Student Voice Kick Off Event

On Thursday, October 19, 2017, high school students from across the district came together at Kearny High School for a kickoff event to learn more about the student voice opportunities available in our district.  The GSA Collaborative, Student Equity Ambassadors, Council of ASB Presidents, Counseling Advocates: Champions for Change, and the Student Wellness Ambassadors will be working together this year to support student and district initiatives.  If you would like more information on any of these programs, please contact the Director of Reconnection Mia Funk via email at mfunk@sandi.net or by phone at 619-725-7289.

Online Credit Recovery Classes

• Q1 not go quite as planned?
• Sports eligibility in danger?
• College acceptance at risk because of a “D”? 
• GPA need a boost? 

There is a solution!

The San Diego Unified School district provides online courses for students to take classes through dual enrollment. Online classes are enrolling now for the remainder of the fall term. You may be eligible to take your class for remediation through iHigh Virtual Academy and the online learning program. This unique dual enrollment program is University of California A – G approved and can provide remediation for previous D and F grades.

See your counselor today to sign up!

Senior College Bound Symposium at SCPA

On October 11, 2017, 12th grade students from The School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) attended a College Bound Symposium held on their school site.   Students attended breakout sessions that showcased: Naviance Family Connection, the Common Application, Scholarships, the Cal Soap Program, the Early Assessment Program, How to Compose a College Essay, and  Financial Aid Opportunities.  Furthermore, students have the opportunity to meet directly with college representatives from: the University of Southern California, the University of San Diego, San Diego State University, the University of California- San Diego,  and Community Colleges: City, Grossmont & Southwestern.  Students enjoyed the day learning about their post-secondary opportunities.

The Race To Submit Initiative

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and the California Department of Education (CDE) invite you to participate in the statewide “Race to Submit” campaign to encourage all California high school seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Filing financial aid applications is the first step towards college success and helps eligible students qualify for federal, state, and campus-based aid, as well as some private scholarships.

The Race to Submit is complete with a real-time dashboard located at https://webutil.csac.ca.gov/Dashboard/ that allows local communities to review their progress weekly and compare their high school, district, or county progress to that of other communities across the state. The goal of this initiative is to increase financial aid application completions, using a network of support.

The Race to Submit Leaderboard will display all California high schools by the Top 10 completed application percentages, by six levels determined by the graduating class size. The top five schools at each level will be recognized by the California Student Aid Commission. The Race to Submit campaign will celebrate the progress and success of all schools and districts that make significant strides in FAFSA and CADAA completion between October 1, 2017 and March 2, 2018. Locations for free Cash for College Workshops are available at https://www.cash4college.csac.ca.gov/.

SAT Scoring, a Mystery?

When it comes to SAT scores, there is no such thing as passing or failing.  SAT scores are about “Mean (average) Scores”, “Percentiles”, and “Benchmarks”.   The College Board explains them as follows:

Mean (Average) Scores: Your score report will show you the mean, or average, scores earned by typical U.S. test-takers per grade. Unless your score is much lower than average, you’re probably developing the kinds of reading, writing and language, and math skills you’ll need in college.

College and Career Readiness Benchmarks: You’ll see a benchmark for each section of the SAT. Benchmarks are the scores that represent college readiness. In other words, if you score at or above the benchmark, you’re on track to be ready for college when you graduate high school. Use the detailed feedback in your online score report to see which skills need the most improvement.

Percentile Rank: A percentile rank is a number between 1 and 99 that shows how you scored compared to other students. It represents the percentage of students whose scores fall at or below your score. For example, a test-taker in the 57th percentile scored higher than or equal to 57 percent of test-takers.  You’ll see two percentiles:

The Nationally Representative Sample percentile compares your score to the scores of typical 11th- and 12th-grade U.S. students.

The User Percentile—National compares your score to the scores of typical college-bound U.S. 11th- and 12th-grade SAT takers.

