Video Portrays Classrooms in Transformation

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A scene from the teachers’ video.
A scene from the teachers’ video.

Laguna Beach schoolsʼ drive to create innovative classrooms will be championed by SchoolPower, the local organization that supports public schools and holds its major fundraiser this weekend.

Teachers Andy Crisp and Jun Shen created a comedic video to target a specific school district goal, “The Reimagined Classroom and Library,” which SchoolPower supporters will aid with a special Fund-a-Need campaign.

The video makers combine cultural references, disparate locations and skewed logic to describe the practical aspect of investing in improving schools. “The video has a powerful pace that required over 200 scenes,” said Mike Morrison, the district’s technology officer, who called Crisp and Shenʼs work truly ambitious. “Cameos from staff, students and parents are featured throughout. It is so good you will want to watch it again to catch more details.”

The video and Fund-a-Need initiative will be a focus of the education foundationʼs annual dinner dance Saturday, March 19, at Montage Laguna Beach. SchoolPower hopes to fund the transformation of up to 11 classrooms at the high school and middle school as well as the middle school library, says a statement.

The district itself spent $424,000 to outfit 12 classrooms with large monitors, audio systems and innovative furniture. SchoolPower underwrote half the cost, a record amount for the organization’s targeted campaigns. Backing for previous Fund-a-Need projects equipped classrooms with tablet computers and TVs and upgraded the schoolsʼ wireless systems.

“Teachers tell us these reimagined classrooms are game-changers,” said Robin Rounaghi, SchoolPowerʼs executive director. “We are delighted to partner with LBUSD in a way that is so impactful upon the teaching and learning experience.”

In December, state Superintendent Tom Torlakson cited Laguna Beach, Napa Valley and Riverside as the three “leading digital districts” in California. In a letter to school leaders, Torlakson wrote, “These bright spots serve as lights of encouragement and guidance for our state.”

Info: lbschoolpower.org.

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