Yes, our Preschool and K-5 teachers have gotten their job offers!
Diana De la Pena, Antionette Crivello, Erika Witham, Cindy Moser, Kristen Bernert and Suanne Pearson have gotten calls to confirm their employment status! And there are more to come!
And shockers! Back from North Carolina is Lori Korovec, who is awaiting word on enrollment numbers. If we come through with enough, she's back to teach our kids too!
The teachers have had a long, long wait. But they're SO excited to move forward with the new evolution of this school. Evolution is the key word here. It isn't going to be the same. This is a public school. And the teachers and parents on the Action Committee have seen and felt that— we're dealing with a large bureaucratic entity, a public school district. But we're also here to tell you that everyone we've encountered at this District has been thoughtful, responsive, communicative, excited and very willing to engage in positive conversations and productive discussions over the immense possibilities.
So now for the next MEETING
Thursday, August 2, 6 PM.
The Moran's Office in the Spreckels Building
121 Broadway suite 302 San Diego,CA 92101
On the table to discuss:
* The Enrichment Teachers: Erin Pennell (visual arts), Ginny Foleta (spanish), Colleen Marble (PE) and Graham's Pacific Children's Theater (performing arts)
* The Foundation and how other public schools get the "extras"
* The upcoming OPEN HOUSE where you can meet Principal Nestor Suarez
* Enrollment: Preschool and K-5
Several of us have put together a marketing plan in an attempt to attract students and families that have similar desires for their children's education. The bottom line is we need more kids— more kids to bring Ms. Korovec on, more kids to ensure the funding of our enrichment teachers, more kids and parents to experience this with us.
There are on-going daily discussions over funding the enrichment programs and the program is constantly evolving into the school we know it can be. Both Nestor Suarez, the Principal and Dr. Aleman, the superintendent, have been forthright and available for the on-going discussions of how to do this. There has also been a lot of movement on the Foundation side, which will be the money-raising arm of the school, that can also contribute to funding our enrichment programs, much like public schools such as Grant, La Jolla Elementary, Bird Rock and Green do. We were so saddened and disappointed there simply wasn't the enrollment numbers to support the middle school this year, but we are happy to report it is this Principal and Superintendent's intention to add a 6th grade next year, for 08, and then a 7th and 8th to follow. This will ultimately be a PK-8 school and that is why we want to particularly get our enrollment numbers up in 4th and 5th grade.
Our school was no longer able to survive and it wasn't because we had fancy digs or were living the high life— unfortunately, it couldn't support the low enrollment in some grades and all of our programs that we loved so much. New strategies must be put into place. But with the core of our school being supported and funded by the District, it allows us the parents to fill in the gaps, be involved like never before, have our concerns and desires addressed, and ensure the very best education for our children—one that we and the District can support together.
Also very soon we will be posting dates and times to come register your child for this school if you choose to do so. This will happen in the next two weeks. We urge you to talk to your previous or future teacher about the possibilities— they are truly excited. We still have a few bumps along the road ahead to navigate, but it's an exciting journey!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Harborside Program: An Overview
The following was written by a coalition of parents and teachers.
The Harborside Difference
In traditional schools, students learn not to ask too many questions, instead to repeat rote answers. Memorizing facts and information is not the most important skill in today's world. Facts change, and information is readily available -- what's needed is an understanding of how to get and make sense of the increasing mass of information. Our students learn not only new information and knowledge, they learn how to learn, how to process information effectively and therefore how to interact, react and respond in the modern world.
Our Philosophy
• We encourage children to become lifelong learners through an emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving and we do this by incorporating an educational philosophy that includes Inquiry-Based and Constructivist theories.
• We are dedicated to providing each student with an instructional experience designed to target a full spectrum of learning styles and the various dimensions of his or her critical and creative thinking.
• We hold the academic, social, emotional, physical and creative growth of each child as equal in value and importance.
• We value the interrelationship and importance of all the disciplines: language, mathematics, science and health, social studies, visual and performing arts, and physical education.
• We believe in grounding learning activities in a real-world context and particularly in our own urban environment to further stimulate, challenge and engage students.
Our Academic Program
• We operate as a parent participation school. Each family assists with some aspect of the classroom or school throughout the year.
• We provide a learning environment where children are encouraged to observe, research and problem-solve academic and social topics that are student-relevant both independently and cooperatively.
• We utilize innovative hands-on teaching methods as well as emphasize language and reading through daily journal writing, literature circles, word study, guided reading, independent reading, and writer's workshop.
• We incorporate field trips to enrich the learning experience as well as fully utilize the resources of the community to further enhance instruction.
• We provide the children with opportunities to exercise choice within planned learning activities.
• We feature classroom environments that emphasize a collaboration and an exchange of ideas.
• We integrate subject areas around selected themes or units.
• As a public school, we are able to utilize the full resources of the San Diego Unified School District.
