The Weekly Roar
February 3, 2024
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Dear La Ballona Families,
The excitement for the 100th/1000th day of school is typically an exciting milestone for elementary students. In TK-5th grade, it represents a halfway point of the school year. In the case of our 5th grade students, it's a celebration of their 1000th day of school and reason to celebrate. So much learning has taken place! More importantly, it is an opportunity for students to reflect on the learning and progress they have made. La Ballona has amazing staff whose superpowers, have transformed and enriched your child’s learning! Congratulations Lions for powering through 100 days of fun and firing off your neurons!
On Friday, we had a wonderful kick-off to our Black History Month (BHM) and acknowledge Historical Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). Culver City's mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, first woman of color elected to the city, introduced herself to our community during the Family Friday assembly! She was impressed by the leadership skills of our Student Council as they led the assembly. Students had the opportunity to ask her questions, some even managed to get an autograph and pose for pictures. Thanks, Mayor McMorrin for sharing the stage with La Ballona!
With Lion's Pride!
Dr. Becky Godbey, Principal
Ms. Brenda Selva, Assistant Principal
In this newsletter:
- Around the School
- Counselor Corner
- School Meal Information
- Community & After-School Opportunities
- Our Calendar
Our school website https://laballona.ccusd.org/
Our PTA website https://laballonapta.org/
Our facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laballonaelementary
Twitter https://twitter.com/LaBallona
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laballonaelementaryschool/
Pictures Courtesty of Angie Graves
Weekly Principal's Assembly
Working Together*Trabajar Juntos
Students have been in school for 100 days as of Monday, February 5th! We continue to reinforce and review our PAWS/PATA expectations. Ask your child to share with you how they can work together with others. How can they take turns? Dr. Godbey shared a game they can play (La Ballona way) in this week's Principal's video. What could it be?
1. Around the School
Lost & Found Act of Kindness!
Although Kindness Week was last week, students in Mrs. King's class took it upon themselves to spread kindness to La Ballona by taking the initiative to organize the lost and found items and returning missing books to the library. Way to go, Room 15 Lions!
Safety Around La Ballona!
Unfortunately this week, a student we experience an accident right after school. A student was not seriously hurt, but we continue to urge our community, to exercise precaution when driving around campus during drop-off and pick-up. As always, we strongly recommend the three-block challenge: park three blocks away and walk up to pick up your children. This not only allows for exercise but also promotes family bonding. The safety of all students and their families is our top priority.
District Wide Music Concert!
Hi Choir families!
I hope you and your singers are ready for our upcoming concert at the Robert Frost Auditorium! A flyer was sent home and I've attached a copy if needed. Here are the details (times are approximate):
1) If you'd like, arrive early to get food from the food truck, books from the book van, check out Art & Innovation, and socialize before 5:30.
2) At 5:30, students arrive, dressed and ready, and will find their assigned school seats, which will be labeled, and they can sit in these seats. They will remain there for the ENTIRE concert and performance and will be picked up from there at the end.
UNIFORM: Black on bottom, White on top. Any special additions should be simple and formal. This is a very professional performance.
3) At 5:40, the practice begins. It will feel like the actual performance to the students, but it is not! We need to treat it like the real thing so we can be ready. Students should be as professional and grownup as they can be for this practice and concert.
4) The official concert begins at 6:30. Students will have a chance to use the bathroom and get final drinks before the show starts, if they need to.
5) Once the concert starts, students will be expected to remain in their seats and be respectful to the audience and other performers. They will hear the Middle School and High School music groups before it is our turn.
6) Elementary Choirs are last. Our school speakers will go on stage and speak before we sing. We will sing these four songs:
Peace Peace, Dona Nobis Pacem, Amani Utupe, and You Will Be Found.
7) When the concert is over, students will remain in their seats until picked up by their grownup.
8) If you've actually read this & are willing to help me chaperone, I'd love it! I broke my kneecap and am on crutches so extra hands, legs, and bodies to keep the students safe and calm would be 1000% appreciated!
Please reach out if any further clarification is needed! And be ready to take & share lots of pics and videos! They are so sweet!
Warmly,
Kimberly Gerber Gallagher (Ms. G)
Elementary Vocal Music Educator, CCUSD
Health Corner!
The Sandy Segal Youth Health Center (SSYHC) has provided primary medical care to Culver City students for over 30 years. They are located on the Middle school and High school campuses with a physician on site every Wednesday and Friday. Please see the flier attached to learn more on the services provided and how to make an appointment.
El Centro de Salud Juvenil Sandy Segal (SSYHC) ha proveído atención médica primaria a estudiantes de Culver City durante más de 30 años. Ellas están ubicadas en los campus de CCMS y CCHS con un médico todos los miércoles y viernes. Consulte el folleto adjunto para obtener más información sobre los servicios prestados y cómo hacer una cita.
