Bay Laurel Elementary gained early notice in the LVUSD highlights newsletter for a student art project — first graders created blackbird artwork guided by a teacher, which the district spotlighted across social media in early 2026. Small as that sounds, LVUSD's newsletter highlights only a handful of campuses at a time, and Bay Laurel making the cut signals active staff and visible student work. Under principal Dr. Duncan — now in her 11th year in education — the school has been focused on expanding family communication and parent participation, which she identified as a priority in her opening letter for the 2025-26 year.

Q1. What extracurricular activities does Bay Laurel offer?

Ans. The school offers 2 sports through its extracurricular program. Beyond that, Bay Laurel's PFA runs events and enrichment activities throughout the year. The school's after-school care is handled through LVUSD Plus — the district's program that covers most LVUSD elementary campuses.

Q2. Does Bay Laurel have a GATE program?

Ans. Yes, Bay Laurel participates in LVUSD's GATE program. Students go through a referral and assessment process within the district. Families who think their child may qualify should reach out to Dr. Duncan or the front office at (818) 222-9022 to understand how the process works at the campus level.

Q3. What is the school's attendance reporting process?

Ans. Bay Laurel uses an email-based absence reporting system. Families email BLESattendance@lvusd.org within 72 hours of any absence. The school also communicates through ParentSquare, which is LVUSD's district-wide family notification platform — worth setting up before the year starts.

Q4. What makes Bay Laurel distinct from other LVUSD elementary campuses?

Ans. Bay Laurel is one of the few LVUSD elementary campuses with a Title I-eligible economic profile. That doesn't mean it's underfunded — it means it qualifies for additional federal support that some of the district's wealthier campuses don't. It also has a dedicated school counselor, which not all LVUSD elementary schools list on their profiles.

Q5. What is the feeder pattern after Bay Laurel?

Ans. Bay Laurel students go on to Alice C. Stelle Middle School and then to Calabasas High School — part of a consistent K–12 pathway within LVUSD. Both are well-regarded schools, and the district maintains a strong college-going culture across all three levels.