Briefly In Education

Music Boosters party on Saturday

Laguna Beach Music Boosters will hold its 17th annual fundraiser on Saturday at Laguna Beach High School’s Artists’ Theatre.

The charity event raises money for the instrumental music department at Laguna Beach High and Thurston Middle schools.

The Blues Offenders, Gypsy Jazz by Club Django, the high school Jazz Orchestra and the Thurston Jazz Band will all be there to get the party started.

Tickets are available at the Artists’ Theatre box office. To order tickets, call (949) 497-7769.

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Local recognized by Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County recently named a Laguna Beach woman as their Angelitos de Oro Big Sister of the Year for 2010.

Mandy Arsaga, who works for Newport Corp. in Irvine, was recently recognized for her role as a mentor to 12-year-old Cordi, whose last name wasn’t released due to the organizations confidentiality agreement.

Her father, Mario, believes Arsaga has made his daughter come out of her shell and has been a positive female role model.

“As a result of the match, Cordi feels confident around adults and has a positive self image of herself,” he said in a statement. “Cordi eagerly looks forward to her time with Mandy. She feels she has someone, other than me, that she can trust and confide in.”

The girl said her relationship with Arsaga has made her consider becoming a Big Sister when she’s older.

“Spending time with Cordi is truly enjoyable, and I hope that our relationship brings as much to her life as it does to mine,” Arsaga said in a statement. “Cordi is a very smart and strong girl with so much potential, and I’m looking forward to seeing her grow into an amazing young woman.”

For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, visit bigbrooc.org.

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Kindergarten registration to start

On April 13, El Morro Elementary School will start kindergarten registration.

Children must be 5 on or before Dec. 2 to be considered. School officials ask that interested parents bring a birth certificate, immunization records and verification of residency in order to enroll.

Registration is in the Multipurpose Room from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information about, visit elm.lbusd.org.

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CBEE honors Laguna schools

Laguna Beach schools were recently added to the California Business of Education Excellence 2010 Honor Roll. They were recognized with the Scholar Schools Award.

The organization measures schools’ academic achievement over periods by analyzing data for the schools and individual students.

“We are proud that our schools have been recognized as outstanding schools by the business community,” Supt. Sherine Smith said in a statement. “The California Business for Education Excellence, which serves as the business community’s leading voice in education in California, understands that strong schools that serve all students result in capable and skilled citizens who are essential to a vibrant economy in our state.”

For more information, visit lbusd.org.

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TV-free week hit TOW

Top of the World Elementary School is hoping to get kids away from the TV and outside with the family during International Screen Free Week.

From April 11 to 15, TOW will host healthy, family-oriented activities that will show kids that not all fun is done on the couch.

The school is hosting a night of bingo, In-N-Out Burgers, a game night, ball in the park and is celebrating the final night with a bonfire at Aliso Creek beach, where TOW families can roast hot dogs, marshmallows and hangout.

For more information, visit tow.lbusd.org.

— Joanna Clay