Monday, August 28, 2006

Welcome Back!


Welcome back Dragons!!! Teachers and students ponder their new schedules and the upcoming 0607 school year. The San Pasqual Academy is very excited for the new school year and a fresh start. Everyone is happy to welcome both the new and old faces. May this be the best year at San Pasqual Academy!!!

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

TranscenDANCE performs for SPA!




http://www.transcendanceyoutharts.org/

An amazing non-profit organization called TranscenDANCE visited San Pasqual on 8/22/06 and performed an non-stop dance and spoken work piece for 90 minutes. The performances included original poetry, hip hop and modern dance numbers, and professional teen dancers from local San Diego area high schools. We were thrilled to have them perform for us and hope they will come out in the future! Thank you TranscenDANCE!!!

transcenDANCE: n [from the combination of transcend, transcendent, and dance] 1: the method by which youth, empowered by the arts, will overcome the negative and restrictive aspects that threaten their community via performances marked by surpassing qualities of diligence, passion, creativity, thoughtful reflection, and care 2: arts for the purpose of social change 3: a San Diego-based non-profit that provides professional training in dance, choreography, creative writing, and theatre to multi-cultural, inner-city youth in San Diego, with the firm belief that the arts can be an effective vehicle for mobilizing and empowering people to work for social change in their communities.

Monday, August 21, 2006

Welcome Back

Dragons,

Welcome back! I hope everyone had some time to relax, reflect and rejuvenate! School will be starting up again on Monday August 21st. We have quite a year to look forward to. Right from the start, we will are engaging in meaningful academics, activities and sports.

Academics
The first three days of school this year are dedicated towards MAP testing. Each house has been given a copy of the testing schedule, and a copy is on the BLOG. Check out the schedule and make sure you get to your testing location on time. Every student will test for one hour on each day.

MAP stands for Measures of Academic Performance. The test is used by the San Diego County Office of Education and the state of California to hold San Pasqual Academy accountable for the education of its students. We use the test to determine placement in math and language support classes offered by UROK here on campus. So it is very important to do your best.

The last two days of the first week, will be an orientation, where you will get the chance to learn about what’s new on campus this year. Staff members will discuss their areas of responsibility, what they do, and what you get out of it. The orientation schedule will be given to each house on Wednesday evening, as well as posted on the BLOG.

Activities
On Tuesday, August 22nd, at 2pm, after MAP testing, a dance troupe called TranscenDance will be performing at the chapel. TranscenDANCE Youth Arts Project empowers multi-cultural, inner-city youth to create healthier communities through the transforming and life-affirming power of the arts and performance. If you are interested, visit their website at http://www.transcendanceyoutharts.org/background_mission.php. They will start right after the last testing block at 2pm. The event will last for 90 minutes and attendance is voluntary. If you are interested, you must sign up in the school office. If you decide to attend, you must be respectful and attend the entire performance.

On Wednesday, August 23rd, Lisa Nichols, will be speaking on Realizing Your Dreams, Living With Integrity. Lisa Nichols is a dynamic motivational speaker and powerful advocate of personal empowerment. She is the Founder and CEO of Motivating the Teen Spirit. If you are interested in more information about Lisa Nichols visit her website at http://www.lisa-nichols.com/index.htm. She will be presenting two times during the day and attendance is mandatory. A schedule has been given to each house and is posted on the BLOG.

On Thursday, August 24th, ASB is sponsoring a Raggae band performance. LIVE. More details to follow.

Sports
The football team starts “Hell Week” on Thursday, August 17th and will be playing their first scrimmage against Army Navy Academy on Saturday, September 2nd at 11am.

The new volley ball coach has just been hired, her name is Natalie Priester, and she will announce a practice schedule shortly. Check with Coach Manning or the office for details.

I am looking forward to a terrific new school year. We will be announcing a new English teacher in the next few weeks as well as a new science teacher. Several new electives have been added this year such as film and more are to follow.

Sincerely,

Tom Allison, Principal