The district is in close communication with the San Diego County Public Health Services, monitoring the swine flu. The Superintendent has released a letter (English  | Spanish ) which is posted on www.sandi.net in the News section. Be assured that this is not a pandemic flu situation. There have currently been limited cases in San Diego, all of whom have had mild symptoms. For your health and well-being, please take the same precautions that help prevent all seasonal flu:

• Stay home if you are sick with flu-like symptoms
• Practice good hand hygiene – wash your hands properly and often
• Cover your cough – with a tissue, or sneeze in your sleeve

If you have questions, please call the San Diego County Swine Flu Hotline at (858) 715-2250 or visit the CDC Swine Flu page at www.cdc.gov/flu/swine.

Employees, parents, students and community members are invited to learn more about the state budget crisis and its impact on public K-12 education at a Town Hall meeting on Thursday, April 30, at 6:30 p.m., at Kearny High School. Attendees will have the opportunity to share ideas and opinions with the Board of Education and state representatives, who are invited to attend and participate. To date, Senator Chris Kehoe, Assemblymember Marty Block, and representatives from Senator Mark Wyland’s and Congressman Brian Bilbray’s offices have committed to attend. For more information, please contact Chief District Relations Officer Bernie Rhinerson at (619) 725-5578.

The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for Special Education is seeking nominations for the 2009 Above & Beyond Awards . Nominees can be district employees, students, parents and community members who exemplify a commitment to improve the educational opportunities for students with special needs. Nomination forms must be received by Thursday, April 30. For information, call Susan Miranda at (858) 496-1872, or e-mail CACAboveBeyond@aol.com.

Teachers, administrators, support staff, parents, students and others are invited to participate in the Union-Tribune Race for Literacy to benefit the San Diego Council on Literacy and our schools. This annual two-day event takes place in Balboa Park and starts with the Kids Magic Mile on Saturday, May 2, followed by the Race for Literacy 8K on Sunday, May 3. This year, a Team Incentive Program has been created to provide cash awards to schools and school districts that participate. The San Diego Unified Strollers team could earn $2,000 for SDUSD if the district has the largest team in the Race for Literacy 8K. Many of our schools are also participating and could win up to $1,500 for the largest 8K team; up to $1,500 for the largest Magic Mile Team. For more information and to join a school or the San Diego Unified Strollers team, please visit www.utraceforliteracy.com or call Contact In Motion at (760) 692-2900.

Reminder to all school sites that have selected a Site Teacher of the Year to RSVP for the Day of the Teacher Celebration on Tuesday, May 5, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at Sherman Elementary School. Recent Future Educator Scholars, National Board Certified Teachers and the 2009-10 District Teachers of the Year will also be honored. RSVPs are due to Jennie Breister in the Communications Department by Wednesday, April 29 at jbreister@sandi.net or (619) 725-5598.

If you are interested in becoming a BTSA Support Provider in 2009-2010, the optional informational meeting referred to in Administrative Circular No. 92 will be held Wednesday, May 6, 4-5 p.m., at the Instructional Media Center (IMC) in the Ed Tech Training Room. Contact Latricia Branch at lbranch2@sandi.net to register.

Reminder to invitees to RSVP by Friday, May 1 for the annual Community Recognition Event at SeaWorld, Thursday, May 7, from 4-6 p.m. The event should not supplant individual recognition events at school sites. If you have questions, call (619) 725-5592 or e-mail Kathy Gartland at kgartland@sandi.net.

Don’t forget to order your discounted Padres tickets and support our Visual and Performing Arts programs. Discount tickets are available for the next home game on Tuesday, May 5 against the Colorado Rockies. Click here  to see a full schedule of games, ticket prices and instructions on how to purchase tickets. For information, contact Aly Evans at (619) 725-5582 or aevans2@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 more information, contact etiffany@sandi.net or (619) 725-5594.

Teachers and their students have until Friday, May 15 to register for the PBL Showcase on May 21, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Town and Country in Mission Valley. Be recognized for your teaching strategies based on standards-focused, project based learning. PBL exhibits, solo and team competitions for cash and other prizes, breakout sessions for teachers and students, breakfast, lunch and parking are all included with registration. See the PBL Showcase flyer or register online.

