Briefly In Education

Summer English classes for adults

Laguna Beach High School will offer a summer English class for adults and parents from June 29 through July 17 in Room 90 (by the pool off Manzanita Street).

The class is an opportunity for parents to better their English and in turn, help their children at the same time.

Classes will run from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, and materials and refreshments will be provided.

Admission is free. For more information, call (949) 497-7700, ext. 200.

Leventhal named advisor of the year

Carrie Leventhal, a health and science teacher and Peer Assistance Leadership advisor at Thurston Middle School, was recently named Outstanding PAL Advisor of the Year by the Orange County Department of Education.

Peer Assistance Leadership is a peer-to-peer program that teaches students life skills including conflict management, community service, leadership and how to make positive and healthy choices.

Leventhal, who has been a part of the program for 16 years, said the experience has been one of the most refreshing and rewarding of her career.

“To be associated with students who want to make a positive change in their world is something every teacher dreams of,” she said. “I feel that I am just an organizer to harness and make their dreams and energy more practical.

“Sometimes we all get caught up in the negative and what is wrong with our youth and the world, but the kind, caring attitude and enthusiasm shown by these students would make even the most skeptical believers in the future.”

The program, adopted by Thurston in 1991, currently has 26 students.

Thurston Principal Joanne Culverhouse said she appreciates the program.

“Carrie, along with Kay Ostensen, creates a positive environment for our PALs and works diligently to provide a remarkable experience that reflects on our whole school,” she said.

Last day for El Morro registration is Monday

Time is running out for parents who wish to enroll their children in El Morro Elementary School for the 2009-10 school year.

Registration will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday at the school.

Children must be 5 years old before Dec. 2 to register for kindergarten.

A birth certificate, immunization records, and current gas or electric bill, or lease/rental agreement must also be presented.

The school office will close Friday, June 26 and not reopen until Aug. 20. For more information, call (949) 497-7780.