GUHSD December 2006 eNews 12/14/06

in this issue...

Superintendent's Message

Education Innovator of the Month: Dan McDowell

Giving: A Noble Lesson for Santana Film Students

Teen Artists at Santana Make a Difference in the Lives of Honduran Orphans

New Resource Center Opens at Valhalla

Helix Adult School to Offer Evening Citizenship Classes in January

Multicultural Week at El Cajon Valley High School

Work Training Center Elves Hard at Work

Monte Vista Students Spread Holiday Cheer to Local Seniors

Chargers Safety Clint Hart Headlines Dads and Athletes Night Out at Granite
Hills

Monte Vista and Mount Miguel Co-Host Parent Empowerment Seminar

Brag Report: Honors and Recognitions

Philanthropy Corner: Caring for Kids

Superintendent's message

This joyous time of year provides families and friends an opportunity to gather
and celebrate the blessings of the season. I want to thank everyone in the
school community -- staff and faculty, parents, PTA and volunteers -- for your
tireless efforts on behalf of our students. These efforts truly make Grossmont
a great place to work.

In this issue of eNews, I'm pleased to introduce you to Social Studies teacher
Dan McDowell, from West Hills High School. He's our GUHSD Education Innovator
of the Month, recognized for his use of cutting edge technology that's changing
the way his students are interacting with information.

We also spotlight a few programs that showcase our students making a difference
in the lives of others both near and far, and recognize a Charger who has taken
time twice, in as many months, to visit with and inspire our students.

Please enjoy your time together with family and friends. On behalf of the
Governing Board, I wish you a safe, enjoyable holiday season.

Terry K Ryan Superintendent

Education Innovator of the Month: Dan McDowell West Hills High School Social
Studies

The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) has named West Hills High
School Social Studies Teacher Dan McDowell as its Education Innovator of the
Month for December. Superintendent Terry Ryan said, "Dan McDowell is an
educational leader in the Grossmont District. He is an advocate for
technological advancement in our schools districtwide and displays a passion for
using technology in the classroom to spur student interest and achievement."

Currently in his eleventh year of teaching in the Grossmont District, Dan
McDowell's interest in history led him to the field of education where he has
been the driving force behind implementing innovative technology-based tools and
strategies in the delivery of education.

Principal Brian Wilbur said, "Among the characteristics I most admire about Dan
is his relentless work ethic. He is probably the most skilled teacher in the
District at integrating technology into the classroom (from WebQuests to Wikis
and Moodle) in a way that increases student learning."

For over seven years, Dan has been deeply involved in sharing these methods and
toolsets with other teachers through workshop presentations and his involvement
in the District's "Academy of Computing Teachers," the "Digital University"
program, and currently, the "Visions" program.

GUHSD Director of Educational & Library Technology Ken Quisenberry said, "Our
office relies on teachers like Dan, who not only develop improved strategies for
their own classrooms, but seek to share their successes, lessons, and expertise
with their peers. In so doing, he represents the heart and soul of the
professional, committed teacher corps in this District."

Dan's nuanced approach to using technologies in his World History classes, where
he is perpetually seeking enhancements and always improving, has inspired his
colleagues. West Hills Social Science Department Chair Bryan Ross said, "Just
when we believe we have created a wonderful tech-based lesson, or developed a
new skill, or think we have finally begun to catch up to Dan, we discover that
he is on some far off technological vista and we are playing catch up again."

In continually applying the highest standard to his own professional growth and
to his teaching practices, Dan has been a capable and enthusiastic educational
leader not only for the sake of his own students, but to help stoke the fires of
reflective, effective, and innovative teaching practices.

Giving: A Noble Lesson for Santana Film Students

Just in time for the holidays, Santana teacher Martin Johnson's Film as
Literature class is beginning a study of the film "Millions." This wonderfully
invented and sweet British film details the story of two brothers who recently
lost their mother and are handling it in different ways. The younger boy makes
a fort out of cardboard boxes where he plays and has conversations with St.
Francis, St. Clare, and St. Peter.

