POINSETTIA PRINCIPAL STEPHEN AHLE ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT

On February 13, 2012, Poinsettia Elementary School Principal Stephen Ahle announced that he will retire from Carlsbad Unified School District as of June 30, 2012. Ahle, who has served as Principal of multiple sites since joining the District at age 29 in 1982, says, "I plan to move forward to the next phase of my life, which will certainly involve education-related pursuits."

District Superintendent John A. Roach, Ed.D., states, "Our District, the thousands of students Steve has inspired, and the staff he has led are the better for his 30 years of service. Steve possesses a rare combination of traits, which has made him exceptionally valuable as an administrator. He has the ability to think and act outside the box in creating and implementing innovative programs that entice and excite children, while never taking his eye off the 'prize' of student achievement."

Ahle began his CUSD career as Principal of Pine Elementary School, and then of Pine and Jefferson. The two schools merged as Jefferson Elementary in 2000. During his tenure at the site, Ahle set a framework for success. He implemented the school's Voluntary Integration Plan, Dual Language Academy and Title I College Prep Program. Jefferson went on to be recognized as a California Distinguished School in 2004 under then Principal Carol Van Vooren.

Ahle became Opening Principal of Pacific Rim Elementary in 1999. Under his leadership, Pacific Rim was named a California Distinguished School in 2004. The school has continued its tradition of academic excellence with Principal Robert Devich at the helm since 2007, consistently attaining Academic Performance Index (API) scores that lead the District. Its 2011 API of 975 ranks among the highest elementary school score in San Diego County. In 2010, the school was again honored as a California Distinguished School. Complete story here.

ALMA MONTANEZ IS FEB. 2012 CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Alma ("Bonnie") Montanez, who serves as Carlsbad High School's "Lancer Jack's" Student Store Assistant, has been named Carlsbad Unified School District's February 2012 Classified Employee of the Month. Montanez was honored at the February 8, 2012 Board of Trustees meeting.

Lancer Jack's sells snacks and a wide variety of spirit wear, including sweatshirts, polo shirts and P.E. clothes. The last few weeks were certainly among the most hectic in her 20-year career with the District, say her nominators, due to the relocation of Lancer Jack's as part of the massive Carlsbad High renovation. The store, and new campus, were unveiled when students and staff returned to school on January 9, 2012.

CHS administrators state, "Bonnie was instrumental in the store being open and ready for student business the first day after Winter Break, serving students in a friendly, efficient manner. As we have progressed and settled in over the last few weeks, Bonnie has continued to refine the operational procedures of Lancer Jack's, and will continue to do so." 

They note, "We are proud to offer this program for our students, and we are proud to recognize Bonnie for her outstanding effort and commitment to the students of Carlsbad High School."

Enthusiastic and upbeat, Montanez herself is the embodiment of Lancer spirit. "I absolutely love my job," she says, "I'm shocked to receive recognition for doing something I enjoy so much. I can't imagine ever doing anything else!"

CARLSBAD ARTS GRANTS SUPPORT ENRICHING SITE PROGRAMS

Carlsbad Unified School District (CUSD) has received a total of $7,455 in 2012 arts education grants from the City of Carlsbad Cultural Arts Office. The grants fund six enriching programs; both ongoing and new efforts.

Over the years, Carlsbad arts grants have funded a full palette of projects at CUSD elementary, middle and high schools. Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Devin Vodicka, Ed.D., recalls, "The Playwrights Project Write On! program that took place when I was Calavera Hills Elementary and Middle Principal reached many students and inspired some to pursue a related career. In today's challenging economic times for our District, these grants are highly welcomed, and greatly valued."

Grant recipients are: Carlsbad High School Band Boosters, $1,200; Carlsbad High School Choral Boosters, $1,200; Carlsbad High School Drama Club, $1,200; Carlsbad High School Speech and Debate Team, $1,200; Calavera Hills Elementary visual arts program, $950; Jefferson Elementary after-school choir program; $1,015; and Pacific Rim Elementary legacy mosaic, $690.

