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SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

CLUSTER FACTS ClairemontCrawfordHenryHoover KearnyLa JollaLincolnMadison

Mira MesaMission BayMorsePoint Loma San DiegoScrippsSerraUniversity City

CLUSTER LEADERS CONFERENCE MAY 31, 2011

Cluster Leaders/Officers:
Julee Jenkins, 858.354.2359, julee.jenkins@gmail.com

Cluster Meeting Information:


Third Thursday of each month 5:307 p.m. Marston Middle School Library, 3799 Clairemont Dr., San Diego, CA 92117

Cluster Schools/Principals:
School Alcott Elementary Bay Park Elementary Cadman Elementary Holmes Elementary Toler Elementary Longfellow K8 Marston Middle Clairemont High Principal Michelle Riley Leslie Barnes Elizabeth Ballard Evvalenora (Evva) Cross Peggy Lewis Cynthia Arce Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) Cook Lenora Smith

Cluster Members Include:


Community Members Parents Administrators 11 85 8 Teachers Students Support Staff 10 3 1

Cluster Demographics: (Students)


African American Asian Hispanic Pacific Islander 3% 2% 50% 0% White English Learners Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Special Education 37% 22% 54% 17%

Cluster Mission Statement:


We are a decision-making body comprised of school site administrators, district, parent, and community representatives. We will work to improve Clairemont campus facilities and security, to ensure safe and wellmaintained campuses, increase school attendance and enrollment by creating schools that Clairemont families are proud to attend. We aim to increase student achievement by fostering high-performing schools that meet the needs of all children by increasing parent involvement and creating community-wide events that promote and support our neighborhood schools.

Cluster Goals/Objectives:
To enhance communication between the schools, market our schools to encourage families to attend their neighborhood schools, provide education and support to the community, develop a foundation to assist with financial needs, development relationships with local businesses.

Monthly Cluster Meeting Focus/Work:


Aug 2010 Sept 2010 Oct 2010 Nov 2010 Dec 2010 Jan 2011 Feb 2011 Mar 2011 Apr 2011 May 2011 June 2011

Established cluster group, met with Area Superintendent to discuss cluster focus and direction. Met with Area Superintendent to establish cluster organization (i.e., meeting times, cluster goals), discussed board direction and vision, and drafted a meeting agenda for the 1st community cluster meeting. Established cluster norms, shared District 20/20 vision and community-based school reform model, developed cluster goals and mission statement. Identified 3 cluster sub-committees (support, communication, and education), discussed ensuring that the cluster has a presence in the Clairemont community newspaper, Area Superintendent and Board Vice President shared budget information and process. None Established 3 sub-committeessupport, education, communicationand further discussed committee work/purpose. Reviewed district and cluster data results. Discussed establishing a foundation. Superintendent Kowba was present to address cluster concerns and questions. Issues discussed included: transportation, budget, class size, and establishment of a cluster foundation. The 3 subcommittees worked together to establish their desired goals and outcomes. Dedicated to sub-committee work (establishing committee goals, objectives, and action items). Parent education eventInternet safety. Year-end wrap-up, presented summer challenge, discussed plans for the fall and forward movement of the cluster foundation. Summer challenge given to cluster members: Develop at least one relationship with a business or organization that could support the cluster group/schools.

Cluster - Organized Events:


Internet safety event coordinated by education committee (100 attendees).

Cluster Challenges/Needs/Concerns:
Equal participation from every principal in the cluster; increasing parent involvement at the leadership level; working to grow support at each school site.

Cluster Next Steps:


Develop foundation; develop website; establish and grow community and business relationships; develop list of needs from teachers.

Cluster Questions:
Will we have consistent support from the district, i.e., maintain the current Area Superintendent structure? It is important to maintain our cluster with leadership that knows the needs of this community, losing the leadership team we have built this year would be a huge loss to the progress we have made. Clairemont schools are struggling to raise test scores, and we feel that with support from our current leadership we can continue most effectively toward this goal.

Cluster Leaders/Officers:
Jake Medcalf, 858-334-5325, jakem@lapres.org Becky Breedlove, 619-990-0248, bblove2@cox.net

Cluster Meeting Information:


1st Monday of the month (except for holidays, when the meeting is held on the 2nd Monday of the month) 6-8 pm Meeting locations are rotated among the cluster schools Food, childcare, and translations services are provided

Cluster Schools/Principals:
School Carver PK-8 Clay ES Crawford CHAMPS Crawford IDEA Crawford LaB Crawford MVAS Euclid ES Fay ES Ibarra ES Language Academy Mann MS Marshall ES Oak Park ES Rolando Park ES Principal Stephanie Mahan Valerie Voss William Laine Emma Martinez Patrick Holland Diego Gutierrez Ana Biffle Eileen Moreno Susie Sovereign Veronika Lopez-Mendez Esther Omogbehin Staci Monreal Milton Martin Kimberly Meng

Cluster Members Include:


Schools with enrollment of less than 500 students have 2 Cluster Council members each (1 faculty/staff and 1 parent/community); schools with enrollments of over 500 students have 4 Cluster Council members each (2 faculty/staff and 2 parent/community). In addition, there are 2 student seats and 2 community foundation seats on the Cluster Council. Cluster Council members serve on one of 5 committees (i.e., Learning Environment, Learning Communities, Marketing, Funding, and Cluster Structure/Operations).

Cluster Demographics: (Students)


African American Asian Hispanic Pacific Islander 20.2% 20.7% 53.2% .3% White English Learners Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Special Education 3.2% 57.3% 99.4% 13.1%

Cluster Mission Statement:


The Crawford Cluster is committed to higher levels of student achievement using the community-based school reform model. The cluster strives to establish an outstanding, cohesive K-12 environment for the children of MidCity, Colina Park, El Cerrito, Oak Park, Redwood Village, Rolando, Rolando Park, and the College Area.

Cluster Goals/Objectives:
The Crawford Cluster will: Advocate for a first-class education for all students. Improve the communication among, and coordinate the efforts of, the schools within the cluster. Develop the cluster model to support students in gaining knowledge and skills. Empower faculty, staff, administrators, students, parents, guardians, and concerned citizens to work together to improve student achievement. Identify cluster needs and develop position statements to ensure that the identified needs are met.

Monthly Cluster Meeting Focus/Work:


The Cluster met in October, November, and December 2010, and January, February, March, April and May 2011. The next meeting is scheduled for June 6, 2011. In 2010-11, the Cluster established its basic organization, made decisions about the composition of the cluster members, discussed the clusters purpose, goals, and power, determined that better translation ability will lead to increased parental involvement and engagement, worked to come to consensus on a Title I position statement, and formed subcommittees.

