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Superintendent's Newsletter
September 27, 2024
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Dear MBUSD Parents and Community,
I hope this newsletter finds you well! In today’s issue, we feature Meadows Elementary, the official grand opening of MBMS’ Student Union and Wellness Center, and we announce that registration is now open for MBUSD-sponsored e-bike safety courses!
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Spotlight on Meadows Elementary (Special thanks to Principal Michelle Krzmarzick) | |
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Recently, Meadows students in grades 3-5 had the exciting opportunity to meet tween and teen fiction writer Stuart Gibbs, who is well-known for his Spy School series and many other books. During his visit, Mr. Gibbs shared the exciting news of launching his 39th book and gave students a glimpse into the life of an author, including where he finds inspiration for his stories. The visit was timely as Meadows students have been busy working on editing and revising their work. Mixed-grade 2/3 teacher Renee Sokol recently taught her class the important distinctions between editing and revising, highlighting how both are essential steps in the writing process.
In addition to the author's visit, students attended a Spirit Rally inspired by United Against Hate Week. In the rally, students were reintroduced to the purpose of the Peace Pole and our No Place For Hate committee. Students also enjoyed a lunchtime visit by School Resource Officer Michael Hamilton, who was greeted with many cheers and high-fives. We love our MBPD family!
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Staff Spotlight: Jen Putich | Transitional Kindergarten Teacher | |
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Jen Putich has served MBUSD for fifteen years. Her journey began at MB Preschool, where she taught 3-4-year-olds, followed by a role as an EDP teacher at Meadows Elementary. She then joined Grand View Elementary, where she has spent the past 13 years, teaching Transitional Kindergarten (TK), 1st, 2nd, and 5th grades. For the last 11 years, she has been teaching TK. Before joining MBUSD, Jen taught 1st grade in both La Canada Unified and San Marino Unified school districts.
When asked about her experience teaching some of the District’s youngest learners, Jen said, “It’s exhilarating and exhausting! In TK, the truly important learning is found in between the academic lessons, in the nooks and crannies of the school day…and that’s the most fulfilling part for me, as the teacher. It’s planting seeds of independence and being a good human, then watching each child take those seeds and growing them within themselves in their unique ways.”
Her passion for education was sparked during a family trip to the Philippines, where she helped her brother with independent study. “As soon as we landed back in the US, I decided to minor in Education, and ultimately earn a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential from UC Irvine along with my BA in Criminology.”
During her time at MBUSD, Jen says she is most proud of her lasting connections with students and their families. “The bonds created in TK are special. There is magic in this grade level!” She also shared that she is proud of building the TK curriculum when TK was first adopted in MBUSD and continuing that work to meet the ever-changing needs of this growing age group.
Ms. Putich is a proud mom of two daughters, Violet (4th grade) and Charlotte (6th grade). She is enjoying this new stage of parenting, cherishing their deeper conversations, girls’ nights, and, of course, shopping together!
| MBUSD Teacher Michelle Mangan honored at LACOE Luncheon | |
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Congratulations to our 2023-2024 District Teacher of the Year, Michelle Mangan! She was recently honored at the annual Los Angeles County Office of Education Teacher of the Year Luncheon. After an extraordinary 40-year teaching career, including 30 years with MBUSD and most recently serving as a Transitional Kindergarten teacher at Meadows Elementary, Michelle retired at the end of the last school year.
Michelle was one of 69 teachers representing 65 districts in the LA County Teachers of the Year Program—the largest and most prestigious recognition for public school educators in the U.S. Michelle was joined by Board President Cathey Graves, Superintendent Dr. John Bowes, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Irene Gonzalez-Castillo, Meadows Principal Michelle Krzmarzick, and her family at the event. We wish her all the best in retirement!
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Important Attendance Reminder for October 4 | |
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As we approach Thursday, October 3, a no-school day, we want to remind our community that Friday, October 4, will be a regular school day, and we encourage all students to attend.
Each day in the classroom is an opportunity for your child to grow, learn, and connect with their peers. These daily experiences not only shape academic success but also build the foundation for future achievement. Additionally, consistent attendance directly impacts our district’s funding, as MBUSD only receives financial support for students who are present. Each day a student is absent, the District loses approximately $65 in funding.
If your child needs to be absent, consider making a $65 daily absence donation to help recover these funds. Donations can easily be made through our Square payment portal here. Thank you for your continued support in ensuring that our students are present and ready to learn. To learn more about the importance of attendance, please visit our webpage here.