Leo's Book Club
FEBRUARY-Yasmin the Friend/ Yasmin la amiga by Saadia Faruqi
Story Read Aloud (English & Spanish)
Yasmin knows exactly what she wants to play when her friends come over. But it turns out her friends have their own ideas. Could a creative compromise make everyone happy?
Selected Resources:
Guiding Questions:
When you and your friends want to play different games, how do you decide which to play? Cuando tú y tus amigos queréis jugar juegos diferentes, ¿cómo decides cuál jugar?
What have you learned about Yasmin’s culture? How is this similar to or different from what your family does?¿Qué has aprendido sobre la cultura de Yasmin? ¿En qué se parece o se diferencia esto de lo que hace su familia?
Look at the illustrations, draw students’ attention to the clothes her and her friends wear. Ask for volunteers who may know what a sari or kameez is. If no one does, explain that a sari is a long, loose dress, usually made of silk. A kameez is a long, loose-fitting shirt worn by both men and women. Both styles originated in the Indian subcontinent and
the middle east. If time permits, explain that the shalwar kameez consists of a long shirt (kameez) and baggy pants (shalwar). It is the national dress of Pakistan! Guide students to consider that their “normal” school clothes may not be considered “normal” in another country. Use this to jump into a thoughtful discussion about how “normal” or “other” is relative to what we are used to. —-Mira las ilustraciones y dirige la atención de los estudiantes sobre la ropa que usan ella y sus amigas. Pida voluntarios que puedan saber qué es un sari o kameez. Si nadie lo hace, explíquele que un sari es un vestido largo y suelto, generalmente hecho de seda. Un kameez es una camisa larga y holgada que usan tanto hombres como mujeres. Ambos estilos se originaron en el subcontinente indio y el medio Oriente. Si el tiempo lo permite, explique que el shalwar kameez consiste de una camisa larga (kameez) y pantalones holgados (shalwar). ¡Es el traje nacional de Pakistán! Guíe a los estudiantes para que consideren que su ropa escolar “normal” puede considerarse no “normal” en otro país. Utilice esto para iniciar una discusión reflexiva sobre qué tan "normal" u "otro" es en relación con lo que estamos acostumbrados.
Additional Book: The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah
Incoming TK and Kindergarten Information & Tours
If you have a student starting TK or kindergarten next year, you're invited to attend La Ballona's Kindergarten Informational Campus Tours.
School Accountability Report Card (SARC)
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The California Constitution requires schools to annually publish a School Accountability Report Card (SARC) to provide data “by which parents can make meaningful comparisons between public schools enabling them to make informed decisions on which school to enroll their children.” CCUSD believes that information contained in these reports will enable parents to gain an accurate and realistic picture of its schools.
SARCs are posted on the school’s and district’s websites in English and Spanish. The most recent SARCs are in the process of being translated. Please access them at www.ccusd.org/sarcs/ . If you desire a hard copy of your school’s SARC, please contact your school’s main office.
Attendance Matters!
Did you know when a student enters class late, it effects that student's learning and interrupts the learning of others?
We understand the challenges of parking around La Ballona, which is why we encourage you to arrive earlier or bring your child during breakfast hours, 8:00-8:35am. Parents are responsible for bringing their child to school on time. Our tardy policy stresses the importance of promptness as a valued “work ethic.”
Please notify our Senior Office Assistant/Attendance, Ms. Shamara shamarajohnsonroque@ccusd.org stating the date and reason for the absence. If the absence is due to an illness, please be specific as to the nature of the illness. If you received a doctor's note, please email a copy to Ms. Shamara or bring it by the Main Office.
Did you know?
Missing 10 % of school can make it harder for students to learn to read.
Coming to school leads to positive attendance habits.
Attending school helps children make friends, feel good about themselves, and achieve their goals.
Walk and Roll to School!
Black History Month!
Hello parents and guardians!
Get ready for an exhilarating month of activities at La Ballona Elementary celebrating Black History Month. We kicked off the month of Black History Month with Family Friday/ Lions Pride Kickoff Assembly, setting the tone for a series of engaging and inclusive events. On February 29th (new date), our students across all grade levels will showcase their talents through a variety of presentations, including captivating songs and lively dance performances. The festivities will continue throughout the month, culminating with our Black History Month Student Assembly, where we will honor and celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of African Americans. This series of events not only highlights the diverse talents within our school community but also fosters a sense of unity and pride among students, staff, and families. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the vibrant spirit of La Ballona Elementary!
Parents and guardians are welcome to join and more information about campus accessibility will be delivered closer to the date.
