A SWEETWATER UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLICATION
APRIL 2013
SWEETWATER CURRENTS Montgomery Middle School Students Take to Polls
Rancho del Rey Middle Students Use iPads to Go Global
Lady Mariners Celebrate New Softball Fields at Mar Vista High
600 Career Wins for Montgomery High School Coach
San Ysidro Adult School Culinary Arts Course
TAKES THE CAKE! PLUS! HILLTOP MIDDLE www.sweetwaterschools.org
SCHOOL PLANTS APRIL GARDEN P.4 2013 SWEETWATER CURRENTS
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SWEETWATER CURRENTS APRIL 2013
CONTENTS FEATURES
KUDOS
03 RANCHO DEL REY MIDDLE STUDENTS
04 YOLANDA SHERARD
04 HILLTOP MIDDLE SCHOOL
05 MAR VISTA HIGH SCHOOL BAND
Use iPads to Go Global Plants Garden
is Heading to Harvard this Summer
Scores a Unanimous Superior at SCSBOA Adjudicated Music Festival
05 MONTH OF APRIL
National Autism Awareness Month
07 SYA TAKES THE CAKE
06 MAR VISTA HIGH LADY MARINERS Celebrate their new Softball Field
San Ysidro Adult School Culinary Arts
10 JO ANNE DEMPSEY
08 NEW CCSS RESOURCES
From The California Department of Education
NBC San Diego Inspirational Teacher of the Month
18 SUPPORTING OUR LIBRARIES IN STYLE
11 ELENA GNACINSKI
Help support the Chula Vista Library Foundation
Best of Show Winner Student Art Gala
21 SUPERINTENDENT’S COLUMN
20 READ ACROSS AMERICA
Excellence Is All Around
Sweetwater Libraries Promote Literacy
Board of Trustees Jim Cartmill • Bertha J. López • John McCann • Pearl Quiñones • Arlie N. Ricasa Dr. Edward M. Brand Superintendent
www.sweetwaterschools.org
Produced by: Grants & Communications
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Rancho del Rey Middle Students Use iPads to Go Global
Rancho del Rey Middle Students Use iPads to Go Global At a recent afterschool gathering, a group of Rancho del Rey Middle seventh graders got together in the library to discuss the Diary of Anne Frank. Although this might seem like a common activity, today’s discussion was different because the students from the school were going to be connected with students halfway across the world in the Philippines. Coordinating the event was a true team effort that involved staff, parents and students who were willing to try something new and innovative. Rancho del Rey Filipino and Science teacher Jeanette Fiorica proposed the idea to her contacts in the Philippines and the students and parents in her classes were immediately enthusiastic about the idea. Using Skype, the students gathered in the library and contacted a group of ninth graders from Pasig College in Manila. After some brief awkwardness, the students quickly discovered that regardless of where they are in the world, they have a lot in common and they soon began their discussion about the book. Congratulations to students Donovan Lazo, Alexandra Macaraeg, Marie Manipud, Emily Manroe, Mildred Salas-Robles, Cassandra Shand and Nicholas Tanga; Parents: Dawn Manroe and Hazel Tanga; and RDM staff: Maria Corbitt Charlie Felkins, Jr., Jeanette Fiorica and Assistant Principal Lora Bumatay.
www.sweetwaterschools.org
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Hilltop Middle Plants Garden
Over Spring Break, the Hilltop Middle Community used some open space on campus to plant a new school garden. In partnership with several community groups, including South Bay Community Services, students, staff and administrators came out to roll up their sleeves, plant several trees and build planter boxes to grow fruits and vegetables. Congratulations and we look forward to your first harvest!
KUDOS! Yolanda Sherard
Congratulations to Rancho del Rey Middle teacher Yolanda Sherard! Sherard, a past Sweetwater and County teacher of the year, is one of only 30 teachers selected to attend Harvard University’s The Economics of Slavery seminar in Cambridge, MA this summer. Way to go!
www.sweetwaterschools.org
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APRIL 2013 National Autism Awareness Month
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Earth Day
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School Board Meeting
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14-20
School Librarian Week
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28
Administrative Professionals’ Day
Great Poetry Reading Day
NEWS & VIEWS • See the latest Sweetwater Spotlight • Read the latest Budget Updates here • Keep up with the latest Board Updates and recent minutes
KUDOS! Mar Vista High School Band
The Mar Vista High School Band scored a Unanimous Superior at the SCSBOA adjudicated music festival, which is the highest honor awarded. Additionally, Mar Vista is the only school to receive this rating today, so far. Thank you for representing the Sweetwater district so well!
www.sweetwaterschools.org
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Lady Mariners Celebrate New Softball Fields at Mar Vista High On March 20, the Mar Vista High Lady Mariners inaugurated their new softball field versus the San Ysidro Cougars. The new field and team room are part of an ongoing effort to ensure that students have access to the best facilities possible.
