MARC APRIL 24, 2020 H 26, 2020

District receives $90,000 to help students learning remotely

The district is receiving $90,000 from The San Diego Foundation as part of a regional grant to help community college students needing laptop computers and internet connectivity.

The San Diego Foundation awarded a $500,000 grant to be shared among the five community college districts in San Diego County – Grossmont-Cuyamaca, San Diego, Southwestern, MiraCosta and Palomar. Chancellor Lynn Neault said the district is working toward purchasing laptops and internet service for students most in need.  “Since we moved to offering all of our courses online, many of our students have struggled because they don’t have the resources they need to be successful in their classes,” Neault said. “We’re grateful for this grant from The San Diego Foundation to help more of our students bridge the digital divide.” The grant comes from The San Diego Foundation’s San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund, seeded with $1.25 million from the foundation and $1 million from San Diego Gas & Electric.  “All students, regardless of economic status, need access to a computer and internet to improve their educational opportunities and ultimately, their futures,” said Mark Stuart, president and CEO of The San Diego Foundation.

Memorial ride for Grossmont College counselor now a solo event

The coronavirus outbreak has transformed a memorial bike ride held annually in the memory of a former Grossmont College counselor and local cycling legend into a solo event.   The 7 th annual Gordy Shields Memorial Bike Ride is set for Sunday, May 3, to honor the decades-long cycling advocate who rode competitively well into his 90s. Instead of the 35-mile fun ride that each year attracts scores of riding enthusiasts,

members of the cycling community and the general public are invited to remember Shields in their own way with a solo ride to honor the late Fletcher Hills resident who died in 2013 at age 95.   To participate, riders must register at https://www.lovetoride.net , download the app to log miles, then ride anywhere – even on a stationary bike -- for a minimum 10 miles. The hours for the ride are 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Post riding photos for chances at winning prizes, including a free bike tune-up valued at $90 and gift certificates from Adams Avenue Bike Shop. more

My home office: Tonette Salter

Today’s home office: Tonette Salter, equity analyst for the Foundation for Grossmont & Cuyamaca Colleges.

1.Describe your home office: My dining pub set has become a multi-functional area. By day, it serves as a café/office workspace. Come evening, it transforms into Toney’s Bistro and once a month, as the backdrop for a virtual cocktail and game hour with friends. 2.What is a typical day for you working from home?   I wake up at 5 a.m., read a few articles, exercise, enjoy an oatmeal vanilla latte or ginger tea from the afore-mentioned café, and begin my workday between 7:45 – 8 a.m. I am in more virtual webinars and meetings than ever. I host virtual cocktail and game days with friends; coffee, tea and virtual chats with family. Most importantly, I spend a quiet hour to practice being present.  3.What tip would you pass on to other GCCCD employees?   This period of uncertainty may cause “doers” to overstimulate themselves with projects and

demands from others. Don’t allow the uncertainty to prevent growth and the possibility of amazing opportunities. Please take your breaks, schedule a virtual lunch with your colleagues, friends, or family, get outside for fresh air in between virtual meetings, even if it is for just 5 minutes. Be receptive to unknown opportunities that may transform lives, our students, the economy, family, and friends. Share your new working conditions with your fellow employees and we'll feature them in the Remote Report. Take a photo of you in your home office and answer the three questions above. Send them to Anne Krueger . Submissions may be edited for length and clarity.

In the Remote Report, you’ll see important updates, get your questions answered, and learn ways to help us all navigate this new world of mass telecommuting. Issues of the Remote Report will be archived on the District Remote Report page If you have news to share or discovered a tip that helps you work better remotely, pass it on. Please send your items to Anne Krueger , Christianne Penunuri (Cuyamaca College) or Lorena Ruggero (Grossmont College).