OCTOBER IS DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH

OCTOBER IS CHARACTER EDUCATION MONTH

OCTOBER IS FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

OCTOBER IS LGBTQ HISTORY MONTH

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH

2026-2027 CCUSD School Calendar Available HERE



Saturday (10/24)

El Marino Fall Festival

11am to 5pm @ El Marino Language School

More Information Below

Sunday (10/25)

Culver City Hip & Historic Halloween

4 to 6pm @ Downtown Culver City

More Information Below

Culver City Walk 'n Rollers Halloween Night Ride

5:30pm meet @ Village Well

More Information Below

Monday (10/26)

Deadline to Donate to Halloween Costume Drive

More Information Below

Special Education District Advisory Committee (SEDAC)

5:30pm via Zoom

RSVP to Dr. Randir Bains (randhirbains@ccusd.org) for link

Tuesday (10/27)

Deadline to Apply for the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council

4:30pm

More Information Below

CCUSD Board of Education Meeting

5pm closed session | 6pm open session

Agenda and Zoom Login Info Available Here When Posted

Reunión de la Junta Directiva del CCUSD ahora

con traducción simultánea al español

Wednesday (10/28)

CCHS AVPA Fall Music Concert

5:30pm Halloween Carnival | 7pm Music Concert @ Robert Frost Auditorium

More Information Below

Friday (10/30)

CCHS Football vs Santa Monica

SENIOR NIGHT

7pm @ Jerry Chabola Stadium

Saturday (10/31)

Deadline to Order CCUSD Inclusion Apparel

More Information Below

FREE Culver City Symphony Orchestra Halloween Concert

7:30pm @ Veterans Memorial Auditorium

More Information HERE

Monday (11/2)

Pupil-Free Day

NO SCHOOL

Note: The weekly calendar in CulverPride includes CCHS varsity home games only.

To see the full calendar for Centaur athletics, please click here.

Superintendent's Message

This marks the 12th year that ERP has recognized high-performing public schools and districts across California, particularly those demonstrating success in closing achievement gaps among higher-poverty and historically disadvantaged student populations. This year, only 168 school districts, approximately 22% of eligible districts statewide, earned Honor Roll recognition. (There are just over 1,000 school districts in California). The distinction is based on objective student achievement data from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) for 2024–2026, highlighting districts that have demonstrated strong academic outcomes in reading, writing, and mathematics. ERP's Honor Roll is presented in partnership with business leaders and recognizes schools and districts preparing students with the fundamental skills needed for success in the workforce and in life.

I encourage our community to learn more about this recognition and celebrate the outstanding work taking place in our schools:

View the 2026 ERP Honor Roll Schools and Districts

Learn More About the ERP Honor Roll Methodology

These accomplishments reflect our collective commitment to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality educational experience. Thank you to our students, teachers, staff, administrators, district office, parents, and community partners for your continued dedication and partnership. I also want to recognize our District Office team for providing the leadership, guidance, and support that help strengthen our schools. Together, we continue to build and validate that CCUSD is a wonderful place for students to learn, grow, and succeed. "One CCUSD: Excellence for Every Student, Strength in Every Partnership!"



As always, we recognize that families have choices when it comes to their child's education, and we are grateful that you have entrusted us with serving your students. We remain committed to providing a high-quality educational experience and to partnering with you every step of the way.

With Gratitude,

Dr. Alfonso Jiménez

Superintendent

Culver City Unified School District

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Estimadas Familias y Comunidad,

¡Fue otra maravillosa semana en el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Culver City! A medida que continuamos avanzando en el mes de octubre, me siento alentado por la extraordinaria enseñanza y aprendizaje que se está llevando a cabo en todas de nuestras escuelas y por los muchos logros que reflejan la dedicación de nuestros estudiantes, empleados, familias y comunidad.

