Old Cell Phones Ring for Good
The public is encouraged to donate discarded cell phones to Cell Phones for Soldiers, a non-profit group that converts the proceeds from recycling phones into prepaid calling cards for soldiers overseas, at collection boxes set up at El Morro Elementary and the Laguna Beach Unified School District.
The collection takes place through Friday, April 8.
This is the third year that El Morro has donated to this nonprofit as part of a Character Counts service project, demonstrating respect for the men and women who serve our country. To date, CPFS has distributed over 500,000 calling cards.
Patriotically dressed students surround a collection box, back row from left, Isabel Meekma, Olivia Shipp, Matthew Gallegos and Grace Fink; front row, Zachary Cord and Caroline Herry.
Applications Due for Water Grant
The deadline for graduating high school seniors to submit their applications for South Coast Water District’s college scholarships is Tuesday, April 19.
Each year, the district awards $500 scholarships to college-bound high school seniors who live in the service area, which includes South Laguna.
Scholarship applicants must show their involvement in community service, public service, volunteer work and/or environmental activities. They must also submit a 500-word essay about water from topics provided.
Applications are available on the District’s website (www.scwd.org) to print out or to complete online, or may be obtained by calling 949 499 4555, ext. 3153.
El Morro Holds Ocean Awareness Essay Contest
Local surf pro James Pribram plans to visit his former campus on Monday, April 11, speaking to students about environmental issues and announcing the winner of an eco-minded contest.
Last month, the PTA’s Green Team encouraged students to submit and write an essay or draw a picture about ways they can help preserve the ocean. Submissions were due this past Thursday.
Students Give Up Screens for a Week
Next week, April 11-15, Top of the World students, staff, and families will be joining thousands of other schools and communities around the world to take a break from screens and accept the challenge to seek alternative means of entertainment.
Students can spend an evening of bingo and In-N-Out, enjoy game night, play ball in the park with friends, and gather for a culminating Friday night bonfire at Aliso Creek Beach to roast hotdogs and marshmallows, alternatives lined up by volunteer Meldie Moore.
For more info about event times and locations, visit TOWPTA.org and click on Events and Activities; Screen Free Week.
Author Inspires Teens to Make Smart Decisions
Inspirational teacher Mischa Martineau, a partner at Martineau Systems, is the author of “I Am Who I Say I Am,” a personal-development program for teens.
She facilitates thinking where participants learn how to: reverse negative thought spirals, change their beliefs about who they are what they are capable of, and develop resilience in the face of disapproval. She says her program focuses on helping kids to withstand social pressures and make the right decision in the midst of a clutch situation.
Parents can request a local, live introduction to “I Am Who I Say I Am” by contacting Martineau at 949-201-5662, or visiting http://www.IAmWhoISayIAm.com or http://www.facebook.com/thePowerofIAm.
