Dear MBUSD Parents and Community,

I hope this letter finds you well.

As we conclude another successful school year, we reflect on the amazing accomplishments, triumphs, and challenges we’ve faced together. We celebrate remarkable achievements by our students and staff across our schools. I want to thank every individual who made this year truly exceptional.

To our incredible teachers, you go above and beyond to serve our students, families, and community. For another year, you have inspired and guided our students to become lifelong learners. We are grateful to you. 

We also want to applaud our other staff members. You play a vital role and are the backbone of our District. Our classified staff members perform essential duties and responsibilities across the District, including ensuring that our students receive the educational services they need, providing nutritious meals to students, supporting health-related services, ensuring the smooth operation of offices and school sites, maintaining the cleanliness and safety of our facilities and grounds, ensuring the seamless operation of our technology and systems, and taking care of all of the behind-the-scenes tasks required to ensure that human resources and fiscal operations function smoothly for everyone in the District.

Thank you to our Board of Trustees for their tireless work and dedication to the success and well-being of our students and staff. We appreciate all that you have done and continue to do. Your commitment has provided invaluable contributions to MBUSD.

Thank you to our one-of-a-kind administrators for your dedication to your school communities. Because of your leadership, our schools continue to thrive and are enriching, safe places for our students and staff. I also want to thank the District’s Cabinet staff for their continuous support of students, staff, families, and programs. 

Thank you to MBEF and MBX for their ongoing commitment to our students and staff. Your support has provided enriching educational experiences to our students. Our families are integral to student success, and I am grateful for your partnership. Your active involvement is vital in supporting our District and our students. Thank you to our PTAs and PTSAs for your collaboration. You have devoted thousands of volunteer hours to support our schools, contributing essential funds to enhance operations and opportunities for our students.

Thanks to one and all for everything you do!

This year, we introduced unique collaboration time at MBMS for staff and students through Advisory, Intervention, Review, and Enrichment (AIRE) time and What I Need (WIN) time at our elementary schools, offering extra support and personalized instruction for each student’s unique learning journey. Our staff excelled in their Professional Learning Communities (PLC), working together to enhance student outcomes and foster professional growth. Our students brought home big wins in competitions related to STEAM, athletics, and Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA), putting MBUSD on the map nationally. This school year, we made a lot of unforgettable memories that truly reflect why our District is special. 

There is no doubt this year brought challenges, such as the recent shortfall in the state budget that caused us to make the difficult decision to lay off staff. But thanks to everyone who rallied behind our schools and showed support by voting on the Measure MB Parcel tax, we were able to announce victory and reinstate positions. The Parcel tax will bring in funding of approximately $2.4 million yearly for each of the next six years that the State cannot take away. Also, thanks to MBEF’s ongoing efforts to meet the District's needs annually, they allocated an initial grant of $1,325,000 in May, with a final grant allocation of $7.4 million for the upcoming 2024-25 school year. This will help rescind layoff notices, bring back staff, and support programs.

This year has truly shown the strengthened bonds between our schools and the community. I hope all of you embrace and enjoy a safe summer break filled with joy and relaxation. I look forward to seeing you all in the 2024-2025 school year!

Today’s issue highlights our Class of 2024 receiving $252,370 in scholarships, a new interactive 2024 Facilities Master Plan website, and our student entrepreneurs winning at the National Invention Convention! 

Congratulations to the Mira Costa Class of 2024!

I am proud of our graduating Class of 2024 for reaching this significant milestone. 

This year, we celebrate 619 graduates, with many earning prestigious honors. Among them, 81 received Magna Cum Laude (3.8-3.99 GPA) and 282 received Summa Cum Laude (4.0+ GPA). We are also proud to announce our achievement of a 99.5% graduation rate! Congratulations to all!

Throughout your time at Costa, you have exemplified the essence of hard work, determination, and perseverance. You have navigated challenges, embraced opportunities for growth, and are now prepared to embark on your next adventure as young adults.

I have no doubt you will achieve many more accomplishments and make a lasting impact in your future endeavors. It has been an honor to be a part of your journey, and I eagerly look forward to seeing where your path leads as you pursue your dreams. 

MBMS Promotion Highlights!

The MBMS Class of 2024 is the 25th cohort of students to graduate! Click here for more pictures!

Elementary School Culmination Ceremony Highlights!

