Dear MBUSD Parents and Community,

I hope this letter finds you well. Today’s issue highlights Grand View, a Mira Costa student receiving a $50,000 scholarship from Southern California Edison, and our 2024 Teachers of the Year announcements!

All MBUSD schools and school offices will be closed from April 1-5. I wish everyone a relaxing and enjoyable Spring Break!

Spotlight on Grand View (Special Thanks to the Second Grade Team, Kelly Borah, Laura Chane, Evon Daughdrill, Angela Glassman, and Grand View Principal, Tara Grings)

At Grand View, second grade students have enjoyed learning phonics in engaging ways through the FUNdations program. Multisensory lesson components include: skywriting with fingers, tapping out sounds, marking letters and sounds, dictation, using letter manipulatives (magnetic letter tiles), and using whole body movement. 

Students have learned to identify and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills when decoding multisyllabic words. Using this program, they also segment syllables into sounds (phonemes) and identify word structures such as vowels, consonants, blends, digraphs, and digraph blends. 

Each lesson includes five critical components: phonemic awareness and phonics (also referred to as alphabetics), fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Grand View's second grade team teachers are excited to see strong growth in their students’ knowledge and mastery of phonics and phonemic awareness concepts. 

Staff Spotlight: Megi Asano | Kindergarten Teacher

This week, we are featuring Robinson Kindergarten Teacher Megi Asano, who has served MBUSD in this capacity for the past 25 years. She pursued a career in MBUSD because she wanted to be part of a smaller District and was encouraged by friends to join! She expresses gratitude to MBEF for funding vital positions, which, combined with the support of PTAs/PTSAs, allows for offerings to students and staff that many other Districts cannot provide. She also says she is grateful for the support from the parents and community. 

Before coming to MBUSD, she taught 1st grade in Torrance Unified School District for six years. Her professional experience also spans internationally! Megi was an English Teacher at three middle schools in Japan through the Japanese Department of Education. She has worn many hats during her time here, including being the Kindergarten grade level lead and serving on various committees representing Kindergarten, including Reading, Writing, Math, and Report Card Committees.

Megi says that after teaching at the secondary grade level, she wanted to focus her work on younger students, so she pursued multiple-subject teaching credentials. 

“I always knew I wanted to work with kids or animals. In college, Organic Chemistry discouraged me from wanting to be a vet, so kids it was! I had a wonderful 2nd grade teacher when I was younger who always made me want to do better. She would always give us a little wink to help encourage us. I guess I do the same thing with my students. It's hilarious to watch them try to wink back at you.”

Megi shared that she is passionate about being a Kindergarten teacher because every day is different. “I also love that you never know what the kinders will say! They are unpredictable and always make me smile! Oh... and their writing is so fun to decode. I'd make a great codebreaker. But the absolute best thing about kindergarten is the hugs. They love you no matter what!”

Megi has a horse named Cody and enjoys riding and being in the barn. In her free time, she also spends time with her pets, crafting, and reading. She’s a big Dodgers fan! 

Recognizing our staff for their commitment to educating our students is always a highlight for me. We are excited to announce our 2024 exceptional school site teachers of the year. Each honoree received the good news from their principal last week. 

Congratulations to our recipients for their dedication. The following teachers are now in the running to potentially be named MBUSD's Teacher of the Year:

Lilla Foster | Mira Costa High School Special Education Department Chair

Dana Vaccaro | MBMS English Teacher

Jeannette Shaw-Bueno | Grand View Elementary 4th Grade Teacher

Michelle Mangan | Meadows Elementary Transitional Kindergarten Teacher

Connie Liu | Pacific Elementary Science Specialist

Juliet Smith | Pennekamp Elementary Kindergarten Teacher

Danielle Weiss | Robinson Elementary 4th Grade Teacher

Stacy Wilder | Manhattan Beach Preschool teacher  

Our MBUSD Teacher of the Year Selection Committee interviewed and observed each nominee this week. After deliberation, the Committee will select one teacher as the District Teacher of the Year, who will advance on to the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Teachers of the Year competition. We have outstanding teachers who go above and beyond daily for our students across our District, and we know these instructors are a few of the many amazing staff members we have here! It’s our annual tradition to honor our nominees, and we plan to do so during our Board meeting on May 1st.

