Category: social & emotional support

Listening & Learning

During these times, I’ve struggled with what to say. Sometimes I wish things would go back to “normal,” but the current protests remind me that “normal” was not comfortable for many. As I prepare for another year in my position at SchoolPower, I am reading, listening, learning and thinking. As a parent, I feel the weight of my duty to raise empathetic, compassionate global citizens, now more than ever. We have work to do as parents and within our schools to fight racism and unconscious bias that persist in our society. Last week, Superintendent Dr Viloria shared a few [...]

$10,000 Gift for Social Emotional Support

Thank you to the Laguna Beach Community Foundation for a gift of $100,000 from the Wayne Peterson Fund. This generous gift to the SchoolPower Endowment will be used to help expand the Social Emotional Support program in our schools. Philanthropist Wayne Peterson, a former mayor of Laguna Beach, passed away in 2019. He was a member of the SchoolPower Endowment board, a longtime City Council member, and supported many Laguna Beach nonprofits during his lifetime. Wayne Peterson, left, and his longtime partner Terry Smith attend the Laguna College of Art + Design’s Collector’s Choice gala in June 2014. (Courtesy [...]

SchoolPower Fundraiser Supports Student Well-Being

SchoolPower held its 32nd annual dinner dance at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, and raised $300,000 for Laguna Beach schools, says a statement. About half of that amount was pledged towards the 2017 fund-a-need campaign for the district’s student well-being initiative… Read More

Investing in the Well-Being of LBUSD Students

The most important mission accomplished at the 32nd Annual Dinner Dance was the 2017 Fund-a-Need Investing in the Well-Being of LBUSD Students, which inspired guests to raise over $158,000 in a matter of minutes. The initiative, presented by Superintendent Dr. Jason Viloria and approved by SchoolPower trustees in November, will create a support network for all four schools by hiring a Director of Student Support, two Student Support Specialists, and additional interns. These credentialed specialists will help students build resilience to daily stress and anxiety, as well as support students who exhibit more serious mental health issues.According to Viloria, “The [...]

It’s Mission Completed For SchoolPower’s Dinner Dance

SchoolPower held its 32nd Annual Dinner Dance Mission: NOT Impossible on February 11 at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The black, white and red-themed event grossed approximately $300,000 for Laguna Beach schools. After running into the room and rolling onto the stage like a top secret agent, SchoolPower President Taylor Pillsbury welcomed guests with a Nelson Mandela quote: “It always seems impossible, until it’s done.” He also thanked Dinner Dance Chairs Amy Kramer, Gorjana Reidel and Carol Moss for all their work to create an incredible evening of dining, dancing, and bidding on some amazing silent and live auction items. [...]

Mission Completed for SchoolPower’s Dinner Dance 2017

SchoolPower held its 32nd Annual Dinner Dance Mission: NOT Impossible on February 11 at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The black, white and red-themed event grossed just under $300,000 for Laguna Beach schools. After running into the room and rolling onto the stage like a top secret agent, SchoolPower President Taylor Pillsbury welcomed guests with a Nelson Mandela quote: "It always seems impossible, until it’s done." He also thanked Dinner Dance Chairs Amy Kramer, Gorjana Reidel and Carol Moss for all their work to create an incredible evening of dining, dancing, and bidding on some amazing silent and live auction [...]