May 2024 - Good News
As always, the spring semester has been filled with Foothillers accomplishing much and receiving recognition for their diligence and dedication.
Performing Arts News
Drama teacher Amity Ecker shares, “The Foothiller Players' Spring Production of Freaky Friday was a great success with sold out shows and our biggest cast and crew in GHS history with over 100 students participating! We ran for 6 incredible evenings and are looking forward to our next production in the Fall!”
Surprise Dance Room Dedication
A year ago, the process began to celebrate a wonderful teacher and to keep it a surprise, and it was!
May 2nd, the school and community packed the Main Theatre to celebrate Marta Jiacoletti at her last dance concert with a surprise flash mob from staff and students. The event culminated with surprising Ms. J by dedicating the Dance room to her upon her retirement with a bronze plaque.
The 2020 Dance Room
Dedicated to Marta Jacoletti
Dance Teacher 1999-2024
A teacher who consistently demonstrated a deep passion for education and an
unwavering commitment to her students, creating a learning environment that was
engaging, supportive, and inclusive. Her classroom was a place where students learned
academic skills and where they grew as individuals,
developing lifelong values.
More Staff Accolades
These staff members were selected for recognition because of their professionalism, their dedication, and their caring:
Social Science teacher Kevin Bradley, selected by GHS students as their Golden Apple Teacher of the Year.
Counseling Department Assistant Hannah Cuevas, chosen by the GHS staff as its Classified Employee of the Year.
GHS Gold Star Volunteer of the Year Mike Simpson, who, according to Principal Dan Barnes, has consistently “gone above and beyond”, especially in his support for our water polo and baseball teams. In his most recent endeavor, Mike undertook the monumental task of renovating our baseball field. When he first set foot on the field in September, it was in a state of near disrepair, far from ideal for our athletes. However, through his unwavering dedication and tireless work ethic, Mike transformed it into one of the most impressive baseball fields in the county.”
Math teacher and Department Chairman Kristen LoPrell chosen by GHS teachers as their Teacher of the Year. Kristen was later selected by the GUHS District as one of its two District Teachers of the Year and will soon compete in the San Diego CDE Teacher of Year. The district announcement celebrated Kristen with a description of her many academic accomplishments, but her math teacher colleague Emilie King expressed the reason Kristen is so loved: “Her dedication, passion, and tireless advocacy for student success make her an invaluable asset to our school community.”
GUHS District Special Education Department’s Golden Apple Moderate/Severe Teacher Kendra Whitt: “One of Kendra Whitt’s most heartwarming contributions is her involvement in the Best Buddies Program at Grossmont High School. The Best Buddies high school program breaks down barriers and fosters connections in young lives.
With the support of Ms. Whitt’s team, she ensures that all students can access the curriculum. She adapts content and creates visual aids, making learning more accessible for everyone.”
Peer Listening Program Celebrated
The Grossmont Counseling team members Laura Dawson, Julianna Manuel, Deborah Aguila, and Krista Santoro were presented with the 2024 Superintendent's Core Values Award, from Superintendent Mary Beth Kastan, in recognition of our Peer Listening Program that "has become a model program for other schools to follow."
The Peer Listening program was established at GHS over 20 years ago and has grown to become an essential part of Grossmont’s culture of caring and support. Peer Listeners are available in the Grossmont Wellness Center each period of the day for any student who would like to talk with an empathetic senior who has been trained in active listening skills and conflict mediation.
Senior Decision Day
Counselor Laura Dawson shares that “Senior Decision Day is an event to celebrate our seniors who have met their A-G requirements, those classes students must take in order to be eligible for admission to a California public university, like SDSU or UCLA. A lunch celebration took place May 15th in the New Gym, where students were treated to a signing day, modeled after athletic signing days. Students received a poster with their names on it, and they printed the college they were attending. They also received a lei, a photo op, and were treated to Submarina sandwiches, accompanied by the GHS band. Overall, 238 out of 474 seniors met these rigorous requirements. Grossmont counselors are excited to see what the future holds for these fine students.”
Sports
Girls Track Team: Congratulations to the girls 4x100 relay team for setting a new school record of 50.11. The runners are Ellie Dilgard, Gabby Thomas, Madyson Avila, and Guliana Balistreri.
Athletic Director Megan Long shared other sports achievements:
Baseball: Incredible 8 game win streak to start league
Boys’ Golf: First time ever the TEAM qualified for CIF. Max Short made day 2
Gymnastics: Made Team CIF on Friday, May 17th. Finished top 3 in League
Boys Lacrosse: Strong season, made CIF
Track: Over 12 athletes made it to CIF.
Boys Tennis: Louis Pentecote was Individual League Champion
Softball: 2nd in League. Currently in CIF
Swim: Addyson Clark Hills League Diving Champion
GHS Museum Reopening
Two years ago in late May 2022, the GHS Museum closed; Friday, May 17th, we reopened in our new space. Over the past 5 months, with the help of our wonderful volunteers and amazing school and district staff, we were able to recreate displays that preserve, display, and celebrate our amazing Foothiller history.
Rightly, the first visitors to the museum were seniors. Over the last two weeks of May, Foothiller seniors will visit with their English classes; Saturday, May 18th, we welcomed alumni and community members. When we are open, all students can drop in at lunch to connect with their history and enjoy so many of our wonderful artifacts including typewriters, telephones, a 45 record player, a 1930s stencil machine, 1920s clothing, and more.
Visit the GHS Museum This Summer Hours 10-2
Saturdays, June 15th,
July 24th, August 17th,
September 21;
Sunday, September 15th
Upcoming Reunions and
Museum and Campus Tours (open to all)
Class of 1964’s 60th Reunion: Friday, September 20, 2024 Catamaran Resort Hotel. Register atGrossmont64.com or email Ged Bulat at
Class of 1967 Their 75th Birthdays Reunion: September 15, 2024, brunch at the Brigantine and visit to the Grossmont High School Museum. Email
Class of 1976 Annual Reunion: Saturday, June1,2024 at Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan in the Red Tail Bar & Grill. It starts at 1pm. No need to prepay. All classes are invited.
Class of 1984 40th Reunion: Saturday, July 20, 2024, The Handlery Hotel:https://www.reunion-specialists.com/reunion2.php?reunion=961