Jefferson Music Teacher Amber Gustafson says, "Jefferson has had a wonderful choir program for 14-years. The 2012 arts grant allows us to continue this proud tradition. We're very grateful."

To learn more about the City of Carlsbad arts grant process, email Colleen.Finnegan@carlsbadca.gov.

LOVELY LIES THE HEAD THAT WEARS THIS CROWN: CHS ALUM MISS CALIFORNIA NOELLE FREEMAN IS 4TH RUNNER-UP TO MISS AMERICA

Carlsbad High School made it all the way to fourth place at the January 14, 2012 Miss America competition, thanks to the incredible accomplishments, poise, talents and the inner and outer beauty of Carlsbad High alumnus Noelle Freeman, age 22. A direct descendant of Francis Scott Key, Noelle, a dancer, hit all the right notes to ballet her way up the ladder of competitions and earn the title of Miss California 2011. Her fourth-place Miss America triumph netted her well-deserved publicity and a $10,000 scholarship.

After graduating from Carlsbad High in 2007, Noelle attended Chapman University, where she earned a BA in Advertising, Public Relations and Communication Studies in 2011. She has been accepted into Chapman's Dodge Film School. Eventually, she says, she would like to establish her own advertising/public relations agency.

Noelle has volunteered to help children with autism since she was seven years old and has continued serving children with disabilities. In fact, her competition platform issue, she reports, was "A Promising Future for Children with Autism." She says, "I saw that the level of help given to kids with disabilities declines as they get older and become young adults. I have worked to change that."

At Carlsbad High, Noelle was active in Lancer Dancers, ASB and other activities. In fact, she says, "My family and I moved from Vista to Carlsbad specifically for the quality of education, the community and – mostly – because of the high school dance program. The Lancer Dancers taught me to be a 'Miss America' when I was only 14 years old. I learned that it wasn't just about dance, but about serving the community." She confides, "I passionately wanted to become the 2012 Miss America so I could touch lives. I can still do that as Miss California. I want to help people and to motivate others."

To learn more about Noelle Freeman or to request her appearance/presentation at an event, email her business manager Chelly Hyde at hydeho2@aol.com.

MIREYA NELSON IS THE JANUARY 2012
CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

School Bus Driver Mireya (Mimi) Nelson has been named Carlsbad Unified School District's January 2012 Classified Employee of the Month. Employed with the District since March 1990, Nelson was honored at the January 11, 2012 Board of Trustees meeting.

One of three in-house drivers, Nelson transports students with special needs to and from Buena Vista Elementary, Calavera Hills Elementary and Carlsbad High School. She was nominated for her many outstanding professional characteristics, including a focus on safety and genuine caring for her students, by Curt Huckins, Director of Facilities, Operations and Transportation.

Saying she is an indispensable team member, Huckins states, "Mimi is conscientious, loyal, dedicated and competent in all aspects of school transportation. She is patient, punctual, responsible and always puts the needs of the children first, providing a stable, positive school experience from the moment they leave home. Parents commend her for performing an exceptional job. One grandmother said that her child gets off the bus every day with a smile on her face, because she feels happy and secure in Ms. Nelson's care."

Nelson says safety and keeping order are her priorities. "It can be a challenge to meet the needs of the children I transport, but it is so rewarding, especially as I watch students grow up over the years. I have learned things that I can put to use in my personal life. They have taught me the important lesson of patience."

CUSD CELEBRATES OPENING OF NEW CHS CLASSROOMS, LANCER PLAZA & OTHER FACILITIES/FEATURES ON JANUARY 12, 2012
Community Invited to 3 pm Ribbon Cutting & Campus Tours from 3-5 pm

CUSD invites the media, stakeholders and the community to join in celebrating the opening of its five new classroom complexes, spacious Lancer Plaza and other new facilities and features on the Carlsbad High School (CHS) campus at 3557 Lancer Way at a festive event to be held on the afternoon of January 12, 2012.

