Program promotes positive student interactions at primary grade levels, and has been found to increase school engagement
San Diego, Calif. – Dec. 1, 2014 – Lakeside Union School District has become the first district in the nation to adopt the Sanford Harmony Program that promotes positive peer interactions at primary grade levels and has been found to increase school engagement and academic achievement. A Memorandum of Understanding to coordinate the effort has been signed between National University, the 2nd largest private nonprofit university in California, and Lakeside Union School District.
The Sanford Harmony Program was developed by Arizona State University researchers, and has been introduced to classrooms and schools there. National University is now leading the national rollout of the Harmony Program through the recently-created Sanford Education Center.
“We are very pleased to be signing this Memorandum of Understanding with National University and for Lakeside Union School District to be the first district in the nation to adopt this program,” said Lakeside Superintendent Dr. David Lorden. “We believe the Sanford Harmony education program will have immediate benefit in our classrooms by creating an inspiring learning environment that sets the foundation for a more harmonious society while encouraging student achievement.”
At Lakeside Union School District, teachers will receive training and materials that support the program’s introduction to its schools. The Harmony program is being introduced in the district’s pre-school and transitional kindergarten schools.
The Sanford Harmony program is one of several initiatives that are part of the Sanford Education Center at National University and that address needs in the education and nonprofit sector: The Sanford Institute of Philanthropy is estimated to serve more than 4,300 members of the nonprofit community over the next five years; and the Sanford Inspired Education Programs – Sanford Harmony and Sanford Inspire – are expected to serve up to 50,000 teachers and to reach more than 650,000 Pre-K through 12th grade students by the fifth year of operation. Through the Center, National University is building collaborations with schools, universities, community groups and other nonprofits to roll out the initiatives nationwide
“Through the Sanford Inspired Education Programs, we are collaborating with higher education institutions and schools nationwide to work collectively for the betterment of our society and to support student achievement at all grade levels,” said Dr. Michael R. Cunningham, Chancellor of the National University System and President of National University. “These programs will create immediate positive impacts in classrooms and create a firm foundation for more harmonious inter-relationships as well as inspired learning.”
About National University
Founded in 1971, National University is the second-largest private, nonprofit institution of higher education in California. With 30,000 students and more than 230,000 alumni, National University is the flagship institution of the National University System. National University is dedicated to making lifelong learning opportunities accessible, challenging, and relevant to a diverse population of students. Five schools and one college – the College of Letters and Sciences; the School of Business and Management; the School of Education; the School of Engineering and Computing; the School of Health and Human Services; and the School of Professional Studies – offer more than 100 graduate and undergraduate degrees and 23 teacher credentials. Programs are offered at locations throughout California and across the nation, and are also available online. National University is headquartered in La Jolla, California.
About Lakeside Union School District
Lakeside Union School District is a Pre-K-8th grade level public school district with a total student population of 5010, located in the eastern part of San Diego County. The district’s elementary schools are: Eucalyptus Hills, Lakeside Farms, Lakeview, Lemon Crest, Lindo Park, Riverview, and Winter Gardens. The district’s two middle schools are Tierra del Sol Middle School and Lakeside Middle School, and the district also offers the preschool LEAPP (Lakeside Early Advantage Preschool Programs). The district’s mission is to provide a challenging environment that is committed to each student’s development of: a love of lifelong learning; the academic, vocational and social skills necessary for personal fulfillment; a respect for self and others; an appreciation for the arts; a sense of responsibility to our community and our global environment; and a realization for the need for peaceful resolution of conflict.
http://www.lsusd.net/
Media contact:
Anna Cearley
Director of Public Relations
858-642-8163
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