New MBUSD Director of Early Learning is Appointed

At this week's Board meeting, the MBUSD Board of Trustees approved Jackie O'Sullivan's appointment as the new Director of Early Learning. Join us in congratulating her! Mrs. O’Sullivan is currently serving as the principal of Robinson Elementary School and will transition to her new position effective July 1, 2024. We are grateful for the time she has already dedicated to the District and look forward to the difference she will continue to make. 

Since spring 2017, Mrs. O’Sullivan has served as a principal within MBUSD. She has more than 21 years of administrative experience. In a letter to the Robinson staff and community, she shared, “While I am thrilled for this new opportunity and glad to be staying in MBUSD, I’m also sad to say goodbye to the Robinson staff, students, and parents who have been my school family for these past six years.” Mrs. O’Sullivan expresses gratitude for the support of her family and MBUSD’s leadership. 

As the Director of Early Learning, she will oversee all of the District’s learning programs, including the Manhattan Beach Preschool operations, Transitional Kindergarten (TK), and our Extended Day Program (EDP). 

We are excited about Mrs. O’Sullivan taking on this leadership role and look forward to continuing to lead this District with her. We know her dedication to our community, her passion for student growth and academic excellence, and her years of administrative experience with the District will provide the background needed to support our youngest learners. 

We also want to thank Shannon Huston, the current Director of Early Learning, for her dedication to MBUSD. Ms. Huston is resigning to pursue opportunities closer to home, and we extend our best wishes to her for success in her future endeavors. She will work with Mrs. O’Sullivan to ensure a smooth transition. 



We are actively seeking candidates for the principal position at Robinson Elementary. The District will conduct a comprehensive search and interview process to ensure an exceptional individual fills this role. 

New Playground Coming to Pacific Elementary 

The Board of Trustees approved a generous donation by the Pacific PTA to install new playground equipment and soft surface replacement in the upper playground area at Pacific Elementary. The Pacific PTA will fund and pay for all costs associated with the project. 

The cost of the playground improvement is estimated at more than $294,000. This support is one great example of our PTA's commitment to our schools, and we are very grateful for it. 

Information on Upcoming Solar Eclipse 

For the first time this millennium, a total solar eclipse will be visible in the contiguous U.S. on Monday, April 8.

Here in Manhattan Beach, a partial eclipse will begin at 10:05 a.m., when the moon will appear to touch the sun’s edge. At 11:11 a.m., the sun will reach its maximum eclipse of about 49% covered. The partial eclipse will end at 12:21 p.m.

It is important for everyone to understand that although California is not along the line of totality, looking directly at the sun without proper protection is still dangerous to one’s eyes. Please speak with your student(s) about this event and the precautions they should take during the eclipse when they return to school on April 8, 2024, after Spring Break. 

Listed below are additional resources related to solar eclipses:

• The NASA Eclipse Education portal
• How to Explain April’s Total Solar Eclipse to Kids
• How to View a Solar Eclipse Safely
• American Astronomical Society – Solar Eclipse Across America

2024 Scholar Quiz Champions

The Mira Costa 2024 Scholar Quiz finals culminated this week with the crowning of the champions! The auditorium was packed with students, staff, and families buzzing with excitement as they watched the finals unfold. After a week-long competition that commenced with sixty-four teams, only two teams remained vying for the title! This year, two hundred fifty-six students participated in Scholar Quiz, a long-standing Mira Costa signature tradition that started in the ‘80s.

This unique event is a single-elimination team trivia competition with teams made up of four students. They tackle various questions and answer three types: toss-up, bonus, and lightning rounds, covering diverse academic disciplines, pop culture trivia, and current events.

At half-time, the White Team led with a score of one hundred, with the Green Team closely following with eighty points! The White Team continued to take the lead and ultimately claimed victory, scoring 205-155 over the Green Team. Both finalists showcased their knowledge by answering a total of fifty-two questions. 

Congratulations to Mira Costa Scholar Quiz White Team - Devan Malik, Akash Mishra, Caden Coons, and Keith Daniels. The team also defended their title from last year’s victory!

We also want to recognize the Green team's efforts, including Hudson Long, Declan Owen, Dylan Hughes, and Cameron Hughes.  

Thank you to our staff and volunteers who made this cherished Scholar Quiz a massive success! One hundred forty people generously dedicated their time to reading, scoring, or flag-judging, including many of our teachers who gave up their lunch periods to participate! I was honored to serve as the Reader again during the finals. Dr. Karina Gerger was the Master of Ceremonies and Flag Judge, and the Scorers were parents, Stacy Myrose, Bonnie Darrow, and Amy Bindler. 

