ineligible
Deadline Information:
January 3rd, 2020 at 5pm EST
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Parent Information Night: December 5, 2019
Please join us on December 5, 2019 from 6:00pm- 7:30pm at Miramar College to learn about the benefits of participating in the 2020 National Career Education Signing Day. Families will learn how students can attend Miramar College for free, what the San Diego Promise Program is about, and be given the opportunity to speak with students & faculty about the current programs and opportunities available at Miramar College. For more information please contact, Miramar College Outreach at MiraOutreach@sdccd.edu |
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STEM Scholarship
San Diego Education Fund is providing a scholarship for students interested in pursuing a career in the STEM field. Recipients of the scholarship will receive financial assistance each semester for the duration of time enrolled in full-time college curriculum and making sufficient progress toward a degree. Recipients will receive $1,200 per semester while attending a four-year school, and $500 per semester while attending community college.
Requirements:
- A senior in high school in the San Diego Unified School District (including charter schools)
- Plan to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics
- Plan to attend a community college or four-year college in San Diego County
- Demonstrate financial need
- Click here to fill out an application. For more information visit San Diego Education Fund's website.
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2020 Profile in Courage Essay Contest
The Essay Contest encourages students to submit an original essay on a leader who demonstrated political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in his book, Profiles in Courage. Winners will have the chance to win 15 different scholarship prizes for college, including a $10,000 first-place prize. For more information, please visit: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest/contest-topic-and-information |
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Student Job Board
Office of College, Career and Technical Education has developed a student job board to help students get connected to employment. Visit the website here. Current openings include Trader Joe's, Belmont Park, Jersey Mikes, and many more.
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SuperMoney Financial Literacy Scholarship
SuperMoney's mission is to help everyone reach their financial goals. Founded in 2019, SuperMoney's Financial Literacy Scholarship seeks to celebrate students who share the same mission. The scholarship program awards $2,500 a year to a student who wants to help Americans improve their financial wellness through continued education. For more information visit, https://www.supermoney.com/scholarship |
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2020 National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholar Application
Since 2013, The National Space Club and Foundation has offered the opportunity for a student to give the keynote address at the National Space Club and Foundation's annual Goddard Memorial Dinner, one of the space industry's most prestigious gatherings. The student must intend to pursue a career in the Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) fields, be academically strong and excel in public speaking.
In addition to speaking at the Goddard Memorial Dinner, the individual selected will also receive a scholarship, in the amount of $10,000. This scholarship is awarded to a U.S. citizen, and is open to seniors in High School through graduate students studying at an accredited educational institution in the United States, who has definite plans to pursue a career in the STEM fields. Visit: https://www.spaceclub.org/scholarship for more information.
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Naviance- Your Guide to Scholarships, College & Career Exploration
Did you know that all high schools students have access to a Naviance Student account? That's right! Your high school student can log in to their Naviance student account and begin a college and career search. Students have access to a scholarship list, college search tools, resume builders, and career exploration guides. For more information about Naviance student access, please speak with your student's high school counselor.
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Scholarship for Future Physics TeachersThe American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) Executive Board offers scholarships for future high school physics teachers. These scholarships, supported by an endowment funded by Barbara Lotze, are available to U.S. citizens attending U.S. schools.
Students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for the Barbara Lotze Scholarship for Future Teachers. Applicants must declare their intent to prepare for, and engage in, a career in physics teaching at the high school level and must, at the time the scholarship funds are received by the student, be:
- an undergraduate student enrolled in an accredited two-year college, four-year college or a university; or a high school senior accepted for such enrollment.
- pursuing, or planning to pursue, a course of study leading toward a career in physics teaching in the high schools.
- showing promise of success in their studies, and
- a citizen of the United States of America.
Applications can be submitted online, accepted at any time, and will be considered for recommendation to the Board of Directors at each AAPT Winter Meeting.
All applications in which all materials, including letters of recommendation, are received by December 1 will be considered for recommendation at the winter meeting of the AAPT Board of Directors. Visit: https://www.aapt.org/programs/grants/lotze.cfm for more information. |
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Future Teacher Scholarship
San Diego Education Fund is offering financial assistance for students who pursue a teaching degree. Students selected for the scholarship will receive financial assistance each semester they are enrolled in fulltime college curriculum and making sufficient progress toward a degree. Students will receive $500 per semester at community college, $1,000 per semester at a four-year university, and a $4,000 stipend for a credential program.
Requirements:
- A senior in high school in the San Diego Unified School District (including charter schools)
- Plan to pursue a career in teaching (e.g., Special Education, Single Subject, Bi-lingual certification)
- Plan to attend a community or four-year college in San Diego County
- Demonstrate financial need
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