|
|
News from Laguna Beach Unified School District, its teachers, students, staff and Board of Education. | |
Progress toward carbon neutrality by 2030
LBUSD shares strides in sustainability education and environmental goals
| |
|
The Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) continues to make significant strides toward achieving its goal of carbon neutrality by 2030, as set forth by the Board of Education in April 2022. In pursuit of this ambitious target, the district has outlined a strategic plan focused on three overarching areas: reducing environmental impacts and costs, improving the health and wellness of students and staff, and providing effective sustainability education. In an update to the board on Thursday evening, staff shared progress on the district's roadmap to sustainability. By 2030, LBUSD is committed to:
- Achieving carbon neutrality and 100% diversion through zero-waste practices. Transforming our campuses into living laboratories that champion water conservation, reduce environmental footprints, and cut costs.
- Enhancing staff and student well-being through integrated environmental health programs, nutritious food procurement, utilization of outdoor spaces, community engagement, mental health services, and sustainability-focused wellness programs.
- Promoting environmental literacy and sustainability education, underscored by an institutional commitment reflected in core values such as the LCAP, school board policies, the Framework for the Future, and the Learner Profile. The goal is to empower students to make positive decisions for local and global communities.
This proactive approach empowers students to become informed and engaged environmental stewards, shaping a more sustainable future for their community. For a detailed look at how LBUSD is actively working towards this goal, review the full sustainability report, which offers insights into our strategies and their impact.
| | |
From classroom to career: An update on LBUSD's TK-12 pathways in visual and performing arts | LBUSD Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) teachers presented an overview of the district's arts programs, highlighting the pathways available to students from kindergarten through high school. In elementary school, the arts are integrated into general education to introduce foundational skills. As students progress to secondary levels, the curriculum offers specialized tracks in theater, dance, music, and visual/media arts designed to cultivate professional-level skills. The presentation also highlighted how LBUSD enriches student educational experiences and exposure to the arts through community collaborations and extracurricular opportunities. View the full report to learn more about these programs. | LBUSD schools honored for music excellence by NAMM Foundation | LBUSD was honored this month as one of 975 school districts nationwide to receive the 2024 Best Communities for Music Education Award from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. This award acknowledges districts and schools for their exceptionally high commitment to and accessibility of music education, emphasizing the importance of integrating music education into a comprehensive educational framework. | 2026-27 Student Instructional Calendars | On Thursday evening, the Calendar Committee's proposed recommendation for the 2026-27 Student Instructional Calendar was presented to the Board of Education for consideration. The proposal outlined key dates for the academic year, including the start and end of school, holidays, and professional development (non-student) days. Following the discussion, the Board requested additional information and deferred formal action to a regularly scheduled meeting during the 2024-25 school year, with the exact date still to be determined. The item will be placed on the agenda at a meeting during the school year to ensure ample opportunity for families and staff to attend and participate in the decision-making process. | |
Board reviews proposals for new Data Science and Multicultural Studies courses at LBHS | Two new courses, Data Science and Multicultural Studies, have been proposed for Laguna Beach High School. The Data Science course seeks to immerse students in a data-driven environment where they will engage with large, raw datasets to develop analytical and predictive skills applicable across various fields. In contrast, the Multicultural Studies course, mandated by Assembly Bill 101, will introduce students to critical engagement with histories and cultures of diverse communities. Both courses are designed to equip students with relevant skills and understandings that are increasingly essential in a globalized society. | LBHS students thrive as researchers | A recent Psychology Today article, authored by Jenny Grant Rankin, Ph.D., highlights how students enrolled in the Authentic Exploratory Research (AER) course at Laguna Beach High School are tackling complex issues to contribute meaningful insights to academic research. The article explores the significant benefits of engaging students in research projects, demonstrating that such activities enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This piece is the first in a series, with more articles to follow! | LBHS wins Model UN excellence | Laguna Beach High School's Model United Nations team was recognized with an Award of Excellence for Outstanding Research and Preparation at the National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN) conference, which is held annually in New York City. This year, the conference welcomed 2,000 delegates from 25 countries, including 28 students from LBHS who were tasked with representing the point of view of Ireland. | The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 6 p.m. Visit lbusd.org/board for more information. | | | | | |
