NEWPORT-MESA SCHOOL BOARD WRAP-UP

KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

WHAT HAPPENED:

Tina Reinemann, a kindergarten teacher at Killybrooke Elementary

School in Costa Mesa, asked the school district to consider applying for

a new state program created last month when Gov. Gray Davis signed the

Kindergarten Readiness Pilot Program into law.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The district must sign up for the program by May 1. It would allow the

district to move the kindergarten registration cutoff date from Dec. 2

back to Sept. 1. This would mean all students starting kindergarten would

be 5 years old, something Reinemann said would be extremely beneficial to

students and schools.

VOTE: No vote

BECKMAN DONATIONS

WHAT HAPPENED:

Jackie Howland, the director of the Arnold and Mabel Beckman

Foundation in Santa Ana, presented the district with the first of four

$50,000 donations.

WHAT IT MEANS:

Beckman Science has pledged to donate $200,000 to Newport-Mesa schools

in support of hands-on science programs over the course of four years.

The donation will allow the district to continue a summer science camp

that allows instructors to become more adept and comfortable in teaching

hands-on science. It also will provide funding for additional supplies

and materials.

VOTE: No vote

RED RIBBON WEEK

WHAT HAPPENED:

Each board member outlined what their schools are doing for Red Ribbon

week, which is this week.

WHAT IT MEANS:

In recognition of Red Ribbon Week, which is dedicated to fighting

youth drug abuse, students at Newport-Mesa’s four high schools are

signing agreements to stay drug-free and doing many other activities to

promote anti-drug awareness.

VOTE: No vote

DENIM DAY FUNDS

WHAT HAPPENED:

School site representatives from throughout Newport-Mesa were

commended for their participation in Lee National Denim Day, which

benefited the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

WHAT IT MEANS:

Each representative was asked to come up with creative ways to promote

the day and motivate people to participate in fund-raisers for the

foundation. The goal of raising $5,000 was met and surpassed, with a

total of $5,275.

NEXT MEETING

7 p.m. Nov. 14, District Education Center, 1985-A Bear St., Costa Mesa