One day, a passing train discharges a suitcase of money right into his fort. He
immediately assumes it's from God because "who else would have that kind of
cash." After informing his brother, the two proceed to spend it: the older
brother on cell phones and such, while the younger boy tries to give it all away
to the poor.

What the brothers don't learn until later is that the money they happened upon
was stolen. Naturally, the younger boy wants to return it, while his brother
and father have other ideas for the funds. Meanwhile, the crooks who stole it
know where it is and they're coming for it.

The film serves as an invitation to Johnson's students to follow the younger
boy's example and find ways to help the needy. Students are researching
charities online and are looking for causes and organizations that they would
donate money to if they indeed had "millions." They are also asked to consider
what they can do, reaching beyond the current season, to demonstrate a regular
expression of care and compassion for those in need.

The film's theme also prompts students to think critically about whether the
purity of heart portrayed in the film exists in today's world, and to defend
their thoughts in an essay. Teacher Martin Johnson said, "My hope is that the
students will begin a life of giving with what money or time that they can
afford. Even more importantly, I want them to take seriously the goodness of
heart that the young boy in the film embodies."

Teen Artists at Santana Make a Difference in the Lives of Honduran Orphans

On Thursday, December 7, 2006, the library at Santana High School served as the
display and reception area for a charitable student art project, culminating in
the completion of student-crafted portraits to be delivered to Honduran orphans
in the New Year.

Santana Art Teacher Charlene Ervin contacted The Memory Project in September
after learning about this organization which matches highly skilled art students
with photos of orphans. Ms. Ervin's advanced art class was eager to participate
and began practicing by drawing and painting their own self-portraits as they
waited for photos of the orphans to arrive.

Ms. Ervin said, "The project is so meaningful because children who have been
abandoned, abused, or orphaned have very few personal keepsakes. The purpose of
these student-crafted portraits is to provide the orphans with a special memory
of their youth and to help honor their heritage and identity."

Art student and junior Megan Bailey said, "It was fun looking at the pictures of
the students. I was drawn to the dimples and smile on the boy I painted. He
looks like a really nice kid and doing this for him makes me feel good."

Twenty-one student-crafted portraits will be laminated and delivered to the
children at the Nuestros Pequenos Hermonos orphanage in Honduras next year.
Each portrait will be accompanied by a letter from the student artist that was
translated into their native tongue by the students in Spanish classes at
Santana.

West Hills High School Teacher Tad Van Dyke's advanced art students participated
in the memory portraits project as well. More than thirty portraits are being
finalized and will be sent to orphans in El Salvador after Christmas break.

A very special thank you is extended to Karen Keene and the Santana PTSA for
funding supplies and materials along with Staples for donating colored portrait
copies so that students may keep a copy of the portrait they lovingly crafted
for their newfound friends in Honduras.

To find out more about this national project, go to thememoryproject.org.

New Resource Center Opens at Valhalla

A new Resource Center opened its doors to students at Valhalla High School on
October 23. Valhalla joins several other District schools including Granite
Hills, Grossmont, Santana, Monte Vista, Mount Miguel, El Cajon, and El Capitan,
in establishing Resource Centers which bridge the gap between schools and the
much needed support services found within the community.

Valhalla's Resource Center is staffed with Resource Counselor Ben Instone, who
has already begun a study skills group for academically at-risk freshmen,
counsels high-need students, links families with outside agencies, and is
putting together a senior-to-freshmen mentoring program. Additionally, he is
slated to give classroom presentations on suicide prevention.

Valhalla Principal Larry Martinsen said, "Valhalla is exceptionally pleased and
excited to be able to offer these resources to our students. Ben Instone is a
highly qualified and dedicated person in support of our vision of success for
all students. In his short time with us he is already making a measurable
difference in the lives and success rates of the students with whom he is
working."

