LBHS FLOW begins the year as a new program, ends the year with a flourish

Laguna Beach High School (LBHS) implemented a brand-new program called LBHS FLOW this past academic year. The mission of the program was to provide specific academic content that engaged the students to work together with each other and with the outside community. 

The FLOW program was designed by LBHS English teachers David Brobeck and Sarah Benson. Their goal was to create an innovative approach to learning and writing across the curriculum, while weaving together the student body, diverse academic disciplines and community partners in a communal effort to strengthen students’ stewardship of our natural environment.

FLOW stands for fire, land, ocean, and water – four environmental issues particularly relevant to Laguna Beach. This past year, students studied FLOW topics in grades 9-12. 

SchoolPower furthered support by selecting the FLOW program as their MegaGrant recipient in 2020 and continues to partner with FLOW, providing unparalleled educational opportunities to the students.

The kick-off for the program earlier this school year was a week-long event titled FLOW Week that took place in November. Coast Film Festival (CFF) joined in, spearheaded by Ben Warner and Enich Harris, providing dynamic films and curating speakers and content from professional athletes, activists and filmmakers, which were then presented to students in grade-level assemblies.

Those assemblies allowed students to hear from the likes of professional surfer Greg Long, filmmaker and Laguna Beach local Greg MacGillivray and National Geographic filmmaker Pete McBride concerning environmental issues that brought FLOW topics to life. 

Some of the successes throughout the year included a January lesson, where the entire student body read a memoir text connected to their respective FLOW topic. Students then engaged in reading, writing and discussions to tackle the significance of environmental issues.

Added to this was the integration of community partners to add depth to the experience. For example, freshmen (studying fire) participated in a presentation from the Laguna Beach Fire Department, as well as a panel discussion with local residents who experienced the 1993 Laguna Beach fire. 

Sophomores (studying land) learned about the preservation of Laguna Canyon from Hallie Jones of the Laguna Canyon Foundation.

Then, throughout the year, the LBHS FLOW Club participated in FLOW Service Sundays with local community partners, including sustainable farming and composting in conjunction with The Ranch, trail work with Laguna Canyon Foundation and much more. 

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LBUSD recognized with two national awards

The Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) was recognized with two awards from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) in the category of Publications and Digital Media Excellence. The entries were awarded for the LBUSD Mental Health Awareness Video, created by Andy Crisp and Renew, Recharge, Reimagine: LBUSD’s Annual Community Report 2020-2021, created by the Communications Department.

The NSPRA, recognized as the leader in school communication, has honored the best work in school communication for more than 50 years. NSPRA uses experienced, award-winning professionals to evaluate entries in the Gold Medallion, Golden Achievement Awards, and Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards programs.

The Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards recognize outstanding education publications, e-newsletters, digital media programs, radio/TV/video programs, social media, infographics, blogs and websites.

The mental health awareness video was aimed to shed light on the fact that many people our students know are struggling with mental health and to inspire the school community and beyond to be the force that breaks the stigma of getting support when needed. 

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Courtesy of LBUSD

Student actress Jordan Casolari is pictured in LBUSDs Mental Health Awareness Video

Mental health disorders are treatable and the video was to educate viewers that help is available. The intended audience for the video was middle and high school students, staff, families and our broader community.

Each of the participants in the development of the video work daily to support all students and help them discover who they are meant to be. Each participant was deeply committed to ensuring that those experiencing depression and anxiety do not feel defined by their struggle.

“Being able to create a meaningful video with such a caring and creative group of people during the middle of the pandemic was definitely a highlight of the school year,” shared Andy Crisp, LBUSD multimedia specialist. “Each student and staff member that worked on the project really understood the importance of creating a compelling story that would resonate with our community, normalize mental health struggles and encourage our students to seek out support when needed.”

The Annual Community Report is sent to all residents in the LBUSD each year. It details many highlights, milestones, and lessons learned in supporting the mission of ensuring each student gains the knowledge, experience, world perspectives and skills needed to become a lifelong learner and producer in a competitive and interconnected world.

The LBUSD, under the leadership of the board of education and the superintendent, strives to partner with the community to provide accurate information in an effective, timely, and efficient manner, engaging in productive two-way communication with staff, students, parents, guardians and community members.

