Covering the Vista Unified School District
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 FEBRUARY —APRIL 2013
®
Education + Communication = A Better Nation
www.schoolnewsrollcall.com
First Annual “Celebrating Our Own” Conference
SUPERINTENDENT
A new set of
priorities and values
for the Vista Unied
School District will
help lead educators,
create a more efcient
organization and let the
community know what to
expect from the schools.
The Framework for
the Future includes a vision, mission
and set of values that were carefully
selected to guide the district to
academic success and to serve as a
strategic plan for improvement.
Where are we going? What are we
trying to achieve as an organization?
To me, those are fundamental
questions in any leadership setting.
Having clarity of where you’re going
can assist with so many other things.
Implementing this framework was
one of my top goals when I started
as superintendent last summer.
Research has shown that creating
long-term, coherent goals can make
organizations more productive and
improve student achievement.
The district’s vision is “to be the
model of educational excellence and
innovation.”
The mission is “to inspire each
and every student to persevere as
critical thinking individuals who
collaborate to solve real-world problems.”
The values are –
• Respect, treating all with dignity;
• Trust, having condence that
every decision focuses on the
best interests of all students;
and
• Collaboration, working in a
collective partnership with
clear two-way dialogue that
builds relationships among
home, school and the
commun ity.
Educators are already starting
to use the framework to help put
together more challenging and
Devin
Vodicka, Ed.D.
See Superintendent • Page 11
FREE
By Kim Morton, Principal
Temple Heights Elementary
Research has shown that music
supports brain development
and increases IQ.
That is why Temple Heights
is proud to offer a top-notch
music program to all students in
kindergarten through fth grade.
Our dedicated PTA fund-raises all
year to support this program.
If you entered Mr. Fleck’s music
classroom, you would see students
reading music, learning rhythms,
studying music history, and playing
instruments such as the recorder,
guitar and glockenspiel. In addition,
Mr. Fleck offers guitar lessons and
percussion classes on the drums and
bongos before school.
Choir classes are also offered
once a week to students after school.
Students Enjoy a Well-Rounded Music Program
Music is chosen from many languages, cultures and periods of history. Students
rehearse and proudly perform for the community. This program is possible
through a partnership developed with the SD Children’s Choir.
We value music education and feel the benets will last a lifetime
Temple Heights guitarists showcase their skills at the Vista Festival of the Arts
On January 18, a steady stream of eager educators
owed into the parking lot at Mission Vista High School
to engage in a day of professional development presented
by their own colleagues. ASB students from Mission Vista
and Rancho Buena Vista High Schools cheerfully greeted
teachers from Kindergarten to 12th grade from every
site in Vista Unied before sending them off to attend
conference sessions. Meanwhile, dedicated ASB students
at Vista High were hosting District classied staff
members about to enjoy their own program of offerings at
the VHS campus.
Traditionally, The District brings in a variety of outside
presenters for professional development days (also called
“Buy Back Days”). However, this year, the Curriculum
and Instruction Department decided to recognize and
celebrate the rich pool of expertise at work in our own
schools. Requests for proposals were sent out to VUSD
staff in December, and during winter break over 60
local educators busied themselves preparing 85 minute
conference sessions for their colleagues. Although a
handful of outside presenters also joined in the effort,
VUSD teachers were enthusiastically lauded by their peers
as “talented,” “amazing,” and “valued professionals who
have a part in shaping the future of the District.”
A line up of gourmet food trucks provided an innovative
lunch solution for conference attendees, who enjoyed
a sunny outdoor break at the beautiful Mission Vista
campus, and a Twitter feed, established specically for
the day, highlighted the District’s emphasis on technology
and afforded participants an opportunity to “chat”
throughout the day.
Conference attendees chose from a menu of sessions
on technology, 21st century learning, Special Education,
the incoming California Common Core State Standards,
character education and/or brain theory. The star keynote
presenter of the day, however, was the District’s new
Superintendent, Dr. Devin Vodicka, who introduced a new
Mission, Vision and Values statement and spoke about
exciting new plans and challenges for the educational
community. Dr. Vodicka’s contagious energy was evident
in the standing ovations he received as he concluded his
presentations. One participant remarked, “This was the
most intellectually rewarding Buy Back Day for 23 years.
Dr. Vodicka’s theme of respect for students’ potential and
teacher integrity was very welcome to hear.”
Inside: Adult Ed. ROP page 2 • Schools pages 4—11 • Syndicated pages 12-14
February 21
March 14
April 18
May 16
June 5
June 27
July 18
August 15
September 12
October 17
November 14
December 12
2013 Board of Trustee Meeting Dates
2 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com
Kay Coop
Founder / Publisher
Neta Madison
Netragrednik
We are delighted to be publishing
School News covering the Vista
Unied School District.three times
per year (Feb., May and Nov.).
Technology is developing at such
a rapid rate that our children have
opportunities as well as challenges
that were only dreamed of a few
years ago. In addition to academics
students nd time for community
service and sports. So sit back
and enjoy the good news from the
classrooms. We appreciate you
including School News among your
reading choices.
Happy Spring Break!
Home
Room
562/493-3193
Education + Communication = A Better Nation
www.schoolnewsrollcall.com
Covering the
VISTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
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562/493-3193 • [email protected]
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P.O. Box 728, Seal Beach, CA 90740
562/493-3193
www.schoolnewsrollcall.com
Copyright © 2006, School News Roll Call, LLC
Reproduction in whole or in part without written
permission is strictly prohibited unless otherwise stated.
Opinions expressed by contributing writers and guest
columnists are their views and not necessarily those of
School News Roll Call. This publication is privately
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publication.
YOUTH SPORTS I Registration begins June 3!
Girls Volleyball League
The North County Volleyball League is open to girls in grades 5-8. Practices start in August
and games begin in October.
Youth Flag Football
Open to boys and girls in elementary and middle schools. Four age appropriate divisions
will be offered. Games start this fall!
Visit vistarecreation.com or call (760) 726-1340, ext. 1571
Summer Camps I Registration begins April 22!
Summer Camps run June 10 – August 16 at Brengle Terrace Park. Weekly field trips to such
attractions as Petco Park, Knotts Berry Farm, Laser Tag, the Discovery Science Center,
Boomers and the Vista Entertainment Center are included. Camps are also available at the
historic Rancho Buena Vista Adobe, the birthplace of Vista!
Visit vistarecreation.com or call (760) 726-1340, ext. 1571
Family Nights at the Moonlight Amphitheatre!
An affordable outing as a family awaits you this summer! Family Nights at the Moonlight
are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays with kids’ ticket only $10, or $15 on Friday nights
when accompanied by a paying adult. The line-up includes the all-time family favorite The
Wizard of Oz! Enjoy a night of professional Broadway-style musical theatre outdoors right
here in Vista!
Visit moonlightstage.com or call (760) 724-2110.
Adult Education R.O.P.
305 E. Bobier Dr., Vista, CA 92084 • 760/758-7122 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Career Readiness is Our Priority
Vista Adult School Regional Occupational Programs (ROP)
and Career Technical Education (CTE) offer career training
courses in medical occupations such as phlebotomy, pharmacy
technician, medical assistant and medical biller. We also offer
career training courses in business and accounting, bookkeeping,
photography and more.
Do you want to be a chef? Vista Adult School will be launching
a new pathway of courses beginning in April in culinary arts
and restaurant management. These classes will be taught in the
evening by professional executive chefs who will train adults for
careers in the restaurant
industry. Vista Adult
School ROP/CTE will be
celebrating the ofcial
CTE month of February
with special events,
community-outreach
projects and CTE-
awareness activities.
