San Pasqual Academy News

Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Program, 8-man Football, Back in Session

Esther Broers — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 16:25:00 GMT

On October 11th, the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Program hosted the 5th Annual Career Fair at San Pasqual Academy. Colleges, local businesses, public safety agencies and military representatives were on hand to share information with the students. The high school classes rotated through the fair, providing each student an opportunity to learn more about future academic and career paths.

The Dragons eight-man football is undefeated for the season with a record of seven wins and zero losses! On October 27th, the Dragons beat Warner High School, 48-8, for the Academy’s Homecoming Game. Go Dragons! Keep up the winning streak!

With school back in session and students planning for their futures, the YES Program has begun a weekly workshop to assist students with the college application process, financial aid forms and scholarship opportunities. The workshop takes place after school every Thursday.

Back to School, 8-man Football, Leroy D.

Esther Broers — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 05:53:00 GMT

School is back in full swing, and the Dragons have wins all over the board! The Dragons girls varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams posted pre-season wins over Escondido Charter and Christian Life Academy, respectively. Way to go!

The Dragons eight-man football team is off to a good start with wins over Foothill Christian, 30-20, and Julian High School, 12-7! For a complete schedule of Dragon football games, click here.

Academy student and aspiring musician, Leroy D., performed with the San Diego Chamber Orchestra on September 10th at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. The performance was directed by Jung-Ho Pak, the world-renown conductor and current artistic director of the San Diego Chamber Orchestra. The orchestra accompanied Leroy on his original composition, Let It Be, as part of a fundraiser for the orchestra and San Pasqual Academy. Hats off to you, Leroy!

Back to School, TranscenDance, Lisa Nichols, Orientation, Football

Esther Broers — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 06:44:00 GMT

Fall classes at the Academy resumed on August 21st! Students participated in the Measures of Academic Performance (MAP) testing the first three days of school.

TranscenDance, a youth dance troupe, performed on campus on August 22nd. The 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.”

On Wednesday, August 23rd, motivational speaker and advocate of personal empowerment, Lisa Nichols, spoke to Academy students on Realizing Your Dreams, Living With Integrity. Ms. Nichols is the Founder and CEO of Motivating the Teen Spirit.

Student orientation was held on August 23rd and 24th. Orientation offers the high school students a chance to learn about what’s new on campus for the year. It is also an opportunity for campus staff to share program information with the students and highlight how students can benefit from their support services.

The Academy Dragons football team will take on the Army Navy Academy in a scrimmage match on Saturday, September 2nd, at 11:00 a.m. at the Army Navy Academy. The season really picks up on September 8th at 7:00 p.m. at San Pasqual High School (not the Academy campus) when the Dragons take on their archrival, La Jolla Country Day, in one of four 11-man football games slated for the season! Come out and show the Dragons your support! For a complete schedule of Dragon football games, click here.

Agriculture Program, YES Program

Esther Broers — Wed, 14 May 2008 21:35:00 GMT

On April 26th, over 150 volunteers from the Coronado, La Jolla Sunrise and Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Clubs joined the Friends of San Pasqual, Academy staff and students to support the campus’ Agriculture Program. The group planted in the garden, set up a new greenhouse, painted a shed, created work and rest stations around the garden and even worked on the irrigation system. All this in four hours!

Jackie Taylor with the YES Program coordinated guest speakers to present to the graduating class on April 28th and 29th. Through these Senior Seminars, students received information on housing, scholarship, colleges, Opportunity Passport, health and nutrition, and after-care services.

If you are interested in donating to a scholarship for graduating Academy seniors, please contact Debby Syverson at (619) 435-4557.

Wrapping up the Year, County Chronicles, Cheer

Esther Broers — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:30:00 GMT

Students started the fourth and final quarter of the school year on Monday, April 14th! With just two months until the end of the school year, students have plenty of assignments and activities to keep them busy. Senior projects, the California High School Exit Exam, prom, Grad Night, the Senior Brunch and graduation are all the buzz on campus!

If you haven’t been able to attend a recent Dragons baseball game, you can catch the team in action by tuning into the April edition of County Chronicles on County Television Network. County Chronicles, which airs daily at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., features a two-minute video segment of the Dragons in their first season of play!

If you are interested in cheering on our Academy athletes on the field, check out the Lady Dragons’ 2008 Softball schedule and the Dragons’ 2008 Baseball schedule.

