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During February, the San Diego Museum Council is again offering Museum Month, which means a chance to explore or discover more than 40 local museums while enjoying reduced admission fees. 

Passes are available beginning Feb. 1 at more than 75 library locations in the San Diego area. Visit the museum council's website for details, including a list of participating museums and library locations.

All K-12 school districts in the county are eligible to apply for a 2019 Innovation Grant from the Classroom of the Future Foundation (CFF). This grant program recognizes innovative classroom projects that get students excited about learning and result in higher student achievement.

There are four program categories, each offering a grant of $5,000 to the winning district to scale the program. There is also a $10,000 best in show award. Grant recipients will be honored at the 16th annual Innovation in Education Awards on May 22 at SeaWorld.

 

Nominations are due Feb. 22. Visit the CFF website for more information.

The San Diego Trafficking Prevention Collective invites school administrators, Parent Teacher Association (PTA) leaders, parents, and community decision-makers to learn more about free school programs that combine education, advocacy, and intervention to protect children from the dangers of human trafficking.

The Feb. 20 evening presentation at the Chula Vista Public Library is organized by the Chula Vista Elementary Council of PTAs and the Sweetwater Secondary Council of PTSAs. View the flyer for more information.

Scholastic Books is holding a Dollar Days Warehouse Sale in the Miramar area Feb. 7 to 9 exclusively for teachers, librarians, district and school employees and volunteers, book fair chairpeople, and homeschool teachers.

Visit the Scholastic Book Fairs website for more details, as well as a link to sign up for a super savings pass.

RedRover Readers Workshop



Pet Assistance Foundation invites teachers of grades 3 to 5 to attend a RedRover Readers workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services shelter in Carlsbad. 

RedRover Readers works to strengthen the human-animal bond by helping children develop the steps necessary for empathy. Teachers will receive a bundle of free books about animal stories and a sample lesson plan.

The $49 registration fee can be waived for teachers with a discount code by contacting [email protected]. Teachers of other elementary grade levels can register if space allows. View an informational flyer.

Doggie Gras Parade at the Helen Woodward Center

School groups can enter a float at the Doggie Gras 5K and Parade on March 3 at the Embarcadero Marina Park. Cash prizes range from $100 to $500, including a Sea World Encounter for first place. Groups of students and/or teachers qualify as organizations and are eligible to keep any prize money won for use in their classroom. The cost to enter a float is $15. View the event flyer for more information.

Teacher Open House

The Living Coast Discovery Center, a nonprofit zoo/aquarium on San Diego Bay in Chula Vista, is hosting its Spring Teacher Open House on Feb. 10. Teachers of PreK to grade 12 and up to three family members can explore the local wildlife and tour the center. Teachers can learn about the center's Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Living Lab programs, register for a field trip, and apply for no-cost field trip opportunities. There is no cost to attend. View the registration link for more details.

Nature-Based Field Trips

The Living Coast Discovery Center still has dates available for educators to schedule a Spring field trip. The PreK-12 programs bring STEaM and NGSS to life with hands-on activities and up-close animal encounters with local wildlife, including endangered sea turtles, sharks, rays, reptiles, hawks, falcons, owls, eagles, and more. Sponsorships are also available to cover the program cost. Visit the Living Coast Discovery Center website for details.

View a flyer that contains both of the programs above.

Salute to Education by the San Diego County Ford Dealers

Awards $1,000 scholarships to 150 high school seniors based on personal achievement, community contributions, and excellence in a listed subject area. One scholarship recipient will also win a new Ford vehicle. Application deadline is Feb. 15. Visit the Salute to Education website for complete information.

North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF)

In partnership with the Anaheim Ducks hockey team, NASEF awards scholarships of $1,000 to $5,000 and school grants of $500 to $2,500 to high school students across Southern California who participate in the NHL 19 Tournament Feb. 18 to March 15. Participation must be through a school or community organziation NASEF Club. Visit the NASEF website for more details.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Choir San Diego

Grants typically ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 are awarded to high school seniors who plan to major in a creative arts field in college. Finalists are interviewed to exhibit their work and/or perform. Application deadline is March 5. View the application.

Don Diego Scholarship Foundation

Awards scholarships of $1,000 to $5,000 to students residing in the San Diego area who have participated in the San Diego County Fair and/or other activities associated with the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Recipients are honored at a gala on June 15. Application deadline is March 18. Visit the Don Diego Scholarship Foundation website for complete information.

