Winter Fun Cafe

San Diego Unified Food and Nutrition Services is once again serving lunches and snacks for students for no cost at city recreation centers during the winter intersession – the extended time year-round schools are closed after traditional schools resume classes in early January.

This year, lunches will be served at four sites Monday through Friday, January 6-24, 2020*. Lunches and snacks are available at no cost for any child and teen 18 years or younger. No paper work, identification or income verifications required, just show up to one of the below listed serving locations.

Winter Fun Cafe Locations

• Copley Price YMCA, 4300 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92105
• Jan. 6-24, 2020 M-F
• Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Snack: 3-4 p.m.

• City Heights Park & Recreation, 4380 Landis Street, San Diego, CA 92105
• Jan. 6-24, 2020 M-F
• Lunch: Noon-1 p.m.
• Snack: 3-4 p.m.

• Colina Del Sol Park & Recreation, 5319 Orange Avenue, San Diego, CA 92115
• Jan. 6-24, 2020 M-F
• Lunch: Noon-1 p.m.
• Snack: 3-4 p.m.

• North Park Park & Recreation, 4044 Idaho Street, San Diego, CA 92104
• Jan. 6-24, 2020 M-F
• Lunch: 1-2 p.m

*All sites will be closed Monday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The University of Texas at Austin- Scholarship Opportunity

The San Diego Chapter of Texas Exes Alumni Association is happy to announce that they will be awarding scholarships again this year to multiple entering freshmen from the San Diego area who will be attending The University of Texas at Austin starting next fall. 

The application for Entering Freshmen Texas Exes Scholarships, which includes the Chapter's scholarship, is February 15, 2020.

Visit this website for more information and to apply.

https://texasexes.academicworks.com/. 

End the semester strong!

Hey students - want some suggestions to make your grades look better? Here’s 3 easy steps! 

• Step 1: Look at the PowerSchool details for each of your classes. It is YOUR grade and YOUR responsibility to make sure it is accurate! Do you notice any missing grades? Did you forget to complete or turn in the work? Did your teacher forget to record the grade? 
• Step 2: Talk with the teacher for each class you want to improve. It is teachers’ favorite conversation to have with their students - they want you to succeed! Show the PowerSchool notes and turn in any missing work. You can say something like, “I just noticed this work was missing and was hoping to submit now.” Too scared to talk in person? Email or write a note and leave for the teacher. 
• Step 3: Make plans for the future. Good habits lead to success! Identify some habits you can build for long-term success...study sessions, quiet work space, tutorials...all things that successful students do!

PSAT Scores are OUT!

SDUSD 10th and 11th graders were given the opportunity to take the PSAT, or preliminary SAT back in October and scores are out this week! Students can access their scores online or get their paper copy from their school. All results come with some perks: Link the scores to Khan Academy and get personalized tutorials to increase scores! Enter into scholarships for completing tutorials and building college lists! For more information, visit https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/k12-educators/advising-instruction/practice-resources/link-accounts

Dolphin Scholarship Foundation

The Dolphin Scholarship Foundation offers grants, available on a competitive basis, to high school or college children/stepchildren of members or former members of the Submarine Force who have qualified in submarines and have served in the Submarine Force for at least eight years; or children/stepchildren of Navy members who have served in submarine support activities for a minimum of ten years. For more information and to apply visit https://dolphinscholarship.org/

Junior Achievement is hosting Winter Camps

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur? If so, you might be interested in attending a Winter Camp with Junior Achievement. Opportunities are available for students in grades 4-9 exploring topics like Dream Jobs, Entrepreneur Careers, Innovation Challenges, and College and Career Awareness.

The camps are hosted at the Junior Achievement Headquarters (4765 Mission Gorge Pl. San Diego CA 92120) and meet from 9:00am to 3:00pm on the designated days.

Camps occur during San Diego Unified’s Winter Vacation and costs range from $100 to $250 per camper. For more information please click here.

To register for a camp please click here.

