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Dear La Ballona Families,
Wishing families and students a fantastic day off this Monday in celebration of Presidents' Day! While Presidents Washington and Lincoln are often the most prominent figures in our history, this day serves to honor the contributions and achievements of all presidents throughout history. Did you know that George Washington was the only president to be elected unanimously? Additionally, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both passed away on July 4th, 1826. Thomas Jefferson was not only a president but also a skilled architect. Only James Madison and George Washington had the distinction of signing the Constitution. There are numerous intriguing facts about our past and present leaders. Use this day to explore and learn more about them!
Interesting Fact from the History Discovery Channel: Presidents' Day does not align with the actual birthday of any American president. Four presidents—George Washington, William Henry Harrison, Abraham Lincoln, and Ronald Reagan—were born in February, but their birthdays either fall too early or too late to coincide with Presidents' Day, which is always observed on the third Monday of the month.
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/
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind/El niño que domó el viento by William Kamkwamba
Story Read Aloud (English & Spanish)
When fourteen-year-old William Kamkwamba's Malawi village was hit by a drought, everyone's crops began to fail. Without enough money for food, let alone school, William spent his days in the library . . . and figured out how to bring electricity to his village. Persevering against the odds, William built a functioning windmill out of junkyard scraps, and thus became the local hero who harnessed the wind.
Lyrically told and gloriously illustrated, this story will inspire many as it shows how - even in the worst of times - a great idea and a lot of hard work can still rock the world.
Guiding Questions:
What do you know about Malawi? Find it on the map. There are many words throughout the text in Chichewa, a native language of Malawi. ¿Qué sabes sobre Malaui? Encuéntralo en el mapa. Hay muchas palabras en todo el texto en chichewa, un idioma nativo de Malaui.
Could you imagine living without electricity? What would your life be like? ¿Podrías imaginar vivir sin electricidad? ¿Cómo sería tu vida?
What did electricity and the creation of the windmill mean for William, his family, and his village? What might his accomplishment mean for the world? ¿Qué significaron la electricidad y la creación del molino de viento para William, su familia y su aldea? ¿Qué podría significar su logro para el mundo?
What motivates people like William to attempt the unthinkable and work to solve complex problems? ¿Qué motiva a personas como William a intentar lo impensable y trabajar para resolver problemas complejos?
Additional Book: One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia by Miranda Paul
On Wednesday night, the La Ballona Singing Lions joined nearly 400 other student musicians in the District Music Festival at the Frost Auditorium! It was a thrilling evening of music that featured the CCHS/AVPA and CCMS instrumental ensembles, the CCMS 6th Grade Choir (directed by our own Ms. Smith), and the combined choirs from all five district elementary schools! The night culminated in a combined performance by all musicians of "We Are the World," that was equally as moving as it was powerful!
Congrats to all the performers! PS - If your child would like to join our choir, it's not too late! Reach out to Ms. Smith at erinsmith@ccusd.org for more information!
We are thrilled to announce that Mikiyas, Lana, Anand, and Georgia will proudly represent La Ballona at this year's District Spelling Bee on Thursday, February 20th, at 5:30 PM. Participants are requested to arrive at Robert Frost by 5:00 PM for check-in.
Come and show your support as we rally behind our outstanding students alongside CCUSD's other elementary and CCMS site winners. Go Lions!
We are celebrating Black History Month on February 26th with our student-led performances. The national theme for Black History Month 2025 focuses on “African Americans and Labor”. We can’t wait to celebrate Black History Month with our school community.
You can learn more about Black History Month by reviewing the following resources:
On another note, Counselor Serrano will be on a Medical Leave starting this week until after Spring Break. In the event of any mental health emergencies, admin, Ms. Bannerman, and Mrs. Pinzon are available to assist. We are in the process of securing a substitute counselor. When details are finalized, we'll let our families know. We send Counselor Ulloa-Serrano strength!
Te invitamos a asistir una capacitación para padres en español para aprender cómo puede apoyar y fomentar el éxito de su estudiante con i-Ready.
Fecha: lunes 24 de febrero
Hora: 5:30-6:30 pm
Vía Zoom en: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87517844078?
pwd=kB0Tmrvymzsi3f0b9k3frTGOlw318d.1
ID de la reunión: 875 1784 4078
Código de acceso: BAa5sE
¿Qué es i-Ready?
i-Ready ofrece a los estudiantes lecciones basadas en su nivel de habilidad individual y oportunidades de mejora, para que su estudiante pueda aprender al ritmo adecuado para él.
CCUSD administra evaluaciones de i-Ready 3 veces al año: en agosto, enero y junio.
El Informe de familias de i-Ready permite a los padres/tutores ver los resultados de las evaluaciones de sus estudiantes. El Centro familiar de i-Ready enlaza con recursos y herramientas útiles para apoyar el aprendizaje de su estudiante en casa.
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We invite you to attend a Parent Training in Spanish and English to learn how you can support and encourage your student’s success with i-Ready.
What is i-Ready? i-Ready provides students with lessons based on their individual skill level and opportunities for improvement, so your student can learn at a pace that is just right for them. CCUSD administers i-Ready assessments 3 times a year – in August, January and June. i-Ready’s Families Report allows parents/guardians to view their student’s results from the assessments. i-Ready’s Family Center links to resources and helpful tools to support your student’s learning at home.
Date: Monday, February 24th Time: 5:30-6:30 pm Via Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87517844078? pwd=kB0Tmrvymzsi3f0b9k3frTGOlw3i8d.1 Meeting ID: 875 1784 4078 Passcode: BAa5sE
This Week at La Ballona
Monday, February 17
- No School ~ President's Day
Tuesday, February 18
- Before and Afterschool Tutoring
- Disney Musical Rehearsal, 3:15 pm
Wednesday, February 19
- Choir at 8:00 am
- Instrumental Music
- Incoming TK/K School Tour, 9am (English)
- Early Dismissal, 1:45pm
- Beyond the Times & Production Performance,
Thursday, February 20
- Before and Afterschool Tutoring
- Disney Musical Rehearsal, 3:15 pm
- District Spelling Bee, 5:30pm
Friday, February 21
- Before and Afterschool Tutoring
- Earthquake Drill
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