Grand View

Meadows

Pacific

Pennekamp

Robinson

Mira Costa CHOICE Program Graduates Seven Students 

The graduation ceremony was historic, marking the largest graduating class for Mira Costa’s CHOICE program. CHOICE is the MBUSD Special Education Transition program for 

individuals ages 18-22. It is a collective group of neurodiverse young adults and staff members that provides support in education, employment, and interdependent life skills. The primary goal is for staff to prepare our young adults for life after high school. This spring, our graduates were all either 22 years old or approaching their 22nd birthday.

The ceremony was led by CHOICE Transition Education Specialist Lareina Rodriguez, who honored and applauded graduates for their accomplishments at MBUSD. Lareina remarked, “Today, we are reflecting on the success of our graduates as each one ventures off into their new chapter of adulthood.”

Lareina highlighted the unique qualities of each graduate and shared their plans.

Talia Colen: Lareina described her as a “kind, helpful, and caring friend. She works hard to do things on her own and recognizes when others need a smile. Talia makes everyone in CHOICE feel included and truly recognizes everyone’s gift.” Talia will continue growing as a participant in the social, vocational service program here in the South Bay. 

Jason Zouain: “Jason has the best smile and knows exactly when to show you his smile. He cares about his people and enjoys trying things on his own. He loves working alongside his peers and has become an incredible young man.” He will join Nick’s Community in the fall to continue his growth as an adult.

Kate Yasuda: “You are the best teacher assistant I have ever had. Kate has grown so much over the past three years. She is a go-getter and one of the most responsible people we have ever had in the program, staff and students. She includes everyone in everything because she knows how important meaningful connections are.” Kate will be attending UC Davis in the fall.

Joe Newman: “He is everyone’s best friend. He is energetic, genuine, gracious, thoughtful, and the most famous person in the South Bay. Joe has kept me very organized through the years, and he has been a tremendous help in growing the program because of the impact he makes in our community.” Joe will be continuing his young adulthood as a participant at Mychal’s Learning Place. 

Zane Laden: “Zane is the old soul of the group. He enjoys great music and being around like-minded people. He has worked tremendously hard this year to reach his goals and show us all his potential. Zane has been a great asset to the CHOICE program, and we will miss his morning greetings.” He will be participating in an individualized program to support his future goals.

Kasey Owen: “Kasey is kind, persistent, and inspiring. One of the things I love most about Kasey is her resilience and ability to go with the flow. Kasey, we have truly enjoyed having you be part of CHOICE.” She will be a participant in a tailored program this fall. 

Ian Goud: “One of the biggest takeaways I have learned from Ian is that everyone learns and grows on their own timeline. He has shown us all how to exercise patience and perseverance. He is also a phenomenal artist and has grown a lot this year, finding his voice and building his self-advocacy.” Next, Ian will participate in a uniquely designed program that will focus on all his aspirations as a growing adult, including an internship.  

Congratulations to the CHOICE Class of 2024! Thank you to our CHOICE staff for their dedication to our students and their success. Lareina thanked CHOICE families and her fellow colleagues for enhancing the program with their talents and shared that they all make an impact. 

Budget Corner

At next Wednesday’s Board of Trustees meeting, staff will present the budget for the 2024-25 school year. It’s no secret that state tax revenues are down and that the District had to lay off teaching, classified, and administrative positions to balance our budget. In times of crisis, partnerships are more important than ever, and three important efforts have been underway to augment MBUSD revenues.

Measure MB

We want to thank our community for supporting our students and this investment in MBUSD. We also want to thank all who voted “Yes” at the polls, including our families, former MBUSD families, staff, and community members. Your dedication has secured vital funding for our schools, and we sincerely appreciate it! Most importantly, the passage of Measure MB brings much-needed relief to our budget in these challenging times. The renewal of Measure MB provided critical funding to help us restore some of the teaching positions that were at risk of being laid off. This funding, approximately $2.4 million yearly for each of the next six years, will be secure and can’t be taken away by the State. 

MBEF

This year, MBEF raised over $7.4 million dollars to support our students’ educational experience. The programs MBEF funds offer hands-on and enrichment experiences starting at TK and continuing through high school - such as amazing STEAM programs (beginning with Makerspace for our younger learners and continuing on at every level through our most advanced classes at the high school level), comprehensive music instruction, and staff to support our students’ academic success and emotional well-being, to name a few. 

