
The Weekly Roar!
May 3, 2025
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Dear La Ballona Families,
Testing season is back! Our 5th graders will participate in the state-wide standardized assessments, this week. Students in 3rd and 4th, will begin their assessments next week. Make-up sessions available from May 26th to May 30th. We strongly encourage families to talk to their child, motivate, and encourage them to always put forth their best effort.
Important Tips for Families to Support Their Children:
Prioritize Daily Attendance: Make sure your child comes to school every day, especially from May 6 to May 30. Consistent attendance during state testing is crucial for building your child's confidence as they tackle each part of the assessment.
Ensure Punctual Arrival: Arriving at school on time is essential. It helps your child receive all necessary instructions for the testing process.
Avoid Morning Appointments: Try not to schedule any appointments in the morning to minimize disruptions.
Promote Healthy Sleep Habits: Encourage your child to get between 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night for optimal focus and performance.
Provide a Nutritious Breakfast: A healthy breakfast is important. The cafeteria will be open from 8:00 to 8:30 AM for your convenience.
Minimize Pressure: Remind your child that testing is their opportunity to showcase everything they have learned. Encourage a positive mindset, they got this!
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/
1. Around School!
Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week!
It's that special time of year when teachers and staff in CCUSD and across the nation are honored for their unwavering dedication and commitment. Every day, educators lay the groundwork for student success, addressing both academic and socio-emotional needs while making learning an enjoyable experience! We invite families to consider meaningful ways to express love and gratitude for their child's teacher and support staff!
Moreover, our dedicated support staff plays a vital role in assisting students with their social-emotional and academic growth. A heartfelt thank you to the PTA for organizing "special" events this week to honor our teachers and staff, as well as providing families with creative ideas to show appreciation.
Join the PTA from May 5-9, to celebrate and recognize our AMAZING teachers and staff! There are numerous opportunities for you and your students to express your gratitude throughout the week. Thank you for helping make this wonderful for La Ballona's amazing Staff!
May 7th is National School Nurse's Day!
Since 1972, National School Nurse Day has been set aside to recognize school nurses. National School Nurse Day was established to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting. School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week. Thank you for all that you do for the students at La Ballona, Nurse Sara and Denise!
This year's theme for School Nurse's Week is, "The Power of Nurses"
School Lunch Hero Day Was On May 2nd!
School Lunch Hero Day is a special occasion to honor and express gratitude to our dedicated nutrition professionals. Students and teachers came together to celebrate our remarkable Ms. Bessy, Ms. Emile, and Ms. Rana, showcasing their unwavering commitment, positivity, and the genuine care they provide to our students daily as they prepare nourishing lunches.
Arts & Innovation Adventures!
Walk and Roll to School is Coming!
Please join La Ballona on Wednesday, May 7th, from 8:00-8:35am for the last Walk & Roll to School of the school year.
Principal Mina Shiratori Selection!
La Ballona's Spring Choir Concert is Coming!
Great news in Music with Ms. Smith:
The 3rd Graders are progressing nicely on their recorder, as we have implemented Recorder Karate- a motivational way to show our increasing skill levels on the instrument. Since we've returned to Spring Break, we've been busy reviewing our notes on the staff, so we can lock in those pitches for our recorder songs! Ask your 3rd Grader what "Every Good Burger Deserves Fries" means!
The 4th and 5th Graders are also making strides on learning the ukulele! We're working our muscle memory on our fretting hand for the four chords (C Major, a minor, F Major, and G Major) - which are the foundation for many popular songs that everyone knows! We'll soon do some informal performances for younger grade levels for fun. Some of the students are really catching on quickly, so if you are interested in purchasing a ukulele for your child, we're learning on a Kala Soprano Ukulele! Keep it up 4th and 5th Graders!
The La Ballona Singing Lions had a great rehearsal this week, as we have been working on new and more challenging pieces for our Spring Concert on May 21st at 6:30pm- we hope to see you there! Registration for choir this year has closed, but all rising 3rd, 4th, and 5th Graders will be most welcome to sing with us next school year!
CCUSD Elementary Instrumental Music Concert is Coming!
CCUSD ELEMENTARY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC ENSEMBLES PERFORMANCE
THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025 7PM
ROBERT FROST AUDITORIUM
On Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 7:00pm, the Elementary Instrumental Music ensembles of Culver City Unified School District will be performing in the Robert Frost Auditorium. Fourth and fifth grade Wind and String ensembles will begin at 7:00 p.m. These students should arrive by 6:15 p.m. The concert will finish by 8:00 p.m.
Concert Dress
All students should be dressed in concert attire (white shirt or blouse and black or dark pants or
skirt) and arrive prepared to perform with their instruments and music books. Following the concert,
we'll be collecting instruments and books at the end of the concert. Each student
will need to be checked off before they leave.
Thank you,
Mr. Pascoe
2. Counselor Ulloa-Serrano's Corner!
As we recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of mental well-being. We encourage you to explore some helpful tips for maintaining mental health, which you can find in this month's newsletter. Thank you for your continued support in fostering a nurturing environment for our students.
3. School Meal Information
What's for Breakfast and/or Lunch in May?
4. 5th Grade Opportunities
5th Grade T-Shirts!
