Mission Bay High – Mission Bay will participate in the National School Walkout, as part of the national protest against gun violence, at 10 a.m. on March 14. The organizers behind the Women’s March are calling for students, teachers, school administrators, parents and allies to take part in a #NationalSchoolWalkout for 17 minutes at 10 a.m. across every time zone on March 14 to protest Congress’ inaction to do more than tweet “thoughts and prayers” in response to the gun violence plaguing schools and neighborhoods. Students and allies are organizing the national school walkout to demand Congress pass legislation to keep citizens safe from gun violence at schools, on the streets and in their homes and places of worship.  – This year’s Pops Concert at Mission Bay High will take place 7 p.m. Thursday, March 8 in the auditorium. The Concert Band, Swing Choir, String and Full Orchestra will perform music from favorite films, musicals and pop standards: “Hamilton,” “Star Wars,” “Moana,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Slumdog Millionaire,” “Spider Man” and more. Tickets $5, kids/students free. – Boys basketball coach Marshawn Cherry has provided an inspiring focus on academics and character development by teaming up with MBHS teacher, Dr. Ron Lancia, in a program called ASAP, ACES Student Athlete Program. The team has been studying every day for the past two years and reached their goal of a team GPA above a 3.0 with every player on the team academically eligible. “ACES has greatly improved my work ethic, on and off the court, making sure I get things done correctly and on time,” said forward Michael Barcia. “It has helped me with communicating with teammates and it has brought us closer.”
The program provides consistent academic support Mondays through Thursdays in the Mission Bay library. Established in 2013, the program provides assistance in English, history, math, science and special populations, including English language learners, special education, IB and art, and access to technology resources. ACES furnishes an array of holistic services, including social-emotional support, college readiness and self-advocacy through leadership-building seminars, workshops on health-related topics and access to school counselors. With a record of 24-5 in the Western League, boys basketball is entering CIF playoffs this week.  Pacific Beach Middle – A parent tour will take place 8 a.m. Monday, March 1. Sign in at the front office and join parents in the PBMS media center to meet Principal Meng and International Baccalaureate coordinator Jennifer Sims to learn about the academic and athletic programs at PBMS.  Barnard Elementary
– Barnard Mandarin Magnet Elementary School welcomed the Year of the Dog in grand fashion. The festivities began the week of Feb. 5, with traditional Chinese lion dancers, a beloved ritual at Barnard that never loses its magic. On Feb. 9, students from each classroom staged elaborate cultural performances that highlighted a variety of Chinese arts, including poetry, martial arts, and dance. The show drew rave reviews from parents, district officials, and the school’s long-time Mandarin education partners at the Confucius Institute at SDSU.
Barnard held its annual free, community-wide Chinese New Year celebration on Feb. 10, festival attendees enjoying food, hours of entertainment, and fun games throughout the day. “I am so proud and grateful to be a Barnard parent,” said Deval Zaveri, who has two students enrolled at the school. – Next up is the downtown Chinese New Year Festival on Feb. 24 and 25, where Barnard’s recitation and dance troupes will take to the main stage each day. Barnard will also be represented by its student ambassadors at a nearby booth. Stop by to learn more about the school and to speak (in Mandarin) with the people who know it best: the students.  CPJMA
– Crown Point Junior Music Academy, in partnership with the San Diego Yokohama Sister Society, will be bringing the community free monthly multicultural performances including dances and musical demonstrations from the Philippines, Brazil, Spain, and Taiwan. Open to the community, the first concert will take place 2:15 to 3:25 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 in the auditorium.  Kate Sessions
– Sessions takes prides in being an International Baccalaureate school and the teachers and staff reinforce IB characteristics and promote global awareness on a daily basis. The “I See IB” students who are being recognized this month are:  Mia Leahy, Lily Caparatta, Kendall Lewis and Lauren Lowary for Caring, and Logan Haw for showing respect. FOPBSS
– Friends of Pacific Beach Secondary Schools’ Taste of North PB Restaurant Walk, will take place 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 14. Join the community for a restaurant walk through North PB, featuring a variety of delicious food from 20 restaurants and cafes. Enjoy music from local musicians and schools, and displays of student art. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children, and available at MBHS, PBMS, PBE, Leilani’s Cafe, Pernicano’s Pizza House, and Java Earth Cafe. All proceeds benefit FOPBSS to help fund school programs. Mission Bay Cluster
– The next Mission Bay Cluster meeting will take place 6 p.m. Thursday, March 1 at Barnard Elementary School.