Cluster Challenges/Needs/Concerns:
For the Crawford Cluster to have any autonomy, the Board of Education and/or Superintendent should (within fiscal and state-mandated legal requirements) allow the cluster authority in making decisions Potential reversal of the Boards Title I threshold decision Involvement of parents/community members Outreach efforts to parents/community members Large number of students who choose to leave cluster schools for other educational opportunities Impact of the higher percentage of certificated layoff notices in cluster schools Perceptions of the community and quality of education received by students in the cluster

Cluster Next Steps:


In 2011-12, cluster meeting dates, times and locations will be revisited so as to reduce the number of scheduling conflicts with clusters shared by the same Board of Education member. In 2011-12, the Cluster will complete its first position statement (Title I) for presentation to the Board of Education and will continue to craft position statements on other topics. Subcommittees will continue to work toward greater K-12 cohesiveness and improving student achievement. The Cluster will review ways and means to secure funding and better utilize and share resources, and continue to use research and data to drive conversations.

Unique Cluster Characteristics:


The schools in the Crawford Cluster are in what is arguably San Diegos most culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse community. Compared to Diego as a whole, the cluster has higher student, teacher, and administrator mobility; higher immigrant/newcomer populations; serves a large linguistically and ethnically diverse community; faces profound economic disparity and has unique transportation challenges. However, Crawford Cluster students and their families bring with them tremendous hope and promise for public education.

Cluster Leaders/Officers:
Name David Downey Pat Crowder Title Principal Principal School Foster ES Henry HS Address 6550 51st St., 92120 6702 Wandemere Dr., 92120 Phone 619-582-2728 619-286-7700 E-Mail ddowney@sandi.net pcrowder@sandi.net

Cluster Meeting Information:


Dates vary usually one Monday per month at the Henry HS Library.

Cluster Schools/Principals:
School
Benchley-Weinberger Elementary Foster Elementary Green Elementary Hearst Elementary Lewis Middle Pershing Middle

Principal
Bonnie Remington, Interim Dave Downey Bruce Ferguson Jamie Jorgensen Brad Callahan Sarah Sullivan

School
Dailard Elementary Gage Elementary Hardy Elementary Henry High Marvin Elementary

Principal
Jonathan McDade Kathy Burns Kathy Wolfe Patricia Crowder E. Jay Derwae

Cluster Members Include:


Community Members Parents Administrators 10 11 Teachers Students Support Staff 10 1

Cluster Demographics: (Students)


African American Asian Hispanic Pacific Islander Filipino Indo-Chinese 8% 3% 30% 1% 1% 5% Multi-Racial Native American White English Learners Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Special Education 4% 1% 46% 10% 37% 10%

Cluster Mission Statement:


In service of K-12 educational excellence, the Patrick Henry High School Cluster Council seeks to unite all students, staff, parents, and partners in pursuit of a common goal: advocate for cohesive, rigorous educational experiences for all students.

Cluster Goals/Objectives:
Work in progress: Based on December parent survey, focus subcommittees have been formed: a) to foster student creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills; b) to increase parent/guardian/gamily engagement; c) to provide support for struggling students; d) advocacy; and e) to improve facilities/leverage resources.

Monthly Cluster Meeting Focus/Work:


Aug 2010 Sept 2010 Oct 2010 Nov 2010 Dec 2010 Jan 2011 Discussion within Area 8 leadership Discussion within Area 8 leadership, Parent Survey discussion. Establishing cluster make-up, Invitations to meeting, Town Hall Meeting 1st Cluster Meeting Statement of Purpose: Preparing students for success in the 21st Century. Reviewed Council Binder, Vision 2020, Overview of Henry Cluster school highlights, challenges, establishing priorities, next steps. Developed phone and connection tree took on establishing priorities and Area 8 Survey. Overview of cluster purpose, district and Area 8 budget for 2011-12, Area 8 Survey, worked on mission statements: results looking ahead purpose, mission, bylaws Business of the Cluster Council improving instruction, increasing parent/guardian/family engagement, ensuring consistency across grade levels, improving facilities/leveraging resources, fostering student creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, developing the role of the students in the instructional process, providing support for struggling students. Development of mission statement Review mission statements Title 1 cluster input/information Accountability, review and approve mission statement, budget/district update, district Cluster Conference planning, begin to establish working Subcommittees Establish working Subcommittees

Feb 2011

Mar 2011 Apr 2011 May 2011 June 2011

Cluster - Organized Events:


Town Hall Meetings, Cluster Committee Meetings, District Cluster Conference.

Cluster Challenges/Needs/Concerns:
Resources, making connections with community and partnerships.

Cluster Next Steps:


Establish working Subcommittees, working on bylaws.

Cluster Questions:
Next steps; Board direction for the coming years.

Cluster Leaders/Officers: (Temporary)


Name Ana Luisa Biffle Kim Kossyta Rosario Iannacone Title Principal Principal Parent School Euclid ES Rowan ES Address 4166 Euclid Ave., 92105 1755 Rowan St., 92105 Phone 619-282-2192 619-262-7541 619-795-2015 E-Mail abiffle@sandi.net kkossyta@sandi.net riannacone@pricecharities.org

Cluster Meeting Information:


Meetings are determined from month to month. The next meeting is scheduled for June 6, 2011, 4-6 pm, Hoover HS. 2011-12 meeting schedule TBD.

Cluster Schools/Principals:
School Adams ES Central ES Cherokee Point ES Clark MS Edison ES Euclid ES Franklin ES Hamilton ES Hoover HS Joyner ES Normal Heights ES Parks ES Rowan ES Wilson MS Principal Derek Murchison Cynthia Marten Godwin Higa Thomas Liberto Tavga Bustani Ana Luisa Biffle Jean Small Mary Taylor Chuck Podhorsky Gilbert Gutierrez, Jr. John Aguilar Carolanne Buguey Kim Kossyta Bernadette Nguyen

Cluster Members Include:


Community Members Parents Administrators 4 28 14 Teachers Students Support Staff 14 0 1

Cluster Demographics: (Students)


African American Asian Hispanic Pacific Islander 10% 11% 75% 1% White English Learners Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Special Education 3% 54% 100% 11%

Cluster Mission Statement:


TBD

Cluster Goals/Objectives:
TBD

Monthly Cluster Meeting Focus/Work:


The City Heights/Hoover Cluster met officially on March 22, May 2, and May 23, 2011. The main topics covered include: March introductions, sharing best practices and school cultures; May beginning work on the vision/mission statement, holding a retreat to build trust and strengthen relationships among stakeholder groups and individuals. The June 6 meeting will focus on continuing to work on the vision/mission statement.

Cluster Challenges/Needs/Concerns:
Keeping students in the articulation pattern, retaining staff, more parent support, high poverty risk factors, students new to the United States, second language issues, communication access for parents.

Cluster Next Steps:


The 2011-12 focus will be to bring the entire community together to celebrate and learn about how the community-based reform strategies can be implemented in the City Heights/Hoover Cluster, and to determine governance structure to guide cluster work in improving teaching and learning for all.

Unique Cluster Characteristics:


Our cluster work is unique because it engages multiple community partners and stakeholders to address the whole child, family and community needs through a community school-based framework. The City Heights/Hoover Cluster is a microcosm of dozens of diverse languages and cultures concentrated in a relatively small concentrated boundary area of our district.

