We’re nearing the end of another week. Here’s a roundup of education stories you might have missed:
- Applications are being accepted for the OCDE STEM Student Showcase, which will highlight hands-on projects that integrate science, technology, engineering and math. The event will be held in February.
A school in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District marked the 15th anniversary of 9/11 by planting a 5-foot-tall Peace Pole in its campus garden.
- Here’s another one from Newport-Mesa. Estancia High School, which was built with the popular “open school” concept back in 1966, may finally install doors and storefront-style glass walls to close off the entryways of 32 classrooms.
- Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, Michelle Cross has become a standout runner on Trabuco Hills High School’s cross country and track teams, taking three bronze medals in last spring’s CIF State Championships.
- California has settled a three-year lawsuit with the American Civil Liberties Union, which alleged that schools were undeserving English-learners.
- OC Pathways is working to connect educators and industry leaders to equip local students — including one aspiring filmmaker — for college and career success.
- Using video conferencing technology, students from Irvine’s Portola Elementary School virtually toured the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Penn. to learn about the airline passengers who valiantly fought back against hijackers on 9/11.
- For one month, the city of Irvine will double the amount of money it provides to match local class-size reduction fundraising, benefiting the Irvine Unified School District as well as schools in Tustin and Santa Ana.
- Boeing Co. employees in Seal Beach donated backpacks, school supplies and money to students in the Los Alamitos Unified School District.