KUDOS! Coach Manny Hermosillo
Montgomery High School’s Coach Hermosillo earned his 600th career win by beating Otay Ranch 6-1. It was a great game and an awesome accomplishment. The best part is that all 600 wins have been for the MOH Aztecs.
THE SWEETWATER SPOTLIGHT CVH Track & Field Sensation Ahkeel Whitehead to Compete in 2016 Paralympics AS SEEN IN
On the field, Chula Vista High School senior Ahkeel Whitehead resembles any other stellar athlete eager to compete, but there's much more to the rising track star than meets the eye. Read the full story in the Sweetwater Spotlight here | Check out the video story here
www.sweetwaterschools.org
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San Ysidro Adult School Culinary Arts Course Takes the Cake! Royal icing, fondant, cake batter and rice crispy treats are just a few of the special ingredients that can be found in the award-winning classroom of Maria Gonzales, San Ysidro Adult School Baking/Pastry Instructor. For years, Gonzales and her group of students have placed first in the San Diego Cake Club’s Annual Sugar Art and Cake Competition Confections For a Cause. “I’ve found that for many of my students, this class has transformed their lives,” said Gonzales. “Finding a skill that they are good at has boosted their self-esteem and transferred down into their children, making them overall better parents. What we do here is an art and my students represent the best of the best.” Take a look at a few of the photos captured as students made the finishing touches on their cakes for the national competition.
www.sweetwaterschools.org
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NEW CCSS RESOURCES
Common COREner Final Version of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy Approved The State Board of Education approved the final version of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts (ELA) and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects to include the College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards at its meeting on Wednesday, March 13. A prepublication version is posted on the CDE CCSS Web page. You will be notified through this listserv when the print publication is available later this year.
New Chamber of Commerce Smarter Balanced Informational Flyer for the Business Community The American Chamber of Commerce Executives, in collaboration with the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, has developed for businesses and the business community an informational flyer regarding the Smarter Balanced assessments. The flyer is available on the Community Partners tab of the CDE CCSS Web page.
New Recommended Literature List The Recommended Literature: Pre-Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve list is a searchable database of books for children and teens designed to help students, teachers, and families find books that entertain, inform, and explore new ideas and experiences. The list has been updated to support student attainment of the CCSS for ELA and Literacy. More information about this resource is available in the State Schools Chief News Release for March 18, 2013. To view past CCSS Updates, please visit the CCSS Resources Listserv Archive.
www.sweetwaterschools.org
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Montgomery Middle School Students Take to Polls Montgomery Middle School Students students had the chance to make their vote count this week as they voted for their favorite books in the California Young Reader Medal (CYRM) middle school and young adult categories. School librarian Imelda Alvarez, promoted this year’s nominated books throughout the school year by doing book talks over KMMI, displays in the library, posters around campus, and making extra copies of books available for students to checkout. Since the CYRM program began in 1974, millions of students across the state have nominated, read, and voted for the winners. It is a program that encourages recreational reading of popular literature. The sponsoring organizations include the California Association of Teachers of English (CATE) and the California Library Association (CLA). Winners are announced in May and the winning authors receive their California Young Reader Medal awards at special ceremonies held annually at the state conferences of each sponsoring organization. Winning books will go on to gain even more readership and popularity. The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins received the CMYR award in 2011 in the YA category. For more information and ideas for participating go to the programs website www.californiayoungreadermedal.org.
www.sweetwaterschools.org
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Follow Sweetwater VAPA on Facebook!
The Visual and Performing Arts Department (VAPA) is pleased and excited to announce their new Facebook page! In an ongoing effort to keep the greatest number of people informed they have made the leap to Facebook. Follow VAPA to keep up with information about events, information about your events, and special announcements. To kick this off right, VAPA will be announcing the musical for the Summer Theater Institute sometime over the next few days. This is an “exclusive,” preannouncement! When? You’ll just have to keep checking the Facebook page! Subscribe using this link or search on Facebook for Visual and Performing Arts – SUHSD and “like” us. Please pass this email along to your students, friends, parents, arts advocates…. I think you get the picture! If you’re a VAPA teacher and wish to post an event, please email your events (include group, name of event, location, times, ticket information, brief description, etc.) to Beatriz Gonzalez-Sallach (VAPA website) and Jenni Jouan (VAPA Facebook).
