Dear
Fusion families
Happy holidays to all our Fusion friends and families! December and January are great months for personal reflection, as we say goodbye to one year and greet the upcoming one. As we wrap up 2006, we have the unique opportunity to release all that we feel was less than optimal, and continue to hold dear the events of this past year that helped us grow. We can look ahead at a fresh new year with hope, motivation, and a renewed sense of purpose. We have the ability to plan anew, set things right, and venture out with new vigor and fresh eyes.
My holiday wish for you is that you can find a moment in hectic December to contemplate the possibilities of what 2007 has in store for you. Here at Fusion, we are always looking ahead with hope, with excitement, and with direct purpose. We strive to be relentless in our optimism, and to look for any reason to celebrate fresh starts, and a new year seems to be the perfect excuse. My hope is that all of our families, (our personal ones and our Fusion ones) join us in celebrating fresh starts, renewed vigor, and a continued sense of enthusiasm in the upcoming year.
Most public and private schools hold their final exams around the end of January. Don’t delay in getting the tutoring you need for your finals! Most teachers have openings to accommodate the high volume of tutoring appointments requested during this time. If you feel that extra tutorial sessions might be needed for finals, phone the front desk and schedule those appointments soon. Scheduling is completed on a first-come, first-served basis.
And don’t forget, certain teachers ARE available during the holiday break to help you get a jumpstart on those finals or to get ahead in a class. There is also weekend assistance available, so don’t wait. . . we’re ready for you!
Nicholas is Back in the Homework Café
Your favorite Homework Café teacher is back in the Homework Café (HC) after a two-year break! Nicholas is available for homework help Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. to help you. Not only will you get all your homework complete, you’ll have a darn good time doing it! No appointment is needed for the HC, so just swing on by, bring your books, maybe a snack or dinner, and get the assistance you need from Niko!
Extended Time for SATs
Karina Gillick wants to remind all students who are enrolling for the SATs in 2007 to have their disability documentation complete two months prior to the actual SAT date. If you are seeking accommodations on the SAT—like extended time or a reader—it is imperative to submit the paperwork in a timely fashion. If you wait too long, you won’t get your requests. For more info on the SATs or extended time, contact Karina at Fusion.
Music Lessons Available
Fusion’s Music department has some rare openings! Fusion offers lessons or classes for credit in most instruments including guitar, bass, drums, and recording arts. Call the front desk today to get more info.
New Tutors and Teachers
Fusion welcomes Erik Hinojosa to our growing family of teachers! Erik graduated in 2003 from UCSD with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Economics. He has a minor in Latin American Studies. Currently, he is available to teach and tutor all math levels, Spanish, and certain science courses. He is also fluent in American Sign Language, and is available to tutor and teach ASL. Erik’s dynamic personality is a welcome addition to the Fusion family!
Fusion Offers New Classes
Fusion is now offering Japanese as a class for credit. Feel free to call and get more information if you are interested in taking Japanese to meet your language requirement. Fusion teachers have also been very busy writing curriculums for new classes, so be on the lookout for American Sign Language (ASL), Astronomy, and Psychology to be offered very soon!
Fusion
Academy is unlike any school in the county: We are specialists
in one-on-one education, and are dedicated to teaching the
unique student who requires more personalized and meaningful
instruction.
Fusion Academy students fill their school days
with an unheard-of level of engagement, from one-on-one instruction
in academic classes to enjoying our full-scale recording studio
to immersing themselves in our Expressive Arts program. Each
student's schedule is custom tailored to meet his or
her needs, and learning is conducted in a warm and unique, yet structured, environment.
Fusion Academy began
the 2006-2007 school year -- its fourth in operation -- with
recordbreaking enrollment of 38 students. We anticipate reaching
our maximum enrollment of 50 full-time students this year.
For more information on this amazing program for students
grades 6-12, or for a personal tour, call the school or just
swing on by!
Fusion Academy News for December 2006 / January 2007...
Parent Advisory Group Meeting
We encourage all parents of our full-time students to be an active part of the Parent Advisory Group Meeting on January 25, 2007, at 7 p.m. at Fusion. This meeting gives parents the opportunity to meet each other, discuss important “goings on” at Fusion, and have a voice in the development of our innovative school.