Cluster Leaders/Officers:
TBD

Cluster Meeting Information:


3rd Wednesday of the month (September-November, January-May) Taft Middle School Library 4:15-5:45 pm

Cluster Schools/Principals:
Elem School Angier Carson Chesterton Cubberley Fletcher Jones Juarez Linda Vista Ross Wegeforth Principal Kimberlee Kidd Mitzi Merino Herb Delute Rosemary Cruz Gina Camacho-McGrath Rita Powell Marceline Marques Deborah Hatchell-Carter Tim Suanico Linda Williams Middle School Principal Montgomery Jonathan Ton Taft Mike George High School Kearny CTA Kearny DMD Kearny SCT Kearny SIB MET Twain Principal Laura Bellofatto Cheryl Hibbeln V. Derek Morris Ana Diaz-Booz Mildred Phillips Cesar Alcantar

Cluster Members Include:


Community Members Parents Administrators 0 18 18 Teachers Students Support Staff 18 0 0

Cluster Demographics: (Students)


African American Asian Hispanic Pacific Islander 13% 3% 45% 1% White English Learners Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Special Education 17% 34% 72% 12%

Cluster Mission Statement:


TBD

Cluster Goals/Objectives:
TBD

Monthly Cluster Meeting Focus/Work:


The Kearny Cluster began meeting in April 2011 to shape the cluster organization.

Cluster - Organized Events:


Currently, individual schools within the cluster are sponsoring events.

Cluster Challenges/Needs/Concerns:
Branding and public relations; small high school configuration; middle school reputation and local enrollment; continuous improvement in all cluster schools.

Cluster Next Steps:


Develop governance structure; develop and adopt by-laws or governing compact; develop marketing campaign for cluster schools; develop middle school plan for cluster enrollment.

Cluster Questions:
How will the cluster support our middle schools with local enrollment? How to identify existing and develop new special programs that can be articulated K-12?

Cluster Leaders/Officers:
Lisa Bonebrake, lisajbone@yahoo.com; Alison Lee, alisonbowenlee@yahoo.com; John May, johnmayphd@yahoo.com; Fran Shimp, franandtodd@aol.com

Cluster Meeting Information:


3rd Tuesday of the month 5:15-6:45 pm Muirlands Middle School Library info@lajollacluster.com

Cluster Schools/Principals:
School Bird Rock ES La Jolla ES La Jolla HS Muirlands MS Torrey Pines ES Principal Sally Viavada Donna Tripi Dana Shelburne Christine Hargrave Jim Solo

Cluster Members Include:


Community Members Parents Administrators 2 10 (+ 2 alternates) 5 Teachers Students Support Staff 10 (+ 20 on committees) 0 0

Cluster Demographics: (Students)


African American Asian Hispanic Pacific Islander 2% 8% 23% 1% White English Learners Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Special Education 61% 11% 19% 6%

Cluster Mission Statement:


The mission of the La Jolla Cluster Association is to promote and support excellence in education in all La Jolla public schools by: Working collaboratively to meet the needs of our diverse student population through the K-12 school experience. Preparing our students for college, careers and life by providing a rigorous, comprehensive, standardsbased curriculum that includes technology, the visual and performing arts, physical education and character education.

Cluster Goals/Objectives:
To share ideas and resources. To identify common goals for K-12. To build bridges between schools to ease transitions. To determine spending priorities. To better understand teacher/staff needs and goals. To have a unified voice when working with the district. To create an environment of unity instead of competition in our community. To help shape how clusters are formed and utilized throughout the district.

Monthly Cluster Meeting Focus/Work:


Aug 2010 Sept 2010 Oct 2010 Nov 2010 Dec 2010 Jan 2011 Feb 2011 Mar 2011 Apr 2011 May 2011 Jun 2011 Site-Based Management School Board Election Forum Cluster Survey and K-12 Partnership Agreement Teacher Brainstorming for Agreement Ideas K-12 Partnership Agreement School District Updates K-12 Partnership Agreement Debrief School Staff Meetings Draft K-12 Partnership Agreement

Cluster - Organized Events: (Currently sponsored by individual schools and foundations)


La Jolla Art & Wine Festival, Taste of La Jolla, Sunday Farmers Market, Various service club city/area-wide activities

Cluster Challenges/Needs/Concerns:
Alignment of K-12 Course of Study; alignment of bell times; cluster-wide K-12 Partnership Agreement; maintenance of high academic performance; increased communication between schools.

Cluster Next Steps:


Alignment of bell times to facilitate cluster vertical teaming and collaboration; document needs of teachers throughout the cluster, facilitate vertical and horizontal teaming, continuously improve communication between sites.

Cluster Questions:
How to align time schedules? How to maintain high student achievement? How to provide curriculum and instruction that challenges all students?

Unique Cluster Characteristics:


All sites within the cluster have a long history of individual high performance, and each site has its own school culture that is now being incorporated into one cluster.

Cluster Leaders/Officers:
Title Chairperson 1st Vice Chair 2nd Vice Chair Recording Secretary Parliamentarian Name Michelle Bryant Nicolas Espinal Maria Leon Pat Washington Sharon Powell Location Johnson (teacher)/ Lincoln (parent) Lincoln/Porter Horton/Lincoln Community Rep Lincoln (parent/staff) 619-337-5401 619-279-9096 619-203-9440 Phone Email mbryant@sandi.net nbespinal@aol.com Gleon7@cox.net patwashingtonphd@aol.com oohaytta@yahoo.com, spowell@sandi.net

Cluster Meeting Information:


2nd Monday of the month, 6-8 pm Porter Elementary South

Cluster Schools/Principals:
School Baker ES Balboa ES Chavez ES Chollas/Mead ES Encanto ES Horton ES Johnson ES Knox K-8 Lincoln HS Millennial Tech MS Nye ES Porter ES Valencia Park ES Webster ES Principal Linette Darosa Fabiola Bagula Celia Ramirez Julia Bridi Debra Baker Robin McCulloch Tracey Jenkins-Martin Garry Rollins Melvin Collins, Ana Alvarez, Ana Shapiro Helen Griffith Karen Mooney Lillie McMillan Andrew Gergurich Minerva Salas

Cluster Members Include:


Community Members Parents Administrators 1 3 0 Teachers Students Support Staff 1 0 1

Cluster Demographics: (Students)


African American Asian Hispanic Pacific Islander 20.6% 7.3% 67.1% 1.2% White English Learners Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Special Education 1.6% 51.2% 97.9% 11.3%

Cluster Mission Statement:


To establish the structures and systems found in high-performing schools; develop a continuous culture of learning based on a shared vision, values and goals; provide parents with information on school programs, school-wide themes, and student achievement and to be the voice of advocacy for the schools and students in Area 1.

Cluster Goals/Objectives:
To develop parent leaders and student leaders; to develop a strong articulation in the Lincoln feeder pattern schools; to strengthen and increase the achievement of all students; to define cluster issues and processes needed to academically strengthen schools.