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/scores/understanding-scores/interpreting

Student Equity Ambassadors Present To The Board of Education

The Student Equity Ambassadors recently collaborated with the Council of ASB Presidents to provide a report to the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education on the work they are doing to strengthen student voice and agency per LCAP Goal 4: Positive School Environment, Climate and Culture with Equity at the Core and Support for the Whole Child. The students highlighted their participation in events such as the Student Equity Coalitions, student panels at local colleges, Workforce Partnership events, etc. and shared impactful information about the incredible work they are doing.

They did a wonderful job and made the Office of Secondary Schools very proud!

Serra High School’s Endangered Species Day

In May, students of an interdisciplinary teaching team from Serra High School showcased their work from a project teachers designed and implemented with their students during the Spring semester. Parents, siblings, and community members in attendance were excited to view and celebrate the hard work of students. During the exhibition, students showcased Adobe Spark presentations featuring threatened or endangered animals that they would encourage the zoo to

designate as “priority species.” Students used rhetorical strategies they learned in their English class, research on biodiversity and endangered species and habitats in Biology, and photography or videography skills in their Career and Technical Education course to accomplish the task. Now, pictures from Serra High School students are featured at the entrance to the Office of Secondary Schools at the Ed Center! If you are looking for support in designing or implementing interdisciplinary project based learning at your school, whether it’s new to you or you are a seasoned veteran, please don’t hesitate to reach out! You can contact Liz Perry at eperry2@sandi.net

Kearny Students Launch into Real-World Projects

Over the summer teams of teachers came together at San Diego Unified’s two-week long Project Based Learning Institute to collaborate on designing curriculum that engages students in rigorous, real-world projects aligned to key learning targets. This week, Kearny High School’s 9th grade Digital Media and Design students launched their semester-long project  with incredibly powerful presentations about by people whose lives have been directly affected by drug and alcohol abuse. These presentations served to launch their project, “I Have a Say in My Future”, which asks students to explore the question: “How do the choices I make in today’s world help determine who I become tomorrow?” For this project, the team is partnering with SAY San Diego to create media products that help prevent the abuse of drugs and alcohol.

What tests do I need to take to get into college?

Visit the website for the Universities/Colleges that you will be applying to in order to make sure you meet each University's/College's testing deadlines.

UC Admissions Link   -    CSU Admission Link

Community Colleges do not require any entrance exams; however, you will be required to take math and English placement tests when you apply to determine your Math and English levels for course enrollment.

California State Universities (CSUs) require the SAT Reasoning OR ACT.

University of California schools (UCs) require the SAT Reasoning OR ACT with writing; two SAT Subject Tests are recommended for some majors, but are NOT required. See the individual University websites for more detailed information.

Private Colleges and Universities require the SAT Reasoning OR ACT with writing. Some private schools do not require the writing test. See the individual website for each individual school for admission requirements. It is best to take the writing portion in case it is required. If it is not, it will not be considered or count against you.

Highly selective private Colleges and Universities also require two or three SAT Subject Tests. See individual school website for admission requirements. Some campuses prefer certain subject tests depending on major, etc

If you are enrolled in an Advanced Placement (AP) course you it is strongly recommended that you take the AP test for that course in the spring. For more information see your AP teacher or your counselor for dates and fees.

Top Secret Automotive Job Shadow Experience

Morse High School's Automotive Body and Painting program still remains the only nationally accredited (Auto Body) high school in the state of California. The program is accredited by the National Automotive Technical Education Foundation (NATEF). One of the benefits of NATEF accreditation, is that it provides several students with a once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in a job shadows and internships. Morse High School Advisory and Business partner; Sherwin-Williams, a premier Automotive Paint & Finishing supplier, is working with Morse Auto body students on a top secret prototype vehicle yet to be revealed to the public. 

This prototype vehicle is undergoing a custom paint and body modifications for the 2017 SEMA Automotive Convention in Las Vegas later this month. This big name vehicle manufacturer has produced only 4 prototypes for research, testing and design. One of the prototypes is here in San Diego with Sherwin-Williams. This behind the scenes opportunity is very inspirational and meaningful for students and will give them the chance to experience the final design and paint scheme for a new vehicle scheduled for mass production in upcoming year. 

