If things smelled a little fishy around the Torrey Hills campus during the week of May 18 – 22, it is because it was MARE week! MARE stands for Marine Activities, Resources and Education and is a whole-school education event created by Lawrence Hall of Science and organized by Mrs. Krishnan. Each grade level covers a specific area of study dealing with aquatic life and environments. Visiting graduate students from the Scripp’s Institute of Oceanography spoke to students about whales and fish adaptations. A speaker from the Coastal Commission spoke to students about ocean debris. Kindergarten students built ponds in their classrooms to study the small water environment and sixth grade students learned about the internal structure of fish by dissection. MARE week is extending through the remainder of the month with some classes taking video conference field trips to study elephant seals at Año Nuevo State National Reserve.
Congratulations to Carlos Vasquez, the 2008-2009 Classified Employee of the Year at Torrey Hills. Like every staff member at our school, Carlos is here for the children. When the students greet him with friendliness and enthusiasm, that’s what makes each day special for him. Teachers know they can rely on Carlos for anything the school day might require, and he always delivers with a smile. His sense of humor keeps everyone, teachers and students alike, laughing. Carlos’ service ethic extends into his community as well. He and his family are involved in service projects at the local homeless shelter and for elderly people in their neighborhood. Carlos enjoys fishing, surfing, competitive outrigger canoe racing with the Kupa’a Mau Outrigger Canoe Club, and spending time with his family. He is a valued member of the Torrey Hills school community. Congratulations, Carlos!
Torrey Hills School is pleased to honor Lisa Wilken, 5th grade teacher, as our 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year. Lisa believes passionately in the complete wellness and achievement of her students, both academically and physically. Visitors to Lisa’s classroom see students engaged and excited about their work within an active, rigorous, learning environment where every member treats others with respect. During her nine years in the Del Mar Union School District, Lisa has taught 6th, 2nd and 5th grades, and ESC Learning Center. Lisa’s professional leadership responsibilities include Site and District Strategic planning, District Health and Wellness committee, School Site council, Lunch Supervision coordinator, PTA teacher representative, Site Leadership team, Service Learning Leadership, site staff development training and many curriculum committees. Lisa is respected by our entire staff as a person who gets things done and always puts students first.
The Science Olympiad Regional competition took place on Saturday, Feb 7th at Rancho Bernardo High School. Torrey Hills Elementary School was represented with fifteen sixth graders taking part in many events. Our team placed 12th out of 71 teams from 24 schools! Events included bridge building, energy, robotics, geology and many more. Congratulations super scientists!
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