Welcome to a New Year!
Dear Families,
We hope you've enjoyed your two-week vacation. We're looking forward to seeing your wonderful children on Zoom, Monday, January 4th at 8:45am! It's a new year, and we're determined to make this a great year at La Ballona. We are off to a good start!
January's Theme: Kindness
This month, we'll focus on kindness. Specifically, we'll focus on the Social Justice Standard of Action where "Students will recognize their own responsibility to stand up to exclusion, prejudice and injustice." Classes will embed kindness into their daily lessons and interactions.
New Year, New You?
Each new year, we take a moment to reflect on the good and bad of the past year. Many folks set goals so that they improve their lives. I encourage your children to set a goal. Perhaps they want to walk more, or learn to draw realistic animals. The reason goal-setting is important is, it helps students build confidence. They learn that they have the tools they need to navigate their own life. Even Kindergarteners can set goals (with adult support). If you choose to encourage your children to set a goal, here are some tips:
- Be sure it is your child's goal, not your goal for them. This will increase their motivation.
- Guide the goal setting so that the goal is achievable. Becoming an NBA Star in 2021 is not achievable, but learning to make a layup shot is achievable (depending on age of course).
- Be the guide on the side, asking questions such as "What do you need to do that?" or "What will help you remember your goal"
- If you child would like to share their goal with me, they can email me at rebeccagodbey@ccusd.org
Supply Update
We're planning on Pick Up days for January 13 &14. Santa brought the Math Kits that we ordered in August! Classroom teachers may also have supplies for you to pick up. Be on the look out for a flyer from the school.
May your first week in 2021 ease you into a wonderful year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Becky Godbey
Kids Heart Challenge!
My Heart is filled with warmth! La Ballona Students raised $4298.12 for the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge! What kind, giving students and families we have at our school.
Congratulations to Ms. Jensen's 3rd grade class for winning a Zoom Party with Dr. Godbey for having the most participants.
And congratulations to the WHOLE ENTIRE SCHOOL. You will now have a principal with PINK hair! Why? Our goal was to beat last year's amount which as $3,000. Boy did we beat our record! Here comes Dr. Pink Godbey!
For those of you who won bracelets, keychains, and shirts, we will be contacting you on the best time to pick up your prizes.
Adult School Opportunity
Do your English language skills sometimes get in the way when you are trying to help your children with school? If so, Culver City Adult School is offering a free-of-charge class for you! Interested? Please click on this link: Parent Education Class from Culver City Adult School
We're #1
La Ballona has made a comeback and is now in the LEAD! Please register so that we continue "walking across America!" Wouldn't it be nice to spend travel to Washington DC?
Everyone Belongs in our PTA!
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:
January 7- PTA Meeting at 6:30 Zoom Link
La Ballona Elementary School
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