Need help building a
résumé or searching for
a career? VAS is offering
an open computer for
our community to get
the edge you need for
your new career. Visit
our website at www.
vistaadultschool.com
today.
Ebon Brown
Principal
Vista Adult School Medical Students learn procedures on infant
examinations and medical record keeping in preparation to
become a Certified Medical Assistant
YOUTH SPORTS I Registration begins June 3!
Girls Volleyball League
The North County Volleyball League is open to girls in grades 5-8. Practices start in August
and games begin in October.
Youth Flag Football
Open to boys and girls in elementary and middle schools. Four age appropriate divisions
will be offered. Games start this fall!
Visit vistarecreation.com or call (760) 726-1340, ext. 1571
Summer Camps I Registration begins April 22!
Summer Camps run June 10 – August 16 at Brengle Terrace Park. Weekly field trips to such
attractions as Petco Park, Knotts Berry Farm, Laser Tag, the Discovery Science Center,
Boomers and the Vista Entertainment Center are included. Camps are also available at the
historic Rancho Buena Vista Adobe, the birthplace of Vista!
Visit vistarecreation.com or call (760) 726-1340, ext. 1571
Family Nights at the Moonlight Amphitheatre!
An affordable outing as a family awaits you this summer! Family Nights at the Moonlight
are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays with kids’ ticket only $10, or $15 on Friday nights
when accompanied by a paying adult. The line-up includes the all-time family favorite The
Wizard of Oz! Enjoy a night of professional Broadway-style musical theatre outdoors right
here in Vista!
Visit moonlightstage.com or call (760) 724-2110.
4 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com
Alta Vista High School
1575 Bonair Dr., Vista, CA 92083 • 760/724-3775 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
‘PIQE-ing’ Parents’ Interest
Alta Vista High School started this school year, the same as
many in the past, trying to nd a way to get parents involved in
our school. In September 2012, we partnered with the Parent
Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) to bring a parent-training
course to our campus. The nine-week course set out to connect
parents and Alta Vista High School as partners to advance the
education of our students.
PIQE works to create a community in which parents and
teachers collaborate to transform each student’s educational
environment, both at school and at home, so that all children
can achieve their greatest academic potential. We believe that every child can
learn and that parents want a successful future for their children. The PIQE
curriculum included such topics as understanding the continuation-high-
school system, understanding the credit-acquisition and grading processes,
graduation requirements, teacher contacts, college and career options, nancial
aid, social and emotional intelligence, and positive study habits.
The program culminated in a special graduation ceremony for parents who
attended more than six sessions. It was our hope that at least 10 parents would
participate in the program all the way through graduation. We started the rst
session with approximately 45 parents, and we ended with 30 graduates! We are
now planning new ways to keep the momentum going for parent involvement at
Alta Vista High School.
The PIQE motto is “Now Anything Is Possible.” At Alta Vista, we believe it!
JoAnn Jones
Principal
Alamosa Park Elementary
5130 Alamosa Park Dr., Oceanside, CA 92057 • 760/940-0700 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Community Service Education in Real Time
At Alamosa Park, we are committed to enhancing the
academic program for our students by broadening their
experiences through leadership opportunities and community-
service activities. Our fourth- and fth-grade students have the
opportunity to elect two Student Council representatives from
each class.
During the year, these students, with the guidance of teachers
Mr. Metivier and Mrs. Fells, coordinate three collection drives. In
November, our families are asked to donate nonperishable food
and blankets for the San Luis Rey Mission. In December, we hold
our annual toy drive to benet the children at a shelter for battered women.
They also hold a sock drive in February, which benets Brother Benno’s.
Our Student Council members and their parents assist with the delivery of
the items. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to see how their
service impacts others. Our Safety Patrol consists of fth-grade students who
help to ensure the safety of our students who are walking to school. With the
support of their advisors, Mrs. Olsen and Mr. Metivier, along with the Oceanside
Police Department, these students help families as they cross Alamosa Park
Drive and assist students as they walk in front of the school.
Our Green Team helps our school by collecting recyclables from each
classroom and our ofce two mornings each week. Our schoolwide participation
in the Pennies for Pasta campaign helps all of our students understand how
they have a positive inuence on the lives of people impacted by leukemia and
lymphoma. Our students collected over $3,000 last year, which helped our
school earn Champions of Change recognition.
Participation in these events helps our students understand their role in the
broader community and demonstrates the high priority the staff at Alamosa
Park places on building a strong foundation for our students.
Vivian Firestone
Principal
Bobier Elementary
220 W. Bobier Dr., Vista, CA 92083 • 760/724-8501 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Determined to Achieve
Bobier has become a true Professional Learning Community.
Our data-driven instruction and research-based teaching
practices have transformed our teachers, students and classied
staff members into a cohesive team that is determined to provide
all of our students with a high-quality education.
All of our learning practices are student-centered. We have
found that support from our literacy coach, ELD resource
teacher, school counselor, special education team and parents at
home have provided better ways for our school to teach academic
English and increase reading comprehension. Our students also
participate in the Accelerated Reading Program at home as well as in school.
Bobier Elementary School students have increased their score on the
Academic Performance Index (API) by 18 points. Since our students have
increased 33 points in two years, our API now stands at 746!
We regularly celebrate our student successes at monthly schoolwide ag
ceremonies. This month we recognized 10 students who had received perfect
600 scores on last year’s CST exam.
Anita Alfonso
Principal
Beaumont Elementary
550 Beaumont Dr., Vista, CA 92084 • 760/726-4040 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Families Read and Succeed Together
Our Family Reading Program is another example of why our
school is such a special place. It is the Beaumont Elementary
School community working together to promote the love of
reading among our culturally diverse families. The people who
assist in the Family Reading Library each week are primarily
volunteers, English-speaking and Spanish-speaking parents
working together.
Unlike other libraries, it is not a, “Shhh! Quiet, please!” place.
Miss Natalie, known as “the Family Reading Lady,” parent
volunteers, students, and staff are all having fun while talking
about their favorite books.
Another thing that sets the Family Reading Library apart is our strong
emphasis on family members reading books together. Each month on Family
Reading Fridays, parent volunteers come to the school. All of the volunteers
meet at the school to go over reading strategies and prepare to read the book to
a small group of students at the school. When they are all done reading for the
morning, they are able to take the book home to continue to share with their
families.
Over the years, the Family Reading Library has become a vital part of our
school community. The goal of the library is to get books into the hands of our
students and families and establish the joy of reading and share that joy with
each other. Our school community understands that each book read is another
step toward college and career readiness.
Brian Martes
Principal
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss
Covering the Vista Unified school district
February—april 2013 5
California Avenue
215 W. California Ave., Vista, CA 92084 • 760/630-4870 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
The Home-School Connection
California Avenue School, Vista Unied School District’s
preschool for children with special needs, began the 2012-2013
school year by welcoming a new principal, six new teachers,
and three new speech-language pathologists. Continuing a long
history of valuing the connection between home and school,
families joined their children and the school staff in an autumn,
pumpkin-carving activity, Halloween parade, and holiday
celebration at the Vista Elks Lodge. At each of these activities,
the staff demonstrated strategies to effectively facilitate social
interactions between students and increase opportunities for
meaningful communication.
The month of October was lled with excitement as the school prepared for
its annual Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication
Handicapped Children (TEACCH) seminar, a four-day training dedicated to
equipping educators throughout southern California to better serve students
with autism. Several parents had the opportunity to participate on a parent
panel, at which time they shared hopes and dreams for their children and
answered questions about their personal journeys through autism.
In an ongoing effort to support our students and families, monthly parent
trainings during the rst half of the school year targeted a range of topics,
including: strategies for working with difcult behaviors; implementing visual
strategies; exploring the Tuned Into Learning curriculum, and IEP 101, an
introduction to the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process. It was exciting
to watch parents connect with one another, build relationships, and arrange
play dates for their children!
