San Diego Unified spends more than $1 million a year on copy paper alone, which equates to more than 300,000 reams of paper or 20,000 trees. Employees can help reduce paper consumption by an estimated 25% and save the district $250,000 a year by simply defaulting to the double-sided feature on the copy machine and buying less copy paper.  Since last summer, IKON multi-function copiers have replaced less efficient machines throughout the district. The new copiers are loaded with energy-saving features, resulting in equipment that operates quieter, cooler and longer. Save even more by fully utilizing the scanning, remote meter reading and remote trouble-shooting diagnostic features on the new machines. For more information, contact Katherine Smolen at (858) 522-5811 or ksmolen@sandi.net, or Michael Agrella at (858) 522-5810 or magrella@sandi.net.

Electronic payroll advices are now in effect. Please take a moment to view your payroll advice for accuracy, including correct contact information. Updates to contact information can be done using Peoplesoft job aids.  For questions and additional helpful information, go to the Payroll website.

The Union-Tribune Kids Magic Mile/Race for Literacy has created a new Team Incentive Program to provide cash awards to schools and districts who participate in this annual event. Prize categories include:

• Districts - $2,000 to the district that has the largest percentage of participation in either the Kids Magic Mile on Saturday, May 2 , or the Race for Literacy (8K) on Sunday, May 3 .

• Schools - $1,500 to the school that has the largest percentage of participation in either the Kids Magic Mile or the Race for Literacy (8K), $1,000 for second place, and $750 for third place at each event.

Teams can consist of teachers, administrators, staff, parents and other. Register at www.raceforliteracy.com. Contact In Motion at (760) 692-2900 with questions.

San Diego Unified is participating in a special fundraising program sponsored by the San Diego Padres. The program offers SDUSD employees and parents discounted baseball ticket prices for six selected home games while raising funds for the district’s VAPA Department. Employees and parents have access to group sales prices without being required to purchase a large number of tickets, and can select from four different reserved seating levels including Toyota Terrace Reserved, Field Reserved, “All-You-Can-Eat” Field Reserved and Left Field Reserved. Ticket prices range from $15 to $30 per ticket. At the end of the six scheduled games, the San Diego Padres will write a check to SDUSD for the amount of funds raised by this partnership. Visit the website and enter the promo code: SDUSD for a list of games and ticket prices. For more information, please contact Aly Evans at (619) 725-5582 or aevans2@sandi.net .

Community Relations/Partnerships in Education will hold the annual Community Recognition Event at SeaWorld, Thursday, May 7, from 4-6 p.m. The event should not supplant individual recognition events held at school sites. Invitations were sent to principals, site volunteer coordinators, site partnership liaisons and business/community partners last week.  Attendees must RSVP using the form in the invitation by Friday, May 1, to reserve tickets. No tickets will be mailed.  If you have questions, please contact the Community Relations Department at (619) 725-5592 or e-mail Kathy Gartland at kgartland@sandi.net.

California Coast Credit Union is sponsoring a 3-day hotel stay drawing for the volunteer at each school site who has logged the most volunteer hours during 2008-09.  Tuesday, May 5, is the deadline to submit an entry form by fax to (619) 725-5599 or by school mail to Ellen Tiffany, Community Relations Department, Ed Center, Room 2121. The winner's name will be drawn at the End-of-Year Community Recognition Event on May 7.  For information, contact etiffany@sandi.net or (619) 725-5594.

School sites are reminded to select a classified employee representative by April 17.  Site representatives will be recognized at the Classified Employees of the Year ceremony, to be held on May 19, at University City High School.  Send completed forms to Gloria Rangel, Room 1241, Eugene Brucker Education Center. For more information, contact Gloria at (619) 725-8172 or e-mail grangel@sandi.net.

The Transportation Department’s new field trip software system, TripTracker, streamlines field trip requests. Many schools have yet to designate their field trip "Requester" and "Approver."  School sites must make these designations in order to complete the field trip process once the system goes live towards the end of this year, and to receive training. Visit the website to complete this process.  Note: District procedure requires all field trips to be approved by the school principal.
For questions, please contact the Field Trip Office at fieldtrip@sandi.net or (858) 496-8743.

• Save the Date:  College Board Institute on Vertical Teams in May
  On May 19, the first annual SDUSD Institute on Vertical Teaming will be held at UCSD. Sponsored by Curriculum and Instruction and coordinated by the GATE Department, the Institute will feature national presenters from the College Board who will discuss enrollment gaps, AP classes for traditionally underserved students in the district and integrating pre-AP strategies in the middle and early high school years. High school and middle school administrators and teachers are urged to attend. Substitute teachers will be provided. For more information, contact Rhonda Zawadzki at rzawadzki@sandi.net. 

• Current Grant Opportunities
  The Office of Resource Development provides ongoing information about grant opportunities along with assistance developing grant proposals. For information or a complete listing of current grant opportunities, visit the website or contact Aly Evans at aevans2@sandi.net or (619) 725-5582.

• Spring into Fitness Challenge
  Newton Running is offering an exclusive contest for SDUSD elementary schools. Spring into Fitness is a writing challenge, in which students write about the importance of fitness.  Three schools will be chosen to receive a financial award (1st Place - $3,000; 2nd - $2,000; 3rd-$1,000) to apply toward their physical education program. Entries must be postmarked no later than Friday, May 8. For information, call toll free: 877-860-7695.

