www.sweetwaterschools.org AUGUST 2013 SWEETWATER CURRENTS 1

SWEETWATER C U R R E N T S

A SWEETWATER UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLICATION AUGUST 2013 | VOLUME 1

WELCOME TO THENEW SCHOOL YEAR

PLUS! MISS SAIGON SCHOOL EDITION PERFORMANCE! P.12

To Follow A DreamThe Journey of Ingrid Medrano

Bonita Vista Newspaper Wins Best News2013 San Diego County Fair

Sweetwater District Parent VolunteersRecognition Ceremony

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S W E E T W A T E R C U R R E N T S A U G U S T 2 0 1 3

CONTENTS FEATURES COMMON CORE

07 MONTH OF AUGUST

Produced by:Grants & Communications

Board of TrusteesJim Cartmill • Bertha J. López • John McCann • Pearl Quiñones • Arlie N. Ricasa

Dr. Edward M. Brand Superintendent

03 NEW SCHOOL YEAR!Same High Sweetwater Standards

05 BONITA VISTA NEWSPAPER WINS!Best News at the 2013 San Diego County Fair

05 TO FOLLOW A DREAMThe Journey of Ingrid Medrano

10 PARENT VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZEDSweetwater Parents Thanked for Service

TWITTERFACEBOOK

14 SUPERINTENDENT’S COLUMNWelcome Back

11 PRACTICE TEST NOTIFICATIONLetter Template Now Available

06 HAVE A SAYin South County’s Future

10 NEW RESOURCESScoring Guides for a Smarter Balance

09 OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATEPublic Review & Comment for 2014

12 NEW PROFESSIONAL LEARNINGNew Module Available

13 COMMON CORE SHOWCASEState Standards Materials Available

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High Standards for the New School Year

This day and age, education is prominent in the media at all levels and at all times. As it should be, considering this generation will be leaders of our country soon. But while important debates and

philosophical discussions ensue, Sweetwater students, teachers and staff are here daily answering the call.

While we continue to debate about important issues at the global, national and local levels, here are three reasons why YOU can rest assured that at Sweetwater our students and teachers are on the cutting edge of

21st century learning and success.

We’re on track for another great year of educational success. Over the summer break, district administrators participated in an in-depth Management Academy, focusing on educational technologies and the upcoming impact of Common Core. On day one hundreds of teachers participated in intensive professional development training to prepare for student’s arrival the next day.

All staff watched the inspiring Welcome Back message from Sweetwater Superintendent Dr. Brand. In it, he clearly outlined some of the district's goals for the upcoming year. Please click on the link to view the video and learn more.

We so are excited to welcome back students and staff for the 2013-2014 school year! We are looking forward to the great opportunities this year will bring and the success of our students!

Reason

#1

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We Lead the charge in the transition to the Common Core. For the past three years, the Sweetwater District has been preparing for the Common Core in several aspects. Many of our educators have been deeply involved in researching the needs of the 21st century graduate that include real-world literacy skills.

Last year, lead teachers in Mathematics spent time focusing on the CCSS Standards for Mathematical Practice; not for requirements sake, but to equip themselves the best possible. As a result, students are now engaging in interactive conversations regarding math, and not just solving problems. Click here to see a sample lesson. Big shifts are happening in other subjects as well. Stay tuned as we continue to share those efforts in future Currents.    

Learn about Common Core and take a good look at the P21 Framework, which comprehensively lists out what “21st Century Skills” are and how they relate to core academic knowledge.

Reason

#2

We practice what we preach. When Sweetwater teachers gather for professional development, training, or collaborative planning, teachers and staff are engaged in the same 21st Century skills that Common Core calls for. Teachers learn the in’s & outs about how and what to teach the same way students experience lessons in the classroom. Teachers know first-hand what it feels like to be engaged in the activities being asked of students.