IROC Week
IROC week was held the week of December 11, 2006. All full-time parents should expect progress reports prior to the new year. Remember to talk to your kids about their goals: Their self-evaluations are an integral part of the IROC system.
The Christina Wolfe Recovery Fund Benefit
What a wonderful fundraiser! Thanks go out to the Fusion Band for performing and doing a bang-up job! (Shout out to Noah Gilman on drums, Aimee Jacobs on vocals, and Eric Roberts on sax!)
Thanks also to all the Fusion families and staff who came out to show their support of Christina Wolfe, who was critically injured in a near-fatal car accident back in September. The event raised over $11,000 toward her recovery expenses.
As for Christina herself, she is staying strong and making great strides in her recovery. She is moving both legs, and beginning to attempt to stand up with the aid of her physical therapists! They expect that our girl will be walking with braces sometime next year. Her spirits are incredibly upbeat, and her stamina is to be admired. Way to go, Christina, and way to go, Fusion, for supporting her through your continued outpouring of love and dedication!
Ornament Program a Great Success!
Thanks to full-time parents Joanne Wornham and Julia Durkin for creating the Ornament Program for Christina! Fusion collected a boxful of ornaments that were delivered to her family last weekend. The Wolfe family is incredibly grateful for all your support and love!
Art Department Gearing Up for Showcase
Fusion’s Art department is getting ready to showcase the wonderful student art being created within our school. Stay tuned for a great art event featuring the Fusion Band and our wonderful Art students who have been hard at work creating masterpieces.
Inaugural Art Department Sandwich Sale a Delicious Success!
The Art department made and sold grilled cheese sandwiches to raise money toward their goal of purchasing an airbrush gun in December. Keep those yummy sandwiches coming!
Online Fusion Calendar to Debut Shortly
Be on the lookout for the Fusion calendar as a permanent icon on the website. The calendar will help all of us keep track of the goings-on at Fusion.
Fusion Volunteers Out and About
On November 12, Fusion students and teachers visited Jewish Family Services. When they arrived, they each received handfuls of bags and were instructed to bag the piles of donated food from grocery stores. They filled each bag with fruit, vegetables, gravy, and desserts. When they were all finished, there must have been a good 200 bags of food! It made them feel good to know that the food was going to families who couldn’t afford to have a nice Thanksgiving meal. What a great gift, Fusion students—good job!—and thanks to staff members Janelle Pieros and Shannon Harrington for orchestrating this community-service event!
End-of-Day Reminder for Full-Time Parents
Please remember to be timely in picking up your students from the Homework Café when they are done for the day. We understand that our students love to be at Fusion, but far too many of them “just hanging out” after their work is complete. This creates a liability for both your child and Fusion, and creates unnecessary distraction to the other students attempting to get their work done. Prompt pick-up is required and, effective January 1, students will begin to incur after-school HC charges if not picked up within 30 minutes after their work is complete for the day. If your child drives, please be sure to instruct them that they are to leave campus once they have completed their schoolday. Thank you for your cooperation!
Student of the Month
This issue’s student of the month is Melissa Rubio. Previously, Melissa attended middle school in Tijuana, Mexico, and is now a freshman at Fusion. Melissa has excelled academically and has added to the diversity of Fusion’s varied population. Melissa says that she loves the personal touch of Fusion and the easy access that she has to her teachers. We are happy to have you with us, Melissa, and keep up the good work!
December 22-
January 7 Holiday break. Fusion only open for students who make pre-arrangements to work with teachers.
January 8 Fusion returns to normal schedule.
January 13 Mock SAT at Fusion.
January 15 Martin Luther King Day – Fusion is open.
January 15 Teacher in-service 12 p.m.-3 p.m. No students will be seen during this time.
January 25 Parent Advisory Group meeting at 7 p.m. at Fusion.
January 27 Real SAT.
January 29 Teacher in-service 9 a.m.-12 p.m. No students will be seen during this time.
It's back again this year! Are you a musician
looking for an outlet? Do you have a talent that
you haven't shared with the world yet? Are you interested
in recording and playing live? Guitar players in
particular are wanted. Fusion Band meets on Sundays
in Cardiff. Contact Nicholas Angelo, Music Program
Director, for more information.
