By Steve Haiman, Academic League Coordinator

February 9, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- Never mind about the Super Bowl last Sunday--the Grossmont Union High School District had its version of the the Super Bowl last week at West Hills High School.

February 5, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Faced with a budget crisis due to state funding cuts and declining revenues, Grossmont Union High School District’s governing board will consider seeking waivers from state requirements for hearing screenings and minimum attendance requirements for special education students in summer school programs.

February 4, 2010 (El Cajon)-- Martin Atkins could be the definition of entrepreneurial activity in cultural arts endeavors spanning genres, borders and industries. For over three decades, the producer, drummer, and documentary filmmaker has been at the cutting edge of the entertainment industry, says Pat Seltzer, chair of the performing arts college at Cuyamaca College.

January 28, 2008 (El Cajon) – “Tonight is a most difficult meeting,” GUHSD Superintendent Bob Collins told those present this evening at a special governing board budget workshop. Citing funding cuts from the state plaguing school districts throughout the state, he warned of a growing budget gap.

“The current district surplus will be fully consumed in solving this crisis—and it will not be enough.” He predicted, “It will be gone by the end of the year—and things are going to get worse.”

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.