F.A.C.E to FACE Update
Volume 2
MLK 5K Fun Run & Festival
LGSD Community Opportunity
San Diego MLK 5K Fun Run & Festival
Are you already registered?
If not, sign up today and join the FUN!
Registration is open for the San Diego MLK 5K Walk / Fun Run and Health Festival!
This year's event will take place on January 19, 2025 at
1492 N Harbor Dr
Embarcadero San Diego, CA 92101
We can't wait to see you there Lemon Grove School District Community!
Whether you're an experienced runner or just starting out, this is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, meet new people, and have fun!
We can't wait to cheer for you at the starting line!
👇
LGSD was provided a free race code to participate in the Fun Run and 5K.
https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/SanDiego/AlphaFoundationMLK5KRunWalk?raceRefCode=Xgc7D4kg
Free Code: School (Until December 30th! Sign up today)
All registrations must pay after Dec. 30th
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Visit the Race Website
2. Select the race option of your choice
3. Enter participant information
4. Select "YES" - JOIN A GROUP/TEAM
5. Complete waiver
6. Select LGSD Group/Team > Under Schools
7. Complete the remaining items
8. Payment Screen - Enter Coupon Code: School (for free participation)
On race day, wear yellow to support Team LGSD
* Free participants will NOT receive shirts, medals, or runner bibs. You may choose the paid option if you would like these offerings.
Email Joe Smith with questions and information. jsmith@lemongrovesd.net
Melvetta Owens - Director - Early Childhood Education Program
Her leadership centers on creating inclusive and equitable educational opportunities, ensuring all students have access to the tools and support needed to succeed regardless of their background. Driven by her belief in the power of early education, Melvetta fosters an environment where young learners thrive, building a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning.
Christine Palomo - Director - Expanded Learning Programs
Christine has dedicated over 20 years to the field of Expanded Learning, with a strong focus on providing students with enriching, hands-on programs before and after school. Her passion is in creating safe, engaging environments where students can thrive, supported by trusted and caring adults.
Christine's journey began in 2004 as an Activity Leader with the San Diego Unified School District, working with elementary and middle school students in expanded learning programs. Over the years, she transitioned into the role of Site Coordinator, and later had the opportunity to work at the San Diego County Office of Education and The Children's Initiative.
In 2014, Christine joined the Lemon Grove School District as the EDP Supervisor, and today she proudly serves as the Director of Expanded Learning, bringing her passion and dedication to her role.
A proud graduate of San Diego State University with a degree in Criminal Justice, Christine values the importance of education both inside and outside the classroom. When not at work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, playing softball, and traveling.
Dianne Teglia - Coordinator - Educational Services
Dianne Teglia has dedicated 27 years to education. A graduate of UCLA, where she earned her B.S., M.Ed., and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with a BCLAD, Dianne began her career in Lawndale, a small town in Los Angeles, as a Structured English Immersion (SEI) teacher. Over the next 11 years, she served as a Title I Coordinator and Language Arts Specialist, building her expertise in supporting underserved student populations. She returned to UCLA for a second M.Ed. and an administrative credential in 2008.
Dianne later relocated to San Diego in 2010, where she took on various roles, including dual language classroom teacher, instructional coach, International Baccalaureate (IB) coordinator, assistant principal, and principal. Currently, she serves as the Educational Services Coordinator for Lemon Grove School District.
A two-time National Board Certified Teacher in English as a New Language/Early and Middle Childhood, Dianne is deeply committed to supporting multilingual learners. She is passionate about fostering their academic and linguistic growth in both their primary language and English, ensuring they thrive in culturally and linguistically diverse learning environments.
Michelle Howe-Kelton - Director - Fiscal Services
Active in professional leadership, Michelle serves on the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) board as the Vice President of Education and has previously led the Accounting Professional Council. She is passionate about driving innovation and excellence in education through strategic financial leadership and collaborative partnerships.
Joe Smith - Director - Family and Community Engagement & Community Schools
Joe Smith holds a Master's degree in Education Leadership, and a Bachelor's in Sociology from the illustrious Hampton University. Joe serves you from the department of FACE & Community Schools. You will often hear him refer to his work as servant leadership. As the Director of FACE, Joe supports our schools, departments, and team members with the Community Schools grant & Family and Community Engagement related functions. It is Joe's passion and life's work to serve students, families, staff, and the community.