Order your Fusion hoodies before they sell out! Support your school and the students who made the sweatshirts. Just call the front desk for ordering info.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at time of challenge and controversy.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Alice Norris wanted to comment on volunteering at Jewish Family Services back in November:
“Some friends of mine from Fusion got to help out with making Thanksgiving baskets for less fortunate families. It was the day of my birthday, yet I was more then happy to be a part of it. We all met up at a café first, and my teacher got me a coffeecake and a candle. I thought it was very nice. We were all happy and ready to get over and help out. When we got there, there were lots of people already making the food arrangements. We made a little system and hopped in the group. It was fun. We filled up tons of bags with lots of food. It was a great experience, and when we were done we all went to the pancake house. It was a good day.”
Hey, thanks, Alice, for being a part of that great event!
Tutoring & Mentoring Monday - Thursday,
7:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday - Sunday by appointment only ------------------------------------ Homework Cafe Monday - Thursday,
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ------------------------------------ ACT for Dummies, 4th Edition Written by our own Michelle Rose Gilman and Veronica Saydak. Purchase your copy at the front desk!
Welcome to the February/March 2007 edition of the Fusion News!
We hope this newsletter finds you in great spirits and good health. It’s hard to believe that spring is soon approaching, and that the school year is nearly three-quarters over. It feels like yesterday that we were planning the first day of school!
There are a lot of things going on at Fusion that I want to share with you, and this newsletter is chock full of new information. It is my sincere hope that the spring season greets you with its warmth and a renewed sense of optimism.
Here at Fusion, we are looking forward to the "spring stretch" and the opportunity to charge head-first into the remaining school year.
My very warm regards, Michelle Rose Gilman
Founder and Head of School
Fusion is always offering our Mock SAT tests. The Mock SAT is a great way to gain familiarity with the actual test, receive written feedback, and know if some additional assistance is needed with preparation.
NEW Substance Abuse Division Launch
Fusion has plans to launch a revolving eight-week outpatient substance-abuse program. This program will be available to the entire community, headed by Season Hewitt, Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor. We anticipate acquiring additional space to house this beneficial new program. Stay tuned for more details!
It's Hard to Say Goodbye
Shannon Harrington made a major decision in January to move to Turkey to start a new chapter in her life. We are happy to report she arrived safely, and is enjoying her new surroundings. Although we miss her greatly, we're pleased that she followed her dream. She plans on returning for a visit sometime this spring. Good luck, Shannon!
Veronica Baez has also decided to leave us to return to school and obtain an advanced degree in Math. We wish her the best of luck as she pursues this endeavor. We'll miss you, Vero!
New Teachers, Tutors, and Staff
Fusion welcomes three incredible new staffmembers this month, and we are incredibly grateful for the talent within our circle. We continue to attract the most creative, passionate, and educated teachers in our industry! Take a look:
Jeremiah Couch arrives with a single-subject teaching credential in Social Studies and a Masters in Education from National University. He also holds both AA and BA degrees in History; taught in a Department of Defense high school in Wurzburg, Germany; and has supervised a "6-to-6" program in the Spring Valley School District.
Shannon Devine joins us with a BA in Political Science and Spanish, and a minor in History, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also has previous tutoring experience, and has served as a soccer and baseball coach.
Season Hewitt has seven years' experience as an Adoelescent Intensive Outpatient Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (certified through the Board of Alcohol & Drug Counseling) at the Scripps McDonald Center. Additionally, Season holds certifications in Anger Management and Adolescent Anger Management. She graduated with honors from San Diego City College's Alcohol & Other Drug Studies program. And, she's bilingual in English/Spanish.
There's always something new happening at Fusion!
Fusion
Academy is unlike any school in the county: We are specialists
in one-on-one education, and are dedicated to teaching the
unique student who requires more personalized and meaningful
instruction.
Fusion Academy students fill their school days
with an unheard-of level of engagement, from one-on-one instruction
in academic classes to enjoying our full-scale recording studio
to immersing themselves in our Expressive Arts program. Each
student's schedule is custom tailored to meet his or
her needs, and learning is conducted in a warm and unique, yet structured, environment.
Fusion Academy began
the 2006-2007 school year—its fourth in operation—with
recordbreaking enrollment of 38 students. We anticipate reaching
our maximum enrollment of 50 full-time students this year.
For more information on this amazing program for students
grades 6-12, or for a personal tour, call the school or just
swing on by!
