LAUREL SCHOOL OPENS DOORS FOR FIRST 7th GRADE CLASS IN SCHOOL’S HISTORY: OPEN ENROLLMENT THROUGH JUNE: City of West Hollywood to Provide Student Resources Including Computers for Education

City of West Hollywood Press Release

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Laurel School will open their doors to the first class of 7^th graders in the school’s history this fall making it the first middle school option available in West Hollywood for students. Prior to this year, Laurel School served kindergarten through 6^th grade students. Laurel School is the only LAUSD school located in the West Hollywood area to serve middle school students. Open enrollment will take place through Wednesday, June 30, 2010. In support of Laurel School’s growing student body and the new 7^th grade class, the City of West Hollywood will provide student resources including computers for education.

“The School Board Office and West Hollywood City Council will also launch a planning process this summer to determine whether Laurel will transition to a K-8 Span School or be a stand alone middle school in the future”

“We are so excited about the inaugural 7th grade class starting at Laurel this fall,” said West Hollywood Councilmember Abbe Land. “This is something we all have wanted for so long, and we are thrilled that through our collaborative partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District, and in particular with the office of School Board Member Steve Zimmer, that middle school will now be a reality. As we have strongly supported our local elementary schools, the City of West Hollywood and the families in our community will extend our support and assistance in making this middle school the best it can be,” continued Councilmember Land.

“We are thrilled that West Hollywood families now have a new Middle School option, with the introduction of a 7th grade class this fall,” said West Hollywood Councilmember Lindsey Horvath. “We want Laurel School families, teachers, students and our entire community to know we will support this school 100%. West Hollywood's donation of used computers to Laurel School is only one step in demonstrating our partnership with parents, faculty, and LAUSD to ensure quality education for our youth,” continued Councilmember Horvath.

“LAUSD is proud to announce 7th grade enrollment at Laurel Elementary School for the 2010-11 school year. In response to ongoing requests from families for a middle school option in the City of West Hollywood, we’ve worked collaboratively with the West Hollywood City Council and LAUSD local district 4 to begin the inaugural program for the 2010-11 school year,” said Steve Zimmer, LAUSD School Board Member. “The School Board Office and West Hollywood City Council will also launch a planning process this summer to determine whether Laurel will transition to a K-8 Span School or be a stand alone middle school in the future,” continued LAUSD Board Member Zimmer.

Laurel School has a population of approximately 250 students and is a socio-economically diverse campus with more than 26 languages spoken. Laurel School emphasizes student achievement by creating an environment rich in academics, social consciousness and the arts. The students at Laurel School thrive in a nurturing, safe environment while developing skills necessary to become well rounded, contributing citizens. Laurel Elementary partners with the City of West Hollywood and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to enhance learning opportunities.

For more information or to schedule a personal tour of Laurel School, please call (323) 654-1930 or Corri Planck, Deputy to West Hollywood Councilmember Abbe Land at (323) 848-6460.

• smf adds: Despite the implication of the above, students in West Hollywood did previously receive middle school educations – just not within the environs of the City of West Hollywood!         WestHo City Hall is served by Bancroft Middle School.