Here are some of the decisions...

Here are some of the decisions made at the Newport-Mesa Unified

School District board meeting Tuesday.

‘HOPE FOR A BETTER

TOMORROW’ PROJECT GRANT

The district is required to ensure children who are rendered

homeless are found and are able to attend the school that they

attended before they became homeless. The board approved a $75,000

grant that allows the district to hire a community liaison to work

with the homeless population and conduct public relations and

outreach campaigns to connect with homeless children in the district.

WHAT THEY SAID

“If we can intervene and get them back quickly to their home

school, some negative consequences can be avoided, like prostitution

and drugs,” Supt. Robert Barbot said.

DISTRICT INTERNET

SAFETY PROGRAMS

The board approved a pilot program focusing on Internet safety

that will be used by the highest-risk schools, including elementary

schools in the Corona del Mar zone, the seventh grade at Corona del

Mar High School and Rea Elementary School in Costa Mesa.

The program, called I-Safe America, includes five lessons spread

throughout the school year -- four will be taught by teachers and one

by law enforcement personnel. The program will be evaluated at the

end of the year, when the board will consider expanding it to other

district schools.

WHAT THEY SAID

“Teaching our students cyber-citizenship is extremely important,”

said trustee Serene Stokes. “We need to have youngsters understand

that inappropriate things are happening in our community.... These

will give protection far and above what any parent can provide.”

STANDARDS-BASED REPORT CARDS

The board approved the gradual phasing-in of report cards that

reflect how well students have mastered state academic standards.

FYI

* WHEN: 7 p.m. Sept. 10

* WHERE: District headquarters, 2985-A Bear St., Costa Mesa

* INFORMATION: (714) 424-5000

--Compiled by Deirdre Newman