San Diego Education Association Scholarships

San Diego Education Association (SDEA) annually offers scholarships for members and members’ dependents. The Dependent Application is for high school graduating seniors and current college-enrolled students, who are dependents of a current CTA/NEA/SDEA member. 

The Member Application is for current CTA/NEA/SDEA members who wish to further their education. Applications can be found on the SDEA website: http://www.sdea.net/membership/scholarships. If you need further assistance with SDEA scholarships, contact Lisa Steinberg at SDEA (619) 283-4411 or steinberg_l@sdea.net.

California Teacher's Association Scholarships, Grants, and Awards

California Teacher's Association (CTA) offers several different educational scholarships, grants and awards to members and their dependents throughout the academic year. Application deadlines are quickly approaching. More information can be found at www.cta.org/scholarships.

Bank of America Student Leaders Internship Opportunity

The Student Leaders program from Bank of America connects qualifying high school juniors and seniors with paid summer internships that have a focus on serving the community. 

In addition to an eight-week internship working with a local nonprofit, each student will attend the Student Leaders Summit in July 2020 in Washington, D.C., with travel expenses paid by the program. The application period closes January 31, 2020.

Download the flyer here.

Visit the website here.

District Honor Ensembles Auditions

Each year San Diego Unified selects students to be a part of their Honor Ensembles. These students participate in Honor Concerts at distinguished venues such as Point Loma Nazarene University, and Copley Symphony Hall. Applications are now open for Spring 2020 auditions. Read below for more information and how to apply.

Debut (grades 4-6)

• Debut Choir (gr 4-6): CLICK HERE for the audition packet and rubric.
• Band and Orchestra (gr. 4-6): Step 1: fill out the application (CLICK HERE). Step 2: sign up for an audition time (CLICK HERE). Step 3: print the audition scale and excerpt for your instrument (CLICK HERE). 

Middle School (grades 6-8)
For choir students in grade 6, please see Debut Choir linked above.

• Tenor-Bass Choir (gr 7-12): CLICK HERE for the audition packet and rubric.
• Treble Choir (gr 7-12): CLICK HERE for the audition packet, sheet music, tracks, and rubric. CLICK HERE to sign up for an audition time
• Band (gr 6-8): CLICK HERE for audition packets (select your instrument) and the rubric. CLICK HERE to sign up for an audition time
• Orchestra (gr 6-8): CLICK HERE for audition packets (select your instrument) and the rubric. CLICK HERE to sign up for an audition time

High School (grades 9-12)

• Tenor-Bass Choir (gr 7-12): CLICK HERE for the audition packet and rubric.
• Treble Choir (gr 7-12): CLICK HERE for the audition packet, sheet music, tracks, and rubric. CLICK HERE to sign up for an audition time
• Band (gr 9-12): CLICK HERE for required scales, etudes, and the rubric.
• Orchestra (gr 9-12): check back soon

Visit VAPA's Honor Concerts website for more information.

Become a Water-Wise Gardener

Are you looking to improve your outdoor space, yet protect our earth’s most valuable resource? If so, then The Water Conservation Garden should be your next Saturday family trip.

The mission of The Water Conservation Garden is to inspire positive change in the living environment through the conservation of water and other natural resources. The Water Conservation Garden has nearly six acres of displays that showcase water conservation through a series of beautiful themed gardens, such as a native plant garden and a vegetable garden, as well as how-to displays such as mulch and irrigation exhibits. The Garden can be a learning laboratory for the dedicated gardener, a delightful place for an afternoon stroll, or a place to gather lots of information about water-wise, or California-Friendly® gardening. Admission is free, and the Garden can be viewed on a self-guided tour, with a group or through one of their FREE docent-led Garden tours the first Saturday of each month at 10:00am. Learn more by visiting: https://thegarden.org/.

Going for Gold(berg)!

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The Fleet Science Center, in partnership with the San Diego Engineering Council, will host San Diego’s first-ever Rube Goldberg Machine Contest on January 11, 2020.

