GUHSD eNews (text only version)  October 26, 2006

The fall season brings the excitement of football games, cooler weather, and
homecomings in the Grossmont Union High School District.  It's also the time of
year when Cox Channel 4 reveals the four San Diego County "Teachers of the Year"
live at its annual black-tie gala.

In this issue of eNews, I'm pleased to include the link to the San Diego Union
Tribune story on West Hills High teacher Cheryl Gabler, who was selected as one
of the four San Diego County Teachers of the Year.  We're very proud of her
achievement.

I'm also pleased to introduce you to Steele Canyon High School exercise and
nutrition sciences teacher Pat Connolly.  He's our Education Innovator of the
Month.  Pat is a proven leader in increasing enthusiasm toward physical fitness
by advancing innovative and exciting athletic activities that capture student
interest.

We also share with you examples of the vital partnership between the business
community and our schools.  Local business leaders' talents and financial
support are providing our students with superior educational opportunities that
translate into real-life skills.

Terry K. Ryan Superintendent



Education Innovator of the Month: Pat Connolly Steele Canyon High School
Exercise and Nutrition Science

The Grossmont Union High School District has named Steele Canyon High School
Exercise & Nutrition Sciences Teacher Pat Connolly as its Education Innovator of
the Month for October.  School Board President Jim Kelly said, "We are honored
to have Pat Connolly as a teacher and coach in the Grossmont District.  He
exudes enthusiasm for physical fitness and displays a passion for student
achievement."

Currently in his 20th year of teaching and coaching cross-country and track in
the Grossmont District, Pat Connolly has been the driving force behind
innovative activities that get students engaged in physical fitness.

Steele Canyon freshman Kaitlynd Froehlich said, "Coach Connolly make fitness
fun.  I know that he wants me to succeed to my full potential." Fellow student
Wenzday Leonard said, "I used to hate running and he helped me enjoy and find
purpose in it.  I'm more physically fit and basically I feel like I'm more
connected and a part of my school because of Coach Connolly."

Theirs were but a pair of the smiles that abound in his outdoor classroom where
Pat's mantra of "If at first you don't succeed, you're normal" encourages
students to embrace failures and successes as they attempt new physical
challenges.  Pat's track record of success is defined by his tireless quest for
novel activities that set off the spark and get students excited.  This week his
students are developing a two-minute routine using Spin Jammer flying discs.

Highly regarded as one of the best physical education instructors in the County,
Pat takes great pride in being a teacher and a coach.  Principal Gary
Schwartzwald said, "Pat Connolly's enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for student
success catapults him to the ranks of one of the best teachers at Steele Canyon.
 Pat has the ability to motivate all of his students by his positive demeanor
coupled with his belief that every student can be successful in his class,
leading to a lifetime of positive fitness and health."

The importance of connecting the cognitive aspects of fitness and health with
the physical components of P.E. has always been important to Pat.  One day a
week students learn about new fitness concepts, health, and nutrition in a
classroom setting.  His students are also tasked with developing a personal
trainer report, whereby they devise a plan to increase muscular strength,
flexibility, cardiovascular endurance and nutrition.

In P.E., a student's physical fitness and ability is onstage for all to see. 
Pat Connolly creates an environment in which students are encouraged to try and
are grouped by ability levels.  Well-schooled in the importance of
team-building, Pat Connolly repeatedly tells his students, "It's OK to try and
fail," as he reminds them of how many times Thomas Edison failed before he
reached his goal.  But, Coach Connolly adds, "It's not OK to fail to try."


District Students Trained by Local Business Leaders


On Monday, October 2, the first Virtual Enterprise Student Training Seminar
hosted students from Mount Miguel, Monte Vista, El Cajon Valley, Granite Hills,
and Helix Charter High Schools.  The meeting, held at the San Diego County
Office of Education, provided Virtual Enterprise students with the rare
opportunity to interact with and learn from local business professionals.

San Diego business professionals involved in sales, marketing, accounting, human
resources, information technology, public relations and business insurance
fields were on hand to participate.  They introduced students to the key roles
their respective departments perform within a company and described the job
responsibilities that an employee would have within that department.  By
bringing their jobs to life for the students, the presenters helped students
return to their business classes motivated to succeed and apply these new skills
to their virtual companies.

