March 25, 2004

NEWS BRIEFS

Airport community meeting set for March 30

Almaden and Blossom Valley residents are invited to join Vice Mayor Pat Dando for an informational and interactive community meeting about the future of the airport. This is an opportunity to come and learn about the proposal for the design of the new airport facility, including how it will look, operate and function. The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. at the Vineland Branch Library at 1450 Blossom Hill Road.

SJSU Career Center, led by Almaden woman, wins award for outstanding service

San Jose State University's Career Center, directed by Almaden's Cheryl Allmen-Vinnedge, has been named a 2004 winner of the Career Center Award by the California Career Education Association.

To be considered for the award, schools must have full-service career centers, which supplement their programs by using community resources. They should also provide career education resources for students and staff and foster partnerships.

“This was one of the most challenging years of operation for the Career Center because of the continuing economic downturn, which resulted in an extremely tough job market for SJSU students,” said Allmen-Vinnedge. “This honor is great recognition for our programs and performance during these times of reduced resources.”

Citizens Bond Oversight Committee looking for members

The Board of Education is now seeking applications for individuals who would like to serve on the Citizens Oversight Committee for the general obligation bond (Measure F) passed in 2002. The purpose of the Citizens Oversight Committee is to inform the public concerning the expenditure of bond revenues. It is anticipated that the Citizens Oversight Committee will meet quarterly based on a schedule determined by the committee.

For a list of duties and an application, call Lynn Raspone at the San Jose Unified School District at 535-6053.

Library sleepover with principal big hit with Graystone third graders

Imagine having a principal cool enough that you, as a third grader, would want to have a sleepover with her at school. Well that's just what 31 lucky kids did the other night at Graystone Elementary School's Library Sleepover.

To earn this honor, the students had to read five Young Medal Award-winning books and write books reports and a poem on each book. If they did this, they were allowed to spend Friday night at the ultimate sleepover in the Graystone library under the watchful eyes of Principal Jerri Kazmierczak and Literacy Event Coordinator Michele Taylor. The two had help from four Bret Harte students.

“I'd do it again in a minute, if they invite me next year,” said Kazmierczak, who will be retiring at the end of the school year. “We had a great time watching movies like “101 Dalmatians” and “Beauty and the Beast” and reading the library magazines. Michele and I never went to sleep though because we were afraid that one of the kids would wake up and want their parents. But none of them did. In fact each and every student brought their toothbrush and toothpaste and insisted on brushing their teeth!”