The Rube Goldberg Machine Contest is an event where high school students ages 14 to 18 showcase machines that they have imagined, designed and created to perform a simple task. This year’s task is to Turn off a light! During the competition, the public will be able to see the contraptions while at the Fleet. This exhibit will be included with general admission to the Fleet that day.

This fun competition will encourage teamwork and out-of-the-box problem solving, in a fresh learning environment and on a level playing field. All one needs is a good imagination and a pile of junk!

Space is limited, and the registration is $295* per team. The registration deadline is Friday, December 15, 2019.

First and second place winners at the Fleet will be eligible to participate in the Rube Goldberg Machine Contest Finals, which will be held Saturday, April 4, at the Lawrenceburg Event Center, in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

*A portion of the $395 team fee is underwritten thanks to the support of the San Diego County Engineering Council.

Grief Support Groups Available for SDUSD Students and Families

Children and teens who are struggling with feelings of grief and loss after the death of a significant person in their life are invited to join the Grief Support Groups at the Children's Bereavement Center in Mission Valley. There is no cost to participate.

Sessions are ninety minutes and are facilitated by trained childhood bereavement professionals from The Elizabeth Hospice. These are held bimonthly throughout the school year. Children learn about grief and loss, develop coping skills, share their grief story, and connect with others who are facing similar circumstances. 

Parents and guardians meet in a separate group that runs concurrent with the children's group. For more information or to apply, visit this website or contact The Elizabeth Hospice at grievingchildren@ehospice.org or 760.796.3705.

Free Event for the Whole Family!

It’s never too early to learn about career development! Barnes and Noble is hosting a free event on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at their Grossmont Center store. Students and their families will be able to learn more about the world of work by meeting professionals from the community and activities. Also, get a chance to win a raffle prize! Come by Grossmont Center’s Barnes and Noble (5500 Grossmont Center Drive, Suite 331) on Thursday, November 21 from 5:00-8:00 pm to participate in the fun learning event for all!

Take Outdoor Exploration to the Next Level

San Diego is a beautiful place to explore the outdoors. Observing nature with your child helps your child develop a relationship with their environment. An organization called iNaturalist is helping to improve that relationship by creating an app called Seek. Seek identifies the plants and animals around you and gives you information and fun facts about their species. You earn badges as you identify more species. It’s similar to Pokémon Go in that it gets you moving around outdoors, but it’s way better because it invites you to look up and observe the world around you. Learn more by visiting: https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/seek_app.

Registration for the 2019-2020 Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge is now open!

The Youth Design Challenge (YDC) is a free, hands-on, project-based learning experience that provides classroom and informal educators with a new framework to introduce biomimicry and an interdisciplinary approach to science and environmental literacy.

Working in teams with an adult coach, students explore the wonders of the natural world and apply what they learn to create innovations that support a healthier planet. 

Are you an educator looking to build creative and engaging learning experiences that strengthen critical thinking skills for your students? The Youth Design Challenge can help you give the next generation a unique opportunity to be inspired by nature.

Sign up now to gain exclusive access to a clear framework that meets science standards and enables students to solve real-world and local sustainability problems.

Winter Break Paid Externships with SDWFP

Looking to gain paid work experience over their winter school break this year? The San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP) is currently recruiting for their School Break Externship Program. They still have 80 spots available for high school and college students to work with a San Diego County employer over their school breaks. Externs will be paid $12 per hour for 22 hours of work and 12 hours of training over the course of their winter and/or spring breaks. Participants will also receive transportation and clothing assistance.

 

Eligibility Requirements:

In order to be eligible, participants must be age 16-24, low income (see income limits here), have a special housing situation, or be current or former foster youth.

 

Eligible youth can apply here. If you have any questions about the program or about eligibility, please contact Heather Bischoff at heatherbischoff@workforce.org.

Ocean Science Student Competition at USD

The University of San Diego's Environmental and Ocean Sciences Department invites high school students to compete in the 2020 San Diego Garibaldi Bowl. This event is part of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) academic competition and program that aims to engage students with ocean science, preparing them for ocean science-related careers, and helping them become environmental stewards. 

