Earth Discovery Institute serves up to 3,000 primarily fourth and fifth grade students from our district annually with science service-learning at Crestridge Ecological Reserve. Classroom teachers work with district’s Service-learning Coordinator to schedule field visits. Children explore Crestridge for 2-3 hours in groups of 9-12 with expert naturalist guidance. Grade level-specific science standards are addressed through nature-based, hands-on activities. Students participate in biologically-based habitat restoration. All students receive, use, and take with them a personal nature field journal. All participating classes are encouraged to conduct follow-up service-learning projects after their visits that extend their science learning and manifest that knowledge to the benefit of their schools and neighborhoods.

Please joins us for EDI’s annual fundraiser, the Lilac 5k Trail Run Walk & Fun Run January 31, 2015 at Crestridge Ecological Reserve (end of Horsemill Road El Cajon, Ca)

All funds raised benefit environmental and science education programs.

Register online & more information: http://www.earthdiscovery.org

Thank you,

Suzanne Mullins

CVUSD Governing Board

Today, David, Tamara, and I visited each of our Greenfield classrooms. I reflected on the same walk we made a year ago and am so proud of the change the staff has created. Our site had two goals this year: each teacher will create a blended learning model to meet the needs of their students and that we will implement Common Core standards. As we walked, we witnessed a variety blended learning models in classrooms, some teachers having devices less than three weeks. Teachers are working together asking the right questions and taking risks to meet our site and district goals. We saw the effects of increased collaboration in teacher practice, from pushing an assignment out on a device to creating individualized learning opportunities for students. As we discussed in yesterday’s staff meeting, there are many steps along the way to meeting our goals. We are a work in progress. It’s okay to try and fail, but it is not okay to give up. Teachers are making educated decisions about technology, collaborating on best practices, and refining what we do to meet the needs of students. There are no answers, we create the answers. I am proud of the effort and accomplishments of our staff.

Karen Minshew, Principal
Greenfield Middle School

Superintendent David Miyashiro and Board Member Jo Alegria visited Jamacha on Tuesday, 1/20/2015. Efforts to embody blended learning, Common Core standards, and collaboration within our Jamacha culture were evident all throughout the campus. Teams are working together, “paying it forward” as we all learn together, and sharing strategies and assignments for the benefit of all. Teaching teams are taking risks to incorporate technology in multiple ways throughout every day and week. Kudos, Jamacha – we are rolling!!!

Kathy Skube, Principal
Jamacha Elementary School

Tom came across this Message that was addressed to middle school students. I feel this would be a great resource for our middle schools as I’m in their real world every day at work. I have several student workers that communicate about personal feelings, school, homework, mostly about working at a job. What it takes, how hard to work, and its funny how most of them say my mom is too strict.

Shared by Tom Stotler from Greenfield Middle School… Thank you Tom!

The 1st Annual Cajon Valley Hour of Code Contest has been very well received by students and staff district-wide. With participation from all CVUSD schools, over 11,800 students completed at least one hour of code in December. Eleven Cajon Valley schools had 100% participation (including kindergartners!) and several other sites achieved over 98% participation. In an effort to give students even more opportunities to develop coding skills, computer science classes will begin at the “Code Campus” at Emerald Middle School in February. Classes will feature inspiring and gifted instructors from Code to the Future, modern rooms designed by a University of San Diego learning-space expert, and courses tailored to the needs of our students. Though housed at Emerald, these classes take place after school, on weekends, and holidays– and are open to students from all schools. Stay tuned for the final results of our CVUSD Hour of Code Contest, including details on the winning school, classes, and individuals. Check out these early submissions from schools throughout the district. More to follow next week.

Andrew Svehaug, President & CEO
Code to the Future

Anza

Naranca

WD Hall

Los Coches Creek

Community Day School

Cajon Valley Middle School

Hillsdale Middle School
Click to PlayHillsdale Hour of Code

Thursday Morning Governing Board Member Suzanne Mullins and Superintendent David Miyashiro toured CVUSD’s Community Day School. They were impressed by the commitment of the staff to meet the needs of each individual child. The classroom climate demonstrated caring, respect, and high expectations. Keep up the great work!

Most of the time our Warehouse team operates behind the scenes, but we were able to catch a glimpse of our Superheroes delivering Chromebooks to classes at Hillsdale. The Warehouse team worked around the clock during the Winter recess to get our teachers and students their technology. Thank you!!!

Photos courtesy of Curtis Higgs

When Joshua was diagnosed with Leukemia at age 4 and Make-A-Wish granted his wish at age 5, he was so grateful that he knew he wanted to help others. In 2009, Josh was invited to become a Make A Wish Ambassador and in 2011 he began collecting letters for Macy’s Make A Wish Campaign. In his first year, he collected 21,092 letters and raised $42,184 and has continued his campaign each year through 2014. This holiday season, with the support of Hillsdale Middle School and many other schools in the Cajon Valley District, Josh collected 31, 117 letters and raised $62,234 for Make A Wish. Over the past 5 years, this remarkable young man has collected over $109,549 letters and raised $219,098. In addition to this, Josh has been on the Walk for Wishes Team for four years and has raised over $5,000.

We want to Congratulate Joshua on all of his accomplishments and for making so many wishes come true. We will miss you when you promote to high school this year, but we know you will continue to make a difference in the lives of so many. On behalf of Hillsdale Middle School – we thank you.

Marietta Minjares, Principal

Hillsdale Middle School

The staff and students at Meridian Elementary want to extend our appreciation to the Meridian Baptist Church. Just days before leaving for winter break the students of Meridian Elementary were presented with a huge box of playground balls and a check for $600 for the purchase of additional balls and recess equipment! Pastor Roland Slade, Pastor Dan Bender, and Mrs. Teresa Haendle presented the donation to the students and spoke about the importance of creating positive relationships and productive partnerships with families and the community. Pastor Slade emphasized the strong link community involvement has with academic achievement, increased school attendance, and improved school programs and quality. Their generous donation highlights their commitment to support our community and is greatly appreciated.

An enormous THANK YOU to all of the donors at Meridian Baptist Church! The students and staff are absolutely thrilled with the new playground equipment!

Michelle Hayes, Principal
Meridian Elementary School