BRIEFLY IN EDUCATION

Online textbook lightens students’ workloads

Students at El Morro and Top of the World Elementary Schools are now using a new social studies textbook and curriculum that allow students to access the book online.

Students will not need to carry the book back and forth from home, and parents will have better access to all of the curriculum materials.

Professional development is offered to all teachers who use the textbook, to ensure a smooth transition, district officials said.

Permanent crosswalk at Thurston approved

The City Council adopted a resolution to install a permanent marked mid-block crosswalk across Park Avenue on the east side of the entrance to Thurston Middle School at its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

Principal Joanne Culverhouse spoke at the meeting, saying “I spend my days with 658 students. When the school bell rings, it’s like herding cats.”

State senator Harman kicks off legislative contest

State senator Tom Harman has created a new contest geared at getting students in grades 6 to 12 interested in the legislative process.

“There Oughta Be a Law” was based on letters, calls and e-mails he received from constituents with ideas for legislative proposals.

The contest winner will personally introduce his idea as a legislative proposal in the state senate in January, where the student also will have lunch with Senator Harman. Each winner will also receive a California flag that has flown over the Capitol.

For more information and an application, visit www.sen.ca.gov/harman.

District facility upgrades completed

Several projects at district schools have been completed in advance of the new school year, including improved climate control at both elementary school multipurpose rooms and the Laguna Beach High School administration office.

Irrigation at all school sports fields has been repaired as needed, and two main irrigation controllers were replaced to better conserve water.

Generation GAP joins with Boys & Girls Club

Gallimaufry’s Generation GAP has joined with the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, adding to its lineup of teen programs. Hearts of Montage has offered a challenge pledge of $5,000 to get the project off the ground.

The Generation GAP is a self-producing teen theater company. Gallimaufry Performing Arts will be teaching the Boys & Girls Club’s teen members (ages 12 to 18) all aspects of theater, including producing, directing, performing, designing, managing, project managing and fundraising.

To meet Hearts of Montage’s challenge, the Boys & Girls Club will hold a benefit performance of Generation GAP’s “Once on this Island” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Forum Theater, followed by a Caribbean cruise party on the Festival of Arts grounds with a live steel drum band and dancing, cruise activities for the whole family, island-flavored food and tropical drinks.

Tickets, which include the performance and the cruise party, are $75 for adults and $25 for kids. Call (949) 499-5060 or go to www.gallimaufry.org to purchase tickets.

The benefit will also support other new performing arts programs, including choreography and drama.

AAUW seeks volunteer tutors at elementary level

American Association of University Women is looking for volunteers to work with children at El Morro Elementary School. Anyone who enjoys working with children — reading, helping with math or homework — is welcome and needed.

The Help a Child program is during school hours; volunteers work in the school room with the teacher, often in small groups. The Learning Club is after school on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. These volunteers usually tutor one student who needs additional help.

Both programs are rewarding for children and volunteers alike.

For information, contact Peggie Thomas (949) 499-1817 (pegthomas@cox.net) or Pat Jamieson (949) 497-2792 (pjandkfj@verizon.net).