On Monday, Nov. 9, from 4 - 5:30 p.m., the Board of Education will hold a special public hearing to address San Diego State’s changes to its admissions policy, which would impact local students for the 2010-11 academic year. Parents, students, staff and community members are invited to attend the meeting, to be held in the Ed Center auditorium. Attendees can offer a brief public testimony and/or provide a written statement about the issue. The Board of Education will transmit all written statements and a video record of the hearing to SDSU President Steve Weber, California State University Chancellor Charles Reed and local state legislative representatives. Read the Board’s Oct. 13 Resolution . For San Diego State’s viewpoint, visit their webpage. For more information and to sign-up to speak, visit the Board Meeting webpage and fill out an online Public Testimony Request Form, call the office directly at (619) 725-5550 or email board@sandi.net.

San Diego Unified pay warrants are issued through the County Treasurer of San Diego.  At the request of the County Treasurer, no stop payments will be placed on pay warrants lost in the mail until seven calendar days following the mailing of the pay warrant.  If your pay is not directly deposited, you must wait seven calendar days before placing a stop payment on a lost warrant.  Generally, a replacement check will be generated the day after the stop payment has been placed.  If you wish to place a stop payment on a lost warrant, complete the appropriate paperwork in the Fiscal Control office, Room 3251 at the Ed Center.  Contact Fiscal Control at (619) 725-7679 if you have any questions regarding the stop payment process.

In support of the Year of the School Volunteer, schools and departments have the opportunity to recognize a volunteer and/or partner of the month. Volunteer and Partner of the Month nominees will be showcased on the “Year of the School Volunteer” website and will be entered into consideration for the Volunteer and Partner of the Year awards at the end of the school year. You may submit photos and/or videos with nomination forms.  Deadline for October nominees is Thursday, Nov. 5.  Return the Volunteer of the Month and Partner of the Month forms to Ellen Tiffany, Community Relations Department, Ed Center, Room 2121 by fax (619) 725-5599 or etiffany@sandi.net.

In honor of the annual membership campaign for the Community Service Association (CSA), prizes will be given out during two kick-off meetings on Nov. 3, at 8-8:30 a.m. or 3-3:30 p.m., at the Ballard Parent Center. Pick up membership information and enjoy refreshments and door prizes, including a $100 gift certificate. See flier for more information.

The enrollment period for 2010-11 School Choice began Nov.1 and runs through Feb.15, 2010. Families can apply for district programs, such as Magnet Schools, the Voluntary Enrollment Exchange Program and Open Enrollment. Visit www.sandi.net/enrollmentoptions for the online application and other helpful materials. Applications are given a computer-generated random number and are treated equally once received during the open enrollment period -- first come, first served does not apply.

To help families learn more about the many schools and programs offered at San Diego Unified, two enrollment fairs are scheduled:

• Magnet Schools Fair on Nov. 14, 2009
• Enrollment Options Fair (all district-run schools and programs) on Jan. 30, 2010

Both fairs will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Recital Hall in Balboa Park.

A free Celebration of Girls and Women in Sports aimed at girls from kindergarten through eighth grade is scheduled for Feb. 6, 2010, 11:30 a.m. at San Diego State. The event includes an all-sports clinic as well as seats at the SDSU vs. New Mexico women’s basketball game. Aztec athletes will have stations to talk to girls and their families outside SDSU’s Viejas Arena. Staff members who are true champions of girls and women’s sports are invited to become SDSU Girls and Women in Sports Ambassadors. See flier or contact Jim Esterbrooks at jimester@sdcoe.net or Laura Ferschweiler at lfersch@sdoce.net.

• Fall Discover Program Classes
  Discover the many opportunities available for professional growth, staff development, and district salary advancement credits. To register online and view all course descriptions for Fall 2009, visit the Discover website. For further information, contact Kathy Siverio at (619) 725-7431 or ksiverio@sandi.net.
  
  
• Opportunity for Teachers to Receive Masters Degree in Arts Integration
  Lesley University announces the next opportunity for teachers to receive their masters degree in arts integration.  Lesley is the only university in the nation to offer a masters in arts integration in education and the courses will be taught right here in San Diego.  Information meetings will be held on November 4 and 5 at convenient locations in San Diego.  For more information about this popular program, please contact the VAPA office at (858) 539-5349 or visit www.lesley.edu/california.

