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Superintendent's Newsletter
October 4, 2024
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Dear MBUSD Parents and Community,
I hope this newsletter finds you well! Today’s issue features Pacific Elementary, Model United Nations Program students competing in their first debate of the year, and the upcoming Walk and Roll to School Day!
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Spotlight on Pacific Elementary School (Special thanks to Neidy Portillo, Lena Adishian, and Principal Amanda Vavao) | |
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Global Gamers co-founders Neidy Portillo and Lena Adishian (MBUSD parents) visited Pacific Elementary recently for a staff training session! Our Panther staff explored essential topics like cultural diversity, social-emotional learning, gross and fine motor skill development, and the vital role of play in child development. The highlight of the training session was that the staff enjoyed hands-on practice with the engaging games they’ll be introducing during recess this school year! Play is crucial for our students—it strengthens social skills, fosters creativity, and supports physical and emotional growth.
Global Gamers is a social-emotional learning program where children and adults from around the world play games and learn about each country's culture, language, and geography. The Global Gamers curriculum celebrates and embraces diversity and promotes individual and community well-being. Global Gamers creates a safe space where diversity is celebrated and embraced, and multicultural education takes place. In addition to playing new games and having fun, individuals develop cultural awareness, have a space to share their unique backgrounds, celebrate their differences and similarities, build respect and empathy for other people, and develop a sense of being part of a global community.
A big thank you to MBX for funding this fantastic program.
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Staff Spotlight: Lexi Hutchinson | 4th/5th Grade Teacher | |
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This week, we are spotlighting Meadows teacher Lexi Hutchinson, who currently teaches a 4th/5th grade combination class. Lexi joined MBUSD in 2017 as a substitute, supporting Robinson and Grand View Elementary Schools. She has also taught 2nd grade at Meadows.
Lexi has a B.S. in Business Administration – Accountancy and a teaching credential from Cal State University Long Beach. Before pursuing her teaching career, she worked as a staff accountant for a branded content production company for four years. Additionally, Lexi has experience with the Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Parks and Recreation departments, where she worked in the summer camp and after-school programs, further cementing her passion for working with children.
With over 20 years of experience working with kids, Lexi has always known that teaching was her true calling. “My favorite part is getting to know each of my students as individuals, making connections with shared interests like sports, books, and hobbies. I work to make the classroom welcoming and inviting for all, helping students grow academically and socially,” she says. Lexi takes great joy in watching her students grasp new concepts, persevere through challenges, and share their love of learning with their peers and with her.
This year, Lexi has the special opportunity to teach some of her students for a second time, which she describes as a rewarding experience that allows her to see their continued growth. As an MBUSD alumna herself having attended Pacific Elementary, MBMS, and Mira Costa High School, Lexi feels a deep connection to the community. Ms. Hutchinson says her goal was to work in Manhattan Beach and be part of the District that shaped her. “To rejoin this special community as a teacher has been especially wonderful, knowing that I can make the same impact on my students as the teachers I had here did on me.”
In her free time, you can find Lexi walking on The Strand while listening to podcasts, reading, and being a referee for AYSO. She is a devoted soccer fan! “I watch lots of women’s soccer (NWSL, USWNT, WSL), follow men’s soccer (PL), and never miss an Angel City FC home game here in LA!”
| Personalized Learning in MBUSD | |
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i-Ready is a universal screener that assesses every student in reading and math to identify their current skill levels. The assessments help teachers understand where each child excels and where they may need more support. This data is essential in the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, which provides varying levels of support based on each student's needs. i-Ready helps ensure that every child receives the right level of instruction or intervention to help them succeed.
Starting this year, all students from Kindergarten through 12th grade will take the i-Ready diagnostic assessments. These assessments will give us a clearer picture of each student's strengths and areas for growth. Our teachers are currently receiving training on how to use i-Ready, allowing them to provide more personalized, data-driven instruction that better supports a child's individual learning needs. Thank you to MTSS TOSA, Patti McCullum, for sharing this story.
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Most Manhattan Beach schools were built over 70 years ago and are in need of urgent repairs and upgrades to support quality education. MBUSD recently completed a thorough assessment of every classroom and school facility to identify and prioritize needed upgrades.
Leaky roofs, deteriorating plumbing, restrooms, and gas and sewer lines need to be fixed or replaced. Classrooms and labs need updates to meet current educational standards for science, technology, engineering, math, reading, and writing instruction. However, the State does not provide dedicated funding for school facility improvements unless school districts have local matching funds.
If approved by voters, Measure RLS could be used to fund necessary upgrades and repairs to our local schools without increasing the tax rates paid by local residents and could generate approximately $200 million.
Click on the FAQs one-pager below for more information.
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MBUSD Sponsored E-Bike Sense Courses Begin |  | |
MBMS students participated in a two-hour MBUSD-sponsored E-Bike Sense hands-on training course to satisfy the new District e-bike safety program requirement. This past Saturday, the first three E-Bike Sense in-person classes were hosted at MBMS. Students began the training with an introduction and in-classroom piece. The first hour of class was an interactive conversation on e-bike-specific safety issues and protocols. Megan Lamb from E-Bike Sense talked about the importance of wearing a helmet with the buckles tightened securely. The classroom piece also included an extensive discussion on the rules of the road. The students learned potentially life-saving tips and leave prepared to ride defensively.