Esta semana, tuve la oportunidad de visitar la Escuela Primaria La Ballona, donde pasé algún tiempo en varios salones de primaria y de grados superiores observando a los estudiantes activamente participando en lecciones de alfabetización y matemáticas, incluyendo en nuestros salones de inmersión en dos idiomas. Fue maravilloso ver a nuestros estudiantes participando en experiencias de aprendizaje con sentido y nuestros maestros utilizando una variedad de estrategias de instrucción para apoyar el éxito estudiantil. Estas visitas a los salones continúan siendo uno de los aspectos más destacados de mi trabajo como Superintendente.

También tuve el placer de visitar a la Escuela Primaria Lin Howe, donde los estudiantes disfrutaron de una asamblea cultural enriquecedora dirigida por danzantes de Te Ara Nui Kapa Haka de Nueva Zelanda. A través del idioma, la danza y las tradiciones culturales, nuestros estudiantes vivieron un hermosa celebración del rico patrimonio cultural de Nueva Zelanda. Esta visita tiene un significado muy especial, ya que nuestra comunidad de Culver City se prepara para darle la bienvenida al Equipo Olímpico de Nueva Zelanda para los Juegos Olímpicos de 2028. Durante los próximos dos años, esperamos ansiosamente realizar intercambios interculturales adicionales que brindarán a nuestros estudiantes y comunidad las oportunidades para aprender de unos de otros y establecer vínculos duraderos.

¡Estoy especialmente orgulloso de anunciar que el Distrito Escolar Unificado de Culver City ha recibido el reconocimiento de estar en la Lista de Honor del Distrito STAR 2026 una distinción parte de los Socios en Materia de Resultados Educativos (ERP, por sus siglas en inglés)! Este reconocimiento verifica el importante trabajo que hemos emprendido como un distrito que apoya la enseñanza y aprendizaje, así como mejorar el rendimiento académico de nuestros estudiantes. También estamos muy orgullosos que la Escuela Primaria El Rincon, la Escuela Primaria Lin Howe, la Escuela Intermedia de Culver City, y la Escuela Preparatoria de Culver City fueron individualmente reconocidos en la Lista de Honor ERP 2026.

Esto marca el duodécimo año en que ERP ha reconocido las escuelas y los distritos escolares públicos de alto rendimiento en California, especialmente aquellos que han demostrado avances en la reducción de las brechas de rendimiento académico entre estudiantes de comunidades de bajos ingresos y poblaciones históricamente desfavorecidas. Este año, solo 168 distritos escolares, aproximadamente el 22% de los distritos elegibles en todo el estado, recibieron este reconocimiento. (En California hay poco más de 1,000 distritos escolares). Esta distinción se basa en datos objetivos del rendimiento estudiantil obtenidos de las Evaluaciones del Rendimiento y Progreso Estudiantil de California (CAASPP) correspondientes al periodo 2024-2026, y destaca a los distritos que han demostrado solidos resultados académicos en lectura, escritura y matemáticas. La Lista de Honor de ERP se presenta en colaboración con lideres empresariales y reconoce a las escuelas y los distritos que preparan a los estudiantes con las habilidades fundamentales necesarias para alcanzar el éxito en el ámbito laboral y en la vida.

Animo a nuestra comunidad a obtener más información sobre este reconocimiento y a celebrar el excelente trabajo que esta tomando lugar en nuestras escuelas:

Consulte las Escuelas y Distritos Reconocidos en la Lista de Honor ERP 2026

Aprenda Más Sobre la Metodología de Lista de Honor ERP

Estos logros reflejan nuestro compromiso colectivo en asegurar que cada estudiante tenga acceso a una experiencia educativa de alta calidad. Gracias a nuestros estudiantes, maestros, personal, administradores, oficina del distrito, padres, y socios de la comunidad por su continua dedicación y alianza. También quiero reconocer al equipo de nuestra Oficina del Distrito por brindar su liderazgo, orientación y apoyo que contribuyen al fortalecimiento de nuestras escuelas. Juntos, continuamos construyendo y reafirmando de que CCUSD es un maravilloso lugar donde los estudiantes pueden aprender, crecer, y tener éxito. “Un Solo CCUSD: ¡Excelencia para Cada Estudiante, Fortaleza en Cada Colaboración!”