The school sites that have Resource Centers find them helpful in meeting the
needs of students. Georgette Torres, Principal of Granite Hills High School,
stated, "We found the services of a Resource Center invaluable after the
shooting incident at our school. We can't imagine doing without the expanded
resources now available to our students and parents through our Resource Center
Coordinator Summer Lambert, and service providers such as George Montoya with
Children's Hospital and Little House, among others."

Theresa Kemper, Principal of Grossmont High School, stated, "We are so fortunate
to have the Grossmont Resource Center (GRC), which provides a full array of
services to meet the social and emotional needs of our students. The GRC became
fully operational in 2001. One of our counselors, Noel McMahon, is a full time
director of the Resource Center and oversees case management, support groups,
and student services." Teachers who are concerned about a student's social and
emotional well-being send referrals to the director, who follows up with timely
service.

Helix Adult School to Offer Evening Citizenship Classes in January

Grossmont Adult School currently offers citizenship classes on M/W and T/Th from
6:20 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the El Cajon Adult Center. Beginning in January, it
is opening a class at Helix Adult Center two nights a week to meet the growing
demand. Students may enroll in two or four evenings a week. Presently, more
than 50 students are enrolled in citizenship classes.

The class covers the INS test, forms, as well as the government and history of
the United States. Phyllis Ruth, Principal of the El Cajon Adult Center said,
"The students are hard-working and very motivated to obtain the knowledge to
complete the citizenship process to become U.S. Citizens. Last year, 86
students passed the test and became new citizens."

These classes are free and offered in conjunction with English as a Second
Language (ESL) classes at various sites within the Grossmont Union High School
District. Teachers work with the second language adult students to provide a
better understanding of reading, writing and speaking English. Classes work on
special civics lessons to help students from other countries understand the
importance of helping and supporting their local community.

Citizenship classes and the ESL/Citizenship Distance Learning Program are
offered morning and evening throughout the Grossmont District region. For more
information, please contact Phyllis Ruth, Principal, El Cajon Adult Center at:
(619) 401-9750.

Multicultural Week at El Cajon Valley High School

Multicultural Week has been a treasured tradition for thirty years at El Cajon
Valley High School. Once again this year, the campus celebrates its many
cultures through informative presentations, delicious food, and an entertaining
assembly filled with music and dancing.

In the student assembly on November 30, El Cajon Valley High School students
placed their hands on their hearts as the active duty military color guard
presented the colors to a rendition of God Bless America, and the crowd sang
along to the national anthem.

As the assembly began, students carried in flags from countries around the world
to Neil Diamond's song "Coming to America," both leading and ending with the
American flag.

Ethnic dances depicting Kurdistan, Guam and other nations followed as students
cheered and applauded other students from different cultures who performed for
them.

The Kurdish women glowed in gorgeous, sparkling gowns from every color of the
rainbow. Senior Parwin Tahir said she and her friends had been working on their
routine for a month, noting, "This is an opportunity to show who I am and to
understand what other cultures wear."

Principal Paul Dautremont said, "We are proud of our rich ethnic diversity and
even more proud of how our students accept each other's traditions because they
can see how much they have in common. This, of course, is the main purpose of
our celebration."

Some of the Multicultural Week activities have changed over the years, but food,
music, and dancing have always been focal points, ever since teachers Margi
Chaimson and Gus Valdez organized the first Multicultural Week in 1977.

This homegrown idea of a week dedicated to celebrating various cultures
eventually spread to other schools in the District and was the basis for the El
Cajon Friendship Festival.

Work Training Center Elves Hard at Work

This holiday season, special needs students at the Work Training Center are
helping local businesses prepare for the holidays.

Students stuffed, sealed and mailed over 1,500 boxes of Christmas cards,
assembled over 7,000 flash drive gift boxes, and packaged over 200 pounds of
toffee for a local candy maker. Work Training Center Production Services Manager
Kevin McGrew said, "I'm happy we've been so busy this holiday season with many
Christmas projects that the students have been engaged in, as well as the more
routine items including packaging PVC irrigation pipes for TBS Irrigation."