Mt. Miguel Business/Virtual Enterprise Teacher Jeff Wood said, "This is the best
business simulation program that I've seen and experienced.  The program is
completely student-centered and student-designed.  Virtual Enterprise empowers
the students to take responsibility and make vital decisions daily."  This form
of student involvement underscores the relevance of what we are teaching in core
and elective classes, such as mathematics, English, web design, photo, etc. 
Additionally, it provides the opportunity for students to improve their
communication, presentation and time management skills.

The Virtual Enterprise Class is made possible by generous support from the
District and East County ROP.  ECROP provides funding for the equipment and
opportunity for students to travel and compete in Virtual Enterprise Business
Competitions and Trade Fairs.


Industrial Arts Classes Receive  Generous Gift

The Matt Magagna Fund of the East County Economic Development Council Foundation
has generously provided checks totaling $24,000 to support trades programs in
the Grossmont Union High School District.

Recognizing that the key ingredient of a robust economy is the quality of its
workforce, the East County Economic Development Council was established more
than two decades ago to serve and support the manufacturing and technology base
of East County.  In order to focus on the economic development component more
specifically, the East County EDC created a charitable foundation spin-off in
1998 to partner with the Grossmont Union High School District to help support
and nurture the employees of the future.

School Board President Jim Kelly said, "We appreciate the strong partnership we
have with the East County Economic Development Council," adding, "We're very
proud of the opportunity to partner with them and are grateful for their efforts
to support quality instruction in our trades programs."

East County Economic Development Council President/CEO Deanna Weeks said, "We
knew exactly the right person to lead this effort: Bob Taylor."  Bob made his
first guitar in woodshop in high school, started his business in a garage in
Lemon Grove, and today Taylor Guitars is one of the largest private employers in
East County.

With Bob Taylor at the helm, the East County EDC Foundation focused on
supporting shop classes, shop students and shop teachers.  Over the years, with
the generous support of the East County community, they have provided over
$100,000 in small awards and grants directly to the students and teachers.

Each year the East County EDC Foundation honors the outstanding shop student in
each of our high schools with a cash grant, a plaque made in the Taylor shop,
and certificates of recognition and appreciation from our elected officials. 
The presentation ceremony is a gala event allowing students to bask in the
admiration of their peers, teachers and parents.  In addition, each teacher
receives $1,500 to spend on supplies for the classroom.

For the past several years the East County EDC Foundation's efforts have been to
honor the life of a young man who shared Bob Taylor's passion for working with
his hands.  Matt Magagna, who lost his life at the tender age of twenty, was the
son of one of Bob's most valued employees.  Shop class was where Matt was
happiest and did his best.  Today, the East County EDC Foundation does its work
in his name to help other young people achieve their dreams.

THANK YOU EAST COUNTY EDC FOUNDATION!


Valhalla Students Learn from Auto Industry Icon

It's not every day that students are encouraged to doodle in class.  Chuck
Jordan, a legend in the automotive design world and instructor at Valhalla High
School, is encouraging just that in his auto design class.

Jordan's mantra of "no dull cars" and his spirited style touches the lives of
students at Valhalla High who recognize the great privilege they have of
learning from the former General Motors executive and auto industry icon.

Junior Zach Lewis said, "I was reading up on old cars the other day and seeing
Mr. Jordan featured in the book was really cool."

When asked what he's learning in his favorite class Zach replied, "I'm learning
how to draw and get creative ideas out of my head and onto paper."  Lewis wants
to study civil engineering and architecture when he graduates.

Jordan's focus is identifying artistic ability in students.  The auto design
class encourages a strong creative element, allowing students to utilize the
right side of the brains.

Talented senior Shawn Stone who is presently undecided about his career plans
said, "I now have a good feel for using my creativity to its maximum and seeing
what it could lead to."

Students begin drawing plan views of vehicles and advance to producing tenth-
scale models which are crafted out of auto styling clay and based on their
drawings.  Advancing from sketching to models helps student understand the
relationship between perspective and form.

Chuck Jordan's passion, creativity and perseverance in designing great cars
serves as an inspiration for students to reach beyond what they think is
possible.  Jordan's former students are studying engineering and industrial
design at prestigious universities including the Art Center College of Design in
Pasadena. Reflecting on his career, Jordan said, "It never seemed like work. 
Today, I enjoy giving back to the kids what I got."


