About 85 public school elementary teachers in La Jolla came together on Jan. 18 to learn new strategies for teaching mathematics at a training supported by the La Jolla Cluster Association (LJCA). The gathering marked the first time that different public schools in La Jolla brought their educators together for professional development. The principals of La Jolla, Bird Rock and Torrey Pines elementary schools organized the event. San Diego Unified School District math experts showed a video and led grade-level group discussions, while guests enjoyed a delicious lunch, courtesy of Girard Gourmet, which provided the LJCA a group discount rate. At its most recent meeting, the LJCA board heard an update on efforts by the community education committee to start a speaker series. Three events have been scheduled this spring: • “Race to Nowhere” documentary film screening, 6:30 p.m., March 22, Parker Auditorium, La Jolla High School, $10. To purchase tickets, visit www.racetonowhere.com/screenings/lajolla-high-school-parker-auditorium • Talk and book-signing by Lynn O’Shaughnessy, author of “The College Solution: A Guide for Everyone Looking for the Right School at the Right Price,” 6:30 p.m., April 26, Parker Auditorium, La Jolla High School, $10. • Talk and book-signing by Richard Louv, author of “Last Child in the Woods and the Nature Principle,” 6:30 p.m., May 17, Parker Auditorium, La Jolla High School, $10. Warwick’s Book Store will be selling copies of O’Shaughnessy’s and Louv’s books after their talks. The financial woes of the district were discussed briefly at the meeting. John May, a parent who chairs the finance committee, described a recent meeting of all the campus foundation leaders in the cluster. He said the group discussed the district’s financial situation and shared information about what programs the various foundations are supporting. Governance is another priority of the cluster, which is moving forward with its efforts to create a partnership agreement with San Diego Unified School District, said Rob Tindall, a teacher at Muirlands Middle. After a year of surveying teachers and holding open meetings, the agreement committee is now preparing to contact labor union and district representatives, he said. Student safety is always a cluster concern. To relieve traffic around Muirlands Middle and La Jolla High, the LJCA is working with the La Jolla YMCA to create a neighborhood bus service. Parent Fran Shimp explained how the buses will begin to transport students to Muirlands Middle and La Jolla High School starting Jan. 30. The cost is $75 a month. The application form is available at the YMCA or can be downloaded at www.lajollacluster.com. LJCA represents the five public schools in La Jolla (La Jolla High, Muirlands Middle and the three elementary schools). The five principals sit on the governing board, along with 10 teachers and 10 parents. The board meets regularly at the Muirlands Middle School library.