The February 29th event at USD includes optional events in the months before the event for competing students, as well as specialized preparation for first-time participants or for schools with a high proportion of low-income students. For more information visit the Garibaldi Bowl webpage http://home.sandiego.edu/~jcprairie/nosb.html or the NOSB website http://nosb.org/. Contact Dr. Jennifer Prairie, jcprairie@sandiego.edu, to schedule mentoring.

CC Bank's Young Scholars $2,000 Scholarship

Each year CC Bank’s Young Scholars Scholarship offers up to five $2,000 scholarships to students attending universities, colleges, and other academic institutions across the U.S. Visit: https://ccbank.us/scholarship/

The Road to College Starts Here 11/20/2019

The Road to College Starts Here is an exciting adventure, with many twists and turns. Attend this middle school parent-student workshop and we will help you build a map of requirements, resources, and guidelines. 

Where: De Portola Middle School- Weiner Hall. 

Date: Wednesday 11/20/2019 

Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m. 

Subjects to be discussed: The parent role - College preparatory courses - High school graduation requirements - College entrance preparation - California university requirements - Financial aid planning/opportunities. 

This event is Sponsored by Cal-SOAP. For more information please visit: http://www.calsoapsandiego.org/

$20,000 Scholarship

For the ninth consecutive year, the Foot Locker Foundation will be awarding 20 incoming college freshmen with $20,000 in scholarship funding through the Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program. The funding is to pursue a 4-year college degree – not because they scored the most touchdowns or goals, but because sports have helped them grow into strong leaders at school and in their communities. 

They're searching for applicants who are strong on and off the field; students who have excellent records of community service, academics, and athletics. They're searching for leaders and inspiring individuals!

Scholarship Amount:
20 awards of $20,000 each. As a bonus, one of the 20 winners will be selected for the Ken C. Hicks scholarship for demonstrating superior educational achievement, outstanding leadership, and a true love of the game. This winner will receive an additional $5,000 award.

Eligibility:
In order to be eligible for the Foot Locker Scholar Athletes program, the applicant must:
- Be a current high school senior entering a four-year, accredited US college or university in the Fall of 2020
- Be currently a member (in good standing) of a high school sports team or be involved in after-school sports (e.g. intramurals, martial arts, etc.)
- Have maintained an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher from ninth grade to first semester of 12th grade
- Be a U.S. citizen or US Permanent Legal Resident
- Foot Locker employees and their immediate family members are ineligible

Deadline Information:
January 3rd, 2020 at 5pm EST

Website:

https://footlockerscholarathletes.com/

Parent Information Night: December 5, 2019

Please join us on December 5, 2019 from 6:00pm- 7:30pm at Miramar College to learn about the benefits of participating in the 2020 National Career Education Signing Day. Families will learn how students can attend Miramar College for free, what the San Diego Promise Program is about, and be given the opportunity to speak with students & faculty about the current programs and opportunities available at Miramar College. For more information please contact, Miramar College Outreach at MiraOutreach@sdccd.edu

2020 Profile in Courage Essay Contest

The Essay Contest encourages students to submit an original essay on a leader who demonstrated political courage as described by John F. Kennedy in his book, Profiles in Courage. Winners will have the chance to win 15 different scholarship prizes for college, including a $10,000 first-place prize. For more information, please visit: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest/contest-topic-and-information

SuperMoney Financial Literacy Scholarship

SuperMoney's mission is to help everyone reach their financial goals. Founded in 2019, SuperMoney's Financial Literacy Scholarship seeks to celebrate students who share the same mission. The scholarship program awards $2,500 a year to a student who wants to help Americans improve their financial wellness through continued education. For more information visit, https://www.supermoney.com/scholarship

2020 National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholar Application

Since 2013, The National Space Club and Foundation has offered the opportunity for a student to give the keynote address at the National Space Club and Foundation's annual Goddard Memorial Dinner, one of the space industry's most prestigious gatherings. The student must intend to pursue a career in the Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) fields, be academically strong and excel in public speaking.

