El Semanario

Monday, Feb 17

• No School - President's Day

Tuesday, Feb 18

• Kindness and Justice Challenge continues

• Garden Classes and Garden Lunch Club

• Dance Class (1st-3rd)

Wednesday, Feb 19

• PTA General Meeting, 8:30 am, Library

Thursday, Feb 20

• Dance Class (1st-3rd)

• Mathletes, rm. 200 (students dismissed from class at 12:20 pm)

Friday, Feb 21

• Spirit Day! Wear your Edison Swag!

• Final Play: Alvarez, 8:30 am

• Final Play: Hernandez, 10:05 am

• 5th Grade Panoramic Photo, 8:30 am

Dear Edison Families,

February is Black History Month. This year’s theme, African Americans and Labor, “focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people” contributing significantly to the American economy and society.

Throughout the month, our students will explore these contributions and engage in meaningful discussions about the struggles, resistance, and resilience of Black laborers in the fight for justice. These lessons tie into our ongoing Kindness and Justice Challenge, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., where students focus on performing acts of justice.

To conclude the month, we’ll host A Visit with Great Black Americans, an interactive assembly that brings historical figures and events to life. This program, led by two actors, will inspire students to learn more about the impact of Black Americans on our history and motivate them to make their own contributions to a more just world.

Here are some ways Edison students engaged in studies around Black History Month in the past.

We are honored to offer our students these meaningful learning opportunities this month. While we focus on celebrating the history and achievements of the Black community during February, we also recognize the importance of providing students with ongoing opportunities throughout the year to connect, reflect, and engage in critical conversations about the contributions of people of African descent and the vital role they continue to play in shaping our history and society today.

Warmly,
Directora Ipiña

SMMUSD has partnered with Hanover Research to conduct a short survey to gather input from all parents about our school district’s climate and culture. We encourage you to share your opinions about your experiences in SMMUSD in order to inform the decisions made by school and district administrators. Please use the following link to take the survey: LINK. Survey deadline is Friday February 28, 2025.

Our beloved Valentine’s Dance is getting a fresh twist this year—introducing Fiesta Familiar! It's still the same unforgettable event, but with an exciting new name that better captures the spirit of fun for everyone. Our cafetorium will be transformed into a vibrant, sparkly dance space with a DJ playing everything from Latin beats to modern hits. In our library, you’ll find a festive Loteria game area where winners can choose from an array of amazing gift baskets. La Plazita will be buzzing with games and crafts, and don’t forget to stop by the photo booth to snap some fun memories. And of course, there will be delicious food for everyone to enjoy!

So why the name change? In the past, the “Valentine’s Dance” name led to some confusion and stress for our 4th and 5th graders, who worried they needed a “date.” Year after year, this caused unnecessary drama and hurt feelings. Since the goal of the event is to bring families together for a good time, we thought Fiesta Familiar was a much better fit. We can't wait to celebrate with you all—see you on Friday, February 28th starting at 5:30 pm!

The California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) is a non-profit organization incorporated in 1976 to promote bilingual education and quality educational experiences for all students in California. CABE has chapters, members and affiliates, along with partnerships with other state and national advocacy organizations working to promote equity and student achievement for students with diverse cultural, racial, and linguistic backgrounds. CABE recognizes and honors the fact that we live in a rich multicultural, global society and that respect for diversity makes us a stronger state and nation.

We are excited to announce that a team of immersion teachers and administrators are going to the 50th Anniversary CABE Conference this year and we have money to send up to 10 parents as well! If you would like to find out more about it, attend our PTA meeting this Wednesday (in person or Zoom). We will be sending out an interest link after the meeting for those that are interested in attending.

Each Wednesday, from 8:30-10:00 am, we have parent meetings in the Library. All parents are invited. Meetings are bilingual and there is a Zoom option at this link.

This week we will be hosting our PTA General Meeting. We will be talking about the upcoming CABE Conference opportunity for parents among other important topics.

Have you ever told your child that being bilingual could open doors for them in the future? On Thursday, April 3rd, our students will get the chance to meet inspiring professionals who use their bilingual skills in their careers, as part of Edison's very first Career Day! This special event will take the traditional career day to the next level, featuring bilingual guests who use their language skills every day in their jobs.

We’re looking for one or two parent volunteers to help bring this exciting event to life! The concept and schedule are all set—now we just need someone to help recruit guest speakers and coordinate the day. If you're interested in volunteering, please reach out to Directora Ipiña at eipina@smmusd.org.

All students in grades five, seven, and nine are required to take the Physical Fitness test annually starting in February. This will occur during the students physical education class. To learn more, click HERE

See below for resources regarding immigration:

• District Resource Page: https://www.smmusd.org/Page/4238

• City Resource Page: https://www.santamonica.gov/safeathome
• Legal Assistance: (888) 624-4752 - Call this number if you or someone you know is detained.
• Immigration Workshop- Know your Rights!
• Virginia Avenue Park, February 27, 2025, 7:00pm

At Edison, we deeply value our community and are committed to ensuring that all families receive the support they need. If you’ve been impacted by the fires, immigration laws, job loss, or are in need of food or mental health assistance, please reach out to our Bilingual Community Liaison, Jessica Hernandez. She can connect you with support services available in the LA area. Don’t hesitate to get in touch – you are not alone, and we are here to help.

Email: jessicahernandez@smmusd.org,

Phone: 310-828-0335 ext. 61-311

Our fantastic librarian, Yoly, would like to send a huge THANK YOU to all of the families that have bought books. We have gotten 55 new books! The kids have been so excited to get the books that they have been asking for. If you would like to buy a book and donate it to our library, our students would be very grateful. Click here to see our Edison Library Wishlist.

El Programa de Crianza Reflexiva (RPP) es un taller interactivo y experimental de 8 semanas diseñado para mejorar las habilidades de crianza críticas, sobre todo la capacidad de darle sentido al comportamiento de un niño. Los talleres les permiten a los padres descubrir nuevas formas de pensar sobre el comportamiento, los sentimientos y las acciones, mientras aprenden nuevas estrategias y técnicas diseñadas para mejorar su funcionamiento reflexivo. Los padres comenzarán a reconocer cómo su capacidad de reflexión puede servir como una herramienta poderosa para construir relaciones más fuertes y satisfactorias, así como para reducir la discordia emocional y la conducta desadaptativa en el niño.

El grupo es generosamente fundado por la cuidad de Santa Monica y es GRATIS para los padres de estudiantes que asisten a las escuelas del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Santa Mónica Malibu (SMMUSD) y padres de clientes con los Servicios de Family de Santa Monica (FSSM).

¡Espacios limitados! ¡Reserve su espacio ahora! La inscripción cierra el viernes, 21 de Febrero del 2025 o cuando el grupo haya alcanzado su capacidad (10-12 padres).

Los padres serán notificados por correo electrónico de su inscripción en el grupo. La inscripción se realiza por orden de llegada. No se aceptarán formularios de inscripción incompletos.