KUDOS! Jo Anne Dempsey
Montgomery High School Teacher Jo Anne Dempsey was recognized by NBC San Diego as Inspirational Teacher of the Month! Take a look at the special video highlight here.
www.sweetwaterschools.org
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SUHSD Student Art Show
Pictured: (from left to right) Juan Arteaga of ELH (teacher of winner), Andrea Arroyo (Visual Art Council Co-Chair), Elena Gnacinski of ELH (Best of Show winner), and Lynette Young (Visual Art Council Chairperson)
KUDOS! Elena Gnacinski
Congratulations to Best of Show winner, Elena Gnacinski of Eastlake High School standing with her painting, “Untitled”.
KUDOS! Alexandra San Filippo
Barry Parr Memorial Award winner, Alexandra San Filippo of Eastlake Middle School, standing with VAPA director, Jeff Kover.
www.sweetwaterschools.org
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Check out more artwork from our talented students here.
Community Opportunities TeacherTECH Computer Science Series: Exploring AP Computer Science Principles: What All Students Should Know About Computing, An 8-Part Series High School Educators are invited to attend a special seven-part TeacherTECH workshop series focused on AP Computer Science Principles. Be on the cutting edge and learn the skills you need to engage your students in computing as you bring computer science principles into your classroom. There are eight exciting and informative sessions of hands-on learning presented by Tasha Frankie, Computer Science Lecturer, UCSD. The course dates are: Tuesdays, April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2013 from 4:30pm- 6:30pm at the San Diego Supercomputer Center Training Room University of California, San Diego. Registration is free. Please contact Ange Mason at mamason@ucsd.edu to reserve your space. When responding by email, please indicate your school affiliation. Parking will be provided free of charge. There is more information at the San Diego CSTA website.
www.sweetwaterschools.org
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Stuttering Support Group for Sweetwater Students DO YOU STUTTER? IF YOU DO, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Please join us at the Stuttering Support Group Meeting for students from all schools in the Sweetwater Union High School District. The group will meet once a month to discuss student issues about stuttering such as giving oral presentations in classes, selfempowerment and being teased by other students. There will be some informational packets for parents to look at and light refreshments will be served. The next meetings are scheduled for April 9 and May 7 from 6:00-7:30 pm at 670 L Street (near the 5 freeway) in Chula Vista 91911. Parents will be responsible for dropping off and picking up their student. Please contact Rochelle Braithwaite at 619 302-1715 with any questions or just show up on April 9th!
SIX Full-Tuition Scholarships for Teachers through University of Phoenix Six full-tuition Teacher Appreciation Scholarships to the University of Phoenix will be awarded to selected applicants. The application is open to current or future teachers pursuing either a Bachelor of Science in Education or Master of Arts in Education. Recipients may choose to attend a University of Phoenix on-ground campus or may attend University of Phoenix online. Â Open application: March 5, 2013 Application deadline: April 11, 2013 Scholarship award date: Thursday, May 9, 2013 For additional eligibility requirements, and to get an application visit www.phoenix.edu/teacherscholar.
www.sweetwaterschools.org
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THE SWEETWATER SPOTLIGHT Sweetwater Schools Dedicate Sun Power Solar Systems AS SEEN IN
Recently San Diego’s Southwest High School, Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) and SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR) were celebrating the installation of 3.3 megawatts of high efficiency SunPower solar power systems at six district schools. “These SunPower systems will generate about 80 percent of the electricity demand at the campuses where they are located, allowing the Sweetwater Union High School District to use the savings to support our academic and enrichment programs,” said Dr. Edward M. Brand, superintendent of SUHSD. Read the full story here.
Chula Vista Community Day at Petco Park You’re invited to Chula Vista Community Day at Petco Park - PADRES vs. DODGERS - Sunday, June 23 at 1:10 p.m. Mayor Cheryl Cox is promoting the event, saying “We had so much fun during Chula Vista's Centennial with Chula Vista Day at the Padres, we're bringing it back.” We are inviting you to join us and giving you the first chance to get discounted tickets for up to 30% off face value when purchased online with promo code CV2013. Plus, your purchase helps support the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation, which has gifted over $47,000 to local nonprofits since Chula Vista's Centennial year! Give the Chula Vista Charitable Foundation a "like" on Facebook to stay connected at www.facebook.com/ChulaVistaCF and get ready to celebrate our community with the Padres! www.sweetwaterschools.org
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Promising Numbers from SDSU 1,092 students from Sweetwater Schools have been provisionally admitted to SDSU as of March 1st. The numbers of admitted students will go up as our students who were denied admissions because of the ELM and EPT, meet these competencies. These students will still need to appeal once they pass the tests. Sometime in October we will get our final numbers for the Class of 2013.
