Schools Show Their Spirit
Thurston Middle School social studies teacher Michelle Martinez is the recipient of the school district’s Spirit Award, for extraordinary service, says a district announcement.
For the past 12 years, Martinez has taught social studies at Thurston for all three grade levels. She has also led a variety of initiatives on campus, such as the forensic/mock trial club, and taken a special assignment last year, says the statement.
Martinez seizes the initiative to provide learning experiences, such as pursuing a $5,000 Cox grant to pay for curriculum for the club that put King Richard III on trial.
Martinez focuses on projects and activities that integrates STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art/design, mathematics) subjects.
This year, Martinez completed her master’s degree in administration and became a motivational speaker at education conferences.
In the upcoming school year, Martinez was invited to become one of the first coaches for Rocket Ready, a professional development program to help teachers integrate new practices into their instruction.
She served as a positive role model for the entire staff, said Jenny Salberg, Thurston principal. “Parents love her, students want to be in her class and staff respect her continuing quest for excellence both in and out of the classroom.”
Martinez taught middle school social studies in Texas for 10 years prior to relocating to California with her husband and three children, Elijiah, Beau and Noelle, who are all graduates of Laguna Beach High School.
Foundation Treats Graduates
The Laguna Beach High School class of 2016 was honored with a party and certificates of achievement, Friday, June 10, hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach.
“We’ve watched the young men and women in our community work so hard to get to this point and it’s a thrill to share in their joy of earning that diploma,” said Miguel Contreras, the club’s teen coordinator.
The party was made possible by a $5,500 Taco Bell Foundation grant.