Warmly,
Bianca Bannerman-Family Center Therapist
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
La Ballona Elementary SchoolGoogle Voice Phone Number: (323) 407-8494
Office Phone Number: (310) 842-4390
Valentine's Day is Coming!
Valentine's Day is a nice time where families help their child make cards for their classmates. Teachers may share some classroom guideline they use to ensure all students are included as friendships are celebrated. Here are some LB guidelines for Valentine’s Day.
If students bring cards/treats, they should bring them to all classmates.
Treats may not be eaten until the last hour of the day.
Food Treats should be store-bought.
ELAC Meeting!
On Thursday, February 15th from 9:00-10:00am, we invite all ELAC families of English Learners to learn what the ELPAC Summative assessment ELL students will be taking in a month or two is all about. In addition to the regular ELAC meeting, we'll have the opportunity to listen to Dr. Cardenas, the Adult School Principal, speak about a parent engagement class (PIQUE) that has been exclusively selected to support our English Learner families. These classes will start on February 27th for 8 weeks!
2. Counselor's Corner
National School Counseling Week is February 5-February 9th!
The 2024 National School Counseling Week (NSCW) is celebrated from February 5–9, 2024. We appreciate our Counseling Team!
The theme of this year’s week is “School Counselors: Standards-Based, Student-Focused.” The purpose of NSCW is to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within the United States school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. It is also a time to thank school staff, families, and other stakeholders for their contribution to the comprehensive school counseling program.
Did you know that school counselors have standards? The ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success describe the knowledge, attitudes, and skills students need to achieve academic success, college and career readiness, and social/emotional development. The standards are based on a survey of research and best practices in student achievement from a wide array of educational standards and efforts.
What to expect during National School Counseling Week:
Teachers will receive:
Midyear school counseling report
La Ballona teamwork highlights
Future plans for our comprehensive school counseling program
CHIPS and SODAs (Teachers will receive CHIPS and Soda on Wednesday during our PD
Next week parents will have access to the midyear counseling report and school counseling highlights! I want to thank all stakeholders including staff, students, PTA, families, and community members for their contributions to our school counseling program!
The CCUSD elementary school counseling team is collaborating to deliver a parent education workshop on Growth Mindset and Building Resiliency on Wednesday, February 28th at 6:30 pm. The English and Japanese Zoom link is http://tinyurl.com/EngResilience Meeting ID: 816 0537 0995 Passcode: 009328
The Spanish Zoom link is http://tinyurl.com/SpanResilience Meeting ID: 872 7690 8519 Passcode: LBC
Counselor Serrano will be delivering the Spanish workshop. Attached is the flyer.
This is the link.
3. School Meal Information
4. 5th Grade Committee
We have great things coming for our 5th Graders! Please keep an eye out for: / ¡Tenemos grandes cosas por venir para nuestros estudiantes de 5to grado! Esté atento a:
If you interested in donating to the 5th grade activities (graduation, picnic, etc) please use the QR code on the next slide or click this link: 5th Grade Fundraising / Hemos recaudado alrededor de $1,400 hasta ahora, pero nuestra meta es $3,000. Si está interesado en donar para las actividades de quinto grado (graduación, picnic, etc.), utilice el código QR a continuación o haga clic en este enlace: Recaudación de fondos de quinto grado
5. Community & AfterSchool Opportunities
Did you miss the PTA Meeting?
Here are the slides from Thursday's PTA meeting. If you have any questions, please reach out to LaBallonaPTA@gmail.com
Photos needed for our school yearbook!
Do you have great photos taken on campus or on a field trip? Did you take photos at one of our after-school events, grade level playdate, or a school-related community event? The yearbook is looking for a variety of photos of our students. Please choose a few favorites from each event, email them to laballonayearbook@gmail.com and let us know who is in the photo and where it takes place. Thank you!
LOOKING FOR PTA ENRICHMENT VOLUNTEERS
Please join us for Morning Reading Club every Wednesday 8:00-8:30am in the new school library. Volunteers are also needed for our afterschool programming, including breakdancing, science lab, tennis, and many more! (Clearance needed).
PTA's Special Vote Meeting on 2/7 @7:30pm!
📣Please join us for a Special PTA meeting on Feb 7, to vote on Measure E @7:30 pm
This is a draft guide of plans for renovations at La Ballona. Please note that this draft is subject to change, with one example being that the newly renovated library will remain as it currently is. // Este es un borrador de guía de planes para renovaciones en La Ballona. https://www.ccusdfutureready.org/la-ballona-campus-guide
Wording of the measure as it will appear on the ballot can be found here: https://ballotpedia.org/Culver_City_Unified_School...
