Capo Talk
Volume 1, Number 30
In This Issue
• Ladera Ranch, Newhart Named 2011 CA Distinguished Schools
• Trustees Make Permanent Hires for Three Key Positions
• San Juan Hills HS Senior Named National Scholar
• Independent Study HS Opens to Students in September
• District Offers Support to Homeschooled Students
• Key Dates for 2011-2012 School Year Approved
• SONGS, CARE Foundation Host Alternative Energy Summit
• Golf Tournament to Benefit Ladera Ranch
Contact Us
(949) 234-9308
http://www.capousd.org
33122 Valle Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
JACK R. BRICK
President
DR. GARY PRITCHARD
Vice President
JOHN M. ALPAY
Clerk
ELLEN M. ADDONIZIO
ANNA BRYSON
LYNN HATTON
SUE PALAZZO
SUPERINTENDENT
JOSEPH M. FARLEY, Ed. D.
District Claims Two Distinguished Schools
Ladera Ranch and Newhart middle schools have been selected as 2011 California Distinguished Schools, making this the 55th and 56th times Capistrano Unified School District sites have received the award since 1992. The two schools are among 97 exemplary California public middle and high schools selected for the state’s prestigious award program, it was announced this week. Ladera Ranch and Newhart are two of seven Orange County schools to win the award and CUSD is the only district in the county to have more than one school selected. This is the second time each of the schools have received the California Distinguished School award. Newhart first won in 1992-1993 and Ladera Ranch received it in 2006-2007.
Veteran Educators Hired for Key Positions
The Board of Trustees this week voted to name three experienced educators to key administrative positions, filling roles that had been performed by interim employees. Sara R. Jocham, a Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Director for the Los Angeles County Office of Education, was named Assistant Superintendent, SELPA, Special Education Operations; Capistrano Valley High School Principal Deni M. Christensen was appointed to the position of Executive Director, Secondary Schools, Adult and Alternative Education Programs; and Las Palmas Elementary School Elementary Teaching Assistant Principal Dana Aguilera was hired to become principal at Carl Hankey K-8 School in Mission Viejo.
San Juan Hills Senior Named National Scholar
Sterling J. Sackey, a senior at San Juan Hills High School, has been recognized as a National Achievement Scholar for his scores on the Preliminary SAT, making him one of 800 Black high school seniors who have won an Achievement Scholarship award through the National Achievement Scholarship Program. Sackey, who will probably study business in college, won $2,500 from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Independent Study HS Opens in September
An independent study high school that will provide a comprehensive independent study program featuring teacher-directed courses and an online component to meet the needs of a growing number of students interested in alternatives to traditional education pathways will open in September. The school will begin with 75 freshmen and sophomores. Juniors will be admitted in 2012 and seniors in 2013. Students in both the online and teacher-directed courses will meet weekly with a highly qualified teacher at one of several satellite locations. The curriculum will provide a full range of college prep, honors, and advanced placement opportunities as well as dropout prevention and credit recovery options.
District Offers Homeschooling Preview Day
Capistrano Home School is a free K-8 independent study homeschool program run that provides parents with all of the textbooks and support materials for every subject. Optional workshops, fieldtrips and events are scheduled each month. Students can participate in art and music programs at their neighborhood elementary school or take up to two classes in middle school.
Each family receives support from a teacher-advisor who is available to answer questions and assist parents with planning curriculum and evaluating progress. Parent Preview Days will be held at 11:30 a.m. on April 25, May 16 and June 13 in the Thornsley Education Center, 32972 Calle Perfecto, San Juan Capistrano. For additional information, visit the website or call 234-9374.
Key Dates for 2011-2012 Calendar Approved
The 2011-2012 school calendar is available on the District website. Approved dates for the next school year include Wednesday, Sept. 7 for the first day of instruction; Dec. 19, 2011-Jan. 2, 2012 for Winter Recess; April 9-13, 2012 for Spring Recess; Wednesday, June 20, 2012 for the last day of classes for secondary students; and Thursday June 21, 2012 for the last day for elementary students.
Foundation, SONGS Offer Student Workshop
The CARE Foundation and Southern California Edison will host an Alternative Energy Workshop on Saturday, May 14 at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students and teachers can attend breakout sessions on nuclear generation, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and hands-on experience with the SONGS control room simulator. This is a free opportunity, but space is limited. For more information, visit the CARE Foundation website or call 234-9570.
Ladera Ranch Schools ‘Tee Off for Technology’
Ladera Ranch elementary and middle schools will hold their first golf tournament fundraiser on Monday, April 25 at Tijeras Creek Golf Course. Money raised will go to help fund the technology program at the two schools. The cost for each player is $155, which includes a round of golf, use of a cart, range balls, goody bag, lunch and dinner.
Attendees can also participate in a silent auction and helicopter golf ball drop. For more information, please visit www.golfladera.com or email fionaharris@gmail.com.
