Longtime employees honored for service

Patty Beaver, the Laguna Beach Unified School District’s human resources coordinator, brought back a cherished tradition at Tuesday’s board meeting.

The district’s longtime classified employees were awarded for their dedication with certificates, handshakes and hugs.

Topping the list, with 32 years of service, was Joan Griffin of El Morro Elementary School, an instructional assistant in the school’s special education program.

Top of the World Elementary physical education instructor Clara Candelaria was honored for 28 years of service.

More than 30 other classified employees were honored for 10 to 24 years at the district.

“This kind of longevity just doesn’t happen everywhere,” board member Jan Vickers said.

Defibrillators, homework policies

In other news, the board approved proposed board policies on defibrillator use and homework hours following a discussion.

Supt. Robert Fraisse said he expects the district’s defibrillator plan to be in place by August, after legal issues are ironed out.

“If it saves one person, it will be so worth it,” board member Theresa O’Hare said.

The updated homework policy outlines recommended homework amounts per night for each grade level.

The board and district leadership discussed future ways to improve students’ transitions between schools, and how high school teachers could work together to keep nightly homework levels at the recommended number of hours. Advanced Placement students will have levels above those of other high school students, as required by the college-level classes.

The new homework levels will be disseminated through the schools’ principals to teachers.

Positive Behavior program

El Morro and Top of the World principals Chris Duddy and Ron La Motte also presented a report on the Positive Behavior Support programs on their campuses, as requested by the board.

El Morro has introduced the Character Counts program, created by Michael Josephson, which emphasizes six pillars of character, as a pilot program dovetailing with its main Positive Behavior Support program.

Top of the World parents have indicated interest in bringing the program to their school, which focuses on the three character elements of the Positive Behavior Support program.

The programs teach concrete examples of how to apply traits like kindness, responsibility and respect, rather than throwing the buzzwords at children.

The schools regularly recognize the children who exemplify such behaviors.

Board member Betsy Jenkins reported on her involvement in the city’s Sister City Committee, which is building a partnership with Menton, France.

She will be the chairwoman of the education subcommittee.