May 2006 News Archive

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Personnel Changes in the Santa Barbara School Districts

While administrative changes can take place at any time during the school year, May and June are generally the months when retirements and other personnel changes are announced. With the 2006-07 school year to begin on July 1, the following administrative changes will take place in the Santa Barbara School Districts.

Mark Swanitz
Mark Swanitz, vice principal at Del Campo High School in the San Juan Unified School District (Fair Oaks, CA), has been selected to serve as principal of Dos Pueblos High School. His contract is effective July 1, 2006. He replaces Principal Quentin Panek.

At Del Campo High, Swanitz was responsible for overseeing curriculum; acted as liaison with the University of California and California State University; oversaw the AVID program; assisted with the design and implementation of the Del Campo Advocacy and Privilege Program, a grassroots class founded on the principles of small learning communities; and supervised and evaluated certificated employees. His responsibilities also included GATE program leadership, STAR testing coordinator, coordination and supervision of all counseling office service, oversight for site technology, membership on the WASC leadership team, co-chair of a committee of administrators, counselors, and teachers that developed plans for districtwide high school reform.

Mark Swanitz grew up in Santa Barbara County. He graduated from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School and then went on to study electrical engineering at UC Santa Barbara and then English, education, and later educational administration at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He was a student teacher at Atascadero Junior High and then Atascadero High School; teacher at Colinga High School and Atascadero High School; teacher and vice principal in the Elk Grove Unified School District.

Dos Pueblos High School, located in Goleta, serves 2,257 students.

Susan Salcido
Santa Barbara Junior High School Principal Susan Salcido will begin work as a district-level curriculum coordinator on July 1. Ms. Salcido has worked in the Santa Barbara School Districts since 1995-96. She began as an English teacher at Dos Pueblos High School, then went on to work as an assistant principal at San Marcos High School prior to her Santa Barbara Junior High School assignment, which began January 2005.

A search is underway for a new principal for that 932-student campus, located on the eastside of Santa Barbara.

Beatrice Cordeiro
Following a one-year medical leave, in August, Beatrice Cordeiro will return to the principal position at Washington Elementary School. During Ms. Cordeiro’s absence, Patricia Santiago has been serving as the interim principal at Washington Elementary School, a 560-student school on the Mesa. Ms. Santiago has accepted a principal position at La Patera School, in the Goleta Union School District.

Amy Alzina
First-grade teacher Amy Alzina has been appointed to serve as a 60 percent, one-year interim position principal of grades K-3 at the Santa Barbara Community Academy. Ms. Alzina has been an elementary teacher with the Santa Barbara School Districts since 1999. She replaces Principal Joan Jamieson, who will retire at the end of the 2005-06 school year.

The Academy, a year round school, serves 326 students in grades K-3 at the Ortega Street campus. Grades 4-6, 234 students, will continue to be located at La Cumbre Junior High School. La Cumbre’s principal, Jo Ann Caines, will administer the Academy’s operations on the La Cumbre campus.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Dos Pueblos High School Engineering Academy Students Win Rookie All-Star Award in FIRST Robotics Competition
Students Participated in National Competition in Atlanta, Georgia

Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 17, 1006, at 10:35 a.m. and again at 11:40 a.m., Dos Pueblos High School Engineering Academy students will be giving 30-minute presentations in the Dos Pueblos High School gymnasium, demonstrating the robot. Students will be available to answer questions and describe the process that they went through to come up with their design. A small version of the playing field will be set up and the robot’s capabilities will be demonstrated.

Twenty-nine students in team NASA/Raytheon and Dos Pueblos High School Engineering Academy captured the Rookie All-Star Award in the March 23-25, 2006, FIRST Robotics Southern California Regional competition. This is one of 33 regional March 2006 competitions that took place across the country, in Israel and Canada. Approximately 50 teams participated at the in the Southern California event. As one of the winning regional teams, the students went on to compete in the April 27, 2006, national level of competition in Atlanta, Georgia. Leading the group was teacher Amir Abo-shaeer.

The Dos Pueblos entry in the competition was PenguinBot, a 150-lb., five-foot, robot created over a requisite six-week period using a standard kit of parts and set of rules common to all FIRST participants. Of course, the experience would not have been complete without a motto and the team’s guiding words are “Celebrate Penguinocracy.” The regional competitions recognize students for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, professionalism and maturity, and ability to overcome obstacles. FIRST redefines winning by focusing on building successful partnerships as the first goal and scoring as a secondary goal.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Tecnology) was founded in 1992 by Dean Kamen, noted inventor and entrepreneur, who continues to serve as the event’s guiding force. Dean’s vision was to link professional engineers with high school students in a way that would foster the students’ interest in science and technology. There were 28 competitors in the1992 competition. By 2006, more than 1,125 teams competed.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Oliver! To Light Up the La Cumbre Stage
Following Modernization Efforts, the Lights are Back On in La Cumbre Junior High School’s Auditorium

On June 1 and 2, at 7:00 p.m., following major modernization efforts of the facility, the stage lights will be turned back on at La Cumbre Junior High School’s theater with the student production of Oliver! The performance showcases a talented cast consisting of students from La Cumbre Junior High School and the Santa Barbara Community Academy.