The world is changing, and the Sweetwater District is changing with it. We’re not just preparing kids for college and careers- we’re now looking ahead and making sure they’re ready to have jobs that don’t’ even exist yet. It’s a tall order, but if anyone can do it, its us. All of us.

Reason

#3

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by Mary L. Lawlor, Ph.D. SDSU College of Education Volunteer “As a teacher, I have the power to change the future of a  student- with just a smile,” said Ingrid Medrano, recent ALAS dual credential graduate from San Diego State University’s College of Education. Garnering credentials in multiple subjects, Medrano also earned a credential in bilingual Spanish with an emphasis on mild/moderate special education with authorizations for Severe Emotional Disturbance, Autism, Resource Specialists and English Language Learners. Medrano’s resilience goes beyond her credentials. Read Ingrid’s amazing story here.

To Follow A Dream-The Journey of Ingrid Medrano-

KUDOS!Bonita Vista Newspaper “The Crusader” Wins Best “News” - 2013 San Diego County Fair

In previous years, the high school newspaper competition at the San Diego County Fair was usually dominated by North County powerhouse schools in Carlsbad, Encinitas and Poway.

This year, the Sweetwater Union High School District was represented by The Crusader from Bonita Vista High. The Crusader is the only school south of Hwy 56 to be awarded with some of the highest honors: Best News, Best In Class (one of four), and 1st Place (one of five).

Kudos to our hard-working student journalists and their Adviser, Mr. Ed Lim.

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Freeway I-805 to Close August 18-19Traffic alert: On Sunday, August 18, Caltrans will close a seven-mile stretch in both

directions of I-805 from SR 54 in Chula Vista to SR 905 in Otay Mesa. The stoppage is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday until 5 a.m. August 19.

During that time, crews will demolish the East Palomar Street bridge, which will eventually be replaced by another bridge, direct carpool access ramps, a transit station and park

and ride.

Drivers will be asked to take either the I-5 or the SR 125 toll road, also known as the South Bay Expressway, which will be toll-free during that time. Plan ahead as traffic is expected

to be congested on those roads.

For more information about the upcoming closures go to: www.keepsandiegomoving.com/steerclear

Have a Say in South County’s Future South County Economic Development Council along with public and private partners

developed a project to serve as a "road map" to implement projects and policies that will move communities of South County forward. The council needs your help with developing

that vision.

Council members will reach out to a broad spectrum of South County stakeholders; from community members, to local business’s, faith-based organizations and retirees. The survey

will outline a working plan to improve South County as a whole.

Access the online survey here. For more information, visit the South County San Diego Web Page, the SCED blog or call (619) 424-5143.

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AUGUST 2013

• See the latest Sweetwater Spotlight

• Read the latest Budget Updates here

• Keep up with the latest Board Updates and recent minutesNNEWS & VIEWS

TWITTERFACEBOOK

CBOC Meeting14 School Board Meeting19

Transportation Begins Online RegistrationThe Sweetwater District Transportation Department has begun taking on-line registrations for bus passes. The new system allows riders to select passes and determine specific routes.

For more information about the online passes or to contact the about transportation department, please call (619) 691-5527 or visit their webpage at transportation.sweetwaterschools.org.

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Community Opportunities CV Community Service - “Christmas in October”

Applications AvailableHundreds of community members will be volunteering their time and joining local businesses on

October 12, 2013 to make dreams come true for a group of Chula Vista homeowners. 

The annual “Christmas in October” program helps preserve and revitalize homes throughout the community. In previous years, volunteers have assisted low income, disabled/and or elderly

community members with repairs to their homes. Materials are provided by donated funds and from local businesses.

 To volunteer or to apply for the “Christmas in October” program visit the City Clerk’s Office, City

Hall, 4th and F street or call (619) 691-5041.

CHULA VISTANATIONAL CITY

IMPERIAL BEACH

Stay Involved and See What’s Happening in the Sweetwater Community

EVENT CALENDARS {

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CCSS UPDATE FROM CDE.CA.GOV

Common COREner

Opportunity to ParticipatePublic Review and Comment for 2014 Mathematics Instructional Materials Adoption

The submitted instructional materials programs for the 2014 Mathematics Adoption are available for public review and comment. Display copies are available at many of the

Learning Resources Display Centers across the state.

