Briefly In Education

Volunteers needed for organizations

The Assisteens, an auxiliary of the Assistance League of Laguna Beach, are looking for more girls to volunteer at the Turnabout Thrift Shop, the Suzi Q Senior Center and the Friendship Shelter, according to a news release.

Girls who join in on the philanthropic activities can get community service hours for high school.

Each activity is developed, coordinated and chaired by Assisteens Board Members. Girls learn important leadership skills such as planning a project, developing a budget and organizing a fundraiser, according to the release.

Meetings are once a month at the Assistance League House, 547 Catalina St., with the next meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 4.

For more information, contact Lauren Michaels at lauren.kristine.michaels@gmail.com.

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SchoolPower welcomes new families

SchoolPower trustees and their kids took to the streets Sept. 10 and 11 to deliver more than 200 welcome bags to families who are new to the Laguna Beach Unified School District, according to a news release.

Pamela London Franck, SchoolPower trustee and this year’s Welcome Committee chairwoman, was new to the school district last year and recalls how moved she was when she and her twin boys who attend Top of the World Elementary School received their bag last year.

“What better way to return the favor than to take over the effort this year?” she said.

The bags contains a welcome letter from Franck and SchoolPower’s new president, Marcus Skenderian, along with a SchoolPower directory, a fall newsletter highlighting 2011 events and financial goals, as well as organic apples donated by Whole Foods.

“Volunteering for efforts like this is just one of the ways the community can help make a difference for our schools,” Franck said.

Other ways include: donating to SchoolPower’s Community Campaign, which is underway; fielding a dodgeball team on Oct. 13; and donating to Fund-A-Need for specific classroom initiatives.

Last year SchoolPower raised nearly $697,000, which resulted in classroom size reduction, improved technology, and enhanced music and visual arts programs.

For more information, https://www.lbschoolpower.org.

— Jamie Rowe

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LBHS structures meet standards

Three structures at Laguna Beach High School, which were constructed in the early 1960s, were listed on the Assembly Bill 300 Survey and Report, which evaluates public school structures and their sustainability in the event of an earthquake.

The three buildings — the Dugger Gym, the stadium bleachers and the arts classrooms — meet the standards for a “life safety performance level,” according to a district press release.

LBUSD hired WLC Architects Inc. and R.M. Byrd and Associates to evaluate the structures.

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LBHS College Round-Up is Oct. 5

Laguna Beach High School is holding the College Round-Up on Oct. 5 to give families the opportunity to learn about prospective universities for their children.

College representatives will be on hand from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the North Gym to answer questions regarding topics such as majors, student housing, admission requirements, athletics, scholarships and financial aid.

More than 90 representatives from public and private, state and out-of-state schools will be there.

“This is a great opportunity for students to speak directly to college representatives,” Principal Joanne Culverhouse said in a statement. “It is also an opportunity for all grades, not just seniors. It’s never too early to begin the process.”

— Joanna Clay