The Grossmont Work Training Center is a non-profit, vocational training center
for developmentally disabled students in the Grossmont Union High School
District. It has been in operation for over thirty years and is a key component
of the District's training for special needs students, aged 16-22.

Under the supervision of teachers and aides, students learn work skills, become
independent, develop self esteem and become productive future employees. Over
the past year alone the District placed more than eighty students in local jobs.

For more information or to receive a free quote, please contact Production
Services Manager Kevin McGrew at: 619.401.4343 or online at
http://wtc.guhsd.net.

Monte Vista Students Spread Holiday Cheer to Local Seniors

On Monday, December 4, 2006, twenty students from the Monte Vista High School
Business Club and African Student Coalition volunteered in a community service
activity at the Mount Miguel Covenant Village in Spring Valley.

Students helped residents celebrate Christmas by escorting those with mobility
limitations to view the annual outdoor lighting of the Village with Christmas
lights. Students also helped prepare Christmas tree decorations, and escorted
residents to listen to carolers, followed by a concert and sing-along performed
by residents of the Village.

Mount Miguel Covenant Village Activities Director Mary Harris said, "We're
really excited about this opportunity and hope this will be an ongoing
experience. We enjoy the young students being around." Monte Vista Teacher
Kenneth Palmer, who spearheaded the community service project added, "When
students participate in positive activities their sense of self-worth is
increased and they realize that by helping others feel good they in turn feel
better about themselves."

Students appreciated the opportunity for intergenerational conversation and
assisting with daily activities that help ease loneliness. Monte Vista student
Shaleah Mitchell said, "It's nice to talk to older generations. This is very
special to me, and it makes me happy to be here to help."

Students use this volunteer experience on their resumes, college and job
applications, as well as scholarship applications. Principal Paul Wargo said,
"It's important that students buy into the fact that they are a part of this
community, and give back to those who made the community what it is."

Chargers Safety Clint Hart Headlines Athletes & Dads Night Out at Granite Hills

The Young Black Scholars (YBS) Club at Granite Hills High School hosted Charger
Safety Clint Hart at its Athletes & Dads Night Out at Granite Hills High School
on Tuesday, December 5.

Pulled tendons didn't prevent Charger Clint Hart from speaking to more than
seventy students and parents from Granite Hills and Valhalla High Schools. In
his second speaking engagement before the YBS Club this school year, Hart spoke
about his nontraditional route to the NFL, overcoming great odds, and the value
of discipline and sacrifice in pursuing his dream.

It's always appreciated when celebrities and pro athletes give something back to
their communities, particularly when that athlete is Clint Hart. Counselor and
YBS Advisor Trellis Hinton said, "You will not find anyone as sincere as Clint
Hart," adding, "The effect his first visit had on our students a couple of
months ago is remarkable." Clint Hart's personal story inspired YBS members to
make positive changes in their own lives, helping them overcome obstacles such
as dealing with the aftermath of family members having been removed from
mainstream society and other personal challenges.

Clint Hart described himself as a "very disruptive, young middle school kid, who
got mad and held his anger inside." In high school, he began turning negatives
into positives by getting involved in sports, playing every sport he could.
Staying busy kept him away from mischief and trouble.

Hart shared how his deep, personal faith guides him today, as it did then,
helping him through the most difficult of circumstances. He encouraged students
to prepare now for their futures, to develop a goal to focus on, while
emphasizing the importance of good grades, and obedience to parents and
teachers. Hart encouraged students to sit at the front of the class, and to the
cheers of one mother, encouraged young men to dress appropriately by pulling up
their pants because "no one wants to see your boxer shorts."

Despite all of Hart's successes, he has not forgotten his roots, and the
importance of his position as a role model for young men and women.

Monte Vista & Mount Miguel Co-Host Parent Empowerment Seminar

On Friday, December 8, Monte Vista and Mount Miguel High Schools co-hosted a
presentation from Dr. Darlene Willis and Marsha Dodson, co-authors of Empowering
Parents: Taking Control of Your Child's Educational Journey. Willis and Dodson
also co-host the College Bound Educational Radio Program on AM Radio 1040 and
are co-founders of the Concerned Parents Alliance, Inc. and its educational
component entitled College Bound San Diego.