During the recognition ceremony, the Scholar Quiz semifinalists, including Jack Kjar, Mark Buchhagen, Isaac Faynsod, Matthew Long, Daniel Greenberg, Max Wright, Thomas Love, and Ava Larson, were honored. 

A huge thank you to Brandi Greenberg for leading this event from beginning to end with the Scholar Quiz Committee members Bonnie Darrow, Amy Bindler, Nancy Hesterberg, Nicole Shepley, Angie Davis, Stacy Myrose, and Ethan Greenberg (Costa Alum '22). It wouldn’t have been possible without the support and sponsorship of the Mira Costa PTSA and Study Hut.

Mira Costa Student Receives $50,000 Scholarship by Southern California Edison

We are so proud to share that, for a second year, a Mira Costa senior has been named a Southern California Edison Scholars Program award recipient! Congratulations to Emre Taner, who received an unforgettable surprise during the Mira Costa AI Club meeting when Southern California Edison shared with Emre and his family the big announcement that he is a $50,000 scholarship recipient. Alongside Costa's administration, staff, and counselors, I was also able to witness this special moment. 

Edison International awards $50,000 in college scholarships to 30 high school seniors to help them follow their dreams in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM). This year, they received 812 applications! While he doesn’t know where he will go to college next year, he plans to major in Computer Science. As the founder of the AI Club, Emre shared with Edison that he will continue to facilitate discussions among his peers.

Watch the surprise and an interview with him here.

KNBC news featured Emre this week. Check out the video below!

MBUSD Student Inventions Heading to National Invention Convention!

Our brilliant students stood out in the California Invention Convention Southern Region for another year with their inventions! They presented among 500 inventions, with only sixty securing a spot at the National Invention Convention. 

Congratulations to the following MBUSD winners: 

Grade Level Awards - Given to outstanding overall inventions:

-"Faster Packer" by Liana Q. (4th Grade | Grand View) 

-"ROB The Robotic Beach Clean-up Machine" by Apollo C., Mason C., Oskar H., Ishaan

R., Nitin R. (4th Grade | Meadows)

-"Terreus 2.0" by Charlotte Fan, Wyatt Newbill, Reese Zhang (9th Grade | Mira Costa)

Top Board Awards - Given to inventions with outstanding display boards:



-"Super Solar Saver" by Kyle L. and Katelyn M. (8th Grade | MBMS)

Specialty Awards - Given to inventions pertaining to a specific topic/interest, sponsored/judged by an external industry leader:

-The Rising Star Award: "Sverlyoda-Lyoda01" by Nica S., Maiia S. (7th grade | MBMS)

Industry Sector Awards - Given to the top overall invention by Industry:

-Earth & Sustainability category: "Terreus 2.0" by Charlotte F., Wyatt N., Reese Z. (9th grade | Mira Costa)

The following inventions have qualified to present at the National Invention Convention in Dearborn, Michigan (June 5-7):

-"Faster Packer" by Liana Quick (4th Grade | Grand View)

-"ROB The Robotic Beach Clean-up Machine" by Apollo C., Mason C., Oskar H., Ishaan

R., Nitin R. (4th Grade | Meadows)

-"Terreus 2.0" by Charlotte F., Wyatt N., Reese Z. (9th Grade | Mira Costa)

Costa Cybersecurity Club Participates in Competition at Carnegie Mellon University

The Cybersecurity Club just competed in picoCTF, a cybersecurity competition hosted by Carnegie Mellon University, structured around a capture-the-flag framework. Students were challenged to engage in tasks that involved reverse engineering, cryptography, AI, web exploitation, and forensics in solving problems and capturing 'flags.'

They will also compete in the USCC CyberQuests competition; this season's event focuses on OSINT, log analysis, forensics, and git basics. Participants analyze artifacts and answer quiz questions on the data samples. The Cybersecurity Club teaches students about technology and the Internet. Club members compete and win several competitions, such as CyberPatriot and the National Cyber League. Mr. Selmi is the club advisor.

Mira Costa Drama Footloose Tickets on Sale Now!

We are excited to share that Mira Costa’s Drama/Tech spring production of the musical Footloose is closer to its opening show on April 26!