THE SWEETWATER SPOTLIGHT 2013 Youth Entrepreneurship Competition AS SEEN IN
The Financial Education Week Executive Committee just launched this year's International Youth Entrepreneurship Competition, April 24th-26th. It is open to all San Diego County High School Seniors, 30 of which will be selected. To see the program's details and apply, visit www.futureboss.org. For more information contact Miguel D. Vasquez, CEO | Chairman of the California Foundation Fund at www.cafoundationfund.org.
Read the full story in the Sweetwater Spotlight here
Celebrate Sweetwater District Bus Drivers April 23 is School Bus Day Drivers Day. As we celebrate School Bus Driver Day, take a moment to thank a school bus driver for their service to your community! Each year, the California State Assembly recognizes the hard and dedicated service provided by California School Bus Drivers. To honor their service, the State of California declares the fourth Tuesday in April as School Bus Driver Day in California. Read the legislative resolution here. www.sweetwaterschools.org
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Community Opportunities NNOA Offers Dollars for Scholars The National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) San Diego Chapter is proud to announce $3,000 in scholarship awards (three $1000 scholarships) is now available for high school seniors graduating in 2013. Two scholarship programs are available. Please share this information with your graduating seniors.
1. NNOA San Diego Chapter Dollars for Scholars Merit Scholarship - One $1,000 award available
Eligibility requirements: • Student must be a high school senior graduating from a high school located in San Diego County, CA. • Student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. • Student must be accepted or planning to enroll full-time in the fall of 2013 in an undergraduate program of studies leading to a Bachelors Degree at an accredited college or university. Funding for the scholarship will take place only after proof of enrollment is received. • Student must have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale. • Student must complete an online application at nnoasandiego.dollarsforscholars.org
Application deadline is 11:59 PM May 1, 2013. Awards will be presented in June 2013.
CABE $1,000 Scholarship for Bilingual Seniors The South Bay Chapter of C.A.B.E. (California Association of Bilingual Educators) is once again awarding scholarships to high school seniors. The purpose of these scholarships is to support students who have potential but for a variety of reasons struggled with the beginning of their academic pursuits. Approximately ten $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors, who meet the following criteria: • • • •
Students must be bilingual (speak, read and write in a language other than English) G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher, but not to exceed 3.5 Overcome a hardship/adversity Going to a two year or four year college in the fall of 2013
www.sweetwaterschools.org
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2. Silver NNOA (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Scholarship - Two $1,000 awards available
Eligibility requirements: • Senior in high school who has been accepted as a full time student in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 degree program (see attached list) • U.S. Citizen • Minimum overall GPA 2.75 on a 4.0 scale • Recommendation from one high school STEM teacher • Active involvement in community/civil organizations, student government, religious organizations, sports, mentoring, tutoring events, or similar are highly encouraged. • Participation in NNOA partner organizations to include JROTC, NJROTC, NSBE, BDPA, What it Takes, and Patriot Technology Training Center organizations is encouraged and will be given additional weight. • Excellent moral character and reputation • Complete attached written application and submit via U. S. Postal Service to the address provided below. Application packages must be postmarked no later than May 1, 2013 to be considered.
National Naval Officers Association San Diego P. O. Box 60007 San Diego, CA 92166 Application deadline is May 1, 2013. Awards will be presented in June 2013. For additional information or questions, please contact our Scholarship Chair, Brenda Morgan, using sdnnoascholar@gmail.com.
Recipients and their parents will be honored at our Annual Scholarship Breakfast on May 4, 2013 at Rancho Del Rey Middle. Applications should be completed and submitted on the CABE website, www.cabe65.org, by Friday April 5, 2013. If you have any questions, please call Griselda Delgado at (619) 708-3427 or Michael Govea at (619) 203-3044
www.sweetwaterschools.org
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KUDOS! Armando Leon & SYH AVID
Congratulations to Armando Leon, San Ysidro High School AVID Coordinator. Leon and over 40 San Ysidro High School students and parents visited five universities in California: San Francisco State, UC Santa Cruz, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Berkeley. We thank you for your dedication to our students!