Monthly Cluster Meeting Focus/Work:


A different school presents information about the schools achievements and challenges at each cluster meeting. Topics have ranged from Planning Strategies to Exit Program Improvement to organizing committees with a focus on specific targeted goals (Health and Human Resources, Technology, Marketing and Partnerships, Curriculum and Instruction, Safety and Security). Two middle feeder schools were established (Knox and Millennial Tech Middle). Development of wraparound services for students and families. Increasing parent/community engagement. Establishing a PK-12 continuum.

Cluster - Organized Events:


A community Partners Fair showcased the existing Area 1 schools and offered an opportunity for parents, students and principals from other schools to learn more about the programs and services offered.

Cluster Challenges/Needs/Concerns:
Exiting schools from Program Improvement; articulation among pre-school, elementary, middle and high schools; building links between the region, schools and neighborhood; student/parent/community safety issues.

Cluster Next Steps:


Continue to explore avenues to meet identified goals, continue to expand the number of cluster participants, establish infrastructures for improving student achievement.

Cluster Leaders/Officers:
Michael Snyder, 619.548.1552, michaelsnyderfinancial@yahoo.com

Cluster Meeting Information:


Second Monday of each month 5:307 p.m. Madison High School, 4833 Doliva Dr., Room 101, San Diego 92117

Cluster Schools/Principals:
School Field Elementary Hawthorne Elementary Holmes Elementary Lafayette Elementary Lindbergh/Schweitzer Elementary Sequoia Elementary Whitman Elementary Creative, Performing, Media Arts (CPMA) Middle Innovation Middle Madison High Mt. Everest K12 Muir K12 Principal Yesenia Robinson Kimberly Lopez Evvalenora (Evva) Cross Jerrilee Fischer-Garza Deanne Rohde Ryan Kissel Pamela (Pam) Thompson Scott Thomason Harlan Klein Richard Nash Michael Rood Nancy Johnson

Cluster Members Include:


Community Members Parents Administrators 18 49 12 Teachers Students Support Staff 6 0 11

Cluster Demographics: (Students)


African American Asian Hispanic Pacific Islander 10% 3% 43% 2% White English Learners Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Special Education 31% 22% 60% 17%

Cluster Mission Statement:


To raise student achievement by fostering high-performing schools that meet the needs of all children.

Cluster Goals/Objectives:
Help to create/raise public awareness among community members and work with families, teachers, school site personnel and residents of the Madison High School Community of Schools on school-related issues. To develop ongoing relationships with community business entities and organizations.

Monthly Cluster Meeting Focus/Work:


Aug 2010 Sept 2010 Oct 2010 Nov 2010 Dec 2010 Begin preparation and determine goals of November Family Day event. Introduction of vision 20/20 and building consensus for formal community of school organization, development of school partnership with related goals and cooperation. Work to build communication between schools and parent groups, community organizations with direct involvement in Family Day event. Brief community of schools on November event with emphasis on building relationship with community and increased community awareness, increased communications between schools to develop better group relationships. Debrief November event with community, work to build on positive aspects of the community wide event and begin developing goals to become formal organization with emphasis on building community based organization modeled after vision 20/20. Establishment of organization goals for remainder of school year with added emphasis toward community involvement and continuing building of outreach programs. Meeting with Area Superintendent to discuss budget cuts and formulae for budgeting. Strong discussion for building support for smaller schools. Initial discussion about having foundation and 501c3 status to be able to help fund the organization schools. Discussion and consensus on first steps for foundation. Mission statement formally accepted. Introduction and building of initial sub-committees to develop support for foundation and development of initial process to better understand community needs, and individual school goals to better develop building process of bylaws for working foundation. Meeting with district representative to discuss Title 1 changes and impacts on organization schools. Expanded on need for foundation/community of schools to relate information to the community at large. Updates for all working subcommittees, emphasis on improved and new relationships with local area businesses and organizations, need for better communication between schools and with community at large and process of communicating school needs to community. Development of foundation goals and introduction of bylaws. Setting goal for foundation to be in place for new school year. Reaffirmation for three initial sub-committees. Subcommittee goals set for stakeholders. Introduction of initial officers for executive board of foundation. Naming of foundation and introduction of event to introduce new foundation to the community, important parent partners and school staff in August.

Jan 2011

Feb 2011 Mar 2011 Apr 2011

May 2011 June 2011

Cluster - Organized Events:


Annual Clairemont Community Support meetingSeptember Annual rummage sale and family Fund November Annual Business Recognition ProgramMarch

Cluster Challenges/Needs/Concerns:
Increased mentorship (middle to elementary, high school to middle, adults to all levels) and professional partnerships with intentional, projectoriented focus Articulation between cluster schools Greater awareness of events scheduled and needs at the individual site Parent Involvement/Volunteer opportunities clarified to support recruitment Drug and alcohol awareness and prevention Cyberbullying and acceptable use of technology resources

Social/Emotional support and learning opportunities for students One elementary school magnet has an overrepresentation of students with special needs. Need support to integrate special needs students into general education classrooms and help them reach annual goals. The cluster needs to maintain a viable magnet program without financial support from the district. Magnet schools keep many families from leaving the district. They give some students the extra needed focus of interest. One elementary school is part of two high school clusters. It is difficult to recruit sufficient parental participation to support two clusters.

Cluster Next Steps:


Formation of community-based foundation and development of relationship with Clairemont High School cluster organization. Further development of Community Outreach sub-committee to continue contacts with service organizations and community-based businesses. Build base of contact with new Clairemont community volunteer organizing association. Further outreach to Clairemont Town Council and Chamber of Commerce. Coordinate with all schools within the cluster organization to develop foundation-funded project-based programs.

Cluster Questions:
How will the foundation's resources be equitably shared among schools? What will be the responsibilities of the cluster groups in relation to the district offices? What authority will be extended to the cluster group in response to the increased responsibilities? How will the school district give support to the cluster groups and will any official recognition of the cluster groups be given by the district to the community at large? How will the cluster groups work in relationship with other? Will the cluster groups have a reporting responsibility to the district?

Cluster Leaders/Officers:
Bob Turner, Chairperson, rturner4@san.rr.com Jennifer Kvalvik, Vice Chairperson/Teacher, jkvalvik@sandi.net

Cluster Meeting Information:


Generally 3rd Monday of the month, 6 p.m. Mira Mesa High School Library

Cluster Schools/Principals:
School Challenger MS Ericson ES Hage ES Hickman ES Mason ES Mira Mesa HS Sandburg ES Walker ES Wangenheim MS Principal Sheelagh Moran Maria Gomez Eric Takeshita Jennifer Wroblewski Deidre Hardson Scott Giusti Laurie Hinzman Rochelle Dawes Lamont Jackson

Cluster Members Include:


Community Members Parents Administrators 20 20 9 Teachers Students Support Staff 1 0 0

Cluster Demographics: [Students]


African American Asian Hispanic Pacific Islander Filipino 7% 7% 21% 1% 23% White English Learners Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Special Education Indochinese 19% 20% 42% 9% 15%

Cluster Mission Statement:


Together, the Mira Mesa Cluster School Councils teaching and learning community will excel in providing the highest quality education for all children. We believe that sharing the responsibility of education among school personnel, students, parents, and other community members is essential to maximize student achievement. We emphasize meeting the diverse academic, social and personal needs of our cluster schools.