Our Teachers
• Our Teachers are enthusiastic and experienced in the inquiry-based methods of teaching.
• Our Teachers are dedicated to inquiry-based philosophy and continually strive to expand their professional knowledge.
• Our Teachers serve as guides, resources, facilitators and leaders to our children.
• Our Teachers are recognized for their gifts in the fields of science, math, language, art, drama and music.
• Our Teachers work with our parents to enrich the academic and emotional growth of the whole child.
Our Students
• Our Students are encouraged to challenge themselves so as to develop their personal strengths.
• Our Students participate in decisions that affect their academic well-being.
• Our Students feel respected, capable and motivated.
• Students learn to give and receive respect in their immediate and broader community.
• Our Students learn to work cooperatively.
• Our Students become astute observers, critical thinkers and able problem solvers.
• Our Students are prepared to compete in the larger local, state, national, and international arenas and to excel in our global society.
• Our Students are actively involved in their own education and thus they take responsibility and ownership of it.
Our Families
• Our Families know their children attend a school where teachers and families share similar values and expectations.
• Our Families have the opportunity to contribute to the classroom experience by sharing their skills and interests.
• Our Families feel welcome in the classroom and a part of their child's experience.
• Our Families support each other and make a difference to the community.
• Our Families help in many ways by planning events, fundraisers, and field trips.
• Our Families learn and grow with the teachers and children.
Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember,
involve me and I understand.
involve me and I understand.
The Harborside Difference
In traditional schools, students learn not to ask too many questions, instead to repeat rote answers. Memorizing facts and information is not the most important skill in today's world. Facts change, and information is readily available -- what's needed is an understanding of how to get and make sense of the increasing mass of information. Our students learn not only new information and knowledge, they learn how to learn, how to process information effectively and therefore how to interact, react and respond in the modern world.
Our Philosophy
• We encourage children to become lifelong learners through an emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving and we do this by incorporating an educational philosophy that includes Inquiry-Based and Constructivist theories.
• We are dedicated to providing each student with an instructional experience designed to target a full spectrum of learning styles and the various dimensions of his or her critical and creative thinking.
• We hold the academic, social, emotional, physical and creative growth of each child as equal in value and importance.
• We value the interrelationship and importance of all the disciplines: language, mathematics, science and health, social studies, visual and performing arts, and physical education.
• We believe in grounding learning activities in a real-world context and particularly in our own urban environment to further stimulate, challenge and engage students.
Our Academic Program
• We operate as a parent participation school. Each family assists with some aspect of the classroom or school throughout the year.
• We provide a learning environment where children are encouraged to observe, research and problem-solve academic and social topics that are student-relevant both independently and cooperatively.
• We utilize innovative hands-on teaching methods as well as emphasize language and reading through daily journal writing, literature circles, word study, guided reading, independent reading, and writer's workshop.
• We incorporate field trips to enrich the learning experience as well as fully utilize the resources of the community to further enhance instruction.
• We provide the children with opportunities to exercise choice within planned learning activities.
• We feature classroom environments that emphasize a collaboration and an exchange of ideas.
• We integrate subject areas around selected themes or units.
• As a public school, we are able to utilize the full resources of the San Diego Unified School District.
Our Teachers
• Our Teachers are enthusiastic and experienced in the inquiry-based methods of teaching.
• Our Teachers are dedicated to inquiry-based philosophy and continually strive to expand their professional knowledge.
• Our Teachers serve as guides, resources, facilitators and leaders to our children.
• Our Teachers are recognized for their gifts in the fields of science, math, language, art, drama and music.
• Our Teachers work with our parents to enrich the academic and emotional growth of the whole child.
Our Students
• Our Students are encouraged to challenge themselves so as to develop their personal strengths.
• Our Students participate in decisions that affect their academic well-being.
• Our Students feel respected, capable and motivated.
• Students learn to give and receive respect in their immediate and broader community.
• Our Students learn to work cooperatively.
• Our Students become astute observers, critical thinkers and able problem solvers.
• Our Students are prepared to compete in the larger local, state, national, and international arenas and to excel in our global society.
• Our Students are actively involved in their own education and thus they take responsibility and ownership of it.
Our Families
• Our Families know their children attend a school where teachers and families share similar values and expectations.
• Our Families have the opportunity to contribute to the classroom experience by sharing their skills and interests.
• Our Families feel welcome in the classroom and a part of their child's experience.
• Our Families support each other and make a difference to the community.
• Our Families help in many ways by planning events, fundraisers, and field trips.
• Our Families learn and grow with the teachers and children.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Recap from Wednesday's Meeting
Okay we got a recap from Wednesday's meeting courtesy of Marianna:
Approximately 40 persons (parents and teachers) and 10 children (with a Superstar Childcare Provider) attended the meeting.
We first talked about Enrollment... It's exciting to hear that former Harborside Families want to come back to Harborside AND New Families who heard about the program want to come as well.
