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Category Archives: SAUSD

OCHSA signs agreement with SAUSD for school policing and safety services

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OCHSA Signs Agreement with SAUSD for School Policing and Safety Services

Orange County High School of the Arts Signs Agreement with SAUSD for School Policing and Safety Services

Dedicated School Resource Officer Assigned Beginning July 1

SANTA ANA, CA – June 30, 2011 – Beginning July 1, the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) Police Department and Orange County High School of the Arts (OCHSA), a renowned public charter school located in the school district, will enter an agreement in which SAUSD will begin providing school policing and safety services for the campus, students and staff. The four-year contract is a first for OCHSA since moving to Santa Ana more than 10 years ago, and comes with a dedicated sworn police officer to serve as a School Resource Officer. The officer will patrol the campus, to protect the school’s property, resources and maintain safety and security of students and staff. The officer will also monitor pedestrian and vehicular traffic for enhanced travel safety to and from school on a daily basis.

Under the contract, OCHSA will fund the salary of a full-time police officer, a patrol vehicle, uniforms and other equipment. There is no capital outlay for the school district.

“The District wins and OCHSA wins,” said Santa Ana School Police Chief David Valentin. “Our force will benefit from adding an extra sworn officer, and OCHSA will be assured a quicker response to any safety services required. This additional staff member will also serve as a supplement to our police force in the event of any significant incident or emergencies in the greater Santa Ana community impacting OCHSA. I am confident all OCHSA stakeholders will be served well by this newly created position which will also serve as a community education resource to leverage public safety,” continued Chief Valentin.

“As we continue to expand the physical footprint of our campus and the school’s enrollment grows to 1,750 bright and talented students next year, the welfare of our students and staff remains of primary importance,” said Sue Vaughn, Principal for Orange County High School of the Arts. “This new partnership with SAUSD will provide dedicated access to safety services during the school year. The move was a natural progression given our existing positive working relationship.”

SAUSD educates approximately 58,000 students at 61 school sites throughout Santa Ana, five of which are charter schools. The K-12 school district is the largest in Orange County and the second largest employer in Santa Ana, with approximately 4,500 educators and staff members. Its school police force consists of 74 members, 24 of whom are sworn officers. To learn more about SAUSD, log on to www.sausd.us or call 714-558-5555.

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Top photo: OCHSA Principal Sue Vaughn shakes hands with School Police Chief David Valentin. With them is Assistant Principal Michael Ciecek and School Resource Officer assigned to OCHSA Steve Sogsti.
Bottom photo: School Resource Officer Steve Sogsti begins OCHSA assignment on July 1, 2011.

SAUSD Seeks Bond Oversight Committee Members

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SAUSD Seeks Bond Oversight Committee Members

Applications Are Required by Thursday, June 30, 2011

SANTA ANA, CA – May 24, 2011 — Notice is hereby given that the Board of Education for the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) seeks applications to fill five vacant seats on the Bond Oversight Committee (BOC). The nine-member committee — established in 2008 after an overwhelming majority voter approval rate of the Measure G school bond — oversees the expenditure of school bond funds. In addition, BOC members participate in regular quarterly meetings, review expenditures, review progress of projects, and present an annual written report to the Board of Education. An applicant will be chosen from each of the following representative groups to serve a three-year term beginning this September:

  • Parent or guardian of a child enrolled in SAUSD
  • Parent or guardian of a child enrolled in SAUSD and active in a parent-teacher organization
  • Active in a senior citizen organization
  • Representative of the Santa Ana business community
  • General Member

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age, a resident of California, and reside within SAUSD’s geographic boundaries. Applicants may not be an employee of the school district who is directly related to the construction of school facilities within the school district nor an official of the school district.

The Public Information Office will accept applications until Thursday, June 30, 2011. Those with questions or who would like to apply to serve on the committee should call 714-558-5555 or email pioinfo@sausd.us for an application, which can be downloaded from the websitewww.sausd.us, Facilities page. The Public Information Office is located at 1601 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92701. The fax number is 714-558-5812.

Prop. 84 meeting about local parks on June 20 and 21, in Santa Ana

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June 20th – Proposition 84 Statewide Development & Community Revitalization Program Community meeting

On Monday, June 20th, at 6pm, there will be a meeting at Edward B. Cole Academy, 333 E. Walnut, to discuss a $5 million grant opportunity for the Roosevelt/Walker school site.

The Edward B. Cole Academy is a charter school in the SAUSD.