The School of Digital Media and Design (DMD) at Kearny is looking for panelists to evaluate 9th and 10th grade level projects and senior client-base exhibitions. SDUSD employees and all Kearny DMD supporters are invited to serve as panelists. This is a perfect opportunity to visit a high school and engage with students who value the experience of presenting to the community.  See flyer for more information on panel presentations, taking place over several dates between May 26 and June 4 with both a.m. and p.m. sessions available.

• San Diego County Arts Education Summit 2009
  “Testing, budgets, assessment, pink slips, and curriculum:  What is successful education, and where do the arts fit?” is the topic for the 2009 summit event being held Wednesday, April 29, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the San Diego County Office of Education, Linda Vista Campus, 6401 Linda Vista Road (92111).  Registration is $35.  Online registration only. For registration information, call (858) 292-3789, or for information about the day’s agenda and program, visit the webpage or call (760) 750-4431.

• Earn a Master’s Degree in Integrated Teaching Through the Arts
  Lesley University is currently accepting applications for a second Arts in Education Cohort program, which prepares educators to teach the California state standards while using the arts as teaching and learning strategies to meet the needs of students. An informational meeting will be held on Thursday, April 30, at 4:30 p.m., at Taft Middle School. For information, contact Michael McCarthy, Ph.D. at (866) 531-3167 or mmccart1@lesley.edu.
  
  
• Cohort Online Master’s in Educational Technology Program
  Interested in an online Master's degree where what you learn is put into practice immediately? Consider San Diego State’s Educational Technology's Cohort Online Master's in Educational Technology (COMET) program. The application deadline is Friday, May 1. Classes begin this fall. For more information, visit the website or contact Elsa at etapi@mail.sdsu.edu.

• Earn National Board Certification, Master's Degree at the Same Time
  In partnership with National University, district teachers can pursue National Board Certification in 2009-10 while completing a Master's Degree in Teaching, a Master's with an Administrative Credential, or simply National Board Certification. Classes meet one night per week at a district school and online in a hybrid program. Apply for the June cohort no later than June 1, 2009. Plan to attend an informational meeting  to learn more. For information, contact Julia Groff at jgroff@sandi.net.
  
  
• 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. 

• Grants Available for School-based Running Programs
  In its effort to fight childhood obesity and introduce students to the benefits of running, ING Insurance Corporation is providing 50 grants valued at $2,000 each to middle and high schools interested in establishing a school-based running program or expanding an existing one. The ING Run For Something Better School Awards Program has partnered with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) to target 5th-8th grade students. Schools must implement a minimum of an eight-week running program with a culminating event by Dec. 31, 2009. Applications are being accepted through June 1, 2009. For more information, visit the program website. 

• Target Stores Offer Grant Opportunities for the Arts
  Target offers grant funding for arts programs that bring the arts to schools or make it affordable for students and families to participate in cultural experiences. Target will accept grant applications online by May 31 for programs taking place between October 1, 2009, and September 30, 2010. Schools will receive notification by September 30, 2009. Most grants average between $1,000 and $3,000. For more information, visit Target Store Grants.

• 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.

• GATE Summer Enrichment Opportunities
  The GATE Department is proud to support engaging and enriching summer opportunities for all students. Activities range from camps sponsored by local San Diego colleges, to service learning opportunities. For more information, go to www.sandi.net/GATE2/ and click the Quick Links box under either “Summer Opportunities for GATE Students” or “Additional Educational Opportunities”.  For further information, call Robin Nelson in the GATE Office at (858) 573-5992.

• USO San Diego “Midway Magic” Scholarship Opportunity
  The USO San Diego and USS Midway Museum are offering a $3,000 scholarship to a deserving high school senior. Applicants must be the child of an active duty service member stationed in San Diego County, have been accepted by a college or university, have maintained a 3.0 high school GPA, and write a short essay on “What America Means to Me and My Family.” To apply or for more information, visit the webpage. Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., May 1. 
  
  
• Southern California Asthma Medical Program SCAMP camp 2009
  Students with asthma, ages 8-14, can enjoy camp ( Flyer: English | Spanish ) activities and learn how to live more active, healthy lives at this week-long camp, held June 21-26, at YMCA Camp Marston in Julian. Medical care and transportation are provided. Fees vary based on family size and income. Scholarships are available. For application or information, visit the website. Applications must be received by May 15.

