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Back to School
 Vol. 4, Issue 37, September 10-16, 2009
By Norb Garrett
San Clemente Times
As summer comes to a close, kids return for the first day of school
The kids arrived in all shapes and sizes—some carrying backpacks that seemed big enough to swallow them up whole. The first day of Kindergarten signaled the beginning of a new journey for the many smiling, joyous faces lined up at Marblehead Elementary Tuesday morning, just as they did at Concordia, Las Palmas, Lobo and Vista Del Mar elementary schools. San Clemente’s six elementary schools joined its three middle schools and one high school in kicking off the 2009 school year, each offering new hope to a hopeful generation of kids.
Five-year-old Talie F. couldn’t wait for her first day at Kindergarten. Asked what she was excited about, she said, “Doing homework.” Standing next to her was Kula B., who also was smiling ear-to-ear in anticipation of the start of her very first school year. What was she looking forward to? “Playing on the playground and learning about things,” she said.
The school year brings many changes at each of the area’s public schools—almost all had to replace teachers over the summer following the budget-imposed layoffs, and some—like Bernice Ayers Middle School—welcomed a new principal (Holly Feldt replaces retired Cheryl Bohn).
The SC Times put calls into each of the city’s schools to see what other changes students and parents can expect this school year. Here’s what we found:
SCHOOL-BY-SCHOOL ROUNDUP
Compiled by Jacqueline DeMarco and Chris Bashaw
Concordia Elementary
3120 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente 92672, 949.492.3060, Dave Gerhard, Principal
“Project Splash,” a program utilizing a 4-9 million year-old whale fossil named “Splash” to teach children about fossils and paleontology, will continue at Concordia Elementary. Discovered at a new home development in 1996, Splash was once regarded as the most complete whale fossil found in North America and now resides on-campus at Concordia elementary.
Las Palmas Elementary School
1101 Calle Puente, San Clemente 92672, 949.234.5333, Kristen Nelson, Principal
The newest technological addition to Las Palmas Elementary is a 35-unit computer lab paid for by the PTA. A new “positive behavior management system” is also going into effect with three simple rules: be respectful, be responsible, and be safe. Las Palmas’ ultimate goal is to ensure that every student leaves the school bilingual and literate in both Spanish and English, and to ensure students have a greater appreciation for the diversity found in different cultures around the world.
Clarence Lobo Elementary School
200 Avenida Vista Montana, San Clemente, CA 92672, 949.366.6740, Sandra McKinney, Principal
No major changes at Lobo Elementary, but new teachers have been hired to replace ones who have left following the budget-mandated staff changes.
Marblehead Elementary School
2410 Avenida Turqueza, San Clemente, 949.234.5339, Jackie Campbell, Principal
The school will continue to use programs developed last year that teach kids about recycling and the environment. Marblehead encourages students who live close to the school to walk to school in groups as opposed to carpooling, which will save gas emissions for the environment. Every Friday is dubbed “Green Day” and parents and students are encouraged to bring recyclables to a bin that, if filled to a certain amount, can get the school $1,000 in funds.
Truman Benedict Elementary School
1251 Sarmentoso, San Clemente 92673, 949.498.6617, Dr. Charlotte Hibsch, Principal
Due to the increase in class sizes, faculty shrunk from 32 to 26. Some teachers moved to other schools, while others lost their jobs completely. This summer, the school’s field was re-seeded. The school will continue its recycling efforts this year.
Vista Del Mar Elementary School
1130 Avenida Talega, San Clemente, 92673, 949.234.5950, Scott Young, Principal
At Vista Del Mar Elementary class sizes are now 30 in kindergarten, 25 in first grade, 31 in second grade, and 32 in fourth and fifth grade. Sidewalks near the parking lot were expanded to keep children safe by allowing them to walk around traffic and also to help increase traffic flow.
Bernice Ayer Middle School
1271 Sarmentoso, San Clemente 92673, 949.366.9607, Holly Feldt, Principal
Big changes at the top, as Holly Feldt takes over as principal and Kristin Orloss is the new vice principal. Founding principal Dr. Cheryl Bohn retired last spring.
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish School
105 N. La Esperanza, San Clemente, 92672, 949.492.4101, Julie Tipton, Principal
The 250-student K-8 school got good news this summer as the city approved plans for its expansion and renovations, which will get underway this school year. According to business manager Ron Runolfson, the school’s Computer Learning Programs offer students in grades 1-8 regular computer classes. “It’s part of our curriculum,” said Runolfson. “Every child goes to computer class with professional instruction.”
Shorecliffs Middle School
240 Via Socorro, San Clemente 92672, 949.498.1660, Kenny Moe, Principal
This school year, Shorecliffs will be implementing the nationwide program Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). This program encourages students to get along with one another and reach out beyond their circle of friends. Principal Moe is looking forward to seeing this school-wide plan in action and its effect on the students.
As a new rule, all shirts must have sleeves. Girls may no longer wear tank tops because it has become too much of a hassle for staff to have to measure the straps to ensure they are one-inch thick. This year they are welcoming back assistant principal Kristen Schertzer after she left to work for another school.
Vista Del Mar Middle School
1130 Avenida Talega, 92673, 949.234.5950, Adam Ochwat, Principal
They have a new, part time vice principal in Greg Hauser. Also, there are new, wider sidewalks put on the way to the parking lot and in the parking lot in order to keep the children safe; they can now walk around the parking lot instead of walking in front of traffic. The changes also should help with traffic flow.
San Clemente High School
700 Avenida Pico, 92673, 949.492.4165, George Duarte, Principal
Principal George Duarte is excited to announce the opening of two new life science classrooms for ninth graders on the upper campus. The classrooms—which occupy the area once used by the Montessori School—feature labs and study areas while allowing for biology classes to be taught on the upper campus. The work will be complete by the time school opens.
Additionally, Duarte announced that Alana Brewer is the new yearbook teacher.
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