Oliver! is based on Charles Dicken’s classic Oliver Twist and is set in 19th-century England. The story follows Oliver Twist, a poor orphan who finds himself alone on the streets of London, befriended by a colorful gang of scoundrels and thieves. Oliver gets caught for a crime he didn't commit and then must prove his innocence, escape the gang, and find the family he's always yearned for. Songs include “Food Glorious Food,” “It’s A Fine Life,” “Consider Yourself,” “I’d Do Anything,” and “ As Long As He Needs Me.”

With Nora Nelson, as Oliver, Andrew Griffin as Fagin, Alba Vargas as The Artful Dodger, Julia Hawkes as Nancy, and Kevin Vasquez as Bill Sykes, audiences will be thoroughly entertained by the talented young cast. Accompanying the cast will be musicians from the Prime Time Band and Dos Pueblos High School, along with pianist Elaine Parkey (who provided piano accompaniment for Maureen O’Hara for over 15 years).

Oliver! is being directed by Brian Slotnick-Lastrico and Gary Smith. Marissa Baumgartner is the choreographer.

The auditorium modernization is part of a larger package of Measure V bond-funded improvements, reflecting more than $9 million in campus renovation. Funds provided by Measure V have transformed La Cumbre Junior High’s theater into a premier performing venue, complete with state-of-the art sound and lighting system, handicap accessible seats throughout the auditorium, new stage rigging and drapes, a new wheelchair lift to the stage, and other improvments. Built in 1927, the 1,200 seat theater is the second largest theater in Santa Barbara.

Tickets are $10 for adults; $5.00 for children and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at La Cumbre Junior High School or by calling 687-0761, ext. 122. Tickets will be available at the door, based on available seating.

La Cumbre Junior High School, 2255 Modoc Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, (805) 687-0761.

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Today to Kick Off La Cumbre Junior High School’s Newly Modernized Auditorium

At 4:00 p.m. today, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of the newly modernized La Cumbre Junior High School auditorium.

The auditorium modernization is part of a larger package of Measure V bond-funded improvements, reflecting more than $9 million in campus renovation.

The newly modernized auditorium has had significant upgrades that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including:

handicap accessible seats throughout the auditorium;
a new wheelchair lift to the stage;
a new accessible sound booth at the rear of the auditorium;
all new hardware for doors and signage that comply with ADA requirements.

The La Cumbre auditorium also has new house lighting; new theatrical lighting; a completely new state-of-the-art sound system; new stage rigging and drapes. The new lighting and sound components can now be controlled from various locations in the auditorium.

The auditorium is one of many major bond-funded projects at La Cumbre. Phase I of modernization included complete fire alarm system and bathroom upgrades, addition of one elevator, electrical and mechanical infrastructure upgrades, ADA accessible ramps and parking improvements.

Phase II, which is not yet finished, included interior finishes (installation of new wall panels and painting of the building’s interiors) in the multipurpose building. Additionally, there have been major restroom and shower improvements in the physical education building, including the creation of a new exercise room in that building. Phase II also included the addition of a handicap accessible lift to the raised offices overseeing the locker room.

La Cumbre Junior High School is located at 2255 Modoc Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Carousel to be Performed at San Marcos High School
Performing Arts Department and Domestic Violence Solutions of Santa Barbara County Encourage Discussions of the Musical’s Scenes of Domestic Violence

Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical Carousel will be performed at San Marcos High School on May 11, 12, 24, 25, 26, and 27 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the door or, during business hours, from the school’s business office, located behind the main switchboard.

A movie musical in 1956, starring Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones and boasting then state-of-the-art widescreen cinematography and stereophonic sound, Carousel is a story about a mill worker and her carousel barker boyfriend who fall in love but are unable to express that love to one another. They marry and soon Julie is pregnant and Billy, desperate for money, turns to crime. In a botched robbery Billy dies but gets a chance to return to Earth to try and redeem himself by doing some good for someone. He meets his daughter Louise but instead of doing good he reverts to violence once again and fails.

San Marcos High School Performing Arts and Domestic Violence Solutions of Santa Barbara County have teamed on this production to encourage open discussion of domestic violence as it is expressed in Carousel and offer speaking points on a healthy discussion of this problem.

Songs include “If I Loved You,” “You'll Never Walk Alone,” “Mr. Snow,” “June is Bustin’ Out All Over,” and “This Was A Real Nice Clambake.”