Tickets are now on sale. Footloose is based on the 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon. The original Broadway production of Footloose opened in the fall of 1998. It’s the 25th anniversary of the first Broadway run and the 40th anniversary of the original film. The MCHS Footloose cast is made up of thirty-six students, thirty-five crew and front-of-house members, and a band of nine musicians. 

The musical has seven performances. You can see them listed below on the flyer. 

Click image below to enlarge!

The production is open to all ages. Mira Costa Drama/Tech productions are staffed with industry professionals who ensure top-quality production values, design, and student levels of tech and performance execution. 

VAPA Highlight of the Week: The Festival Concert - MCHS Band and Orchestras

The GRAMMY Award-winning MCHS Band and Orchestras shared their recent festival performances with the community. The Symphonic Band, Philharmonic & Sinfonietta Strings, Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra were featured in Mira Costa High School's "The Festival Concert."

MCHS Orchestras and Band students also recently participated in other festivals where adjudicators evaluated their presentations. These performance opportunities are some of the highlights of the year for students and staff. Director of Orchestras Peter Park noted that showcasing talents at adjudicator festivals is a usual type of performance designed for three people.

Director of Bands Joel Carlson added that many of the pieces performed at the show on campus are at the college level and often recorded.

Mira Costa Orchestras earned top ratings this year at the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) music festival at Santa Ana High School. The Philharmonic, Sinfonietta, Symphony, and Chamber Orchestras earned a unanimous Superior rating from the festival adjudicators, the highest possible rating for groups. Mira Costa Bands Concert Ensembles performed at a recent SCSBOA festival at El Dorado High School. Each ensemble performed the most challenging literature they have performed at a festival in the past five years and received the highest marks. The Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Wind Symphony also earned the highest rating of Superior.

Thanks to Prop 28, Mira Costa will offer a beginning-level class for high school band and orchestra next year.  

District Green Committee Hosts Inaugural Speaker Series 

The District Green Committee held its inaugural Speaker Series event on Tuesday, March 26, at the new Grand View Auditorium. Guest Presenter Denise Braun, founder of All About Waste, spoke before a full audience about easy everyday lifestyle changes anyone can make to reduce waste, live healthier lives, and save the planet. 

Students from the MBUSD middle, high, and elementary schools were in attendance, along with parents, community members, and District partners. The next Speaker Series event will take place on May 2 with guest presenter Robert Fortunado, a highly acclaimed TedXSpeaker, award-winning green home designer, and President of ForStrategy Consulting. 



Thank you to Green Committee leads Chrissie Clay and Michelle Porter for sharing this story. 

Left to right: MBUSD Green Committee Member Vanessa Beer, Guest Speaker, Denise Braun, MBUSD Green Committee Vice Chair Michelle Porter, MBUSD Green Committee Chair Chrissie Clay

City of Manhattan Beach Polliwog Park Tree Project

The City of Manhattan Beach’s Urban Forestry program is tentatively beginning its Polliwog Park Tree Project at the end of April (weather permitting). It will involve removing seventeen diseased trees to maintain a healthy park canopy and enhance the park’s biodiversity. Concurrently, the City is introducing seventy-eight new trees from eight diverse species, five of which are native.

Please click the image below to learn more about the project.

Just Two Days Left to Take the LCAP Survey!

We invite you to participate in our annual Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Survey. Your feedback and input are critical in helping us better understand your needs, concerns, and priorities for our District. Your input will assist us in shaping our District's priorities and guiding the allocation of resources to better serve our students, families, and community. The survey will be open until March 31. Please check your email for the staff survey link.

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 staff, parents/guardians, and community members to please take a moment to participate in the LCAP Survey to support MBUSD’s vision and goals for student success! Please check your email for an invitation and staff survey link.

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.

Vote NOW for our Schools and MBEF as the Best in the South Bay! 

It’s time again to support our District, schools, and MBEF by voting for them to be the best in the South Bay! The South Bay’s Best 33rd Annual Readers’ Choice Awards is underway by the Daily Breeze/Beach Reporter. This year, they have a middle school category for the first time. 

Please visit here and navigate to the education category. Here, you can enter the names of our schools in the best public school section for elementary, middle, and high schools. There is a separate category for Preschool!

MBEF is under the “Go & Do” tab; you can enter the “Manhattan Beach Education Foundation” name in the non-profit category.

Voting ends on April 7, 2024.

The next Superintendent’s Newsletter will be published on April 12.



Sincerely,