Rachel Schmidt
Principal
Breeze Hill Elementary
1111 Melrose Way, Vista, CA 92081 • 760/945-2373 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Extending Learning Opportunities for Our Students
Students at Breeze Hill Elementary have a variety of opportunities
to get involved in enrichment classes after school or participate
in academic tutorials to enhance their prociency. Through the
dedicated commitment of our teaching staff, over 120 students have
opportunities to participate in extended-day learning after school
to improve reading and math prociency. Additionally, students can
get to school early and participate in our schoolwide independent-
reading program. Students can take Accelerated Reader quizzes in
our computer lab and check out new books before school starts!
Our continuing partnership with Kid’s College also ensures that students
have a chance to learn about the arts, business and robotics. Classes such
as Band, Guitar, Dance, Chorus Simple Machines, Robotics and BizTown
allow students to explore avenues and interests that may lead to college and
career aspirations. Student enthusiasm is very high. A recent Winter Concert
highlighted the performing arts for a very large and excited audience.
Thanks to all who have gotten involved in our commitment to ensure that
students get the very best opportunities during the school day and beyond!
Steve Green
Principal
Casita Center Elementary
260 Cedar Rd., Vista, CA 92084 • 760/724-8442 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Real World Experience
“News Crew,” our simulated television studio, is an integral
part of Casita’s magnet school curriculum.
Every fourth-grade student commits to working a month-
long shift to help deliver the school news. The students choose
to become a member of the newscaster or technical team.
Newscasters serve as reporters, anchors or cameramen. They
work together to identify and write the top news stories. The
technical team sets up, manages and runs the studio equipment.
Casita’s news studio is equipped with an eclectic mix of state-
of-the-art equipment from 1990 through 2012. It hosts two television cameras
with green screen capabilities. This gives our students the ability to create a
variety of backgrounds to match their stories. It also has a sound and mixing
board, and computers that serve as Teleprompters and controllers.
News Crew dedicates time every day before school to put together their
productions. They meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings to brainstorm,
research, and write stories that range from a weekly weather report to
character education lessons. The stories are then broadcast “live” on Monday,
Wednesday and Friday through closed-circuit TV.
The News Crew activity serves to improve communication and school spirit.
It allows our fourth-graders to gain real life work experience, in addition
to being creative problem solvers who know how to work together using
technology. After each shift the expert crew also becomes the trainers for
the new crew! It’s a great experience that sticks with them, and helps to make
elementary school even more remarkable.
Laura Smith
Principal
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6 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com
Grapevine Elementary
630 Grapevine Rd., Vista, CA 92083 • 760/724-8329 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
50 Years—and Counting!
In 1962, Grapevine opened with 167 students. Many things
have changed since then—Grapevine now has 657 students—but
some things remain the same, and for good reason.
Grapevine Elementary continues to offer the best education
possible thanks to our staff of professionals and a community
committed to our students’ success. Our team of educators
puts the students rst while providing them with the necessary
tools to become independent thinkers and problem solvers. And
rest assured that we’re here to provide your child with a safe
environment.
Grapevine staff began this school year with a renewed energy and a
commitment to excellence. There are many wonderful things in place that we
want to keep and celebrate. In addition to the exceptional team of teachers and
support staff, our parents are actively involved in Parent Teacher Association
(PTA), School Site Council (SSC) and English Learner Advisory Committee
(ELAC).
Our test scores are up! More and more students are testing in the Procient
and Advanced levels. Grapevine has new technology in the form of Smart
Boards, computer labs, net-book labs and iPads. These innovations in learning
lead to academic excellence!
Our students and staff have made a commitment to a positive-behavior-
support program we call ROARS: Respectful, respOnsible, sAfe, caRing and
Self-disciplined scholars.
Grapevine is open to our community, and we’d be honored to have you on
campus where we can show you the many great things we’re doing.
Fifty years serving the Vista community—and counting!
Rafael Olavide
Principal
Hannalei Elementary
120 Hannalei Dr., Vista, CA 92083 • 760/631-6248 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Read With All Your Heart
Each year we focus on a theme at Hannalei Elementary School.
This year our theme is “Heart of the Teacher.” Throughout the year,
we promote the theme in all we do. This year we have decided to put
reading in the forefront and promote “Read With All Your Heart.”
We have begun a campaign to get everyone reading. During
the 2011–2012 school year, Hannalei began using the Accelerated
Reader program through Renaissance Learning for the rst time.
Each student took a test to determine his or her appropriate
reading level, teachers motivated students to read, and, for those
who did, comprehension and test scores increased.
For the 2012–2013 school year, we decided to increase the rigor and
motivation for all students. We have many activities to promoting reading and
many community groups who support our programs. Our librarian hosts two
book swaps per year. We honor one student per grade level at each Friday ag
ceremony. The Rotary Club of Vista and the Shadowridge of Vista Rotary Club
have both donated books for each rst and second grader. The Kiwanis Club has
given each third-grade a dictionary. The Hannalei PTA sponsors book fairs,
and the North County Assistance League has purchased hundreds of dollars of
books for our school to give away to students.
Additionally, each student sets a personal goal for reading, which is monitored
by the classroom teacher, and our procient and advanced students, along
with our Long Term English Learners (LTEL) students, participate in a weekly
book club, which began in December. Finally, and most exciting, the principal
has challenged each student to read 10 books from January 8 to May 29. If the
students reach their goal, the principal will dress up like a stingray (our school
mascot) and do a dance in front of the entire school at our Friday ag assembly.
As you can see, we value reading at Hannalei. With the generous and endless
support of our community, parents, PTA, and teachers, we are instilling the
love of reading in all our students—and having fun doing so.
Tracy Zachry
Principal
Foothill Oak Elementary
1370 Oak Dr., Vista, CA 92084 • 760/631-3458 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Literate Learning Made Accessible
It has been a wonderful year at Foothill Oak (FHO)
Elementary School. Our focus this year is on ensuring that our
children become literate learners.
The wonderful staff at FHO started the year off by walking
through the neighborhood, welcoming students to a new school year.
On the second neighborhood walk-through, staff passed out donated
books to students. FHO has sponsored numerous literacy nights
during which parents are invited to join their children in discovering
different ways to make reading enjoyable for the whole family. We
are also lucky enough to welcome therapy dogs from Love on a
Leash every Tuesday morning, when they read with our students.
In addition to
our laser focus on
literacy, FHO is
also focused on
creating a learning
environment where
all students, family
members, staff
and community
feel welcome and
responsible for
student learning.
During this
holiday season,
32 of our students
participated in
the Vista Holiday
Parade.
Dr. Erin English
Principal
Foothill Oak Student Council Students and PTA families
participated in the City of Vista’s Holiday Parade.
Empresa Elementary
4850 Avenida Empresa, Oceanside, CA 92056 • 760/940-8454 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
A Musical Salute
Welcome to Empresa Elementary School, the Home of the
Knights! Empresa is a place where children experience learning
both academically and musically. We emphasize educating the
whole child and offer multiple opportunities for students to
engage with music and the arts throughout the day.
This holiday season, under the direction of music teacher
extraordinaire Mr. Rich Cook, Empresa’s entire student body
performed the musical “December ’Round the World,” where
we sang songs about how the holidays are celebrated in other
countries. Over 1,000 family and friends attended the chilly,
outside performance. Empresa’s annual holiday show has evolved into our
special gift to the community.
This year our 200-member choir, Knights of the Round Table Chorale,
performed the National Anthem at a Padres game and could be seen on the
cable show “Salute to Teachers,” where one of Empresa’s own, Donna Harper,
was a top 10
nalist.