MBEF has funded and supported our schools for the past 40 years, and it wouldn’t have been possible without your support. MBEF contributions have greatly enriched the educational experiences of our amazing students. We appreciate all that our community has done to support MBEF and our schools. If you have not donated yet, please give here what you can to help our students and teachers excel! We appreciate the support of our families and community partners. 

CSBA and CTA

We also want to thank our important statewide partners who have been working to protect funding for public education in Sacramento. The California School Boards Association and the California Teachers Association have been leaders in this effort. MBUSD Trustees, District staff, and leaders from the Manhattan Beach United Teachers Association have participated in talks with Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, a strong supporter of public education and Chair of the California State Assembly Education Committee, as well as other legislative leaders both locally and in Sacramento, advocating for state action that will protect education funding both now and in future years. This effort has had a direct impact in helping to ensure that California’s K-12 education system does not suffer significant funding reductions for 2024-25. We expect the State of California to adopt its budget by the end of the month, and we will provide an update about what that means for MBUSD and the 2024-25 school year.



All of these collective efforts will have a positive impact on MBUSD, allowing us to make significant progress in restoring a number of the positions originally included in our layoff resolutions and in protecting important programs for our students.

Please watch our Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, June 18, at 5:00 p.m. to learn more.

MBEF Raises Nearly $1.4M at the 30th Annual Manhattan Wine Auction

Thank you to everyone who attended the Manhattan Wine Auction to support our schools. We are grateful to MBEF for their continuous efforts to fundraise for our schools throughout the year. The Wine Auction is one of the South Bay’s most celebrated fundraisers and a highlight for our community. Thanks to our attendees and to those who bid online, the event raised $1.4 million net. Funds from the Wine Auction support the MBEF Endowment, which enables an annual disbursement to fund grants in our schools each year. In addition, the Paddle Raise this year was dedicated to restoring educator positions for the 2024-25 school year that were recently eliminated due to state funding reductions. 

“We are investing in public education and in our children’s future, and building community at the same time. I am overwhelmed each year by the excitement the Wine Auction brings,” said MBEF Executive Director Hilary Mahan. The sold-out event brought more than 2,200 guests to the event. 

You can still donate to the MBEF Paddle Raise here. Any additional funds will be used to continue reducing planned layoffs and providing smaller class sizes.

In all, MBEF will fund grants to the school totaling $7.4 million dollars, a significant increase over its already significant $6.1 million 2023-24 grant. MBEF grants support many programs that make MBUSD remarkable, providing for smaller class sizes and specialized programs including Makerspace, Libraries, Physical Education, STEAM pathways, and the Visual and Performing Arts.

MCHS Seniors Receive $252,370 in Scholarships

Manhattan Beach Rotary Scholarship Recipients

A few days before graduation, the senior class of 2024 gathered in the Mira Costa auditorium and donned caps and gowns, to receive scholarships from various community donors, organizations, associations, boosters, and memorial funds to support their future endeavors. A total of 194 scholarships, amounting to $252,370, were awarded to students!

The event was filled with memorable moments and highlights. One notable moment was when the U.S. Military Academy West Point awarded Dashiell Clark a full ride, presented by his grandfather, General Wesley Clark (ret.), who is also an alumnus of the prestigious institution. The Manhattan Beach Rotary was the largest donor, contributing $50,000 in scholarships. Neptunian Woman’s Club followed as the second largest donor with $40,000 in scholarships. MCHS Senior Ava Nicols received the Mike McAvin Memorial Scholarship, created by the PTSA this year, in honor of MCHS educator Mike McAvin. The MCHS PTSA stood out by donating twenty-six scholarships totaling $10,750, making it one of the top organizations regarding the number of awards presented that night.

MCHS PTSA Mustang Scholarship Recipients

Mike McAvin Memorial Scholarship: Ava Nicols

The donors have different criteria for their awards, which may include a particular major, strong community service, and specific interests. 

Congratulations to all of the recipients! Students begin the scholarship notebook process in early spring, and donors start reviewing it in March. The notebook includes their transcripts, resumes, and autobiographies. 

The Mira Costa College and Career Center counselors are always looking for donors to participate in the Scholarship Program. If you or your organization are interested in becoming a donor, contact Shellee Gabrych at sgabrych@mbusd.org. The CCC is closed for the summer, but you will receive a response as soon as possible.

