“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one`s courage” (Anais Nin

October 7, 2013
Superintendent
María J. Ambriz
Assistant
Superintendents
Mei Randle-Donaldson
Business Services
Hortencia Armendariz
Educational Services
Directors
Nikki Washington
Human Resources
Dr. Isaac Estrada
Curriculum &
Instruction
Michael McFadden
Special Education
Claudia Montaño
State & Federal Projects
Raúl Martínez
Maintenance &
Operations
George Duarte
Grounds &
Transportation
Supervisor
Luis Caballero
Food Services
Esther Martínez
Personnel Commission
Coordinators
Sylvia Yáñez
English Language
Learners
Guadalupe Ceceña-L.
ASES/ASSETS
Board of Trustees
Norma Aguilar
President
Leticia Zuno-Vizcarra
Clerk
Ruth Duarte
Ciro Calderón
Erik Ortega
Greetings!
I decided to change when I put out the weekly newsletter. Instead of sending it out on
Thursday or Friday of each week, I have opted to send it out at the beginning of each
week.
At the start of October, our district’s After School Programs’ Coordinator (Mrs. CeceñaLópez) established that the character trait for the month is “COURAGE”. As I reflected
on how the trait related to the education of children, I found myself in deep thought.
One would think that what we do every day is perfunctory, routine, and to a certain
degree, ritualistic. Such adjectives tend to describe repetitive actions and so, where’s
the COURAGE in that, right? Well, I actually dialogued with myself on this matter and
determined that some of the most COURAGEOUS actions that one can take is a role in
educating and molding young minds, the young citizens who continue to be our hope for
better and improved tomorrows. The COURAGE in teaching is accepting responsibility
of making a difference in children’s lives, and acknowledging that we teach them new
things daily, and that which is taught and learned is not just what is in the curricular
guides. Our children watch us, even when we think they are perhaps not paying
attention. As their teachers (and we are ALL teachers…parents and staff), let us lead
and teach by example, let us lead and teach with heart. Let’s have the COURAGE to
listen to what our students our going through, and be the compass that they need to
stay the course and continue to open their minds.
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage” (Anais Nin; French Author)
Have a great and courageous week!
~M. Ambriz
Calexico’ Extravaganza 2 – Huge Success!
This event was a huge success! Last Saturday evening, the “Extravaganza” was held at
Our Lady of Guadalupe’s San Juan Diego Hall. I hear there was a great deal of local
talent in the room, including some students from Calexico and other cities in the Valley,
as well as Mexicali. One of our new teachers at Calexico High School, Mrs. Lupita
Espino, also delighted the audience with her beautiful presence and voice. In all, this
was a great evening for an even greater and more worthwhile cause: helping the
neediest children in our community. Thank you to the Kids N Badges program, as the
proceeds from this Extravaganza will go towards providing children in our community
with shopping sprees in December. Thank you, Calexico! Thank you, Imperial Valley!
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PHOTO (“WATERMARK’): SAMANTHA RUIZ, VARSITY TENNIS MATCH VS. BUHS (PHOTO BY J. VILLERO/IV PRESS)
Courage:
A young Pakastani girl, Malala Yousafzai, was highlighted in today’s (and other recent news) as a front
runner for the Nobel Peace Prize. Her story is one of courage, as she risked her life by wanting to be
educated. More on her and her story can be found at the following link:
http://abcnews.go.com/International/malala-yousafzais-courage-inspired-nation-longerafraid/story?id=20452967
Lights on Afterschool Celebration
Reminder - October 17th is the day of the national “Lights On” Afterschool celebration. Afterschool
programs invite their communities to see what their afterschool programs are offering. Afterschool
programs across the nation will be participating in the “Lights On” celebration. More information will be
provided by individual school sites in the next few days…JOIN US!
Boy Scouts of America
Reminder - Boy Scouts of America Troop 4005 are recruiting boys to join the Boy Scouts. Troop 4005
meets every Wednesday from 6:30PM to 7:30PM at 850 Eady Avenue (Housing Authority building, next
to Mains Elementary School). For more information you may contact [email protected] .
EVENTS:
10/08 - Regular Board Meeting
 Starts @ 6PM, CUSD Board Room, 901 Andrade Avenue
10/08 – Frosh (4PM) / JV(5PM) / Varsity (6PM) Volleyball @ Brawley
10/09 – Tennis vs. Vincent @ CHS @3:15 PM
10/10– Four Sporting Events
 Cross Country vs. Southwest @ CHS @ 5PM
 Freshman Football @ CHS @ 6PM
 JV Football @ Brawley @ 6PM
 Frosh (4PM) / JV (5PM) / Varsity (6PM) @ Central (El Centro)
10/11 – Three Sporting Events
 Varsity Football @ Brawley (Game starts at 7PM);
 Tennis @ Valhalla in el Cajon, CA @ 3:30PM;
 Volleyball @ Scripps Ranch (San Diego) @ 3:30 PM
10/17 – Varsity Volleyball @ Scripps Ranch (San Diego) @ 8:30AM
10/17– Lights On Afterschool Celebration (various school sites): 6PM
 Afterschool program highlights
10/21 & 10/22 – Professional Development Days
 Classes will not be in session for students
10/22 – Regular Board Meeting
 Starts @ 6PM, CUSD Board Room, 901 Andrade Avenue
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PHOTO (“WATERMARK’): SAMANTHA RUIZ, VARSITY TENNIS MATCH VS. BUHS (PHOTO BY J. VILLERO/IV PRESS)
Professional Development Reminder – As part of our district’s commitment to increased learning
opportunities and achievement, our district’s teachers and administrators will engage in ongoing
professional/staff development on October 21st & October 22nd (during the 3rd week in October, Monday
& Tuesday). Please calendar these days and be aware that CLASSES WILL NOT BE IN SESSION FOR STUDENTS on
those days. This is in two weeks!
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PHOTO (“WATERMARK’): SAMANTHA RUIZ, VARSITY TENNIS MATCH VS. BUHS (PHOTO BY J. VILLERO/IV PRESS)