6th Annual Career Fair, Spring Break, Cheer

Esther Broers — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 23:41:00 GMT

The YES Program’s 6th Annual Career Fair took place in the Academy auditorium on March 13th. The event was a success, as students learned about local employers, community colleges, and military representatives. Information on scholarship opportunities was also available.

The campus Career Center was the hub for income tax assistance at the end of March. With many students and alumni employed on and off-campus, they are eligible for a $300 tax rebate. Over 60 students and alumni received help completing federal and state tax forms from an ACCESS, Inc. CPA and YES Program staff.

Academy students completed final exams on April 4th, wrapping up the 3rd quarter of the school year. The students are on Spring Break from April 7th to April 11th to refresh for the final quarter of the year, which will be filled with prom, senior activities, and, of course, graduation!

If you are interested in cheering on our Academy athletes on the field, check out the Lady Dragons’ 2008 Softball schedule and the Dragons’ 2008 Baseball schedule.

Stedman Graham, Awards, Cheer

Esther Broers — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Stedman Graham, a businessman, educator and best-selling author, spoke to Academy students on February 21st courtesy of the Friends of San Pasqual Academy. As part of his interactive dialogue, Mr. Graham encouraged students to think about what defines each of them as an individual and how they will achieve personal and professional success. Each student received Mr. Graham’s book, “Who Are You? A Success Process For Building Your Life’s Foundation.”

On February 27th, Academy students were recognized for their academic achievements and good citizenship at the 2nd Quarter Awards Ceremony. Many students earned a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher, and four students recorded a perfect 4.0 for the quarter. Keep up the good work, Dragons!

If you are interested in cheering on our Academy athletes on the field, check out the Lady Dragons’ 2008 Softball schedule and the Dragons’ 2008 Baseball schedule.

Groundbreaking, Baseball, Softball

Esther Broers — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:57:00 GMT

Beautiful weather on February 6th provided the perfect backdrop for the Groundbreaking Ceremony at the Academy to initiate the construction of new campus housing for an additional 48 students. Supervisors Greg Cox and Ron Roberts were joined by former State Senator Dede Alpert and the Honorable James R. Milliken to acknowledge the generous donors making this build-out possible.

The Academy Dragons are preparing for their first season of baseball! The Dragons have begun practicing, and will play their first game against Football Christian on February 27th. Please click here for the Dragons’ 2008 Baseball Schedule.

The Lady Dragons are on the diamond too, as they gear up for their fourth season of softball. League play begins March 4th against Guajome Park Academy. Lady Dragons’ 2008 Softball Schedule coming soon!

Debates, Agircultural Program

Esther Broers — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:28:00 GMT

To wrap-up the second quarter of the school year, students completed finals on Friday, January 25th. American Government students closed out the quarter with a project on presidential campaigns. Students worked in teams representing one of the presidential candidates and learned about election financing, advertising, campaigning and polling. Debates were held in the Academy’s Cyber Café and the project culminated in a mock election on January 24th!  

The start of 2008 has kept the Agriculture Program busy with the harvesting of purple carrots, red beets, green onions, swiss chard, collard greens and lettuces from the 20-acre student farm. All the fresh produce is making its way into the Cyber Café’s lunch menu and into the student homes for tasty meals! The grandparents on campus are also incorporating the home grown veggies into the ILS dinners they prepare with the students.

Back from Break, Open House, Basketball

Esther Broers — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:46:00 GMT

Students are back in school following their winter break, and keeping busy with a number of school activities. Twelfth graders are focused on their senior projects, as well as college and scholarship applications. Help is available to them through the school’s new Counseling Center in room 302 and the Youth Empowerment Services Program in the Technology and Career Information Center.

The Academy high school held an Open House on January 8th. Campus staff, including houseparents, resident grandparents, clinical social workers, HHSA social workers and work readiness case managers, as well as Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) and Foster Youth Mentors, were invited to learn more about how their students are doing in school. Teachers were available to share information on the students’ grades, behavior and effort in school. The Open House was well attended and very helpful to those who attended.

The Dragons and Lady Dragons Basketball teams will kick off league play on Friday, January 11th! To get them warmed up for the court, a pre-game Pep Rally is scheduled for Friday afternoon in the gym. Please click here for the ’07 – ’08 Dragons and Lady Dragons Basketball Schedule. We hope you will come out and support the Academy’s athletes!

Winter Break, Step by Step, Basketball

Esther Broers — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 01:28:00 GMT

Following a minimum school day on December 14th, Academy students began their two-and-a-half week winter break. Classes will resume on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008.