We pride
ourselves on
setting and
reaching high
academic goals
through Common
Core Standards
focused strategies
and will strive
to continue to
bring the best
educational
experiences to all
our students.
Dr. Cheree
McKean
Principal
Covering the Vista Unified school district
February—april 2013 7
Lake Elementary
4950 Lake Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92056 • 760/945-5300 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Let’s Read!
By Kim Morgan, Literacy Coach
Accelerated Reader (AR) is an independent reading program
that is designed to increase reading comprehension. Students
are supported in their efforts both at school and in the home, and
with each site having its own roles and responsibilities.
The role of the student is to select the specic books that
are within their independent reading level. After nishing
their books, the student then takes a comprehension quiz. Each
student needs to get an 80 percent or higher score in order to
“pass” this quiz. Once they have taken it, the process begins all
over again with the selection of a new book.
The role of the parent is to support both the student and the teacher. This
comes in the form of helping with the book selection, monitoring the reading
minutes/log, discussing the story both during and after reading, and asking the
student questions about their quiz results.
The role of the school is to administer a placement reading test that will give
the student his or her independent reading level, as well as their ZPD, or “Zone
of Proximal Development.” This is the range that matches the student’s reading
level. The school will then provide each student with the opportunity to select
an appropriate book.
Accelerated Reading has a Web site that can be used to look up specic book
titles and nd their AR Level. It is located at www.arbooknd.com. Almost any
book can be found here, which means that parents can even nd the specic
levels of the books that are in their own home libraries.
Diane
Lambert
Principal
Maryland Elementary
700 North Ave., Vista, CA 92083 • 760/631-6675 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Exploring the Digital World
The Maryland Elementary School Makos are preparing
teachers and students to enter 21st-century learning by
exploring the digital world. Teachers and students alike are
working towards using technology as a tool for teaching and
learning. With
the support
of a grant
awarded by
the Assistance
League of
North Coast, Maryland has
purchased iPads and put
them in the hands of teachers
and students to explore the
possibilities of the digital
world.
Our dedicated teachers
are exploring apps that
would allow students to use
technology as a resource to
enhance their instructional
program. Students work
in collaborative teams to
build their understanding
of concepts taught and
use appropriate apps
to demonstrate their
understanding.
The Maryland Makos are
on their way to becoming
technologically procient!
Sandy Du-Song
Principal
Student’s using iPad’s
to understand geometric shapes.
Madison Middle School
4930 Lake Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92056 • 760/940-0176 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Upstanding, Outstanding Students
This fall has been an exciting time at Madison. As 2012 came
to an end, Madison students were learning about needs in our
community and reaching out to help others. In our Mustang
Mentors program, 73 Madison students volunteer to mentor
Lake Elementary students before school two days a week, not
only helping students who may be struggling but also helping to
connect future Mustangs to Madison.
Schoolwide, our students participated in a canned-food drive,
while individual classes “adopted” four children at Casa de
Amparo, sent donations and letters to soldiers stationed overseas,
and participated in a beach cleanup. Our ASB made beautiful holiday cards for
a retirement community.
Our students have taken on the challenge of January’s “Kindness Week,” part
of our schoolwide emphasis on respecting others. Madison PTA partnered with
us to create a Natural High Club program. Natural High is an organization that
helps young people “discover, amplify and pursue their natural high” so that
they have reasons to say no to an articial high. With staff members helping to
lead grade-level clubs, students meet weekly at lunchtime and plan after-school
events to encourage a naturally high lifestyle.
Our newest addition to campus is a Mac computer lab, completed in
December. Students are both surprised and excited, with several asking, “Is
this really for us?” With the addition of our new lab, Madison has multiple labs
and digital devices for our students to use. We are also now on Twitter, and we
hope everyone will follow the Mustangs @madisonvusd.
Susan Ford
Principal
Mission Meadows Elementary
5657 Spur Ave., Oceanside, CA 92057 • 760/630-7884 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Kinder-to-College Culture
By Jenifer Golden, Principal and Kathleen Buckner, Parent
Dreams of becoming crocodile hunters or ballerinas rarely pan
out, but our students’ dreams of four-year colleges do! They’re
well prepared for college beyond academics.
“We display the college ags of our alma matters and chant
ght songs during our Friday Morning Sing assemblies,” said
teacher Mrs. Sutton. “It shows [students] a hint of how school
spirit lives on beyond graduation day.”
Each class proudly waves a college ag outside the room, and
students proudly represent their chosen university colors every
Spirit Day. We have our own school spirit as the Mustangs, but it’s amazing to
see the older kids really get behind their college mascots! We are truly a kinder-
to-college school!
Every student here is college bound and thinking about favorite schools and
majors, not forgetting the arts and extracurricular activities. Students have the
opportunity to be a part of many clubs and after-school tutoring. Many students
are fortunate to attend preschool here, making them even more prepared for
school, college and life!
Jenifer Golden
Principal
Kinder to College
8 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com
Monte Vista Elementary
1720 Monte Vista Dr., Vista, CA 92084 • 760/726-0410 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Our Highest Priority
Monte Vista Elementary School is a K‒5 school in the
southeastern section of Vista. We pride ourselves on engaging
our students in a high-quality educational program and critical
learning environment that can provide them with the skills they
need for college and career readiness. The education of our
students is the highest priority here at Monte Vista!
Our wonderful PTA forms a valuable partnership with the
school staff. Its members volunteer many hours to help support
our students both in and out of the classroom. But perhaps the
greatest contribution
they make is to fund the
weekly art and music
classes that are provided
for all of our students,
and which include highly
trained specialists.
Monte Vista is also
a “Please and Thank
You” school! All of our
students, staff and
visitors use the basic
manners of “please and
thank you” on a daily
basis. We nd that this
promotes responsible
students with advanced
social skills. Our students
are kind, motivated and
enjoy learning.
Charlene
Manuto
Principal
Monte Vista Elementary is a great place to learn and grow!
Mission Vista High School
1306 Melrose Dr., Oceanside, CA 92056 • 760/758-6800 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
A True Gem
As one of San Diego County’s
newest schools, Mission Vista
High School is set to graduate
its rst class of seniors this year
in June. Set on an expansive
property covering nearly 70 acres,
our recently constructed campus
is a beautiful and inviting place
for students to attend school.
Every classroom has up-to-date
technology, and students have access to multiple
computer labs, a modern research library, and
extensive athletic elds.
In the past four years our population has
grown from 200 to 1,200 students, while our
reputation for excellence has continued to grow
as well. The faculty and staff have created
a dynamic and nurturing student-centered
learning community, which continues to
attract top students in the area. Our “four-by-
four” collegiate-style, block learning schedule
gives students the opportunity to pursue
their academic interests in a wide variety of
subjects, including courses that emphasize
topics from our dual magnet themes of arts and
communication and science and technology.
Mission Vista High School is a true gem in
North County San Diego.
Craig Wiblemo
Principal
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Covering the Vista Unified school district
February—april 2013 9
Murray High School
215 N. Melrose, Vista, CA 92084 • 760/631-2502 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Persevering Parents
Named after United States Marine Major General Raymond
Murray, Murray High School is one of two continuation high
schools in the Vista Unied School District. Renowned for his
perseverance and loyalty, Major General Murray was one of the
most highly decorated United States Marine Corps ofcers in U.S.
history, earning two Navy Crosses and the Army Distinguished
Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in the 1st Marine
Division’s historic breakout from the Chosin Reservoir area to the
sea at Hamhung, Korea.
This fall, 21 parents of Murray students demonstrated their
perseverance and loyalty to their children by completing the nine-week
course conducted by the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE). The
training focused on topics such as: understanding the school system; family
and social support to adolescents during high school; decision-making and
positive communication; development of emotional intelligence and academic
intelligence; and higher education, nancial aid options and careers.