The City of Santa Ana Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency and the SAUSD are partnering to seek park improvements. Community input is needed to seek ideas for the grant project.

For more information about this meeting, please contact Pearl Raya at (714) 571-4230 or at praya@santa-ana.org.

June 21st, Proposition 84 Statewide Development & Community Revitalization Program Final Community Meeting

A final community meeting will take place at Roosevelt Elementary School, 501 S. Halladay, at 5pm, with Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency staff. All the community ideas from previous meetings will be shared
and residents will have an opportunity to select the project for the community. Please join us and give your input.

For more information about this meeting, please contact Pearl Raya at (714) 571-4230 or at praya@santa-ana.org.

Santa Ana High School’s Robotics Engineering Club takes on Cerritos H.S.

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Santa Ana High School’s robotics engineering club took on the Cerritos High School robotics team on June 4, at Cerritos High School.

All of the robotic vehicles are original designs by students. They are fully autonomous robots using Parallax microcontrollers programmed in P-Basic.

Students had 30 minutes to develope a strategy and program their vehicles to achieve the highest score possible in a given time period.

Click here to find out more about Santa Ana High School’s robotics engineering club.  Kudos to Dr. Gary Reynolds for inspiring and teaching these students.  Many of his past students are now studying engineering in some of the top colleges in the U.S.

Middle College High Senior wins a new car in perfect attendance contest

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Middle College High Senior Wins a New Car!

SANTA ANA, CA –  Cathy Martinez, a senior from Middle College High School, is the lucky winner of a 2011 Chevy Cruze courtesy of Guaranty Chevrolet in Santa Ana. Martinez’s name was drawn from among more than 430 eligible students in the year-long perfect attendance incentive contest for high school students. The winning name was drawn on Saturday, June 11 at the Guaranty Chevrolet dealership amid a crowd of school officials, principals, educators, parents, students and dealership personnel.

Martinez, who this year earned a concurrent AA degree from Santa Ana College along with her high school diploma, will head off to UC Riverside in the fall. She is the second student from Middle College High to win the grand prize in the contest. This year, Guaranty Chevrolet upgraded the giveaway from an Aveo to a Cruze, a model which debuted this year. The car is valued at $20,000 and will be Martinez’s primary mode of transportation to UC Riverside.

Guaranty Chevrolet has donated a brand new car to Santa Ana Unified School District for the fifth consecutive year as an incentive to keep high school students’ attendance on track. Since the program’s inception, perfect attendance has incrementally increased every year. The program encourages students to attend school on time, every day for every period. Learn more about the school district at http://www.sausd.us/.

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The Usual Suspects return, to try to stop the Chivas from coming to Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Development, Latinos, Miguel Pulido, Neighborhood Associations, Politics, Redevelopment, Santa Ana, SAUSD, Sports 14 Comments

Pictured above: Debbie McEwen, a member of the Usual Suspects’ coalition against the Chivas Soccer team

They’re back…the folks I used to refer to as the “Usual Suspects” have come together again. This time they are ticked off about Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido’s ongoing attempts to bring the Chivas soccer team to Santa Ana.
Here is what the Voice of OC has reported about the resurgence of the “Usual Suspects:”

With rumors swirling about a potential pro soccer expansion into Santa Ana, some 50 residents gathered Wednesday night to complain about potential traffic, noise and other problems that soccer games could create.

Residents opposed to the move appear to be circulating a protest petition. They are particularly incensed over rumors that Mayor Miguel Pulido is holding private meetings aimed at bringing the team to the city while avoiding any input from residents.

Tom Lutz, a former council member, hosted the residents at his home. He said he found out about the negotiations and possible move only because of old contacts he has at City Hall.

Lutz said he understands that if the soccer team comes to the city, its first home would be Santa Ana Stadium. If true, that would displace football teams of local high schools like Mater Dei and Century, according to Lutz. The move also would mean Santa Ana College’s football team could lose access to the stadium, he said.

At the end of the meeting, residents formed a committee to prevent the team from coming to the city. The committee includes Rush, Lutz, Don Cribb, Alfredo Amezcua, Thomas Gordon, Dave Brandt, and Debbie McEwen.

Note that failed Santa Ana Mayoral candidate Alfredo Amezcua is now a full-fledged member of the Usual Suspects. Latino voters will remember this when Amezcua comes begging for votes the next time he runs for Mayor.

