Chalk Talk

By: Brigid Cianfrani and Carol Crane

Harbor View's head Viking, Principal Randy Lemper - photo courtesy of Harbor View Elementary

Estancia High School recently hosted the annual Newport Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) State of the Schools Breakfast.  It was a beautiful morning hosted by The Newport Mesa Schools Foundation - a local nonprofit partner that raises funds for teacher grants. On hand were ASB students from all of the district high schools. Guests were welcomed by Estancia’s pep squad and other fanfare. This sold-out event was attended by elected officials, community partners, parents, veterans, local dignitaries and school district staff. Superintendent, Dr. Smith delivered the State of the School address and shared the latest progress and accomplishments of the district.

In other news, the Zone Pack committee held its second meeting of the year. This committee is made up of PTA/PFO representatives from the five local elementary schools along with the CdM Middle and High School PTA and all of those area principals. Members shared their back-to-school kickoff stories as well as their fall activities. Some highlights included student participation in the National PTA Arts Reflections contest, the National Walk to School Day, Newport Coast Elementary’s amazing Jog-a-Thon fundraiser and Fall Dance Party, and Harbor View’s brand new Buddy Bench provided at an inspirational Flag Deck by the Patrick’s Purpose Foundation.  Both Andersen and Eastbluff Elementary hosted amazing STEAM Nights filled with hands-on interactive activities and games for all ages. Andersen also hosted the Passport to Andersen event showcasing the cultures and cuisines of the community. Other fun events were the Eastbluff special “To the Top” Game Night, Lincoln’s Book Fair, their weekly “Mom Talk Walk” and the super fun Fall Family Night.  For the latest news, we encourage you to follow the schools and their PTA/PFO instagram accounts.

In addition to academics and fall sports, October ushered in Newport-Mesa’s emphasis on college and career education awareness. Fittingly, NMUSD hosted the annual College and Career Fair at the OC Fairgrounds on October 22, 2025. More than 1,100 students and family members interacted with private and public college representatives from all over the U.S. Additionally, attendees learned about NMUSD’s career technical pathways in the trades, health services, culinary arts, the military and other technical career post-secondary options. 

As we settle into the school year, let’s encourage our students to:

BE responsible digital citizens when using the Internet

BE helmet heroes when riding bikes

BE kindness ambassadors

BE upstanders in all endeavors

We are thankful for our local schools and the impact they have on our community! Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

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