BRIEFLY IN EDUCATION

Library plans Halloween hijinx

The Laguna Beach Library will host a “Zombie Nite Café” reading at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Author Merrily Kutner will read her latest spooky children’s books by pumpkin light.

The event is not appropriate for those who are too young or squeamish. Creepy treats of marshmallow ghosts and chocolate spiders will be provided by the Friends of the Laguna Beach Library. Guests are welcome to bring a spooky story to share.

The library will also hold a Halloween warmup at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30; guests are asked to come in costume.

To RSVP for either event, call (949) 497-1733.

Dads’ Group discusses fatherhood

The Dads’ Group at Laguna Presbyterian Church will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday to hear Rick Hume, landscape architect, husband of a working mom, and father of two nearly adult sons, share his experiences of fatherhood.

The group will meet in the Blue House on Third Street, behind the church in the parking lot. The church is at 415 Forest Ave.

Dinner will be served for $6. For more information, call (949) 494-7555.

SchoolPower plans golf event

SchoolPower will host its 15th Annual Golf Classic, “Got Beach?” on Nov. 5 at Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club.

Of the money the Golf Classic earns for the schools, 20% of its proceeds are earmarked for the high school athletic booster program.

Last year, Laguna Beach High School’s Athletic Boosters received $18,000 in SchoolPower golf event money, and the SchoolPower Community Campaign designated a total of $16,000 to specific sports programs, including baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, soccer, softball, surfing, swimming, tennis, track, volleyball and water polo.

Golf co-chairs Barbara Crane and Jerry Hayden encourage participants of all levels to play in the “Scramble” format, and are specifically appealing to women golfers this year.

TLC is contributing complimentary day care for elementary aged children, and an afternoon shuttle has been arranged for spouses or friends who want to join in the post-golf dinner.

“Got Beach?” costs are $325 per golfer, $1,250 per foursome, $100 for dinner only and $250 for Tee Sign sponsorships.

To golf, volunteer or sponsor a Tee Sign, register online at www.lbschoolpower.org or call SchoolPower at (949) 494-6811.

College plans open house, portfolio review

Laguna College of Art & Design, 2222 Laguna Canyon Road, will hold an open house and portfolio review for new and prospective students from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 3.

Ample free parking is available and lunch will be provided.

Open House and Portfolio Review Day is a opportunity for prospective students to meet with the admissions staff and faculty. Workshops and presentations regarding admissions, portfolio advising, financial aid, scholarships and curriculum are included in the day’s events, along with guided tours of the campus.

During the event, students will have the opportunity to present their portfolio to representatives who will review artwork, and offer critique, guidance and direction in creating the portfolio. The Laguna College Open House and Portfolio Review Day is open to all prospective students, as well as parents, teachers, counselors, and guests.

The day will open with the president’s welcome at 10 a.m., followed by admissions and portfolio advising at 10:10 a.m., financial aid advice and a campus tour at 11 a.m., and presentations by major and portfolio reviews at noon.

To attend, RSVP by Oct. 26 to the admissions department at (949) 376-6000, ext. 248.

Elementaries receive garden grants

El Morro and Top of the World Elementary Schools were among the 3,849 schools that will share in $10.8 million in California Instructional School Garden Program grants.

A study by the State Education and Environment Roundtable in Closing the Achievement Gap: Using the Environment as an Integrative Context for Learning, shows students participating in environment-based learning tend to have reduced discipline and classroom management problems; better problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills; and increased enthusiasm for learning.

Instructional school gardens also provide students with hands-on, environment-based education that positively impacts their healthy food choices, knowledge of nutrition, and physical activity, education department officials said.