Fusion Academy News for February/March 2007
WASC
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is once again visiting our school. The committee arrives on March 25th, and they have requested a meeting with our parent body on that date at 3 p.m. We ask that all of our parents come to that meeting to greet the committee and to assist us in obtaining our accreditation.
Parents, we cannot do this without you! Please put the date and time into your calendars—it's only one hours, and your words to WASC will last a lifetime. We humbly request that you support Fusion Academy as we attempt to become a part of the esteemed group of schools accredited by this powerful organization.
Annual Showcase of the Arts
A creative explosion is happening on Saturday, April 21st 2007, at 5 p.m.: Fusion Academy's first Annual Showcase of the Arts! Entitled "Put Your Lights On," the showcase will encompass student art pieces, music by Fusion's Music department (including musical works by our students), and a poetry/rap slam (guided by Bailee Chandler, English teacher extraordinaire). The highlight of the evening will be the Text Art exhibit, with contributions from both students and faculty, prompted by the question "What would you like to say to the Universe?"
Particular pieces of note: Jack Schreiber's intricately detailed sculpture of a woodland house . . . Dan Martinez' pen-and-ink entitled "Coltrane" . . . Graham Bishop's lighted sculpture of glass, feathers, metal, and clay, called "Random" . . . Melissa Rubio's amazing work-in-progress . . .
Please plan to attend—you may even see a side of your child you never knew existed!
A special thank you goes to Eric Roberts from Mary Easton, Art Program Director, for the space and furnishings template for the Art room. What an incredible help!
We'll send out reminders for this special event soon, so be on the lookout for them.
Special Request: The Art department is humbly requesting an airbrush gun and a digital camera for student use. Donations toward their purchase (or of the actual items!) would be much appreciated. Please contact Mary Easton, Art Program Director, for more information, and THANK YOU in advance!
Friday Fun Days & Other Field Trips
Fusion's first Friday Fun Day is here! Nicholas Angelo is organizing this new program, and kicking it off on March 2nd with a trip to Sea World. The cost is just $28 (we got a great school discount!), and all interested students should see Nicholas for a permission slip.
Upcoming Friday Fun Days include trips to the K-1 Speedway and the Wild Animal Park. We're also taking suggestions for subsequent Fun Days. Please contact Nicholas with your suggestions and/or comments.
Janelle Pieros, Language Department head, and Veronica Saydak, English Department head, are planning a field trip to Chicano Park in San Diego. For English classes, the trip corresponds to the study of Mexican-American literature, and for Spanish classes, it satisfies the cultural experience requirement. Please contact Janelle or Veronica for details.
Brian Peterson, Science Department head, along with Janelle, is planning a field trip to the Museum of Man in Balboa Park for science students. For more info, please get in touch with Brian or Janelle.
IROC Week, February 19th-23rd!
IROC Week is in full swing! Be on the lookout for your child's progress report, grades, self-evaluation, and updated goals. Also, we'll be sending a transcript summary with this IROC report. Please feel free to call Michelle Gilman or Joseph Malki if you'd like to discuss your child's IROC and goals.
And, please talk to your child about his or her self-evaluation. This really is an excellent time to casually bring up progress and how he or she feels about personal experiences at school. Keep in mind, though, that students' self-evaluations are just that: SELF-evaluations. Try not to be judgmental, as that can skew your child's unique and individual introspection.
Out-of-This-World Course Offerings
Astronomy: If you've ever wondered why Saturn has rings, what a galaxy looks like through a telescope, or what the heck "dark matter" is, then our new Astronomy course is for you! We're now offering semester and full-year courses in the subject. The course involves daytime and nighttime labs utilizing our new six-inch Newtonian reflector telescope and solar-filtered binoculars. It also has an astrophotography component. Way to go, Kate Brutlag, for writing an incredible curriculum for this new course! For more information, contact Kate or an administrator.
Japanese: Fusion has begun offering Japanese classes. The courses focus on not only the language, but also the culture, of the Land of the Rising Sun, including the study of Japanese festivals such as Setsubun and Tanabata, extensive study in all three Japanese alphabets, and weekly dialogues designed to give students a command of everyday Japanese. Again, contact Kate Brutlag for more info.
Woodshop: We're now offering Woodshop as an elective class. Woodshop is held off campus on Fridays, by scheduled appointment only. The class typically runs in three- to four-hour blocks. And, if anyone has a lathe they would like to donate, please let Nicholas Angelo know!
