SAUSD E-Blast for March 16, 2018 
The weekly e-blast is designed to keep the Santa Ana Unified School District Community informed of district and educational information, recognitions, opportunities, and resources.  Please feel free to share with others  who  are not on the SAUSD distribution list.
SAUSD STUDENTS SHOW THEIR SOLIDARITY AS THEY PARTICIPATE IN THE NATIONAL SCHOOL WALKOUT

The Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Stefanie Phillips continue to place the safety of students and staff as a top priority in the District.  

On Wednesday, March 14th, our students participated in peaceful and constructive activities at our secondary campuses in support of the National School Walkout held at 10:00am to show their solidarity with their peers across the nation in honor of the 17 victims who lost their lives in the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on February 14th, 2018. Students at Santa Ana High School had the opportunity to skype with peers in Broward County to engage in a real-time civics lesson and have meaningful dialogue about school safety and youth making a difference. Click here to read an article.

SAUSD produced a video that was shared with our students. It's a powerful message featuring our Board President, Superintendent, and SAUSD students showing their support for the cause in a positive manner. Please click here to view the video.

WILLARD INTERMEDIATE PERFORMS IN WASHINGTON, D.C. AT THE KENNEDY CENTER'S TURNAROUND ARTS TALENT SHOW
 
This past weekend, Willard Intermediate School students performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Willard is one of 40 schools in the nation selected to perform at the Turnaround Arts Talent Show.
 
Accompanied by our Superintendent Dr. Stefanie Phillips, Willard Intermediate School's Dance Team shared a powerful, anti bullying message on a national stage using dance and spoken word. Click on here to read an article. 
MARTIN TEACHER CERTIFICATED EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to Julie Erickson for being selected Certificated Employee of the Month for March 2018. Julie is a Teacher at Martin Elementary School.

During her recognition at the March 13th Board Meeting, her Principal stated, "Her manner in interacting with the students is exemplary. She is always so pleasant. I find that the way she acts, students tend to act in the same way right back towards her," said Peter Martin. To watch a video about Julie, click here.

MONROE SCHOOL OFFICE MANAGER CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to Elvira Villamar for being selected Classified Employee of the Month for March 2018. Elvira is a School Office Manager at Monroe Elementary School.

During her recognition at the March 13th Board Meeting, her principal stated, "She is extremely important to our school. She is like the heart, the mom. She is excellent with everything that she does," said Betty Tamararios. To watch a video about Elvira, click here.

SPECIAL FILM SCREENING AND BOOK SIGNING AT GODINEZ FUNDAMENTAL

Erin Gruwell, author of the Best Selling Book "Freedom Writers" that became a blockbuster hit on the big screen back in 2007, will be having a free Film Screening at Godinez High School on Wednesday, March 21st from 4Pm - 7PM.

Seating is limited and tickets are required. Please visit bit.ly/sausdfreedomwriters to register and receive your FREE ticket. Event is open to teachers, parents and students.

NATIONAL SCHOOL BREAKFAST WEEK WINNERS

This past week, all of our K-12 schools participated in the National School Breakfast Week competition held by our Nutrition Services Department.

Congratulations to Lowell Elementary, Monte Vista Elementary, Sepulveda Elementary, Diamond Elementary, Carr Intermediate and Saddleback High School for having the highest percentage of student participation. Our winners will receive a BBQ luncheon.
GODINEZ STUDENTS GET THEIR ART PIECES SHOWCASED 

Students from Godinez Fundamental Visual and Performing Arts program had the opportunity to showcase their art pieces at Color It Orange at Laguna College Art and Design. Our students were joined by their families and enjoyed both the show and the beautiful campus in Laguna Canyon.

Congratulations to Samantha Garcia, Junior, who was presented with a scholarship to attend one of two pre-college programs available to high school students at no charge.  What a fantastic opportunity and recognition. 
SAUSD HAS 25 NEW EXPLORERS

Congratulations to the 25 SAUSD students who graduated from the Orange County Law Enforcement Explorer Advisor Association Winter Academy. "These amazing youth are an example of the youth of Santa Ana who have rose through the ranks by providing a valuable resource to us," said Police Chief Anastasia Smith of the Santa Ana School Police Department.

The academy consisted of profession-specific classroom instruction, demonstrations from various law enforcement agency's specialty units, and a rigorous physical training component. Upon successful completion of the academy, Explorers earn the privilege to proudly wear a SAUSD Police Department Explorer uniform and badge. Explorers are able to participate in the ride-along program in the field with a patrol officer.
SANTA ANA YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT DELEGATION RECOGNIZED

The Board recognized 14 student delegates, who participated in the 70th YMCA Model Legislature & Court, held February 15 - 18, 2018, in Sacramento. The program is considered to be California's premier youth leadership and civic development program.

The students were all a part of the Santa Ana Youth and Government group. Students performed 49 hours of community service and donated 3,500 toys and food as part of giving back to the community. Board President Amezcua thanked the youth for all the work that they do in the community and stated, "They make me a better person every time I get to spend time with them."
BOARD PRESIDENT RECEIVES A SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Congratulation to our Board President Valerie Amezcua for receiving the Women of Distinction Award for her contribution and impact to the community, presented by our U.S. Congressman Lou Correa.
 
