Superintendent's Newsletter
March 25, 2022
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Dear MBUSD Parents and Community,
I hope this letter finds you well. Today’s message features a spotlight on Pacific Elementary, National Nutrition Month, registration for MBX summer camps, and much more!
Spotlight on Pacific Elementary (with special thanks to Teri Hampton, Pacific MakerSpace Specialist and Principal, Rhonda Steinberg)
It's been a busy week in Pacific MakerSpace. On Wednesday, the fifth graders took their knowledge of circuitry to a new level with Wiggle Bots. They used a motor, battery pack, and alligator clips to create various types of bots that wiggle.
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The body of the bots was made from recycled materials. The students attached markers to their bots that made abstract art as they wiggled and danced, and other accessories to race their bots or compete in the ring as sumo bots.
On Tuesday, third and fourth graders had their own March Madness tournament. Teams of four participated in engineering a two-part challenge. One pair created a standing basketball goal with a hoop and a net out of limited supplies. The other two built a catapult-type throwing device. Then the two got together to see if they could get the ball in the basket! It was rowdy and fun, as students tested the finished product.
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On Thursday, second graders used their knowledge of plants to create "Weird Plants." Their challenge was to conceive and create a plant and employ one or two cardboard attachment techniques and 3D paper techniques. The creations were outstanding. First graders this week completed their unit about space with a table-top rocket that was built with paper towel tubes and 3D paper techniques.
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Spring Break Reminder
As we get closer to the upcoming break, we want to remind you that schools will be closed from April 4 – 11, 2022.
Students and teachers will return to campus on Tuesday, April 12.
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1 More Day Left for MBEF Support our Schools Week!
If you haven’t yet, support local businesses in the City while giving back to the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation. A portion of the sales will be donated to MBEF to support our schools.
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MBX Summer Camps
If you are looking for some activities to keep your student engaged during the summer time and continue learning, MBX has a wide range of summer camp opportunities.
MBX, in partnership with the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, sponsors a variety of summer activities with Mira Costa booster clubs as well as their enrichment partners. These camps provide students with fun and enriching summer activities right on MBUSD campuses.
A portion of the partner proceeds support MBX Foundation and MBUSD. Booster-run camps directly support each Mira Costa team.
Registration for some of the camps are now open!
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To celebrate National Nutrition Month, we are highlighting our amazing Food & Nutrition Services Department staff who work tirelessly to make sure our students receive healthy and nutritious meals. Thank you for all that you do!
This week we are taking you into the kitchen at Mira Costa and introducing you to the Nutrition team there.
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This month is also a reminder to take time to learn about making informed food choices and encourage healthy eating and physical activity habits.
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Holi Celebrations Take Place Across the District
At MBUSD schools, we celebrate diversity and embrace all of our students and families. Recently, Meadows and Robinson Elementary hosted a Holi celebration on campus to recognize the annual Hindu festival, which is also known as the Festival of Colors marking the arrival of spring.
At Meadows, students learned how to dance with the founder of BollyPop Dance at an
all-school assembly, then after school, students and our community participated in the Holi tradition of throwing powdered dyes on one another to mark the joyous occasion.
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Photo Credit: Pete Halvorsen |
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Robinson students and staff also participated in the colorful observance by using Robinson colors to fill up the air.
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Mira Costa Scholar Quiz Underway!
It’s that time of the year again, where students test their knowledge and go head to head during the Annual Scholar Quiz! Competition began Tuesday with 32 matches and volunteers from parents, graduates, community members, to teachers, and administration staff who joined in on the fun by either being a reader, scorekeeper, or flag judge.
More than 250 students participated in this fast-paced student competition. We can’t wait to see who makes it to the final rounds!
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Special Screening of Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety
If you missed the in-person screening of the documentary during Social Emotional Learning Week, you have the opportunity to watch it at home. There will be an online webinar on Wednesday, March 30th from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The presentation will include a viewing of the documentary and a panel discussion with local experts moderated by MCHS Vice Principal Daniel Pestle.
The film helps identify the causes and solutions of anxiety and is recommended for students 13 years of age and older and their parents.
You can join via Zoom by using the passcode “ANGST."
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Enroll Today! 2022-23 Enrollment Underway
All children who will be five years old as of September 1, 2022, are eligible to enroll in kindergarten, and all children who will be five years old as of February 2, 2023, are eligible to enroll in transitional kindergarten. Click here for enrollment information.
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As COVID-19 health and safety updates are constantly changing, we want to make sure you have the latest information in a timely manner on multiple platforms.
quick links to important resources, COVID-19 policies, and much more!
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Weekend COVID-19 Testing Clinic Continues Through April 9 at Mira Costa!
Don’t forget we are hosting free testing opportunities every Saturday through April 9. You can drop by between 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Mira Costa High School student parking lot, located at Peck and Artesia.
It is open to the community and is a drive-thru testing opportunity. Pre-registration is required before arriving at Mira Costa. We have had some questions in regards to our extra weekend testing opportunity and want to clarify that it is a one time test ONLY and does not register you for any other testing.
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Respond to Four MBUSD Questions
I have been asking students, staff, and MBUSD families the four questions below to learn more about our community.
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Follow us on Social Media!
Follow our accounts to receive the latest MBUSD information,
updates, news, and events!
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The next Superintendent Newsletter will be published on Friday, April 1.
Thank you for your commitment and support to our MBUSD community. I am proud of the steps we’ve taken to provide our students with the in-person, safe and healthy, and high-quality educational experience they deserve.
Sincerely,
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John Bowes, Ed.D.
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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