CHS students and staff returning from Winter Break on January 9, 2012 will be eager to enter their bright and shiny new spaces and ready to show off their campus at the open house. Over the past several months, as many as 100 workers have been daily toiling to complete all work on Buildings 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000, including installation of cutting-edge technology. They also have been completing the wide, welcoming Lancer Walkway, the inviting landscaped courtyards and the beautiful, spacious Lancer Plaza, which is sure to become a popular destination for studying, eating, meeting and mingling.

District Superintendent John A. Roach, Ed.D., states, "The completely transformed campus is undeniably beautiful, but the beauty is much more than skin-deep. We are reinvigorating the venerable Lancer spirit and offering students the 21st-century framework they will need to succeed in college and career. We look forward to presenting the new site to the many people who helped make this transformation a reality." Complete news relsease and time table here.

VICTORIA SCULLY IS DECEMBER'S CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF MONTH

Victoria Scully, Special Education Instruction Assistant at Aviara Oaks Middle School (AOMS), was recognized at the December 14, 2011 Board of Trustees meeting as Carlsbad Unified School District's December 2011 Classified Employee of the Month. She was nominated by AOMS Principal Megan Coelho and by teacher Kristin Lewis, with whom Scully has closely collaborated since 2005.

Saying that one of Scully's best attributes is that she genuine cares about each student, the two nominators state, "Victoria supports students in general education and special education classes. She creates innovative materials to help students study for tests, assists teachers in reinforcing instruction in small groups, helps students complete assignments and shows compassion while doing so. Victoria's support ensures necessary accommodations are being given based on student IEPs. Her expertise is valued by her co-workers and she is well respected amongst our staff."

Lewis adds, "Victoria continues to amaze me on a daily basis. She provides support academically and emotionally to students and goes above and beyond her job responsibilities. Victoria is an asset to our school and our District."

Scully, who previously served as a special education teacher in Illinois, puts her past experience, vast skills and considerable empathy to good use in AOMS classrooms. She says, "Kristin, 2009 AOMS Teacher of the Year, and I work together well. Our fields of expertise are complementary. We're a perfect fit, working for our students' benefit. I try to be the aide I never had," she quips.

Classified employees of the month are nominated by District administrators for consistently performing above and beyond in the scope of their jobs. Additional photo on the CUSD facebook page.

ARTS AND SMARTS

Pacific Rim Elementary successfully rides the wave of both academics and the arts. The school has achieved an API of 900+ since 2007 and attained the District's highest API for the last four consecutive years. It also delves into a palette of arts education activities.          

Artist-in-Residence Dominique Babcock believes academics and the arts are complementary. She says, "Academics come first, but the efforts are synergistic. Under the direction of Principal Devich, the teachers and I make it all work for our kids."               

Recently, all 852 K-5 students helped create a mural on a handball wall displaying the adage, "Make new friends but keep the old; the one is silver and the other's gold." The school currently is pursuing other visual arts pieces.             

The performing arts are thriving under Drama Teacher Amy Lavea. The students are learning more than how to perform and project, Babcock says. "The confidence gained through the arts gives them confidence in academics and in life." More photos on the CUSD facebook page.

CARLSBAD HIGH SCHOOL REVS UP TO MOVE INTO NEW CLASSROOM BUILDINGS 4000-8000 -- OPENING TO STUDENTS JANUARY 9TH!

While people recover from their bountiful Thanksgiving meals of turkey and stuffing, Carlsbad High School teachers will be stuffing their instructional accoutrements into boxes in anticipation of the move to brand-new classrooms during Winter Break. When Carlsbad High students return to school on January 9, 2012, they will enjoy wonderful new spaces inside and out, says Director of Secondary Education Maggie Stanchi, who previously served as Carlsbad High School Principal and is currently leading the relocation effort for the District.

She opines, "As kids enter their bright, spacious, high-tech classrooms in Buildings 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000, among the first things they'll likely notice are the fresh new-classroom aromas, attractive coastal blue and green interior color schemes, Lancer-purple chairs, airy spaces (with some ceilings soaring as high as 21 feet!), oversized windows, huge SmartBoards and other built-in, cutting-edge technology."