“The communications team has continued to partner with internal and external stakeholders across the district in order to lay a strong foundation to drive branding and marketing efforts districtwide,” said Shelley Spessard, Ed.D., LBUSD public information officer. “Communication channels have been established and defined for each audience, with content carefully tailored for each stakeholder group. Our work is a team effort and we couldn’t be more honored to receive these recognitions.”

Award winners will be recognized nationally at the NSPRA 2022 National Seminar in Chicago. LBUSD Public Information Officer Shelley Spessard Ed.D. will attend the conference online and accept the awards on behalf of the district.

Anneliese Schools celebrate end of the school year with performances, certificates

Anneliese Schools celebrated the end of the school year with performances across all grades, from nursery to sixth grade, at their three campuses.

Students showcased their learning through orchestra and band performances, dance, poetry recitation and singing in several world languages, including American Sign Language. Families, students and staff enjoyed a meal together and celebrated the learning accomplishments made over the past year. 

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Photos courtesy of Anneliese Schools

Student Aubrey Waterhouse, grade 3 with Anneliese Schools founder, Anneliese Schimmelphennig

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Lisa Chesanek, K1 (TK) teacher with Anneliese Schimmelphennig and students

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Lis Williams, K2 teacher with student Janelle Rothman, sharing her graduation certificate

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K1 (TK) class performs

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K2 kindergarten class performs

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K1 (TK) girls are all smiles

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K1 (TK) boys dressed in their Aloha leis

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1st grade class graduation, students pictured with Connie Hull

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2nd/3rd grade blended class performs

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3rd grade girls hang out

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Self-portrait graduation certificates created by K1 (TK) students

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After graduation, students, teachers, family and friends enjoyed a buffet meal

Editor’s Note: All photos are of the Manzanita Campus students and staff.

LBHS 2022 Commencement: pomp and circumstance, a cap toss and plenty of smiles

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

On Thursday, June 9, the Laguna Beach High School (LBHS) 2022 Commencement took place, beginning at 7 p.m. at LBHS Guyer Field. 

The ceremony began with the Procession of the Faculty, Procession of the Graduates, who were adorned with leis and walked under the flower arches (a long-standing graduation tradition) to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” as they made their way to the stadium bleachers.

Principal Jason Allemann and Asst. Principal Dale Miller shared warm welcomes and introductions. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Senior Class President George Saba. The Senior Address was delivered by Vic Neni. Camile Deckey delivered her Valedictorian Address, followed by the Graduate Address by retiring teacher, Steve Sogo.

Remarks/Certification of the Class of 2022 were given by Principal Allemann followed by Superintendent Jason Viloria congratulating the students. The formal presentation of diplomas ensued, handed out by Principal Allemann.

The long-awaited turning of the mortar board tassels and joyous cap toss culminated the memorable festivities.

Congratulations to LBHS Class of 2022…this calls for a celebration!

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Students of the LBHS Class of 2022 arrive early to check in and receive their leis

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These young ladies will hold the flower arches for the Procession of the Graduates

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LBHS 2022 classmates bestowed this retired English teacher, Sean Mehegan with a Thanos Glove. Well wishes to him as he “harnesses the power of the Infinity Stones.”

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The graduates wear traditional flower leis during the procession under the flower arches – an LBHS graduation tradition

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Displaying Breaker Pride, LBHS teachers are dressed in black robes with the student body wearing white and maroon, the school colors

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Class of 2022 LBHS graduates assembled on the Guyer Field bleachers prior to the diploma ceremony

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A warm welcome from LBHS Principal Jason Allemann

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Pledge of Allegiance was led by Senior Class President George Sabe

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Vic Neni delivered the Senior Address

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Valedictorian Address by Camille Deckey

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Graduate Address by retiring teacher, Steve Sogo

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TOW holds kindergarten ceremony and program

Top of the World (TOW) kindergarten classes performed at the end-of the year ceremony held on Thursday, June 9, the last day of school.

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Photo by Jim Kelly

TOW kindergartens perform on stage at the end-of-the year ceremony

“Our kindergarten community came together to celebrate the social, emotional and academic growth of our students in our end-of-year kindergarten ceremony,” shared TOW Principal Dr. Julie Ann Hatchel. “Kindergarten students sang some of their favorite songs, each student was presented with a certificate and staff, students and families met together in the kindergarten class for an informal ‘luau’ to end the school year.” A special thanks to kindergarten teachers Mrs. Bartlett, Mrs. Parlapanides, Ms. Bismack, Mrs. Haverland and Mrs. Sullivan.