Mission Bay high school freshman Andrew Feighan and sophomore Natalie Trujillo enjoyed a journey of a lifetime as they spent two weeks in July traveling through China on a trip sponsored by the Confucius Institute at San Diego State University. Andrew and Natalie learned Chinese in a Mandarin classroom, experienced true Chinese lifestyle and toured many Chinese attractions.
“After studying Mandarin Chinese for two years at Pacific Beach Middle School, it was an unforgettable experience to be able to learn more about the Chinese culture,” said Andrew. 
Natalie said, “This trip to China was the most incredible experience. The Summer Palace was breathtaking, and I loved picking and learning all about tea. This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Andrew and Natalie will continue their Chinese Mandarin language studies at Mission Bay High School.
The Mission Bay cluster of public schools has three schools, which teach Mandarin. Barnard Asian Pacific Language Academy hosts a K-5 full Mandarin-immersion program. Pacific Beach Middle School offers beginning Mandarin, Mandarin 1-2 and Mandarin 3-4, while Mission Bay High School offers three levels, Mandarin 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6. Mission Bay High -Mission Bay High School needs volleyball and football coaches. The Mission Bay High School athletics department is looking for freshman and junior varsity girls volleyball coaches and junior varsity and varsity football coaches. The position are paid positions and are vacant now. Practice and games are generally from 2 to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. If interested, contact athletic director Jorge Palacios at (858) 952-3429 or email him at [email protected]. -Come to the first Buccaneer football game in the new MBHS stadium 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28 against West Hills High School. Crown Point Junior Music Academy
-Crown Point Junior Music Academy’s Back to School Resource Fair is 3:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at 4033 Ingraham St. The fair is a family-oriented community event held at Crown Point Junior Music Academy. There is entertainment; booths operated by local community groups and schools; kids activities; food court and more. More than 200 people attend the fair each year, and it is open to everyone in the Mission Bay community. Free advertising booths are available. Visit sandi.net/crownpoint for more information or reach Catalina Valenzuela at [email protected]. FOPBSS Friends of Pacific Beach Secondary Schools invites any parent, teacher, administrator and community member to attend the monthly meetings. Come join the efforts to enhance the educational experience of the students from PBMS and MBHS. Find out firsthand what’s happening at PBMS and how you can get involved. The next meeting is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26 at PB Middle School library.