In celebration of Women' History Month, our Board President will be awarded her recognition on Saturday, March 24th, 2018.
 
BOARD HIGHLIGHTS    
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Geovanny Cortes, an eighth grade student at Heninger Elementary School.

After the Pledge, High School Ambassadors from Century, Lorin Griset, Santa Ana, and Valley high schools addressed the Board of Education and provided summaries of some of the activities occurring on their campuses.
 
The Board recognized the following groups and individuals: Santa Ana Youth and Government Delegation Recognition, SAUSD students who graduated from the Orange County Law Enforcement Explorer Advisor Association 2018 Winter Explorer Academy, Julie Erickson, a teacher at Martin Elementary School, for Certificated Employee of the Month, and Elvira Villamar, a teacher at Monroe Elementary School, for Classified Employee of the Month.

The Board approved a resolution proclaiming March 2018 as Social Work Month to recognize the valuable work of our Social Workers.  The Board also received a presentation on Bond Measure Feasibility Survey. The presentation, conducted by Dr. Timothy McLarney of True North Research, provided a brief overview of the community survey results for a potential General Obligation Bond and recommendations for future actions.

The Board approved certification of the District's Second Interim Financial Report as positive after receiving a presentation by Manoj Roychowdhury, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services.

The Board meeting can be viewed in its entirety by visiting www.sausd.us or by clicking here. 
 

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
 
 
Members of the SAUSD Board of Education 
 
Valerie Amezcua, President
Rigo Rodriguez, Ph.D., Vice President
Alfonso Alvarez, Ed.D., Clerk
Cecilia "Ceci" Iglesias, Member
John Palacio, Member  
 
Stefanie P. Phillips, Ed.D., Superintendent

FRANKLIN CUSTODIAN TURNS 85 YEARS OLD

Happy 85th birthday to Franklin Elementary School's Mattie White! Ms. Mattie has been a custodian at Franklin since 2011, but she has been a part of the SAUSD family for 19 years.

Ms. Mattie will be retiring at the end of this school year. She will be surely missed! 
SANTIAGO NEEDS YOUR VOTE FOR $25,000 GRANT

Santiago Elementary K-8 School  is up for a $25,000 grant and needs your help! They are asking faculty, teachers, parents and relatives to vote each day. 

Please visit MyScholarDollars.com, and vote for Santiago throughout the community voting period, which runs March 12 - 23, 2018.

You can vote once a day from every email you own, and help fund Santiago's VAPA Learning Spaces.  

MIDDLE COLLEGE STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT MED SCHOOL

Middle College High School held its 3rd annual UCI Medical Symposium on March 9, 2018. Medical students from UCI attended and shared what it's like to prepare to become doctors.

UPCOMING EVENTS 
MIDDLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS "SHAKESPEARE CAFE"

Middle College High School Drama team presents its second Annual "Shakespeare Cafe" on Friday, March 16, 2018! Don't miss out on this great show. Please stop by Middle College High School, pre-sale tickets are now available for $5 and $6 at the door.

GREAT AMERICAN WRITE-IN ON MARCH 24TH

The Great American Write-in will be held March 24, 2018 at the Delhi Community Center in Santa Ana between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. This free event is offered to the public every year to provide community members with the means to influence policy decisions by writing letters to their legislators. It's also a great opportunity for high school and college students to experience first-hand what informed citizen involvement in government is all about.

The organization will award $100 to the instructor/professor who sends the most students to the Write-in!
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Felicity Figueroa by email [email protected] or phone 949-733-0850.


ANNUAL OC LGBTQ YOUTH CONVENING - MARCH 24, 2018

The convening is open to all ages, identities, gender expressions, and community members. This includes youth, students, parents, families, local activists, organizers, teachers, school administration, and more. Throughout the day, guests will participate in educational and empowering workshops and listen to amazing speakers.

Our convening is creating a Brave Space and Safe Space for LGBTQ Youth and their allies to express themselves and learn from one another.  The event will be held, March 24, 2018, at Spurgeon Intermediate School from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
To register, click here

ARTSPIRATION COMING SOON

The Santa Ana Public Schools Foundation and Santa Ana Unified School District in partnership with Bowers Museum proudly presents the 6th Annual Artspiration event on March 28 and 29. Held at the beautiful Bowers Museum, the reception and gallery experience of student artwork will be on display on March 28 between 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and the following day, the JFK Exhibit and Reception with Guest Melissa Shriver will be held on March 29 between 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Admission for the March 29th event is $50.00. All proceeds support arts education for Santa Ana Unified School District students. There is no charge for the student exhibit on March 28. For more information, please click here.

WILLARD STUDENTS PREPARE FOR THEIR ANNUAL CAREER DAY

Willard Intermediate will be hosting their annual Career Day on Friday, March 30, 2018. Individuals from various occupations will spend a day with our students sharing meaningful and interesting information regarding their careers.
SEND US YOUR NEWS
Your school news is important to us! To have your items considered for inclusion in our weekly eBlast and/or via other District media channels, please submit items to deidra.powell @sausd.us by 5 p.m. Wednesdays for possible publication the following week. Due to space limitations, we may not be able to publish every item but will make every effort to share your news with the SAUSD community.
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