MCHS Principal Dr. Karina Gerger Leaving MBUSD 

This week, Dr. Karina Gerger was appointed Director of Personnel Services in the Paramount Unified School District, effective July 1. We want to congratulate her on this new promotion and thank her for the past 20 years of service to MBUSD. During her time here, Dr. Gerger has held numerous roles, including English language learner coordinator, assistant coordinator of beginning teacher support & assessment, 5th-grade teacher at Pacific, teacher on special assignment 21st-century teaching and learning, vice principal for MBMS and Costa, Pennekamp principal, and the proud principal of MCHS. 

There is no doubt that Dr. Gerger has made a profound impact on our community. Throughout her tenure, she demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the success and well-being of our students and staff. While we will miss her, we are excited for her to embark on this new chapter in her career and wish her continued success in her future endeavors. 

In a message to the Costa community this week, Dr. Gerger shared, “Since my first year in this district, many people have inspired and supported me, and I am extremely grateful to you. I have loved working with our certificated and classified staff, site and district administrators, the Board, students, parents, and our community partners to create the best possible environment for students in Manhattan Beach. Thank you for all the opportunities to serve MBUSD, where we always focus on what is best for students.”

The search process for a new high school principal has already begun, and we are committed to finding an outstanding leader for this role. This will ensure that we continue to strive for excellence and that our students receive the highest quality education. 

Pacific Elementary Competes in the Super Literacy Quiz Bowl

For the second year, Pacific's 4th and 5th graders competed in the Super Literacy Quiz Bowl (SLQB), a fast-paced trivia game based on books from a given reading list. Pacific’s SLQB game participants included 48 fourth-graders and 62 fifth-graders.

SLQB began at Pennekamp in 2017. This year, all five MBUSD elementary schools participated in SLQB thanks to the generous support of MBEF. An MBEF Educator Grant was provided for the purchase of reading list books, rewards, and commemorative beanies and patches with each school's literacy-themed mascot. This first districtwide SLQB season boasted 300 registered participants from twenty-five classes in grades 3, 4, and 5. 

SLQB’s objectives are to promote reading, showcase outstanding books, and encourage reading with fun and excitement. Any student who wants to play in their school’s SLQB can do so. Contestants from each class are randomly assigned to teams representing their class. Audience members attend the game to cheer on their classmates. SLQB reading lists include picture books, chapter-length books, and fiction and nonfiction. The questions are based on content clearly stated in the reading list books but are not likely to be a part of a student's common knowledge.

School libraries play a central role in SLQB. The reading list books are available for use in the library or for checkout, and the library resource specialist is the program's on-campus representative. The Manhattan Beach public library also keeps copies of the reading list books on hand for circulation.  

We want to acknowledge all the teachers who facilitated and encouraged student participation: 3rd-grade teams at Grand View, Meadows, and Robinson; 4th and 5th grade teams at Pacific; and 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade teams at Pennekamp. Thank you to each of the principals for their dynamic turn as emcee for the games: Principals Krzmarzick, O'Sullivan, Vavao, Witzansky, and Mrs. Pliaconis (who stepped in for Principal Grings). Of course, most central to the success of SLQB is the dedication of each school's library resource specialists: Penny Mason, Suzette Molinos, Laurie Reiter, Jen Rementer, and Heidi Snively. 

The game was created by Pennekamp parent Jiyeon Im and former school librarian Barbara Siegemund-Broka. Thanks to their support, guidance, and assistance, the SLQB is now at every campus.

First Districtwide Super Literacy Quiz Bowl Season in MBUSD

2023-2024 was a banner year for the Super Literacy Quiz Bowl.

A year of many firsts: 



• The first districtwide season at all five elementary schools, thanks to support from MBEF



• First games with 3rd graders at Grand View, Meadows, and Robinson

• A first-class win for Mrs. Heagy at Pennekamp! At Pennekamp, 5th graders celebrate their third and final year of quiz bowl play. 

• SLQB closed out the year with a familiar face: Principal Amanda Vavao, whose students won the inaugural 3rd-grade SLQB game in 2018, served as emcee for the program’s return to Pacific. 