Parents and students attended a 90-minute presentation where the guest speakers
provided parents with a deeper understanding of how to take control of their
child's educational journey. Parents learned about the A-G college requirements
and how to become a more successful, engaged parent who actively ensures that
their child has the option of choosing to attend a college or university.

The pair's candid remarks reminded parents of their responsibility to teach,
guide, and nurture children. Mount Miguel Teacher Mike Love said, "Dr. Willis
and Ms. Dodson emphasized staying involved in your child's education by being an
active participant in school activities, meeting your child's teachers and
counselor and creating and maintaining an educational plan for your child from
kindergarten through college."

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 Second Quarter Ð Loretta Queja

The Grossmont Union High School District is proud to announce that Loretta
Queja, Head Campus Supervisor at Chaparral High School, has been selected as
GUHSD's Classified Employee of the Second Quarter.

Ms. Queja has a special way of speaking with students and she's respectful and
kind to all students, parents, and staff. The safety of Chaparral's campus is
her first priority. She continually works with her team, stays on top of
current priorities, and the many needs as they appear.

Principal Lucia Washburn said, "Loretta is a conscientious worker who becomes a
surrogate mother to many of our students. Her nurturing personality and way
with students encourages them to open up to her and assimilate to better the
Chaparral campus."

Monte Vista's Muluken Beressa Breezes Past Competition Earning Distinction as
Union Tribune Prep Athlete of the Week

Monte Vista Senior and Cross Country Star Muluken Beressa clocked the fastest
time of the day at Balboa Park's Morley Field capturing the Division II title
for his time of 15 minutes, 51 seconds for the 3.04-mile course. High school
Athletes of the Week are awarded through a partnership between the San Diego
Union-Tribune and the San Diego Hall of Champions.

Grossmont High Graduate Jessica Roach Recognized for Outreach Efforts

The San Diego Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals hosted a
luncheon in honor of National Philanthropy Day on Wednesday, November 15, 2006,
where recent Grossmont High graduate Jessica Roach was recognized as Outstanding
Youth/Student Volunteer. Miss Roach was nominated for the award by Best Buddies
International, recognizing her outreach efforts performed while she was a
student at Grossmont High.

Last summer, Grossmont High School's Best Buddies chapter was honored with an
Outstanding Chapter Award at Best Buddies International's 17th Annual Student
Leadership Conference. Grossmont High School was selected as one of 22
outstanding high school chapters from 793 programs throughout the world for its
dedication to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by
providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships.

Monte Vista Senior Teri Prestridge's Creative Writing Skills Reap Reward

Monte Vista Senior Teri Prestridge has been selected as a recipient of the UC
San Diego Superfund Creative Writing Award. Miss Prestridge's essay will be
showcased at the Superfund Annual Meeting's Poster Reception on Monday, December
11, at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines. During the reception, she will be
presented with an Apple iPod Nano, and a $50 gift certificate to the UCSD
Bookstore.

Mount Miguel High's Student-run Virtual Businesses Earn Top Rewards in Trade
Fair Competition:

Mount Miguel High School's Virtual Enterprise (VE) companies competed well at
the 8th Annual California VE Business Competitions and Trade Fair in
Bakersfield, California, on November 29 and 30. Mount Miguel companies received
the following Top-10 awards:

1st Place - Apprentice Competition: (Love Connection, Vicky Rodriquez) 1st Place
- Company Newsletter Competition: (Vous Jolie Day Spa, Moriah Small) 1st Place -
Interview Competition for Payroll Specialist: (Club T-N-T, Estrella Ingram) 2nd
Place - Human Resource Competition: (Vous Jolie Day Spa, Arlene Huezo) 2nd Place
- Interview Competition for Marketing/Catalog: (Vous Jolie Day Spa, Lakeita
Tate) 8th Place - Web Design: (Love Connection, Isabella Moreno) 9th Place -
Catalog Competition: (Love Connection, Kimberly Kurek)

There were approximately 150 VE companies represented this year. Three other
virtual companies from El Cajon, Granite Hills, and Monte Vista High Schools
also attended the Bakersfield Trade Fair. Special thanks to East County ROP for
making this possible. The VE program continues to provide our students with the
opportunity to showcase their personal and academic growth.