In addition to speaking at the Goddard Memorial Dinner, the individual selected will also receive a scholarship, in the amount of $10,000. This scholarship is awarded to a U.S. citizen, and is open to seniors in High School through graduate students studying at an accredited educational institution in the United States, who has definite plans to pursue a career in the STEM fields. Visit: https://www.spaceclub.org/scholarship for more information.

Scholarship for Future Physics Teachers

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) Executive Board offers scholarships for future high school physics teachers. These scholarships, supported by an endowment funded by Barbara Lotze, are available to U.S. citizens attending U.S. schools.

Students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for the Barbara Lotze Scholarship for Future Teachers. Applicants must declare their intent to prepare for, and engage in, a career in physics teaching at the high school level and must, at the time the scholarship funds are received by the student, be:

• an undergraduate student enrolled in an accredited two-year college, four-year college or a university; or a high school senior accepted for such enrollment.
• pursuing, or planning to pursue, a course of study leading toward a career in physics teaching in the high schools.
• showing promise of success in their studies, and
• a citizen of the United States of America.

Applications can be submitted online, accepted at any time, and will be considered for recommendation to the Board of Directors at each AAPT Winter Meeting.

All applications in which all materials, including letters of recommendation, are received by December 1 will be considered for recommendation at the winter meeting of the AAPT Board of Directors. Visit: https://www.aapt.org/programs/grants/lotze.cfm for more information.

Naviance- Your Guide to Scholarships, College & Career Exploration

Did you know that all high schools students have access to a Naviance Student account? That's right! Your high school student can log in to their Naviance student account and begin a college and career search. Students have access to a scholarship list, college search tools, resume builders, and career exploration guides. For more information about Naviance student access, please speak with your student's high school counselor.

JAVA Programming Workshops available through The LEAGUE of Amazing Programmers

Ever wonder how computer games, websites, apps, and autonomous robots are created? San Diego Unified and the San Diego Public Library are partnering with The LEAGUE of Amazing Programmers to bring Java, one of the world's most popular programming languages, to a neighborhood near you!

The LEAGUE is a non-profit school that teaches programming to kids in 5th – 12th grade through after-school/weekend classes that meet year round to prepare kids for the science and technology careers of the 21st century.

Computers and all equipment are provided by the LEAGUE. Workshops are offered at NO COST at the Logan Heights, Malcolm X, and Central Downtown Libraries. Students from all levels in grades 5-12 are invited to participate.

Contact The LEAGUE for more info or to add your student to an interest list today! Website: https://www.jointheleague.org/ Contact: info@jointheleague.org

Internship Opportunity with NAVWAR - Apply today!

The application for the 2020 Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program closes on November 1st at 3:00PM. If you are in high school, you can open a new application by logging onto the SEAP website at http://seap.asee.org/.

The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) provides an opportunity for high school students to participate in research at a Department of Navy (DoN) laboratory during the summer. SEAP is providing competitive research internships to 250 high school students. Participating students spend eight weeks during the summer doing research at 28 DoN laboratories.

The goals of SEAP are to encourage participating high school students to pursue science and engineering careers, to further their education via mentoring by laboratory personnel and their participation in research, and to make them aware of DoN research and technology efforts, which can lead to employment within the DoN.

If you have any questions you can email seap@asee.org or call (202) 649-3833.

Student Job Board

Office of College Career and Technical Education has developed a student job board to help students get connected to employment. Visit the website here. Current openings include Trader Joe's, Belmont Park, Jersey Mikes, and many more.

Spellman High Voltage Electronics Clean Tech Competition

The Clean Tech Competition is back! This international research and design challenge for 15-18 year old pre-university student’s challenges teams to be as innovative as possible as they look to create a sustainable solution to our future. It is the perfect way to combine a love for science with a commitment to civic duty and we would love to see teams from California join us this year!

