BRIEFLY IN EDUCATION

Victorian piano on school auction block

A Victorian square grand piano will be among the items available in an auction at Laguna Beach High School’s “Dining and Dancing Under the Stars” fundraiser.

The fundraiser will be held May 18 at Tivoli Terrace restaurant at 650 Laguna Canyon Road.

The 19th century, 86-key instrument has been cosmetically restored, event organizers said.

The event’s attendees will be treated to live performances by the high school jazz orchestra, which took second place May 5 at the Mt. San Antonio College Jazz Festival.

To view the piano before bidding, as it will not be on site at the event, contact Nicole Cornell at (949) 499-2893.

For more information on the event, call Greta Bingham at (949) 715-1598.

Social issues play runs at Playhouse

The Laguna Playhouse’s Theatre for a New Generation group will present “Everyday Heroes,” a social issues play for teens, parents and educators, at 7:30 p.m. nightly from May 15 to 17.

Written by Laurie Brooks and directed by Donna Inglima, the show is about two brothers, Kurt and Win, with an alcoholic mother.

After a devastating fire, the brothers are catapulted into a media frenzy. “Everyday Heroes” explores issues and questions about the meaning of heroism, the power of the media and the silencing of boys’ emotions, Brooks said.

Tickets to the show are $5 to $10. For more information, call (949) 497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

Preschoolers learn about ocean life

Students of the Even Start Preschool Program at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach visited the Ocean Institute in Dana Point recently, courtesy of the Hearts of Montage and Orange County United Way.

The day began with a reading of “A House for Hermit Crab,” a story by Eric Carle.

They were then divided into three groups, led by Ocean Institute staff who lead the children though the lab, where they were able to interact with live hermit crabs, and touch sea urchins, sea stars, and other tidal animals — for several students, it was the first time in their lives.

The children were given pictures of the sea creatures in the Hermit Crab story, and then asked to find them in the water tanks.

The Even Start Preschool Program at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Laguna Beach is a free preschool program for 3- and 4-year-old children from qualifying low-income families.

Sandcastle expert to teach at seminar

The Friends of the Laguna Beach Public Library will host an event on building better sandcastles on May 19 at Main Beach.

Sandcastle expert Ray Karch will instruct kids ages 8 and up on how to construct sand sculptures, followed by a team contest.

Parents are asked to call Children’s Librarian Rebecca Porter at (949) 497-1733 to learn the start time and reserve a place.

Thurston science books on display

Three science textbooks to be used by Thurston Middle School students will be on display until May 18 at the Laguna Beach Unified School District office, 550 Blumont St., from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The earth, life and physical science books will be used by students in grades 6 to 8.

For more information, call (949) 497-7700.