SJCOE Annual Report

Student Events: Enhancing Education

ACADEMIC DECATHLON: PROMOTES LEARNING IN A COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT

How does the reigning 2007 Academic Decathlon champion prepare to defend his crown? Senior Matt Heflin from Escalon High School said he used dedication, creativity, and time management to become the first repeat victor in the 27th Annual Academic Decathlon.

Academic Decathlon challenges students, like Matt, in a series of tests and demonstrations that include all academic subjects. “Since I am involved in many clubs throughout the year, I reviewed the supplementary material over the summer to prepare adequately,” said Matt. “It really helped me.”

Matt and his family incorporated Academic Decathlon study materials into a game of Trivial Pursuit. The strategy kept Matt entertained and mentally stimulated months before the start of the competition in January. “Learning is best when it’s fun,” commented Matt. “The process is so much harder when it’s not.”

Between the resources provided by his coach, team practices, and his innovative approach to learning, Matt successfully retained the title as San Joaquin County Academic Decathlon champion. Academic Decathlon gives participants the discipline necessary to be successful in a higher education setting or competitive workforce.

“There is no high school program that prepares students for college the way Academic Decathlon does,” said Adele O’ Neil, Academic Decathlon coach. “It’s an enriching and mind-expanding experience.” The competition also bonds participants with others. Matt and his classmate, Academic Decathlon runner-up, Christina Wong, bonded while bouncing ideas off one another during practices and lunch breaks.

“Matt and Christina were well prepared for the competition. They attended meetings as often as possible, and took the event seriously,” said Escalon High School Academic Decathlon Coach, George Megenney. A new Academic Decathlon champion will be crowned next year as Matt moves on to face new challenges in college, more prepared and enthusiastic about his academic success because of the competition.

Academic Decathlon promotes learning in a competitive environment. It helps students explore all academic subjects and provides a medium to polish professional and communication skills through public speaking and interviewing. Teams of nine high school students compete with other regional schools and among one another in 10 subject areas including art, economics, mathematics, and music. The top school and individual winners, separated into divisions by grade-point average, advance to the state competition.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD: BRINGS SCIENCE ALIVE

San Joaquin County elementary and high school students built paddleboats, identified unknown powders, and performed a variety of other projects at the 22nd Annual Science Olympiad.

“Our future rests with these young children,” said Science Olympiad Coordinator IV Meredith Davis. “This experience plays a part in shaping their future.”

The event helps students understand science through 24 out-of-classroom science events.

SPELLING BEE: ENCOURAGES STRONG ACADEMICS AT AN EARLY AGE

The 11th Annual San Joaquin County Spelling Bee Championship had a winner in two divisions, fourth- through sixth-grade and seventh- through ninth-grade. Nikki Drake, a fifth-grade student at Claudia Landeen Elementary in Lincoln Unified School District, earned first place in the fourth- through sixth-grade division. Drake spelled “resorcinol” and “pirouette” to earn the top honor. The runner-up was Rommel Bermejo, a fourth-grader from South West Park in Tracy Unified School District.

Caitlin Dong, a ninth grade student at Tracy high School, was victorious for the second consecutive year in the seventh- through ninth-grade rank. The runner-up was Hector Sanchez, also from Tracy High School. Winners and runners-up in both divisions advanced to the State Spelling Championship in May.

SCIENCE FAIR: CELEBRATES ITS 50th ANNIVERSARY

In 1952, the first Science Fair west of the Mississippi took place in Los Angeles before spreading to San Joaquin County six years later. This year, San Joaquin County Science Fair celebrated its 50th year of providing students with a forum to showcase their science knowledge.

"An important component of a successful education is giving students the opportunity to showcase their first-hand experience with the California Science Standards," said Gary Dei Rossi, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at San Joaquin County Office of Education.

MOCK TRIAL: EDUCATES STUDENTS ABOUT CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS

Tracy high School defeated Ripon Christian High School to win the San Joaquin County Mock Trial for the second year in a row.

"The students worked hard and it definitely paid off," said Megan Farley, Tracy High School coach. "I could not be more proud."

San Joaquin County brings the justice system front and center with this high school event. The program gives students the opportunity to work in teams of nine to critically analyze contemporary issues of importance. Students present realistic but fictitious cases to presiding superior court judgges and scoring attorneys.

HONORS CONCERT: BRINGS GIFTED GROUP OF BAND AND CHORAL MEMBERS TOGETHER

This year, more than 240 student participated in the High School Honors Concert for Band and Choir.

"We had a gifted group of individuals," said Sandra Wendell, project liaison I for Student Musical Events. "More importantly, we were so happy to see that every district participated in the performance."

Students are eligible to submit an application by enrolling in their high school band or choir.

In 2007-2008, 11 students were awarded the Nelson Zane Award, which is given to students who participated in the Honors Concert for all four eligible years.

WINNERS!

ACADEMIC DECATHLON

Overall School: Lodi High School

Super Quiz: Lodi High School

Most Improved Team: Escalon High School

Top Scoring Student: Matt Heflin, Escalon High School

ACADEMIC PENTATHLON

Grade 6: Rio Calaveras Elementary School, Gold

Grade 7: Rio Calaveras Elementary School, Gold

Grade 8: McKinley Elementary, Red

COUNTY SCIENCE FAIR

Grades K-3: Ms. Frey's Class, Lincoln Elementary School