Carlsbad High Principal Matt Steitz, Ed.D., concurs. He says, "We appreciate the patience of staff, students, families and neighbors during this massive renovation, which began in 2008. Carlsbad High not only will look and feel like a brand-new campus, but also will be poised to meet tomorrow's educational needs. Once the new parking lot is installed next spring and temporary buildings are removed after Sage Creek opens, Carlsbad High will present a beautiful facade, but the beauty will be much more than skin deep. Redesigned to promote an optimum teaching and learning environment, the campus will be a marvel of form meeting function. The framework is certain to be utilized to its greatest advantage by students pursuing their academics and a variety of other interests, including fashion, ceramics, music, dance, art and broadcasting."

Complete story here.

CHMS SPECIAL ED INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT CAROL FREDERICKS HAS BEEN NAMED NOVEMBER 2011 CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Carol Fredericks, a Special Education Instructional Assistant at Calavera Hills Middle School (CHMS), has been named Carlsbad Unified School District's November 2011 Classified Employee of the Month. She will be recognized at the November 9, 2011 6 pm Board of Trustees meeting.

CHMS Principal Catina Hancock nominated Fredericks, who has served the District and school since August 2005. Calling her "an integral part of our learning community," Hancock says, "Carol has a gift for connecting with students; she has had wonderful success working with students with various special needs. Her behavior management is superb and her knowledge of curriculum is evident in her daily practice. She adapts the modality and pace of instruction based on the unique needs of learners under her guidance. Carol's skills, enthusiasm and dedication are appreciated by our students, staff and parents."

Principal Hancock concludes, "Carol Fredericks exemplifies the professionalism that we look for in all of our employees."

Fredericks modestly says, "I simply do what the job calls for. This year, I work with students with special needs in sixth-grade English and eighth-grade math classes. It's very rewarding."

Her students think she's terrific. One says: "She helps me and she's very nice."

Classified employees of the month are nominated by District administrators for consistently performing above and beyond in the scope of their jobs.

SAGE CREEK HIGH SCHOOL DESIGN TEAM ENJOYS SITE TOUR

On October 27th, several members of the 26-member Sage Creek High School Design Team enjoyed a late afternoon tour of the College Boulevard/Cannon Road site to which they are devoting design and definition efforts that include curriculum focus, bell schedules, founding classes, school identity, extra-curricular offerings and other elements. The tour was led by Senior Project Manager Aaron Golde and coordinated by Carlsbad Unified Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Suzanne O'Connell, who leads the team process.

Garbed in appropriate construction site apparel, participants donned hard hats and set off on what they said was an instructive and exciting way to visualize the campus as it will appear when it is completed in Summer 2013. Sage Creek is scheduled to welcome its initial classes in Fall 2013. Amid a setting of beckoning ocean breezes and a view of the Pacific, they explored the future site of classroom complexes, gym, science and food service building and other facilities. Construction is funded primarily through voter-approved Prop P.

Teacher John May recalled, "I used to go hiking here. It's amazing to see the transformation into a beautiful high school campus." Parent Rob Hayashi said, "I'm impressed with the site and the design team process. My two children are going to have the option of attending one of two great high schools. Carlsbad High offers its longtime traditions. Sage Creek offers new opportunities."

For more information on Sage Creek High School and the Sage Creek Design Team, visit http://www.carlsbadusd.k12.ca.us/sagecreek.html and view the wiki at http://sagecreekdesign.wikispaces.com/. To submit comments, email theDesign Team

JEFFERSON GARDEN CLUB STUDENTS CELEBRATE FRUITS (AND VEGETABLES) OF THEIR LABOR

Jefferson Elementary Garden Club fourth- and fifth-grade students celebrated their bountiful site garden and Red Ribbon Week commitment to making healthy choices at a ceremony on October 24, 2011, which coincided with National Food Day. The event also honored Carlsbad-based Jenny Craig, a world-renowned weight management services company that is donating $15,000 over three years in support of the program. Jenny Craig CEO Dana Fiser awarded Green Jaguar Gardening Certificates and young strawberry plants to each student in recognition of their participation in the school's six-week organic gardening and homegrown health mini-course.