Cluster Goals/Objectives:
Community schools reform To develop a cluster website with links to all cluster schools, community organizations and stakeholders, including a community calendar. To provide family and partnership support.

Monthly Cluster Meeting Focus/ Work:


Aug 2010 Sept 2010 Oct 2010 Nov 2010 Dec 2010 Jan 2011 Feb 2011 Mar 2011 Apr 2011 May 2011

Cluster Volunteer Request form to be published in Mira Mesa Living, Councilman Carl DeMaio spoke on city budget, Miramar pool issues, Prop S revision list. Meeting cancelled by B Turner No meeting Miramar pool, Prop S, Taste of Mira Mesa, District budget (Harry Sullivan), Title I funds, Michael Clark workshops. Title I, Heroes organizations (school improvements), Senior Exhibitions Title I survey, Cluster vision and purpose, letter to Board on VAPA cuts on behalf of cluster, participation in Area 5 Parent TownHall Meeting. Cluster goals and purpose (getting input and writing down all ideas from all parties). School Reform presentations, Reps for Cluster conference, complete template, formulate Cluster Mission statement, Principal updates. Recentering workshop attendance.

June 2011

Cluster - Organized Events:


Cost Free Recentering Parents and Students Workshops for all cluster students and their families. Street Fair Booth for September 2011 to market cluster organization.

Cluster Challenges/Needs/Concerns:
Challenges: 1) Sometimes attendance; 2) Fitting everything into our agenda. Needs: 1) Cluster website and technical support for our cluster schools websites.

Cluster Next Steps:


To address and accomplish as many of our goals as possible. To create a cohesive blend as we enter into the Community Schools Reform for our cluster.

Cluster Leaders/Officers:
Brian Catanzaro, Interim Chair, pbcatanzaro@pacbell.net

Cluster Meeting Information:


3rd Thursday of each month (location rotates between cluster sites)

Cluster Schools/Principals:
School Mission Bay HS Pacific Beach MS Bayview Terrace ES Crown Point ES Pacific Beach ES Sessions ES Principal Fred Hilgers Julie Martel Magdalena Tavasci Barbara Boone Sherry Turner Sue DiVicariis

Cluster Members Include:


Community Members Parents Administrators 0 5 8 Teachers Students Support Staff 3 0 2

Cluster Demographics: (Students)


African American Asian Hispanic Pacific Islander 7.6% 3.6% 57.2% .6% White English Learners Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Special Education 27.9% 22.4% 64.7% 11.2%

Cluster Mission Statement:


To improve academic performance through support of Title I students and through establishing high expectations through programs such as International Baccalaureate (IB).

Cluster Goals/Objectives:
Roll back threshold for Title I support; maintain IB curriculum; expand student participation in IB.

Monthly Cluster Meeting Focus/Work:


Researched student demographics, performance, and resident/non-resident status; nominal group technique to determine priorities; researched limits in use of 501(c)3 expenditure; discussed La Jolla HS Autonomy Agreement; reviewed all site budgets (X Factor, Title I, EIA, grants), bylaws and elections.

Cluster Challenges/Needs/Concerns:
Retaining residential students through middle and high school; retaining staff trained in IB; educating over 700 high school students residing outside the cluster.

Cluster Next Steps:


Secure funding required for IB; promote student achievement; lobby Board of Education for interests; explore development of Mission Bay Autonomy Agreement.

Unique Cluster Characteristics:


IB diploma program at elementary, middle and high schools; wide distribution of economic and social groups in both community and CHOICE students; only 30% of high school students live in the neighborhood.

Cluster Leaders/Officers:
TITLE Co-Chairperson Co-Chairperson Recording Secretary Parliamentarian NAME Will Penick Dora Maher Diana York Edwina Hardieway SCHOOLS Community Rep Morse HS Parent Community Rep 619-262-0763 619-634-0809 619-808-6301 ejhardieway@gmail.com PHONE E-MAIL penick_will@cox.net dmaher@sandi.net

Cluster Meeting Information:


3rd Monday of each month 6:00-8:00 pm Morse High School Library

Cluster Schools/Principals:
School Audubon K-8 Bell MS Bethune K-8 Boone ES Freese ES Fulton K-8 Lee ES Morse HS Paradise Hills ES Penn ES Perry ES SCPA Zamorano ES Principal Carr, Sharon Dodson, Michael Spiegel, John Cannie, Mary Hills, Alma Kirkland, Gwendolyn Jimenez, James Shelton, Harry Craig, Donald Nelson, Joan Austin, Elizabeth Lizarraga, Mitzi King, Caroline

Cluster Members Include:


Community Members Parents Administrators 2 1 0 Teachers Students Support Staff 0 0 1

Cluster Demographics: (Students)


African American Asian Hispanic Pacific Islander 18.7% 31.6% 38.8% 1.8% White English Learners Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Special Education 3.8% 28.8% 73.6% 11.6%

Cluster Mission Statement:


To establish the structures and systems found in high-performing schools including a continuous culture of learning based on a shared vision, values and goals. To provide parents in the Morse cluster with information on school programs, school-wide themes, and student achievement. To be the voice of advocacy for the schools and students in Area 1.

Cluster Goals/Objectives:
To develop parent leaders and student leaders To develop a strong articulation of the schools in the Morse feeder pattern To strengthen and increase the achievement of all students To define the cluster issues and processes needed to academically strengthen the schools.

Monthly Cluster Meeting Focus/Work:


A different school presents information about the schools achievements and challenges at each cluster meeting. Topics have ranged from Planning Strategies to Exit Program Improvement to Title I funding.

Cluster - Organized Events:


The Morse Cluster held a community Partners Fair that showcased the existing Area 1 schools and offered an opportunity for parents, students and principals from other schools to learn more about the programs and services offered.

Cluster Challenges/Needs/Concerns:
Exiting schools from Program Improvement Articulation among pre-school, elementary, middle and high schools Building links between the region, schools, and neighborhood Student/parent/community safety issues

Cluster Next Steps:


Expanding the number of participants at future monthly Community Cluster meetings Establishing infrastructures for improving student achievement Developing wraparound services for students and families Increasing parent/community engagement Establishing PK-12 continuum

Cluster Leaders/Officers:
Elections will be held in October 2011. Contact information is available at www.pointlomacluster.com.

Cluster Meeting Information:


The Point Loma Cluster Schools Foundation meets on the 1st Monday of the month, 6 times per year (October, November, January, February, March, and May) 6:30-8 pm Correia Middle School Library

Cluster Schools/Principals:
School Barnard ES Cabrillo ES Correia MS Dana MS Dewey ES Loma Portal ES Ocean Beach ES Point Loma HS Silver Gate ES Sunset View ES Principal Edward Park Nestor Suarez Patty Ladd Diane Ryan Tanya Belsan Glenda Gerde Margaret Johnson Bobbie Samilson Sandy McClure Jackie McCabe

Cluster Members Include:


Each cluster school is represented by: 2 parents (elected by other parents) 1 staff (elected by staff) 1 principal (appointed) 2 students (nonvoting) 1 Area Superintendent/district representative (appointed) The general board will vote for an executive board (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, chair for each area of emphasis).