To us, this year’s theme encapsulates the struggle we all go through daily; one where it feels like you as an individual are unable to do much in the grand scheme of things, but you wish to make a difference. This year we are looking to our competitors to help us answer this existential question. But as we know, this struggle can vary deeply all over the world, depending on the means your community has. Which leads us to our categories: Limited Resources and Abundant Resources

Students research a specific area and challenge, then propose something that individuals can do to reduce their footprint and solve that challenge, based on having limited or an excess of resources. There are quite literally a world of problems out there we can solve, making the possibilities for your students almost endless. Challenge them today to make that difference!

Each year, the Spellman High Voltage Electronics Clean Tech Competition encourages scientific understanding of real-world issues and the integration of environmentally responsible energy sources. The goals and guidelines are as follows:

• Teams consist of 1-3 students, are assisted by a Team Leader (i.e. parent, teacher, or mentor), to develop a written proposal.
• There is no entry fee.
• First Round consists of written Paper Submissions
• 10 Finalist Teams per category are selected and given a $200 stipend to help them prepare a Prototype and presentation for the Finalist Event.
• Finalists compete for the $10,000 grand prize in each category, and a ‘Continued Mentorship

Official Competition website https://www.cstl.org/cleantech/ Registration is open now.

Yale Young Global Scholars Summer Program

The Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) application is now open Interested students in grades 10 or 11 are invited to apply to spend their summer at Yale! Experience life as a university student at Yale's Old Campus while attending an academic session of your choosing.

Sessions are offered in the humanities, social sciences, STEM, and a cross-disciplinary track that incorporates all of the above.

Here's what you need to know:

• Meet peers from over 125 countries around the world (including all 50 U.S. states), and join discussions where students offer global perspectives.
• Yale provides over $3.4 million USD in need-based financial aid equally to both domestic and international students, offered as discounts covering up to 100% of tuition costs.

Apply by our early action deadline and receive a reduced application fee. If the fee poses a financial burden, submit a fee waiver to make your application fee $0 USD.

Early Action Deadline: November 12, 2019 at 11:59PM ET
Regular Decision Deadline: January 15, 2020 at 11:59PM ET
Apply Today: https://globalscholars.yale.edu/how-to-apply

Questions should be directed to YYGS. For more information please visit the YYGS Website.

STEM Scholarship

San Diego Education Fund is proving a scholarship for students interested in pursuing a career in the STEM field. Recipients of the scholarship will receive financial assistance each semester for the duration of time enrolled in full-time college curriculum and making sufficient progress toward a degree. Recipients will receive $1,200 per semester while attending a four-year school, and $500 per semester while attending community college. 

Requirements:

• A senior in high school in the San Diego Unified School District (including charter schools)
• Plan to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics 
• Plan to attend a community college or four-year college in San Diego County 
• Demonstrate financial need

Click here to fill out an application. For more information visit San Diego Education Fund's website.

Future Teacher Scholarship

San Diego Education Fund is offering financial assistance for students who pursue a teaching degree. Students selected for the scholarship will receive financial assistance each semester they are enrolled in fulltime college curriculum and making sufficient progress toward a degree. Students will receive $500 per semester at community college, $1,000 per semester at a four-year university, and a $4,000 stipend for a credential program.

Requirements:

• A senior in high school in the San Diego Unified School District (including charter schools)
• Plan to pursue a career in teaching (e.g., Special Education, Single Subject, Bi-lingual certification) 
• Plan to attend a community or four-year college in San Diego County 
• Demonstrate financial need

To apply fill out the application here. Visit San Diego Education Fund's website for more information.

Explore Beneath the Surface in Mission Bay Aquatic Center’s ROV Design Challenge

The ocean covers around 70% of the Earth’s surface but remains largely unexplored, leaving humans to dream about what might be hidden within its depths. However, with new technology, the aid of bright young minds, and human ingenuity we are coming even closer to discovering what lies beneath the surface. The Mission Bay Aquatic Center invites kids to participate in their STEM Explorations: ROV Design Challenge on Saturday, November 9th where they can practice the concepts that scientists confront to explore our underwater world.

