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In The News
SBUSD eNews, Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Measure Q2010 Bond Progress Report
Measure Q2010 bond-funded facilities projects in our secondary schools are underway and the first Measure Q2010 Progress Report (February 2012) has been posted online. The report includes a list of current projects and identifies completed projects. The progress report will be updated periodically. Additionally, construction photos are posted online.
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Did You Know?
Each day the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s eight secondary school campuses utilize 1,246,346 square feet of structures to educate 9,500 public school students in grades 7-12.
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Mark Your Calendar, Great Theatre Performances are Ahead
La Cumbre Junior High, benefit performance featuring LOS LONELY BOYS and local band Technical Difficulties (current and former La Cumbre students), February 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Goleta Valley Junior High, 42nd STREET, March 16 and 17 at 7:00 p.m. and March 18 at 2:00 p.m.
La Colina Junior High, SOUTH PACIFIC, March 15, 16, and 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Dos Pueblos High School, TARZAN: THE STAGE MUSICAL, April 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 at 7:00 p.m. and April 14 and 21 at 2:00 p.m.
Santa Barbara High, INTO THE WOODS, April 27 and 28 at 7:00 p.m., May 3, 4, and 5 at 7:00 p.m.
San Marcos High School, KISS ME KATE, May 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12 at 7:00 p.m.
La Cumbre Junior High, WESTSIDE STORY, June 1 and 2, 7:00 p.m.
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Adams School Students Win Film Festival Poster Contest
Congratulations to Adams Elementary School’s Leslie Peterson-Ayala’s fifth-grade class, winners of the 27th Annual Children’s Film Festival poster contest. The students were recognized on stage at the Arlington Theatre before a crowd of 2,000 children from throughout the county as part the Santa Barbara Film Festival. Gore Verbinski, screenwriter and director of three Pirates of the Caribbean films, autographed the students’ poster.
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Santa Barbara High’s Boys Basketball Sports Drive
The Santa Barbara High boys' basketball team will play its last regular season home game against Ventura on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. As a community service project, the team is supporting the 3rd Annual Santa Barbara Sports Drive, which is an event to provide sports equipment and sports clothing to needy children in our community. Those who attend the game can donate their gently-used sports equipment or clothing to the sports drive, by taking their donation to the ticket table at the game on Thursday night.
SBUSD eNews, Friday, February 3, 2012
KCLU Reports on Washington Elementary School’s “Ban the Bag” Project
KCLU radio’s Lance Orozco covered the story of Washington Elementary School’s 6th-grade project to ban single-use plastic bags. His interview, which is worth a listen, is available online: http://www.kclu.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/020212.washiningtonschoollobby.mp3
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Fast Facts About the District
Fast Facts 2011-12, a flier filled with facts about our district is now available online (pdf). The two-page flier includes information on the students we serve, size of our budget, bonds and parcel taxes, API scores, and more.
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Bond Dollars are Making a Difference at Santa Barbara High and San Marcos High
Bond Measure Q2010 construction work is underway on the San Marcos and Santa Barbara High campuses. The cafeteria at Santa Barbara High and the B Wing addition at San Marcos, which will house the Health Academy, will be completed in August 2012.
We are building a photo album on both construction projects. Measure Q2010 photos have been posted here: http://www.sbsdk12.org/facilities/measuresQandR/measureq2010/photos/index.shtml, and Measure R2010 photos will be available soon.
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Stand Tall Against Bullying
How can students learn to stand tall against bullying and disrespect? Check out the following video clip on bullying, which contains an introduction by UCSB’s Dr. Jane Close Conoley and includes several Santa Barbara Charter School students. Stand Tall is a video-based educational program that educates teachers and students in grades 4-6 about how to respond to disrespectful behavior. The Stand Tall training results in three core competencies: respect for individual differences, discussion to further understanding, and action that transforms behavior. The video clip can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HgiCk0tSiw
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ADL’s Martin Luther King Contest Winners Recognized at Board Meeting
At the last board meeting, several students were recognized for their award-winning essays or poetry at the Anti-Defamation League’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at the Arlington Theater. In addition to the awards given by the ADL, Just Communities awards one scholarship to an essayist among the high school-age entries. The scholarship is awarded to a young person that demonstrates a commitment to being or becoming a leader in efforts for greater justice.
The board recognized the following winners (links are provided to those first-place poems or essays provided by students).
POETRY (Ages 6-12)
1st place - Madison Hogan, Roosevelt Elementary School
2nd place - Julia Holland- Goleta Valley Junior High School
3rd place - Coraline Crannell, Roosevelt Elementary School
ESSAYS (Ages 6-12)
1st place - Alondra Gatica Reyes, La Cumbre Junior High School
2nd place - Milan McGrary, Home Based Partnership-Santa Barbara Charter School
3rd place - Diego Curiel, La Cumbre Junior High School
3rd place - Lucas Owens, Washington Elementary School
ESSAYS (Ages 13-18)
1st place - Eavy Barbieux, San Marcos High School
2nd place - Daisy Altamirano, San Marcos High School
3rd place - Emily Allen, San Marcos High School
3rd place - Oliver Piltch, San Marcos High School
Just Communities’ Martin Luther King Scholarship winner Claire Gilmore, San Marcos High School
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Prepared by Barbara Keyani
Coordinator, Administrative Services and Communications
bkeyani@sbsdk12.org
www.sbsdk12.org
SBUSD eNews, Thursday, February 2, 2012
Three Dos Pueblos Students Identified as Candidates for the United States Presidential Scholars Program
Congratulations to Dos Pueblos High School students Vy-Luan Huynh, Justin Morris, and Connie Wang. These students have been selected as candidates for the United States Presidential Scholars Program.
According to a letter from the U.S. Department of Education, Commission on Presidential Scholars, “The program was established in 1964 by Executive Order of the President to recognize and honor some of our national’s most distinguished graduating seniors.” Students are selected on the basis of their accomplishments in areas such as academic and artistic success, leadership, and involvement in school and the community.
Huynh, Morris, and Wang received an invitation to apply for this competition. The application deadline is February 23, 2012. Five hundred semifinalists will be selected, based on application materials, such as essays, transcripts, and self assessments. The list of semifinalists will be posted in early April and the list of scholars will be posted in May.
