Briefly In Education

H1N1 reported at all district schools

“Clusters” of H1N1 virus “” defined as five or more incidents of confirmed or suspected cases within a group (classrooms, sports teams, etc.) at one time “” have been reported at all four schools in the Laguna Beach Unified School District, but the cases are few in number, according to Supt. Robert Fraisse, and require no immediate action.

The purpose of cluster reporting is to track if there are widespread outbreaks of H1N1 within groups so that others in those groups can be placed on alert to early symptoms.

“We will continue to meet and update our website with any new information,” he said.

So far, he said, there are no plans to offer a vaccination at the schools.

“We have no access to the vaccine nor any capacity to administer the shots,” he said. “We are encouraging families to get the shots through their local medical providers or at community programs.”

Festival scholarship program open

The Festival of Arts scholarship program, open to all high school seniors who reside in Laguna Beach, is open through March 5.

The four-year, highly competitive scholarships are awarded to students who excel in film, performing arts such as dancing and theater, visual arts and writing.

For more than 50 years, the scholarship program has supported rising young artists by making it possible for students to pursue college studies in the arts.

“Students with talents in multiple fields are encouraged to submit an application in more than one category,” said board Secretary and Scholarship Chairwoman Pat Kollenda. “This is an excellent opportunity for students who are considering a career in the arts.”

Auditions and interviews will be scheduled in March and April.

Scholarship awards begin at $1,000 and can be renewed for a total of four one-year scholarships.

Students must return each summer to reapply for a continuation of scholarship status.

Last year, the Festival of Arts awarded $30,000 to 17 graduating seniors for the 2009-10 academic year.

Many scholarship winners pursue successful careers in the arts, and some even return to the festival as exhibiting artists.

Applications are available at www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org or at the Festival of Arts office, located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road.

Applicants may apply for any or all of the four categories, but will only be awarded one scholarship.

For more information, call Michelle Reindl at (949) 464-4201.

Girl Scouts to bring holiday cheer

With Santa at the wheel, the Girl Scouts of Laguna Beach will bring holiday cheer this evening to the streets of downtown Laguna Beach.

Santa Claus will drive a city trolley, while Girl Scouts and their families sing holiday songs.

For more information about the event, call (949) 637-8301.

To inquire about the Girl Scout troops, call (949) 454-2913 or contact Stephanie.Andrews@cox.net.