Sammi Carr's The Jaguars’ Spot column for Wed., Sept. 10, 2008

A stitch in “Nine Time”

At VCHS we have a program called “Nine Time” that helps incoming freshman adjust to their new environment by providing access to the sage wisdom and advice of some of our school’s most successful upperclassmen. Every other week during the first half hour of their block period PE classes the ninth graders (Nine Time, get it?) go to a classroom and meet up with the seniors, known as “nine time mentors.” First semester meetings are geared more toward academic tips and overall social skills. Second semester is aimed at leaning how to apply for and receive scholarships and learn how to pick a good college.

Principal McCowan told me, “Last year was the first time we tried Nine Time at VCHS and because it was such a huge success we’re going to do it again this year. Our overall goal is to teach the freshmen positive habits that will help them both in their classes and on a more personal level.”

Jaguar drivers:

Parking permits are now available at the cashier’s window. All Jaguar vehicles (that is, all cars driven by Jags, not just Jags who drive Jaguars!) must have a valid parking permit by September 15 or detentions will be given out. So make sure you’re legal!

Here’s something I betcha didn’t know:

You guys probably know about some of the bigger changes made at VCHS this year like new staff members and our spiffy turf field, but there’s something new -- and potentially very important -- that has been added to every classroom you may not yet have noticed. I’m talking about the “care packages” the administration has provided in the unlikely event of a school lockdown.

AP English 12 teacher Craig Adams told me this precaution was taken as the result of a recent lockdown at a San Diego high school that had students sequestered in the classrooms for more than two hours.

What are these items? Without going into too much detail, each one includes a plastic bucket with a little seat and lid, toilet paper and a large cloth that can be put up for privacy.

It’s unlikely anything like that would ever happen in Valley Center -- it’s probably more likely we’d be attacked by Big Foot than anything else -- but, still, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Know something I don’t know? Catch me on campus or send me an e-mail at sammi@carrfamily.com. See ya. Sam.