Working as a team, kids will get to build their own underwater remote operated vehicle, or ROV for short. They will work together with other students from the very beginning of the planning and design process, to building and testing their creations. Adjacent to MBAC is their very own underwater ecosystem filled with fascinating creatures and plant life that students can discover with their ROV.

This activity is for students from elementary school up to high school and is an engaging combination of several different STEM fields. It will focus on the circular experiential learning model of “Plan > Do > AHA! > Reflect > Plan,” and is perfect for anyone interested in marine life, oceanography, robotics design, or engineering.

With your help, we can begin solving one of the greatest mysteries on Earth. The ROV Design Challenge will take place on Sunday, November 9th from 9:00-11:30 AM. If you would like to sign your child up to be part of this challenge or if you have any questions, you can call MBAC at (858) 488-1000 or visit their website at https://mbaquaticcenter.com/youth-classes.htm#stem-explorations–rov-design-challenge.

Be sure to let the Aquatic Center know your student is from San Diego Unified by entering coupon code: sdusd to receive $15 dollars off.

San Diego Gulls Night - November 2

Hey Hockey Fans! The San Diego Gulls are partnering with AVID again this year to host a college and career game night including a family tailgate! Last year, 15 colleges were on site to answer questions for students and families. All departments in the Gulls organization shared their path to career and opportunities for students. Talk to your AVID teacher (or email ramato@sandi.net) to order your tickets - $3 from every ticket goes back to our AVID programs! Anyone can join in the event, not limited to AVID students.

Changes in Advanced Placement Exams

Big, positive changes in Advanced Placement program this year! All students enrolled in a fall AP class (or choosing to just take the exam) will need to commit by mid-November to taking their exam! As proven in the demo sites, this early commitment deadline keeps students more engaged throughout the year and increases exam scores. Students in spring AP classes will have until early-March to decide to take the exam. 

Other bonus? Additional online course resources have been added to keep students and teachers well-paced throughout the year. Similar to a Google Classroom, students will use a join code to access the classroom. Teachers are still learning how to use the new system so the use of this resource will slowly build. At minimum, students need to join this online classroom, as that is how exam orders will be completed for both exam only students and students in the AP course. 

No change in student fees...except, a $40 change-of-mind fee. AP’s survey of students found that if students decide after the exam order deadline to NOT take exam, that a hefty $40 penalty would be enough to keep them committed. 

When deciding to take the AP exam...the biggest question is...why WOULDN’T you? It is a great chance to earn college credit and show off what you know! Plus, it is excellent practice for future standardized tests. Money should never be a limiting factor in choosing to take the exam and AP coordinators have resources available. Questions? Contact your site AP Coordinator or district AP Coordinator - ramato@sandi.net

Attention High School Students--Time to Vote!

On Thursday October 17th elections will take place for the Student Board Member that will serve on the School Board until June 30, 2020.

Congratulations to all of our candidates:

• Brianna Brown- Hoover High School
• Dagny Whall- La Jolla High School
• Karen Mendez- Lincoln High School
• Maryane Nguyen- Patrick Henry High School
• Benefice Nisumbavyose- San Diego High School
• Zachary Patterson- University City High School

All high school students in San Diego Unified can vote for any of the candidates.

Voting will be open on October 17th from 7:00am to 6:00pm. Students will login via the website http://bit.ly/studentboard19 using their district login information and will only be able to vote once.

The elected student will be sworn in at the Tuesday, November 12th Board meeting and serve until June 30, 2020. A separate election will be held in Spring 2020 for the 2020-2021 Student Board Member whose term will be July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021.

Questions? Contact the Elections Administrator at sseiders@sandi.net 619-725-7125

$5,000 Scholarship

For years, your most exceptional senior athletes have dug deeper, pushed harder, and given 110% to make their mark in your school and your community. Now it’s time to make sure they get the recognition they deserve along with their shot at a $500, $1,000, or $5,000 scholarship.

Eligible students have maintained at least a B average, participated in at least one eligible sport, are a leader in their community and role model at their school.

Applications are open now and will close on October 29. 2019.

