BRIEFLY IN EDUCATION

Eagle Scout makes greenhouse for clubs

Mitchel McMullin of Laguna Beach High School, Eagle Scout Member of Troop 38, made the Boys & Girls Clubs of Laguna Beach’s Laguna Canyon Branch the beneficiary of his Eagle Scout service project.

The project started with a greenhouse kit purchased online, but a quarter of the way through the project, those involved decided it wasn’t strong enough to withstand the elements — and the club’s excited children.

They disassembled the partially assembled greenhouse and returned it, and Mitchel’s grandfather, Kent Utley designed a new kit.

This time, quality craftsmanship was ensured, and on Aug. 25, the “new and improved greenhouse kit” was delivered to the Club.

With the help of Mitchel’s family, troop members, Breakers football team members and other friends, the greenhouse was completed on Nov. 27.

The greenhouse will be used by preschoolers and other club members participating in the Dragonfly Quest science program.

Mitchel is dedicating the greenhouse to his grandmother, Shauna Utley, who passed away on Oct. 13. She was project manager for the greenhouse construction.

The Assistance League of Laguna Beach, Keith and Judy Swayne, and other community contributors helped make the greenhouse possible.

For more information on Boys & Girls Clubs programs, call (949) 494-2535.

Library offers free computer classes

The Laguna Beach Library will offer free computer classes beginning later this month.

A basic computer training class will be followed by a “beyond the basics” class.

For more information, call Jim McCarty at (949) 497-1733.

Moms’ Group to meet at church

The Moms’ Group at Laguna Presbyterian Church is starting a new season of weekly meetings from 9:30 to 11 a.m. beginning Jan. 11 in the church parlor.

The group will discuss issues relevant to their everyday lives as mothers, wives and individuals in the light of God’s word.

The Moms’ Group will continue reading “Queen of the Castle…Encouragement for the uninspired, domestically challenged or just plain tired homemaker” by Lynn Bowen Walker. Copies of the book are available for purchase, but guests are also welcome to come for the discussions. The group will offer a light brunch with juice and coffee. Space is limited, so contact Lisa Wilhelm to reserve a place at (949) 494-7555, or lwilhelm@ lagunapreschurch.org.

There is no cost to attend meetings. Parents may bring their infants, and child care for older babies and preschoolers is available for a small fee.

All meetings of the Moms’ Group take place on Fridays during the regular school year at the church, 415 Forest Ave.

Students sought for London conference

An International Youth Advisory Congress on Online Safety and Security will be in London from July 16-22.

Twenty students will be selected to represent the U.S. at the conference.

Students between the ages of 11 and 16 who are Internet-savvy and wish to be considered for one of the 20 U.S. spots have until Jan. 25 to submit an application.

A total of 300 students from Australia, Canada, the European Union and the United States will attend.

Participants will attend workshops, panel discussions and other group activities.

To apply, go to www.NetSmartz.org/IYAC.

State introduces new education laws

The state has brought several new laws into effect this year that affect Laguna Beach schools and students. Highlights include:

Assembly Bill 347, which ensures students who fail the California High School Exit Exam may receive an additional two years of academic assistance from their school districts.

Assembly Bill 428, which requires high schools notify parents whether their children’s studies satisfied the requirements for admittance into California State University or the University of California, and provide information on career technical education.

Assembly Bill 629, which requires sex education programs run by the state to be medically accurate, effective, bias-free, and age-appropriate.

Assembly Bill 1080, which requires the State Superintendent administer state preschool programs that include part-day and preschool appropriate programs for prekindergarten children aged 3 to 5 years.

Senate Bill 170, which extends existing law through 2012 that allows a pupil to attend the school district where the student’s parent or guardian is employed within the boundaries of the school district.

Senate Bill 405, which ensures that public middle and high school students will be informed by counselors of their graduation requirements, obtain an individualized review of their career goals, learn about the availability of career technical education and community and workplace learning experiences, and the eligibility requirements for admission to the UC and the Cal State University systems.

Senate Bill 490, which prescribes nutrition standards for snacks sold to pupils in middle, junior, or high school.