The play is directed by David Holmes with vocal music by Carolyn Teraoka-Brady, conducted by Dan Garske, costumes by Marian Azdril, and sets and lighting by Theodore Michael Dolas. Lyndsey Christiansen choreographs and Brad Spaulding serves as technical director.

Tickets are $10.00 general admission; $8.00 senior citizens and students. For additional information, call 897-4581, ext. 355. San Marcos High School is located at 4750 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93110.

Thursday, May 4, 2006

Pippin: Santa Barbara Junior High’s Spring Musical

Santa Barbara Junior High School proudly presents the Broadway musical Pippin on May 11, 12, and 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Marjorie Luke Theater. Pippin is the “true story” of Charlemagne’s son and his quest to find meaning in life.

This lively musical comedy is told through a troupe of players who guide Pippin through his adventures and help to tell his story. Throughout the musical, Pippin searches for happiness in many ways. He tries school, friends, family, war, love and so much more! Finally he realizes that what really makes him happy is what he has had all along! This popular musical features songs such as “Magic to Do,” “Corner of the Sky,” and “Morning Glow.”

Tickets are $8 adults; $4 students. They can be purchased at the door, in the school’s main office, or reserved in advance by calling the Box Office at 963-7753 x 129.

Thursday, May 4, 2006

Graduation Ceremonies in the Santa Barbara School Districts

The Santa Barbara School Districts’ 2006 graduation ceremonies at the junior high and high school levels are as follows:

Dos Pueblos High School, Thursday, June 15, 4:00 p.m., Scott O’Leary Stadium
La Cuesta Continuation High School, Wednesday, June 14, 5:15 p.m., Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Garden
San Marcos High School, Thursday, June 15, 5:00 p.m., Valley Stadium
Santa Barbara High School, Friday, June 16, 6:00 p.m., Peabody Stadium

Goleta Valley Junior High School, Friday, June 16, 10:00 a.m., Art Circle
La Colina Junior High School, Friday, June 16, 10:15 a.m., Palm Stage
La Cumbre Junior High School, Friday, June 16, 10:00 a.m., Front Lawn
Santa Barbara Junior High School, Friday June 16, 11:00 a.m., Santa Barbara Junior High School Field

Tuesday, May 2, 2006

High School Proms in the Santa Barbara School Districts

As the 2005-06 school year draws to a close, it’s prom season in the Santa Barbara School Districts. The 2006 prom schedule is as follows:

Dos Pueblos High School, May 13, 8:30 p.m., Earl Warren
San Marcos High School, May 13, 9:00 p.m., Fess Parkers’ Double Tree Resort
Santa Barbara High School, May 27, 9:00 p.m., Fess Parkers’ Double Tree Resort

Monday, May 1, 2006

May 1, 2006 Attendance in the Santa Barbara School Districts

Attendance in the 21 elementary, junior high, and high schools in the Santa Barbara School Districts was below normal levels today, May 1, 2006. The absentee rate was at least double at several schools. Nationwide, today is a day of protest in support of immigrant rights. The numbers reported in the table below do not indicate how many students were out for illness or other excused reasons; by law, parents have several days to report an absence. The following information is subject to change; it will be revised in the days ahead.

School	Enrollment	Number Out on May 1, 2006	Attendance May 1, 2006	Percent Out
Adams	560	265	295	47%
Cesar Chavez	186	59	245	32%
Cleveland	400	246	154	62%
Franklin	623	377	246	61%
Harding	542	330	212	61%
McKinley	485	305	180	63%
Monroe	480	190	290	40%
Open Alternative	215	25	190	12%
Peabody Charter	720	147	573	20%
Roosevelt	510	117	393	23%
SBC Academy	314	93	221	30%
Santa Barbara Charter
Washington	567	139	428	25%
Elementary Schools	5,602	2,293	3,427	41%

Goleta Valley JHS	920	268	652	29%
La Colina JHS	1,004	204	800	20%
La Cumbre JHS	405	251	154	62%
Santa Barbara JHS	930	417	513	45%
Junior High Schools	3,259	1,140	2,119	35%

Dos Pueblos HS	2,210	500	1,710	23%
La Cuesta CHS	186	127	38	68%
San Marcos HS	2,168	926	1,242	43%
Santa Barbara HS	2,348	600	1,748	26%
High Schools	6,912	2,153	4,738	31%
TOTAL	15,773	5,586	10,284	35%

Every day that a child is out, schools lose funding. School funding is based on attendance at different times of the year. Based on today’s absences, the Santa Barbara School Districts will lose approximately $4,400 (the equivalent of 67 textbooks). But, there is another very important loss. The school districts’ mission is to educate. Every one of the 180 school days per year is a precious instruction day. When students miss school, they miss out.