New year, new additions

Laguna Beach public school officials are eager to begin the new school year, extending a welcome to new faculty members, and bringing new programs and educational efforts into focus, Nancy Hubbell, assistant superintendent of Laguna Beach Unified School District said.

Classes start in the Laguna Beach Unified School District on Tuesday.

A new Spanish program will be offered to students in first through fifth grade at Top of the World and El Morro elementary schools.

Ron LaMotte, Top of the World principal, said he expects this to be a “really great experience for the kids,” as it will offer first- through third-graders the opportunity to attend an after-school Spanish class one day a week, while fourth- and fifth-graders will receive Spanish language instruction daily as part of the curriculum.

“We are excited to welcome elementary Spanish teacher, Jason Fritz, who comes to us with a rich background in language acquisition,” Hubbell said.

A new mathematics program, which applies a conceptual method to teaching math, will be implemented in kindergarten through 12th grades.

Hubbell said much focus will be placed on successful transitions for students who are entering into first grade, middle school and high school.

“In addition to tailoring programs to our students’ and parents’ needs, principals are researching best practices and successful programs in other districts by partnering with principals from other schools,” she said.

LaMotte said his school also continues to work on “Response to Instruction,” a program that focuses on meeting the needs of each individual, from students who are high achieving to those who struggle academically.

El Morro will also welcome Heather Bosworth and Jay Williams, who will teacher first and fifth grade, respectively.

Top of the World will be joined by kindergarten teacher Brooke Bismack.

Thurston Middle School will have a new math teacher, Jeanny Profeta. This year, Thurston Principal Joan Culverhouse and her staff are working to make sure all sixth-graders get off to a good start academically, socially and emotionally. Culverhouse and Assistant Principal Jenny Salberg will work with parents to help them make the transition to supporting competent students who can build their skills at making more independent decisions and taking greater responsibility for their success, Hubbell said.

Laguna Beach High Principal Don Austin said his faculty will focus on the important things in the upcoming school year.

“We will spend a great deal of time and energy toward making connections with our students and ensuring a consistent curriculum,” he said. “The energy on campus is electric right now. We plan to build upon the momentum of our recent successes to take Laguna Beach High School to new heights.

“We have not [implemented] any new programs, but will continue to improve our existing programs.”

A recent upgrade made to the school’s library was 36 touch-screen computers.

“These are rare to find in any high school, and rival many small colleges across the country,” Austin said. “We decided to focus attention on the library as it is so well-used by students.”

Austin is also one of the 40 principals among the Professional Learning Community for Principals, a program in which educators can share ideas about various programs and practices, and help better all schools involved.

“These networks will help us to more efficiently collaborate with high schools to establish best practices that can benefit our staff and students,” he said. “This will be the year of sharing and caring.”

Laguna Beach High School also welcomes new guidance counselor, Jeff Bockert, history teacher Kirstin Apodaca and health and science teacher Cassandra Butler.