Supporting Our Libraries In Style Libraries nationwide are in danger of stopping important services or being closed due to the current economic climate. Community members have an upcoming opportunity to support the Chula Vista Public Library Foundation on Saturday, April 27, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the “Bon Appetit: Celebrating Food, Wine and Our Libraries.” Come out to the Otay Ranch Town Center in the food pavilion near the Otay Ranch branch library and enjoy a casual evening under the stars with beverages, hors d’oeuvres and music while helping to support the Chula Vista Library Foundation. Several area restaurants and food vendors, excellent vintners, great music, a silent and live auction will entertain guests (21 and older). Tickets available at the door, or in advance at other locations listed here. www.sweetwaterschools.org
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Sweetwater District Alumnus Honored as CFO of the Year Maria Kachadoorian, the Director of Finance/Treasurer for the City of Chula Vista, was honored as San Diego’s “Chief Financial Officer of the Year” at the San Diego Business Journal awards program on March 14. The San Diego Business Journal recognizes individuals who go above and beyond their duties as CFO by playing a major role in the success of their business or organization. Kachadoorian joined the City in January 1998, and has over 25 years of professional experience in Accounting, Internal Auditing, and Budgeting. Under her leadership, the City of Chula Vista has weathered one of its most volatile financial periods in the City’s history. From a low of 5%, she has enabled the Council to increase their Reserves to more than 11%, on their way to a goal of 15%. Kachadoorian grew up in Imperial Beach and graduated from Mar Vista High School. She earned her B.S. Degree with an emphasis in Accounting and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from San Diego State University. She is also a Certified Public Accountant. Read the full story here
U-T Young Latino Journalism Scholars Program Do you know a high school student who has a knack for journalism? If so, the UT-San Diego is now accepting applications for its Young Latino Journalism Scholars Program, which will provide selected high school students with a paid summer mentoring program. Applications and additional information are available at: www.utsandiego.com/younglatinojournalism/ Applicants should be 16 years old by April 24, 2013. If you have questions, please contact Blanca Gonzalez at 619 293-1241, or blanca.gonzalez@utsandiego.com
www.sweetwaterschools.org
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Sweetwater Libraries Promote Literacy with Read Across America Celebrations
www.sweetwaterschools.org
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Free after school homework help for students grades K-12 The Chula Vista Public Library is offering free after school homework help for students grades K-12 at all three of its branches. Come and study with a buddy, get helpful coaching from another student or a community member, and get that homework done! Or help your fellow students by offering your support, knowledge, and experience. Perfect for community service hours. Whether you’re a student looking for help, or a student who would like to help others, we’d like to hear from you. Contact branch managers Debbie Taylor 619-585-5772, dtaylor@chulavistaca.gov, or Joy Whatley, 858-585-5786, jwhatley@chulavistaca.gov. Superintendent | Dr. Edward M. Brand
SUPERINTENDENT’S COLUMN Excellence Is All Around As I read through Currents every month I am reminded of the excellence that is all around the Sweetwater District. This month’s issue, at over 21 pages, is proof that the work that you all are doing is important to the community that we serve and is having a positive impact. In the last several weeks we’ve heard several examples of the accolades that you’ve worked so hard for. To name a few: San Ysidro High was recently named a “Breakthrough School” by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and they have once again been recognized for their outstanding AVID program. Granger Junior High was named a California School to Watch and has also been recognized as at least a Silver Medal winner by the National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST). Olympian High’s Academic Decathlon team placed sixth in the state and has several students place among the top in the State. Bonita Vista Middle, EastLake Middle and Eastlake High were all recently visited by the California Distinguished Schools program and we hope to hear positive news from them soon. Manny Hermosillo of Montgomery High just won his 600th game as a baseball coach – and all with the Aztecs. Mar Vista High recently inaugurated a new girls’ softball field and team room and we are getting ready to break ground on new facilities at Montgomery High and National City Middle.
www.sweetwaterschools.org
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And still, there are countless other positive news items that come from your campuses and departments on a daily basis. I hope you will join me in celebrating these successes and continue to promote them in your school newsletters, on your websites, in Currents and in the Sweetwater Spotlight. Our work impacts thousands of students on a daily basis and we are all part of greater network of community members, alumni, business owners and elected officials that not only take interest in our work, but work hard in their own right to support our efforts. As we come to the close of the school year, let’s not forget to take a few minutes and celebrate our success. We should let each other know of the great things going on and the victories that we see every day – no matter how big or small. In the next couple of months we’ll hear about a lot more of these great stories. Each year we seem to outdo ourselves and I, and the Board of Trustees, are proud of the work that you do. Let’s keep it up, and let’s show everyone why the Sweetwater District is great!
line t o H ’s t n e n d n e t dent’s Hotline o n te rin e Superin p Su e th en 2:30 ting calls at
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www.sweetwaterschools.org
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