| | News from Laguna Beach Unified School District, its teachers, students, staff and Board of Education. | | LBUSD students gain hands-on experience through career education | | |
At the March 13 Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) Board of Education meeting, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Chad Mabery, Ed.D., LBHS Principal Jason Allemann, Ed.D., Coordinator of Career Education Kellee Shearer, and College & Career Advantage (CCA) Executive Director Chris Carter provided an update on the district’s Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways and dual enrollment opportunities.
With student participation in CTE programs continuing to grow, LBUSD has deepened its commitment to real-world, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for success in college, career, and beyond. The presentation highlighted:
- Enrollment in CTE courses has increased across middle and high schools, with students engaged in career pathways spanning 15 industry sectors.
- As more students explore CTE opportunities, LBUSD has strengthened career-connected experiences at all levels, beginning in elementary school with career-focused lessons and lunchtime events, expanding in middle school with career talks, hands-on clubs, and industry exposure, and culminating in high school with internships, industry mentorships, field trips, and certification programs.
- More students are earning certifications in healthcare, cybersecurity, and engineering, gaining practical skills that align with industry needs.
- Programs continue to evolve with new courses such as medical innovation, robotics, esports, and aviation careers.
- In collaboration with Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College, LBUSD is expanding access to college credits and articulated courses, allowing students to jumpstart their postsecondary education.
- LBUSD has invested in industry-standard technology, including The Shop, a student-run enterprise, as well as advanced lab experiences featuring a SimMan 3G patient care simulator, a Fusion Pro 48 laser machine, and high-tech digital media tools.
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Board presentation highlights student growth at Top of the World Elementary | At the March 13 Board of Education meeting, Top of the World Elementary Principal Tom Turner shared updates on student progress and school initiatives. The report showcased academic gains in English language arts and math, strengthened social-emotional learning programs, and expanded family engagement efforts through parent education and community events. The school continues to enhance student learning with personalized instruction, enrichment programs, and small-group support for students who need extra help. To create a positive and inclusive school environment, students participate in leadership opportunities, digital citizenship lessons, and structured behavioral support programs that promote problem-solving and emotional well-being. | Laguna Beach Night at the Ducks! | Laguna Beach families and community members are invited to Laguna Beach Night at the Ducks on Monday, April 1, at Honda Center as the Anaheim Ducks face off against the San Jose Sharks. The evening features a pre-game networking opportunity, access to Brewery X Biergarten, and premium seating for the 7 p.m. game. A portion of each ticket purchased supports SchoolPower Laguna Beach Education Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to enriching education and supporting the well-being of all students in Laguna Beach Unified School District. | Laguna Beach students and local agencies partner for fire safety campaign to protect homes and community | Laguna Beach Fire District, Laguna Beach Water District, Greater Laguna Coast Fire Safety Council, and Laguna Beach High School have all united towards a common cause: working to keep Laguna Beach safe from wildfires with the launch of the 2025 fire safety campaign. Students at LBHS have designed reusable tote bags to spread the message of fire safety and home hardening—the process of enhancing a home's ability to withstand wildfires within the ignition zone, which extends 100-200 feet from any structures and vegetation on the property. | | March 20 Public Hearing on LBHS Pool Modernization and Environmental Review | The Laguna Beach Unified School District will hold a public hearing on the Laguna Beach High School Pool Modernization Project during the Board of Education meeting on March 20, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Thurston Middle School (2100 Park Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651). As part of the planning process, the district has reviewed the potential environmental impacts of the pool modernization project and outlined specific steps to mitigate any potential impacts. This study called a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND), is available for the community to read at the District Office (550 Blumont Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651) and online at LBUSD Facilities Notices. | LBHS students explore impact of new ICE policies | Laguna Beach High School student journalists Lili Bazargan and Zealan Munsey examine how recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policy changes relate to LBHS policies and student protections. Seeking clarity, they met with Principal Dr. Jason Allemann to discuss their concerns and gain insight into how student safety is addressed within the school and broader community. Their conversation provided a deeper understanding of the policies in place and how they interact with federal enforcement. In their article, they explore common concerns about immigration enforcement in schools and conclude that these federal changes do not impact existing LBHS policies. | The next board meeting is a Public Hearing for the LBHS Pool Modernization project scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 6 p.m. Visit lbusd.org/board for more information. | | | | | |