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Franklin Elementary ICAN Art Program Exhibition Opens Tonight
Franklin Elementary School’s Incredible Children’s Art Network (ICAN) art students will see their work displayed at tonight’s First Thursday opening reception at Art is Vital Gallery, 15 West Gutierrez, 5:00-8:00 p.m. There will be free food and music. The event is open to the public. The exhibition continues through February 13.
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Grammy Winners Los Lonely Boys to Perform at La Cumbre Junior High Benefit
Tickets are available for the February 12 performance of the award-winning group, Los Lonely Boys. You may recognize them from the song Heaven. The group has sold millions of albums, debuting in 2003 with a multi-chart gold single. This self-described Texican rock’n’roll trio of brothers’ (Henry, JoJo, and Ringo Garza) credits include opening for the Rolling Stones and playing and recording with such greats as Willie Nelson and Carlos Santana.
The band will be performing in Tokyo next week and one of their next tour stops will be the 7:00 p.m., February 12 performance at La Cumbre Junior High. Ticket prices are $30* balcony; $50* and $100* seats on the main level (*a small processing fee will be added to the ticket price). Tickets may be purchased at the Lobero Box Office or La Cumbre Junior High School’s Principal’s Office.
Rockpango, the group’s next album, is scheduled for worldwide release on March 29. It has been said, “Rockpango is a spirit and sound coined by Los Lonely Boys that takes the next step from fandango…and then huapango…to a full-scale Tex-Mex American roots rock party galore.”
This event will benefit La Cumbre Junior High's Performing Arts Department.
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Prepared by Barbara Keyani
Coordinator, Administrative Services and Communications
bkeyani@sbsdk12.org
www.sbsdk12.org
SBUSD eNews, Tuesday, January 31, 2012
10-10-10 Student Filmmaking and Screenwriting Competition
Santa Barbara Film Festival is underway and several district students are to be congratulated for their exceptional work in the festival’s annual 10-10-10 Student Filmmaking and Screenwriting Competition. According to the festival’s website, the competition was started in 2001 “…to bring together student filmmakers and industry professionals in an effort to encourage and assist the next generation of filmmakers.” 10 days – 10 films – 10 minutes. The competition begins each fall, when students from two levels—local high schools and local colleges—submit their film or screenwriting work for final selection. In early November, five finalists are chosen from each level, given an assignment, and then paired with a mentor who is a professional in the industry for a pre-production workshop. The 10-10-10 films will be shown and judged on Sunday, February 5, 2012, at 1:00 p.m.
Finalists from the Santa Barbara Unified School District are:
Screenwriting
Leanne Sturman, San Marcos High School
Jillian Fisher, San Marcos High School
Vanessa Massel, Dos Pueblos High School
Filmmaking
Daniel Cornejo. San Marcos High School
Aaron Dalton, San Marcos High School
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Santa Barbara Junior High Students Cover the Red Carpet at the Santa Barbara Film Festival
Selected eighth-grade students from Santa Barbara Junior High have been working on a special homework assignment: cover the red carpet at the January 6-February 5, 2012, Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Under the guidance and supervision of Journalism/English teacher Steve Shelton, and the valuable assistance of teaching colleague, science teacher Marilyn Garza, students found themselves shoulder-to-shoulder with members of both the local and international press all vying to interview award-winning film stars. Beginning January 26, directors, actors, producers, and even a canine celebrity all made their way into the Arlington Theatre. A few of the celebrities who graced the red carpet during the past week included Kevin Kline, Diane Keeton, Viola Davis, Christopher Plummer, and Martin Scorsese. Mr. Shelton’s students hope to have a moment with this week’s award winners, including Rooney Mara, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, and Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo, stars of The Artist. The students are writing about their experiences and producing contributions for Santa Barbara Junior High’s online paper The Condor Press.
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Monroe Elementary School to Perform Shakespeare’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Monroe Elementary School’s fifth-grade GATE class is presenting William Shakespeare's most popular play, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, on Thursday, February 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Monroe auditorium. Students have been working for the past three months, learning about Shakespeare, memorizing their parts, knowing their cues, and working as a team. A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM provides a wonderful introduction to a study of Shakespeare and the many intricacies involved in presenting a play.
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Dos Pueblos High and Goleta Valley Junior Bands to Play a Role in Goleta’s 10-Year Anniversary
Goleta will mark its tenth anniversary of incorporation on February 1 and activities are planned throughout 2012. On Tuesday, February 7, at 6:00 p.m., the Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Choir will provide music at the City Council meeting, which will take place in Council Chambers at Goleta City Hall, 130 Cremona Drive, Suite B.
Then, on February 12, the Goleta Valley Junior High School Band and Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Band and Madrigal Singers will participate in the city’s community birthday party, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. For more information on the celebrations, go to www.cityofgoleta.org
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Prepared by Barbara Keyani
Coordinator, Administrative Services and Communications
bkeyani@sbsdk12.org
www.sbsdk12.org
SBUSD eNews, Friday, January 27, 2012
District Honor Band to Perform on February 9
Our school district’s music teachers are planning the 23rd annual Santa Barbara District Honor Band Concert for Thursday, February 9, at 7:00 p.m. at the Marjorie Luke Theater at Santa Barbara Junior High School. Featuring select musicians from all of the elementary, junior high, and high school band programs, a variety of concert band music will be presented in this hour-long concert. The junior high band will perform “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “Last Ride of the Pony Express,” “National Emblem March,” and “Puttin' on the Ritz.” The high school band will perform “Joie de Vivre,” “Porgy and Bess,” and “Toccata for a New Age.” The junior high band will be under the baton of Dr. Charles Wood and Eric Heidner will direct the high school band. Elementary instrumental music teachers will direct the elementary band.
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Sustainability Council and the District’s Green and Sustainable Energy Efforts
The school district’s sustainability efforts have focused primarily on four approaches: energy usage management; retrofitting of existing products with higher performance products; requiring sustainable, efficient designs for renovations, remodels, and new buildings; and recycling of all possible products.