Independent Citizens' Bond Committee Names Bill Wells President

At its monthly meeting on Wednesday, September 27, 2006, the independent
Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee unanimously elected Bill Wells as President. 
Wells replaces retired El Cajon Police Chief Jim Davis as president of the East
County Prop. H group.  Charles Muse was elected Vice President.

School Board President Jim Kelly said, "Bill Wells is a leader who takes the job
very seriously and is completely committed to ensuring that bond implementation
is successful."  Kelly added, "We've greatly appreciated Bill Wells' service and
the very important oversight role that he, Vice President Charles Muse, and the
remaining members continue to perform on behalf of our students and the entire
taxpayer community."

Bill Wells is a 44-year old San Diego native who currently serves the City of El
Cajon as Chairman Pro Tem of the El Cajon Planning Commission.  Wells' career
path includes working with the chronically mentally ill in a variety of hospital
settings, holding the positions of Director of Psychiatric Assessment and
Director of Outpatient Services as well as Vice President of Business
Development, for some of San Diego's leading mental health providers.

The purpose of the independent Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee is to receive
and review copies of annual public performance and financial audits; and to
review and report on the proper expenditure of taxpayers' money for school
construction.  The Committee will advise the public as to whether the District
is in compliance with the requirements of Section 1 of Article XIIIA of the
California Constitution.


Reach for the Stars at Grossmont Middle College High School

Grossmont Middle College High School (GMCHS) is an alternative to traditional
education for college bound students.  Located on the Grossmont College campus,
GMCHS is a WASC-accredited high school designed for junior and senior students
who are college capable.  Its mission is to assist students in the successful
completion of high school while concurrently completing college coursework that
meets college entrance requirements and also earns college credit.

Grossmont College and the Grossmont Union High School District first began their
partnership in the fall of 2001 when the first GMCHS classes were offered. 
School Board President Jim Kelly said, "Our students have greatly benefited from
the collaborative relationship we've developed with the college district.  The
unique partnership helps us provide superior educational opportunities to young
people." GMCHS students participate in English and Social Science classes with
high school instructors; complete a minimum of six units of college classes each
semester; identify a career pathway which is the focus of their coursework,
including a minimum of a 60-hour career-related internship each semester; as
well as a culminating senior exhibition.

In addition to the high school curriculum, students take a minimum of six
college units to fulfill high school graduation requirements, or complete
college general education and prep for major coursework.

If you would like to learn more about Grossmont Middle College High School,
please contact Counselor Stephanie Contos at (619) 644-7524, or visit our
website at http://middlecollege.guhsd.net



Local "Pirates" Set Sail with Chaparral Continuation High School Students

Students at Chaparral Continuation High School are in for a special treat on
October 31, when local performers Al Sorkin and Sean Fettel will come dressed in
full pirate regalia to educate students on pirate history. Making learning fun,
Sorkin and Fettel will portray some of the most famous ancient pirateering
peoples, weaving in a history lesson on the likes of William Dampier, a 1600's
privateer who conducted a lot of scientific research that was used by Darwin,
James Cook and Alexander von Humboldt in later years.  Dampier was the first
Englishman to explore or map parts of Australia, and New Guinea and was the
first person to circumnavigate the world twice.

The discussion will include the telling of sordid tales of formidable female
pirates such as Anne Bonny, who was of Irish descent.  Included in the tales of
rip-roaring sea adventures, students will learn about the Barbary pirates, as
well as the effect of piracy on America as a growing nation.

Principal Lucia Washburn said, "We try to do special things for the students as
a way of showing them how much we value them.  At Chaparral, we believe that
building relationships with students is the key to improving academic success
therefore, we decided to make the day really special for the students to show
our appreciation for their hard work in raising our API scores 116 points!"


New Parent Guardian Portal: Online Resource for Parents

The new Parent/Guardian Portal is one of the many ways that the Information and
Technology Services (I&TS) Department supports communication between teachers
and the parents/guardians of students in the Grossmont Union High School
District (GUHSD).

Maintaining the security of confidential student data is of primary concern.  In
order to maintain confidentiality, parents/guardians wishing to gain access to
the Parent/Guardian Portal must report in person to their student's school and
show identification in order to obtain a user ID and password for the
application.  Parents/guardians also receive a User Guide that explains how to
log in to the Parent/Guardian Portal, how to create a new password, and how to
update their profile and contact information.  The User Guide also explains the
security features utilized by the Parent/Guardian Portal and advises parents and
guardians of ways to maintain security when they access it.