Ballard Parent Center in Old Town will host a new quarter of free parenting classes ( Flyer : English | Spanish ) from May 12 - June 17, on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Classes include “Reading to Learn!”, “MegaSkills” and “Can We Talk?” and are offered in both English and Spanish. Transportation and childcare are available.

Additional classes:

• Star Testing – What Parents Need to Know at San Diego High School
• Math Night with the Make-It/Take-It Lab at Tubman/Chavez Multicultural Center
• Star Testing – What Parents Need to Know at Cherokee Point Elementary
• Burmese Parent Workshops at Mann Middle School ( Flyer : English | Burmese )

For a complete list of classes offered or to register parents, call (619) 293-4431.

• Superintendent’s Friday Notes
• New Administrative Circulars and Bulletins
• Follow SDUSD on Twitter

• Emeralds & Pearls Silent Auction
  Benefiting Lincoln High School and the Monique Palmer Scholarship Fund:
  Thursday, April 30, from 6-9 p.m. at the Jacobs Center, 404 Euclid Avenue (92114). Tickets are $25 presale; $30 on event night. For more information, visit www.emeraldsandpearls.com or e-mail info@emaraldsandpearls.com.

• Yancheng Acrobats at Barnard Elementary
  On Monday, May 4 at 9 a.m., Barnard Elementary Mandarin Chinese Magnet School will host a dazzling performance by the Yancheng Acrobats , featuring youth performances in honor of Asian Heritage Month. Come and enjoy singing, dancing and Beijing Opera performances at Barnard Elementary.

• Spreckels Cinco de Mayo/Day of the Child Carnival
  Spreckels Bilingual Magnet School will hold its annual Cinco de Mayo/Day of the Child Carnival on Wednesday, May 6, from 5:00-7:30 p.m., including Mexican food, student entertainment and games. For more information, contact the school at (858) 453-5377.

• Byron King, O’Farrell Community School
  Thursday, May 28, 4-6 p.m., at the Bayview Baptist Church ( see flyer )

• Elaine Saville, Jefferson Elementary
  Sunday, June 7, 11 a.m., at the Bali Hai Restaurant ( see flyer )

• E. Rae Riner, Gage Elementary School
  Family and friends are honoring E.Rae Riner as she prepares to retire from a 40+ year career with San Diego Unified. The dinner/dance celebration will be on Saturday, June 13, at the Eagles Hall in Hillcrest. The cost is $10, payable to Pam McIntosh at Gage Elementary School.  For  information, contact Pam or Carol Schroder at (619) 463-0202.

For Sale:

• Chihuahua puppies: 10 weeks old, 1 male and 1 female. Great pets. Call to see, and for price. (619) 490-9400.
  
  
• Chihuahua puppies: 8 weeks old, happy puppies. 2 males: $325 each. 1 female: $350. Call (619) 710-0680.
  
  
• Ivers & Pond upright piano with bench. Excellent condition. $500/obo. Call 619-223-4329.
  
  
• 2002 SE Honda Accord: Sunroof, 2-door, new tires, original owner, excellent condition. $5,500. Call Jose at (310) 612-2932.
  
  
• Dining room set with 6 chairs and matching hutch. Also available: bedroom set (queen or king) with matching dresser and mirror.  Both in excellent condition. $300 each. Call (760) 233-5988.

• L-shaped corner desk: Beautiful. $75. Call Harvey at (760) 855-5180 if interested or to have photos e-mailed.
  
  
• Power wheelchair: includes battery & charger, 300 lb. cap. Like new, valued at $3,440. Make offer. Call Daniel at (619) 429-3327.

• Sears Kenmore gas cooktop: Never been used, Model #790.32239401. Sold for $499 new. Asking $250/obo. Call (858) 278-6884

Wanted:

• Roommate to share a 4BR/2BA house in La Mesa: Pool, security system, W/D, AC/heat.  $700/mo. Call (619) 252-3262.

Travel

• San Diego High School staff are planning a 21-day river and land tour of China from June 23- July 14, 2009. $3,095 inc. airfare. If interested, e-mail Sheila at 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 milannes.mail@gmail.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.