Schools

Four days after the Newton Conn. tragedy that in December took the lives of 20 young children and six adult staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Gilroy Unified School District Superintendent Debbie Flores met with principals, district staff and the Gilroy Police Department to review the district’s Code Red (lockdown) procedures, discuss safety protocol upgrades and identify the immediate next steps required to heighten security at Gilroy school sites.

The Gavilan College Communications Studies Program has won the 2013 Model Communication Program Award from the Western States Communication Association.

Each month, the principals of Gilroy and Christopher high schools choose a total of four students (two from GHS and two from CHS) to spotlight. GHS senior Thao (Nicole) Nguyen, 18, is this week's Student of the Week.

Activities Director Gloria Hennessy at Christopher High School says she “can’t stand by and do nothing” when she sees one of her students coming to school wearing clothing that is worn out or shoes that are about to fall apart.

Each month, the principals of Gilroy and Christopher high schools choose a total of four students (two from GHS and two from CHS) to spotlight. CHS senior Breana Louise Orozco, 17, is this week's Student of the Week.

The Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy's Academic Decathlon team is off to compete in the California Academic Decathlon State Finals March 14 through 17 at the Hyatt Regency in Sacramento.

Assemblymember Luis Alejo (D-Salinas) today introduced Assembly Bill 280, which places a three-month cap on the severance pay of a school district superintendent. Currently, when a superintendent’s contract of employment is terminated, he or she is eligible for a severance pay of up to 18 times their monthly salary, which can potentially be very costly.

Gavilan College is offering writing workshops by veterans, for veterans from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Thursdays in room SS203 on campus, located at 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. in Gilroy.

The Board of Education unanimously voted to approve moving forward with Phase I of the construction of the Don Christopher Sports Complex at Christopher High School, during the Gilroy Unified School District’s regular meeting Thursday night.

Fall registration for Vineyard Christian Preschool begins Feb. 12 at 8 a.m. The Vineyard serves families with children 3 and 4 years old, and who desire a quality pre-Kindergarten educational experience for their children. The school is located on the campus of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1735 Hecker Pass Highway. The preschool was founded in 1974, is a ministry of the Good Shepherd congregation, and is open to people of all faiths.