After this part, students headed outside where they learned how to properly fit their helmets correctly and did a quick ABC bike check which included: air, brakes, and chains. Lastly, students participated in the practical part of the class by hopping on their bikes and doing e-bike-specific safety drills that will transfer to the road.
The MBUSD e-bike initiative officially goes into effect November 4. Students at MBMS and Mira Costa who ride their e-bikes to school must take a course through either E-Bike Sense or PedalAce to receive a certified e-bike sticker that allows them to park on campus.
Here is the link to register for a district-sponsored E-Bike Sense course. Students must bring their e-bike and helmet to this class.
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 Pedal Ace course. This course is offered at a 50% discount.
Visit our e-bike safety page for FAQs.
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Join Us! Walk and Roll to School Day Coming October 9! | |
Walk and Roll to School Day in partnership with Beach Cities Health District takes place next Wednesday, October 9 all across the South Bay! We hope you will join us as we recognize this day. This year our main host campus is Grand View Elementary, but our school sites have their own designated meeting times and routes.
District leadership and MBUSD Board of Trustees will join routes across the District. Walk and Roll to School Day encourages families and staff to roll, walk, bicycle, or use non-motorized transportation to get to school.
Thank you to our community partner Beach Cities Health District for sponsoring this initiative.
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Mira Costa MUN Students Participate in the First Debate of the Year |  | |
The Model United Nations (MUN) season started strong with its first local conference, the South Orange County Model United Nations Conference (SOCOMUN), which took place last weekend at Santa Margarita Catholic High School. The Mira Costa MUN program had many seniors, juniors, and sophomores debating in the various committees during the weekend.
From SOCOMUN, MCHS had three Best Delegate awards, 14 Outstanding awards, and 10 Commendation awards across all committees. The specifics from each committee are as follows:
United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF):
- Goose Faynsod - Outstanding
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):
- Benny Stillman - Outstanding
- Mila Long - Commendation
- Cameron Fraenkel - Commendation
World Health Assembly (WHA):
- Carolina Hodgeon - Best Delegate
- Kayla Smith - Outstanding
General Assembly (GA):
- Charlie Rogoff - Outstanding
- Jude Wallis - Outstanding
- Claire Jang - Commendation
United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC):
- Juna Manabe - Best Delegate
- Allie Aita - Outstanding
United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP):
- Emery Vandemore - Outstanding
- Lachlan Murphy - Commendation
- Wyatt Newbill - Outstanding
- Charlie Montoya - Commendation
Commission on the Status of Women (CSW):
- Harper Santos - Outstanding
- Sydney Huber - Commendation
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC):
- Matthew Chang - Best Delegate
- Noah Huang - Outstanding
- Dane Stever: Outstanding
- Aaron Henschel - Commendation
- Megan McDonald - Commendation
Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ):
- Alyssa Finigan - Outstanding
- Kai Succari - Outstanding
- Matthew Hendrex - Commendation
- Kadin Heise - Commendation
Security Council:
- Hudson and Griffin Sagadevan - Outstanding
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In preparation for debate, throughout the school week "Roasts" were held for the delegates planning to attend the conference, where they were tested on their knowledge of their subject, and solutions, and then got to give a comment simulating the speaking they will do in the committee.
In addition, the Costa MUN program continues to prepare for LAIMUN, their own Model UN conference they host in December, where chairs, individuals who are in charge of each committee, have just recently finalized their committee topic synopses. Outside of conferences, the annual tradition continues with this past Sunday being the MUN Senior-Sophomore Day, a beach day where the seniors and sophomores in the program play fun beach activities and get to know each other.
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Hometown Fair Coming Up this Weekend! | |
Don’t forget this weekend, MBUSD will have a booth at the Hometown Fair! School principals, vice principals, and administrators will be at the booth!
It will be 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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Join your School PTAs/PTSAs! | |
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Manhattan Beach PTAs/PTSAs are vital partners to MBUSD providing support to students, families, and teachers. Joining and donating to your school's PTA/PTSA can have many benefits for you and your families:
- Support your child's education - PTAs/PTSAs can help parents stay informed about their child's school life, collaborate with teachers and administrators, and contribute to their child's learning experience.
- Be a role model - By joining PTA/PTSAs, you can demonstrate to your child the importance you place on education.
- Get involved - PTAs/PTSAs offer many opportunities for parents to take part in school activities, attend meetings, and volunteer.
- Access resources - PTAs/PTSAs provide resources for members, as well as offer a variety of programs and materials.
- Make a difference - PTAs/PTSAs can help strengthen the school community, enhance fundraising efforts, and support the schools. Donations to PTA/PTSAs help fund programs and events.
Please consider joining and donating to PTA/PTSA today!
Grand View | Meadows | Pacific | Pennekamp | Robinson | MBMS | Mira Costa
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Register Now! Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk! 16 More Days to Go! | |
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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 11. Have a wonderful weekend - see you at the Fair!
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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