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 $2,000 from
California Police Youth Charities to the West Hills High School Varsity Roller
Hockey Program

b. Check in the Amount of $500 from A to Z Enterprises, Inc. to the West
Hills High School Varsity Roller Hockey Program

c. Checks Totaling $343,883 from Trustee Pat Richins to the "Jack and
Virginia Mashin Scholarship Trust Fund"

d. Woodworking Supplies Valued at $18,027.65 from D&D Tool & Supply to the
West Hills High School Construction Technology Program

e. HP LaserJet Printer Valued at $1,007 from Santana High School ASB to the
Santana High School Library

f. Power Mac G5 Valued at $3,059 from Grossmont High School ASB to Grossmont
High School

g. Panasonic Digital Palmcorder Valued at $668 from Grossmont High School
ASB to Grossmont High School

h. UMAX Scanner Power Look 2100XL Valued at $1,000 from Westrend Electric,
Inc. to East County ROP

i. HP Design jet 500 Plotter Valued at $2,000 from Westrend Electric, Inc. to
East County ROP

j. Check in the Amount of $1,000 from the El Capitan Stadium Association to
the El Capitan High School Car Club

k. Check in the Amount of $2,000 from the El Capitan Stadium Association to
the El Capitan High School Girls Golf Program

l. Check in the Amount of $2,500 from the Optimist Club of Lakeside to the El
Capitan High School Football Program

m. Check in the Amount of $500 from ACCI Roofing Services to the El Capitan
High School Football Program

n. Check in the Amount of $1,885.62 from the El Capitan Stadium Association
to El Capitan High School for a Welder for FFA

o. Check in the Amount of $3,858.28 from the El Capitan Stadium Association
to El Capitan High School for a Medical Station for Sports Medicine

p. Check in the Amount of $500 from the Wal-Mart Foundation to the El Capitan
High School Football Program

q. Check in the Amount of $1,000 from Falcon Framing Components to the El
Capitan High School Cross Country Program

r. Check in the Amount of $500 from Brookwood Plastering to the El Capitan
High School Cross Country Program

s. Check in the Amount of $500 from the Optimist Club of Lakeside to the El
Capitan High School Cross Country Program

t. Check in the Amount of $1,000 from the Optimist Club of Lakeside to El
Capitan High School Track Program

u. Check in the Amount of $500 from Wal-Mart Foundation to El Capitan High
School for the Cheerleading Program

v. Check in the Amount of $500 from Tapro Industries to El Capitan High
School Football Program w. Check in the Amount of $1,000 from Paul Cosner to
the El Capitan High School Football Program

x. Check in the Amount of $500 from the El Capitan Stadium Association to El
Capitan High School for Freshman Orientation

y. Check in the Amount of $112,000 from the El Capitan Stadium Association to
El Capitan High School for Aquatics Program

z. Check in the Amount of $2,000 from the Optimist Club of Lakeside to the El
Capitan High School Field Hockey Program

aa. Check in the Amount of $5,625 from the El Capitan Stadium Association to
El Capitan High School for Fencing around New Track

bb. Check in the Amount of $1,500 from Horsman Automotive to West Hills High
School for the Boys Basketball Program

cc. Check in the Amount of $2,500 from Hartford to the West Hills High School
Hartford Scholarship Program

dd. Intel Cone Computer with Accessories Valued at $750 from Mr. Mays to
Mount Miguel High School ASB Class

ee. Cornelius Ice Machine With Accessories Valued at $2,135.63 From Pacific
Refrigeration, Inc., to Mount Miguel High School

ff. Check in the Amount of $500 From Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation to
Helix High School

HAPPY HOLIDAYS