PTA Meeting Zoom Link:
CCUSD PTA Inclusion Committee
Attention Families of 5th graders with IEP’s and 504’s: Culver City Council Inclusion Committee is hosting a Parent Inclusion Panel. Come to hear from parents of current middle schoolers and ask all your questions! RSVP here: https://forms.gle/P3YEcaVoVGRLEQJx7
AANHPI Night Market!
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders Owned Businesses invite you to Night Market!
Join us for the event on February 9, 2024 from 5-9 at CCHS Cafeteria!
At the beginning of Lunar New Year, Culver City Unified School District (CCUSD) is honored to showcase Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) owned businesses, vendors, organizations, and performers to highlight and celebrate their talents, delectable goods and unique wares. Our hope is that students and their families experience and support our fantastic local businesses, one vendor at a time. We are still looking for vendors. All AANHPI related student and community organizations are welcome to fundraise, vend, or provide resources. Please complete this form if interested: AANHPI Night Market Vendor Inquiry.
Culver City PTA Council’s Family Education Night!
Culver City PTA Council’s Family Education Night, February 13, 2024
“The Black Family’s Guide to College Admissions”
Join us for an informative and empowering book signing and discussion with Timothy L. Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown, authors of “The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions" on February 13, 2024, from 6-8pm (in-person) and via zoom.
Fields and Herndon-Brown are experts with extensive experience in college admissions and will dive into a discussion centered around navigating college admissions, including important factors Black students should consider when choosing a college. A FREE copy of the book will be given to the first 40 families to register, ask for a book, and attend with additional copies of the book available for purchase. Dinner will be served. Please come at 6 pm to pick up a book and get dinner before the presentation. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or student, this book signing and discussion will provide invaluable insights and tips for students and families.
All students and families in the CCUSD community are welcome and encouraged to attend!
For questions, please reach out to: Gina Polesetsky, CCCPTA VP for DEI at gina.polesetsky@gmail.com.
Registration form: http://tinyurl.com/yu3yp46v
Únase a nosotros para una discusión y firma de libros informativa y empoderadora con Timothy L. Fields y Shereem Herndon-Brown, autores de "La guía de la familia negra para las admisiones universitarias" el 13 de febrero de 2024, de 6 a 8 p.m. (en persona) y a través de zoom.
Fields y Herndon-Brown son expertos con amplia experiencia en admisiones universitarias y se sumergirán en una discusión centrada en cómo navegar las admisiones universitarias, incluidos factores importantes que los estudiantes negros deben considerar al elegir una universidad. Se entregará una copia GRATUITA del libro a las primeras 40 familias que se registren, soliciten un libro y asistan con copias adicionales del libro disponibles para su compra. Se servirá la cena. Venga a las 6 pm para recoger un libro y cenar antes de la presentación. Ya sea usted padre, tutor o estudiante, esta discusión y firma de libros brindará ideas y consejos invaluables para estudiantes y familias.
¡Todos los estudiantes y familias de la comunidad del CCUSD son bienvenidos y animados a asistir!
Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con: Gina Polesetsky, vicepresidenta de CCCPTA para DEI en: gina.polesetsky@gmail.com.
Formulario de inscripción: http://tinyurl.com/yu3yp46v
5. Our Calendar
This Week at La Ballona
All new events, will be in italics
Monday, February 5
- National School Counseling Week begins
Tuesday, February 6
- Dual Immersion Information Session for incoming TK/K in Spanish, 9am
- Incoming TK/K Tour in Spanish,10am
- Disney Musical Rehearsal 3:30-5:00pm
- Special vote PTA Meeting, 7:30pm
Wednesday, February 7
- Walk and Roll to School, 8-8:35am
- Rainbow Day Event
- School Dismissal, 1:45pm
- CCUSD District Music Concert, 6:30pm
Thursday, February 8
- Choir
- Disney Musical Rehearsal 3:30-5:00pm
Friday, February 9
- La Ballona Spelling Bee, 9am
- AANHPI Night Market, 5pm
Upcoming Dates (New Dates in Bold)
February 12 - No School Lincoln’s Birthday
February 13-Culver City PTA Council's Family Education Night, 6pm
February 14- 7:00 pm Equal Access Committee
February 15- ELAC #3 Meeting
February 15-Kindergarten Tour in Spanish, 10am
February 19- No School Presidents’ Day
February 22-Kindergarten Tour in English, 9:30am
February 22-CCUSD Spelling Bee at Robert Frost, 5pm
February 28-Dental Screening
February 28-Family Engagement Meeting with new Superintendent, Dr. Lucas
February 29-Dual Immersion Information Session in English, 9am
February 29-Kindergarten Tour in English, 10am
February 29-Black History Month Student Performance, 2:30pm (new date)
March 1-Family Friday Lunar New Year Dragon Parade, 8:35am
2023/2024 CCUSD CALENDAR and MONTHLY EVENTS AT A GLANCE
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