After mingling with the students to find out how their garden grows and praising their green thumb ways with everything from carrots to chayote, Fiser presented a symbolic check for $5,000 to the school as the first-year donation, covering new beds, mulch and other garden necessities. She noted, "Jenny Craig exists to combat obesity and encourage healthy eating habits. We are so pleased to help our community at a level where it all begins: with the children."

Jefferson Garden Coordinator Lisa Roop told the gathering how important it is to eat fresh, local food. She emphasized, "The closer it is to the actual dirt it comes from, the better the food is for you and for our environment."

Carlsbad Unified School District Superintendent John A. Roach, Ed.D., states, "Corporate-school partnerships such as this are particularly needed and valued by Jefferson and our District. The $15,000 donation provided by Jenny Craig makes a statement to others in the business community that supporting education is vital in these challenging economic times. Directing that support toward an organic garden will help our students learn to be good environmental stewards and to understand the connection between nutrition and health."

CUSD BOARD RECOGNIZES BUENA VISTA NIGHT CUSTODIAN ANGEL SANTIAGO AS OCTOBER 2011 CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Buena Vista Elementary School's Night Custodian, Angel Santiago, has been named Carlsbad Unified School District's October 2011 Classified Employee of the Month. He was recognized for his work and dedication at the October 12, 2011 Board of Trustees meeting.

Santiago, who has been employed with the District since January 2002, was nominated by Buena Vista Principal Tina Howard. She states, "Angel is an exemplary employee whose dedication to fine-tuning the school reflects his care for our children, families, staff and school."

Praising Santiago as a team player who works efficiently and independently, Howard says he has stepped up to a challenge; taking over for the Day Custodian currently out on leave. He is known as a campus problem-solver; recently, he took the initiative to clean and organize four large outside bins holding miscellaneous material. He also endeared himself to staff after the school discontinued its staff room vending machine contract.

Howard reports, "Angel purchased multiple brands of refreshments and placed them in our staff refrigerator. He asks for donations via a small jar and refills the supply as needed. This is just one example of how Angel takes on responsibilities that benefit our staff, students and school."

Santiago credits his work ethic to his 20-year career with the U.S. Marines. He says, " I enjoy my work for the District. I learned in the Marines to do more than I'm supposed to do. That's what I do at Buena Vista: I do my job, and do more."

Classified employees of the month are nominated by District administrators for consistently performing above and beyond in the scope of their jobs.

POINSETTIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S READING ACADEMY HELPS FIRST- AND SECOND-GRADERS IMPROVE VITAL LITERACY SKILLS

Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, enthusiastic and earnest first-and second-grade students bound into Room 509 at Poinsettia Elementary School for 45-minute sessions during which they work hard to improve their reading and comprehension skills, and as a result, their confidence in their overall learning ability and achievement in other academic subjects. Working equally hard to help them succeed is a committed volunteer group of parents, community members and K-5 Poinsettia teachers. The teachers give up one prep period per week to the program, which is overseen by coordinator Teri Sittner, a veteran teacher and reading specialist.

Sittner says her work is a joy. "The kids are excited to come here. They love to improve, moving up from level to level. I tell them, 'The more you do something, the better you get at it.' They take that lesson to heart. We reach kids who are reading below grade level but may not fall under other support programs, so these children might otherwise fall through the cracks," she believes.

Poinsettia Principal Steve Ahle says those cracks could widen into huge fissures without intervention. "Our goal is to ensure that every student can read by the end of grade two. Beginning in grade three, children who cannot read adequately are apt to struggle in every subject, because most subjects require reading and comprehension skills." Complete Poinsettia Reading Academy story here.

