All schools and the IMC/TMC will be closed next week, November 24-28, for Thanksgiving Break. Child development centers and central offices will remain open November 24-26, and will be closed November 27-28. All schools, child development centers and offices will re-open on Monday, December 1. Have a safe and restful break.
Benefits Open Enrollment Period Ends Friday
The annual Benefits Open Enrollment period ends this Friday, November 21. Eligible employees who wish to make changes to their medical/dental coverage and/or add eligible dependents must turn in the required forms by this Friday. No enrollment forms are needed if medical/dental coverage remains unchanged. Enrollment in a Flexible Spending Account is not automatic. Employees who participated during 2008 must re-enroll if participation is desired for 2009. All Open Enrollment changes become effective January 1, 2009. For information, visit the Benefits Office website or call (619) 725-8130, option 6.
Contacts by the Media
This is a reminder that if you are contacted by the media, please let the Communications Department know. Communications can help with talking points and general information, as well as tips to make a successful news story. In addition, the Communications Department keeps track of all media stories involving the district, so a heads-up will help staff find the news report. For information or to report a media call, contact Jack Brandais, media relations specialist, at (619) 725-5570 (desk) or (619) 607-0477 (cell), or the Communications Department at (619) 725-5578.
Join the Community Service Association (CSA)
The annual membership drive for the Community Service Association, the district employee charitable organization, is in full swing. Becoming a CSA member is easy and a convenient way to make charitable contributions to the local community through tax-deductible donations. Contributions can be made through payroll deductions on a 10-month basis (September - June) or a one-time donation by writing a check made payable to Community Service Association. Employees may designate an agency to receive their donation. To see a list of agencies supported by CSA and to obtain a CSA payroll deduction form, visit the website at www.sandi.net/csa. For more information, contact your CSA Site Rep. or Mary Bartholomew, CSA Membership Coordinator, at (619) 465-2210.
VEBA Smoking Cessation Challenge
To help promote Lung Cancer Awareness Month and the Great American Smokeout, VEBA is pleased to announce the Smoking Cessation Challenge. There are several options available to help employees and dependants who are covered under VEBA medical benefits to quit smoking. PacifiCare Members can sign up free of charge for the “Free and Clear” Stop smoking program. Kaiser Members can enroll in a free online program called “HealthMedia Breathe” or attend free Quit Smoking classes. For information, visit www.vebaonline.com.
University of San Diego Spotlight on Education Speaker Series
The Educational Leadership Development Academy (ELDA) Spotlight on Education Speaker Series presents “Redefining the Norm” by Dr. Anthony Muhammad, founder of New Frontier 21, on Thursday, November 20, from 4-7 p.m., at the School of Leadership and Education Sciences at USD. RSVP required at www.sandiego.edu/soles/spotlight. For information, call (619) 260-8839.
District Trainings
Build an Elementary School Website at No Cost
The Communications and Information Technology departments have a joint project that provides elementary schools with the tools and knowledge to create and manage their own websites at no cost. After attending two 3-hour training sessions, schools can develop and launch a website without special equipment or technical expertise. The next training will be held Wednesday, December 3 (Part 1), and Wednesday, December 10 (Part 2), from noon to 3 p.m., with open labs from 3-5 p.m. For information or to register, contact Geoff Smith, at gsmith2@sandi.net or (619) 725-7464.
Teaching the Holocaust on Thursday, December 4, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. SDSU Nasatir Chair in Modern Jewish History, Dr. Lawrence Baron, and the co-directors of Chico State’s Center for Excellence in the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, Human Rights, and Tolerance, Dr. Carol Edelman and Dr. Sam Edelman, will conduct the workshop. Each registered teacher will receive a copy of Michael Bart’s book, “Until Our Last Breath: A Holocaust Story of Love and Partisan Resistance”. Lunch will be provided. The History/Social Studies Department will cover the cost of substitute teachers.
CSET Prep Courses Scheduled
Prep courses for the January 10, 2009, California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) will begin Tuesday, December 2. Courses are available in Single Subject English, Single Subject Science (General Science, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Geoscience), Single Subject Mathematics and Multiple Subjects . Courses are free for district employees; $60 for non-district employees. The registration deadline is Friday, November 21. For information, contact Lucy Del Valle at ldelvalle@sandi.net or (619) 725-7142.
Intensive GATE Certification Program The district has made arrangements with UCSD Extended Studies to form a cohort of teachers to complete a certification program during this school year. An Open House explaining the program will be held Tuesday, November 18, from 4:30-6 p.m., in Mission Valley. For information, contact Ylianna Romo at yromo@ucsd.edu or (858) 539-9160.
