December 2019 Message from the Superintendent

Just a year ago Measure HH, our $265 million bond measure to upgrade and modernize our campuses, passed with broad support from our community. As you know, we hit the ground running with an ambitious Phase One plan that includes modernizing many schools and installing safety and sustainability elements. This month I’d like to update you on some of our most exciting Phase One projects — major renovations at three of our elementary schools, Magnolia, Kelly, and Hope.

After many months of planning, gathering community feedback, and updating designs, the board has recently approved plans for refurbishing these three elementary campuses.

At Hope Elementary School, we will be constructing three new classroom buildings equipped for 21st century learning. This will also accommodate student enrollment growth in the coming years as new housing projects come online. We also will expand the multipurpose room, and modernize plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, and technology infrastructure.

At Kelly Elementary School, we will be busy modernizing classrooms, improving infrastructure, and constructing a brand new multipurpose room with larger capacity for the school’s student population, which is also projected to increase due to planned residential projects.

And at Magnolia Elementary, built in 1957, we look forward to remodeling the campus with plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, and technology infrastructure, while maintaining the school’s mid-century charm and neighborhood appeal.

Each of these elementary school campuses will have a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) lab for innovative, hands-on learning. And we will remove and replace aging portables as needed.

Construction documents for these schools have been drawn up and are currently being submitted to the Division of the State Architect. We plan to break ground on these projects at the end of the school year. More detailed information about each of the Phase 1 projects can be found on our website.

It is important that we renovate and renew our schools so our students have the learning spaces and resources they need to prepare for a successful future. At the same time, we are doing our best to maintain the traditions and quality of life that have made Carlsbad a great place to live and raise a family. The powerful vision and hard work of our parents, teachers, community members, and administrators are the guiding forces behind this exciting undertaking. Thank you for taking this journey with us.

November 2019 Message from the Superintendent

Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Honors Its Rising Stars

Recently the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce held a breakfast honoring a very special group of Carlsbad’s young people who were named the Rising Stars of the Month for October. This monthly event brings the community together to recognize high school seniors who have displayed exceptional character by overcoming challenges in their lives to make a difference in their homes, schools, and communities.

The force behind this new program is the Chamber’s President and CEO, Bret Schanzenbach. “There are many students in our community who face great adversity, but they find ways to be successful and to give back by helping others. We felt that it was important to recognize these exceptional students.”

Sage Creek High School’s Samantha Low was introduced by principal Jesse Schuveiller. “Samantha exemplifies our school motto ‘Be You. Be your B.E.S.T.’ as a true leader and person of  integrity who takes the initiative to advocate for environmental issues.”  The president of SCHS’s Environmental Club, Samantha has taken the lead on local and global climate change issues, and has organized campus activities around the worldwide climate strike, all with her positive attitude. Rachel Merino-Ott, her AP Literature teacher, says, “Samantha  speaks with consideration and deliberation. She believes in the power of citizens’ voices to bring about change, whether it is advocating for a water bottle refill station on campus, or joining the protestors in Hong Kong.” Samantha plans to study Environmental Science at the University of San Diego, saying, “I want to speak out for action against the devastating effects of climate change to the best of my ability, always asking, ‘Are we there yet?’”

When Alex Gregorio Lopez arrived in Carlsbad from Guatemala three years ago he spoke no English. Raised by his grandparents, he did not see his parents for many years  But he learned to persevere and developed a strong work ethic to get good grades. Alex is now taking challenging courses at CHS and a dual enrollment class at MiraCosta College—all while working full time. On top of that, he finds time to volunteer to help homeless people. “I want to thank my grandparents and the teachers at my school for being there for me. I am going to study International Business at MiraCosta College, and then serve my country in the Marine Corps.” Alex’s ELD teacher, Phil Martinez, told of a moving presentation Alex made to his class. “Your dreams can come true, too,” he told his classmates. ”No matter how hard you have to work to reach your goals, you have to keep trying.”

Earlier, in September, the first Rising Stars breakfast honored three other outstanding students. Carlsbad High School student Ana Laura Flores was nominated by her teacher Lauri Britton, who says, “Ana Laura is an outstanding person, student, and soccer player. Although she has had some personal obstacles, she does not let this hold her back from taking challenging courses, mentoring younger students, and earning the highest grades. She is focusing on doing her best in high school, and preparing to attend Sonoma State University.”

Sage Creek High School Counselor Megan Corazza nominated Hayat Abdelwehabh for “her soft-spoken leadership, compassionate soul, and academic diligence.” She was a child who spoke no English when her family immigrated to Carlsbad from Ethiopia. She is now an academically successful student, aspiring to be the first in her family to attend college. Ms. Corazza says, “Hayat is an active member of the AVID program, helping 9th & 10th-grade students with their homework and supporting them with her positive encouragement and genuineness.”

Also nominated as Rising Stars in September were Olivia Stephens, a student at La Costa Canyon (LCC) High School. Sophia Hart from Pacific Ridge School and Aaliyah Rivas from LCC were nominated in October.

“What I love about all of these kids is that they serve as role models and mentors to other students at school,” said  Schanzenbach. “They may have gotten knocked down a notch, but they stayed on track and took the next step. And they made an impact.”