Monthly Archives: May 2014

Students at Cajon Valley Middle School Leadership Class and Club Live students spoke out for teens at the El Cajon City Council meeting this past Tuesday May 27th. Our goal was to educate both teens and civic leaders about the growing use of vaping with teens in our community. Students spent the past month researching this topic, meeting with leaders in the community and writing and producing public service announcements as part of our campaign for change. We are part of a year long program through the California Writing Project called Upstanders, Not Bystanders. Students have taken on several topics this year including cyber bullying, Mix It Up Lunch Day and now Drug Awareness and civic action. We are very proud of our young leaders.

Leadership City Council Presentation from Janet Ilko on Vimeo.

http://prezi.com/yiryauaextz_/cajon-valley-middle-school/

http://www.californiawritingproject.org/dldupstanders-bystanders.html

Bostonia Elementary School’s Kiwanis K-Kids Club placed 3rd in the Miracle Mile of Quarters competition with their awesome “quarter”back design. How did they celebrate? They went across the street to San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House to drop off hundreds of travel-size toiletries, games, stickers, and art supplies for our families. Way to go!

Hillsdale’s Second Annual Showcase night was another great success.  Students from the Music and Drama Departments performed, Video production students presented their podcasts and our History Day Champions performed “Disney Unfair”.  This was an evening filled with student displays of work, club information booths, food booths, carnival games, campus tours and our silent auction.  Showcase Night is a great opportunity for families to get together and enjoy the community and family of Hillsdale.  We hope you can join us next year.

When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life.  When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.  I wrote down ‘happy’.  They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.

–John Lennon

This video is shared by principal Mike Serban from Naranca Elementary.  This is just one sample of many that PS 22 (Public School 22) in New York has put on the web.  Naranca uses videos like these to start their monthly assemblies to help kids get into a mood and mindset conducive to both participate and listen during the assemblies.  Reflecting on Lennon’s quote… What do we want kids to be when they come to school?  Many words come to mind, but let’s not forget… “happy”!

Inspire award goes to,,,.. Cajon Valley Middle School Digital Engineers

This video was showcased Wednesday night at the Classroom of the Future Awards Ceremony to introduce CVMS staff as they were welcomed on stage to accept the 2014 distinction and trophy.  Congratulations team!  Well deserved.

Inspire: Cajon Valley Middle School Digital Engineers from VausMedia on Vimeo.

The second graders at Magnolia School performed a patriotic salute to Memorial Day and the military.  As part of their project-based learning, the students researched the four military branches and learned the military songs.  They also researched the origins and meaning of Memorial Day.  The students then wrote, edited, and presented their project to appreciative students and parents. In a poignant song, the students sang about heroes and held up photos of Magnolia family members who have served in the military both past and present.

Dear CVUSD Families… We all will continue to watch closely as our emergency responders continue to battle the fires… As our children look on please remind them of the “helpers”… Thank you for all that you do!

The independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee has released its 2013 Annual Report to the Community regarding the District’s bond program.  The bond program allows for much needed infrastructure projects throughout the District. The District-wide Technology Infrastructure Upgrade project will be completed this summer, allowing for the robust connectivity required for digital learning and expanding students’ access to information and knowledge.

In addition, several projects have been completed such as the rebuilding of Cajon Valley Middle School; the new Gymnasium, Locker Rooms, Theater, Kitchen, and School Office Building at Greenfield Middle School; Modernizations at Rancho San Diego and Vista Grande Elementary Schools; Replacement of old, inefficient HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) units with new, energy efficient systems, as well as school security fencing throughout the District; and much more.

This summer, we will begin rebuilding Lexington Elementary School and adding a Gymnasium/Multipurpose Building at Montgomery Middle School.

Future Gymasium/Multipurpose Building at Montgomery Middle School

(Scheduled Construction: Summer 2014 – Summer 2015)

Please follow this link for the full report: http://www.cajonvalley.net/files/1129988/coc%20annual%20report%203-21-13%20final.pdf

Hillsdale had 26 students participate in the Honor Band and Honor Orchestra. They had four rehearsals with a final concert on Saturday May 10th at West Hills High School. The groups were made up of middle school students from the entire San Diego County and had never played together until the first rehearsal. They did a fantastic job and were very well complimented by all in attendance. I am very proud of our students and the professionalism they showed while performing.

Casey Hernandez
Assistant Music Director
Choir Director
Hillsdale Middle School
CMEA-SBS Honor Band Coordinator

Please join us on Thursday, May 15th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the 1st Annual “Madison Elementary Health Fair and Fun Run.”  The event will be immediately following Open House.  It will be an opportunity for students, parents, community members, and local businesses to come together to celebrate health and fitness.