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Board of Trustees Adopt Revised Grading Policy for Grades 6-12 | |
At this week’s Board meeting, the MBUSD Board of Trustees adopted a revision to Administrative Regulation (AR) 5121: Grades/Evaluation of Student Achievement. This policy affects how grades are issued and recorded for students in Grades 6-12.
Previously, on January 10, 2024, District office staff proposed revisions to Administrative Regulation (AR) 5121, Grades/Evaluation of Student Achievement, to establish timely reporting requirements for student grades on assignments within three weeks of submission.
Over the last six months, District office staff and Principal Huynh received input from stakeholders on how to improve these requirements. You can view the updated Administrative Regulation 5121 here.
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National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists Honored at Board Meeting | |
Mira Costa’s seven National Merit Scholarship semifinalists were recognized by the Board of Trustees for their achievements! Congratulations once again to:
Eleanora Digilio
Colin Freelin
Cameron Hughes
Jack Kjar
Katherine Kligys
Hudson Sagadevan
Elizabeth Witherell
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Ribbon Cutting for MBMS Student Union and Wellness Center | The Student Union and Wellness Center (SUWC) at Manhattan Beach Middle School had its official grand opening this week with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony with MBMS students, staff, MBEF, District officials, and donors. The center is an inclusive and welcoming space for all students to recharge and connect with their peers, the hub for mental health resources and social-emotional learning, a space for schoolwide programs and clubs to meet, and a place for staff and departments to hold meetings and for parent groups to gather. The space was just an idea two years ago by MBMS School Counselor on Special Assignment for Student Success, Lauren Galbraith, and with the help of staff and the community, she was able to bring her vision to life. | |
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The creation of the space wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the community. The MBMS PTA provided $30,000 to fund modular tables, chairs, art canvases, and new flooring for the space. Julie Gelsey from Interior Inspirations, a local residential and commercial interior design firm, generously donated the design plan for the room which inspired its current layout that includes soft seating for students to relax in and modular seating so the room can be adapted for various groups that meet up.
MBEF provided a $3,000 Educator Grant to cover other items for the room such as its soft seating, a large rug, and a custom bulletin board. Living Spaces generously donated $10,000 worth of furniture from couches, console, desk credenza, to coffee tables. With the support of MBMS’s art teacher, Mrs. Pottish, students in Advanced Art commissioned various art pieces inspired by Keith Haring to signify inclusion and positivity.
The space is currently open most snack and lunch times to students where they can play games, draw, read, and socialize with their peers. Starting in October, weekly social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons will be offered during AIRE time and include a silent headphone meditation sponsored by Beach Cities Health District.
Teachers will be able to utilize the space for pull-out department professional development days. Parent groups such as Healthy Tech, SEAC (Special Education Advisory Council), and PTA have begun to use the center as well.
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2024 Mira Costa Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony |  | |
This year, five special Mira Costa alumni were honored for their contributions to their respective fields and for making a lasting impact on their communities and the world. The Mira Costa Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame program, now in its 10th year, is a cherished tradition that celebrates excellence, fosters school pride, and unites generations of past and present Mustangs.
Congratulations to this year’s inductees:
Eileen Shea Davis | Class of 2010
A Naval Aviator serving in the U.S. Navy, Eileen is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Space Systems. Her long-term goal is to become a NASA astronaut.
Steve Napolitano | Class of 1984
A Manhattan Beach City Councilmember and State Appointed Attorney, Steve specializes in parole representation for California inmates.
Joe Marcy | Class of 2003
Joe is the Senior Business Development Executive at See Monterey and serves on the US Council of Meeting Professionals International’s Global Board of Trustees, as well as the Manhattan Beach Parking and Public Improvement Commission.
Naomi Kalish | Class of 1988
Naomi serves as the Harold and Carole Wolfe Director of the Center for Pastoral Education and is an assistant professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City.
Dr. David Morrison | Class of 1984
A physicist at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York, David focuses on the sPHENIX detector, which explores the conditions of the universe just microseconds after the Big Bang.
|  | Picture courtesy: Ralf's Photography | |
Former Mira Costa student, teacher, and football coach, Chuck Currier, who has been part of the Mira Costa community for 50 years, led the program this year. He shared, “It’s a lot different when the person on the stage is somebody who may have lived right down on your block, they sat in these rooms, competed on these fields, and were in the same club that you’re in…these are our own people who have taken time out of their lives to show up because Mira Costa is important to them, too.”