• Guiding Good Choices Program Workshop
  Counseling and Guidance’s Student Services Office is conducting a two-day training for educators and parents assigned to implement strategies for safe and drug-free schools and communities.  The training takes place on Nov. 5 and 6, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day, at Mt. Everest Academy.  See registration form . Registration deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
  

• Military Family Counseling program
  For counselors seeking additional training on how to assist military families, an upcoming session is scheduled for Dec. 7-8, funded by the US Navy (CNIC,N912) for guidance professionals, teachers, parents and community professionals. The organization will be having a transition counselor institute, presented by the Professional Development Institutes, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., both days at the Marriott San Diego (Mission Valley). For information and registration, see flier or contact Amanda Hulsey at (254) 953-1923 or Amanda.hulsey@militarychild.org.

• USD Annual Forum on the State of Counseling and Guidance in Schools
  University of San Diego’s Center for Student Support Systems presents this year’s forum: School Counseling in Times of Fiscal Crisis: Dangers and Opportunities, on Dec. 11, at the USD School of Leadership and Education Sciences. Counselors and school leaders are encouraged to attend. See flier for cost and registration information or register on-line at www.sandiego.edu/cs3.
  
  
• VAPA Fundraiser and Educator Discounts
  San Diego Symphony is offering students, teachers and employees an opportunity to enjoy the San Diego Symphony at its best while supporting the Visual and Performing Arts Department.  Ten percent of ticket proceeds will go toward supporting our Grade Level Arts Experience Project and purchasing supplies and materials for our elementary VAPA programs. There is a ticket price for every budget.  Select the performances you wish to attend, bring your friends, and know that you are giving our children a chance to experience and benefit from the arts.  For more information, please contact Annette Grieshaber, San Diego Symphony, at (619) 236-5403.

• San Diego City College’s Summer Spanish Immersion Program
  This year’s Spanish immersion program takes place in Cuernavaca, Mexico, July 3- 31, 2010, for the four-week program and July 3-17 for the two-week program. Four-week participants enroll in one of six regular community college Spanish language classes. Two-week program participants enroll in an independent study class for 1 unit. All participants live with Mexican host families where three daily meals are served. An optional service learning opportunity is also available. Learn more at www.sdcity.edu/studyabroad or contact Marion Froehlich at mfroehli@sdccd.edu.

• Mission Federal Credit Union’s Mission 4R Schools Program
  Participants who open a Mission Federal checking account will receive $25 in cash; their favorite school receives a matching $25 donation with no restrictions on use of funds. See flier for more information.

• Attention: Grant Seekers
  The Grants and Development Office is prepared to assist you in finding and applying for grant funding. Please visit the Grants and Development web page www.sandi.net/depts/grants for helpful tips, forms and step-by-step directions about applying for grants.

Be sure to check Current Grant Opportunities to see a list of live grants, updated monthly.  Contact Aly Evans with questions at aevans2@sandi.net or (619) 725-5582.

• Cash Award from the San Diego Air & Space Museum
  The San Diego Air & Space Museum is offering a $500 cash award to students who produce winning video clips reflecting what they would do to green their space. Deadline is Sunday, Nov. 8. Visit http://sandiegoairandspace.org/education/gsfl2009.html
  

• Bikes for Kids Program
  Student nominations are being accepted for the Salvation Army/NBC 7/39 weekly-televised Bikes for Kids awards program, acknowledging the achievements of outstanding children, ages 7-11. A child may be recognized for characteristics or attributes that set him or her apart, such as academic achievement, acts of courage, civic involvement, leadership and perfect attendance, among others. A child must come from a low-income family unable to afford a new bike, and the child cannot already own a bike. See 2009 criteria for more information.
  
  
• 13th Annual Student Writing for Literacy Essay Contest
  Students in grades 4, 8 and 10 who attend a school served by the San Diego Public Library system have until Thursday, Nov. 19, to enter the essay contest sponsored by the San Diego Public Library and San Diego Unified Library Media Teachers. For more information and an application form, contact the Friends of the Library at (619) 542-1724, or Wendy Gay at (619) 697-2024.
  