Academy senior, James M., will have his original script, Step by Step, professionally produced at the Lyceum Theatre in Horton Plaza from January 31 to February 10, 2008 by Playwrights Project. James entered his work about a teenager in the foster care system, along with 288 other writers, in the California Young Playwrights Contest and was selected as one of four new artists featured in the 23rd season of Plays by Young Writers. For a performance schedule of Plays by Young Writers and information on purchasing tickets, please visit: http://www.playwrightsproject.org/PBYW.htm.

The Dragons and Lady Dragons have started the basketball season with several tournaments around the County, and are warming up for league play in January. Please click here for the ’07 – ’08 Dragons and Lady Dragons Basketball Schedule. We hope you will come out and support the Academy’s athletes.

Recognition, HHSA Academy Social Work Unit

Esther Broers — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 23:50:00 GMT

On November 28th, Academy students were recognized for their academic, citizenship and attendance efforts during the first quarter of the school year. Eighteen students received a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 - 3.4, twelve received a GPA of 3.5 - 3.9, and eleven received a perfect GPA of 4.0 for the first quarter! Additionally, twenty students received outstanding citizenship awards and four students posted perfect attendance. Each teacher recognized the most improved student in their class, and two students, Dachuray D. and Jesus B., were honored as Students of the Quarter! Keep up the great work, Dragons!

The HHSA Academy Social Work Unit, which consists of one supervisor, six social workers, and one office assistant, returned to a new modular building on campus on November 26th. The unit’s original modular building was damaged by the firestorm in October, and the group spent five weeks working out of regional offices in Escondido, Oceanside, and El Cajon. As one of the four campus partners, the Social Work Unit provides case management services to the youth placed at the Academy. They were pleased to be back on campus and in closer proximity to the students! Welcome back!

8-Man Football Championship, California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)

Esther Broers — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:27:00 GMT

The Dragons did it again! For the third straight year, the Dragons football team clinched the San Diego Section 8-Man Football Championship title. The Dragons defeated Warner Springs, 46-6, at Bulldog Stadium in Ramona on November 10th. Wearing red and yellow socks, the football team dedicated this championship game to the fire fighters who helped defend the campus against the Witch Creek Fire. Dragon fans, including several fire fighters, cheered the team to victory. Senior quarterback, Josh C., was instrumental in six of the seven touchdowns scored! Congratulations, Dragons!

On November 13th and November 14th, several students took the English-Language Arts and Mathematics components of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), which is a requirement for receiving a high school diploma.

Update: Witch Creek Fire

Esther Broers — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:06:00 GMT

As of November 5th, students and staff were back on campus at San Pasqual Academy. The main campus, which was not damaged by the Witch Creek Fire, includes the students’ homes, classrooms, administrative offices, gymnasium, Cyber Café, auditorium, Health and Wellness Center, Day Rehabilitation Clinic, and Tech Center. Students are returning to their regular routines and extra-curricular activities after being evacuated from the campus for two weeks.

Despite not playing Calvin Christian on October 26th due to the firestorms, and missing several days of practice, the Dragons defeated Borrego Springs High School, 56-20, in the November 2nd San Diego County 8-Man Football Playoff Game. The Dragons are now preparing to face top-seeded Warner Springs at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 10th, at Wilson Field (on 9th Street between H and I Streets) in Ramona. Go Dragons!

Witch Creek Fire

Esther Broers — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 07:42:00 GMT

The Witch Creek Fire, which swept through San Diego County’s North and East regions, led to the evacuation of San Pasqual Academy. All students, alumni, grandparents and program staff residing on the campus were safely evacuated on Sunday evening, October 21st.

As of October 29th, the campus remains closed as a result of the damage caused by the fire. Although several buildings were completely destroyed, no buildings were damaged on the main campus. Recovery efforts are underway to ensure the campus is safe for the residents to return.

For more information on how you can help the Academy with donations or volunteer opportunities, please contact Debby Syverson, Resource Development Liaison, at (619) 435-4557.

