McKenna Community Connection
October 2023
Message from Dr. McKenna:
Greetings! We’ve now completed six weeks of school and enjoyed a successful start to the school year. Fall is here, and October begins a festive atmosphere at our schools. I look forward to the many wonderful learning experience and activities that the season brings. I’d like to extend a special gratitude to all who attended Back to School nights at our schools. Supporting your child’s education is a critical component of their success. Happy October!
Prior Month Highlights
Students from 24th Street Elementary School recited the Pledge of Allegiance to open the September 12, 2023 Board Meeting.
Latino Heritage Month
“Latino Heritage Month highlights the history, the culture and the accomplishments of our families, friends, neighbors and especially our students and staff who share similar roots,” said Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III. “We also celebrate the diversity, which includes the 25 percent of U.S. Latinos who identify as Afro-Latino, Afro-Caribbean or of African descent with roots in Latin America.”
Latino Heritage Month is celebrated September 15 - October 15 annually. The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education commemorated Latino History Month with a performance by the Mariachi Los Tigres de San Fernando High School and a recognition of San Fernando City Council Member Cindy Montañez.
Fun in Board DIstrict 1
Baldwin Hills Elementary School
Sherlett Newbill, Education Policy Advisor, joined in on the fun as student athletes from Dorsey HS and Castlemont HS visited Baldwin Hills ES to engage with our young students.
61st Street Elementary School
Channa Scott, Special Assistant, and her sorority sisters distributed food bags at 61st Street Elementary School.
Crescent Heights Magnet Elementary School
They've got the spirit at Crescent Heights Magnet Elementary!
Thomas Mack Elementary School
Students at Mack Elementary School received new tennis shoes from Shoes That Fit in partnership with Nordstrom.
2023 Teacher of the Year
The Teacher of the Year (TOY) Program honors teachers with a strong commitment to their students, school, and the community. The program spotlights positive aspects of education and pays tribute to our richly diverse teaching force. Of the many nominations made, 24 teachers are selected.
Board District 1 congratulates Dana Rhinerson for being selected as a 2023 Teacher of the Year. Ms. Rhinerson is a teacher at Marlton School, teaching 1st - 6th grade deaf and hard of hearing students.
News from Board Meetings
Upcoming Meetings
Facilities and Procurement Committee
October 3, 2023 – 3pm
Regular Board Meeting, including Closed Session Items
October 17, 2023 – 9am
Regular Board Meeting
October 17, 2023 – 1pm
Greening Schools and Climate Resilience Committee
October 18, 2023 – 4pm
Children and Families in Early Education Committee
October 19, 2023 – 10am
Committee of the Whole
October 24, 2023 – 9am
Curriculum and Instruction Committee
October 26, 2023 – 4pmOctober is . . . .
National Book Month 📖
Each October, National Book Month allows us to celebrate and expand our love of reading.
Some of our favorite books are:
Dr. McKenna - The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson
Patrice, Chief of Staff - Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall
Sherlett, Education Policy Advisor - The Prideful Souls Guide to Humility by Michael Fontenot & Thomas A. Jones; The Bible; Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andrea & Guy Parker-Rees
Channa, Special Assistant - The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
National Principals Month
Every October, National Principals Month shines a spotlight on the transformative power of our school principals. These leaders, with their resolute vision and unwavering dedication, aren’t merely running schools—they’re molding futures, shaping communities, and paving pathways to success for every student.
Board District 1 is pleased to congratulate Dr. Linda Beck, principal of Castle Heights Elementary School, on her designation as a 2023 Cahn Fellow through their Distinguished Principal Program.
Filipino Heritage Month
In 2009, the US Congress designated October as Filipino American History Month, a monthlong commemoration and appreciation for the Filipino experience throughout American history stretching as far back as the arrival of the first Filipinos to the United States in Morro Bay, CA on October 18, 1587.
Tani Cantil-Sakauye is the first Filipino American and the second woman to serve as California’s Chief Justice. She has led efforts to reform the bail system, decriminalize minor traffic offenses, and improve civic education.
🗓 Coming Up!
B.L.U.S.H. (Building Leaders and Uplifting Sisterhood) Young Women’s Leadership Conference
LAUSD female high school leaders: You are invited to the B.L.U.S.H. Young Women’s Leadership Conference hosted by Assemblymember Mike Gipson. Learn from accomplished professionals and gain valuable insights.
Saturday, Oct 7, 2023, 09:00 AM
California State University, Dominguez Hills, East Victoria Street, Carson, CA, USA
Region South College and Career Fair
Saturday, Oct 21, 2023, 09:00 AM
California State University, Dominguez Hills, East Victoria Street, Carson, CA, USA
Taste of Soul
https://www.tasteofsoulla.com/
Taste of Soul is a family festival and free to the public, located on Crenshaw Blvd., between Barack Obama Blvd. and Stocker Avenue.
Saturday, Oct 21, 2023, 10:00 AM
💡 Halloween Safety Tips
🎃👻🍬
Stay in groups
Costumes should be well fitting and flame resistant
Always test makeup
Remember to look both ways when crossing the street
Examine all treats before eating
Stay on the sidewalk when possible
Avoid dark houses
Flashlights and glow sticks for visibility
Enjoy with caution