California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA)

Awards $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors from the San Diego Unified School District who meet eligibility requirements. Application deadline is March 20. Visit the CalRTA website for complete information.

North Island Credit Union Scholarship

Awards $1,000 scholarships to college-bound high school seniors based on academics and community service. Application deadline is March 21. View this flyer for more details.

Taiwanese American Scholarship Fund (TASF)

Awards $5,000 scholarships to high school seniors and first-year college students of Taiwanese descent. Application deadline is March 27. Visit the TASF website for complete information.

Cathay Bank Scholarship Program

Awards $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors planning to attend college as a full-time student in fall 2019. No ethnicity requirement. Application deadline is March 28. Visit the Asian Pacific Community Fund website for more details.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Epsilon Xi Omega College Scholarship Program

Offers a variety of scholarships to female African American or African Diaspora high school seniors in San Diego County who meet the various eligibility requirements. Male students are eligible for one of the scholarships if they plan to attend a historically black college or university. Application deadline is April 3. Visit the Alpha Kappa Alpha website for complete information.

Cal Coast Cares Foundation

A total of $30,000 will be distributed to eligible college-bound high school seniors who are members of or related to a member of Cal Coast Credit Union. A separate program for foster youth will distribute $30,000 to high school seniors in the foster care program. The application deadline for both programs is April 7. Visit the Cal Coast website for details.

The Fleet Science Center's new educator workshop series, Picture Book Science, encourages teachers to integrate reading and science in an engaging way. Each monthly workshop pairs a grade-appropriate fiction and non-fiction book with a hands-on and inquiry-driven science investigation that can be easily replicated in the classroom.

The next sessions will be Feb. 7 (grades 3 to 5) and Feb. 28 (grades TK to 2). Visit the Fleet Science Center Educator Workshops page to view all the offerings in the series and register individually. Registration cost is $5 per session.

The San Diego Velodrome in Morley Field is offering free beginner and intermediate track cycling classes for youth ages 7 and older. Riders can learn a new sport and have fun in a safe place to ride with coach supervision.

The classes are free for the first six weeks, and then the rider must become a member of the San Diego Velodrome Association to continue. There will be five session start dates, starting March 11. Beginner and intermediate level classes are held 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays. Track bicycles are provided. View this flyer to learn more details.

Applications are open for the 2019 National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) for high-achieving, science-oriented high school seniors.

Operated by the National Youth Science Foundation, the NYSC in West Virginia is a residential science education honors program for two graduating high school students from each state. The camp is offered at no cost to participants, and includes lodging, meals, and airfare.

The application deadline is Feb. 28. Read this letter for more details and links to the program.

National University and The Cushman Foundation present a teacher pathway program that is a no-cost opportunity for graduates of selected local high schools to complete a bachelor of arts degree and teaching credential with National University.

Students can enter direct from the high school level or from a two-year college. View this flyer for details. For more information, contact [email protected].

The FBI San Diego Division's Teen Academy is an opportunity for high school students to get a comprehensive look at today's FBI. Students will gain hands-on experience in areas such as crime scene and forensic techniques and tactical operations, engage in conversations with FBI staff about online communication and its risks, and discuss lifestyle choices required to be eligible for careers at the FBI.

The Teen Academy takes place in the summer, and is open to current high school sophomores and juniors grade who live in San Diego and Imperial counties. There is no cost to attend.

The San Diego Division will begin accepting applications on March 1. Students with a combination of a good GPA, participation in school activities, and community involvement are encouraged to apply.  For more details, visit the FBI Teen Academy webpage or contact Charmin Lindholm. 

STEM Fair at USD

Middle and high school students interested in engineering, science, and math can spend an afternoon doing hands-on projects at the University of San Diego's STEM Fair on Feb. 9. The 2 to 4 p.m. event is free, but registration is required. View the registration link.

Transportation YOU Summit

Transportation YOU is a joint initiative of WTS International, an organization that advocates for women in transportation fields, and the U.S. Department of Transportation. This hands-on mentoring program aims to involve more girls and young women in STEM studies and the transportation industry.

High school juniors and seniors who are interested in this field can apply to attend the Transportation YOU summit in Washington, D.C. in June. View more information at the WTS in San Diego County website. The deadline is Feb. 15.

Engineer's Week Awards Banquet Invites Aspiring Engineering Students

The San Diego County Engineering Council invites aspiring engineering students -- and engineering educators -- to its San Diego Awards Banquet from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 22 in Mission Valley.