Guided by social and moral obligation, Joe takes a unique approach to understanding people, cultures, and the demographics that impact education. A husband and father of five, Joe calls himself the "Godfather of Family and Community Engagement." Raised by a single mother who served as an educator, Joe places a strong emphasis on intentionally engaging families, fathers, and father figures to impact student achievement.
Joe seeks to build relationships and engage all schools, families, and stakeholders to increase engagement through unique experiences of community building and learning. Thank you for allowing us to support you. We look forward to earning your partnership.
Carlos Herrera - Director - (IT) Information Technology
Carlos Herrera is a compassionate and dynamic leader. With a background in K-12 education and past IT experience at San Diego Unified, Charter School of San Diego, and Lemon Grove School District, Carlos is dedicated to empowering educators, and engaging students. He also promotes responsible digital citizenship, and shaping the future of education in the district.
A native San Diegan and a proud product of San Diego’s K-12 public education system, Carlos grew up in the nearby neighborhood of Paradise Hills. He enjoys collaborating with partners to identify and implement technology initiatives that align with the district’s strategic vision.
Outside of work, you’ll find Carlos lost in the pages of a good book, enthusiastically supporting his favorite soccer team, and cherishing quality time with his family.
Carlos Avalos - Director - Maintenance, Operations, and Facilities
Carlos Avalos is the Facilities Project Director for the Lemon Grove School District, bringing over 18 years of expertise in school business and facilities management. With a focus on delivering safe, efficient, and well-maintained facilities, Carlos plays a key role in overseeing a wide range of projects, from new construction and modernizations to ongoing maintenance and upgrades. His work involves close collaboration with contractors, architects, engineers, and district leadership to ensure that the district's facilities meet the needs of students, staff, and the broader community.
Carlos holds bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and has enhanced his skills through specialized training, including completing the Maintenance Management certificate program through C.A.S.H. (Coalition for Adequate School Housing). He has also served as the State Chair for the Maintenance & Operations (M&O) professional council for CASBO (California Association of School Business Officials), further demonstrating his leadership in the field.
With a passion for improving educational environments, Carlos remains dedicated to creating spaces where students can thrive while consistently working toward the highest standards of facilities management and operational excellence.
Chef Jose Esparza - Director - Nutrition Services
I grew up in the vibrant community of Compton, California, where my love for cooking blossomed at a young age. After school, I would eagerly tune in to watch Julia Child's culinary adventures, captivated by her passion and creativity in the kitchen. Inspired by her legacy, I dedicated myself to pursuing a career in the culinary arts.
To refine my skills and knowledge, I attended the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu, where I immersed myself in the world of culinary techniques, hospitality, and restaurant management. I proudly graduated in 2010 with a bachelor's degree, equipped with the expertise to turn my dreams into reality.
Having experienced firsthand the challenges of growing up in a low-income neighborhood, I developed a deep-seated desire to make a difference in the lives of children. I witnessed many of my classmates and friends struggle to meet their basic needs, particularly when it came to food. This eye-opening experience ignited my passion for nourishing young minds, leading me to set a heartfelt goal: to ensure that every child has access to a warm, nutritious meal.
My journey in the Child Nutrition Program spans over 15 years, beginning humbly as a lunch assistant and dishwasher. Through hard work and determination, I climbed the ranks to become a director, finding joy in every step of the way. For three of those years, I had the privilege of working in both Northern and Southern California alongside a reputable school lunch company. Together, we served an astounding 55,000 meals each day, ensuring that countless children received the fuel they needed to thrive academically.
In addition to my work in nutrition, I proudly served as an Executive Chef Instructor for 12 years, guiding and mentoring young culinary enthusiasts aged 6 to 18. It was incredibly rewarding to share my passion for cooking and inspire the next generation of chefs.
After spending three enriching years in Escondido, I now call Lemon Grove home. Driven by my unwavering commitment, I aspire to extend my mission beyond local borders: to provide a meal for every child in the world, one thoughtful step at a time.
Leanne Gattegno - Coordinator - Special Education Services
Leanne has dedicated the past 20 years to education in the Lemon Grove School District, where she has made a significant impact in the field of Special Education. She began her journey as a Resource Specialist at San Altos Elementary School and later advanced to roles as a Program Specialist and Coordinator of Special Education at the district level.