• Weather Channel Contest for K-8
  The Weather Channel, is holding a Care and Share Contest for Kindergarten through 8th grade students in celebration of Earth Day. Entries must be received by midnight, April 20. For information and to sign-up, visit the webpage.

• Don Diego Scholarships for HS Seniors
  Don Diego Fund scholarships (flyer) of $5,000 each are available to college-bound graduating high school seniors who have participated in the San Diego County Fair and/or other events associated with the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Applications are due no later than Wednesday, April 1. For information and to download an application, go to www.sdfair.com. Questions can be directed to Chana Mannen at cmannen@sdfair.com or (858) 792-4210.

• REI Outreach Program for Grades 2-4
  REI, the outdoor gear and apparel retailer, has a strong outreach program including PEAK - Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids. Through this hands-on, interactive program, kids have fun while learning about responsible outdoor recreation. The presentation is available in English and Spanish and is appropriate for elementary school age students, primarily grades 2-4.  For information and to schedule a presentation, contact Myrian Solis Coronel at (619) 591-4924 ext. 206 or msolisc@rei.com.

• Rotary Interact Club Video Contest
  Rotary Clubs of San Diego invite submissions to their first-ever "Interact Club - Service Above Self" video contest for all San Diego area high school students. Winning students receive cash awards up to $500. The deadline for contest submissions is Wednesday, April 8. For more information, visit the webpage.

• Superintendent’s Friday Notes
• New Administrative Circulars and Bulletins
• Rodriguez Elementary
• Budget Action – What Can You Do?

San Diego Union-Tribune
March 27
Proposed magnet school no-bus savings doubted 

KPBS-FM
March 25
Private Schools' Loss Is SD Unified's Gain

March 26-27 Coverage of SDUSD’s First State of the District Address:

San Diego Union-Tribune
SDUSD's Jackson gives first State of the District address

KPBS-FM
SD School Board Leader Gives 'State of District'

Voice of San Diego
Jackson: 'I Want to Dwell on Our Opportunities'

KUSI-TV
The State of the District

• Forum on Obama’s Educational Reform Agenda – Free Event
  Join scholars, practitioners and policymakers in a Forum on National Education Reform , this Wednesday, April 1, at Thomas Jefferson School of Law. The free event features several keynote presenters, begins at 11:15 a.m. and is open to the public. Lunch is provided. For more information, visit www.tjsl.edu/educationreform or RSVP to educationforum@tjsl.edu.
  

• Taste of Mira Mesa IV
  The Mira Mesa High School Foundation is hosting this annual event tomorrow, Tuesday, March 31, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., at Gen-Probe courtyard. The cost this year is $30 per person; $40 per person at the door. For information and to purchase tickets, visit the website.

• 15th Annual Taste of the Triangle 
  The University City Foundation for Public Schools (EdUCate!) will host its 15th Annual Taste of the Triangle fundraising event on Friday, April 3, from 6 -11 p.m., at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines. Top area restaurants will provide gourmet "tastes." Live and silent auctions will be hosted by professional auctioneer Bill Menish, followed by entertainment and dancing. Tickets are $75 in advance; $85 at the door. For more information and to purchase a ticket, go to http://www.uc-educate.org.

• SCPA performs The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940
  April 2-4, SCPA performs The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. Performances are April 2-3 at 7 p.m.; April 4 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8-10 for adults; $7-9 for students, seniors and military. Call the box office at (619) 475-8556 or go to www.scpa.sandi.net.

• 9th Annual Summer Brass Workshop at SDSU
  Week-long Workshop runs June 22-27 at SDSU.  Registration for students is $125; $175 for teachers/adults. For more information go to http://westwindbrass.org/educ. 

For Sale:

• RV: 24 ft., 1985 C-Class, very clean and in great shape. Sleeps 6, A/C, generator, microwave, newer transmission, refrigerator and tires. $6,200. Call Jan at (858) 483-1740.

• Green iguana: Includes modular 4' x 2' x 4' habitat with 4' x 2' x 2' storage area. $250. Call (619) 223-3121 x4106 or (619) 443-7395.

For Rent:

• Vacation cabin getaway in Idyllwild: 2BD/2BA fully equipped cabin.  $295 / 2 nights, Fri-Sun; 10% discount with 2-week notice. Call (858) 603-9507.

• Furnished private room with bath in Rancho San Diego. Available now.  $500/month; $500 deposit. Must love cats. Call Mary (619) 402-0554.

• 3BD/2BA house: 3704 Cowley Way in South Clairemont. Quiet area, nice yard, redwood deck, hardwood floors, large master bedroom.  $1,700/mo. Call Kyle at (858) 243-0351.

Wanted:

• Treadmill: good working condition only.  Will pay up to $100 or trade for furniture. Contact Joy at egoldstein@sandi.net.

Travel

• San Diego High School staff are planning a 21-day river and land tour of China.$3,095 inc. airfare. If interested, e-mail stannenbaum@sandi.net.

• Staff members at Roosevelt Middle School are organizing a 9-day Thanksgiving '09 cruise from Venice to the Greek Islands and Croatia for $1,495 + taxes (air + cruise). For information, contact Sandra at sandraboe@sbcglobal.net.

• Staff members at Gage Elementary are organizing a 15-day trip to Ireland, starting July 27, 2009. For information or to join the group, contact Milanne at milannetolson@hotmail.com.

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.