Congratulations to Murray High School’s PIQE graduates!
Chuck Hoover
Principal
Murray High School parents who were honored at a PIQE Graduation ceremony in December.
Rancho Buena Vista High School
1601 Longhorn Dr., Vista, CA 92084 • 760/727-7284 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Achieving at a High Level
Rancho Buena Vista High School started this year with a new
principal, Chuck Schindle. And thanks to a ne staff and student
body we got off to a great start.
RBV has a long history of success in academics and athletics,
and we are all working hard this year to continue the tradition.
The school has been making gains on its Academic Performance
Index (API) every year for the last three, and we are looking
forward to even greater gains this year.
We have also adopted a new “Respect the Ranch” Code of
Conduct that highlights three important school values: responsibility, integrity
and commitment. These support the principal’s own goals for his students,
which are to be in class on time, earn your credits, and graduate on time and
ready for college and career.
BV has a strong International Baccalaureate program which offers a variety
of courses that provide a solid foundation for success at the university level.
We also offer Advanced Placement courses along with our regular IB classes,
so that our students have a variety of opportunities to prepare themselves for
college-level work.
The school also has a number of athletic and sports opportunities depending
upon interest. We have many dedicated coaches and parent groups who support
our student/athletes and the programs that can help them achieve at a high level.
We are very proud of our school, and this shows in all that we do. We want
to thank those members of the community who have consistently shown their
support, and are active members of the “team” here at Rancho Buena Vista.
Chuck Schindler
Principal
Olive Elementary
836 Olive Ave., Vista, CA 92084 • 760/724-7129 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
A Nurturing Place for Students
The Olive Elementary School community moved to its present
location adjacent to Washington MS during the summer of 2011.
In September 2011, 400 students in grades K–5 started the
school year in new classrooms and enjoyed recess and physical-
education activities on brand-new playground equipment.
The teaching staff, led by Teresa Barrett and Myrna Gonzalez,
decided to make the campus even more welcoming by painting
murals on the sides of classrooms for the children. During the
2011 school year, 10 murals were painted through the combined
efforts of Olive teachers and staff, parents, former students and
community volunteers. These murals incorporate a sense of community and
also emphasize the character-education words and ideas that the Olive staff
utilizes throughout the academic day. Additionally, a local service club donated
materials and labor for a container garden.
Adalia Lavado
Principal
Character-building words are incorporated into murals
at Olive Elementaryís new location.
Roosevelt Middle School
850 Sagewood Dr., Oceanside, CA 92057 • 760/726-8003 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Well Rounded in Every Way
Roosevelt Middle School’s strong academic program is
augmented with a diverse elective program that supports the
arts as an integral component to a well-rounded education
and is one of a handful of schools honored worldwide as an
AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) National
Demonstration School for its program that supports rst-
generation college-bound students. AVID students are enrolled
in a rigorous course of study and through support and guidance
work to build their individual abilities at the highest levels.
Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in
a series of diverse electives like Spanish, Chorus, Band, Art and Advanced Art,
Computers/Technology and Yearbook. Our music programs are recognized
as among the nest in the region and state and regularly receive Unanimous
Superior ratings at annual performance festivals. Students in our Advanced Art
classes produce high-quality art projects; student Paige Allen’s drawing took
rst prize in a statewide art competition. Her work is featured in California
Department of Education publications. Our school’s yearbook regularly receives
Best in Show at the San Diego County Fair.
Roosevelt will soon build the nationally known Character Leaders program
to help build strong character and community through service learning
activities. Finally, we’re working to strengthen and deepen the connection with
our parents, families and the community at large. In our most recent Parent
Night, over 300 students and their families visited our school for dinner and a
series of presentations from colleges and universities, service organizations and
community groups.
Through our focus on Academics, Character, and Community, our students
truly grow and thrive.
Courtney Goode
Principal
10 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com
Vista High School
1 Panther Way, Vista, CA 92084 • 760/726-5611 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Partners in Learning
Beginning last year, Vista High School (VHS) was selected
by California State University, San Marcos to participate
in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
partnership. One of the main objectives of the grant is to increase
the number of students enrolling in STEM-related majors. One
action taken by the university to meet this goal was to create
partnerships with local high schools.
After discussing with independent sources, the university was
repeatedly directed towards VHS. As a result of the partnership,
the VHS math and science teacher have spent a day visiting the
university’s laboratories, meeting with professors, attending lectures, and
witnessing lab activities. This experience gave the teachers an opportunity to
learn about the rich STEM opportunities at the university.
In addition, CSUSM student aides, the VHS Math and Science Olympiad
Teams, and the STEM ambassadors from the university will be speaking to
students at VHS about their experiences at the university, as well as STEM-
related career options.
The most exciting aspect of the relationship is a series of science eld trips
that VHS students have taken to the university. These eld trips include lab
experiences such as: sheep brain dissections; electric stimuli hooked up to
cockroach legs; riding hovercraft; and performing air-bag simulations. Recently,
VHS students began attending Math Circle, which is sponsored by a professor at
the university. The Math Circle focuses on engaging students in the opportunity
to see math in a new light and to gain a new appreciation for the subject.
Steve James
Principal
Vista Academy of Visual & Performing Arts
600 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista, CA 92083 • 760/941-0880 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Arts are alive at Vista Academy! Opportunities to engage in
the arts occur during and after school hours daily.
One highlight was our Fall Play, C.S. Lewis’s “The Lion, the
Witch and the Wardrobe.” Cast and crew, 36 fourth through
eighth grade students, created an impressive stage version of
this inspiring story. Student actors worked tirelessly to deliver
remarkable performances, while the backstage team actualized
a visual feast through gorgeous backdrops, imaginative props,
and perfect costumes. The talented technical crew captured
the ambiance with tting musical selections and well-placed
microphones.
VAVPA’s community of students, parents, teachers, and administrators
came together to make this show successful. Third grade teacher, Michele
Earnest, directed
this masterpiece!
Special thanks
to:Vista Academy
Foundation, our
dedicated actors
and crew members,
Producers -
Elizabeth Butler-
Arreola and
Marina Clover, and
Principal Catina
Hancock and
Assistant Principal
Nicole Hendricks
(who made
special cameo
appearances in the
show).
Catina Hancock
Principal
Lucy and Tumnus having tea.
Temple Heights Elementary
1550 Temple Heights Dr., Oceanside, CA 92056 • 760/631-6242 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Students Enjoy a Well-Rounded Music Program
Please see the front page for our article.
Kim Morton
Principal
Sierra Vista High School
325 E. Bobier St., Vista, CA 92084 • 760/758-3400 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Gaining Independence
For the families of some students with disabilities, the idea
of college attendance may seem completely out of the realm of
possibility. However through Sierra Vista High School’s Adult
Transition Program (ATP), the dream of college is a reality for
nearly 50 18- to 22-year-old young adults concurrently enrolled
at Palomar High School. The staff at Sierra Vista will support and
monitor Palomar attendance, nurturing a smooth shift to adult
living for these young people.
After completion of high school, some students with
disabilities have not received diplomas and qualify to continue
their education through the semester of their 22nd birthday. While adult school
is an option for a few of these students to make up credits toward a diploma,
the majority need a different approach to their preparation for post-secondary
living. This is where the ATP at Sierra Vista has been a “safety net” for coping
with exceptional needs and/or a “bouncing board” to take a big leap toward a
change in educational programming. Students in the ATP focus on their future
plans toward post-secondary education, vocational training, mobility (through
public transportation), and daily living skills, such as budgeting/banking, basic
food preparation, social skills, leisure activities, community awareness. All of
the areas they will need to address to become independent, successful citizens.