Apply here.

$1,000 Scholarship Opportunity

The Princeton Prize in Race Relations (PPRR) recognizes and rewards high school students who have had a significant positive effect on race relations in their schools or communities through their volunteer efforts.

Prize recipients receive a cash prize of $1,000 and an all-expenses-paid weekend to a Symposium on Race at Princeton University where they will meet and engage with other Prize recipients from across the country.

Prize recipients are recognized at ceremonies in their local regions by Princeton alumni. 

PPRR operates through 27 Regional Committees and has an At-Large Regional Committee to support areas where we currently have no geographic presence. We are an alumni volunteer-run organization, enlisting the support of over 450 Princetonians, all dedicated to an inclusive and supporting society.

Applications open on November 16, 2019 and close on January 31, 2020. Click here to apply or nominate a student.

2020 San Diego NOSB Garibaldi Bowl on Saturday, February 29, 2020.

The National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) is an academic competition and program that addresses a national gap in environmental and earth sciences in public education by introducing high school students to and engaging them in ocean science, preparing them for ocean science-related and other STEM careers, and helping them become knowledgeable citizens and environmental stewards. http://nosb.org/about-nosb/

A great opportunity for high school students (led by a high school teacher): The Environmental and Ocean Sciences Department at University of San Diego, led by Professor Prairie, will hold the 2020 San Diego NOSB Garibaldi Bowl on Saturday, February 29, 2020. There will also be a few (optional) events beforehand for the competing students like tidepooling and a STEM fair/practice NOSB day. 

Dr. Prairie will support the preparation for first-time participating schools, or for schools that serve a high proportion of low-income students or those from underrepresented backgrounds by providing graduate student mentors. More information can be found at http://home.sandiego.edu/~jcprairie/nosb.html or the National NOSB website http://nosb.org/

STEM Explorations: Microscopic Mysteries

The Mission Bay Aquatic Center is transforming students into marine scientists for a day in their Microscopic Mysteries program. Students use scientific tools and methods to collect samples and explore the microscopic critters found in Mission Bay.

To register your child to become a marine scientist, visit: https://mbaquaticcenter.com/youth-classes.htm and scroll down to STEM Explorations: Microscopic Mysteries. The next sessions are offered on Sunday, October 20th and Sunday, November, 23rd from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Cost is $45, but be sure to let the aquatic center know that your scientist comes from San Diego Unified to receive $15 off with the coupon code: sdusd.

Additional youth classes including more STEM Exploration classes are offered at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center throughout the year. Click here for more information.

A “WOW” Volunteer Opportunity!

Students needing community service hours have a unique opportunity to support the theater community and see free shows. La Jolla Playhouse’s Without Walls (WOW) Festival is four days of immersive and eclectic theatre for adventurous art lovers, thrill seekers and families. Now in its fourth outing, this year’s WOW Festival lands at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station October 17 – 20, which will come alive with vibrant, interactive experiences that amplify the energy of the city. All WOW volunteers will receive a WOW Festival t-shirt. We ask that volunteers commit at least two (2) shifts (6-10 hours total). Volunteers are eligible for free access to WOW performances that take place outside of your scheduled volunteer shifts. Free show access is based on availability. Volunteers of all identities encouraged to apply – if you would benefit from an accommodation, just let us know! Questions? Contact WOW@ljp.org. Sign up at https://formspring-xpeow.formstack.com/forms/wow_2019_volunteer_search

SDSCPA Auditions

San Diego's School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA) seeks students with potential, passion, and commitment to the arts. Previous training is helpful, but not necessary. The school is hosting its annual auditions for the 2020-21 school year, beginning with the 8th Grade and High School auditions on November 16th. 6th and 7th Grade auditions will be on December 14th.

SDSCPA serves the young aspiring creative mind who is already demonstrating a passion for and potential lifelong commitment to the arts. Learn more by attending a Magnent Monday tour or a Prospective Families meeting. Visit SDACPA's auditions page for more information https://www.sdscpaauditions.com/.