Around Town In South County: On the Vibrancy of our Schools

The schools of South County are among st the brightest spots.     Some late breaking news from Capistrano Unified underscores how the Community is behind the Schools, how teachers are innovative and visionary enough to be on the quest for ideas and how the District Leadership team continues its' on-going vibrant outreach Efforts.  Excerpts of the latest "Capo Talk" released by the Capistrano  School District Reflects this continued outreach:  

Capo  Talk January 22, 2015 Vol. 4, No. 40 Gift Celebrating School's 20th Anniversary  Renowned Marine Life Artist Robert Wyland  to Paint Mural at Malcom Elementary School Robert Wyland Renowned marine life artist Robert Wyland will be painting one of his iconic undersea murals at Malcom Elementary School on Wednesday, January 28, as an extraordinary gift celebrating the school's 20th anniversary. He will be joined by 20 student volunteers who will be contributing their own elements to the mural throughout the day. The acclaimed artist, based in Laguna Beach, is known worldwide for promoting environmental conservation through his colorful and large outdoor paintings depicting whales and ocean life. Wyland is considered one of the most influential artists of the 21st Century, with artwork in museums, corporate collections, and private homes in more than 100 countries.    In December, Malcom students were treated to a two-day visit by Wyland's Clean Water Mobile Learning Experience, an interactive marine science learning center on wheels. IN THIS ISSUE John Wyland to Paint Mural at Malcom Elementary School Three Schools Earn New Science and Technology Grants Superintendent to Host Second Community Forum "Kindergarten Roundup" Dates Announced   BOARD OF TRUSTEES LYNN HATTON-HODSON President AMY HANACEK Vice President MARTHA MCNICHOLAS Clerk  JOHN M. ALPAY GILA JONES  DR. GARY PRITCHARD JIM REARDON SUPERINTENDENT Kirsten M. Vital Have questions or concerns? Email us If your need is more immediate, feel free to call us at949.234.9200 Three Schools Rewarded With New Grants in Science and Technology Three District schools - Aliso Viejo Middle School and Aliso Niguel and Tesoro high schools - have been named recipients of the first "Innovations in Education" grants from Cox Communications. The schools are among 14 Orange County schools awarded grants to help fund advanced science and technology programs for students in grades K-12. The $1,731 grant for Aliso Viejo Middle School will support hardware and software purchases for the robotics and engineering class in which students learn to write computer codes and programming, and gain an understanding of logic, control parameters, and sensor feedback sequences. The grant application was written by science teacher Mark Groothuis. At Aliso Niguel High School, the $4,948 grant will benefit the school's iPad Academy. More than 420 students use their iPads to take tests, share information about projects, and participate in online discussion groups in the Voluntary iPad Academy. The grant will provide iPads to students in the program who cannot afford their own device. The grant application was written by science teacher Erik Silberman. Tesoro High School will use its $5,000 grant for science laboratory classes as students gather, analyze, and share sensor data collected using hand-held devices, such as in measuring water content in soil, UVB radiation, solar energy, energy from photosynthesis, and light needed for growth. The data can then be shared and processed wirelessly on any device with a web browser such as a smart phone or tablet. The grant application was written by science teacher Amy Varricchio. The "Innovation in Education" grant program, which is in its inaugural year, invited principals, administrators, and teachers at eligible schools to submit a grant application for classroom projects that focus on skills-based learning, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Design, and Mathematics), digital literacy, or cyber citizenship (responsibly using the Internet).    A panel of educational, community, and business leaders assisted in scoring the grant applications. Supt. Kirsten Vital Second in Series for Community Superintendent to Host Next Forum on New State Standards January 26 CUSD Supt. Kirsten Vital will hold the second in a series of three community forums on Monday, January 26, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the Board Room of the District Education Center, 33122 Valle Rd., San Juan Capistrano.    The program is another ideal opportunity for District residents, parents, and other interested stakeholders to meet with and hear from the district's superintendent. No RSVP is required. Along with comments by the superintendent, a short informational video will be shown on the new state standards in English/language arts and math. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to ask questions of the superintendent and other District administrative staff in attendance. The last forum for the school year will take place April 28, 7 p.m., at the Aliso Niguel High School Theater.