The district’s Sustainability Council, comprised of the following members, reviews and makes recommendations to the superintendent:
David Hetyonk, Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) Facilities and Operations; Carl Mayrose, SBUSD Planning and Construction; Brian Tanguay, SBUSD Purchasing; Jose Caballero, Santa Barbara High School Green Academy; David Ortiz, La Colina Junior High School principal; Caroline David, San Marcos High School student; Emily Redfield, San Marcos High School student; Logan Michaels, Dos Pueblos High School student; Adam Green, Santa Barbara City College assistant professor; Eric Lohela, City of Santa Barbara Environmental Services; Megan Birney, Community Environmental Council; Cecilia Tavera, Southern California Edison; Jim VanOrder, Thompson Naylor Architects; Bob Nisbet, County of Santa Barbara; Karin Perissinotto, Build Green Santa Barbara; Cindy Moore, City of Goleta.
More information is available at http://www.sbsdk12.org/facilities/Green_Programs.pdf
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Prepared by Barbara Keyani
Coordinator, Administrative Services and Communications
bkeyani@sbsdk12.org
www.sbsdk12.org
SBUSD eNews, Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Measures H2008 and Measure I2008 Senior Exemptions Forms are now available
The Santa Barbara Unified School District’s Measure H2008 and Measure I2008 parcel tax senior exemption forms for tax year 2012-13 are available at the front desk, District Administration Office, 720 Santa Barbara Street, and are also posted on the district’s web site: http://www.sbsdk12.org/parceltax/exemptions/index.shtml
The completed applications must be filed with the school district annually by June 15 for the following tax year.
The $23 per parcel Measure H2008 funds, benefiting more than 10,000 students in grades 7-12, are being used to supplement math, science and technology education; music, arts, and theatre programs at the junior high level; foreign language at the secondary level; and restore ninth-grade math class sizes.
The $27 per parcel Measure I2008 funds, benefiting almost 5,000 students in grades K-6, are being used to supplement math, science, and technology education and offer classroom music programs.
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How are Measure H2008 and Measure I2008 Making a Difference in Local Education?
The Citizen’ Oversight Committee chairs for Measure H2008 (secondary education) and I2008 (elementary education), presented their respective committee’s annual report for 2010-11. Following each summary of the oversight process, the committees both concluded, “Funds properly expended for fiscal year 2010-11 per parcel tax resolutions.” Expenditures by program and by school site are included in each committee’s 2010-11 annual report, available on the web:
http://www.sbsdk12.org/parceltax/committee/index.html
Additionally, principals’ comments on how the parcel tax impacts their respective sites are located in a recent Investment Matters newsletter:
Measure H2008 (secondary)
http://www.sbsdk12.org/parceltax/newsletters/Investment_Matters_H_September_2011.pdf
Measure I 2008 (elementary)
http://www.sbsdk12.org/parceltax/newsletters/Investment_Matters_I_November_2011.pdf
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Board Votes to Adopt Resolutions to Place Parcel Tax on the June Ballot
With the two current parcel tax measures set to expire in 2012-13, at last night’s meeting the board of education voted 4:0 (Ed Heron, Kate Parker, Annette Cordero, Monique Limon; Susan Deacon was absent) to support parcel tax Resolution No. 2011/2012-32 (secondary education) and Resolution No. 2011/2012-33 (elementary education) on the June 2012 ballot. Each parcel tax will be $54 per parcel per year.
Ballot language for Resolution No. 2011/2012-32 (secondary education):
"To offset severe state budget cuts to our junior high and high schools; enhance secondary math, science, technology and career education; protect music, arts, foreign language and theater programs at the secondary level; and protect secondary class size, shall Santa Barbara Unified School District be authorized to implement a $54 annual parcel tax for four years, with an available exemption for senior citizens, with independent citizen oversight, without administrative salaries, and with every dollar staying in our local schools?"
Ballot language for Resolution No. 2011/2012-33 (elementary education):
"To offset severe state budget cuts to our elementary schools; protect class size; enhance elementary math, science and technology education; and offer classroom music and performing arts programs at the elementary school level, shall the Santa Barbara Unified School District be authorized to implement a $54 annual elementary education parcel tax for four years, with an available exemption for senior citizens, with independent citizen oversight, without administrative salaries, and with every dollar staying in our local elementary schools?"
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Open House in our Secondary Schools
Open houses have been scheduled in our secondary schools and the final five will take place in the weeks ahead: Santa Barbara Junior (tonight), Santa Barbara High (this Thursday), La Cumbre Junior High (February 1), Dos Pueblos High (February 2), and La Cuesta Continuation (February 7).
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Prepared by Barbara Keyani
Coordinator, Administrative Services and Communications
bkeyani@sbsdk12.org
www.sbsdk12.org
SBUSD eNews, Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Learning Mandarin Chinese in the Digital Age
Forty-five students from three local high schools and two junior high school--San Marcos, Santa Barbara, and Dos Pueblos high schools as well as Goleta Valley and Santa Barbara junior high schools—will begin a Mandarin Chinese course this semester. Schools in other communities have embraced the addition of Mandarin to the curriculum as proficiency can enhance a student’s future career opportunities, given China’s expanding role in the global economy.
The course is designed specifically for today’s digital natives, as it combines the advantages of a live teacher and structure of a traditional classroom with the flexibility and power of online learning. In this program, students meet with their teacher and classmates in online classrooms, communicating face-to-face using live video and the latest social networking tools. Using a secure web portal, students have access to course information, class schedules, assignments, grades, and teacher feedback anywhere, anytime.
Some of the 45 students will attend class at their school while others will access the instruction from their homes before or after school hours.
Since cultural and linguistic immersion are key factors in learning any language, students create avatars and together take teacher-led “field trips” to foreign landmarks, such as the Great Wall, via the program’s interactive 3D virtual world.
As in a traditional class, grades are based on weekly assignments, quizzes, attendance, participation, as well as midterm and final exams. Students also have the opportunity to learn through interactive games, music, videos, and poetry.
Classes in Mandarin Chinese are not totally new to the school district as classes have been integrated into the curriculum at La Cumbre Junior High School. Currently, 100 seventh-graders receive exploratory Chinese instruction through the elective program by one district teacher, Josephine Moore, who is qualified to teach Chinese. Successful completion of the seventh-grade course permits La Cumbre eighth-graders to take Chinese 1-2.