JEFFERSON MOM TAMARA MOODY CREATES PLAYGROUND MURAL

A once drab and dreary 10X40-foot wall on the Jefferson Elementary playground has come to vibrant life in a colorfully cheerful mural that celebrates the school's Jaguar mascot, International Baccalaureate (IB) attributes, students and values. The artwork can be enjoyed by students and staff while they are on the playground and also when traversing the campus.

The mural was designed and painted by Jefferson parent-volunteer Tamara Moody, a landscape architect artist who donated her services and completed the project while school was in session in mid-September. "As part of the objective of creating a work of art that children could access, we wanted students to watch the process," Moody explains. "The children asked many questions. The older ones read and recognized words such as Tolerance, Respect and Cooperation from their curriculum. It was exciting to see them being inquisitive and involved."

Jefferson Principal Jane Hartman, Ed.D., who coordinated with Moody on the composition, says, "The mural transforms our campus. It takes that portion of the site from bland to bright. The piece, with its colors and graceful swirling effect, lightens people's outlook and makes them smile. The mural's message reflects and reinforces our IB program. It's alive, exciting and educational."

As a result of this initial mural, a Jefferson Beautification Committee has been formed to embellish other outdoor areas of campus. Headed by Moody, the group of parent-volunteers will paint "visual Jefferson stories" on handball backstops and other available spaces.

Dr. Hartman says, "We hope that someone from the Jefferson community or wider Carlsbad community – perhaps a professional in the painting/contracting business – comes forward to help us by donating supplies and time to clean and prep the surfaces." Anyone interested in contributing to this cause can call Jefferson at 760-331-5500 or email jhartman@carlsbadusd.net.

CANCER SURVIVOR SAM REISER CONSTRUCTS OUTDOOR LEARNING AREA FOR HOPE'S SPECIAL NEEDS CANINE COMPANION YORI

On a whirlwind weekend of August 27th-28th before school began on August 30th, Carlsbad High School June 2011 graduate Sam Reiser, with help from friends and family, constructed a 700-square-foot outdoor learning area at Hope Elementary where Canine Companions for Independence dog Yori can be comfortably ensconced as he helps the seven K-2 students with special needs in Education Specialist Elizabeth Olson's class gain key life skills.

Sam and his team rid the area of weeds, leveled the ground, installed wood chips, built a fence and two benches, and moved in a picnic table and donated dog igloo to create a little outdoor paradise for Yori to do his important work.

Sam built the area as an Eagle Scout project. The process was delayed while Sam, now 18-1/2 years old and 16 months cancer-free, battled Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma twice. As a two-time survivor, Sam says he feels a special connection to children. Calling himself "a stem cell transplant success story," he believes, "The cancer has given me a young immune system and an old soul. Doing work such as this enables me to lift children's spirits." Sam plans to continue his good works by performing missionary service at a Haiti orphanage.

Olson says the new learning area is ideal for her students and a great place for them to meet and mingle with mainstream Hope students. "My students are functionally non-verbal," she explains. "Yori, a retriever/lab mix, not only provides emotional support to them and a level playing field between them and their peers, but also motivates my kids to learn. He literally builds language out of them. One student who had declined to say 'hello' or 'goodbye' to anyone said these words first to Yori and then began to share them with others."

Hope Principal Richard Tubbs states, "I admire and respect the work Sam put into this project. His outstanding work will have a positive impact on hundreds of students who utilize this area with our therapy dog on a daily basis."

Great First Day Across the District's 14 Campuses!

Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Devin Vodicka, remarked that it was a great first day for our district. "Kids were excited and parents were thrilled," he said. "It was one of our best first days."

The district completed several projects over the summer, which included new fencing at several elementary and middle schools, designed to funnel visitors towards admin offices. Even where construction is still going on at Carlsbad High School, students made an orderly entrance.

Enrollment for the district hovered around 11,131 as of August 30th, including pre-school. That number is slightly higher than last year's first-day enrollment but the district expects to add a few more families as the year progresses.

For even more back to school photos and news, check out the CUSD facebook page, and while you're there, remember to "Like" us, to keep up-to-date news and links via facebook.

