Briefly In Education

Thurston principal moves up to LBHS

The principal of Thurston Middle school will take the helm at Laguna Beach High School.

Thurston’s Joanne Culverhouse will replace outgoing LBHS Principal Don Austin, according to the school district.

Austin announced June 16 that he is taking a position in Huntington Beach.

Prior to Thurston, Culverhouse served as principal at El Morro Elementary School. She has 30 years of educational experience as a teacher, coach and administrator. She earned undergraduate and two master’s degrees at the University of Nevada, Reno, and a doctorate from UCLA.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be selected as the principal of Laguna Beach High School,” Culverhouse said in a news release. “The high school has received many distinguished awards, and I look forward to continuing the tradition of academic success they have experienced over the years. I also look forward to immersing myself in the athletic and visual and performing arts programs. I am very excited to join Laguna Beach High School as the new principal.”

Thurston Assistant Principal Jennifer Salberg will become principal. Salberg has 18 years of experience as a teacher and assistant principal, including 12 years in Laguna Beach.

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LBHS 30-year reunion looms

The Laguna Beach High School class of 1981 will hold its 30-year reunion at the Women’s Club of Laguna Beach on Aug. 6.

The night includes dinner, music and an open bar from 6 to 9 p.m.

For tickets, mail a check for $95 made out to the LBHS Class of 1981 to PO Box 9462, Laguna Beach, CA 92652.

The Women’s Club is at 286 St. Anne’s Drive.

All LBHS alumni are invited to celebrate their high school years in Laguna at Hennessey’s, 213 Ocean Ave., on Aug. 5.

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Year ends at Laguna Beach schools

Thursday marked the last day for Laguna Beach students from El Morro Elementary, Top of the World Elementary, Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School.

High school graduation took place recently at the Irvine Bowl.

Top of the World fifth-graders celebrated their leap from elementary with a Tuesday pool party. Kindergartners were promoted Wednesday.

Thurston held eighth-grade promotion Thursday. El Morro held its fifth-grade promotion Wednesday.

School starts again Sept. 6.

—Cindy Frazier and Joanna Clay