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Update: Franklin Elementary School’s “Coins For Cancer” Campaign
eNews readers were touched by the Franklin School’s “Coins for Cancer” campaign to benefit kindergartner Ashley Vazquez, who has been battling the illness for three years. Monetary donations are being accepted at the school site or can be taken to any Wells Fargo Bank. Simply note account number 5508892667 on the deposit slip.
The “Coins for Cancer” drive will end on February 3, 2012. If the $3,000 goal is met, Principal Casie Killgore will shave her head at an assembly to support Ashley on her journey.
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Prepared by Barbara Keyani
Coordinator, Administrative Services and Communications
bkeyani@sbsdk12.org
www.sbsdk12.org
SBUSD eNews, Monday, January 23, 2012
Impact of Governor’s Proposed Budget on the Santa Barbara Unified School District
This morning, Superintendent Dave Cash met with reporters concerning the impact of the Governor Brown’s proposed budget on our school district. He noted:
If the governor’s proposal, which includes passage of temporary taxes, passes:
there will be no additional dollars for K-12 education;
all home-to-school and special education transportation funding will be eliminated;
cuts to child development programs will be significant.
If voters reject the governor’s proposal the Santa Barbara Unified School District will be faced with $6.3 million in cuts in school year 2012-13 because the district will:
lose $800,000 in home-to-school and special education transportation funding;
be forced to cut $370 per student, resulting in $5.5 million in cuts for our district.
In the meantime, school districts across the state have to meet budget deadlines well before information is provided by the state. “We have to act without knowing all the facts. We have to act as if the tax measures will not pass. Our plan is to begin to meet with our bargaining units. Our goal is to minimize cuts on programs, which is difficult given all the cuts our district has sustained over the years. Everything has to be on the table. We can’t dismiss an option because it is distasteful, we have to look at all options,” stated Superintendent Cash. He added, “On a positive note, we are moving more and more to local control. I am thankful to be working in a community that has generously supported facility bonds and parcel taxes, despite the state’s worsening economic conditions.”
It should be noted that in the past five years alone, the school district has made $20.5 million in budget cuts: $600,000 in 2011-12; $6 million in 2010-11; $7.7 million in 2009-10; $4.1 million in 2008-09; and $2.1 million in 2007-08.
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Save The Date: AAPLE Academy Information Night at San Marcos High School
The AAPLE Academy (Accelerated Academic Program for Leadership and Enrichment) is hosting a parent/student information night for all eighth-grade parents/students interested in the AAPLE Academy for the 2012-2013 school year. The information night will take place at San Marcos High School on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. in room I-5.
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Update on Transitional Kindergarten
The Kindergarten Readiness Act of 2010, Senate Bill 1381, amended the California Education Code to change the required birth date for admission to kindergarten. Effective for the 2012-2013 school year, children must turn five-years-old on or before November 1, 2012 to qualify for kindergarten.
Senate Bill 1381 also created transitional kindergarten, the first year of a two-year kindergarten program for those students whose fifth birthday falls between November 2 and December 2, 2012. The recently released 2012-2013 budget proposed by Governor Brown eliminates all funding for transitional kindergarten.
The Santa Barbara Unified School District’s Board of Education has approved a transitional kindergarten program, however, with the proposed elimination of funding for the program, it may not be possible to implement transitional kindergarten.
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Prepared by Barbara Keyani
Coordinator, Administrative Services and Communications
bkeyani@sbsdk12.org
www.sbsdk12.org
SBUSD eNews, Thursday, January 19, 2012
Wellness Committee Welcomes Your Involvement
Interested in promoting health and wellness in our district? If so, the district’s Wellness Committee hopes you will add your voice to the committee. The Wellness Committee works with all the students, pre-K through grade 12.
“Help us keep our children healthy by helping to implement the district’s Wellness Policy. Become a representative for your school site. The Wellness Committee is made up of parents, community members, teachers, administrators, school board members, nutritionists, and chefs,” said Monica Scafide, Dos Pueblos teacher and chair of the Wellness Committee.
Meetings are held in the district’s boardroom, Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. The next meeting will take place on April 18, 2012. For more information contact: Monica Scafide at mscafide@sbsdk12.org <mailto:mscafide@sbsdk12.og>
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Dos Pueblos High School’s Carpool Challenge
Dos Pueblos High’s PTSA Traffic Committee has issued a one-week carpool challenge, beginning Monday, January 30 and ending on February 3, 2012. Participants are required to pre-register will have the opportunity to win a variety of prizes.
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Prepared by Barbara Keyani
Coordinator, Administrative Services and Communications
bkeyani@sbsdk12.org
www.sbsdk12.org
SBUSD eNews, Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Board Explores Discipline Data And Considers Restorative Justice Model
Yesterday, the board of education held a special meeting to look at the district’s data on suspensions, truancies, and expulsions. The board heard information regarding the consistency of discipline data recorded from site-to-site in our schools as well as the successful use of restorative justice models in the Denver, Oakland, and San Francisco school districts. In those three cities, restorative justice is part of a larger reform process, which our district is looking at as part of its larger strategic plan. Restorative justice is an approach that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by negative behaviors. It is an alternative approach to student discipline that engages the student in taking responsibility for their behavior(s) and realizing the impact their behavior has on others, including students, parents, and the community at large.
Board members expressed their interest in moving forward with a pilot program at the junior high level, beginning with one school.
Superintendent Cash identified next steps: identify a pilot junior high school in our district in the next month or so; solicit input from students at the junior high and high school levels; develop an evaluation model based on the successful restorative justice programs in Denver, San Francisco, and Oakland; determine how best to train school staff at the pilot school; talk to staff at the pilot school on how the restorative justice program will be implemented next year; and develop procedures for future expansion of the program. A key component, said the superintendent, would be involvement of stakeholders—students, parents, staff—in the process, having those stakeholders help define how our district would move forward with the processes in our district’s restorative justice program.
