Dear MBUSD Parents and Community,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. Today’s issue highlights Mira Costa High School, Grand View's opening its new Mindful Lounge, and the beginning of new student enrollment for the 2025-26 school year.

We would like to remind everyone that all school campuses and District facilities will be closed to honor and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 20.

Spotlight on Mira Costa (Special Thanks to Teacher Lindsey Valbuena and Principal Dr. Jennifer Huynh)

At Costa, the classroom is more than just textbooks and worksheets. It’s a place where Mustangs practice critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. In AP Seminar, students embark on researching new ways to think, not just about learning what’s already been done.

In Ms. Valbuena’s AP Seminar class, students shared a group presentation as part of their required TASK 1 presentation. These assignments focus on the topics students have researched and are an integral part of the AP Seminar curriculum. From addictive game betting concerns to ethics of reality TV, each group develops a research question, identifies the problem, and proposes viable solutions, using different research methods.

These presentations provide students a chance to articulate the depth of thought and collaboration in the work. Students are engaged in real issues and making a difference, helping them develop a strong understanding for change and civic responsibilities. 

Staff Spotlight: Kelly Cunningham | Math Teacher and Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)

Kelly Cunningham joined MBUSD in 2011 as a math teacher. This year, she transitioned into a hybrid role, serving as both a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) and a geometry teacher. Kelly shares that she loves her new role because it allows her to experience the best of both worlds.

Before entering the world of teaching, Kelly’s interest in mathematics began during her internship at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she worked in the Explosive Components Facility. She later worked in advertising before deciding to follow her true calling and pursue teaching. Kelly earned her degree from Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology.

Teaching runs in Kelly’s family, as both her mother and grandmother were educators. “They are kind and patient, and love children, and it was an honor to grow up seeing them be such great teachers. I could see first hand the impact a kind teacher can make on a student,” she says. She always found herself naturally gravitating toward teaching roles.

Kelly describes MBUSD as her second home and says she has loved every minute here. “I am in awe of the amazing things my fellow teachers do in the classroom, and I am constantly impressed with the creative lessons and things our district offers. I often wish I could attend high school again here...My colleagues are so talented and dedicated to education, and I’m humbled to be working with them.”

For Kelly, the highlight of her job is the students. “They are smart, kind, funny, curious, and courageous. They give me hope for a brighter future. I feel lucky to be in a classroom with them, and share the gift of learning math together.”

She emphasizes the importance of teaching her students critical thinking and persistence. She believes math opens doors to countless opportunities and prepares students for the real world. “What is most important for students to learn is that it is okay to get things wrong at first, and then they should try again in different ways to get to a solution that satisfies the problem. And that is a life skill–to be able to think critically, and with persistence.”

Her classroom is a creative space filled with oversized geometry projects made by her students, reflecting her commitment to connecting math concepts to the real world. 

A proud South Bay resident, Kelly and her husband have two children, ages six and three, who she describes as funny, creative, and magical to watch as they discover the world. In her free time, some of the things Kelly enjoys are playing pickleball and the world of arts and crafts. 

District Enrollment for the 2025-26 School Year Now Open

We’re excited to announce that enrollment for the 2025-26 school year is open! Families can begin the registration process for new students entering TK-12. For enrollment information, please visit our website for detailed instructions. 

Our schools offer unparalleled academics, a wide range of enrichment programs, and a supportive environment that nurtures student success. We were able to welcome more than a hundred future families at MBUSD's recent annual TK-Kindergarten Information Day. Thank you to everyone who attended the event at Grand View Elementary. Pacific Kindergarten teacher Jacqueline Murphy provided a glimpse into a typical day as a Kindergartener, and families also heard first-hand current student experiences from 5th grader Mason Cramer, 8th grader Kyla Weinstein, and MCHS senior Isaac Faynsod. Following the main program, principals and PTA members from all five elementary schools led breakout sessions to address questions from incoming families and share information about their campuses. 

Watch our Facebook Live with Director of Student Services, Kerry Riccio Aguero, as she answers the most common enrollment questions. 

Supporting Families Impacted by Fires

I am so proud to see our community come together to support families across Los Angeles who have been impacted by the devastating wildfires. Since last week, our District and school site staff have been working tirelessly to enroll displaced families and warmly welcome them onto our campuses. 

I want to personally welcome all of our new families to MBUSD. Our hearts continue to be with you during this challenging time, and we are here to support you. If there is anything we can do to make your transition easier or meet your family’s needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we’ll ensure your student(s) feel safe, supported, and part of our community.

Thank you to our incredible District staff, school site office staff, our teachers, PTA/PTSA for all of your hard work and dedication to making the enrollment process for our new families seamless. We appreciate all that you have done and your quick action to make this time for new families a little easier. We are grateful for you. 

