LAGUNA NIGUEL : PTA Tile Project Draws a Crowd

First-grader Scott Sagan planned a serene picture of purple snowcapped mountains, a blue ocean and yellow trees for his decorative tile that will soon join 500 others on walls at Hidden Hills Elementary School.

But halfway through painting it Tuesday morning, Scott heard his classmates at recess and decided he would rather play than paint. So mom Denise was left to add the last tree leaves and snow flurries.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Denise Sagan said about the popular tile project sponsored by the new school’s Parent-Teacher Assn. “It gives the kids a sense of being part of a new school, and it gives them something to see later on. Scott’s already talking about someday bringing his own kids here to see his tile.”

Hundreds of parents, grandparents, students and local city dignitaries have paid $15 each for the chance to paint 6-inch-square tiles that will be mounted on a school wall. Proceeds from the personalized tiles will go to the fledgling PTA.

“We wanted the first year to be something special,” said PTA member Monette Ashen, whose two daughters, Marinna and Coral, painted their tiles with fish and butterflies.

“We wanted something for all the kids to participate in and feel proud of. It’s really been exciting to see the kids doing their own work and the gamut of what they’ve been painting.”

The tile paintings, in subdued blues, yellows, peaches and purples, range from spotted owls--the school mascot--to children’s handprints and sayings such as “God bless our school.” The tiles will be glazed and fired in the school’s own pottery kiln.

“I think it’s great. It brings the people to the school, and that’s what schools are about--people,” said outgoing Councilman James F. Krembas, who painted the school’s theme, “Global Communication,” and “Good luck” on his tile. “For people to come and be a part of the school is outstanding.”