Quentin Jammer, Alex Smith Foundation Guardian Scholars Program, Shop ‘til You Drop

Esther Broers — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 17:27:00 GMT

Quentin Jammer, cornerback with the San Diego Chargers, has generously donated twenty tickets to the Academy for every Chargers home game. On September 9th, Academy students cheered the Chargers on to victory against the Chicago Bears. Unfortunately, the September 30th home game did not give the team and fans much to celebrate as the Chargers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Several Academy sophomores and juniors are enrolled in an introductory social work class at San Diego State University. The students’ participation in this college experience is made possible by the Alex Smith Foundation Guardian Scholars Program—High School Component. The students attend class at the college campus once a week, and have the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit for their successful completion of the class.

On September 27th, the Friends of San Pasqual Academy hosted Shop ‘til You Drop in the auditorium for Academy students and alumni. Participants were able to select school supplies, books and even items of clothing for the new school year. In addition, Road Runner Sports donated a brand new pair of shoes for each student and alumni.

Back to School, Fundraising, Dinner

Esther Broers — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 19:06:00 GMT

School is officially back in session! Classes began on August 27th, and football season kicks-off with an away game against the Army and Navy Academy on Saturday, September 8th, at 1:00 p.m. Please click here for the 2007 Dragon Football Schedule.

The Academy is the beneficiary of several up-coming fundraisers. Team Penning, sponsored by the Friends of San Pasqual Academy, takes place on September 15th at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. For more information, click here.

A reception and five-course dinner, hosted by Executive Chef, Bernard Guillas, and Chef de Cuisine, Ron Oliver, will take place on October 10th at The Marine Room in La Jolla. To view event flyer, click here.

Summer School, U.S. Department of Agriculture, San Diego Chargers’ Training Camp

Esther Broers — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 22:00:00 GMT

Summer school wrapped up on August 3rd and the students enjoyed a two week break. On August 20th, it’s back to school for the Dragons! Academy students will begin the fall semester with three days of Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing, which assesses the students’ mathematics, reading and language usage skills. A two-day orientation will follow to highlight the variety of resources and services available on the campus.

San Pasqual Academy was awarded a three-year grant from the United States Department of Agriculture—Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program in the amount of $299,640. This grant supports the expansion of the campus community garden into a youth-run, sustainable agriculture enterprise which promotes healthy lifestyles, as well as provides academic preparation, employment opportunities and independent living skills training.

Twenty Academy athletes, predominantly Dragon football players, enjoyed the afternoon at the San Diego Chargers’ Training Camp, courtesy of Chargers’ cornerback, Quentin Jammer. The athletes had an opportunity to watch the Chargers practice, as well as visit with Mr. Jammer and his teammates, take photos with Mr. Jammer and get his autograph! What a great experience for the Dragon athletes!

Johnny C., San Diego County Fair, Academy’s Pre-Employment Traineeship (PET) Program

Esther Broers — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 07:40:00 GMT

Academy graduate, Johnny C., was named one of ten San Diego State University (SDSU) Guardian Scholars Program recipients. Funded by the Alex Smith Foundation, the Guardian Scholars Program will provide Johnny a five-year scholarship, year-round housing and extensive individual guidance and support during his college career. Johnny will begin at SDSU in the fall as a chemistry major.

Academy students submitted over two dozen multi-media entries to the San Diego County Fair this year! As always, the results were very positive: one First Place ribbon, five Second Place ribbons, fourteen Third Place ribbons, and six Fourth Place ribbons. The students’ work will be displayed at the Tech Center lobby and in the school’s front office the remainder of the summer.

The Academy’s Pre-Employment Traineeship (PET) Program, which provides work opportunities for 12 - 14-year old students, has really taken off this summer. Eleven students, including six students who participated last year, are working on refining their basic work behaviors to prepare them for future employment.

Graduation! Summer School

Esther Broers — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 20:51:00 GMT

Twenty-seven students graduated from the Academy on June 21st before a cheering crowd of family, friends, campus staff, and County officials. Commencement ceremonies took place in the campus gymnasium, and a wonderful celebration hosted by the Friends of San Pasqual Academy followed in the Cyber Café.

Twenty-two graduates are planning to continue their education at four-year universities and community colleges. The remaining graduates will attend trade/technical schools and work part-time or enter the workforce directly. Several scholarships were awarded to support the graduates in their future academic pursuits. Best wishes, Class of 2007!

Summer school began on June 25th and will continue through August 3rd. In addition to classes, the students will have plenty of activities on- and off-campus in which to participate!

Key Club, Harold T., Prom

Esther Broers — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 19:17:00 GMT

The San Pasqual Academy Key Club is up and running! The 16 member community service organization, sponsored by the Escondido Kiwanis Club, has officially elected its officers and is ready to begin contributing to their local community. The Key Club will help further the Kiwanis vision of changing the world, one child and one community at a time.

