Briefly In Education

Even Start kids take trip to Ocean Institute

Kids in the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach’s Even Start Preschool Program recently took a field trip to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.

During the “Under Sea ABC” workshop, the children got hands on by discovering tidal creatures and their habitats.

“It is so important for children to have experiences like this,” Preschool Director Terry Anne Barman said in a statement. “When studying biology and science later in their education, they will remember this exciting adventure and learn faster.”

The trip was made possible by Hearts of Montage, a philanthropic arm of the Montage Resort & Spa.

Even Start is a free preschool program for 3- to 4-year-old children in low-income families.

For more information, call (949) 494-2535 or visit https://www.bclagunabeach.org.

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Playground surfaces upgraded at El Morro

Students at El Morro Elementary School now have a new surface to play on.

During winter break, new playground surfaces were constructed using colorful, rubberized material. They were installed in both the kindergarten and main playground areas.

The project was a joint effort between the Laguna Beach Unified School District and the El Morro PTA, according to a news release from the district.

Before the rubberized surface, the playgrounds were covered in woodchip material, which was recycled for use by playgrounds at Top of the World Elementary School.

“The new playground surfaces are a big hit with the students,” El Morro Principal Chris Duddy said in a statement. “Parents have also reported that their children came home excited to report to them about the new, soft rubberized playgrounds.”

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Thurston play premieres Feb. 29

Drama students at Thurston Middle School are busy preparing for their new show, “Up the Down Staircase,” which premieres Feb. 29.

The play is about a group of mischievous students at an New York City public school who go up against their new, naive teacher, according to a news release.

“The play offers our drama students the opportunity of creating many great characters,” Mark Dressler said in a statement. It “is a comedy/drama, one that is very funny, but translates a great message — a great show for the whole family.”

The play, by Bel Kaufman, will be presented at 4 p.m. Feb. 29 to March 3 and at 7:30 p.m. March 3 and 4 at Thurston’s Black Box Theatre.

Tickets are $10 for students, $15 for adults.

For more information, call (949) 497-7769.

—Kelly Parker

Twitter: @KellyParkerTCN