4/21 Board Meeting Roundup

Last week's Board meeting was chock full o' information, and mostly good.

1. Congratulations Sue Liesegang, Central Teacher of the Year and Amy Leon, Central Classified Employee of the Year!

2. Superintendent search continues

• Public comment definitely hopes for parent involvement in the process.
• Mo Muir doesn't feel the consultants report was comprehensive enough.
• Cathy Regan firm that this was the job board members were elected to do.
• Debate most likely won't continue as site visit of future superintendent tentatively scheduled for next week.

3. Proposed alignment of Capri and Central Bilingual programs to move forward. More than a few parents confused, but pleased, at the district's about face on this one.

4. Technology Refresh

• Comprehensive district wide evaluation of what we have with technology versus where we are going. Technology Committee meets on Tuesday, April 27. Email Dan Grider if you are interested in participating. I am impressed with what the district has done since I've been a parent at PEC, and especially the rapid improvements in many areas since I started this blog last year. For those of you that remember the computer lab in the broom closet attached to the library in 2005, you know what I mean. Teachers are in the trenches with driving this progress, and the support of Lean King, Dan Grider and the board make it possible. In his first year in the technology position, I really believe Mike Guerena is turning it up to 11 (which is one louder than ten). Look for great things in the Encinitas Union School District with where we are headed with integrating technology into classrooms.

County Office of Education Swine Flu Information

The White House Garden

The students of Bancroft Elementary School help First Lady Michelle Obama plant the White House vegetable garden. It is great to see more and more educators nationwide getting students of all ages out into the garden. With a little water, sun and TLC the First Family's garden might look as good as our two awesome gardens at PEC!

Third time the charm?

The garden that greets students, staff and visitors walking into Central School has had a few makeovers since it was put in last fall. This time, though, it looks like the garden might actually survive direct sunlight through the day. Thanks to Mrs. Chadwick's hard working third grade class and a few awesome parent volunteers   (full disclosure - I'm married to one of said awesome parent volunteers) the  west side of the garden has been weeded and replanted with plants more adapted to the climate. Next up, the east side of the garden which will be completed by another classroom. Awesome work third graders!