The Parent/Guardian Portal can be accessed by clicking on Parent Guardian Portal
from the "Parent" portion of the website (http://www.guhsd.net/parents.html).  
Parents may also access the application directly by typing
http://www.guhsd.net/pgp/ into one of the supported Internet browsers (Internet
Explorer, Netscape, Mozilla Firefox).  Once logged-in to the system, a plethora
of well-organized information can be easily accessed from one all-inclusive
place. Student information is organized by category in tabs including: Class
Schedule, Attendance History, Progress Grades, Transcript, My Profile, Behavior,
and Fees/Fines.

The Parent/Guardian Portal application is a powerful resource for parents. 
Additional upgrades are already planned to make the Parent/Guardian Portal an
even greater asset.  The next phases will include adding online registration
capabilities to the system as well as featuring additional language options. The
application may support Spanish as early as November, and additional languages
may be incorporated at a later date to meet the needs of the parents and
guardians of our diverse student population.


Gift Helps Nurses Improve Lifesaving Skills

Registered nurses (RNs) in the Grossmont Health Occupation Center's Nurse
Refresher Program are preparing to respond to a variety of heart-related
conditions, emergencies and abnormal rhythms with the help of a resuscitation
device donated by Kaiser Permanente.

The resuscitation device, called the Zoll M Series, combines a defibrillator,
pacemaker, an ECG (electrocardiogram) display, and advanced monitoring with
communication, data printing and recording capabilities.  The donated equipment
is valued at $12,500.

"Kaiser Permanente has been an important partner with the Grossmont Health
Occupations Center for many years," said School Board President Jim Kelly.  "We
are grateful for their continuing support of our school and its programs.  This
equipment greatly enhances our ability to offer high quality training to the
students in our medical programs."

Kaiser Permanente is one of several area hospitals where nurses enrolled in the
refresher course gain valuable clinical experience as they prepare to re-enter
the work force.  Kaiser's Director of Education and Consulting Marlene Ruiz
arranged for the generous donation.  Ruiz said, "Due to the continuing nursing
shortage, it is in everyone's best interest to see these RN refresher programs
succeed and produce highly qualified nurses."

"This means so much to the nurses, because they must practice vital techniques
such as applying and monitoring electrodes, defibrillating with paddles, and
other skills throughout their training," said Instructor Patricia A. McBride,
RN.  "They are now much more proficient with this type of equipment than
before."

Director of the Grossmont Health Occupations Center Ann Vroom said, "The Nurse
Refresher Program is designed for registered nurses who have maintained their
nursing license, but have not worked in nursing for awhile and want to re-enter
the job market. Graduates from our refresher program are scooped up by hospitals
as soon as they are certified.  Every nurse who wants a job gets one."

For more information about Grossmont Health Occupations Center, please contact
Director Ann Vroom at 619.596.3960 or by e-mail: avroom@guhsd.net.


Money Matters: School Fund Raisers

West Hills Guitar Club Fund-raiser at Barnes & Noble in Santee

Enjoy the Acoustics & Redeem Your Barnes & Noble Book Fair Voucher Supporting
the West Hills High School Guitar Club

Saturday, November 11, 2006 3 Ð 8 p.m. 9938 Mission Gorge Rd. Santee, CA  92071

The guitar program at West Hills High School is a large and accomplished program
in the GUHSD district and is proud to showcase the variety and skill of its
performers. The Guitar Ensemble performs beginning to advanced level literature
from various genres of music including Renaissance, Baroque, and classical to
commercial and contemporary.  As students gain an understanding of guitar
technique, theory, and history, they also learn to become skilled performers and
showcase their skills for audiences large and small.  The class creates unity in
bringing together all types of musicians and focusing their musical skill on a
purposeful and unified ensemble.  It is a unique opportunity for students to
gain musical knowledge, a more advanced repertoire of musical styles, and
performance experience.


The Viking Center's Annual Run, Walk & Roll Fund-raiser

The Viking Center is hosting its third annual fund-raiser on Saturday, November
18, 2006 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to create public awareness and support continual
student achievement.

The event will include a run/walk/roll, entertainment, vendor booths, food, cake
walk, children's area, art auction, and a silent auction.  The Viking Center is
seeking volunteers for the day of the fund-raiser, as well as monetary, silent
auction and art auction donations.  If you are interested in renting a booth
please call Sara Tobias at 619-593-0995.

