Chalk Talk
By: Brigid Cianfrani & Carol Crane
Newport-Mesa students and school sites are buzzing with end-of-the-year activities as the school year is coming to a close.
An epic Battle of the Books with several elementary schools took place recently at the Oasis Senior Center. The preparation began months ago, when students were introduced to this year’s book list. They attended meetings to discuss their progress and were mentored by sixth graders who participated as peer coaches, checking other students’ work, compiling questions from the reading logs and serving as time-keepers for practice sessions. These students were motivated to succeed and did an amazing job.
The Anaheim Ducks Hockey Team provided their SCORE Street Hockey program for local 4th graders at Harbor View and Andersen Elementary Schools. Students received game instruction and the donation of equipment including sticks, balls and nets. Included is an invitation to a Ducks game at the Honda Center.
Students, families, and staff at Lincoln Elementary celebrated their first "Blowing Bubbles for Autism" event in honor of Autism Acceptance Day to promote awareness, acceptance and inclusion. Everyone enjoys bubbles and it was wonderful to see Lincoln Elementary create such a supportive and inviting event for their whole community.
Newport Coast Elementary held a fun-filled STEAM night. Students and parents participated in interactive classroom activities, browsed science fair projects, and even got to watch a bike expo that defied gravity!
STARS (Student Tutors Accelerating Reading Success) is happening at Eastbluff Elementary. Upper grade students pair up with first, second and third graders as peer tutors and work on grade level specific reading skills, spelling patterns, and building confidence reading aloud. What a wonderful opportunity for these STARS to develop their leadership skills and enjoy community service too.
The annual Living History event recognizing the sacrifices of veterans happened on May 27 and May 28 at Corona del Mar High School.
Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) congratulates the seven high school seniors chosen by their respective schools to represent specific pillars of leadership. The following Superintendent’s Character Trait Award winners were recognized at the April 22 Board of Education meeting:
At the meeting, each student received a certificate of recognition. Banners with their name, photo, school, and corresponding character traits are displayed in the district office, where they will remain for one year before being gifted to their respective alma maters.
The Superintendent's Character Trait Awards recognized outstanding seniors for specific pillars of leadership at the Board of Education Meeting on April 22. Max Douglass of Corona del Mar High School was honored for Courage, Heloise “Ellie” Goerrissen of Newport Harbor High School was honored for Trustworthiness and Madison Stephenson was honored for Fairness. At the meeting, each student received a certificate of recognition. Banners with their name, photo, school and corresponding character traits are displayed in the district office, where they will remain for one year before being gifted to their respective alma maters.
The 62nd Annual Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Award Dinner was held at The Lido House. The valedictorians from CDMHS, NHHS and Sage Hill were recognized. On a separate evening, the Chamber celebrated our talented scholar athletes at the Hyatt Regency. At both events, the students’ extraordinary achievements were validated by a myriad of dignitaries, including school board trustees, Superintendent Dr. Smith and members of the Newport Beach City Council.
Lastly, we’ll share some eye-popping data about the Class of 2025: 81 percent of the class is graduating with a 3.0 or above GPA; 36 percent of the class is earning a 4.0 or higher GPA; 20 athletes have committed to play collegiate sports. We wish this talented and gifted class the best of luck!
Brigid Cianfrani and Carol Crane are longtime volunteers in the Newport Mesa Unified School District, former PTA presidents at the elementary and high school levels and former Zone Pack chairs. Carol Crane currently serves as a member on the Newport Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) board, Trustee Area 3: Brigid Cianfrani works as a substitute teacher in the district and is the current chair of the CDM Zone Pack Committee.
For more info: NMUSD.us | IG @ newportmesausd
Email: Carol Crane: ccrane@nmusd.us | Brigid Cianfrani: brigidcianfrani@gmail.com
