March 26, 2012 (La Mesa) – Helix Charter High School is now enrolling for the 2012-13 school year.  It is a tuition-free public school that all California residents are eligible to attend.  The school focuses on preparing all students for the opportunity to attend college.

By Miriam Raftery

March 19, 2012 (Alpine)—A spinal tumor and life-threatening infection have left Bill Weaver, a dedicated education leader and advocate for East County’s  children, in need of community help.  I ask our readers to join in efforts to help Bill, who requires continuing in-home care while recovering from a long hospital stay. There are two ways you can help.

On Monday, April 2 from 3-10 p.m., the Alpine Tavern & Grill at 2502 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine will host “Beers for Bill,” donating 20% of proceeds to help pay for Bill’s medical expenses. 

March 14, 2012 (Lakeside) -- Join the Lakeside Union School District and the Lakeside PTA Council for the 14th annual Run for the Arts on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Lindo Lake Park.  Registration begins at 8am and the run/walk starts at 9:00 a.m. All proceeds will benefit the award winning L-E-A-P arts education program in Lakeside District schools that provides artists-in-residence programs, field trips to view artistic performances and arts assemblies. For more information please call Sarah Grosskreutz at (619) 390-2662 ext. 425 or download entry forms at http://www.lsusd.net under the “News” section on the front page.  

Application deadline is April 1.

March 11, 2012 (San Diego) -- A brand new scholarship program established by the Associated Builders and Contractors San Diego Apprenticeship Training Trust can help San Diego County high school students achieve their career goals in the construction industry.

March 10, 2012 (Lakeside)--Join the Lakeside Union School District and the Lakeside PTA Council for the 14th annual Run for the Arts on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Lindo Lake Park. 

Registration begins at 8 a.m.and the run/walk starts at 9:00 a.m. All proceeds will benefit the award winning L-E-A-P arts education program in Lakeside District schools that provides artists-in-residence programs, field trips to view artistic performances and arts assemblies.

 By Serena Scaglione

February 23, 2012 (El Cajon)--More than 150 parents, students and members of East County communities attended last week’s special board meeting at West Hills High School to stand for or against the Board’s decision last November to change the district’s boundaries.

Despite numerous pleas to the Board to rescind the boundary changes, the Board voted four to one to keep the new boundaries in place, with trustee Priscilla Schreiber casting the only "no" vote.

Bill would be paid for by closing a tax loophole for out-of-state corporations

By Megan McGlamery

February 14, 2012 (Sacramento)--In an effort to make college more accesible for students of all economic backgrounds, Assembly Speaker John Pérez (D- Los Angeles) has introduced the Middle Class Scholarship Act. This groundbreaking piece of legislation could cut fees in the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) systems by two-thirds for students whose family incomes are less than $150,000 and who do not already receive financial aid.

 
February 11, 2012 (Santee) - Grossmont Union High School District will host a special Board meeting Thursday, February 16 to review its newly enacted high school boundaries and open enrollment policies, as well as consider alternative options for the 2012-13 school year. This public meeting will be held in the theater at West Hills High School at 8756 Mast Blvd. in Santee at 6:00 p.m.

"This was the best possible outcome that we could have hoped for. The decision to change the boundaries can only be reversed by the board," said Greg Kerrebrock,  a parent who has led efforts to get the board to reverse the boundary changes...."I would urge those who are truly concerned or significantly affected to seize this opportunity and make an appearance next Thursday."

February 3, 2012 (El Cajon) – There’s a lot for the public to learn at the Grossmont Union High School District board of trustees meeting set for February 9, 2012 at 6 p.m.

Superintendent Ralf Swenson will provide an update on hotly contested district boundaries and an update on whether the district is in compliance with the California Voting Rights Act. Trustees will again weigh whether to approve a community garden for Helix Charter High School or create a new “Chef” position in Food Services.  They will also hold a public hearing on the Board’s proposed collective bargaining contract for California School Employees Association union members.