2024 Facilities Master Plan Update and New Website

The 2024 Facilities Master Plan was unanimously approved by the MBUSD Board of Trustees at the recent Board meeting. The comprehensive and interactive plan can be accessed through this website. The Facilities Master Plan outlines each school’s needs and suggests projects to optimize our facilities to best support our staff and students. It serves as a roadmap for addressing the District’s current and long-term facility needs. 

The web-based platform provides access to the community feedback gathered through the Facilities Master Plan Survey and offers several navigational features. The website allows users to: 

• Review individual MBUSD school profiles
• Read a comprehensive, up-to-date facility report
• Explore the Master Plan with an aerial graphic overview of proposed projects 
• Use the Scenario Building, which includes detailed aerial graphics of each proposed project 
• Get information on state matching funds

The updated Facilities Master Plan reflects the priorities of our community, collected through campus committees, an open community meeting at the District Office, and the recent Facilities Master Plan survey. 

Also, during the meeting, TeamCivX and FM3 shared results from a recent community survey related to District facilities and the level of support for a bond.



Measures C and EE provided funding that covered about half of the needs identified ten years ago in the original Facilities Master Plan and helped us achieve significant milestones with major modernizations. However, our remaining facilities continue to age, and there is still much more to accomplish to ensure all students have the safest and most up-to-date facilities to support their learning and growth best. 

Stadium Way Project Update 

Many of you attending Mira Costa’s graduation ceremony this week had the opportunity to use the newly paved Stadium Way, providing a renovated entry point from Peck Avenue to the Athletic Complex. We were ecstatic to open Stadium Way for this celebration.

The construction team is now back at work behind construction fencing to finish several enhancements: building a beautiful entryway arch off Peck Avenue, creating a new trash enclosure, and improving the lighting and landscaping. This $4.6 million project is supported by facilities funding from the State’s bond program and supplemented by an agreement with Kinecta.

Healthy Technology Use

As summer approaches, we know that breaks from school often lead to increased screen time and technology use. Technology has benefits, but we also need to maintain a healthy balance with proper sleep, time outside, physical activities, and in-person socializing. 

Here are some tips for setting healthy habits around technology and children: 

• Set clear expectations and limits for technology use.

• Create a tech-free zone in areas of your home. 

• Plan activities that involve physical movement.

• Provide alternative activities that don’t involve screen time. 

• Model healthy electronic use habits.

2024 U.S. National Invention Convention

We are proud to share that Mira Costa students Charlotte Fan, Wyatt Newbill, and Reese Zhng won awards at the esteemed National Invention Convention for another year for their invention, Terreus 2.0, in Dearborn, Michigan. They secured 1st place in the 9th grade category and received the Industry Award for “Environment and Sustainability,” presented by the Avangrid Foundation. Competing against 700 students from California at two California Invention Conventions, only 129 state finalists were selected to advance to the national event. 

Terreus 2.0 is an eco-friendly, 100% biodegradable replacement for styrofoam made from four simple materials. The alternative to styrofoam effectively addresses the issue of harmful microplastic usage in the environment, waste, and emission reduction. 

We also had elementary teams advance to the National Invention Convention and represent MBUSD! Congratulations to:

• Liana Quick from Grand View Elementary, with her invention "Faster Packer."
• TEAM R.O.B from Meadows Elementary, consisting of members Apollo Capinpin, Mason Cramer, Oskar Hu, Ishaan Rao, and Nitin Richardson. They worked together on an invention called R.O.B (The Robotic Clean-up Machine).

Thank you to MBMS Science teacher Tanya Sanchez for the pictures and for sharing this story.

MBMS End of the Year Drama Showcase

Each year, MBMS Drama students present a showcase of scenes and monologues that they have written and directed themselves. It gives attendees a glimpse into their classroom experience. For 8th graders, it was an opportunity to present their end-of-the-year monologues. The showcase explored themes such as dreams and aspirations, eco-friendliness, the apocalypse, death, spreading kindness, and anxiety. 



It was powerful to see our students bring their creativity to life. Thank you to MBMS Drama Teacher David Levy for guiding and mentoring our students! 

The Best of Mira Costa Music 2024

Watch a highlight video of each MCHS music ensemble!

This is the last Superintendent’s Newsletter of the school year! Wishing everyone a relaxing and wonderful summer!

Sincerely, 

Manhattan Beach Unified School District

325 S. Peck Avenue

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

310.318.7345