Student Opportunities
K-12 Aviation Art Competition The San Diego Air and Space Museum, in partnership with the San Diego Regional Airport Authority is seeking young artists, grades K-12 to participate in their 2009 Regional Youth Aviation Art Competition. This year’s theme correlates with current issues concerning global warming and challenges the young artist to envision a futuristic flying machine powered by an alternative energy source (non-petroleum or fossil-based fuel). Entries must be postmarked by January 5, 2009. For information, call Gail Brenner at (619) 234-8291, ext. 119.
Free Educators Night at Children’s Museum
Plan to attend the Fall Educators Evening of art and hors d’oeuvres at The New Children’s Museum on Tuesday, December 2, from 4-6 p.m. RSVP by November 26 to Lauren Popp, at lpopp@thinkplaycreate.org or (619) 233-8792, ext. 121.
Parent Leadership Training
The Ballard Parent Center is offering free training to parents who want to learn how to assume leadership roles in schools. Classes in English are scheduled for Friday, November 21, from 9-11:30 a.m.; in Spanish on Monday, December 8, from 9 - 11:30 a.m. Participants will learn strategies to build leadership skills, how to be a productive and active member of a team and tips for conducting effective meetings. Childcare will be provided. Registration required. For information or to register, contact Marco Beltran at mbeltran@sandi.net or call (619) 293-4431.
Upcoming Events
The Instructional Media Center and the Educational Technology Department are hosting an Open House today, November 17, from 3-6 p.m., to showcase the new training labs. Refreshments and raffle prizes will be provided. For information, contact Martha Karanopoulos at mkaranopoulos@sandi.net or (858) 496-8439.
Learn about the John Muir K-12 Magnet School’s global theme and Paideia seminars on Wednesday, November 19, at 9:30 a.m. Meet the principal, counselor, technology specialist, K-6 science teacher, ESL specialist and magnet coordinator. For information, call (858) 268-1954, ext. 145.
Scripps Ranch High School’s first production of George M. Cohen's "7 Keys to Baldpate" will be held November 19-21. Curtain at 7 p.m. Tickets are $6- $8, available at the door. District employees with ID are admitted for $6.
The Counseling and Guidance Department 4th Annual Community Resource Fair is on Tuesday, December 2, from 8-10:30 a.m., at Marina Village. Representatives from community agencies will share information about resources available to schools. For information, call the Counseling & Guidance Department at (858) 503-3180.
Four mini Dachshunds, smooth & wirehaired. Born 11/05/08. AKC. $500. Call (858) 679-1280.
White retro bedroom set. Distressed white with green and blue trim. Great condition. Bed, desk and chair, 2 dressers, bookshelf, mirror. $300. Connie at (619) 582-8982 or connie159@cox.net .
Custom new construction. 3BR/2½ BA, 2-car garage. Central San Diego, City Heights. High end appliances, fenced, view. $339,000. Call (619) 729-1205.
3 BR/2 BA House in El Cajon. Pool, gazebo, waterfall and pond. Slate Deck. Brick BBQ. $349,000. Call (619) 729-1205.
China dishes. Service for 12. Extra pieces included. $125/obo. E-mail for pics: candydotz@cox.net.
For Rent:
House. Remodeled in and out. 3BD/2BA/2Car. El Cajon. Fireplace, central air, pool. $1,950/mo. Call (619) 447-2329.
Furnished 2 BD/2 BA Condo in quiet 55+ Community in Oceanside. $1,400. Call (760) 622-0670.
3 BR/2 BA House in El Cajon. Pool, gazebo, waterfall and pond. Slate Deck. Brick BBQ. $2,000. Call (619) 729-1205.
Las Vegas condo, Thanksgiving week (11/23-30). 2BD/ 2 BA. Sleeps 6, full kitchen, pools/spas, 2 blocks off strip. Reduced price. Call (619) 582-8605.
Furn. room in Kensington house. $750/mo. Inc. utilities, cable, wireless internet, w/d. Call Debby at (619) 838-1180.
Classified ads are accepted from district employees only and cannot be used to advertise commercial activities. Submit ads by e-mail to communications@sandi.net. Limit to 15 words (not including phone number). Include work location and phone number (for ID purposes only).
Do you have an announcement for Newsline?Newsline is published every Monday; the deadline to submit items is noon on the preceding Friday. E-mail items to communications@sandi.net and mark “Newsline” in the subject line.
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