The inductees were officially inducted this past Thursday. Their day started at the Mira Costa Library, where they met with City officials, Mira Costa students who were paired with them, Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Committee members, and former retired staff members. City of Manhattan Beach Mayor Joe Franklin and Councilmember Amy Howorth presented certificates. Inductees were also honored by Senator Ben Allen’s office, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi’s office, and Congressman Ted Lieu’s office. The day continued with a school-wide assembly where each inductee was introduced by a Mira Costa student for their service and impactful careers. The honorees shared heartfelt stories during their time at Mira Costa and shared wisdom with our students.
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Attendees at the lunch reception immediately following the second assembly were treated to a special presentation where Mira Costa alumna Peggy O’Reilly Bibee (‘53), the very first person to receive a Mira Costa diploma, was honored. She recently donated her diploma to the school, and the framed document which will be proudly displayed at MCHS was revealed to all at the luncheon.
The five inductees were chosen by the MCHS Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Selection Committee, including former Mira Costa teacher Bill Fauver, Gil Archuletta (‘57), Huntley Castner (‘81), Jake Courtney (‘81), Amanda Cross (‘00), Amy Howorth, and Karen Komatinsky.
To date, the Mira Costa Hall of Fame showcases seventy alumni. Special thanks to Chuck Currier, Mira Costa staff, and the MCHS Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Committee for keeping this tradition strong.
You can click here to learn more about our inductees! This year also marks Mira Costa’s 75th anniversary! Check out more pictures here.
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United Against Hate Week in MBUSD | |
I joined the Beach Cities Health District and the South Bay Coalition Against Hate to launch United Against Hate Week on September 21. The community gathered for a Peace Pole planting ceremony, a symbol of unity and peace, marking the start of a week filled with events promoting kindness, respect, and inclusion across MBUSD campuses.
At Robinson Elementary, the PTSA organized week-long events around various themes, culminating with students taking the Anti-Defamation League’s No Place for Hate® Pledge in front of the Peace Pole.
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Every morning this week, Pennekamp embraced the MBUSD “Stand-Up Commitment,” by exploring the meaning behind every letter in “Stand-Up” during the school's morning announcements.
They also participated in a No Place for Hate® pledge signing, reinforcing the school’s dedication to inclusion and kindness.
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Grand View hosted an America’s Assembly, where students reflected on what it means to be American and how they can extend those values to their school community. Meadows Elementary hosted a No Place for Hate® assembly, with students engaging in pledge signing and reading books focused on addressing bullying and spreading kindness during library visits.
At Pacific Elementary, kindness was the theme of the week. Students shared the love with the community by creating heart skewers that were displayed on the school’s front lawn. Throughout the week, they signed the NPFH banner, created friendship bracelets, decorated stars with meaningful words, and rededicated the Peace Pole on campus.
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Students at MBMS were busy signing ribbons to prompts such as “Ways to be an Ally.” These will be showcased on campus in the shape of a peace sign or heart. The AM Wave morning announcements highlighted the significance of United Against Hate Week, followed by students signing their names on a surfboard committing to the No Place for Hate Pledge®.
Mira Costa students announced a poster contest, where students will have the opportunity to design posters that represent how the school community can stand together to reject hate and embrace kindness, respect, and inclusion. Students worked together to create a unity chain, symbolizing the collective commitment to rejecting hate!
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For the third year in a row, the MBUSD Board of Trustees has adopted a resolution recognizing United Against Hate Week. Our resolutions over the years have stated that MBUSD is committed to ensuring our schools are safe and welcoming spaces for all learners, MBUSD rejects hatred, racism, prejudice, violence, and bullying in all forms. MBUSD is dedicated to preventing and opposing racism, hatred, bullying, antisemitism, islamophobia, sexism, xenophobia, biases, and intolerance in our community.
We're committed to creating a climate of care, inclusion, respect, and unity for all our students, staff, and families. United Against Hate Week serves as a reminder of the District’s dedication to opposing hatred in all its forms.
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Registration is Now Open for MBUSD Sponsored E-Bike Courses | |
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If your student is an MBMS and/or Mira Costa student who rides an e-bike to school, please sign up for an approved safety class available through PedalAce (online) or E-Bike Sense (in-person) to meet the new MBUSD e-bike program requirement. Students can complete these e-bike certification courses either through District-sponsored classes with E-Bike Sense (offered at no cost to MBMS and MCHS families - space is limited) or via private enrollment with either program.
