Laguna Beach Patch's Education Wrap-Up

Kris Hammerquist Named LBUSD Employee of the Year

Kris Hammerquist, administrative assistant at , was recently named LBUSD Classified Employee of the Year and honored at Tuesday's board of education meeting, where Principal Ron La Motte expressed his appreciation for Hammerquist's "phenomenal" contribution and shared letters of gratitude from fellow employees. "Her calmness, patience, compassion, empathy, technical skills, professionalism and ability to see the 'big picture' are but a few of her wonderful gifts," he said. Assistant Supt. of Instructional Services, Nancy Hubbell, also spoke to Hammerquist's professionalism and commitment to improving learning and school culture on campus. "Competently and calmly, Kris is always looking for ways to support every member of the school community." An employee at TOW since 2005, Hammerquist expressed her own appreciation for the opportunity to work in a district that feels like "a home away from home," where she greatly enjoys the students, community, and everyone with whom she works on a daily basis.

Michelle Foster Named 2011-12 LBUSD Teacher of the Year

Michelle Foster, who began her journey at the school as a varsity tennis coach and substitute teacher before turning to a full-time career in special education, was recently named LBUSD Teacher of the Year and honored at Tuesday's board of education meeting, where members of the board commended her passion, dedication and commitment to the district. LBHS Principal, Don Austin, describes her as the perfect example of everything that is good and pure about teaching. "She comes to work every day with the desire to improve the lives of the students," he told the board. "She is a leader for her colleagues, a role model for her students, and spends all of her energy for the betterment of our school."

Whooping cough vaccine will now be required for students

The district recently announced that as of July 1, according to a new law, all students entering grades 7-12 will need to provide proof of having received a whooping cough (pertusses) vaccination in order to enroll in school in the fall. Whooping cough is a serious and highly contagious upper respiratory disease. The new requirement applies to all private and public schools in California, and was enacted as a result of the state's recent whooping cough epidemic. For more information, visit the Shots for School or Orange County Health Care Agency sites. Information on how to submit student vaccination verification is available at the main Laguna Beach Unified School District website.

Greening Students at TOW

At TOW's new outdoor classroom and garden, students now have the opportunity to learn about their environment—hands on—and what it means to have an active role as a steward of the earth. Through activities like tilling soil, planting seeds and pulling weeds, they're learning the value of hard work, says Principal Ron La Motte. They've also begun mulching lunchtime leftovers, which for many, he says, has been a first lesson in growing their own food. The 10,000 square-foot garden is located on campus, and fosters the growth of herbs, citrus trees, vegetables and flowers. Terry Hustwick, a former teacher who now volunteers lessons in horticulture and nutrition at the school, said she is excited to see the kids taking such an interest in something so important. "To observe the thrill they have when feeding the worms in the vermicompost bin and to see the delight they share when making an afternoon salad with produce they have grown and harvested is priceless," she says. "This garden experience has opened their eyes to the importance of caring and having ownership in a product that will be shared with others. The responsibility is taken seriously and the children are proud of their accomplishments. I feel honored to share this time with our youth."