BRIEFLY IN EDUCATION

School district offices to close Dec. 21

The Laguna Beach Unified School District Offices will close at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 21 and will reopen at 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 2.

Emergency contact information will be posted at all entrances of the District Offices and on the voicemail system at (949) 497-7700.

Scouts help the needy

On Dec. 5, Brownie Girl Scout Troop #594 filled shoe boxes of toiletries, toys and other items for disadvantaged children around the world.

The girls were involved in a program through World Help called Christmas for an Orphan.

Teachers celebrate the holidays with party

The Laguna Beach Unified School District held its annual holiday party Wednesday, lavishing dozens of raffle prizes on its employees, including video iPods, restaurant gift cards and one-of-a-kind jewelry.

The district offices were decked to the nines in holiday decor, including a Christmas tree hung upside-down from the ceiling of the information technology department’s new wing.

Superintendent Robert Fraisse and other district officials were on hand to cheer for teachers as they entered the building on a red carpet. They were then treated to a massive spread of appetizers, sandwiches and treats.

College trustee holds holiday party

Trustees, donors and community leaders of Laguna College of Art & Design turned out on Dec. 5 for an evening of fine dining and festivities.

The annual holiday party, held in Newport Beach this year, is a hallmark event of the college to kick off the season and acknowledge the patrons that contribute to its success.

The event was hosted at the Big Canyon residence of Bonnie and John Livingston.

Guests enjoyed cuisine generously provided by college trustee and owner of Laguna Culinary Arts Nancy Milby and created by professional chef students, under the direction of Chef Laurent Brazier.

A sampling of some of the finest artwork of students and alumni was on display, and a live painting demonstration was performed by alumnus Noah Thomas.

Among the guests were City Council Member Toni Iseman, Barbara and Greg MacGillivray, Diane and Igal Silber, Bobbi Cox, Lu and John Campbell, and artist Louis Longi.

Winter stone-carving classes scheduled

The Laguna College of Art & Design, 2222 Laguna Canyon Road, will host stone-carving workshop beginning Jan. 12 with master stone carvers Marvin Johnson and Joseph Sovella.

The 10-week workshop will take place outdoors on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. No prior experience is necessary, and the class will cater to all skill levels.

Sovella has taught at Laguna College since 1986, and Johnson began in 1992. They have both been Laguna residents for more than 20 years.

To register or for more information, e-mail Jennifer Daniels at jdaniels@lagunacollege.edu.

The course costs $300 and includes all tools and a sample stone; additional stone is available for purchase on-site.

Free make-up classes will be available for students who register late or miss classes. Free parking is available.