Dear MBUSD Parents and Community,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. In today’s issue, we highlight Meadows Elementary, the recently adopted 2025-26 MBUSD calendar, and the importance of the upcoming CAASPP assessments.

Spotlight on Meadows Elementary (Special Thanks to Principal Michelle Krzmarzick)

Meadows Elementary students have been adjusting to the new year and setting goals for the rest of the year. Report cards have been shared and parent-teacher conferences have been held to review expectations, share concerns, and team up to support our students.

First-grade students in Makerspace practiced Newton’s Law of Motion while testing their gravity cars to navigate different levels of ramps. In this lesson, the cars had to be able to roll down the ramp and be able to travel 5 feet without turning. Students were able to test their cars and then revise them over and over until they were satisfied with the results.

Students in grades TK-2 enjoyed guest readers from the MB Rotary Club who read aloud books in our library that were hand-picked by Jennifer Rementer, our librarian. Our readers enthusiastically read the books and answered student questions. It is always a treat to enjoy a good book read by a new friend!

Students in grades 1-5 have been successfully leading their own recess clubs and sharing their passions with others. Upper-grade students in fourth and fifth grade enjoyed a visit from the MBMS orchestra and a visit from MBMS Principal Luke Olesiuk to get them excited about next year. We certainly know how to enjoy the moment and look forward to the next one at Meadows!

Staff Spotlight: Patti Ackerman | TK Teacher at Pennekamp

Patti Ackerman has served MBUSD since 2009. She began her journey at the District’s preschool as a teacher of 5-year-olds before transitioning to Transitional Kindergarten (TK) at Pennekamp in 2018—a role she has cherished ever since.

"I absolutely love teaching my TK students! They bring such joy to my life. Every day is different. TK is like Disneyland - it is the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’! It is where the magic happens,” Patti shares. “I feel as though it is my responsibility to instill in them a love for learning that will last throughout their educational journey.”

Patti’s path to teaching was inspired by her mother, an educator who showed her the profound impact a teacher can have. After earning her degree from UCLA, Patti initially pursued a career in retail management before realizing her true calling was in the classroom. She earned her teaching credential and spent several years teaching Kindergarten at Downey Unified and Hermosa Beach City School District before taking time off to raise her two children, Max (25) and Paige (23).

Returning to education, Patti found a wonderful opportunity at MBUSD’s preschool, which eventually led her to her beloved TK classroom at Pennekamp. She feels incredibly fortunate to have worked under the leadership of Kim Johnson, Dr. Karina Gerger, and Sharon Witzansky, who have made her time at MBUSD truly special.

Her favorite part of teaching? "Laughing and learning with my littles," she says. "Seeing their smiles when they discover something new makes every moment worthwhile."

Outside the classroom, Patti enjoys walking, cheering on UCLA sports and the Dodgers, sipping a great cup of coffee, and traveling with her children.

MBUSD 2025-26 Calendar Published

At Wednesday’s meeting of the MBUSD Board of Trustees, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Tentative Agreement between the District and the Manhattan Beach Unified Teachers Association. Part of this agreement included the adoption of the 2025-26 School Year Calendar, a copy of which has been posted to the District website and can be viewed here:

8th Graders Visit the Museum of Tolerance

This week, MBMS 8th graders, accompanied by staff, parents, chaperones, and administrators, visited the Museum of Tolerance as part of their English curriculum. The trip complemented in-class lessons, as students are currently reading the Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel Maus.

Made possible through a grant from the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, this experience supports MBMS’s commitment to fostering a climate of care both on campus and in the broader community.

During their visit, students engaged with powerful exhibits, explored the history of the Holocaust, and examined complex social dilemmas—both past and present. They had the opportunity to reflect on individual stories of Holocaust victims, walk through memorials, and deepen their understanding of history’s lasting impact.

This meaningful experience aligns with MBUSD’s Board Goal #2, which emphasizes creating a climate of care across all schools. Maus was adopted as an 8th-grade core novel by the Board of Trustees in June 2022 to enhance Holocaust education and awareness within the curriculum.



Robinson 5th graders also visited the Museum of Tolerance this week.

Robinson Students Experience Taiko Drumming

The TAIKOPROJECT delivered an interactive and dynamic performance for our students, immersing them in the rich history and artistry of taiko drumming. They introduced the cultural significance of taiko, a deeply rooted tradition in Japanese history, and explained the intricate craftsmanship involved in constructing the drums.

Beyond the powerful taiko drum performance, the group showcased a variety of metal percussion instruments, including the atarigane, chappa, shinobue, and horagai. Students also had the chance to learn about a traditional taiko pattern called an oroshi and practiced matching its rhythmic sequence with verbal sounds.