I am not buying the silly argument about the school sports programs getting kicked out of Eddie West Stadium. Note that none of the new Usual Suspects are on the SAUSD School board – and not one of them has any children enrolled in our SAUSD schools. In fact most of them aren’t even married, or are too old to have kids.

What these NIMBYs don’t realize is the tremendous economic impact that the Chivas will have on our city. Nor do they care that the majority of our residents will be thrilled to welcome the Chivas to town.

I also don’t buy the open space argument. The Willowick golf course is not of any use to the thousands of residents in Santa Ana who don’t play golf, or cannot afford to do so. But the proposed Chivas complex will include new soccer fields that will be a huge boon to the young people of our city.

If the Usual Suspects want more open space they should join the dying lawn bowling league at Santiago Park, or go jog in our cemeteries.

SAUSD police officer Jaime Randall wins Resource Officer of the Year award

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Santa Ana School Resource Officer Gets Top Title in State for Excellence in Policing and Safety Services

SANTA ANA, CA – June 8, 2011 – Century High School Police Resource Officer Jaime Randall has been selected as the California School Resource Officer’s Association 2010-11 School Resource Officer of the Year. Dr. Arthur Cummins, Board member for the California School Resource Officer’s Association, and Dr. Cathie Olsky, Deputy Superintendent for the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD), jointly announced the award to Officer Randall for her excellence in school based policing and safety during a ceremony at the School Police Department’s Roll Call on June 8. Officer Randall will be formally recognized by the California School Resource Officer’s Association on August 5, 2011 in Montebello.

Having earned two gold medals for downhill and cross-country mountain biking, Officer Randall serves as the training instructor for the School Police Department’s newly implemented district safety officer “Bicycle Patrol Program.” The program was implemented in the fall of 2010 to enhance SAUSD’s security and policing efforts. The program gives the department greater flexibility to perform functions with a greater reach, and doubles as a fitness vehicle for employees as well.

School Police Chief David Valentin said, “Among the many exceptional officers within the department and School Resource Officers throughout California, Officer Randall has demonstrated an unyielding level of commitment to the Santa Ana School Police Department’s mission of public safety. Her efforts are best illustrated by the many proactive investigations she has led while building meaningful relationships with members of our school community and the greater Santa Ana community.”

Officer Randall collaborates with students, parents, schools administrators and neighboring law enforcement agencies to create a safer school environment at the Century High campus and the surrounding Santa Ana community. She also mentors fellow officers to aid them in their development. To her credit, Officer Randall has proactively investigated a number of incidents. For example, she collaborated with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to acquire surveillance to apprehend a suspect who had molested a student on public transportation; counseled a student and uncovered the source and resolution of the student’s substance abuse problems, quite possibly preventing a suicide; and discovered and detained a suspect of stolen school radios. Officer Randall was also recognized by the Santa Ana Police Department Gang Homicide Unit and community members alike for her critical role in solving a multiple victim gang-related attempt murder and the recovery of several handguns.

“This is a very big honor for Jaime and a tribute to everyone in police services,” said Dr. Olsky. “She is but one fine example of the high caliber of officers on our force who work to keep our students, staff, campuses and school community safe.” To that end, the Santa Ana School Police Department was also selected to receive the 2011 Exemplary School Safety Program Award for leadership in organizational transformation by the School Safety Advocacy Council to be presented at the 2011 National School Safety Conference.

For more information about the Santa Ana School Police Department, click here.

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Nearly 300 Deloitte volunteers support SAUSD schools on 12th annual Impact Day

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NEARLY 300 DELOITTE VOLUNTEERS SUPPORT SANTA ANA’S SCHOOLS

Organization’s 12th annual IMPACT Day highlights long-term commitment to local school district

For the past twelve years, Deloitte volunteers have donated their expertise toward improving education in SAUSD schools. To date, Deloitte volunteers have impacted over 8,000 Santa Ana students.

On Friday, June 10, nearly 300 professionals from Deloitte’s Orange County office once again will put work on hold to volunteer at Santa Ana schools. At Jackson Elementary School, Deloitte volunteers will introduce students to the concepts of workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through a series of Junior Achievement courses, as well as give the campus a makeover. Meanwhile, at Sierra Preparatory Academy, volunteers will host a math camp to teach students how math comes into play in real-world situations. Volunteers will use an interactive game show format to engage 100 sixth grade students.