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SBHS Athletic Director Nan Verkaik To Move To Teaching Position At The End Of The School Year
Nan Verkaik, currently serving as Santa Barbara High’s athletic director, will be returning to the classroom fulltime. “I will be reassigned to a teaching position at Santa Barbara High for the 2012-13 school year and will be working with students in the classroom,” she said. It is anticipated that Ms. Verkaik will teach physical education and video production classes.
Principal John Becchio noted, “Staff assignments are regularly reviewed to fit the changing needs of the students, staff, and the school. Nan is a valued staff member and her classroom experience will add support to our focus on academic achievement.” Principal Becchio continued, “Nan has a heart for our students and our school. For years, Nan has had a huge positive influence on Santa Barbara High School and will continue to do so in whatever capacity she serves our school.”
"I take great pride in having been the first female athletic director in Santa Barbara High School’s history, following in the footsteps of such legendary athletic directors as Clarence Schutte, Mike Moropoulos, and Lito Garcia,” Verkaik said. "I have been associated with the school since 1977 and my eight-year tenure as athletic director has offered me rewards and satisfactions beyond what I could have anticipated when I first assumed this role."
"Since accepting the position in 2004, it has been both an honor and a pleasure to work with hundreds of great coaches and thousands of amazing students. For me, it has always been about what is in the best interest of the students and I am truly grateful for the trust and support received from them, their parents, the coaches as well as faculty and alumni over the many years. I am very proud of the accomplishments by the student athletes both on and off the field. They live up to the high standards set for them and have made my job a delight,” Verkaik added.
Ms. Verkaik will continue to serve in her current position until the end of 2011-12 school year. In the coming weeks, the process of identifying a new athletic director will begin.
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Prepared by Barbara Keyani
Coordinator, Administrative Services and Communications
bkeyani@sbsdk12.org
www.sbsdk12.org
SBUSD eNews, Friday, January 13, 2012
Strategic Planning Task Force
The newly formed Strategic Planning Task Force met on January 4, 2012. The task force is responsible for engaging in research, analysis, and writing to produce a comprehensive three- to five-year strategic plan to guide the district through a critical and fundamental transformation.
The task force will lead the efforts of design, troubleshooting, listening, and writing the final plans for critical areas, such as learning, teaching, school leadership, finance, and facilities. The task force will compose plans, milestones, benchmarks, and metrics for Years 1, 3, and 5 for the Santa Barbara Unified School District and for the community at large.
An important component in the development of the plan is public input. The public can learn access meeting materials online and communicate by using the district’s web feedback form (see “Strategic Plan Public Input” on the Strategic Planning Task Force web pages).
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Paris Travel Tips From Two Dos Pueblos Students
Dos Pueblos High School’s Kendall Weaver and Maelyn Adornetto, students in Valerie Lent’s French class, participated in a video contest to win a scholarship for Ms. Lent’s field trip to France this spring. Kendall and Maelyn’s entertaining video clip took second place in the national contest. The two students are sharing the $500 prize, which will go toward trip expenses. Their video clip and the news of their scholarship can be viewed online: www.youtube.com
Prepared by Barbara KeyaniCoordinator, Administrative Services and Communications
bkeyani@sbsdk12.org
www.sbsdk12.org
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SBUSD eNews, Thursday, January 12, 2012
Save The Date: Comedy Night at Dos Pueblos
Dos Pueblos High School’s Third Annual Comedy Night will take place January 21, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
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La Cumbre Junior High Conversations About Dating
La Cumbre Junior High School has scheduled “What is Love,” a teen dating violence awareness multimedia assembly on Friday, January 20, 2012. This is the first time this assembly is being held at a district junior high campus.
Domestic Violence Solutions reports that one in three teens report experiencing abuse in a dating relationship and most teens do not report the abuse to anyone. Christy Haynes, the organization’s director of education prevention states, “Dating violence is not just dangerous and sometimes lethal, teens that experience abuse in a relationship exhibit higher rates of violence, school drop-out rates, drug abuse, high-risk sexual behavior, and suicide.”
There will be separate assemblies and discussion sessions for girls (9:40 a.m.) and boys (10:30 a.m.). Each assembly will focus on the true story about a teen involved in a violent dating relationship for six year and provides a opportunity for students to define the physical emotional, and sexual forms of abuse; explain the importance of asking for help, provide community resources; discuss legal rights and consequences; and encourage teens to advocate for a safe school environment where teens can report abuse and ask for help.
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Santa Barbara High’s Girls Varsity Basketball Team Prepares To Think Pink
Santa Barbara High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team is planning for its second annual "Think Pink Game" benefitting the Santa Barbara Breast Cancer Research Center. The Lady Dons will don pink shoelaces, wristbands, and headbands when they play against Rio Mesa High School on Saturday January 28, at 4:00 p.m. One of the event organizers, Ivette Gil says, “We will be selling baked goods in addition to a silent auction and our t-shirt sales.”
Pink bracelets are now available for purchase from Patty Diaz in the principal’s office. Cost is $1.
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Prepared by Barbara Keyani
Coordinator, Administrative Services and Communications
bkeyani@sbsdk12.org
www.sbsdk12.org
SBUSD eNews, Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Reporting Error Regarding Board Approval of CSEA Contract
Today’s News-Press reported that last night’s approval of CSEA’s contract with the district for 2011-14 “…includes a 1 percent annual increase in compensation.” The news article is wrong. The board’s vote, and staff report, refers to the automatic one percent increase to health and welfare costs that the district picks up each year.
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Kudos to Kids Helping Kids
San Marcos High School’s Kids Helping Kids program reports that the students cleared $131,000 in their annual benefit concert. Congratulations to Advanced Placement teacher Jaime DeVries and the Kids Helping Kids team!
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Coming To A Theatre Near You…
Santa Barbara High School Fall Dance Recital 2012, Thursday, January 12, at 7 p.m. in the school’s theatre
Dos Pueblos High School’s Third Annual Comedy Night, on January 21, 2012, 7 p.m.
La Cumbre Junior High School concert to benefit the performing arts department, featuring Los Lonely Boys with local band Technical Difficulties (current and former La Cumbre students), Sunday, February 12, 7 p.m.