Psychology: Another new course we're very proud to add to our list of classes for credit is Psychology. Many thanks to Greg Pitman and Lindsey Free for writing this curriculum.
If your child is interested in enrolling in any of these stellar new classes, please contact the school administration.
Community Service: All Fusion Academy students looking for community service hours (that's all of you kids in Health and Life Skills classes!) should contact Kate Brutlag regarding a Friday trip to serve food to the homeless at Father Joe's Villages. You can visit their website for more information at fatherjoesvillages.org.
New Student UN is Forming Now
The new Fusion Academy United Nations group is forming to give students the opportunity to learn about international issues, building unity, and using their voices to help aid those in need.
Our UN group will allow our students to connect with other students around the world, and will help them gain valuable experience in leadership and service positions.
The student-run group will meet once a month to participate in several programs established by the national network of UN student alliances. One of the programs includes a "Model UN" conference, where different UN groups travel to a site to hold a mock conference and represent the interests of a particular country. Other programs such as HERO and Adopt-a-Minefield give students the chance to help raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS in impoverished areas and the dangers of landmines that remain after civil wars.
For more information, contact Jason Saltmarsh, who is leading the charge for the Fusion UN.
Wednesday Hot Lunch Change
Wednesdays' hot lunch has been switched from Round Table Pizza to Solana Beach Coffee Company. Students can now get grilled cheese sandwiches, a side snack, and a drink for $5. Please remember to send lunch money with your child on Wednesdays, as the schoolwide student meeting is held during their lunchtime, and students are unable to leave campus to get lunch.
Update on Christina Wolfe
Christina has made tremendous progress, and we are so very proud of her! She is currently at Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center in Downey, California, continuing her recovering from a devastating car crash in September 2006.
She is walking with the aid of a walker and leg braces, and is working diligently to regain the strength in her arms and legs. She plans to relocate back to San Diego upon discharge from the rehab center in mid-March, and to live independently. What a remarkable feat!
Please continue to send your cards and letters to her directly or through Fusion—she really loves hearing from everyone!
Student of the Month
Alex Schleyhahn is the student of the month for this issue of the Fusion News! Alex's enthusiastic attitude and warm personality have positively influenced both students and staff. Alex's teachers report that he is very committed to his schoolwork, and puts in tremendous effort. His caring personality has added to Fusion's compassionate and tolerant environment.
Alex, thank you for all you bring to Fusion, and keep up the great work!
Fusion CD Release Attention budding musicians! Fusion's Music department is compiling recorded music for the 2007 CD, to be released April 21st. Submit your musical masterpiece to Nicholas Angelo!
HOODIES ARE HERE, FINALLY!
At long last, Fusion hoodie sweatshirts have arrived! Those of you who pre-ordered yours will receive them the week of February 26th. If you haven't already snapped up a few, please support your school and students, and order some today! The cost is $30 each, and all proceeds are earmarked for supplies and equipment for individual departments. All sizes are available. Contact Sarah Easton at the front desk to pick up your hoodies or for more info.
"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing."
Abraham Lincoln,
16th President of the
United States
A note from Tom McKee, Fusion Academy Class of 2008
Fusion has helped me out in a lot of different ways. Not only do I understand the material that my teachers give me, but I have learned how to treat kids around me with respect. That might sound cheesy, but it is true. I no longer judge people by the way they act or dress. I have also found that Fusion has helped me in my sobriety. The temptations are thankfully fewer than I thought that they would be because I get support from my peers around me, many of whom have been through the same life struggles as I have. All in all, Fusion is a great school, and I don't know what I would do without it.
Welcome to the February/March 2007 edition of the Fusion News!
We hope this newsletter finds you in great spirits and good health. It’s hard to believe that spring is soon approaching, and that the school year is nearly three-quarters over. It feels like yesterday that we were planning the first day of school!
There are a lot of things going on at Fusion that I want to share with you, and this newsletter is chock full of new information. It is my sincere hope that the spring season greets you with its warmth and a renewed sense of optimism.
Here at Fusion, we are looking forward to the "spring stretch" and the opportunity to charge head-first into the remaining school year.
