Kudos to Montgomery Middle Special Education Teacher, Mario Lopez for being selected as Max Out My Class Teacher of the Week, thanks to a partnership with Mission Federal Credit Union and 105.7 MAX FM.
MAX Out My Class recognizes the dedication and passion that teachers devote to their students’ future. In addition to the recognition, Lopez received a $200 gift card and an on-air interview focused on the work he’s doing with his students at Montgomery Middle School.
“I am humbled and honored by this recognition,” said Lopez. “I couldn’t do it without the support of my colleagues and my students.”
According to Lopez, his daughter inspired him to become a teacher many years ago. “My daughter has Epilepsy. She’s my daily motivation to serve this specific population of students in our district.”
When Lopez isn’t teaching, you can find him spending time with his family and raising funds to go towards a cure for Epilepsy.
Congratulations Mr. Lopez!
Special Education Teacher, Mario Lopez selected as Max Out My Class Teacher of the Week
WeWork was inspired by Ms. Savino’s commitment to changing her class environment to best suit her students. She teaches two ENG 11 Co-teach classes and an SEI class. They surprised her and gifted her a makeover for a student space of her choice and with a school area of her choice. She will get to work with architects, interior designers and have full access to WeWorks furniture catalog.
Unimaginable Act of Forgiveness Turns into Thriving Foundation Impacting Students in Sweetwater District
If you asked Azim Khamisa before his son was murdered that he’d be running a successful foundation based on the act of forgiveness, with the grandfather of the man who killed his son, he would likely have answered; no.
Recently, students at Hilltop Middle School had the opportunity to participate in a “Peacemakers Assembly” organized by the Tariq Khamisa Foundation.
On the night of January 21, 1995, Khamisa’s son was murdered by the grandson of Ples Felix in Balboa Park. Felix’s grandson was the first minor to be tried as adult in California. Months after the crime, the two men met and Felix pleaded for forgiveness on behalf of his grandson. To his surprise, Tariq’s father granted his request — and made his own plea. “I want to see if you can help me,” Khamisa said.
Since that day, the Tariq Khamisa Foundation has worked to eliminate youth violence, delivering a message of peace and respect to millions of students across the globe. According to Khamisa, forgiveness to him meant transforming his anger and hurt into healing and peace.
“Violence scars the soul,” Khamisa said. “The loss of my son put me on the path to help other young people make good and non-violent choices in life. That’s what the foundation is all about.”
As Khamisa and Felix shared their story, students at Hilltop Middle attentively listened to the two men explain the path they both journeyed together. “It’s such an honor and privilege to have the Khamisa Foundation here with us,” said Louie Zumstein, Hilltop Middle Principal. “Teaching students about conflict resolution and the idea of Restorative Practices is so important especially at this stage of life.”
Zumstein and other Sweetwater District administrators believe in the work of the foundation so much that 7th graders at Hilltop Middle have already began a 10-session educational series called Restorative Workshops. The series teaches students important skills such as; how to manage their emotions, accountability for one’s actions, comprehension of making amends, practicing compassion and forgiveness. Students will also participate in active student lead discussions as well as share personal views, opinions and experiences on various topics.
“Khamisa and Felix’s story is so inspiring and heartwarming,” said Natalie Cruz, Hilltop Middle Restorative Coordinator. “My hope is that our students take away positive key tools to navigate their way through dealing with real life situations.”
When asked what Tariq would think about the work he’s doing in his honor, Khamisa replied, “Proud. Tariq practiced forgiveness and compassion every day. I believe he would be proud that I decided to turn a devastating situation into a positive one changing the lives of young people.”
Azim Khamisa and Ples Felix visit Hilltop Middle School.
Recently Olympian High School had the opportunity to participate in the “Hour of Code” Computer Science event. Code.org® is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools and increasing participation by women and underrepresented minorities.
This year, the “Hour of Code” event reached a whole new level by incorporating a “Dance Party” element. The featured activity included a tutorial for students to code, get creative, and dance, all at the same time.
“ This is a great opportunity to engage students who wouldn’t typically be interested in coding to at least give it a try,” said Tony Claudio Olympian High Computer Science Teacher.
Code.org focuses on diversity in computer science. Their vision is that every student in every school has the opportunity to learn computer science, just like biology, chemistry or algebra. Code.org provides the leading curriculum for K-12 computer science in the largest school districts in the United States and Code.org also organizes the annual Hour of Code campaign which has engaged 10% of all students in the world. Code.org is supported by generous donors including Amazon, Facebook, Google, the Infosys Foundation, Microsoft, and many more.
On Saturday, November 3, 2018, Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) students participated in the 3rd Annual South Bay Pumpkin Smash “Game of Throws” at Eastlake Middle School – Thank you Dr. Cooke for hosting.
This event is the result of the collaboration and partnership between SUHSD, LabRats, the Rotary Club Chula Vista-Eastlake, and the leadership of Michael Monaco, OurHomeTown magazine publisher. This year’s event had several supporters including Greg Cox, San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Chula Vista Fire Department, Eastlake Educational Foundation, among others.
Participating SUHSD Schools:
Palomar High School
East Hills Academy
Castle Park Middle School
and Eastlake Middle School
Results
Division 1 (High Schools):
1st Place Palomar High School (3 years in a row) CONGRATULATIONS!
Teacher leaders: Felipe Rosales & Ileana Grijalva
Principal: Karen Hernandez
Accuracy = 1 meter from designated target
*Palomar HS claimed once again first place in accuracy for Division 1. In addition they accomplished a distance of 44.5 meters in their power throw (not required, just for fun).
Division 2 (Middle Schools):
1st Place Castle Park Middle School (Team Teletubbies) CONGRATULATIONS!
Teacher leader: Christianne Dayawon
Principal: Bill Walsh
