Briefly In Education

College Round-Up helps prepare students

The annual Laguna Beach High School College Round-Up was held Oct. 5 in the school’s Dugger Gym.

Hundreds of students and parents came to talk with representatives from more than 90 colleges and universities, including several from outside the country.

Students received brochures, applications, information on financial aid and more. They also had a chance to talk with people from the LBHS Scholarship Foundation and the military.

“This is a great opportunity for students to speak directly to college representatives,” Principal Joanne Culverhouse said in a statement. “It is also an opportunity for all grades, not just seniors. It’s never too early to begin the process.”

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Next Coffee Break will discuss nutrition

The next PTA Coffee Break will focus on children’s nutrition and food service in schools.

Melanie R. Silverman, a registered dietitian, will discuss how to improve the nutritional health of the entire family and how parents can help nurture their child’s relationship with food to be a positive one.

Debra Appel, the school district’s director of food services, will talk about some of the initiatives the district has taken on to improve the quality of food being served, like the “Farm to School” and “Chefs to School” programs.

The Coffee Break is from 8 to 10 a.m. Oct. 19 at the Aliso Creek Inn, 31106 Coast Hwy. There is a suggested donation of $10.

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Student scores show they’re ready for college

Laguna Beach High School officials are confident that their students are prepared for college based on their 2011 ACT and SAT scores.

According to a press release, the average state composite ACT score was 22.1 out of 36. LBHS’s average is 25.7.

The school’s SAT averages in writing, math and critical reading exceeded national and state averages. LBHS students averaged a 575 writing score, compared to 499 in the state and 489 nationally.

“The staff at LBHS is committed to ensuring all students are prepared to be college and career ready,” Principal Joanne Culverhouse said in a statement. “The high school continues to maintain high standards and high test results compared to the state and national levels.”

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LBHS student attends leadership forum

Laguna Beach High School student Celestina De Leon was one of 60 students in the state who was invited to attend the California Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) to represent students with disabilities.

While at the five-day forum at the State Capitol this summer, YLF helped Celestina learn to create a “Personal Leadership Plan.” She also had the chance to meet with state and national leaders to discuss students with disabilities and learn about resources at their disposal.

Celestina has been working with the district to better prepare students with disabilities.

“The district is proud of Celestina. I look forward to scheduling a planning meeting to include our Transition Partnership and Workability staff and Celestina in an effort to incorporate key activities from Celestina’s state experience that will benefit other students at our school,” Irene White, director of special education/student services, said in a statement. “Celestina is a leader and she will be key in helping staff understand how we can better prepare our students for life after high school. I would like Celestina to assist in several peer to peer presentations.”

—Kelly Parker and Joanna Clay