Links to student materials for each program are posted on the California Department of Education (CDE) Mathematics Instructional Materials web page. Public comments are

welcome on all submitted programs.

Please note that per regulations all public comments received by August 27 will go directly to the review panels evaluating the materials. A public comment template is available. Comments received after that date will be forwarded to the Instructional

Quality Commission and the State Board of Education.

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Sweetwater District Parent Volunteers Recognized for their Work

Parents from all Sweetwater Schools thanked for their service.

Parent involvement and participation is important to the success of any school. In the Sweetwater District, parents volunteer their time and efforts in support of their student’s

educational experiences. At a recent ceremony, involved parents were recognized by Sweetwater District and school leaders from 25 campuses.

The Sweetwater District has several parent volunteers who perform a number of duties, including serving on planning committees, working at school events and assisting in

outreach events in the community. School staff and administrators work closely with parents to ensure that critical needs are being met.

“The role of parents in our schools is vital to the successes we have had as a district,” said Board President Jim Cartmill. “We thank them for their tireless efforts and their continued

support of the Sweetwater Union High School District.”

Click here to see the full list of honorees and make sure to thank them for their service!

Common COREner

New ResourcesScoring Guides for Smarter Balanced Practice Tests Are Now Available.

Scoring guides are now available for the Smarter Balanced Practice Tests in grades three through eight and grade eleven for English-language arts (ELA) and

mathematics. In addition, a scoring guide is now available for each of the Braille Practice Tests, which include grades four, seven, and eleven for ELA and grades three,

seven, and eleven for mathematics.

The scoring guides are available on the Smarter Balanced Web page. The scoring guides provide answer keys to multiple-choice and short-answer questions in addition

to scoring rubrics for constructed-response items. For selected-response items, the scoring guides describe the rationale for correct and incorrect answers. For

constructed-response items, the scoring guides explain the criteria that must be met for each possible score point. Scoring guides for the Practice Test performance tasks

are expected to be available in August.

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SWEETWATER CURRENTSNew Look...Coming Soon

Change is afoot for Sweetwater Currents. Winston Churchill said, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” For those of us who’ve been around the district for a while, we have seen our trusty

Sweetwater Currents evolve from a newsletter printout to the online whiz-bang interactive, web-based or pdf digital publication that it is now.

In the coming months you will see Currents coming out more often then once a month. Expect to see more interactive features designed to keep

our Sweetwater family closely connected to the work we are doing.

One thing that won’t change is the amazing work that happens everyday in our schools and in our community. We hope to be able to spotlight these

efforts more in the coming months.

Tell us what you like about either Currents or Spotlight and what you’d like to see more of via Facebook or Twitter using hashtag #currents.

Common COREner

Practice Test Notification Letter Template Now Available

The CDE has developed a letter template for local educational agencies to assist them in notifying parents and guardians of the availability of the Smarter Balanced Practice Tests.

The notification template can be customized and printed on school or district letterhead. The template is available in English, Spanish, and 17 other languages on the CDE Smarter

Balanced web page.

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VAPA EVENTS CALENDARVisual & Performing Arts Department

AUGUST

Miss Saigon Performance Dates1-4

Eastlake High’s Ruth Chapman Performing Arts Center-1120 Eastlake Parkway, Chula Vista, CA 91915. Presented by the 2013 Summer Theatre Institute by the William Virchis

Visual and Performing Arts Department of Sweetwater Schools.

August 1-3 @7pmAugust 4th @4pm

General Admission is $10.00 Students and Seniors $5.00

Seating is limited and on a first come first serve basis. Box office opens one hour prior to performance. For more information visit http://vapa.sweetwaterschools.org/

Common COREner

New Professional Learning Module AvailableThe California Department of Education (CDE) is pleased to announce that a new

professional learning module, CCSS English Language Arts (ELA): Content Literacy for Technical Subjects, is now available online on the Brokers of Expertise California Common

Core State Standards (CCSS) Professional Learning Modules web page.

