News Archive

We’re excited to introduce the first issue of the Thurston Counseling Newsletter, a new way for families to stay informed about student support, classroom learning, and opportunities for connection. 

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. — Laguna Beach Unified School District has released a white paper examining findings from Laguna Beach High School’s Social Media Silence Challenge, a voluntary five-day pilot designed to explore students’ experiences with social media use, attention, and well-being.

The Social Media Silence Challenge began with a simple question: What would students notice if they stepped away from social media for one week?

The Laguna Beach High School counseling team developed this voluntary digital wellness initiative in response to ongoing conversations with students about distraction, stress, screen time, sleep, and the pressure to “always be connected.” Rather than adding to the stream of adults talking at students about whether social media is “good” or “bad,” the team sought to give students space to step back, examine their own habits, and feel empowered to make confident, thoughtful decisions about how social media fits into their lives.

You’re invited to attend the “Passport to College” College Fair at Laguna Beach High School! The evening will kick off with a special guest speaker, followed by a college fair where students and families can explore opportunities and connect with college representatives.

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. — Laguna Beach Unified School District has named Director of Facilities and Sustainability Ryan Zajda the recipient of the 2026 Spirit of Laguna Award.

Laguna Beach Unified School District has selected longtime LBUSD educator and arts leader Alexis Karol to serve as the district’s coordinator of visual and performing arts, a new role focused on strengthening arts education, expanding student access, and deepening partnerships with Laguna Beach’s arts community.

El Morro Elementary School teacher Kathleen Margaretich has been named a 2026 Outstanding K–12 STEM Educator by the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE). Margaretich is among 11 Orange County educators and community leaders selected for the 2026 Outstanding STEM Educator Awards, which recognize individuals expanding opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.

Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, LBUSD will transition back to the Raptor Volunteer Management System. As part of this change, all volunteers, both new and returning, will need to create a new Raptor account before volunteering at any school or district activity.

The Festival of Arts (FOA) Foundation awarded $18,500 in grant funding to support student arts programs at Laguna Beach High School and Thurston Middle School. The funding enhances programs in ceramics, visual art, photography, and theatre by providing students access to professional-grade materials and hands-on learning experiences that strengthen connections to the broader arts community.