Como siempre, reconocemos que las familias tienen opciones en cuanto la educación de sus hijos, y estamos muy agradecidos de que han depositado su confianza en nosotros en servir a sus estudiantes. Permanecemos comprometidos en proporcionar una experiencia educativa de alta calidad y de aliarnos con ustedes en cada paso del camino.

Con gratitud,

Dr. Alfonso Jiménez

Superintendente

Distrito Escolar Unificado de Culver City

AVPA Student Earns Emerging Talent Award in World's Top High School Film Festival

Congratulations to Culver City High School AVPA student Una Finn whose film "Evanescence" earned the Emerging Talent Award at the 2026 All American High School Film Festival in New York City.

The festival is widely recognized as the world's largest and most prestigious high school student film festival.

"Evanescence" will premiere at 9 p.m.on October 29, and can be viewed at the link above. Be sure to save it and tune in to see the work of this incredible young filmmaker.

See more of Una's films and recognitions on her website at www.unafinn.com

Disability Awareness Month is in Full Swing Across CCUSD Campuses

El Marino Language School: Pictured at right are El Marino students enjoying a variety of sensory stations during lunch, including kinetic sand, Play-Doh, coloring, and other hands-on activities in celebration of Disability Awareness Month! Sensory experiences are not only fun and engaging but also play an important role in helping many individuals self-regulate, manage emotions, and feel ready to learn.

Culver City Middle School (CCMS): Pictured below are CCMS students learning to write their names in Braille during lunch this week! Students have also participated in an accessibility challenge, while ASB students have served as lunchtime DJs, featuring music by artists with disabilities.

And the celebrations aren't over yet! This Friday, stop by the CCCPTA Inclusion Committee booth at the CCMS Trunk or Treat, where the group will spotlight professional athletes with disabilities and their incredible accomplishments. Next week, the CCMS ASL Club will lead lunchtime activities, giving students another fun opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate different ways of communicating.

Through these experiences, ths CCCPTA Inclusion Committee is helping students build awareness, understanding, and appreciation for the many ways we experience and navigate the world. Together, we're creating a school community where everyone belongs!

Middle School Speech & Debate Team Has Oustanding Showing at UCLA Invitational

Congratulations to the Culver City Middle School Speech and Debate Team on an outstanding showing at the UCLA Invitational, on October 17 and 18! Competing in a field made up mostly of high school students, the Panthers rose to the challenge and brought home impressive honors:

Lincoln-Douglas Debate Co-Champions: Arya Rath and Bowie Horowitz;

Lincoln-Douglas Debate Quarterfinalists: Trajan Katigbak and Lev Miller;

Lincoln-Douglas Debate Top Speakers: Arya Rath, (first place) and Bowie Horowitz, (top five)

Dramatic Interpretation Finalist: Nina Sivakumaran

Impromptu Speaking Semifinalist: Bowie Horowitz

Beyond the awards, it was a weekend of learning, friendship, and growing confidence. Thank you to the volunteers who made it possible.

Centaurs Head to Torrance to Take on the Tartars in Battle for First Place

Last Friday night the Culver City varsity football team treated the homecoming crowd to a high-scoring victory when it ran past North Torrance 41-14. It was a remarkable score considering the halftime score was 14-14. In the second half, the Centaurs defense decided to put the brakes on North Torrance, while the offense put the pedal to the metal.

"We won the game, but we were a little disappointed in the way we started the game, but we were happy about how we finished the game," said Culver City head coach Jahmal Wright after the victory. "The defense and offense woke up in the second half."

"When you win a homecoming game it feels really good," said Wright. "During the 26 years that I have been coaching football at Culver City we have lost only three home coming games. Now, we have to go to Torrance and play them on their home turf, and they are back-to-back Pioneer League champions, but we will put forth our best effort."