Cluster Demographics: (Students)


African American Asian Hispanic Pacific Islander 7% 2% 38% .5% White English Learner Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Special Education 46% 15% 44% 10%

Cluster Mission Statement:


It is the mission of the Point Loma Cluster (PLC) to inspire in each student a joy of life-long learning and inquiry about ones individuality, community, and the world. As stakeholders, our commitment is to sustain and support the best practices in education that empower each child with knowledge, skills and values necessary to become confident, self-sufficient adults and global citizens. The result is that the PLC is the highest quality option for all students and stakeholders.

Cluster Vision Statement:


The Point Loma Cluster Schools, through innovative practices and collaborative efforts, will be the model of educational excellence; inspiring passionate life-long learners, critical thinkers, unbounded achievers, and responsible global citizens.

Cluster Values:
EXCELLENCE: Educational superiority attained through perseverance, hard work and dedication to learning. INTEGRITY: Education with a foundation of honesty, courage and respect. INNOVATION: An educational program which uses creative problem solving, global thinking and exploration and risk taking to determine and implement change so that our students can be well prepared to actively participate and be contributing members of society. COLLABORATION: Respecting and valuing input from all community members (students, parents and staff) and working together to create a superior educational program. BALANCE: Encouraging students to discover and then maintain a balance that includes physical, emotional and mental fitness.

Cluster Goals/Objectives:
The PLCF has identified five main areas of strategic areas of emphasis in which to direct its efforts: Information Communication Technology (ICT) Literacy Learning Environment Learning Communities Finance Marketing Specific goals and tasks in these areas are shown on the Strategic Plan on our website (www.pointlomacluster.com, under the Digital Filing Cabinet). The PLC desires to have as much decision making as possible at the cluster and school site levels versus a one-size-fits-all District approach. Because the needs across the District vary dramatically, the PLC is focusing on the goals outlined in the strategic plan. In 2010-11, the PLC adopted 6 Buckets of Empowerment: Budget Staffing Curriculum Scheduling Accountability Leadership To learn more about these areas, see our Courageous Conversation and other resources on our website (www.pointlomacluster.com, under Cluster Governance News and Announcements).

Monthly Cluster Meeting Focus/Work:


After agenda approval, reports are provided by each of the 5 chairs, the Area Superintendent, and the lead principal. Schools are then invited to present (pre-arranged) on best practices, needs, ideas, etc. as relevant to coordinating with other cluster schools. Old and New Business as well as Open Forum are constantly changing. A great deal of time was spent in 2010-11 on governance with reach-out meetings, surveys, forums, etc. This work resulted in the development of 6 empowerment areas and a plan to expand the 201112 general board.

Cluster Challenges/Needs/Concerns:
See Goals/Objectives section above; visit the Point Loma Cluster Schools website at www.pointlomacluster.com.

Cluster Next Steps:


Completion of the Empowered Schools Framework, including sites of authority. Improvement of communication systems, including potential use of district telephone messaging system for broadcasting in Spanish. Implementation of caring values programs at all of our elementary schools. Emphasizing that consistency of message and enforcement of behavioral expectations in each school and classroom from K 12 are vital, as are similar core values throughout the cluster. Completion of traffic safety improvements, and initiation of enforcement to encourage appropriate driving behavior. Adaptation and adoption of the Model School Library Standards for California Public Schools K -12. Survey of elementary schools by Science SIG in regards to science resources and instruction; agreement on the skill sets desirable by grade level. Initiation of a VAPA SIG to begin discussing how to integrate the visual arts into the K 12 curricular areas as a means to encourage creative thinking. Initiation of a means to determine what our high school students are learning and retaining in regards to civics. Our high school students should be able to correctly answer questions on the U.S. Naturalization Exam. Learning about our country and the rights and responsibilities that accompany citizenship is an important part of being a good citizen. Continuation of the conversations on establishing a culture of accountability; and the expectations for principals, teachers, parents, and students. This includes defining the "instructional leadership" we desire from our principals; and students taking responsibility for asking questions if they dont understand the assignments. Identification of financial resources for the cluster. See website for regular updates, or join our e-blast list (sign up at: www.pointlomacluster.com)

Unique Cluster Characteristics:


PT. LOMA CLUSTER SCHOOLS FOUNDATION In 2006, a group of parents, teachers, and principals from each school engaged in a strategic planning process to develop a unified vision for the Point Loma Cluster. Called the Point Loma Cluster Schools Foundation (PLCSF), the primary objective of the group was to improve the communication between and coordinate the efforts of the cluster schools, thus supporting the development of the cluster into an outstanding, cohesive K-12 environment for the children of Point Loma and San Diego. The PLCSF received widespread support and participation not only at the local school level, but also from district staff, the two Area Superintendents, and the area Board of Education member. The grassroots effort of the PLCSF was the first of its kind within the school district and was seen as a design model for other clusters within the district. The PLCSF has become a California nonprofit public benefit corporation to further its work.

The Point Loma Cluster has been very fortunate to have visionary parent volunteers, some who can conceptualize strategically and some who are hands-on. The leadership team has worked incredibly well together. Also, principals, parents, and teachers are collaborating on finding solutions for a number of cluster priorities. ABOUT OUR SHOOLS The Point Loma Cluster consists of 10 schools and over 6,000 students. Cluster schools consist 7 elementary schools: Barnard, Cabrillo, Dewey, Loma Portal, Ocean Beach, Sunset View and Silver Gate (grades K-4); 2 middle schools: Dana (grades 5/6) and Correia (grades 7/8); and Point Loma High School (grades 9-12). Our cluster utilizes an e-blast system to communicate to our cluster community and individual schools. A central website provides links to all cluster schools. Included on the website are Community Pages where community events, sports, camps, and community service opportunities are listed. The Traffic Safety Specific Interest Group is collaborating with the City of San Diego, San Diego Unified School District, Police Department, and Councilmember Faulconer's office to determine what safety improvements are viable and develop an ACTION plan. Meetings were held with principals and detailed plans have been developed for all 10 of our cluster schools. To date, site visits and plans have been conducted with City Traffic Engineers at 7 of the school sites, and improvements have been initiated. The PLCSF established a Science SIG consisting of science teachers from the middle and high schools to conceptualize a dynamic and engaging K 12 science articulation plan. The Science SIG is discussing what skill sets teachers want their students to obtain before matriculating to the next grade level, with a focus on elementary school nuts and bolts. Finding that students were having difficulty in mathematic word problems, as well as following instructions in scientific experiments, led to an emphasis in vertical teaming for mathematics, as well as the Science SIG focus on elementary schools (for example, having students create a set of instructions for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich). Conversations have been initiated on establishing a culture of accountability, in which every stakeholder takes personal accountability to think and act in a way that will achieve the agreed-upon results. The four Steps to Accountability are See It, Own It, Solve It, and Do It. Source: Journey to the Emerald City: Achieve a Competitive Edge by Creating a Culture of Accountability by Roger Connors and Tom Smith. Under Learning Communities, GATE, Special Education and English Learners are united across the cluster to connect parents and staff on relevant issues and concerns. Updates and definitions for other areas of our work can be found on the website under committees.