One of the most exciting moments of the assembly was when students were invited on stage to play the taiko drums themselves. The TAIKOPROJECT, founded in Los Angeles in 2000 by a group of young taiko drummers, has grown into an internationally recognized ensemble. With a full group of eighteen members, they have performed at major events, including the Grammy Awards, NBC’s The Voice, and Jimmy Kimmel Live, and have collaborated with top music artists. 

This unique opportunity was made possible by a directed grant to MBEF from the Siddhartha family to fund a variety of cultural experiences in our elementary schools for the next five years.

Congratulations to the Annual Rotary Solo Competition Finalists

Last Friday, twenty-five talented Band and Orchestra students participated in the 16th Annual Rotary Solo Competition Finals. We are proud to announce that twelve students earned top honors. This year’s competition featured outstanding musicianship, with six winners in the strings division and six in the winds division. Earlier this month, these finalists were selected from a highly competitive pool of student musicians.



Congratulations to all participants for their dedication and achievement!

9th/10th Grade Strings

1st: Charlotte Fan, violin

2nd: Reese Zhang, cello

3rd: Ethan Kohl, cello

11th/12th Grade Strings

1st: Denali Xia, cello

2nd: Madelyn Fu, viola

3rd: Audrey Treger, violin

9th/10th Grade Winds & Percussion

1st: Charlotte King, flute

2nd: Isaac LeMieux, tuba

3rd: Saige Beising, timpani

11th/12th Grade Winds & Percussion

1st: Logan Elliott, bassoon

2nd: Michael Ingram, alto sax

3rd: Sebastian Asiddao, flute

These students will be recognized at the Rotary Awards Breakfast on April 7 at the Westdrift Hotel. In addition, the top performers from each division will showcase their winning solo performances at the event. Congratulations!

MCHS Students Receive Recognition by the National Center for Women & Info Tech

Congratulations are in order for Mira Costa seniors Maia Rocha and Skylar Urfrig who were recently named as NCWIT National AiC High School Award Recipients. Each year, U.S. high school students in grades 9 through 12 receive recognition for their unique talents, aptitude, and aspirations in technology and computing. This year, Maia and Skylar were selected among California’s Honorable Mentions from a pool of over 3,700 exceptionally talented young applicants.

MCHS Blood Drive

Recently, Mira Costa hosted its annual blood drive on campus in partnership with UCLA. There were 140 donors and 96 pints of blood were collected. The event was planned by Costa ASB and they plan another drive in May.

Please Take the LCAP Survey

We invite you to participate in our annual confidential Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Survey. Your feedback and input are essential in helping us to understand better your needs, concerns, and priorities for our District. It will assist us in shaping our District's priorities and guide the allocation of resources better to serve our students, families, and community. The survey will be open until February 28, 2025.

The Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) describes the District’s goals for student learning, outlines actions and measures, and demonstrates how the District’s budget supports those goals. The survey asks for feedback on safety and behavior, student support, academic preparation, family involvement, and school leadership.

We are asking all parents/guardians, staff, and community members to please take a moment to participate in this LCAP Survey to support MBUSD’s vision and goals for student success!

All responses are confidential. The District's independent research partner, K12 Insight, administers the survey and compiles the results. Thank you in advance for participating in this year’s survey! We value your input and appreciate your time.

Measure RLS Bond Oversight Committee Applications

We are currently accepting applications from residents interested in becoming a member of the Measure RLS Bond Oversight Committee. Applications are due by Friday February 21, 2025. The application is available here, and additional information regarding Measure RLS is available at Measure RLS Bond Oversight Committee Information. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Business Services Department at 310-318-7345 x5944 or Business.Services@mbusd.org.

Director of Fiscal Services Opportunity 

Manhattan Beach Unified is looking for a Director of Fiscal Services. Under the direction of the Deputy Superintendent, Business Services, this position is responsible for:

• Preparing and revising budget estimates for all District programs and projects;
• Overseeing all District accounting functions;
• Coordinating the flow of financial information to District administrators to support informed decision-making;
• Assisting with analysis and administration of key business functions, such as bids and purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, accounting, and payroll;
• Ensuring timely and accurate preparation of all required financial reports;
• Supervising and evaluating the performance of assigned personnel; and
• Performing additional duties as assigned to support the District's financial health and operational efficiency.

This key leadership role offers the chance to collaborate with a dynamic team and be part of a top-ranked school district in the state. If you have a passion for serving children and families, supporting the work of school sites, working with budgets and timelines, and assisting in leading district-level initiatives, we want to hear from you! To learn more, please visit here. 

The next Superintendent’s Newsletter will be published on February 21. Have a wonderful mid-winter break, and we will see you back on campus February 18!



Sincerely, 

Manhattan Beach Unified School District

325 S. Peck Avenue

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

310.318.7345