All students have the right to follow dreams. For those whose dreams are
college attendance, learning work and living skills, and ultimately gaining as
high a level of independence as possible, Sierra Vista’s ATP will coach and coax
them through the process.
Chris Altona
Principal
Rancho Minerva Middle School
2245 Foothill Dr., Vista, CA 92084 • 760/631-4500 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Jr. Deputy Academy and Parent Project
Rancho Minerva offers two programs twice a year to support
our students and parents. Our Parent Liaison, Susy Aguirre
facilitates the programs and our participating families have found
them to be very helpful.
The Jr. Deputy Academy is for all Rancho Minerva students
and their siblings from grades 1 through 12. The Academy is
conducted in English by Vista Sheriff Deputy’s. The Academy
assists students by teaching them about safety, law enforcement,
and building core values.
The Parent Project Program is for Spanish-speaking parents.
They are REQUIRED to attend at the same time and the classes are conducted
in Spanish only. The classes assist parents with strategies for dealing with
strong-willed or challenging children. Childcare is provided for younger
siblings of the families attending the parent classes.
Steve Riehle
Principal
Covering the Vista Unified school district
February—april 2013 11
Vista Magnet Middle School
151 Escondido Dr., Vista, CA 92084 • 760/726-5766 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Are We Who We Think We Are?
In 2012, VMMS made VUSD history when we scored an
API score of 906 and became an International Baccalaureate
Middle Years World School. In our second year, we focused on
recentering our practice to ensure that we live up to our school
motto that every child “Engage. Achieve. Belong. Design.” This
has involved engaging our staff just a few days before the 2012–13
school year in an Inquiry Extravaganza, which included teacher-
led instructional rounds throughout the academic year focusing
around the problem of practice of shifting the cognitive load and
developing inquiry.
To address how VMMS is living up to our mission, vision and motto, the
International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program teacher leadership team,
called the Area of Interaction Leaders (AILs), began a self-study process.
In January 2013, over 80 VMMS students were selected to represent the
population of the school and participated in interviews using an Appreciative
Inquiry model. Students and teachers participated in interviews on our core
values driving VMMS and gave three wishes for VMMS.
On Feb. 27, a mélange of community members composed of university
professors, school and district administrators, parents, community leaders
and members from the San Diego County Ofce of Education will serve as a
self-study review team through which they will visit classrooms; interview
students, staff and parents; and eventually evaluate our purpose. After visiting
the school, the community members will provide a nal report that will create
a road map for VMMS’s future in teaching, learning and leading for years to
come.
Dr. Jose
Villarreal
Principal
Washington Middle School
740 Olive Ave., Vista, CA 92083 • 760/724-7115 • www.vusd.k12.ca.us
Learning to Be Leaders
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is more
than just a 40-minute class available to our students. Though the
class offers many fun learning opportunities, attendance alone is
not enough, since the AVID program requires full participation.
Our AVID students read to Olive Elementary School students
and perform community service in classrooms on Fridays. They
correspond with pen pals from two English classes at MiraCosta
College. Several of these pen pals have visited the classroom to
share their personal experiences with college life. AVID students
have also been visited by the American Association of University
Women. This organization presented the seventh-graders with dictionaries.
The AVID class partners with Washington Middle School, and together
the students have brainstormed ideas to improve our campus appearance.
The middle school AVID students are role models for the sixth-grade class,
showing students the importance of binder checks, Cornell notes, and reading
strategies. Once more tutors have been recruited, all sixth-grade students will
commence with tutorials in math and language arts classes.
Our AVID students extended their inuence in the community when they
attended “Richard III” at the Old Globe Theater and enjoyed dinner in Old
Town. They are looking forward to continuing this positive display at the
upcoming Doc-for-a-Day event at the University of California, San Diego and
Knott’s Berry Farm.
Dr. Eric Chagala
Principal
hands-on lessons, said Dr. Erin English, principal at Foothill Oak
Elementary School.
“This will allow us to have those conversations that will let us
step away from the common and out of the status quo and into
the future,” she said. “It’s a new age for Vista Unied.”
The school board unanimously supported the framework in
November.
“We needed a solid direction for our district,” board President
Elizabeth Jaka said. “You can’t move forward if you don’t know
where you’re going.”
District ofcials started putting together the declarations in
August with a public survey and community meeting that included parents,
employees, students, business leaders and ofcials with local colleges.
Participants were asked about their priorities and hopes for the district. There
were more than 400 responses.
In October, the district wrote a draft vision statement and asked for the public’s
help with rening it. The goal was to get it as succinct and understandable as
possible.
I want this to be something that the community can embrace.
“Having all stakeholders involved will improve outcomes and help ensure
that everybody gets behind the statements,” Jaka said.
“These are their schools,” she said. “They should have a voice in this, and
they should help us decide what direction to go in.”
The next steps will be to propose measurable goals in January, align roles
and responsibilities in April, and put together a strategic plan in June.
Each year, district ofcials plan to evaluate and refresh the goals. After ve
to seven years, they plan to consider rening the vision, mission and values.
With clear and understandable goals in place, the district has a better
chance of doing something great.
The idea with all of this is that it should drive what we do in the classroom.
It should permeate the whole organization.
From
Superintendent • Page 1
Devin
Vodicka, Ed.D.
Contest!!
Dr. Seuss’ hat is
hidden somewhere
in this publication.
When you nd it,
email the
pagenumber to:
(Please put Vista in the subject line)
Your entry must be received by April 15, 2013.
From the correct entries, we will draw a winner to receive a
$20 gift certicate redeemable at Barnes and Noble.
12 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com
College 4 Less
Keeping Ahead of the Game
Cards are a favorite pastime when our family goes camping or
whenever we get together. If you were with us as we sit around a
big round oak table, you would hear laughter and teasing. We love
to tease Uncle Glynn, accusing him of making up new rules as we
are learning his favorite game of Mau Mau. Good times…
As our nation is moving into a new year, the rules of the
nancial game are changing in a tremendous way. Uncle Sam is
still not showing his cards and we are not laughing. Currently,
we are wondering what the impact will be when the dust settles.
How will all of these changes affect the big ticket decisions we
will be making; buying a home, sending our kids to college, paying our taxes,
and funding our retirement?
Now is not the time to give up, bury your head in the sand or take the “wait and
see” approach. Stay sharp and educate yourself. Information is easier and faster to
obtain than it has ever been. Focus on your end game. Know how colleges determine
what your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be. Consult with trusted
advisors that take into account your future nancial aid eligibly when they make
recommendations and can help you strategize knowing your personal family situation.
When your child goes to college you are going to want to reduce the potential
out of pocket expense your family might have. EFC Planning and Tax Planning
are powerful tools that will save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
EFC Planning is much like tax planning as it is a formula driven process.
Similar to the savings that occurs when working with a CPA to legally pay less
tax; you can take advantage of certain nancial aid strategies by understanding
the formula that maximizes the money available to you.
When the dust settles, take note of the tax strategies and tax credits that
your family can still utilize. Investigate how the new laws and your investment
decisions will affect your aid eligibility or your ability to save and pay for
college. Be an active participant in the game and you will come out on top.
Susan both educator and advisor specializes in college planning. She helps families save for and
pay for college. If you have questions you would like answered in a future article contact her at
Susan@College4Less.com or on her Web site at www.college4less.com
Susan D.
Marshall
Ask Dr. Shari
Video Games
Dear Dr. Shari,
What is your opinion about video games? It seems there was
the huge wave of “anti video games” and then people started
talking about the value of video games in increasing, reaction
time, imagination, mental agility, etc.