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Prepared by Barbara Keyani
Coordinator, Administrative Services and Communications
bkeyani@sbsdk12.org
www.sbsdk12.org
SBUSD eNews, Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Parcel Tax Discussion
The board will discuss a proposed parcel tax for placement on an upcoming election ballot at tonight’s board meeting. Information on the discussion points of agenda item F.1 are available on the district’s web site.
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Calendars for 2012-13
Tonight, 2012-13 school year traditional and year round calendars will go to the board for approval. The language of the agreement between the district and Santa Barbara Teachers Association, Article VI, Section 5 states, “Future calendar decision shall be made by August 31, one year prior to implementation. If no agreement is reached the current calendar will be extended to the following year.”
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Winners of the ADL’s Martin Luther King Jr. Essay and Poetry Contest
Congratulations to the following district students for their winning entries in the Anti-Defamation League’s Martin Luther King, Jr. essay and poetry contest. The contest was open to students from schools throughout the area:
POETRY (Ages 6-12)
1 - Madison Hogan, Roosevelt Elementary School-
2 - Julia Holland- Goleta Valley Junior High School
3 - Caraline Crannell, Roosevelt Elementary School
ESSAYS (Ages 13-18)
1 - Eavy Barbieux, San Marcos High School
2 - Daisy Altamirano, San Marcos High School
3 - Emily Allen, San Marcos High School
3 - Oliver Piltch, San Marcos High School
ESSAYS (Ages 6-12)
1 - Alondra Gatica Reyes, La Cumbre Junior High School
2 - Milan McGrary, Home Based Partnership-Santa Barbara Charter School
3 - Diego Curiel, La Cumbre Junior High School
3 - Lucas Owens, Washington Elementary School
All of the winners were notified and invited to read their work at the 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 16, 2012, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration at the Arlington Theatre. The event is free and open to the public.
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Prepared by Barbara Keyani
Coordinator, Administrative Services and Communications
bkeyani@sbsdk12.org
www.sbsdk12.org
SBUSD eNews, Friday, January 6, 2012
District’s High School Course Catalog Now Available Online
The district’s new High School Information Handbook and Course Catalog 2012-13 is posted on the web: http://www.sbsdk12.org/programs/curriculum/SBUSD_HS_Handbook.pdf The information in the handbook applies to the district’s three traditional high schools: Santa Barbara, Dos Pueblos, and San Marcos high schools.
The handbook provides information for parents and students. Parents can find information about school policies, rights and procedures. Students can find important information about graduation requirements, planning for college, course descriptions, and more.
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Santa Barbara High School’s Dance Recital On January 12
Santa Barbara High School’s Dance Program is holding its annual Fall Dance Recital 2012 on Thursday, January 12, at 7 p.m. in the school’s theatre.
Admission is $5 and $7 at the door.
Santa Barbara High offers an official sequential and rigorous program of dance courses. All classes receive physical education and/or visual and performing arts credit. Students will be demonstrating the multiple dance genres they have learned up to this point in the year including; jazz, hip-hop, contemporary modern, ballet, and ethnic/folk dance.
The school’s Dance Department, lead by Dance Director Beth Deopante, is committed to teaching students to respect and value the rich cultural history of dance, self-discipline, commitment, personal responsibility, as well as making students feel more confident about themselves as they progress through the program.
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UCSB To Offer Eight-Week CERT Class
A Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class is being offered at UCSB and starts on January 12. The eight-week course will cover disaster preparedness, fire suppressions, medication operations, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster psychology, terrorism and homeland defense, and course review and disaster simulation. For more information contact Jim Caesar, Emergency Preparedness Manager, UCSB Environmental Health and Safety, Office, cell: (805) 450-1437, http://emergency.ucsb.edu , james.caesar@ehs.ucsb.edu
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Prepared by Barbara Keyani
Coordinator, Administrative Services and Communications
bkeyani@sbsdk12.org
www.sbsdk12.org
SBUSD eNews, Thursday, January 5, 2012
Measure Q2010 Dollars At Work: Update On New Construction At San Marcos High School
Scheduled to open in August 2012, the B wing addition work at San Marcos will replace several old portable buildings with a permanent structure; it will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the Health Academy and beautify the campus at the busy Turnpike and Hollister intersection.
This bond Measure Q2010 project will include four standard classrooms, a health sciences lab, a health tech classroom, a computer lab, a community/library resources room, and a Health Academy office. Associated project work includes improved site access, storm drainage, and electrical infrastructure; fire hydrant upgrades; and the replacement of the campus main water line.
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Washington School Students Gear Up For Environmental Initiative
Washington Elementary School’s fifth- and sixth-grade GATE project, Paper Nor Plastic, is an environmental initiative involving Ms. Bluestein's and Mr. Riley's classes. The project goal is to achieve a ban on single-use bags (paper and plastic) in the city of Santa Barbara. Throughout this project, students will learn:
the impact that single-use bags have on our local environment, society and community;
arguments relating to the issue of banning bags vs. keeping them;
how local government operates;
how to accomplish change in local laws.
Students will work together in targeted committees with different goals, audiences and action plans.
Students will be hosting a booth at the Farmer's Market this Saturday from 8:30-1:00, handing out reusable bags, printed with their logo, and sharing information about the project.
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Save The Date
Dos Pueblos High School’s Third Annual Comedy Night will be held on January 21, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
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McKinley Student Credited With Saving Her Family With Skills She Learned In School
Excerpt provided with permission KEYT, story aired on January 4, 2012
“One local student is being called a hero tonight for saving her parents from a fire. She says, it's all because of a lesson she learned in school. Marissa Huerta is a 6th grade student at McKinley Elementary School. She lives in an apartment complex in Santa Barbara that caught fire on Saturday afternoon. The flames were just a few feet from her home when she heard and saw the smoke. So, she sprang into action. Marissa alerted her parents and made sure everyone got out safely.
“Marissa says she knew what to do because of the fire safety class she took at school. ‘It felt good because I though my parents were going to get hurt,’ said Marissa. ‘It's obviously something we take pride in,] said McKinley Principal, Emilio Handall. "It's a survival skill we need to know and we all need to know in order to survive as human beings. These things happen.”