Attendees can hear the keynote address on the topic of "San Diego's Astounding History of Exploration," meet local engineering society leaders, and learn about the achievements of local engineering heroes and award winners.

High school students are encouraged to attend. Middle school students are welcome with adult supervision. Tickets are $12 for students and K-12 educators. There will be a special networking and training session for students one hour before the banquet with mechanical engineer Daily Galeana.

View the event flyer for more information. Purchase tickets by Feb. 8. Late deadline is Feb. 17.

Engineer Day at the Mall

Students and families with children of all ages can explore fun engineering activities during Engineering Day at the Chula Vista Mall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 23. View the event flyer for more information.

California Judges Foundation High School Civics Essay Contest

High school seniors can submit essays emphasizing the importance of an independent and impartial judiciary. Winners from each of six state regions will receive a $2,000 scholarship. A grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship. Submission deadline is Feb. 28. Visit the contest webpage for more information.

KidsWrite! Childrens Writing Showcase

Students from 6 to 18 years of age can participate in a creative writing contest sponsored by the San Diego Writers Festival (SDWF) in partnership with the San Diego Library. The submission categories are poetry, short story, and narrative essay. There is a Special Writers division for writers with special needs. All participants will be recognized at the festival on April 13. The top entries will be published on the SDWF website, and winning entries will receive a cash prize. Submission deadline is March 13. Visit the KidsWrite! contest webpage for more information. View the event flyer.

Breaking Barriers Essay Contest

Students in grades 4 to 9 can share their stories about facing their own barriers while highlighting Jackie Robinson's nine values in their essays. Ten national winners will get a laptop, T-shirt, and books written by Sharon Robinson for their class. Two grand prize winners will also win a trip to the 2019 MLB All-Star game or a World Series game. Submission deadline is March 14. View the flyer, available in English and Spanish, for full details.

Doodle for Google

Students in grades K to 12 can enter a doodle using any materials they want. The public will vote on the 53 winners representing the states and U.S. territories to determine the five national finalists and the overall winner. Submission deadline is March 18. Visit the Doodle for Google webpage for more information.

NPR Student Podcast Challenge

San Diego County students in grades 5 to 12 can create a podcast and compete for a chance to win the grand prize. Winners will have their podcasts featured in segments on Morning Edition and All Things Considered on NPR. Submission deadline is March 31. Visit npr.org for more information.

2019 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest

The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit 2019 civics contest for high school students is focused on the 4th Amendment with the prompt, "What is an 'Unreasonable Search and Seizure' in the Digital Age?" Local winners go on to compete at the circuit level. Winners could receive up to $2,000. Visit the Ninth Circuit Court website for complete information. The deadline for submissions is April 1.

To help with planning, teachers can request an attorney or judge come and speak to their students about the topic. Contact Kathleen Walford for more information.

For more information about the programs, and to submit nominations, visit the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) Celebrate School Stars webpage.

Class Acts



Nominate a deserving teacher to win $200 to use on supplies or classroom projects. Radio station Jam’n 95.7 and Mission Federal Credit Union visit a classroom every Tuesday throughout the school year with great prizes and a fun time. 

Teachers are Heroes



Nominate a K-5 teacher who goes above and beyond for their students with a surprise recognition and award for the teacher and their whole class. 

NBC San Diego Inspirational Student and Teacher of the Month



SDCOE and NBC 7 San Diego are looking for inspirational students and teachers who are outstanding individuals on campus and within their community. Surprise a stellar junior or senior student or a dedicated educator with a visit from NBC 7 for a segment on a weekday newscast recognizing what makes them special.

USD Torero Achievement Club



Teachers of grades 3 through 8 can take their class or some star students on a campus tour of the University of San Diego followed by a Torero home game, including a voucher for concessions.

What's Happening is a monthly publication from the San Diego County Office of Education that highlights free and low-cost enrichment opportunities for San Diego County students, teachers, and schools. 

If you know someone who would like to receive What's Happening, please share this link so they can sign up to have it delivered straight to their inbox each month. They can also email [email protected] and ask to be added to the mailing list.

Have feedback on What's Happening? Email the San Diego County Office of Education Communications department: [email protected] 

858-292-3500 | www.sdcoe.net

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The mission of the San Diego County Office of Education is inspiring and leading innovation in education.