Academy student, Harold T., is completing a playwriting residency taught by the Playwrights Project, an arts education non-profit. Not only has Harold written his first play in the Write On! Program, he was selected to be a member of the Step Up Company, a teen acting group. Harold will serve as a role model for other teens. Congratulations!

Senior and end-of-the-year activities are in full swing…Prom took place at the Hotel del Coronado on May 18th; the Spring Sports Banquet was held on June 13th, and students enjoyed Grad Night at Disneyland on June 14th. Still to come is the Senior Luncheon on June 20th and graduation on June 21st.

If you are interested in donating to a scholarship for graduating Academy seniors, please contact Debby Syverson at (619) 435-4557.

CSU San Marcos MOU, San Diego Foundation, rop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) Bookshelf Award!

Esther Broers — Sun, 27 May 2007 07:11:00 GMT

On May 4th, Michael Bruich, Executive Director of New Alternatives, Inc./San Pasqual Academy, Karen Haynes, President of California State University, San Marcos, and Randolf Ward Superintendent of the San Diego County Office of Education, signed a Memorandum of Understanding between California State University, San Marcos and San Pasqual Academy formalizing a partnership between the two programs to provide a guaranteed and viable transitional path from high school to college for all Academy students.

Eleven Academy students will receive scholarships from the San Diego Foundation at an award ceremony to be held on May 19th at the University of San Diego’s Shiley Theatre. The amounts and purposes for which the scholarships may be used will be shared at the award ceremony. Congratulations!

San Pasqual Academy has been selected as one of 100 public schools to receive a 2007 Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) Bookshelf Award! Funded by the NEA Foundation and the National Education Association, the $500 award may be used for the purchase of books and reading materials to entice students to drop everything and read for pleasure!

If you are interested in donating to a scholarship for graduating Academy seniors, please contact Debby Syverson at (619) 435-4557.

Winter Sports Banquet, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, James M., Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, Planet Hope

Esther Broers — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 02:14:00 GMT

On April 11th, the Winter Sports Banquet was held to recognize the accomplishments of the Girls and Boys Basketball teams. Both teams had a great season and made it to the playoffs! Academy Dragons were given kudos and recognized for their athletic abilities and sportsmanship.

  Five Academy students were selected by the La Jolla Sunrise and Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Clubs to participate in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) three-day camp. The camp, held at Idyllwild Pines from April 20 – 22nd, encouraged students to develop and enhance their leadership skills through activities conducted in an atmosphere of trust and respect.  

Academy student, James M., is a recipient of the San Diego Chargers Champions Scholarship. James, one of several San Diego County high school juniors, will be awarded a $7,000 tuition scholarship and a laptop computer. James is the second Academy student to receive this honor! Congratulations, James!  

Graduating seniors worked side-by-side with community volunteers and members of the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, the La Jolla Sunrise Rotary and Rancho Santa Fe Rotary to renovate Alumni House #4 on April 28th. Over 70 individuals were on hand to help out!  

Planet Hope, a non-profit organization founded by Sharon and Kelly Stone in 1992, generously donated 100 brand-new, designer name gowns to the Academy for prom. The female students are sure to look fabulous in the gowns, as they dance the night away at the Hotel Del Coronado on May 18th.

  If you are interested in donating to a scholarship for graduating Academy seniors, please contact Debby Syverson at (619) 435-4557.

Michael F., AT&T Foundation, Opportunity Passport Program, College Connection

Esther Broers — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 06:12:00 GMT

Academy senior, Michael F., was named to the 2006 Elite 8-Man All-American High School Football team as an All Purpose Offensive Player and as a Special Teams Kick Returner! What an awesome accomplishment!  

The AT&T Foundation has awarded San Pasqual Academy a $5,000 grant to purchase equipment and software programs for use in the campus Technology and Career Information Center. This funding creates additional opportunities for the Academy students to develop their computer skills and showcase their multi-media talents!

  Academy students and alumni continue to take advantage of the Opportunity Passport Program, a financial literacy program, which matches the participant’s savings account up to $3,000. To date, five participants have been able to purchase a car through this great program!  

On February 13th, twenty-five Academy students attended College Connection at Mira Costa College. The students had a chance to tour the campus, learn about academic programs and support services, and listen to the experiences of current Mira Costa students during this informative field trip.