More than 70,000 students in the Chula Vista Elementary and Sweetwater Union High school districts will start the 2009-10 academic year on Monday, July 27. It is the first time in 40 years that the two school districts—the two largest in the South County—have aligned their schedules.

 The districts have been busily preparing support services to ensure a smooth opening of each of the schools, especially those that are transitioning from the former traditional calendar schedule. Parents who have any questions about their school’s starting and ending times are encouraged to contact the school office. The first day of school in the elementary district is a minimum day schedule.

 Key features of the new school schedule include:

 • Two-week breaks in fall and spring.
 • Three-week break in winter.
 • Six-week summer break.

 In addition to a new school calendar, Chula Vista elementary schools will also roll out an Algebra Success Initiative, a comprehensive program to strengthen students’ algebraic thinking. The initiative is part of the District’s effort to meet the 2011 California State Board mandate that all eighth grade students be entered in Algebra 1 or above. To prepare students to meet that requirement, the District has developed an algebra resource guide for pre-K to sixth grade that supports national, state and local efforts in math education while addressing the specific needs of Chula Vista schools.

 Many District schools will also be assisted throughout the year by a trained cadre of about two dozen parents. The Parent Ambassador program is intended to increase parent recruitment and involvement in the schools. In some cases, the parent ambassadors may serve as a welcoming committee for new families to the area.

 CVESD officials are encouraged by the positive momentum.