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Dear La Ballona Families,
Welcome Back! We hope everyone enjoyed a fantastic Spring Break filled with quality time with friends and family, and that you're feeling refreshed and energized! It's incredible to think that we have just 9 busy weeks remaining in this school year! Numerous exciting activities are on the horizon, including our Open House on Wednesday, April 23rd from 5:30-6:30pm. We eagerly anticipate your presence at this event, where your child will proudly display all their hard work and accomplishments!
April is Autism Acceptance Month!
La Ballona is proud of its diverse Autistic community and to be partnering with the Equal Access committee to create visibility and awareness around Autism. Please join us as we honor and celebrate Autism acceptance across the month of April.
“What Is Autism?”...
Watch AMAZING THINGS HAPPEN: An Introduction to Autism
(a short animated film from the National Autistic Society)
SUCEDEN COSAS ASOMBROSAS: Una Introducción al Autismo
(Spanish language version)
With Lion's Pride,
Dr. Becky Godbey, Principal
Ms. Brenda Selva, Assistant Principal
Our school website https://laballona.ccusd.org/
Our PTA website https://laballonapta.org/
Our facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laballonaelementary
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laballonaelementaryschool/
This week, students in grades 3-5 had an incredible opportunity to engage in a dynamic and hands-on STEM lesson led by the United States Space Force and the STEM Coalition. They delved into fascinating topics surrounding Space, Rockets, and Satellites. Over the course of a 2-3 hour session, students showcased their knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as they constructed rockets to launch in the playground.
During the presentation, students investigated thought-provoking questions such as: What is space? How do rockets operate? What are satellites and how do they impact our daily lives? What excites you the most about space and its future? The enthusiasm in the room was truly remarkable!
We had an excellent turnout for our Coffee with Assistant Principal and Counselor Ulloa-Serrano, focusing on the CAASPP and strategies to assist your child in managing testing anxiety. State testing is scheduled from May 6th to May 30th for all students in grades 3 through 5. If you were unable to attend the Parent Presentation on testing during our Coffee Chat, here is the essential information for you.
Great news in Music with Ms. Smith:
The 3rd Graders are progressing nicely on their recorder, as we have implemented Recorder Karate- a motivational way to show our increasing skill levels on the instrument. They have all achieved their Orange Belt level, meaning they can play three songs using the notes B, A and G, and we're now working on a new note: C for our green belt song: Chi-Chi Chihuahua! Way to go 3rd Graders!
The 4th and 5th Graders are also making strides on learning the ukulele! They are locking four chords - C Major, a minor, F Major, and G Major - which are the foundation for many popular songs that everyone knows by artists like: The Beatles, Bruno Mars, Katie Perry, Post Malone, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, One Republic, Imagine Dragons, and more! Some of the students are really catching on quickly, so if you are interested in purchasing a ukulele for your child, we're learning on a Kala Soprano Ukulele! Keep it up 4th and 5th Graders!
Save the Date for The La Ballona Singing Lions' Spring Choir Concert on Wednesday, May 21st at 6:30pm. We have been working really hard on some pretty challenging music, and you're going to be impressed! See you then! Registration for choir this year has closed, but all rising 3rd, 4th, and 5th Graders will be most welcome to sing with us next school year!
APRIL
Benji, the Bad Day, and Me/Benyi, un mal día y yo by Sally J. Pla Story Read Aloud (English & Spanish)
Nothing seems to be going right for Sammy today. At school, he got in trouble for kicking a fence, then the cafeteria ran out of pizza for lunch. After he walks home in the pouring rain, he finds his autistic little brother Benji is having a bad day too. On days like this, Benji has a special play-box where he goes to feel cozy and safe. Sammy doesn't have a special place, and he's convinced no one cares how he feels or even notices him. But somebody is noticing, and may just have an idea on how to help Sammy feel better.
Selected Resources:
Guiding Questions:
This story is about a boy named Samuel and his little brother, Benji, who has autism. Have you ever heard of autism? It means that Benji has some differences in the way his brain works. In this story, Benji is comforted by his blanket. Just like all children, no two children with autism are the same. Esta historia trata sobre un niño llamado Samuel y su hermanito, Benji, quien tiene autismo. ¿Has oído hablar del autismo? Significa que Benji tiene algunas diferencias en la forma en que funciona su cerebro. En esta historia, Benji se consuela con su mantita. Al igual que todos los niños, no hay dos niños con autismo que sean iguales.
How do your family or friends help you when you need support? When you’re having a bad day, how do your family and friends make you feel better? What are some things that they do, and why does this comfort you? ¿Cómo te ayudan tu familia o tus amigos cuando necesitas apoyo? Cuando tienes un mal día, ¿cómo te hacen sentir mejor tu familia y tus amigos? ¿Qué cosas hacen y por qué eso te consuela?
How did Sammy, Benji, and Mama decorate Benji’s box? Why does Benji have a special box? (i.e. reducing sensory input) ¿Cómo decoraron Sammy, Benji y Mamá la caja de Benji? ¿Por qué Benji tiene una caja especial? (por ejemplo, para reducir estímulos sensoriales)
What is unique about the way Benji comforts Sammy when he gets upset? Benji doesn’t say many words throughout the book. How does he show Sammy that he cares about him without saying it in words? ¿Qué tiene de especial la manera en que Benji consuela a Sammy cuando se siente mal? Benji no dice muchas palabras a lo largo del libro. ¿Cómo le muestra a Sammy que le importa, sin usar palabras?
Additional Book: This Beach Is Loud! by Cotterill, Samantha
Join the La Ballona Lions to cheer on the World Series champion Dodgers as they face the Washington Nationals! The game starts at 1:10 p.m. on Sunday, June 22. We've reserved an entire section just for our community, so don't miss out!
La Ballona has purchased 194 tickets in section 38RS, in the upper deck along the first base line. Tickets will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. You will not be able to choose your seats when purchasing.
This Week at La Ballona
Monday, April 14
- Before and Afterschool Tutoring starts
Tuesday, April 15
- Before and Afterschool Tutoring
- 4th &5th grade Music Concert, 9:00am
Wednesday, April 16
- Choir at 8:00 am
- Instrumental Music
- Early Dismissal, 1:45pm
- Jazz Hands for Autism @ Frost, 7:00pm
Thursday, April 17
- Before and Afterschool Tutoring
- ELAC Meeting, 9:00am
- 1st grade Field Trip to Cayton Children Museum (Miyamoto & Ontiveros), 9:15am
- Bilingual Story time @ Village Well, 11:00am
- CCMS Parent Meeting for incoming students w/IEPs & 504s, 6:30pm (Zoom)
Friday, April 18
- Before and Afterschool Tutoring
Saturday, April 19
- Earth Fest @ El Rincon, 10:00am
La Ballona Elementary School
Culver City, CA 90232
Email: rosyreyes@ccusd.org
Website: www.laballona.ccusd.org
Location: La Ballona Elementary School, Washington Boulevard, Culver City, CA, USA
Phone: 3108424334
Facebook: facebook.com/laballonaelementary
Twitter: @LaBallona