The complete text and video interview can be found at: http://www.keyt.com/news/local/6th-Grader-Saves-Family-136707508.html
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Prepared by Barbara Keyani
Coordinator, Administrative Services and Communications
bkeyani@sbsdk12.org
www.sbsdk12.org
SBUSD eNews, Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Incoming Student Enrollment For School Year 2012-13
The enrollment period is now open for new families to enroll for the 2012-13 school year. The district welcomes children of all ages, transitional kindergarten through twelfth grade.
A student�s enrollment in an elementary, junior high, or high school is based on the parent�s home address. Students entering seventh or ninth grade are encouraged to verify their junior high school or senior high school of residence.
Now is the time to visit your neighborhood school for enrollment information.
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Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten Registration
Call the district�s elementary schools for information on enrollment, tours, events, and transfers.
Adams Elementary School, 563-2515
Adelante Charter School, 966-7392
Cleveland Elementary School, 963-8873
Franklin Elementary School, 963-4283
Harding University Partnership School, 965-8994
McKinley Elementary School, 966-9926
Monroe Elementary School, 966-7023
Open Alternative School, 683-3127
Peabody Charter School, 563-1172
Roosevelt Elementary School, 563-2062
Santa Barbara Charter School, 967-6522
Santa Barbara Community Academy, 687-2081
Washington Elementary School, 965-6653
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�Open House� In The District�s Secondary Schools
The district�s secondary schools will soon be holding open house for parents of new students and transfers.
Goleta Valley Junior High School (967-3486) January 18, 2012
La Colina Junior High School (967-4506) January 12, 2012
La Cumbre Junior High School (687-0761) February 1, 2012
Santa Barbara Junior High School (963-7751) January 25, 2012
Open Alternative School (683-3127)
Santa Barbara Charter School (967-7775)
Dos Pueblos High School (968-2541) February 2, 2012
San Marcos High School (967-4581) January 11, 2012
Santa Barbara High School (966-9101) January 26, 2012
La Cuesta Continuation High School (966-0883) February 14, 2012
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Transfer Application Period Is Now Open
The district�s transfer application period begins on January 3 and ends on February 15, 2012. Transfer applications will not be accepted after February 15, 2012 (no exceptions). A completed �2012-13 Intradistrict Transfer Application� form is required. The completed application must be returned, in person, to the district�s Office of Student Services, 720 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Babara, CA, by Wednesday, February 15, 2012. Transfer applications will not be accepted after February 15, 2012. The �2012-13 Intradistrict Transfer Application� form may be accessed online: http://www.sbsdk12.org/
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Dos Pueblos High School Engineering Academy Students Prepare For FIRST Competition
It�s time for the 2012 FIRST Robotics Competition kickoff, which will be webcast, Saturday, January 7, 7:00 a.m. PST. Find out what the senior Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy class will be immersed in for the next six weeks. Watch the kickoff and the game details on NASA TV: http://robotics.nasa.gov/events/2012_kickoff.php. Also see: http://robotics.nasa.gov.
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Preparing For Common Core State Standards
A new book is available from the California Department of Education to help schools make the move to the Common Core State Standards that will redefine what students learn. A Look at Kindergarten Through Grade Six in California Public Schools: Transitioning to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics covers the standards at each grade and offers help with curriculum planning and professional development and is available online at http://www.cde.ca.gov/.
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SBSD eNews, Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Dr. David Cash Named Santa Barbara School Districts’ New Superintendent
The search for a new superintendent for the Santa Barbara School Districts is over. The districts’ five-member board of education is delighted to announce the selection of Dr. David E. Cash to lead the districts upon the June 30 retirement of Superintendent J. Brian Sarvis.
“I am thrilled to be back in Santa Barbara. This is a community that supports public education, has dedicated employees with incredible students and parents. I am excited to once again be part of Santa Barbara and look forward to helping every student reach their fullest potential.”
Dr. Cash was among the 58 applicants from across the country considered for the position. The board ultimately chose Dr. David Cash as its top candidate because of his demonstrated success in improving student achievement while at the same time fostering an educational culture that values diverse opportunities for students to learn and thrive. In addition to having served as superintendent in two successful school districts, Dr. Cash has experience as principal at the elementary, junior high, and high schools levels, including many years of service within the Santa Barbara School Districts. He also has experience as a special education teacher and administrator.
“We are absolutely thrilled that Dr. Cash has agreed to join our district. We have great confidence in his leadership abilities in this challenging time and we look forward to even greater success for our schools and students under his stewardship. We hope our district staff and entire community will join us in welcoming Dr. Cash back to Santa Barbara," said Board President Annette Cordero.
Dr. Cash holds a doctorate in education and a J.D. law degree. He brings seven years of superintendent experience to the job. Prior to becoming an educator, he practiced law but was drawn to education after a course-altering experience when he was a guest lecturer on the First Amendment at a large urban high school in Portland, Oregon. “I began to see education as more dynamic and powerful than law, having a greater impact and potential for influence. That year, I began work on my teaching credential,” said Cash.
Dr. Cash is an experienced leader with teaching and administrative experience in all levels of K-12 education. He served as the superintendent of Clovis Unified School District from 2009-2011. In 2009, he was selected to be a fellow in the prestigious Broad Foundation’s Superintendents Academy, a rigorous 10-month training program for urban school district leadership on effective practices in public school systems. Other alumni of the highly competitive program include Superintendent John Deasy of the Los Angeles Unified School District and Superintendent Tom Boasberg of Denver Public Schools. Dr. Cash has been one of the seven participating superintendents with the California Office for Reform Education (CORE).
In its “Contract Negotiations and Compensation Report,” the districts’ board of education stressed the critical importance of strong leadership: “We as a board…could not ignore what research and the experience of other districts has shown us: without a strong superintendent, the positive work of individual teachers and principals does not spread system-wide. Student achievement levels do not progress, district-wide staff morale drops, the reputations of local schools suffer, and it becomes still harder to hire quality staff—all leading to a perpetual downward cycle that not only is bad for a community’s children, it’s also bad for a local economy, as companies and families will not choose to locate where there are low-quality public schools. We felt strongly that we must hire well in the superintendent position if we expected our students and community to also do well.”
