Hello La Ballona Families,

It's Parent Conference Time. On December 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, and 15, school will be dismissed at 11:45. There will be no live or asynchronous work assigned after 11:45 on these days. One of the most important times of the year for your child's education is when you meet with the teacher for a parent conference. As partners, teachers and parents must work together constantly, and the parent conference is a perfect time to come together to discuss progress and next steps. Here are some tips to help you have a successful parent-teacher conference.

Before the Meeting

• Find out your conference time and mark it in your calendar so that you do not miss your time.
• Make sure your technology device is prepared for the Zoom meeting. Your student's device is a good choice because you know it works already.
• Regularly read all the correspondence from the teacher and the school. In this way, you are aware of the basics, and your conference can fully focus on your child's progress.

During the Meeting

• Ask clarifying questions so that you truly understand.
• Be honest and share any concerns you may have so that we can work together.
• Take notes. You'll be getting a lot of information all at once. It'll be helpful to have notes to refer back to.

After the Meeting

• Follow up with your child with any necessary next steps
• Show your appreciation to the teacher. Your positive reinforcement will go a long way.
• Stay involved. Continue to read the Weekly Roar and the teacher's communication.

Most importantly, it's essential for all of us to recognize that we all want the same thing: a successful educational experience for your child. Keeping an open mind and a willingness to work together to problem-solve ensures that your La Ballona Lion will have the best outcome during this very difficult school year.

Thank you,

Dr. Becky Godbey

Many La Ballona 5th graders participated in the Young Storytellers Program: Collaborative Stories, Storytelling to build connection and collaboration skills. Their website (https://www.youngstorytellers.com) describes this program:

This 7-week program is based on the foundation of Script to Stage, but facilitates more collaboration as writers work together to tell a story through large group sessions guided by 1-2 mentors. When their story is complete, they watch it come to life with the help of professional actors at a virtual Big Show. As part of this program, students reflect on challenges and unfairness they’ve seen or experienced in their own lives, and work with the group to find nonviolent solutions to these events through metaphor and story.

Below is the 34 minute Big Show . Enjoy.

In the past, teachers would reward students when they caught a student doing the right thing. Now it's the parents turn. Send rebeccagodbey@ccusd.org your pictures of your students "Caught Being Good". Don't forget to include their name, grade, and teacher.

Pictured Here:

This is Raihan in Mrs. Jensen's 3rd Grade class.

La Ballona Students are doing a remarkable job with the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge. If you'd like to get involved in the action, please register your child by downloading the “Kids Heart Challenge” FREE App or visit our school’s homepage http://www2.heart.org/goto/laballona

All students that register win a free "no ascynchronous work" pass. If La Ballona beats last year's record ($3,000 raised for the AHA), Dr. Godbey will dye her hair PINK!

Below are suggestions of 15 ways for Affirmations.

La Ballona is excited to welcome Ms. Marlene Horowitz to our teaching team. Ms. Horowitz was born and raised in Mexico, living there until she was sixteen. Soon after arriving in the USA, she enrolled in Santa Monica College and transferred to California State University Northridge., majoring in Liberal Studies and receiving her teaching credential in June, 1998.

Ms. Horowitz has worked in the classroom over the past 20 years. She statees, "students have taught me more life lessons that I can possibly ever teach. Every year, every classroom, every student is different and there is no formula on how to teach until you are in the classroom for the first time."

During her free time, Ms. Horowitz likes to travel, cook, sing and dance. If you visit her classroom do not be surprised if to see students listening and dancing to their favorite music. She is deeply excited for this opportunity and looking forward to meeting you! Ms. Horowitz can be reached at magdalenahorowitz@ccusd.org.

Everyone loves twinkling lights, shiny ornaments, and fragrant Christmas trees but not all decor is environmentally friendly

Check out some #sustainable tips to reduce your waste & find eco-friendly gift ideas:

http://thegreencities.com/.../6-tips-for-sustainable…/

https://earth911.com/home-garden/how-to-reduce-waste-holidays/

http://www.rethinkrecycling.com/residents/reduce/reduce-waste-during-holidays/

https://www.re-sources.org/2020/11/holiday-waste-tips/

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/gift-ideas/g30188103/eco-friendly-gifts/

https://earthyb.com/blog/eco-gifts/

Join CCUSD Green at our next Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting on Thurs. Dec 17 from 5pm-6.30. Contact sustainability@ccusd.org for zoom details or any questions.

We want all families to know that they are welcome to attend our PTA meetings and events! You do not have to be a member. The PTA is vital to our school. We provide field trips, school supplies, teacher grants, volunteer support, the garden, assemblies, family nights, and much much more. We appreciate everything our parents to to help La Ballona. We hope you participate in the following PTA/school community events:

Holiday Harps Family Assembly- December 16th at 7pm.

10915 Washington Boulevard

Culver City, CA 90232

Email: erikaarredondo@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