North San Diego County School News Briefs: College funding is workshop topic

By: North County Times | Tuesday, November 13, 2007 7:15 PM PST ∞

ENCINITAS -- Kathleen Johnson, a certified college planning specialist with National College Funding Strategies Inc. and author of "The Parents' Guide to Financial Aid and College Funding," will hold a college funding workshop from 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 17 in Room AE-1 at San Dieguito Academy, 800 Santa Fe Drive.

Offered through the San Dieguito Union High School District's Adult Education program, the session is the first in a series of workshops designed to teach parents how to maximize financial aid for college, no matter how much income they make or how good of a student they have. Participants will learn about new legislation that has changed college financial aid methodology, and learn how it may be cheaper for a student to attend a private university rather than a state school. The workshop also will teach the methodology used in the college financial aid formula and offer tools and strategies to increase the odds for obtaining financial aid.

Reservations are required. To R.S.V.P. and for more information, go to http://www.sdadulted.com of call (760) 753-7073, Ext. 5103.

ECHS to host marching band event tonight

OCEANSIDE -- El Camino High School will host the 2007 Band Spectacular and Field Show from 7 to 8:30 tonight at the Herb Meyer Stadium on campus, 400 Rancho del Oro Drive.'

The show will offer current field competition show routines by El Camino's Golden Pride Marching Band and Pageantry groups, as well as Oceanside High School's Marching Band and Color Guard. Eighth-grade advanced bands from Chavez, Jefferson, Martin Luther King Dr. and Lincoln middle schools also will perform. A performance with all schools combined will be featured. For more information, call (760) 757-7095.

Rancho Encinitas plans golf clinic

ENCINITAS -- Rancho Encinitas Academy will hold a golf clinic from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Encinitas Ranch Golf Club, 1275 Quail Gardens Drive. Proceeds will enable teachers to purchase wish list items and enrichment materials for their students.

From a $15 raffle ticket to the luncheon to a full golf package, participants will have a chance to donate on many levels. LPGA pros Jacqui McSorley and Heidi Richardson will facilitate the clinics, dividing adults and children into separate groups. The plan is to teach basic techniques, allow time for practice and bring the two groups together for fun games.

The grand raffle prize will be a Sony Vaio laptop computer valued at $1,500. Other prizes include restaurant gift cards, golf lessons, gift baskets and an opportunity to do a tandem skydive. For more information about the event, call (760) 942-2011 or go to http://www.ranchoencinitasacademy.com.

Encinitas student earns national award

ENCINITAS --- Alyssa Chan, an Encinitas resident and student at The Rhoades School, was part of a group of middle school students from throughout the country named "Best Team" in the 2007 Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge, held recently in Washington, D.C.

Students and their families spent three days in the nation's capital, where students took part in a series of team-based, interactive scientific challenges focused on this year's environmental theme, "Operation Green." Participants competed for more than $100,000 worth of scholarships and prizes, as well as the title of America's Top Young Scientist of the Year.

Students were selected from the 75,000 middle school students who entered science fairs nationwide. That pool was narrowed down in August to 400 semifinalists representing 44 states.

This year's green-themed competition focused on sustainability and preservation, with students investigating climate change, global warming and eco-friendly initiatives such as recycling and green building design.

Calavera students prepare for science competition

CARLSBAD -- Calavera Hills Middle School students are getting ready for their first Science Olympiad. Prepartion has begun for the regional competition, which takes place in February at Rancho Bernardo High School. Winning teams and individuals will move on to the state competition, tentatively scheduled at Cal State Long Beach.

The event was created to generate a passion for learning science; bringing science to life with an emphasis on problem solving. By making science exciting and recognizing outstanding achievements, the Science Olympiad is intended to attract more students to careers in science, technology and science education.

At Calavera Hills, teams of students undergo weekly coaching that prepares them to excel at the competition. Principal Catina Hancock said excitement among students about the event began at last year's Science Fair, which also created a partnership between the school, the area's biotech business hub, parents and other community members.

Coaches with a background or passion for science are needed to help prepare students for the Science Olympiad. Volunteers will donate about one hour each week over the next few months and attend the competition. Individual and corporate sponsors also are needed to cover the cost of registration and materials. To participate, call Aaron Sottile at (760) 331-6400 or asottile@carlsbadusd.net.

OHS launches commemorative tile project

OCEANSIDE -- Supporters and alumni of Oceanside High School are encouraged to participate in a commemorative tile project that will decorate the walls of the campus senior fountain area with tiles bearing names and messages. The project is sponsored by the OHS Foundation/Alumni Association. The tiles and tile displays come in various sizes and are guaranteed for life. The first display will be opened for public viewing after spring break 2008, but orders must be placed by Feb. 5. For more information and order forms, go to the foundation Web site at http://www.ohsfoundation.org or contact Rita Gray (760) 518-0798.

OPE seeks volunteer tutors

CARLSBAD -- Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School, an Encinitas Union School District campus, needs adult volunteers to tutor students for the Everyone a Reader tutorial program. Tutors will be trained and will volunteer for about 90 minutes weekly. Call Elaine Feuer-Barton at (760) 943-2027.

Carlsbad resident enters medical school

Robert Beers of Carlsbad has entered the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine as part of the class of 2011. He is studying to be an osteopathic physician. Beers earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Cal State San Marcos. He is the son of Lowell and Deborah Beers of Carlsbad.

SPHS Parents Club meets Nov. 15

ESCONDIDO -- The San Pasqual High School Parents Club will meet at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 15 in the school library.

The purpose of the club is to enhance academic excellence and provide service at the school; promote cooperation between home and school; and help provide good communication and an interest in sound education among the district administration, San Pasqual teachers, staff, students, parents and the community.

For more information, call (760) 291-6000.