Many of you remarked that the 5th grade shirts are FUN! Thanks to Jenniffer Clinton for organizing them! Guess what? You can purchase more - for parents, grandparents, siblings, etc. Shirts are $25 each and a portion of the proceeds will go towards 5th grade end-of-year activities. If you would like to order a shirt, please fill out this Google Sheet by Monday May 5th and pay your $25 to the fundraising website (also by May 5) for your order to be included. Shirts will be ready for end of year celebrations including the International night/Extravaganza!
Order Here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1e-Z3vJgksf6n8YM8CDh3vWcEMMmwdTuUnLrAFf8AfPk/edit?usp=sharing
Attention 5th Grade - Save the Dates!
The 5th Grade Committee is planning a lot of fun events to celebrate the quickly approaching end of the school year. 5th grade families, please save the date for these activities! More information to come! https://www.canva.com/design/DAGkoT-gJs0/1yclnC3khBOwb2N4FDzR7A/edit
5. Community & AfterSchool Opportunities
Lions' Pride Jog-a-Thon!
We have raised, $35, 460.00!
Thank you to our amazing PTA for all the hard work preparing for another fantastic Jog-a-thon. Pictures to come! You can still donate and help us reach our goal of raising $45,000 through Friday, May 9th. If you haven’t already sent out your page to friends and family, visit our website to find it: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/lionspride25. Remember that every dollar raised goes towards resources and programs for our students. Visit laballonapta.org/lions-pride for complete information.
Lost & Found Donation Day Extended!
Bites with Board Members!
You are cordially invited to attend a session with Board Members Brian Guerrero and Stephanie Loredo on Monday, May 5th from 7:00 to 8:30 PM or Saturday, May 10th from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. Join us to discover vital insights into our state's school fiscal cycle and the significant initiatives underway within the Culver City Unified School District.
Registration is required: https://tinyurl.com/Bites2025
Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) CCUSD Picnic Potluck 2025!
Join us CCUSD 5 elementary schools, middle and high school during AAPI month on:
Sunday, May 18 at 12:30-3pm at Vet's Park. This year we will have an Asian rice ball bar with different fillings and also try to meet briefly in micro-affinity groups to get to know each other better in smaller groups! Please click: HERE TO RSVP
Photos Needed!
The yearbook team is currently working on the photo spreads and we are looking for any additional photos taken throughout the year at school-related events. Please email any photos to laballonayearbook@gmail.com or add photos via the QR code in the flyer.
Pre-Order Your Yearbooks!
You can pre-order your 2024-2025 yearbook for $24.53 via the QR on the flyer. You can add 2 FREE custom pages when you order by 5/5.
La Ballona Lions Day at Dodger Stadium!
Join the La Ballona Lions to cheer on the World Series champion Dodgers as they face the Washington Nationals! The game starts at 1:10 p.m. on Sunday, June 22. We've reserved an entire section just for our community, so don't miss out!
La Ballona has purchased 194 tickets in section 38RS, in the upper deck along the first base line. Tickets will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. You will not be able to choose your seats when purchasing.
5. Our Calendar
This Week at La Ballona
Monday, May 5
- Before and Afterschool Tutoring
- Staff Appreciation Week begins ~Bring or Draw a picture to say Thank You!
- PTA Assembly, 9am & 10am
- Kinder Field Trip- LA Zoo
- Earthquake Drill
- CCUSD Bites w/Board Members, 7pm-8:30pm
Tuesday, May 6
- Before and Afterschool Tutoring
- Staff Appreciation Week ~Bring your teacher their favorite snack!
- 5th Grade CAASPP Testing begins
- Summative ELPAC Testing K-2nd grade
- YSE Soccer Team Practice, 3:20pm @ Soccer Field
Wednesday, May 7
- Choir, 8am
- Staff Appreciation Week ~Bring your teacher flowers!
- School Nurse's Day
- Summative ELPAC Testing K-2nd
- Last Walk & Roll Day, 8am
- Instrumental Music
- Early Dismissal, 1:45pm
Thursday, May 8
- Before and Afterschool Tutoring
- Staff Appreciation Week ~Tell your teacher a joke!
- 5th Grade CAASPP Testing begins
- Summative ELPAC Testing K-2nd
- Target Conferences ~ Early Dismissal, 1:45pm
- YSE Soccer Team Practice, 3:20pm @ Soccer Field
Friday, May 9
- Before and Afterschool Tutoring
- Staff Appreciation Week ~Shower your teacher with sweet messages!
- 5th Grade CAASPP Testing begins
- Summative ELPAC Testing K-2nd
- Target Conferences ~ Early Dismissal, 1:45pm
- Lost & Found items donated (afterschool)
Upcoming Dates (New Dates in Bold)
May 10-CCUSD Bites w/Board Members, 10-11:30am
May 13-1st grade Field Trip to Underwood Family Farm, 9:30am
May 14-CCUSD Elementary Instrumental Music Concert @ Frost, 7pm
May 19-STAR Musical Production & Extravaganza
May 21-La Ballona Singing Lions' Spring Choir Concert, 6:30pm
May 26-No School~Memorial Day Holiday
May 27-30-CAASPP Make-up Testing
May 27-SSC Meeting, 1:30pm
May 30-Family Friday, 8:35am
June 12-5th Grade Culmination, 9:30am
June 13-Kinder End of the Year Celebration, 9am
June 13-Last Day of School ~ Early Dismissal, 1:45pm
Monthly Calendar of Events
Coming soon!
2024/2025 CCUSD CALENDAR
2024-2025 CCEF Calendar Version
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