Leanne has been instrumental in introducing the teacher residency grant and leads an inclusion course, empowering staff to become certified inclusion teachers. Her passion for Special Education and inclusion continues to drive her commitment to fostering equitable and supportive learning environments for all.
Wow! Great things are happening in LGSD schools. This quarter we highlight the amazing efforts of the Monterey Heights (MH) administration and team members.
Principal Turner and Social Worker Claire Romero successfully held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new family laundry room. This space is available for families of Monterey Heights students. We celebrate the refreshed Family Resource Center, including the Family Resource Store and the Clothing Boutique.
Monterey Heights is a school that is deeply committed to providing a rigorous academic experience within a nurturing, inclusive, and culturally-responsive environment. With a focus on excellence, the school is shaping the future by empowering students to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and community leaders. Monterey Heights students, known as Eagles, are driven by goals, guided by integrity, and dedicated to achieving academic success while making a positive impact on their communities and the world around them.
Monterey Heights STEAM Academy fosters a strong sense of community, where students, families, and local residents grow and succeed together. The school meets a wide range of needs by offering valuable resources such as a Community Laundry Room and Family Resource Center, while prioritizing health and wellness through initiatives like vaccination clinics and a Wellness Sensory Room. Engagement is enhanced with programs like STEAM Family Fridays, Literacy Night, and STEAM Summer Camp, all designed to ignite curiosity and creativity. The school also strengthens its community ties by supporting military families, organizing a Family Job Fair, and celebrating shared values through community murals and recognition programs like the Monterey Heights Character Trait & Eagle of the Month. These initiatives highlight the school’s unwavering dedication to being a center of learning, resources, and partnerships, ensuring all students and families have the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Congratulations San Altos Elementary Flag football team!
A huge congratulations to the SA team members and Ms. Priscilla for their hard work and dedication.
As a new team member and coach, Ms. Priscilla took on the challenge and delivered an incredible season for our SA students.
This victory is a perfect reminder of the amazing things that can happen when you step outside of your comfort zone.
Shout out to Ms. Jennifer (Site Leader) for supporting her rookie coach along the way!
External Assets
The Search Institute® has identified the following building blocks of healthy development—known as Developmental Assets®—that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.
SUPPORT (1-6)
1. Family Support - Family life provides high levels of love and support.
2. Positive Family Communication - Young person and her or his parent(s) communicate positively,
and young person is willing to seek advice and counsel from parents.
3. Other Adult Relationships - Young person receives support from three or more non-parent adults.
4. Caring Neighborhood - Young person experiences caring neighbors.
5. Caring School Climate - School provides a caring, encouraging environment.
6. Parent(s) Involvement in Schooling - Parent(s)/Family are actively involved in helping young person succeed in school.
EMPOWERMENT (7-10)
7. Community values youth - Young people perceive that adults in the community value youth.
8. Youth as resources - Young people have useful roles in the community.
9. Service to others - Young people serve in the community one hour or more per week.
10. Safety - Young people feel safe at home, school, and in the neighborhood.
BOUNDARIES & EXPECTATIONS (12-16)
11. Family boundaries - Families have clear rules and consequences, and monitor young people’s whereabouts.
12. School boundaries - Schools provide clear rules and consequences.
13. Neighborhood boundaries - Neighbors take responsibility for monitoring young people’s behavior.
14. Adult role models - Parenting adults and other adults model positive, (consistent) responsible behavior.
15. Positive peer influence - Young people’s best friends model responsible behavior.
16. High expectations - Parenting adults and teachers encourage young people to do well.
TOGETHER, WE CONTINUE TO AFFIRM OUR STUDENTS ARE LIMITLESS!
As the year comes to a close, we reflect on putting our best foot forward to engage you, your student(s), and the LGSD community. We hope to continue moving the work forward in positive ways. Know it is our goal to maintain your trust and earn your continued partnership.
Blessings,
Joe Smith, M. Ed.
Servant Leader (Director), Family and Community Engagement & Community Schools
619.825.5601 Ext. 2617
Newsletter constructed by Eduardo Baza, Student Information System Specialist