Chalk Talk
By: Brigid Cianfrani, Carol Crane
Spring has sprung in the Newport Mesa Unified School District! All of our local schools are enjoying the season with wonderful annual events such as the Newport Mesa Spirit Run and the Newport Mesa Soccer Classic (formerly known as the Pilot Cup.) We love to see our students and their families taking part in community-wide fun.
There is much to highlight at our local elementary schools. Harbor View Elementary (HVES) recently unveiled a new Viking mascot to help celebrate school spirit with all of their BRAVE students- Bold, Respectful, Accountable, Visionary and Empathetic! The Lincoln Leopards enjoyed a high-energy, entertaining BMX Thrills show with a positive underlying message sponsored by their PTA. In honor of Read Across America Week, the Eastbluff Otters participated in a school-wide Literature Parade where each class showcased a different book with costumes and unveiled a new Book Vending machine on campus. Students can earn special tokens and choose a book to keep, encouraging a love for reading in a fun and rewarding way. Amazing!
Excellent performing arts productions are happening on a variety of campuses with Aladdin performed by the Newport Coast Elementary 6th graders, a fun show called “Andersen Got Talent” and, The Addams Family show at HVES featuring 4th-6th graders. It’s especially heartwarming to see our Corona del Mar High School students supporting their former elementary schools as the Madrigal Singers, Drum Line and brand new Color Guard team did when they performed at an Andersen Flag Deck this spring. Speaking of CdM, you might want to attend the annual Middle School Theater play to see talented students in a family-friendly production of Once Upon a Mattress happening May 1-4.
Congratulations to Calvin Parzick! The Corona del Mar High School junior achieved a perfect score on the ACT!
Our local PTA groups have been participating in the annual Honorary Service Award celebrations and recognizing the accomplishments of teachers, administrators, coaches and community volunteers. It takes a village and we have a wonderful one in Newport Beach!
The 51st CDM Home Tour was a resounding success. Sponsored by the CDM PTA and led by super parent volunteer Gina Jaha and her team, the event sold out and generated almost $300,000 in profit for Corona del Mar Middle and High Schools. It takes a village and we have a wonderful one in Newport Beach!
Have you heard about the new Third Thursdays series happening in Corona del Mar on the third Thursday of every month from 5-8 p.m.? Our schools will be participating in various ways, so plan to stop by for a vibrant community celebration in the village with delicious food, live music, discounts, and community fun. For more info: www.visitnewportbeach.com/3rdthursdays
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