Dr. Cash’s availability was fortuitous. Board Member Susan Deacon stated, "The opportunity to return to our schools and community was so compelling for Dr. Cash that he chose to pursue the position here. The opportunity came at the right time for him, and for us."
Dr. Cash was the superintendent of Claremont Unified School District from 2006-09 and assistant superintendent of education and assessment services for the Fullerton Joint Union High School District from 2004-2006. Locally, he was the principal of Dos Pueblos High School, 1999-2004; principal of Goleta Valley Junior High School, 1995-1999; principal/superintendent of Buellton Union School District, 1992-95; special education administrator, Santa Barbara Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), 1990-1992; and teacher, Peabody Charter School, 1990-1992. Prior to pursuing his commitment to social justice by becoming a public school teacher he was a successful trial attorney in the Pacific Northwest.
During his years in our secondary district, Dr. Cash was recognized as the Santa Barbara County Crystal Apple Administrator of the Year, 1994 and 2004; California School Leadership Academy Principal of the Year, 1996; and “Goleta’s Finest” Educator of the Year, 2002. Dr. Cash was an Advanced Placement teacher in economics history, and government in the Irvine Unified School Districts, 1988-1990.
Dr. Cash will receive a $209,000 annual base salary.
To view the “Santa Barbara School Board Contract Negotiations Compensation Report, June 2011,” go to http://www.sbsdk12.org/superintendent/search/index.shtml
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Prepared by Barbara Keyani
Coordinator, Administrative Services and Communications
bkeyani@sbsdk12.org
www.sbsdk12.org
November 30, 2010
Local voters were recently asked to step up for our schools because the state has stood down. In a move that reflects our community’s track record of generosity and the willingness to do what’s right, on Nov. 2, voters in the Santa Barbara Elementary and Secondary School Districts overwhelming approved two bond measures that will bring in over $100 million to fix our aging schools. Not only will the funds provide our children with a safe and modern learning environment, they will create local jobs and invest dollars in renewable energy and energy efficiency strategies to reduce our carbon footprint.
These are bleak times for education. Local school districts are staring down a dysfunctional funding model full of gimmicks and a state budget that is the product of political expediency, not responsible fiscal practice. There is talk that our new governor may emphasize a return to local control for school finance. I hope the political will exists among legislators to make the courageous choices necessary to support such a shift and that lawmakers exercise the diligence to make it work.
That’s because our local citizenry has shown it does a better job of putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to defining educational needs. In 2008, voters passed parcel taxes Measures H and I ($23/ year in the secondary district and $27/year in the elementary district) for instructional benefits. Early in the process, the public weighed in on its priorities for our students, and made sound judgments.
Today, these measures pay for additional music teachers, supplemental art and theater classes and more foreign language classes. Because our community also made science and technology a priority, we have purchased new science equipment and all schools have added new computers. With the bond measures which just passed, we will have money to upgrade the science lab buildings as well.
School districts across the state struggle with dramatically increased class sizes, but ninth grade algebra and geometry in the Santa Barbara Secondary School District top out at about 22 students per class. Scheduling and funding problems due in part to teacher layoffs last spring initially challenged principals to offer enough sections of these classes, but we are back on track and meeting our promise.
Despite the extra financial support, not everything is rosy. Class sizes in other grades and disciplines have gone up with the state budget cuts. But with this additional local money we have managed to stop some of the hemorrhaging. Thanks to strong citizen oversight committees, voters can have confidence that their tax dollars are spent wisely and according to their wishes.
We rely on people who are passionate about education to partner with school districts to advocate for our kids. The Santa Barbara Education Foundation deserves our heartfelt thanks for playing a pivotal role in championing these local funding measures. Community leaders, business organizations and folks representing all segments and perspectives in our society came together for this shared common goal.
The health of a community can be measured by the quality of its schools. In each of our lives, we have surely experienced a great teacher, a singular moment on the playing field or a school stage that has shaped who we are. Thank you for your generosity of spirit, your vision and for stepping up to pay it forward.
Sincerely,
Susan Christol Deacon
Santa Barbara School Board Trustee
SBSD eNews, Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Local community passes Measures Q and R
A message from Superintendent J. Brian Sarvis, Santa Barbara School Districts
We are very pleased to have so much community support for our school facilities. We have a number of shovel-ready projects, including the Santa Barbara High School kitchen and replacement of the portables at San Marcos High School with a permanent wing to house the Health Academy. In addition, we have a number of other projects that we will be able to apply for state approval.
The board of education will soon begin the process of reviewing potential projects and establishing priorities.
The Santa Barbara Education Foundation’s board ran the successful campaign. Campaign chairs were Lynn Rodriguez and Mark Ingalls. Their efforts were supported by a cross section of the community committed to improving our schools. The Santa Barbara Education Foundation has once again stepped forward to mobilize the community and we are grateful for their efforts.
Most of the projects to be funded by Measures Q and R deal with basic infrastructure, leaky roofs, plumbing and wiring and will be needed so that our school facilities can serve students for many years to come.
SBSD eNews, Friday, September 10, 2010
Investment Matters, an update on parcel tax Measure H and Measure I
The September issue of Investment Matters is now posted on our web site. It summarizes the parcel tax Measure H and Measure I expenditures for 2009-10. The measures were approved by the voters on November 4, 2008 to benefit the Santa Barbara Elementary and Secondary School Districts. Measure H funds are being used to supplement math, science, and technology education; music, arts, and theatre programs at the junior high and high school levels; foreign language at the secondary level; and restore ninth-grade math class sizes. In the elementary district, Measure I funds are being used to supplement math, science, and technology education as well as offer classroom music programs for students in grades K-6.
Prepared by Barbara Keyani
Coordinator, Administrative Services and Communications
bkeyani@sbsdk12.org
www.sbsdk12.org
Road to Renovation, an update on bond Measure V.
Road to Renovation, a report to the community on bond Measure V, a $67 million dollar general obligation bond was released in April 2010. The bond measure was approved by voters in 2000 to modernize junior high and high school campuses that were built in the 1920s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. Road to Renovation details the entire project, school by school, project by project.