  
• Free Field Trip to the USS Midway - New Dates Available
  Instructional Support Services is pleased to announce the continued partnership between San Diego Unified and the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum, USS Midway. Fourth and fifth grade classes are invited to participate in the SDUSD Patriots Program which focuses on engaging history based lessons, involving a visit to the USS Midway Museum. Scholarships are available to qualifying schools to cover the cost of transportation and admission. For information and available dates, contact Tim Betteridge at tbetteridge@sandi.net.
  
  
• The Next Star Classical Music Talent Competition
  San Diego’s Orchestra Nova announces the first classical music talent competition ever held where the winner will be selected by the concert audience and the Internet community. The competition is open to amateur classical musicians (no age limit) in San Diego whose principal source of income does not come from public performances of classical music. Application deadline is Dec. 28. See flier for more information or visit www.orchestranova.org.
  
  
• $10,000 Kyoto Scholarships Available
  Scholarships worth up to $10,000 are available for high-achieving high school seniors working for the betterment of their community. The Kyoto Scholarship is named in honor of the prestigious Kyoto Prize, Japan’s highest private award for global achievement, and is offered through the Kyoto Symposium Organization and San Diego Foundation in collaboration with Japan’s Inamori Foundation. For information and application, visit www.kyotoprize.org. Deadline for the 2010-11 scholarship is Jan. 8, 2010.
  

• Free Parenting Classes through Parent University
  Ballard Parent Center in Old Town will host the first quarter of free parenting classes (Flier English | Spanish ) through Dec. 9, on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Classes include “Passport to Success,” “Raising Skilled Readers,” and “Tools for Life,” and are offered in both English and Spanish. Transportation and childcare are provided for Quarter I classes.
  
  Other upcoming classes include:
  • Project Ujima – Internet Safety, Nov. 12 (See flier )
  • Journey to Academic Success – Peer Pressure, Nov. 17 (English | Spanish )

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

• Dia de los Muertos at Longfellow
  On Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 5-8 p.m, the traditional Day of the Dead celebration will take place in remembrance of the lives of people that have passed away.  Longfellow Spanish Immersion School’s popular event will include food, classroom project displays, alters and hands-on activities. Cost is $5 per child; adults are free. Go to longfellowcompadres.org or call (619) 276-4206.

• Boone Elementary School Star Party
  On Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 6-7:30 p.m, Boone Elementary School, in conjunction with the San Diego Astronomy Society, will offer three high powered telescopes for viewing stars and planets.  Event takes place on the east parking lot and is open to the public.  For information, contact (619) 479-3111.

• Emerson-Bandini Annual Fall Festival
  Emerson-Bandini Elementary is hosting its annual Fall Festival on Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  Enjoy games, a haunted hall, delicious food, music, a cakewalk and raffles. All proceeds will go towards student field trips.  For more information, call (619) 525-7418.
  
  
• McKinley Holiday Arts and Crafts Market
  McKinley Elementary in North Park is holding its Holiday Arts and Crafts Market on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Start your Holiday shopping while supporting local artisans and this wonderful school.  Various activities will be available throughout the day for all ages. Visit www.mckinleyptc.com or contact the school at (619) 282-7694.
  
  
• Curie Elementary 31st Annual Holiday Craft Fair
  Curie Elementary School's Holiday Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This popular community event draws shoppers from all over San Diego County to peruse more than 100 crafters selling their quality hand-made holiday items, ceramics, jewelry, clothing and folk art. Also enjoy carnival games, a silent auction and cake walk. Proceeds benefit Curie PTA-sponsored programs and educational support systems. Visit http://www.curiepta.org/pta/crafters-information.

• The Preuss School UCSD Open House
  Do you know a student who is low income, has parents that did not attend college and is motivated and has the potential to attend an academically competitive university? Learn more about The Preuss School UCSD, a charter school for grades 6-12, at an Open House on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9-11:30am. Visit http://preuss.ucsd.edu/admissions for more information.

• Lindbergh Schweitzer PTA Craft Show
  The annual event takes place on Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show features everything from pottery and ironwork, to jewelry and Christmas décor. See the school website for more information.