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) attracts over 150,000 attendees which consist of Manufactures, buyers and automotive industry representatives worldwide. Once the vehicle is revealed to the public in late October, Sherwin-Williams has plans to display the vehicle at Morse High school for all of the auto body students to exhibit and celebrate.

Why Community College?

As students complete their final year of high school they will be making one of the largest decisions of their life to date. What will I do after high school? And which college do I want to attend? To help students, parents, and SDUSD staff with this decision we want to share a perspective from the California community college system. San Diego is home to some of the finest community colleges in California: Mesa, City and Miramar being our primary partners. While there are many more benefits then we will list here, these 5 we want to highlight:

Save money, lots of money. Currently, the cost of tuition is $42 per unit. This is much less than the $300 to $1000 per unit cost at other 4 year institutions.

Guaranteed Transfer Agreements. Mesa, City and Miramar have guaranteed transfer agreements to some of the most popular UC schools.

Small class sizes. Large universities typically have hundreds of students in general education classes. Community college classrooms are much smaller which is a manageable step-up from high school.

You’ll be close to home. Sometimes we have responsibilities that require us to stay close to home. Or, the thought of moving away is a poor decision at this time.  Community colleges are local so you can get your education while staying close to home.

TONS of choices. Mesa, City and Miramar offer many pathways, degrees, majors and certificates. Find your fit at a community college.


With the College Promise scholarship fast approaching we want you to seriously consider Mesa, City, and Miramar as your next step after high school

What is The College Avenue Compact?

The College Avenue Compact:

• Guarantees admissions to San Diego State University (SDSU) for Hoover Students who meet certain requirements.
• This is a unique agreement for Hoover High School students only.
• Eligibility begins in the fall of 9th grade with continuous enrollment at Hoover High School to the end of 12th grade
• CAC services prepare students and families to meet the rigorous requirements needed to gain guaranteed admission to SDSU.

Program Highlights: 

• Promotes a college-going culture
• College classroom presentations
• College-going workshops for parents and students
• Parent transition program for 8th grade families  
• All 7th grade SDSU fieldtrip

Benefits:

• Only high school in the district to offer this unique program
• Work directly with college advisors
• Direct college support for students and families
• College and career field trips and activities

College Avenue Compact Requirements: 
Eligibility begins in the fall of 9th grade with continuous enrollment at Hoover High School to the end of 12th grade. Upon graduation from Hoover High school, students must have completed the following requirements in order to receive guaranteed admission to San Diego State University:

•  Clear Math remediation (be ready to take college level Math) by the end of 12th grade
•  Clear English  remediation (be ready to take college level English) by the end of 12th grade
•  Complete the 15 “A-G” requirements with grades of C or higher by the end of 12th grade
•  Obtain a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) in
• “A-G” courses at the time of application and must be maintained through 12th grade
•  Take the SAT or ACT tests no later than November of 12th grade
•  Obtain a minimum CSU Eligibility Index of 2900 using SAT scores or 694 using ACT scores
•  Meet all SDSU admission and enrollment deadlines

o   CSU Mentor application must be submitted by November 30th
o   Must not have any D or F grades during 12th grade
o   Admitted students interested in enrollment must submit their Intent to Enroll by May 1st

A Glimpse of the World of Work - STEAM Inspiration

Middle School Excursions are back for the 4th year and commenced (9/12) with students from Knox Middle traveling up to Sorrento Valley to visit Qualcomm's® Thinkabit Lab™. Qualcomm provides an immersive experience that allows students to engineer their own robotic creation while learning about the variety of careers that have made this multi-billion dollar corporation such a success. The Thinkabit Lab is yet another example of how Qualcomm supports the students and community in their own back yard. San Diego Unified is proud to have supported the development and ongoing success of this program that continues to inspire students and adults from across our county and the rest of the world.