Cluster Leaders/Officers:
Position Co-Chair

(Representative Selections May 11, 2011) Student Representative and Contact Info. Xochitl Delgado xochitldlgd@yahoo.com Koll Kilmade, SDHEC Sci.Tech kkilmade@gmail.com Emerson Phillips, SDHEC IS em.phillips92@yahoo.com Luke Osorio SDHEC - Business 6.284.1033 Ashley Anaya ashanaya@yahoo.com Elysa McClelland elysamclelland@yahoo.com Marco Buelna marcob2014@yahoo.com

Representative and Contact Info. Franny Del Carmen SDHEC Counselor fdelcarmen@sandi.net Michael Bradley SDHEC, Parent mbtaco@aol.com, 619.742.8226 Karina Reyes V.P., Golden Hill K-8 kreyes@sandi.net Andrea Calhoon- Teacher, SDHEC, Business acalhoon@sandi.net Minerva Espejo, Parent-Sherman minervae@gmail.com Sonny Burton, Parent- Roosevelt, McKinley sonnyspain@ymail.com Mary Sunderland, Teacher SDHEC, SoComm msunderland@sandi.net

Co-Chair

Secretary

Treasurer

Elementary Chair M.S./K-8 Chair H.S. Chair

Cluster Meeting Information:


Next Meeting June 8, 2011 5:30 p.m. SDHS Complex Library

Cluster Schools/Principals:
School Birney K5 (YR) Burbank K5 (YR) Emerson/Bandini K6 (YR) Florence K5 (YR) Garfield K5 (YR) Golden Hill K8 (YR) Principal Amanda Hammond-Williams Carolina Flores-Wittman Mirna Estrada Mary Estill Chip Dale Juan Romo

School Grant K8 Jefferson K5 Kimbrough K5 (YR) Logan K8 (YR) McKinley K5 Perkins K8 (YR) Rodriguez K5 Sherman K5 Washington K5 ALBA 612 Memorial Prep Roosevelt 68 Garfield 912 SD Early/Middle College 912 SD Business 9-12 SD CIMA 912 SD IS 912 SD LEADS 912 SD MVPA 912 SD SciTech 912

Principal Monique Robertson Francisco Morga Flavia Soria Antonio Villar Julie Ashton-Gray Fernando Hernndez Claudia Jordan Eddie Caballero Janie Wardlow R. Vernon Moore Georgina Barajas-Aguirre Arturo Cabello Jolie Pickett Liz Larkin Joe Austin Anisha Dalal Kirk Ankeney Roco Weiss Consuelo Manriquez Dianne Cordero

Cluster Members Include:


Community Members Parents Administrators 3 3 1 Teachers Students Support Staff 2 7 1

Cluster Demographics: (Students)


African American Asian Hispanic Pacific Islander 8% 1% 76 % 0% White English Learners Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Special Education 11% 47% 90% 13%

Cluster Mission Statement:


In Progress

Cluster Goals/Objectives:
To increase levels of learning and teaching for all, by focusing on strategies to improve: Vertical alignment strategies (Pre K-12), including A-G requirements Student attendance Parent engagement English Learner success rates Special Education success rates Cluster Governance

Monthly Cluster Meeting Focus/Work:


The San Diego Cluster began officially meeting in April 2011. Meeting topics included presentation of Area 3 goals, and discussion of SDHEC redesign. In May 2011, the cluster elected officers and discussed cluster governance and Area 3 goals. The June 2011 meeting will focus on development of the cluster mission statement and operating procedures.

Cluster - Organized Events:


Cluster Meetings Town Hall Meetings PIQE Trainings - Across most Area 3 schools PREP Training for Parent Advocacy Area 3 Thinking Maps Training (Leadership/Teachers) (ToT model)

Cluster Challenges/Needs/Concerns:
Resources (fiscal and human); loss of capacity, resources and staff members. See Area 3 Schools Improvement Timeline. Stabilizing staffing in the clusters lowest performing schools. Developing an enhanced monitoring structure for PI schools. Streamlining processes of vertical communication.

Cluster Next Steps:


To ensure that the foundation (Vision, Goals) is in place to launch the cluster into the coming year and carry forward to the future successful teaching and learning across Area 3.

Cluster Mission Statement:


In progress

Cluster Questions:
Will this process be supported next year even if there is a change in Area Superintendents? What authority does the cluster have in making decisions to improve student success?

Cluster Leaders/Officers:
Co-Chairpersons: Lorelle Mudd, 858-945-2442, Lorelle@san.rr.com; Tamara Hurley, 858-547-1557, tamara_hurley@hotmail.com

Cluster Meeting Information:


2010-11: 3rd Tuesday of the month 2011-12: 3rd Wednesday of the month (beginning in September 2011) 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Seminar Room

Cluster Schools/Principals:
School Dingeman ES Jerabek ES Marshall MS Miramar Ranch ES Scripps ES Scripps Ranch HS Principal Kim Lochtefeld Paul Gilroy Michelle Irwin Peggy Crane Greg Collamer Kurt Madden

Cluster Members Include:


Total Community Members Parent/Teacher Group Reps Administrators 24 6 6 Teachers Site Governance Reps Other SR Committee Reps 0 5 7

Cluster Demographics: (Students)


African American Asian Hispanic Pacific Islander 4% 13% 14% 0% White English Learners Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Special Education 53% 8% 13% 6%

Cluster Mission Statement:


The Scripps Ranch Schools Committee is committed to working together to assist in providing educational excellence to the children of the Scripps Ranch Cluster of public schools.

Cluster Goals/Objectives:
The Scripps Ranch Schools Committee is a partnership among the schools administration, parents and community leaders who collaborate, plan and enhance the traditions of Scripps Ranch to encourage values in learning, develop essential skills and attitudes for a productive life, provide a safe nurturing environment and foster scholastic excellence.

Monthly Cluster Meeting Focus/Work:


Sept 2010 Oct 2010 Nov 2010 Jan 2011 Feb 2011 Mar 2011 Apr 2011 May 2011 Principal updates, update on School Board actions. Principal updates, Race to Nowhere showing, A/C status at SRHS, SR School Cluster Concept discussion. Principal updates, discuss SRSC webpage and mission. Principal updates, Stanley Steemer school partnership discussion, Angela Bass presentation of Vision 2020 for Educational Excellence. Principal updates, Cluster long & short term goals, District budget update Board Member Beiser in attendance. Town hall meeting update regarding community based reform. Principal updates, National Childrens Study presentation, architectural presentation of SRHS A/C and site modernization. Principal updates, District update, meeting day change, Educate Our State.

