By Steve Haiman
Academic League Co-Coordinator

January 24, 2010 (San Diego's East County)--Rain did not dampen the Academic League spirit or acumen last week. The brain power exhibited at the host schools gave off more than enough heat to fight off the winter cold outside!

January 22, 2010 (San Diego's East County) --All schools in the  Julian School and District and Mountain Empire Unified School District will be closed today due to stormy weather and snow.  A severe winter weather alert remains in effect for mountain areas in East County due to drifting snow and poor visibility.

January 14, 2010 (Rancho San Diego)—The Water Conservation Garden, located at Cuyamaca Collegei in El Cajon,  invites the public to enjoy its 2010 winter and spring events. Classes offered help residents save water and money by focusing on water smart landscaping techniques and plants. Classes are taught by experts and topics include lawn removal, water-smart landscape design, backyard composting, irrigation design and gardening for children.

January 15, 2010 (La Mesa) -- At 2:11 this afternoon, La Mesa Police officers responded to a call of a student at La Mesa Middle School, 4200 Parks Avenue, who had been shot at with an unknown weapon. The student was not injured. Reportedly, the student was on or near the athletic field when he believed he had been fired at from the rear of a house in the 7500 block of Orien Avenue.

Court upholds district's right to assure that school construction jobs will employ local residents

January 5, 2010 (San Diego)--San Diego's Superior Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) that sought to halt work performed under the project stabilization agreement (PSA) reached between San Diego Unified School District and construction unions.

State's schools, once top in nation, now rank at bottom as budget cuts ravage K-12 and higher education

By Miriam Raftery

December 23, 2009 (Sacramento) – The Obama administration has challenged states to compete for federal “Race to the Top” (RTT) education funds aimed at improving under-performing K-12 schools. California is eligible for $300-$700 million of those funds—provided the Legislature and Governor can agree on changing state laws by January 19, 2010 to qualify for the funding.

December 18, 2009 (San Diego) – High school juniors, seniors and sophomores who are recommended by a vocal or choir teacher are eligible to enter the Schmidt Youth Vocal Competition at San Diego State University on January 30th, where competitors will vie for a top prize of $2,000. Applications must be received by January 15th.

Creative Partnership Overcomes Economic Obstacles to launch innovative new program

December 14, 2009 (Alpine) – Despite deep education budget cuts statewide, kids at schools in Alpine are benefiting from an innovative, new program that improves math and music skills, thanks in part to proceeds from concerts and other events held at Viejas Casino and Outlet Center in Alpine.

By Steve Haiman
Co-coordinator, GUHSD Academic League

December 9, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) -- The layoff for Thanksgiving did not slow up the four teams in week four’s featured match with the Santana “Sultans” hosting the Grossmont “Foothillers”.

In, fact all of the teams got right down to turkey…pardon the pun…from the very opening question right down to the last one. They were amazingly, evenly matched teams!

Sylvan Learning Center in La Mesa is sponsoring a “Write Your Way into College” essay contest. It is open to all students in grades 8-12 in the County of San Diego. Separate prizes will be awarded to the high school and middle school winners.

November 28, 2009 (Spring Valley) - Shortly after noon today, Sheriff deputies responded to a burglary alarm at La Presa Elementary School in Spring Valley.  The alarm company reported their audio surveillance system was picking up voices from inside the school. Deputies set a perimeter around the school with the assistance of ASTREA. Shortly after the deputies’ arrival, four suspects were spotted.

November 5, 2009 (El Cajon)--The Elks National “Hoop Shoot” Program is America’s largest non-commercial co-educational sports program. It offers kids ages 8-13 regardless of race, color, or creed an opportunity for character and skill development, healthy spirited athletic competition, social relationships, quality family time and travel with minimal expense to participants and parents.

San Diego Unified School Board invites parents, high school students and SDSU students impacted by changes to a special district-wide meeting

October 29, 2009 (San Diego) – San Diego Unified School Board wants to hear from parents and students impacted by San Diego State University changing its admission policies to eliminate guaranteed admissions for students who meet California State University (CSU) requirements. The meeting will be held at 4 p.m. on November 4 at the Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103.

October 22, 2009 (El Cajon) – In this era of budget cutbacks, community colleges are struggling to accommodate more students on less money. You can help by attending the Grosssmont College Foundation’s eight annual gala this Saturday, October 24th, at the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino. The Foundation raises funds to support Grossmont College students and educational programs.