My very warm regards, Michelle Rose Gilman
Founder and Head of School
Fusion is always offering our Mock SAT tests. The Mock SAT is a great way to gain familiarity with the actual test, receive written feedback, and know if some additional assistance is needed with preparation.
NEW Substance Abuse Division Launch
Fusion has plans to launch a revolving eight-week outpatient substance-abuse program. This program will be available to the entire community, headed by Season Hewitt, Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor. We anticipate acquiring additional space to house this beneficial new program. Stay tuned for more details!
It's Hard to Say Goodbye
Shannon Harrington made a major decision in January to move to Turkey to start a new chapter in her life. We are happy to report she arrived safely, and is enjoying her new surroundings. Although we miss her greatly, we're pleased that she followed her dream. She plans on returning for a visit sometime this spring. Good luck, Shannon!
Veronica Baez has also decided to leave us to return to school and obtain an advanced degree in Math. We wish her the best of luck as she pursues this endeavor. We'll miss you, Vero!
New Teachers, Tutors, and Staff
Fusion welcomes three incredible new staffmembers this month, and we are incredibly grateful for the talent within our circle. We continue to attract the most creative, passionate, and educated teachers in our industry! Take a look:
Jeremiah Couch arrives with a single-subject teaching credential in Social Studies and a Masters in Education from National University. He also holds both AA and BA degrees in History; taught in a Department of Defense high school in Wurzburg, Germany; and has supervised a "6-to-6" program in the Spring Valley School District.
Shannon Devine joins us with a BA in Political Science and Spanish, and a minor in History, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also has previous tutoring experience, and has served as a soccer and baseball coach.
Season Hewitt has seven years' experience as an Adoelescent Intensive Outpatient Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (certified through the Board of Alcohol & Drug Counseling) at the Scripps McDonald Center. Additionally, Season holds certifications in Anger Management and Adolescent Anger Management. She graduated with honors from San Diego City College's Alcohol & Other Drug Studies program. And, she's bilingual in English/Spanish.
There's always something new happening at Fusion!
Fusion
Academy is unlike any school in the county: We are specialists
in one-on-one education, and are dedicated to teaching the
unique student who requires more personalized and meaningful
instruction.
Fusion Academy students fill their school days
with an unheard-of level of engagement, from one-on-one instruction
in academic classes to enjoying our full-scale recording studio
to immersing themselves in our Expressive Arts program. Each
student's schedule is custom tailored to meet his or
her needs, and learning is conducted in a warm and unique, yet structured, environment.
Fusion Academy began
the 2006-2007 school year—its fourth in operation—with
recordbreaking enrollment of 38 students. We anticipate reaching
our maximum enrollment of 50 full-time students this year.
For more information on this amazing program for students
grades 6-12, or for a personal tour, call the school or just
swing on by!
Fusion Academy News for February/March 2007
WASC
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is once again visiting our school. The committee arrives on March 25th, and they have requested a meeting with our parent body on that date at 3 p.m. We ask that all of our parents come to that meeting to greet the committee and to assist us in obtaining our accreditation.
Parents, we cannot do this without you! Please put the date and time into your calendars—it's only one hours, and your words to WASC will last a lifetime. We humbly request that you support Fusion Academy as we attempt to become a part of the esteemed group of schools accredited by this powerful organization.
Annual Showcase of the Arts
A creative explosion is happening on Saturday, April 21st 2007, at 5 p.m.: Fusion Academy's first Annual Showcase of the Arts! Entitled "Put Your Lights On," the showcase will encompass student art pieces, music by Fusion's Music department (including musical works by our students), and a poetry/rap slam (guided by Bailee Chandler, English teacher extraordinaire). The highlight of the evening will be the Text Art exhibit, with contributions from both students and faculty, prompted by the question "What would you like to say to the Universe?"
Particular pieces of note: Jack Schreiber's intricately detailed sculpture of a woodland house . . . Dan Martinez' pen-and-ink entitled "Coltrane" . . . Graham Bishop's lighted sculpture of glass, feathers, metal, and clay, called "Random" . . . Melissa Rubio's amazing work-in-progress . . .
Please plan to attend—you may even see a side of your child you never knew existed!
A special thank you goes to Eric Roberts from Mary Easton, Art Program Director, for the space and furnishings template for the Art room. What an incredible help!
We'll send out reminders for this special event soon, so be on the lookout for them.