The Viking Center has set up a 3-tier donation system, which includes Bronze
($100-$-249), Silver ($250-$499) and Gold ($499+).  Bronze sponsorship includes
name and logo displayed on a banner that will be visible to over 2,000 students,
staff and community members.  Silver sponsorship includes the banner recognition
as well as over 1,000 flyers that will be distributed to local neighborhoods and
businesses.  The gold tier will include the banner, the flyers, and the
sponsor's name and logo displayed on over 250 commemorative "Run, Walk and Roll"
t-shirts.

This is a perfect opportunity to get your holiday shopping done early while at
the same time supporting a worthy cause.   If you are interested in donating
your time, talent, or treasures please contact Kyndel Ross at 619.593.0993 or by
e-mail at kross@guhsd.net.


Grossmont Brag Report: Honors and Recognitions

In this section we highlight the recognitions and fine accomplishments of our
students and staff.  They are a small representation of the outstanding
achievements occurring at our schools every day. GUHSD Classified Employee of
the First Quarter Ð Laurie Tucker

The Grossmont Union High School District is proud to announce that Laurie
Tucker, LVN at the Viking Center, has been selected as GUHSD's Classified
Employee of the First Quarter.

Laurie's contribution over the past 20 years of working with District students
who have the most profound disabilities has been significant.  Director of
Special Education Marilyn LeResche said, "Laurie's a true professional who takes
a tremendous amount of pride in her work," adding, "The parents of very
medically-fragile students feel safe sending their students to Viking, knowing
that Laurie's there to look over them."  Most notably, Laurie's quick response
and good judgment has saved the lives of at least six students.

Meticulous data collection and record keeping are among Laurie's many strengths
and have been of extreme help to physicians treating students for seizures,
heart problems, and other conditions.  With a smile and a happy heart, Laurie
makes this look easy, even on days when things get pretty stressful!


Grossmont High Senior Jahnai Eldridge Elected PTSA President

When this remarkable senior volunteered to be the PTSA president, Executive Vice
President Julie Campos said, "Everyone looked at each other and said why not?" 
Jahnai is an exceptional young lady with a passion for community service, as
evidence by her involvement in many service-based groups at school.  Jahnai
really puts the "S" in PTSA.

Principal Theresa Kemper said, "Jahnai is one of the most involved and mature
students I know.  She has consistently demonstrated leadership and service. 
Being elected PTSA president is her crowning achievement in high school."


West Hills High Junior David Matranga Saves a Life, Becomes Unexpected Hero

When help is needed, hopefully David Matranga is nearby.  Just ask Anita
Antonian who benefited from his caring heart and heroic action as he offered
roadside assistance to a couple who were the victims of a hit-and-run motorcycle
accident.  Today, Anita credits David with saving her life by escorting her to
the hospital for medical care.

Perhaps David's mother Cindy Matranga said it best, "There are times in your
life when you're just so proud of your children that you just want to get on the
roof and scream, "That's my son!'"


Randy DeWitt Named KUSI Charger Coach of the Week

Granite Hills' Football Coach Randy DeWitt was selected as KUSI Charger Coach of
the Week in October.  He was awarded $1,000 to go toward the Granite Hills
Football program.  Principal Georgette Torres said, "Randy has done an excellent
job as a first-year coach.  As a Granite Hills graduate and teacher, he has the
strong work ethic and loyalty needed for all the extra hours this coaching
experience requires."  Randy has earned the admiration and respect of all of his
football players. They play hard every week for him.


Philanthropy Corner: Caring For Kids

The Grossmont Union High School District would like to recognize recent
donations from those who go above and beyond to help us provide superior
opportunities for our students.

a.  Check in the Amount of $768.96 from Target's "Take Charge of Education"
Program to Monte Vista High School

b.  Check in the Amount of $757.55 from Target's "Take Charge of Education"
Program to West Hills High School

c.  Check in the Amount of $949.84 from Target's "Take Charge of Education"
Program to Grossmont High School

d.  Check in the Amount of $1,000 from Bigtime Real Estate, Inc., to the Monte
Vista High School Athletic Program

e.  Furniture Valued at $1,500 from Matrix Builders, Inc. to the Grossmont
District Special Education Program

f.  Check in the Amount of $500 from Barona Band of Mission Indians to the West
Hills High School Cheer Program

g.  Check in the Amount of $2,000 from NATAS San Diego Chapter to Grossmont High
School