It's A Wrap

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

May 10, 2024

Laguna Beach High School's Frederic Butler takes first place at 2024 OCC Math Meet

Laguna Beach High School student Frederic Butler achieved top honors by winning first place at the 2024 OCC Math Meet, hosted annually by Orange Coast College. The event, a fixture since 1957, draws talented high school mathematicians from the region to compete in a series of challenging mathematical problems. Frederic's performance highlighted his strong mathematical skills and brought recognition to Laguna Beach High School as he emerged as the top individual in a competitive field. The awards ceremony followed the competition, celebrating his accomplishment among peers and educators.

"I am so proud of Frederic for taking first place in the 2024 Orange Coast College Math Meet," said Laguna Beach High School Math Teacher Valorie Quigley. "He has a natural talent and passion for mathematics that is beyond impressive and I know that he enjoyed putting his problem-solving skills to the test. Congratulations, Frederic!"

LBUSD shares strategic plan to increase library engagement and sees major circulation increases

LBUSD's Digital Media & Library Specialists presented the district's multi-year Library and Information Services Strategic Plan. This plan outlines a focused strategy for increasing library circulation and student engagement across all grade levels. Key features of the plan include the successful "Ask Our Librarian" program, which has received over 1,000 inquiries from students and staff since its introduction. The program allows users to submit questions and receive a customized list of verified reading resources related to their inquiry. The strategic plan is designed to align library services more closely with the evolving needs of the school community, ensuring that students and staff have the resources they need to succeed. Thurston Middle School has seen a 70 percent increase in library circulation this year, while Laguna Beach High School has experienced a 76 percent increase.

Library & Information Services Strategic Plan

Board approves 2026-27 Student Instructional Calendars

The Board of Education approved the academic calendars for the 2026-27 school year during its Thursday evening meeting. The first semester will consist of 80 days, starting on Thursday, Aug. 20, and ending on Dec. 18, at the commencement of winter break. The schedule includes a five-day Thanksgiving/fall break. Additionally, the non-student day in January for K-5 and secondary levels will be aligned and is set for Jan. 15. The 2024-25 and 2025-26 student instructional calendars will be presented to the board for reconsideration at its next regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, May 23, 2024. The proposals will include a recommendation to incorporate a five-day Thanksgiving/fall break and to align non-student days, consistent with the 2026-27 calendar.

View the calendar

Two LBHS students chosen for national ceramics showcase

Two students, Ivy Bianchi and Olivia Marriner from Laguna Beach High School have been selected to showcase their ceramic works at the American Museum of Ceramic Art's (AMOCA) annual High School Exhibition. AMOCA is a hub for the appreciation and study of ceramics, fostering cross-cultural understanding through exhibitions, artist presentations, and workshops focused on the diverse forms, historical significance, and creative processes of clay art. Out of over 500 submissions, only 101 entries from across the country were chosen for this exhibit.

Visit the online exhibit

Two Laguna Beach High School students named 2024 National Merit Scholarship® Winners

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced on Wednesday this year’s winners of the $2,500 scholarship awarded to 2,500 students nationwide, including Laguna Beach High School students Keira Hundhausen and Christopher Herkins. The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition for high school students, offering recognition and college scholarships.

Watch the Board Meeting

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 6 p.m. Visit lbusd.org/board for more information.

Watch Here