Special Request: The Art department is humbly requesting an airbrush gun and a digital camera for student use. Donations toward their purchase (or of the actual items!) would be much appreciated. Please contact Mary Easton, Art Program Director, for more information, and THANK YOU in advance!
Friday Fun Days & Other Field Trips
Fusion's first Friday Fun Day is here! Nicholas Angelo is organizing this new program, and kicking it off on March 2nd with a trip to Sea World. The cost is just $28 (we got a great school discount!), and all interested students should see Nicholas for a permission slip.
Upcoming Friday Fun Days include trips to the K-1 Speedway and the Wild Animal Park. We're also taking suggestions for subsequent Fun Days. Please contact Nicholas with your suggestions and/or comments.
Janelle Pieros, Language Department head, and Veronica Saydak, English Department head, are planning a field trip to Chicano Park in San Diego. For English classes, the trip corresponds to the study of Mexican-American literature, and for Spanish classes, it satisfies the cultural experience requirement. Please contact Janelle or Veronica for details.
Brian Peterson, Science Department head, along with Janelle, is planning a field trip to the Museum of Man in Balboa Park for science students. For more info, please get in touch with Brian or Janelle.
IROC Week, February 19th-23rd!
IROC Week is in full swing! Be on the lookout for your child's progress report, grades, self-evaluation, and updated goals. Also, we'll be sending a transcript summary with this IROC report. Please feel free to call Michelle Gilman or Joseph Malki if you'd like to discuss your child's IROC and goals.
And, please talk to your child about his or her self-evaluation. This really is an excellent time to casually bring up progress and how he or she feels about personal experiences at school. Keep in mind, though, that students' self-evaluations are just that: SELF-evaluations. Try not to be judgmental, as that can skew your child's unique and individual introspection.
Out-of-This-World Course Offerings
Astronomy: If you've ever wondered why Saturn has rings, what a galaxy looks like through a telescope, or what the heck "dark matter" is, then our new Astronomy course is for you! We're now offering semester and full-year courses in the subject. The course involves daytime and nighttime labs utilizing our new six-inch Newtonian reflector telescope and solar-filtered binoculars. It also has an astrophotography component. Way to go, Kate Brutlag, for writing an incredible curriculum for this new course! For more information, contact Kate or an administrator.
Japanese: Fusion has begun offering Japanese classes. The courses focus on not only the language, but also the culture, of the Land of the Rising Sun, including the study of Japanese festivals such as Setsubun and Tanabata, extensive study in all three Japanese alphabets, and weekly dialogues designed to give students a command of everyday Japanese. Again, contact Kate Brutlag for more info.
Woodshop: We're now offering Woodshop as an elective class. Woodshop is held off campus on Fridays, by scheduled appointment only. The class typically runs in three- to four-hour blocks. And, if anyone has a lathe they would like to donate, please let Nicholas Angelo know!
Psychology: Another new course we're very proud to add to our list of classes for credit is Psychology. Many thanks to Greg Pitman and Lindsey Free for writing this curriculum.
If your child is interested in enrolling in any of these stellar new classes, please contact the school administration.
Community Service: All Fusion Academy students looking for community service hours (that's all of you kids in Health and Life Skills classes!) should contact Kate Brutlag regarding a Friday trip to serve food to the homeless at Father Joe's Villages. You can visit their website for more information at fatherjoesvillages.org.
New Student UN is Forming Now
The new Fusion Academy United Nations group is forming to give students the opportunity to learn about international issues, building unity, and using their voices to help aid those in need.
Our UN group will allow our students to connect with other students around the world, and will help them gain valuable experience in leadership and service positions.
The student-run group will meet once a month to participate in several programs established by the national network of UN student alliances. One of the programs includes a "Model UN" conference, where different UN groups travel to a site to hold a mock conference and represent the interests of a particular country. Other programs such as HERO and Adopt-a-Minefield give students the chance to help raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS in impoverished areas and the dangers of landmines that remain after civil wars.
For more information, contact Jason Saltmarsh, who is leading the charge for the Fusion UN.
Wednesday Hot Lunch Change
Wednesdays' hot lunch has been switched from Round Table Pizza to Solana Beach Coffee Company. Students can now get grilled cheese sandwiches, a side snack, and a drink for $5. Please remember to send lunch money with your child on Wednesd
