ON THE AGENDA

Authors Festival Bookmark Winners

The fourth annual Newport-Mesa authors festival will be held Feb. 8.

Thirty-nine authors of children’s books are expected to speak to students

in kindergarten through sixth grade. One activity leading up to the event

has been a student bookmark contest. The three students with the best

designs will have their bookmarks made and duplicated.

What to expect: The three student artists will be announced and

recognized at the meeting, and their bookmarks will be distributed.

Employee P.R.I.D.E. Awards

In September, the district began an employee recognition program

called Proudly Recognizing Individuals Demonstrating Excellence. It

recognizes employees for outstanding customer service.

What to expect: The school board will recognize 25 outstanding

employees.

School Health Week and School Nurse Day

On July 7, Gov. Gray Davis signed a proclamation designating this

week, beginning Sunday, as School Health Week and Wednesday as School

Nurse Day.

What to expect: The school board will adopt a resolution asking that

schools recognize the dates.

Newport Coast update

Newport Coast Elementary School, originally scheduled to open in

September, is now scheduled to hold its first classes Feb. 26.

What to expect: Mike Fine, the district’s assistant superintendent of

business services, will give the board and the public an update on the

progress of the construction, which is in the final stages.

Textbooks

Textbooks have been submitted to the board for approval. Teachers

submit books they would like to use in their classrooms. They have been

available for board and public perusal at the district office.

What to expect: The board is expected to approve the textbooks for

use.

Davis’ Budget Proposal

Gov. Gray Davis released his initial budget proposal last week.

What to expect: Fine will report to the school board on what

educational programs the budget contained and what possible affect Davis’

proposals may have the district.

FYI

* WHO: Newport-Mesa Unified School Board

* WHEN: 7 tonight

* WHERE: District Education Center, 2985-A Bear St., Costa Mesa.