Briefly In Education

High school teacher nabs award

Laguna Beach High School science teacher Steven Sogo received a 2013 Science Awards for Excellence in Inquiry-Based Science Teaching, according to a news release.

The awards are sponsored by educational tool supplier School Specialty’s science brands, including Frey Scientific, along with the National Science Teachers Assn. (NSTA). Three full-time, K-12 science teachers from elementary, middle and high schools were set to be honored at the 2013 NSTA National Conference on Science Education in San Antonio, which started on Thursday.

Each winner received $1,500 in prizes in addition to their trip being paid for.

Sogo has been teaching for 22 years and developed his own chemistry workbook, “The Alchemist’s Cookbook.”

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Weekly music program launches at the club

Laguna Beach Live! and the Laguna Boys & Girls Club have teamed up for a weekly music program at the club, according to a news release.

“Without Laguna Beach Live! there would be no music at all here — and music is such an important part of life,” said Pam Estes, executive director for the Boys & Girls Club, in a statement. “I once heard a quote — ‘Music is what feelings sound like.’ We are totally dedicated to helping young people discover their voice and exercising creative expression. Music transcends so many factors — language, culture, age — and brings us all together. Thankfully, Laguna Live! has opened that door for so many young ones here at the Boys & Girls Club.”

Both are hoping to expand the classes to three times a week in July and August when more children participate in the Boys & Girls Club. A benefit concert will be held May 15 with Kristin Korb from 6 to 8 p.m. at Aliso Creek Inn, 31106 S. Coast Hwy. Tickets are $30 online at https://www.lagunabeachlive.org. There’s also a special VIP package for $100, which includes premier seating, a visit with the artist and a bottle of wine for the table, according to the news release. For more information visit the website or call (949) 715-9713.

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March student of the month named

The Rotary Club of Laguna Beach honored Elliott Glass as the Laguna Beach High School’s Student of the Month for March, according to a news release.

Elliott plays bass, cello, piano and drums and is a member of the String Ensemble, Wind Ensemble and the Marching Band.

Elliott received several awards at the Santa Barbara Jazz Festival for Rhythm and Jazz Ensemble Excellence.

He plans to major in music in college and will receive a scholarship at the Honors Convocation in June.

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LBUSD hosts ‘Raising Thriving Kids’ seminar

The Laguna Beach Unified School District, along with Mission Hospital Laguna, is hosting an informative session every Tuesday through May 7 titled, “Raising Thriving Kids.”

Each program takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Thurston Middle School’s library, 2100 Park Ave.

“The district continues to be invested in providing a variety of parent education opportunities to assist in learning research based parenting practices,” LBUSD Director of Special Education/Student Services Irene White said in a statement.

“From time to time, all of us parents need a little help. This five-session training is designed to provide parents with small, everyday steps you can take to help your kids be successful now and in the future. Attendance for all sessions is not required. The district is thrilled to partner with Mission Hospital to provide this opportunity, which will be duplicated at each of our sites in the coming months.”

The program will give middle school parents 40 simple building blocks to help their children achieve academic success and avoid risky behaviors. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lynn E. Posey, community development specialist at Mission Hospital Laguna Beach at (949) 499-1311 ext. 3119 or email Lynn.Posey@stjoe.org.

— Alisha Gomez