Cluster - Organized Events:


The Scripps Ranch Schools Committee recently organized a community showing of Race to Nowhere and is currently promoting the Educate Our State Rally.

Cluster Challenges/Needs/Concerns:
1. Academic Priorities Support the GATE program, VAPA and music programs, more support for students with special needs, and continue to provide professional development opportunities for administrators and teachers. 2. Operational Priorities Student safety including A/C, traffic control and site security. 3. Budget Priorities Increase per student allocation and instructional materials budget, continue flexibility in developing individual budgets, support i21 technology, provide funding for various positions including ELST, counselors, nurses, supervising staff and support/admin staff.

Cluster Next Steps:


Determine the function of the SRSC in the district community-based cluster model.

Cluster Questions:
How does a community-based cluster model succeed with constant restructuring and particularly the high turnover rate of school supervisors?

Cluster Leaders/Officers:
Contact Susan Levy Stacy Jones Listy Gillingham Title Principal Principal Principal School Farb MS Miller ES De Portola MS Address 4880 La Cuenta Dr., 92124 4343 Shields St., 92124 11010 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., 92124 Phone 858.496.8090 858.496.8319 858.496.8080 E-Mail slevy@sandi.net sjones2@sandi.net lgillingham@sandi.net

Cluster Meeting Information:


The Serra Cluster Council meets monthly from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at rotating school sites. All dates are selected at the beginning of the year and usually fall between the 2nd and 3rd week of the month.

Cluster Schools/Principals:
School De Portola Middle Hancock Elementary Miller Elementary Tierrasanta Elementary Principal Listy Gillingham Yolanda Lewis Stacy Jones Lorelei Olsen Farb Middle Kumeyaay Elementary Serra High Vista Grande Elementary School Principal Susan Levy Judy Fogel, Interim Mike Jimenez Cathy Calcagno

Cluster Members Include:


Community Members Parents Administrators 4 4 8 Teachers Students Support Staff 8 1 1

Cluster Demographics: (Students)


African American Asian Hispanic Pacific Islander Indo-Chinese Native American 11% 3% 32% 1% 4% 1% Multi-Racial Filipino White English Learners Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Special Education 5% 3% 39% 11% 52% 12%

Cluster Mission Statement:


The Serra Cluster Council, a community-based team, is dedicated to improving the educational experience of all K-12 students, families and staff, thereby ensuring academic excellence and opportunity.

Cluster Goals/Objectives:
The Serra Cluster Council will focus on positive changes that impact student learning and achievement by improving instruction for all students, increasing attendance and family engagement, providing vertical teaming PreK-12 and strengthening articulation among elementary, middle and high school students, as well as developing continuity and faithful implementation of curriculum throughout the cluster.

Monthly Cluster Meeting Focus/Work:

Aug 2010 Sept 2010 Oct 2010

(none) Introduction of concept of cluster councils during district professional development with Area Supt. and administrators in Serra and Henry Clusters. Planning meeting with Area Supt. and identification of participants from each school. First meeting. Introductions of members, principals presented information on the cluster model, Vision 20/20, established norms, identification of student attendance as the first challenge to discuss. Year round school calendar is identified as a large problem for the cluster, especially military parents. (none) Shared results of cluster survey and identified areas of community focus which included improving instruction, increasing family engagement, improving facilities, fostering student creativity, critical thinking and problem solving skills, developing the role of the student in the instructional process, providing support for struggling students and ensuring consistency across grade levels. Learn how to write a mission statement and break into groups to actually develop the Serra Cluster mission statement. Determine the 3 subgroups that will begin working outside of the monthly meetings; year round schools, leveraging resources, and by-law development. Budget update and Title 1 funding survey. Vote on final version of mission statement and by-laws. Each subgroup reports back on their progress this month. District budget update and discussion of grant writing TBD

Nov 2010 Dec 2010

Jan 2011 Feb 2011 Mar 2011 Apr 2011 June 2011

Cluster - Organized Events:


Town Hall Meeting on February 28, 2011

Cluster Challenges/Needs/Concerns:
Year round vs. traditional schedule for parents and community, especially when it comes to student attendance. Large military population that is transient. Student attendance in general is not as high as in other areas. Dwindling resources; especially of concern is the potential loss of Title 1 dollars. Elimination of Gate, AVID, lower class size, and elective classes at some schools as a result of budget cuts. Students who ride the bus, as well as their parents, often do not feel a connection to the schools and community. Many parents in the community Choice to other communities.

Cluster Next Steps:


Continue to meet monthly around goals Find out more information on converting all 4 schools to traditional schedule Continue committee work Explore grants that may be available to help wit budget shortfall

Cluster Questions:
Can the decision regarding Title 1 funds be changed as a result of cluster concerns? (The Serra Cluster voted unanimously and with no abstentions regarding the following: Maintain the current 3 tiered funding model for Title 1 at the 40%, 60% and 85% level.) Why do private schools get money and services with Title 1 dollars and with the proposal, some schools with large populations of free and reduced? Why dont schools with high military populations receive additional funding through the military?

Cluster Leaders/Officers:
Jeff Olivero, Principal, 858-457-3040 x 201 Becky Arce, Parent, barce@ucsd.edu

Cluster Meeting Information:


4th Monday of each month (September-November, January-May) 4:30-6:00 pm UCHS Media Center

Cluster Schools/Principals:
School Curie ES Doyle ES Spreckels ES Standley MS University City HS Principal Chris Juarez Kimberly Moore Cecilia Fernandez Heidi Lyon Jeff Olivero

Cluster Members Include:


Community Members Parents Administrators 2 5 5 Teachers Students Support Staff 5 3 0

Cluster Demographics: (Students)


African American Asian Hispanic Pacific Islander 4% 12% 31% 0% White English Learners Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Special Education 40% 18% 33% 7%

Cluster Mission Statement:


The UC Cluster Committee is dedicated to improving educational endeavors and student achievement in the University City cluster of public schools.

Cluster Goals/Objectives:
Provide a unified voice when working with the district. Identify common goals for all children attending the 5 schools in University City for a steady progression from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Share ideas and resources between cluster schools.

Monthly Cluster Meeting Focus/Work:


Aug 2010 Sept 2010 Oct 2010 Nov 2010 Dec 2010 Jan 2011 Feb 2011 Mar 2011 Apr 2011 May 2011 June 2011 Community schools, budget process, rigor committee Title I presentation discussion, rigor committee/technology/bell times Budget, committee updates, organization for 2011-12 School reports, rigor/bell times/technology and communications, school volunteers Organization, formation of committees, formalize governance Cluster Vision/Mission, discretionary/district budget

Cluster - Organized Events:


(Events currently held by school or community foundation) EdUCate Taste of Triangle EdUCate Oktoberfest Doyle International Fair

Cluster Challenges/Needs/Concerns:
K-12 vertical teaming and coordination Coordination of school bell times for collaboration Standards of rigorous classroom structure Integration of technology into classroom structure Use of technology on parent communication

Cluster Next Steps:


TBD

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