Deloitte volunteers are using the occasion of the 12th annual IMPACT Day, its national day of community service, to host these events. These are two of several volunteer events in Orange County and part of a national effort hosted by Deloitte in more than 70 communities across the country on June 10. Nearly three-quarters of the organization’s personnel, which numbers more than 50,000 in total, are setting aside their work to volunteer at more than 800 events nationwide.

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SAUSD recognizes top parents for involvement and commitment to education

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Angela Burrell 714-558-5555

SAUSD Recognizes Top Parents for Involvement and Commitment to Education

SANTA ANA, CA – Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) has chosen the following top three as Parents of the Year in recognition of their involvement, commitment and dedication to the educational process. Honorees include:

ELEMENTARY

Carmen Serrano – Romero-Cruz Elementary ~ Mrs. Serrano demonstrates active participation in all school functions. She has organized the snack store, has participated in various parent trainings, and is a member of the English Learner Advisory Committee and Parent Teacher Organization. She has been a “key” to the parental involvement success at school.

INTERMEDIATE

Olga Guillén – MacArthur Fundamental Intermediate ~ Mrs. Guillén is a member of the Parent Faculty Organization, School Site Council, and the English Learner Advisory Committee. She has assisted with Back-to-School Night, Open House, 8th Grade Promotion Committee and 6th Grade Orientation.

HIGH SCHOOL

Scott Duncan – Middle College High School ~ Mr. Duncan is the PTSA (Parent Teachers Student Association) President. He provides direction, guidance and laughter, which make volunteering a pleasure. Additionally, he has raised funds to support 10 eleventh grade students who could not afford to pay for the PSAT.

For more information about Santa Ana Unified School District or parent involvement log on to http://www.sausd.us/, or call 714-558-5677.

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Santa Ana High to host “Arts in the City” on Friday, May 27

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Santa Ana High to Host Arts in the City on Friday, May 27

The Santa Ana High Visual and Performing Arts Department will host “Arts in the City: Fantasy on a Japanese Folk Song” on Friday, May 27 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The event is a collaboration with the City of Santa Ana, Downtown, Inc. and Arts Orange County as part of the Imagination Celebration.

The event will honor the culture and people of Japan, and will be held on the 2nd St. Promenade in the heart of the Artist’s Village in Downtown Santa Ana. Refer to the attached FLYER for additional information.

“For the Sake of Music” benefit concert at Segerstrom High School tonight

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SAUSD Teachers and Students Perform For the Sake of Music

SANTA ANA, CA – May 20, 2011 — Santa Ana Unified School District’s (SAUSD) talented teachers, staff, students and community members will perform at a benefit concert to support the K-12 music program. “For the Sake of Music” benefit concert will be held on Saturday, May 21, at 7 p.m. in the Segerstrom High School Theater. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at the door. A few of the acts include:

Los Santaneros, a 10-piece band with a horn section, performs a mix of dance rhythms and genres from Latin America. The band consists of students, alumni and staff from Valley High, Saddleback High, Segerstrom High, Villa Intermediate and Carr Intermediate schools.

Hopsing, formed in the 80s, has toured the nation and Europe extensively and brings its blend of Ska Rock to willing listeners. Band members include drummer Keri Bello, teacher at Walker Elementary School; percussionist David Guerrero, a teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School; bassist and vocalist Mark Bello, principal at Mitchell Child Development Center; and Matt Dorame, guitars.

Vocalists Gabriel Pena, a Valley High School junior, and Jocelyn Perez, a 3rd grader at Davis Elementary School.
SAUSD educates approximately 58,000 students at 61 dynamic school sites throughout the Santa Ana community. The K-12 school district is the largest in Orange County and the second largest employer in Santa Ana, with approximately 4,500 educators and staff members. Contact us at 714-558-5555, or pioinfo@sausd.us. For more information about our schools, visit http://www.sausd.us/.

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The SAUSD honors the top 100 students of 2011

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The Santa Ana Unified School District’s (SAUSD) Top 100 scholars of the Class of 2011 were honored tonight for their academic achievement during the 52th Annual Top 100 Academic Achievement Recognition.

The ceremony was held at 6 p.m. at Guaranty Chevrolet — a school district partner — located at 711 E. 17th Street in Santa Ana.

State Senator Lou Correa was there, as was SAUSD Superintendent Jane Russo, and School Board Members including Audrey Yamagata-Noji and Rob Richardson.  First District Supervisor Janet Nguyen was notably absent, but there was a representative of the Second Supervisorial District at the event.