This module is part of the CCSS for California Educators series and was developed in collaboration with The California Arts Project. The module is available in two formats: online

independent use and on-site blended group facilitation.

Additional professional learning modules will become available throughout the summer. For more information, please visit the CDE CCSS Professional Learning Modules for Educators

web page

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Common COREner

Common Core State Standards Showcase Materials Available

Last month, the CDE convened two CCSS showcases – one for ELA and one for mathematics – to help teachers learn more about how to put the new standards into practice. Each

showcase featured a number of presentations from California local educational agencies that have begun implementing the standards.

Presentation materials, including slide presentations, handouts, and supporting documents, are now available under Resource Collections on the Brokers of Expertise CCSS Resources

web page.

Presentation topics include integrating the CCSS mathematics content standards and practices, strategies for increasing student engagement, building student knowledge

through content-rich information, strategies for reading, writing, and speaking grounded in textual evidence, how to interpret and teach complex reading materials, strategies to

support diverse learners, techniques that support college and career readiness, and much more.

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Superintendent | Dr. Edward M. Brand

S U P E R I N T E N D E N T ’ S C O L U M N

Welcome Back

It’s hard to believe, the 2013-2104 school year is underway! Each year we

start with a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation as students from

across South County return to us, or join us for the first time. As the students

and staff get settled in, we begin to see that the possibilities are limitless

and that this year has the potential to be another amazing year.

The community at Mar Vista Academy (formerly Mar Vista Middle) is excited about

what their new focus will bring. The new staff and students at Hawking Charter

School II at Southwest Middle are ready to dive into a STEM program that hasn’t

been seen before in their neighborhood. The Montgomery Middle community is

excited about a brand new facility that students were welcomed into on opening

day.

This summer we signed a historic agreement that brings Alliant International University

to our campus at National City Adult School and students now have an option for

both undergraduate and middle-college courses. We have six Sweetwater

“Teachers of the Year” that will be moving on to the San Diego County Teacher of

the Year event in October. Finally, we should all be proud of the significant increases

that have been made by students in completing their A-G course requirements,

making our students ready for the next level of higher education.

New staff and returning staff have been working hard over the last several months

and over the summer to plan the year out and implement some of the new and

exciting things we see in the Common Core Curriculum. I want to especially thank

our teachers, counselors and the Curriculum and Instruction Department for all their

hard work on this. For 2013-2014, we have revisited the District Delta to reflect our

focus on Common Core.

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Superintendent’s Hotline

A reminder that Dr. Brand is accepting calls at the Superintendent’s Hotline on

Tuesday, August 6. If you have a suggestion or concern, call 691-5570 between 2:30

and 4:30 p.m. to talk directly with the superintendent. The hotline is open the first

Tuesday of every month.

In the Delta, we continue to focus on Students, Staff and the Community. Our priority

is, and always will be the students. Through a radical change in how the State of

California is funding education, we continue to make Fiscal Stability the base for all

that we do. We know that it’s important to only engage in those things that we can

afford. Of course none of this is possible without our focus on Teamwork and ensuring

that we are all working towards a common goal of student achievement and

success.

Let’s start the year by asking ourselves what can we all do to make this a better

organization and what are the things that we would like to see improved upon to

ensure our success. Soon, we will be sending out an anonymous online survey where

we will ask some of these questions. We want you to help set our priorities and we will

ask for some of you to work with us a little bit closer to ensure that the ideas that you

share, we follow through with.

Working together, we all have the ability to transform this district and make it a better

one for our students. The Sweetwater School District has a legacy of great things and

throughout the year we will work on telling the stories of what makes us great. This is

our district, these are our stories and this is our legacy.

Let’s have a great year!