Despite the state and countywide layoffs, schools in La Jolla are making the best of the situation. La Jolla High School has been able to brace against some of the negative impacts of the state-mandated budget cuts and is introducing new programs this year. “Our focus this year is on the continued use of formative assessments to guide instructional methodology,” said LJHS principal Dana Shelburne. “We will also be using improved access to student data to individualize instruction wherever possible.” Although enrollment projections are up slightly — at 1,630 this year — class sizes will remain relatively the same. Changes in the athletic programs include shifting team practices to after school and, due to state law, eliminating physical education credit. Shelburne noted a few last-minute kinks that still need to be worked out before the first day of school — including finding an instructor for an American Sign Language course. “We are diligently looking for [an instructor] and would take any help we can get in that task,” he said. “We need to get one soon, or we’ll have to reprogram the kids into another course.” Shelburne encouraged anyone who may know someone who can teach the course to call (858) 454-3081. The deadline to find an instructor is Sept. 3. University City High School also has new projects in store, including a new electronic marquee, an updated school website, carports with rooftop solar panels and construction on a new stadium, expected for completion in January 2012. UCHS has also had back-to-back steady growth in its academic performance index and adequate yearly progress scores, illustrating positive momentum in the school’s performance during dark days for school systems. UCHS principal Jeff Oliveros named challenges that his administration faces with six fewer staff members this year. “We’re challenged by two aspects. One, we have less people to help support. Two, what’s happened within this district is ‘bumping,’ so people are shifted into new job positions,” he said. For more information on LJHS, visit www.ljhighpta.org or call (619) 226-4415. For UCHS, email [email protected] or call (858) 457-3040.