• Go Green and Recycle Your E-Waste Nov. 21-22
  A community-wide recycling of electronic waste is set for Nov. 21-22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Wesley Methodist Church Language Center, 5380 El Cajon Blvd. (92115). Get rid of equipment like broken VCRs and old computers, help stop illegal dumping into landfills and save valuable resources. Free e-waste pickup from local businesses. For information, call (619) 764.2935.

• Thanksgiving Race for the Hungry
  Registration is open for the eighth annual Thanksgiving Run for the Hungry 5k and 10k races, Thanksgiving Day, November 26. Money raised from the event will benefit the San Diego Foodbank and Foodmobile, a home-delivered meal program for the aged and disabled. Schools can compete as teams with 20 or more participants. The races begin at Petco Park, 7:15 a.m. and 8:15 a.m.  Entry fees $15 for youth; $30-$35 adults. Contact the Foodmobile at (619) 229-2390 or www.kathyloperevents.com/hungry.

View upcoming events throughout the district: Campus Calendar.

Maria M. Gurule - 2/18/1938 to 10/25/2009
The family of Maria Gurule announces her recent passing. Mrs. Gurule was a Special Education educator with San Diego Unified for more than 20 years. Learn more about her life at by visting this website. To contact her family, call son, Jerome Gurule, at (619)-646-7729.

For Sale

• Armoire: New, one owner, Century.com, golden khaki, valued at $3,000. Must sell at $550/obo. Call Andrew at (858) 488-5287.

For Rent

• 2BR/2BA Condo: Top floor, near Wangenheim Middle with easy access to freeway and a location that misses rush hour traffic. Central air/heat, gas fireplace, large balcony off all rooms, W/D in unit and 2-car tandem garage.  Call (619) 994-5539.

Travel

• Spring Break in Paris
  Join art teachers on an 8-day trip, March 26-April 3, 2010. Round trip airfare, ground transportation, hotel, two meals a day and several top attractions and tours included. $2,300. Contact Marty Stegeman at mstegeman@sandi.net.
  

• Spring break in Costa Rica
  Experience rainforests, biospheres, kayaking and zip-lining. Visit eftours.com (reference tour # 647338) or contact sburnett@sandi.net.

• Japan in Summer 2010
  A 10-day trip to Japan in July/Aug. 2010 will include Round trip air fare, 3-4 star hotels, all breakfasts and dinners, personal tour guide, taxes, surcharges, entrance fees and more. $4,000. Contact Julia Groff at jgroff@sandi.net.

• Scandinavian Capitals and St. Petersburg – Summer 2010
  Join San Diego High’s 16-day group trip on NCL premier cruise line, July 19-Aug. 3, 2010, to 8 countries: Estonia, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany, including a London tour and stay. $3, 191, airfare included. Discounts for early booking. Contact stannenbaum@sandi.net or (858) 603-9507.

• Summer 2010 Scandinavian Tour
  Experience Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and St. Petersburg, Russia on this 14-day tour. Includes air transportation, most meals, all lodging and entry fees.  $4,163. Contact Marilyn Rauser at mrauser@sandi.net.

• Summer 2010 Intensive Spanish Trip to Panama
  Enjoy 15 days and nights in Panama City. Learn Spanish, meet the people and enjoy the culture - food, music, dancing plus eco-touring.  $1,600 (pending hotel). Contact Jack Sharpe at jsharpe@sandi.net.

• Thanksgiving 2010 in Turkey
  Join teachers, family and friends on a 9-day trip, Nov. 20-28, 2010. Round trip airfare, ground transportation, hotels, tours, some meals included. $1,995 + air taxes. Contact Sandy Boe, Roosevelt Middle School, at sboe@sandi.net.
  
  
• Christmas 2010 Cruise to Australia/New Zealand
  Join teachers, family and friends on a 17-day trip, Dec. 18, 2010 – Jan. 3, 2011. Round trip air, transfers, Sydney hotel, 13-day cruise with meals included. $2,995 + taxes. Contact Sandy Boe, Roosevelt Middle School, at sboe@sandi.net.
  
  

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