Pictured: Kindergartners visit the Principal's office at Kelly Elementary in search of the Gingerbread Man as they toured the School!

150 CUSD STUDENTS ARE READY AND EAGER TO RETURN TO SCHOOL THIS YEAR, THANKS TO THE MICKELSONS' START SMART PROGRAM

From shoes that light up to books that enlighten to new outfits and school supplies that lighten the financial burden on lower-income families, the Start Smart program brightened the day on August 20, 2011 for 150 Buena Vista, Calavera Hills and Jefferson Elementary students. The students were among 1,500 children from 44 elementary schools in six San Diego area school districts who benefitted from the largesse of Rancho Santa Fe golfer Phil Mickelson and his wife, Amy, through their foundation.

Early on Saturday morning, CUSD students, along with school principals and parent-escorts, boarded buses that transported them to the Mission Valley Target store. There, each child was given school supply kits and allowed to select one package of socks, one package of underwear, two pairs of shoes, a wide range of apparel and, what for many kids was a most exciting gift, a classy backpack.

Phil Mickelson was on hand, sharing in the excitement and taking photos. Newly outfitted from head to toe, the students enjoyed a great breakfast compliments of McDonald's before heading home to try on all their new clothes. Complete story here.

FORMER CUSD BOARD MEMBER RON PACKARD REMINISCES ON THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF DISTRICT UNIFICATION

Recently, the Honorable Ron Packard, who began his 36-year career as an elected politician as a member of the Carlsbad Union School District, reminisced about the process that resulted in Carlsbad Union School District becoming Carlsbad Unified School District. District voters approved unification on June 2,1970; effective July 1, 1971. Packard, a Carlsbad resident since 1959, spoke from his and his wife Jean's home in Olde Carlsbad.

Packard served on the Carlsbad Union and Unified District school boards from 1962-74, then on the Carlsbad Planning Commission and Carlsbad City Council (including presiding as Mayor), followed by 18 years as a U.S. Congressman (initially winning as a write-in candidate) representing what was then the 43rd Congressional District. At age 80, he continues to work, serving as Senior Partner in the consulting firm of Packard Government Affairs.

At the juncture of unification, what had been a collection of four elementary schools – Buena Vista, Jefferson, Magnolia, Pine – and Valley Junior High, serving a total of 4,141 students, took a huge leap forward. It became poised to grow into what it is today: an acclaimed K-12 district serving nearly 11,000 students via nine elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school (with another – Sage Creek – opening in Fall 2013), and the Carlsbad Seaside and Village Academy programs. Prior to unification, once students completed Valley, they attended Carlsbad High School, which was part of the Oceanside-Carlsbad Union High School District. Complete story here.

CUSD SUMMER SESSION STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS GAIN MULTIPLE SKILLS WHILE MAINTAINING THEIR LEARNING MOMENTUM

Four dozen incoming grades 6-12 students with moderate to severe disabilities are working hard to retain and improve their academic, behavioral and social skills this summer at Carlsbad High School through an Extended School Year (ESY) program. The program continues, Tuesdays through Fridays, through July 29, 2011. A smaller contingent of students is working in classrooms at Magnolia and Hope Elementary as well.

North Coastal Consortium Special Education Program Specialist Brent Nielsen states, "ESY offers a continuous educational experience that is important to students with special needs. We can prevent regression of learned skills, which could otherwise deteriorate and need to be recouped. The structure we provide is key to our students' well-being and achievement."

Within that structure exists a great deal of flexibility, which makes for an enjoyable summer experience. Nielsen reports, "The kids take field trips to the grocery store, local eateries, California Surf Museum, Oceanside Pier and other locales. The trips are relevant and meaningful as well as fun and engaging. They offer students an opportunity to improve their functional daily living skills, such as making purchases and counting out change. Our higher-functioning kids open their eyes and minds to considering future job possibilities. It's very motivating for all." Complete story here.

Pictured: Students take a break from learning math for a friendly game of war. Bottom, students conduct research on ancient civilizations while recalling their fun time at last year's Best Buddies prom.