Joseph “Joey” Pedroza

My son Joseph “Joey” Pedroza was the top male student at Godinez High School – and he was one of the top male students in the entire district, with a 4.68 GPA.  He will be studying at UCLA in the fall, where he is going to work on a degree in film editing.  He also played in the Godinez Jazz Band tonight.

The event was coordinated by Godinez Fundamental High School this year under the direction of Secondary Education division.  The Top 100 students are identified based on their highest grade point average earned in grades 10 through first semester of grade 12, and the greatest number of units taken from the University of California approved A-G list.

Here is the list of the top 100 SAUSD students for 2011:

Many of these students will be attending top colleges and universities – including a few Ivy League schools.  Congratulations to all of them and thanks to the parents and educators who helped them succeed!

Santa Ana High School seeks volunteers to conduct senior exit interviews

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Santa Ana High School is looking for community leaders to help out with Senior Exit Interviews.

A few years ago Santa Ana High School began senior exit interviews. They are a wonderful event for seniors and involve them being interviewed by a panel of two adults about their accomplishments, experiences and plans.

Santa Ana High School needs help from the community this year.  They are looking for 40 volunteers.

This year the Senior Exit Interviews will be Friday, June 3, from 8 am to 10 am.

Please contact Bob Dukus if you can help, by clicking here.  Or, please call Elizabeth Enloe at (714) 567-4900 Ext. 64383 or click here to RSVP before May 27,2011.

Please plan to meet in the Main Office between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m. You will be escorted to the room where your interviews will take place. You will be partnered with an experienced teacher who will be able to take a lead role in the process.

Each panel member will have a rating sheet for each student to be interviewed and a list of possible questions to ask. Students are prepared to discuss the contents of their portfolios, their plans for the future, and how their experiences at Santa Ana High School have helped to prepare them.

Your participation is very much appreciated.

How will the SAUSD cut their next annual budget?

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The Santa Ana Unified School District’s is once again facing budget cuts, as the State of California continues to suffer during our economic crisis.  It is unlikely that voters will vote to raise their taxes again, if the State Legislature is able to put another tax increase on the ballot.  The SAUSD will have to make more cuts – again.

Remember that SAUSD Superintendent Jane Russo is on the way out.  It is going to be a tough year as the overmatched SAUSD School Board tries to work out a new budget without their Superintendent.

Here are links to budget info provided by the SAUSD:

Budget Reduction Suggestion Form

Budget Reduction Suggestion Form (Spanish)

E-mail Budget Reduction Ideas

School Services of CA Budget Video – 03/09/10

Excerpt – OCDE Assessment of SAUSD’s $93 million Ending Fund Balance – 10/27/09

General Fund Unaudited Actuals 08-09

School Services of CA Budget video – 10/13/09

OCDE Press Conference – 4/29/09 – English / Spanish

OCDE Federal Stimulus Funding & State Budget Fact Sheet

Press Conference Podcast

Budget Impact & Recommendations

Budget Backgrounder

SAUSD recognized for contributions to the community and the environment

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SAUSD Recognized for Contributions to the Community and Environmental Program

Presented with Four Community Building Awards by City of Santa Ana

SANTA ANA, CA – April 21, 2011 – Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) earned four 2011 Community Building Awards for contributions to the surrounding community and the environment. The awards were presented by the City of Santa Ana’s Resource Network, which recognizes individuals and organizations who create a positive environment and make Santa Ana a productive place to live, work and play. Award recipients follow.

  • Superintendent Jane Russo received the Chief Executive of the Year Award capping a 38-year career in education, and effectively improving academics, modernizing school facilities and expanding partnerships with the city critical to the well-being of both entities and the constituents served.
  • For its Saddleback High Solar Generation and Energy Program, the Facilities Department received a Friends of the Environment Community Building Award. Installed in 2010, the roof-mounted solar photovoltaic electrical generation system will meet up to 75% of the school’s annual electrical needs while saving nearly $15 million over the 25-year project lifetime.
  • Jackson Elementary School in partnership with the Santa Ana Police & Athletic League was honored for its lunchtime fitness program, which teaches students the importance of regular physical activity and builds skills that support an active lifestyle. In just the first year of the program, the passage rate for Jackson 5th graders on the California Physical Fitness Test increased by over 300%.
  • The Orange County High School of the Arts also earned an award for providing artistic and meaningful experiences for high school students and those at the elementary level through an innovative summer camp.

For more information about SAUSD log on to http://www.sausd.us/.

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