Starting November 4, 2024, ALL MBMS and Mira Costa students who ride e-bikes to school will need to complete an approved e-bike safety class and display an MBUSD-certified sticker in order to be allowed to park their e-bike on campus.
Here is the link to register for a district-sponsored E-Bike Sense course. Students must bring their street legal e-bike w/pedals and helmet to these classes.
Here is the link to register privately for the in-person E-Bike Sense course. Please use the discount code MBUSD25 to receive a 25% discount available to MBUSD families.
Here is the link to register for the online PedalAce course. This course is offered at a 50% discount.
For more info, visit our e-bike safety program page here: www.mbusd.org/E-BikeSafety
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October Marks National Bullying Prevention Month | |
Throughout October, we recognize National Bullying Prevention Month to highlight the importance of fostering a community of inclusion, safety, and respect. This month serves as an opportunity to educate and raise awareness about the various forms of bullying.
We know that creating a safe, healthy, and positive learning environment is a critical part of helping each child achieve academic success at MBUSD. We are committed to promoting campuses that promote a climate of care. Please remember we use Sprigeo, an online system for students and parents to report bullying incidents and school safety threats. The form is available on our District and school websites.
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Protecting our Kids: Parent Awareness Information Session on Online Safety | |
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MBUSD is partnering with the Redondo Beach Police Department to host a special information session on online safety. It is open to all MBUSD parents and registration is not needed.
Click on the flyer below for more information.
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Chargers Donate $1,000 to MCHS Athletics | |
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Congratulations to Mira Costa Football Coach Don Morrow and the Mira Costa Football team! As part of the Los Angeles Chargers “Coach of the Week” honor, Don Morrow was honored recently and received $1,000 from the Chargers for Mira Costa’s athletics department.
For nearly two decades, the Chargers have teamed up with the NFL to host the team's High School Football Coach of the Week program. Annually, this program recognizes high school football coaches who have made a difference in the lives of their players through leadership, hard work, and a special dedication to their young scholar-athletes. All nominations are decided upon by the Chargers Coach of the Week Selection Committee comprised of California Interscholastic (CIF) Federation administrators, retired coaches, and more. Photo was taken by Farley A. and posted on Costa's Football Instagram account.
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Visit us at the Hometown Fair! | |
We are excited to share that MBUSD will join the 52nd Annual Hometown Fair once again on October 5-6! Be sure to visit our booth located in Community Place on Valley Drive near the north entrance to the fair. Our team, including Cabinet members, principals, and other members of MBUSD leadership will be on hand throughout the weekend to meet and greet our community!
The fair will kick off with a parade that will feature the Mira Costa Marching Band and Drill Teams and the Manhattan Beach Middle School Choir will sing the National Anthem.
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TEDxManhattan Beach Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now! | |
TedxManhattanBeach is back for its 14th Annual event! This year’s theme, “CHANGEMAKERS,” will be hosted on Saturday, November 2, at Mira High School. The event will feature a dynamic lineup of speakers, including two current Mira Costa students: Travis Eichner, with his presentation “The Teenage Magician,” and Lila Mokhtari, presenting “Conscious Entrepreneur.” Other speakers represent a wide range of fields, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, and Brain Science.
In addition to the talks, attendees can explore an interactive EXPO filled with exciting exhibits designed to inspire and engage. There will be complimentary delicious food options and gourmet treats to enjoy throughout the day (including those delicious breakfast burritos and artisan TEDx lattes). Exhibits will feature community art projects, live performances, hands-on engineering projects, sustainability programs, and brain teasers. The EXPO also highlights local businesses, organizations, and student-led programs, offering a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and explore.
Visit www.tedxmanhattanbeach.org to learn more about this year’s speakers, EXPO, and to purchase your tickets. Early bird ticket pricing is available through October 15. Students can purchase a discounted ticket. Click here for tickets.
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Register Now for the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk! | |
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There are great stories to be told across the District, from stories of accomplishment, perseverance, and noteworthy events to academic excellence unfolding in our classrooms. Please share a story with us so we can highlight it with our community!
Stories submitted are often shared in our publications, on social media, and with our local media partners.
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The next Superintendent’s Newsletter will be published on October 4. Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
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Dr. John Bowes
MBUSD Superintendent
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Manhattan Beach Unified School District
325 S. Peck Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
310.318.7345
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