Their best effort must include another great game from all three phases, offense, defense and special teams if they expect to beat Torrance. After giving up a lot of points in the preseason, the defense has made a lot of improvements in the last four weeks.

"Hats off to those teams that we played earlier in the season, they were some very good teams," said Culver City defensive coordinator Derrick Huezo after the North Torrance game. "We weathered the storm and fixed what we had to fix. We looked at what we were not doing well and then we tried to correct our mistakes. Now we are taking it step by step."

Read the full story in the Culver City Observer HERE

CCUSD Staff and Families Walk to Support District's Inclusion Clubs

CCUSD staff and families came together for the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk to support the Friendship Foundation and the three Friendship Clubs across our district campuses! These clubs help students of all abilities build friendships, make connections, and experience a true sense of belonging. The CCUSD family is proud to walk together in support of a more inclusive school community where every student is valued and everyone belongs!

Applications Now Open for Superintendent's Student Advisory Council

Applications are now open for the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council.

The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SAC) provides input on ways to improve communication with students and to obtain input on school system initiatives. Members are secondary school students who reflect the diversity of the Culver City student population. Meetings are held monthly with the Superintendent. 

CCUSD invites Middle School and High School students to apply today. Applications are available HERE and are due by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27.

College Connect App Helps Connect with Colleges, Explore Financial Aid, and More

CCUSD is excited to continue its partnership with Siembra Mobile to help you track academic progress, connect directly with college recruiters, and explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

What is Siembra Mobile / College Connect?

• It is a free mobile app designed for students and parents to build a clear, personalized path to higher education.
• Track Progress: Use the built-in Stop Light System (green, yellow, red) to monitor academic readiness as you move through high school.
• Direct Connection: Receive proactive messages, event updates, and guidance from college and career advisors.

Learn More

Download the app HERE to learn more.

CCUSD Inclusion Apparel Sale Extended Through the End of October

October is Disability Awareness Month!

This month, we celebrate the many strengths, talents, contributions, and experiences of people with disabilities while promoting greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusion throughout our community.

Inclusive practices matter because everyone deserves to feel valued, respected, welcomed, and included. When we create schools and communities where everyone can participate, build friendships, learn from one another, and contribute in meaningful ways, we create a stronger community for all. Most importantly, we want everyone in our district to remember one simple but powerful message: EVERYONE BELONGS!

To help spread this important message, CCPTA's Disability Awareness Month Pop-Up Shop is now open! Pick up a shirt, sweatshirt, or other item and proudly wear it around our schools and community as a reminder that inclusion and belonging are for everyone. Get yours today and help us spread the word: EVERYONE IN OUR DISTRICT BELONGS!

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¡Octubre es el Mes de Concienciación sobre la Discapacidad! Este mes, celebramos las muchas fortalezas, talentos, contribuciones y experiencias de las personas con discapacidad mientras promovemos una mayor comprensión, aceptación e inclusión en toda nuestra comunidad.

Las prácticas inclusivas importan porque todos merecen sentirse valorados, respetados, bienvenidos e incluidos. Cuando creamos escuelas y comunidades donde todos puedan participar, hacer amistades, aprender unos de otros y contribuir de maneras significativas, creamos una comunidad más fuerte para todos. Lo más importante es que queremos que todos en nuestro distrito recuerden un mensaje simple pero poderoso: ¡TODOS PERTENECEN!



Para ayudarnos a difundir este mensaje tan importante, ¡nuestra Tienda Emergente del Mes de Concienciación sobre la Discapacidad ya está abierta! Consigue una camiseta, sudadera u otro artículo y póntelo con orgullo en nuestras escuelas y comunidad como recordatorio de que la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia son para todos. Consigue el tuyo hoy y ayúdanos a correr la voz: ¡TODOS EN NUESTRO DISTRITO PERTENECEN!