I am not the kind of parent who can’t gure out how to set
limits...We denitely limit the video games. But, I just wanted your
overall thoughts on the value/detriment of them. I know you are
big on insisting that schools promote creative ‘brain” experiences
(You spoke at our PTA!), but at home does technology destroy
this? My boys spend a lot of time on the ipods, which doesn’t
require a babysitter. —John, San
Diego
Here is what I think John..
I love technology. The amount of information, knowledge, resources and
answers that are at our ngertips makes me giddy. You can nd a job, recipe,
cure for an ailment and a video on “how to” do almost anything in a second!
I LOVE IT.
I nd it phenomenal and fascinating that I can stand in front of my computer
and train 300 middle school students on the other side of the country. I
frequently text, on my phone, check emails on the ipad while working on a
project on the laptop, all from the front seat of my car ( my parked car).
So, don’t call me a hypocrite when I share the following...
There is a certain form of development that only evolves through the
personal creativity, imagination and vision. The stimulation of video games
takes away some of our creative development. That is a fact.
• Texting vernacular kills our ability to spell and impedes the “human
connection”
• Looking things up often replaces “guring it out” on your own.
• Overuse of computers and videos is detrimental to eye health and is
negative for our physicality.
Kids who use up all of their play time in front of video games that do most
of the visual creation for them, lose the practice of “pretending, imagining and
creating” and, yes, it is detrimental...the brain needs and craves the creative
experience. This has implications for learning and memory ability.
Building a house from blankets, creating a story form sock puppets making
stuff from play dough and telling ghost stories in the night are special memories
to almost everyone who is over 30. Building from blocks, making up a game, or
drawing a picture requires a special brainpower, yet the result is this sense of
accomplishment and joy. Why do the images that I suggested leave you with a
pleasant nostalgic feeling?
Your brain craves these experiences and we have to make sure our children
have the opportunity to satisfy that craving.
To truly support growing, improving and expanding our minds, we have to
use the best of the past and the exciting new developments of today.
You remember the excitement of xing your own bike, running from
whomever was “it” and creating the perfect secret “fort.” You remember the
accomplishment of sand castles, snow fortresses, and wonder and warmth
of campres. Don’t forget the feeling and connection to others that these
experiences brought.
Does technology destroy this? Sure it does, if you let it. If your boys spend
more time, side by side on the ipod than “real” play, that is detrimental to their
brains, eyes, bodies and moods and memory capacity.
So, John, you are right about the fact that ipods function as babysitters.
Further, encouraging real life experiences will take more effort on your part!
Providing building materials, elding questions, responding to “Watch this!”
and “Look what I made!” all take time.
You have to decide the most valuable expenditure of it.
Dr. Shari Sweetnam is the Founder of BRAINPOWER The Ultimate Program for Schools. Author,
Motivational Speaker. Follow on Youtube and twitter: DrShariS, contact: info@doctorshari.com
Dr. Shari
Sweetnam
Art To Grow On
Ready, Get Set,...Create!
As a parent, I really now understand what everyone was saying when my
sons were born: “It goes by so fast! Before you know it they will be….” And it is
true! Since they grow so fast, I often think, what are the “seeds” that we parents
should plant in our children? Manners? Of course! Respect? Of course! Self-
esteem and self-condence? Yes and yes!
But as I my youngest child moves into elementary school, I truly believe that
giving children the opportunity to think critically, problem solve, imagine, and
create will elevate them even more as they continue to grow.
Math calls for it. Social studies calls for it. Playing in the yard and getting
into arguments call for it—the ability to analyze a situation, concretely or
theoretically come up with solutions, and communicate those solutions through
thought, speech, written word, movement, or art.
I opened Art To Grow On Children’s Art Center, Inc. in 2000. There were
not as many demands on our children as there are now. Kindergarten is truly
the new rst grade. Our children’s minds need to be agile, sharp, open to new
ideas, curious, passionate, and creative, no matter if they will become chemists,
professional athletes, teachers, artists, musicians, or business executives.
If you can give your child a gift in 2013, take the time to do something
creative with him or her. Get out those cardboard boxes and turn them into a
race car or doll house. Get out wire, tile, and glue and play. Read books, take
walks and collect rocks, write letters, and talk! These life skills will be a gift to
your child.
Lauren Perelmuter, President/Founder of Art To Grow On Children’s Center, Inc.
www.art2growon.com 310/625-6028
Covering the Vista Unified school district
February—april 2013 13
Note-ables
The Kid’s Guide to Service Projects
The title of this wonderfully helpful resource is directed at
children, but Barbara A. Lewis’s Kid’s Guide to Service
Projects, Free Spirit Publishing, 1995, is a volunteer guide for any
age. The more than 500 suggested projects, ranging in difculty
from caring for a neighbor’s pet to getting state laws and city
ordinances passed, will appeal to anyone who want to make a
difference and earn breathing space on the planet. The projects,
all worthy, are described simply and clearly enough to encourage
any aspiring humanitarian.
The projects focus on human and animal welfare, community
development and safety, the environment, literacy and politics, further divided
into 10 categories. In the introduction, Lewis gives short shrift to anyone’s
claims of not having enough time or that the goals are too involved for any one
person to attempt. Instead, she maps out projects for every passion, and invites
the reader to send her anything that she hasn’t thought of. She then provides a
template of 10 steps to make any effort a successful one; gives handy how-tos
for pesky paperwork tasks such as creating iers, writing petitions and press
releases, and lobbying for a cause; and suggest seven ways to raise funds.
Anyone who wants to be proactive in solving problems for the community,
either local or at large, will nd frequent use for The Kid’s Guide to Service
Projects. It will be particularly helpful in the service requirement for graduation
from high school; and families, youth and religious organizations, and
classroom teachers will all nd something to forward worthy efforts. Most of
all, lone individuals who feel the need to take action on a problem but may be
overwhelmed by the details will be happy to nd that Lewis has done the initial
organization for them. And that in itself is a great service.
Kate Karp is an editor for School News Roll Call and a freelance writer and editor.
Kate Karp
Positive Parenting
Bullying and Gang Prevention
One day, when my son Scott was eight years old, he voiced
his surprise that I got out of the car when I took him to school.
His surprise deepened when it became obvious that I was going to
school WITH him that day. “You chose to be unkind to someone at
school yesterday, and that is not acceptable,” was my response to his
“Why?” Mid-morning, Scott came up to me and said, “If I promise I
will never be unkind to anyone again, will you please go home?”
“It’s a deal,” I said and then left.
It is not acceptable in my home to be unkind to anyone. Scott
is now 40 with three children of his own, and they all know the
consequences of an unkind choice. There comes a time when every parent makes it
clear to their children that one of the unbreakable rules is zero tolerance for any act
of unkind-ness. Children need to be raised to be compassionate and kind to others.
These rules should also apply to the classroom, the playground, and any
other setting where children interact with one another. Parents often approach
me with their questions about bullying, and my response is clear: Unkindness
will never be tolerated, no matter what the setting. What possesses a child
to be mean to another child? Usually it is unresolved anger and a sense of
being better than someone else. These anger issues can be reconciled with
a discipline system that works and does not use punishment as its weapon.
Boundaries are needed for every child, and consequences need to be fair.
There is a way to break the cycle of children being bullies and being bullied. It starts in
the home. Children who lack boundaries and aren’t taught respect at home are the ones
most vulnerable to bullying others and join gangs in order to develop a sense of belonging.
It is such a difcult time to raise children! Life is pushing every boundary
you have, and it is beyond difcult to meet children’s needs. But the cost of not
having children be your top priority is to lose them to behavior that spirals into
bullying or joining gangs.
Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel has written four books. She has taught school, raised two children,
worked as a consultant to schools and has taught parenting for the past 35 years. Sandy now
lives in Meridian, Idaho www.ParentingSOS.com and Kindle
Sandy Spurgeon
McDaniel
Parent To Parent
Different Take on Bullies
Q: My 11-year-old son has been bullied since kindergarten.
He just started fth grade and is now the biggest boy in the class.
School has been in session for only one week and I’ve already
gotten a call from the assistant principal saying that he is now
the bully. How is the best way to handle a child who has so much
anger in him from previous years of stress, frustration and being
ridiculed and who now only wants to get back at the people who
made him feel this way for years? —Parent
A: Most kids have been bullied at some point in life. Those
that have been in a continuous situation of bullying like your son
may be highly resentful towards those who put him through so much emotional
and/or physical pain for years on end. There is a reason he feels as if the new
found power is somewhat comforting,and is actually quite a normal response.
The school counselors and teachers will most likely be the best source of help
to you and him on how to channel these emotions and energy into the most
effective and most positive form possible. While it will be tempting for him
to want to pay back those that hurt him, he will have to gain some empathy
towards these people, as well as other kids who might come in as new students
who could be prone to bullying. In the meantime, jogging is a good way to
relieve tension and stress; perhaps he might join the track team or some other
sport in which he can achieve success. This could help curtail that extra energy.
Maybe monitor TV shows and movies that he wants to watch, especially if they
seem to encourage ghting. With everyone helping and a lot of patience, he will
hopefully learn self-control and nd the correct outlet that best suits him.
Jodie Lynn is an award winning, internationally syndicated family/health and education
columnist and best selling author. Her column Parent to Parent™ (www.ParentToParent.com)
has been successful for more than 15 years. She is a regular contributor to several sites and has
written four books and contributed to three others, one of which was featured on the Oprah
Winfrey Show. She has authored several books including Mom CEO (Chief Everything Ofcer),
Having Doing, and Surviving it All! and Syndication Secret—What No One Will Tell You! Check
www.ParentToParent.com for details on new radio talk show, Inside Parenting Success.
Jodie Lynn
On The Run
Knee Pain in Runners
One common cause of knee pain in runners is Iliotibial Band
Syndrome (ITBS). This injury is almost unique to runners and
can be a long-term, frustrating injury to recover from.
ITBS causes lateral, outside knee pain during running
activities. The pain usually does not start immediately, but more
commonly begins several miles into a long run. The pain will
build during the run, usually becoming severe and forcing the
runner to stop and walk home. Curiously, the pain will subside in
just a few hours, and will not be felt the next day. However, the
pain will quickly return if another run is attempted.
ITBS is a classic over-use injury usually seen in runners who are training for
longer events, such as a half-marathon or full marathon. The iliotibial band is a
long tendon that runs along the outside of the thigh and knee. During extensive
running, the iliotibial band tightens and begins rubbing against the knee joint.
A dull, aching pain can turn into agony as the run continues.
The main treatment of ITBS is a specialized stretching program for all of
the muscles around the hip joint. Foam rollers can also be used to increase
exibility of the iliotibial band. These treatments are best taught and
supervised by a qualied trainer or physical therapist.
Runners are usually allowed to continue running in the “comfort zone” until
the point of pain is reached, and then the run should be terminated. In general,
switching to softer running surfaces or softer running shoes can be helpful. No
matter what, recovery is usually slow, but predictable.
Dr. Doug Richie is a sports podiatrist who has practiced in Seal Beach for 28 years. He is
president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine and serves as a medical
advisor to U.S. A. Track and Field. 562/493-2451
Dr. Doug Richie
14 www.schoolnewsrollcall.com
Leadership Word Search Contest
One word in the list is NOT in the word search.
When you have completed the word search, one word will be left and that word you
email to: [email protected] (Please put Vista in subject line)
Rules!!!
Entries must be received by April 15, 2013
From the correct entries one name will be drawn to win
a $20 gift certicate redeemable at Barnes & Noble.
Accomplished
Caring
Condent
Determination
Drive
Enthusiastic
Focused
Independent
Initiative
Intelligent
Organized
Powerful
Responsibility
Role Model
Strong Willed
Suitable
Teamwork
Trustworthy
Understanding
The winner will be announced in our next issue and on
Facebook and Twitter.
Word Search by Gunnar Coop
School Smarts
Developing a Mindset of Service
As parents, you teach your children important values and are
the primary architect of their character. Much of what they learn is
through experience, by watching you and by living as a part of your
family. Compassion and a habit of giving of one’s self is one of those
important values and as parents, you can explicitly teach your child
to have a mindset of service and giving back. Anyone, regardless of
economic or demographic category has the ability to contribute to
a greater cause and giving of one’s self is something that each of us
can do—it costs us nothing but a bit of time. It’s also never too early
and children as young as preschool age can begin to have volunteer
experiences to develop service as a lifelong habit.
Giving back and performing service to ones community have become a
focus for children, particularly in school. Many high schools require students
to perform a set number of hours of community service to fulll graduation
requirements. Colleges and universities have separate areas on the application
for students to list their various community service activities, indicating an
expectation that students have spent a signicant amount time engaged in
some sort of volunteer activity. While schools can facilitate and be conduits
to opportunities for students to perform service, families can instill this habit
and also use it as a means of building self esteem and strengthening familial
relationships. As parents, you can help your children see community service as
more than just something to complete a requirement or just look good to colleges.
Model service, talk about its importance and create a mindset of giving back.
As parents, you have a tremendous amount of inuence over your children and
by talking to them about the service activities that you do, you are leading by
example, endorsing the idea of giving back and helping your child to develop
that mindset. Community service shouldn’t be just a box to check off—it’s an
opportunity to develop a sense of self, gain condence and learn compassion,
while performing a social good.
Find activities to do as a family. Families can participate in many different
types of service activities. Some families have traditions of giving back such
as serving at soup kitchens on holidays, conducting collections of books or
winter clothes, and participating in charitable walks/runs. The important thing
is to nd something that ts your family’s culture, has a role for everyone, is
meaningful to your family, and is something that you all can reect upon afterwards.
Emphasize sustained, long term efforts. Getting kids involved in a project or
with a group that involves a more sustained, continuous effort allows them to
commit to a cause, see the impact of their work and connect with those who they
are serving. As children can experience the impact that their actions have and
witness the positive change that occurs over the course of time as a result of their
efforts, they can begin to understand and appreciate the true value of giving.
Don’t overlook the little ones--young children can serve too! It’s important that
younger children have someone guiding their efforts, frequently pointing out the
value/impact as they go along to keep them focused and motivated. Small tasks done
in partnership with adults can allow these young givers to feel involved in a larger
effort and help to develop giving as a core value. Kids also respond well when they
can physically contribute. Letting them carry, collect or count items, help serve or
clean up, or perform some sort of physical task (run a lap in a jog-a-thon, etc) allows
children to physically feel their actions and better comprehend their impact.
Encourage your children to be leaders and help them create opportunities
for others to be involved. I believe that people inherently like to give and be
involved, but for some, it is not always easy to gure out how to contribute.
Leadership is also an essential skill that can be taught and developed in and
outside of the classroom. Once they have developed a habit and mindset of
giving back, your children can share that value by nding or creating service
opportunities that are meaningful to them and involving others. There is no
shortage of need and by thinking creatively, your children can exponentially
increase the impact of the service activity and help shape a new group of givers.
Rajeshri holds a BS from the University of Michigan and a MA in School of Leadership with
Principal Certication from Harvard University. She uses her background in public and private
schools both teaching and administration to collaborate with students, parents and schools
about the various educational options available. Rajeshri may be reached at rgandhi24@gmail.
com www.rajeshrigandhi.com
Rajeshri Gandhi