If you haven't sent in an enrollment form, here's how to do it: Download the form here. ON TOP of the Enrollment Form make sure you state "HARBORSIDE ACADEMY, GRADE Level_____" and fax it to 619-725-7159. Then email me (Marianna Moran) and let me know the child's name, grade level, and parent's email address.
Second, we talked about the curriculum and teacher involvement. The Teachers have put together the curriculum, admissions and discipline policies for the grade levels. They have been working very VERY hard.
Third, the communication with the District-- The Action Committee is pushing on the District hard, as much as they can, with regards to the teachers contracts. We all understand that this is our priority.
Fourth, the pre-school update...Hon. Curiel (a parent) has been working with Ms. Pearson and the District to confirm that she's on board. There are some minor hurdles and since some were on vacation, it was hard to connect. Nevertheless, Dr. Aleman has re-assured us that the District REALLY WANTS the pre-school as it "feeds" into the rest of the school and is an integral part of Harborside.
Finally, with respect to the "Foundation", Kerry has lots of ideas for the collecting and distribution of the monies raised. Many parents are excited to be on this committee since there are invaluable resources around us.
THANK YOU to all the teachers and parents who have been patient in our quest to push this along. I apologize in advance, if I failed to mention something!
Approximately 40 persons (parents and teachers) and 10 children (with a Superstar Childcare Provider) attended the meeting.
We first talked about Enrollment... It's exciting to hear that former Harborside Families want to come back to Harborside AND New Families who heard about the program want to come as well.
If you haven't sent in an enrollment form, here's how to do it: Download the form here. ON TOP of the Enrollment Form make sure you state "HARBORSIDE ACADEMY, GRADE Level_____" and fax it to 619-725-7159. Then email me (Marianna Moran) and let me know the child's name, grade level, and parent's email address.
Second, we talked about the curriculum and teacher involvement. The Teachers have put together the curriculum, admissions and discipline policies for the grade levels. They have been working very VERY hard.
Third, the communication with the District-- The Action Committee is pushing on the District hard, as much as they can, with regards to the teachers contracts. We all understand that this is our priority.
Fourth, the pre-school update...Hon. Curiel (a parent) has been working with Ms. Pearson and the District to confirm that she's on board. There are some minor hurdles and since some were on vacation, it was hard to connect. Nevertheless, Dr. Aleman has re-assured us that the District REALLY WANTS the pre-school as it "feeds" into the rest of the school and is an integral part of Harborside.
Finally, with respect to the "Foundation", Kerry has lots of ideas for the collecting and distribution of the monies raised. Many parents are excited to be on this committee since there are invaluable resources around us.
THANK YOU to all the teachers and parents who have been patient in our quest to push this along. I apologize in advance, if I failed to mention something!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Latest Enrollment Numbers
I was unable to attend the meeting last night so I don't have an update just yet--that's still coming from another parent. But meanwhile The Morans got a headcount on enrollment from the District. There are still more rolling in every single day. Here they are as a of two days ago:
Preschool 37
Kindergarten 14
First 9
Second 7
Third 10
Fourth 4
Fifth 9
Sixth 6
Seventh 4
Eighth 4
For a grand total of 103! Now please, if your particular grade feels low, do not fret just yet. These numbers are far and above better than they thought, more are coming in every day AND there has been a detailed enrollment policy designated by the teachers. The Marketing Committee has been busy devising ways to get the word out to new families, particularly with regard to the middle school.
That's it for now, but a review of Wednesday's meeting should be here in the near future.
Preschool 37
Kindergarten 14
First 9
Second 7
Third 10
Fourth 4
Fifth 9
Sixth 6
Seventh 4
Eighth 4
For a grand total of 103! Now please, if your particular grade feels low, do not fret just yet. These numbers are far and above better than they thought, more are coming in every day AND there has been a detailed enrollment policy designated by the teachers. The Marketing Committee has been busy devising ways to get the word out to new families, particularly with regard to the middle school.
That's it for now, but a review of Wednesday's meeting should be here in the near future.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
An interesting article on enrollment
Thanks to the person who posted this Voice of San Diego article in the Comments. It really speaks to why Dr. Aleman came to the Harborside community with this proposal, as well as how we as a group are so valuable to the District.
And don't forget, meeting tonight at 6 pm— kids are welcome, some food will be served. See below post for details.
And don't forget, meeting tonight at 6 pm— kids are welcome, some food will be served. See below post for details.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Next Meeting: July 11
I have been asked to post that the next meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 11th, after work. Details haven't been firmed up yet, but we shall post them here soon. On the table for discussion is the Open House as well as updates from the various committees. Please send any other topics you want covered to Marianna at moranrealtyinc@hotmail.com -- Hope to see you all there!
Monday, July 2, 2007
The Letter from Dr. Aleman
Click on the picture above to see it full size if you wish.
It's my understanding it's in the mail, but you can download the PDF here as well.
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