It's A Wrap

News from Laguna Beach Unified School District, its teachers, students, staff and Board of Education.

January 10, 2025

Thurston Middle School earns statewide recognition

Thurston Middle School (TMS) has been redesignated as a California School to Watch, a prestigious honor recognizing middle schools that demonstrate academic excellence, responsiveness to student needs, social equity, and whole-child support. Originally awarded in 2019, this designation reflects Thurston’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. The renewal process included a self-reflection survey, data analysis, and a site visit conducted by middle school experts. Schools earning this designation serve as models, sharing best practices to benefit young adolescents statewide.

Principal Joe Vidal shared, “Every member of the team plays a vital role in creating a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment where students can thrive, making Thurston an exceptional place.”

Thurston will be honored at the California League of Middle Schools Annual Conference in Monterey this March.

LBHS fall play "Trap" earns 2nd place

Laguna Beach High School’s fall play, Trap, has earned second-place honors for Area 4 (South County/San Diego) at the California Educational Theatre Association (CETA) Festival. The cast and crew were just 0.06 points shy of first place, an impressive achievement that highlights their talent and dedication.

“This award reflects the hard work and commitment of our entire cast and crew and sets an exciting tone for the future of this program! The dedication and heart these students put into each and every production inspires me every day to be the best director I can be," shared LBHS Theatre Director Meghan Minguez-Marshall.

LBHS student Carter McKinzie was published in Stony Brook Undergraduate History Journal

Laguna Beach High School senior Carter McKinzie's research has been published in the Stony Brook Undergraduate History Journal. Carter's work examines the rise of fascist paramilitary organizations in the former Yugoslavia, exploring the factors behind their development and the role of fascism in intensifying ethnic divisions.

“This publication would not have been possible without the generous support and resources provided by Director Maulik Dhakal and the Los Altos Institution, where I serve as a Senior Fellow on Yugoslav History,” said Carter.

The research provides valuable perspectives on historical approaches to fascism and ethnic conflict.

Board appoints acting superintendent

During its regularly scheduled meeting on Jan. 9, the Board of Education voted unanimously, 5-0, in closed session to appoint Jeff Dixon, assistant superintendent of business services, as acting superintendent. Dixon will serve in this role until an interim superintendent is appointed.

The board has scheduled a special meeting on Jan. 16 at 3 p.m. to discuss the appointment of an interim superintendent.

Watch the Board Meeting

TMS Library with a u-shaped table set up as a dais for the Jan. 9 Board of Ed meeting

The next board meeting is a special meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 3 p.m. Visit lbusd.org/board for more information.

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