School Board Wrap-Up

The following is from the Nov. 10 meeting of the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Education.

Reflections on Art recognized

The district’s “Spotlight on Excellence” shone on the PTA’s nationally celebrated Reflections on Art program. Coordinated by parent Jennifer Baker, the Laguna program provides students with opportunities to express themselves creatively and to receive positive recognition for works of art inspired by a pre-selected theme, while increasing community awareness on the importance of the arts in education.

More than 200 students from Laguna Beach schools participated in the program this fall, competing in categories of literature, visual arts, photography, dance choreography, musical composition and film production.

“Creating art for Reflections is a valuable learning process that challenges students to use their critical thinking skills as well as their creative talents to create art that supports a specific theme,” Baker said. “It’s a great way for students to explore and learn about various art forms, stretching and expanding their awareness of art in a variety of expressions.”

Baker, accompanied by El Morro and Thurston Reflections Coordinators Trina Rosen and Mary Scifres, presented ribbons and certificates to local division winners at the meeting, where Supt. Robert Fraisse, Darrin Reed and other board members honored the students with handshakes, applause and appreciation for the art displayed.

Top of the World Elementary will hold an awards reception at 8:20 a.m. today after the morning flag ceremony. All Reflections participants and their families are invited to see the 120 exhibit entries at the school.

ROP Board appointed

Fraisse appointed board members Betsy Jenkins and Theresa O’Hare to the Regional Occupational Program board for 2010, with William Landsiedel as the alternate.

The Capistrano Unified School District and the Laguna Beach Unified School District have a Joint Powers Agreement, which governs the Capistrano-Laguna Beach ROP for the two Districts.

Each district has two representatives who form a governing board under the JPA to conduct business as a board of trustees. The meetings are conducted on a monthly basis.