Across our school sites we’ve witnessed amazing efforts to welcome families. At Mira Costa, for example, Link Crew, ASB Leaders, counselors, teachers, staff, and PTSA have worked together to ensure that new Mustangs have felt welcomed and ready to start their new journey at Costa. 

Link Crew and ASB Leaders have provided campus tours and orientation. Counselors, teachers and office staff were on the front lines, offering logistical assistance, academic guidance, and emotional support. PTSA is also working with Costa administration in providing these new families with an upcoming orientation Welcome Day. This is just one example of compassion and teamwork that define our MBUSD community. Thank you for continuing to go above and beyond to support one another. 

For enrollment information, please visit our website. 

Robinson Elementary PTSA Sponsors Training to Enhance Playtime

This week, Riptide staff and students participated in a three-day training led by Playworks, a national nonprofit dedicated to enhancing playtime and promoting children’s overall well-being. Through their Recess Reboot program, Playworks staff visited the school to provide hands-on training in creating engaging, inclusive, and safe recess activities.

Sponsored by the PTSA, the training introduced students to fun new games they can enjoy during recess. A select group of student leaders, known as Junior Coaches, received additional training on how to facilitate and sustain these activities on campus. They also learned valuable leadership skills, helping them become role models on the playground.

The program goes beyond just increasing physical activity through structured games. It also teaches students the importance of cooperation, teamwork, and effective conflict resolution. By empowering kids with these tools, Recess Reboot extends its impact beyond physical health, fostering problem-solving skills and social-emotional growth. Junior Coaches were selected through a combination of teacher recommendations and an application process.

New Hydration Stations Installed at MBMS and MB Preschool

MBMS and Manhattan Beach Preschool now each have three newly installed hydration stations. Thanks to our amazing Maintenance and Operations team for installing more opportunities for our staff and students to have access to safe and reliable water. 

The addition of these hydration systems was made possible through six grants provided by the West Basin Municipal Water District, along with funding from MBUSD. 

We are proud to announce we now have fifty-nine hydration systems across our District! 

New MBMS Hydration Station

Before (MB Preschool)

After (MB Preschool)

Grand View Elementary Unveils New Mindful Lounge

Grand View Gators welcomed a new space on campus this week: the Mindful Lounge. The PTA hosted an open house to celebrate the unveiling of this quiet and calming space, located in the former Grand View administration office.

The idea was initiated by parents Monique Roth and Wimberly Meyer who have been part of the Social Emotional and Learning (SEL) efforts on campus. They envisioned a space where students could go as an alternative to the playground during lunch. The renovation of the space was fully funded by the Grand View PTA, with additional contributions from parents who generously supported a wish list to furnish and equip the lounge. The Young at Art program also donated art supplies, providing students with opportunities for creativity!  

They hope the mindful lounge will be used for student centered programs such as student council and the No Place for Hate^® Program. We are excited to see how this innovative space will enrich students’ experiences and support their social-emotional growth.

Left to right: GV PTA Co-President Tiffany Quick, Grand View Principal Tara Grings, MBUSD Board Member Cathey Graves, and Parent Monique Roth

Mira Costa Students Learn About Substance Use Prevention

Beach Cities Health District and The Beach Cities Partnership for Youth Coalition collaborated with Mira Costa High School on January 17 to host on-campus assemblies engaging students during their physical education periods on the dangers of substance use and illicitly manufactured fentanyl. The educational sessions featured a screening of “Come Back Home”, a fentanyl documentary by Dominic Tierno.



Following the film, a panel discussion featured local youth in recovery who shared their lived experiences with substance use. Their testimonies underscored the critical importance of early intervention and education, highlighting how initial substance use can escalate into severe health and social consequences. BCHD also hosted this assembly at Redondo Union High School. 

MBMS Students Shine in Scholar Quiz Kickoff

This past week, MBMS students launched into the first two rounds of Scholar Quiz, an exciting Jeopardy-style competition that has become a campus tradition. An impressive 246 students from 6th, 7th, and 8th grades signed up to participate in the multi-day event, which will continue over the next two weeks and culminate in the finals on Wednesday, January 29.



The Scholar Quiz follows a bracket-style, single-elimination format, with questions spanning a wide range of academic disciplines, pop culture trivia, and current events. The competition is designed to challenge students' knowledge while fostering teamwork and camaraderie.

This event wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of more than 130 parents, teachers, and community volunteers who dedicate their time to facilitating the daily matches. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the volunteers, the MBMS PTA for making this cherished event a reality year after year, and Study Hut for their continued sponsorship and support. We also want to thank Scholar Quiz Co-Chairs Jennifer Gale and Summer Sheets for leading this event and the Scholar Quiz Committee!

The next Superintendent’s Newsletter will be published on January 24. Have a wonderful weekend!



Sincerely, 

Manhattan Beach Unified School District

325 S. Peck Avenue

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

310.318.7345