Author: sarahdurand

Dodgeball Tournament Connects Community

Over 370 costumed players on 48 teams blasted, bounced, and bumped balls on Tuesday, October 15 for SchoolPower’s 13th Annual Dodgeball Tournament. SchoolPower, the non-profit education foundation that has raised money for Laguna Beach public schools since 1981, hosts this popular, community-connecting event every fall at Laguna Beach High School. "[What] great fun, good people, and lots of energy. We are new to town and dove right into a wonderful community that was welcoming,” said parent coach Dr. Pedram Shojai. “The dodgeball tradition is alive and well in Laguna Beach.” SchoolPower partnered with CORE Athletic Training, a local youth [...]

Dodgeball XII Is a Blast for Laguna Beach Schools

  More than 370 costumed players on 47 teams bounced, blasted, and bumped balls at Laguna Beach High School on October 10 for SchoolPower’s 12th annual Dodgeball Tournament. “The dodgeball tournament is the best! Seeing the boys and girls play together in a light-hearted and competitive sport with hilarious costumes is so much fun for the kids…and parents,” said Zane Sweet, whose son played for Da Evil Minions. This event “is the perfect opportunity for our community to come together,” added Craig Ballard, first-time coach of the Eminem’s. “It’s a great reminder of how lucky we are to live [...]

Dodgeball XI Includes More Students Than Ever Before

More than 370 costumed players on 48 teams ducked, dodged, and dived for balls at Laguna Beach High School on October 12 for SchoolPower’s 11th annual Dodgeball Tournament. This year’s event, returning for the first time since 2019, focused on connecting the community and included more students than ever before. “We’re thrilled to be a part of such a creative and exciting tradition,” explained Shannon Nash, first-time coach of the El Morro Maniacs. “The kids will always remember this epic event.” LBHS’s Dance Company kicked off the event with a choreographed routine. Adding to the energy were Dodgeball chairs [...]

44 Grants Awarded in 2021-2022 School Year

In 2021-2022, SchoolPower awarded $111,751 for 44 grants to educators, counselors, and coaches to support innovative ideas from the classroom to the playground and beyond. Top of the World Elementary Magnetic drawing boards for 3rd grade math STEAM lab takeaways for TK-5 Volleyball nets and pads for PE and recess Ogo disks and badminton rackets for PE and recess Coding & computer science books for K-3 Board games, art supplies & science center materials for Mrs. Davidson’s classroom Mystery Science Packs for 1st grade Library maker space to encourage career exploration Ozobots for Mrs. Gibson’s classroom Manipulatives for K-5 [...]

Ideas to Fill Long Summer Days

Summer sessions with the high school coaches for students in grades 3 to 12. Choose from volleyball, basketball, soccer, weight training, and more. Learn more. Interactive workshops focused on healthy, meaningful, Drama-Free Friendships. Including activities like baking, DIY beauty hacks, and upcycling old clothes. Fridays in July with sessions for ages 8-11 and 12-14. Learn more. Art, basketball, skateboarding, bunkerball, legos, STEM, and so much more. Plus, your child can join a club field trip to rock climbing, bowling, Big Air, Knott's, and many other fun destinations. Learn more. [...]

Happy Summer! Thanks for an impactful year.

This school year, thanks to our generous community... We awarded $110,000 in grants to educators, counselors, and coaches to support innovative ideas from the classroom to the playground and beyond. We supported students and families throughout the year as needs arose, including assistance for flood victims, holiday baskets, scholarships to enable all graduating seniors to enjoy year-end activities, and Boys & Girls Club scholarships to help kids access summer fun. We partnered with Thrive to provide parent education, student workshops, and mental health support for LBUSD families. Looking forward to next year... We'll administer robust after-school programs at [...]

Vigil for Principal Duddy – 5:30 p.m. LBHS Field

Dear SchoolPower community, Along with the entire LBUSD community, we are devastated by the loss of Chris Duddy, El Morro Elementary School principal. Tonight would have been his last Open House as he planned to retire at the end of this school year. Open House was one of his favorite nights and the community would like to honor his love of El Morro and its families. Parents and families -- past and present -- are invited to come together tonight at 5:30 p.m. at Laguna Beach High School’s Guyer Field to honor Mr. Duddy at a short candlelight vigil. Please [...]

Happy 40th Birthday, SchoolPower!

Thanks to our generous donors, we've supported over 10,000 students with over $13,000,000 since 1981. We are honored to be recognized by the District for 40 years of partnership and support.

SchoolPower Supporters Gather For Sixth Annual Three Clubs Barefoot Golf Tournament

Monday, May 9, marked the sixth annual Three Clubs Barefoot Canyon Classic at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, benefiting SchoolPower. The event sold out in record speed and grossed over $65,000 to support Laguna Beach students through SchoolPower. Eighty-eight barefoot golfers kicked off the afternoon’s festivities with a friendly nine-hole, four- or five-person scramble competition. As in past years, players tackled some nontraditional shots, including teeing off while wearing oven mitts and and shooting the ball with a pool cue. They also gave it their best shot at games with exciting prizes, such as aiming for a 15-foot circle [...]

The first day is worth celebrating.

Spotless shoes. Freshly cut hair. Brand new backpacks. Empty notebooks. The first day of school is filled with excitement and possibility. At SchoolPower, we remember the joys (and fears) of the first day of school. Today we are energized and hopeful. As always, our mission is to enrich the education and support of the well-being of all children in the Laguna Beach Unified School District. Last week, we worked with the district to distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to ensure all students can start the year ready to learn. Our SchoolPower grant application is open to allow our [...]