BW School Update
March 22, 2024
Upcoming Events
Apr 1-5 Spring Break - No School
Apr 9 PTA Meeting
Apr 10 Raising Cane's Dine-Out
Apr 16 Equity Team Meeting @6pm room 10
Apr 18 Open House/ART Walk
Apr 20 Groovy Gala & Auction
Apr 29 SSC-SGT Meeting
May 1 Teacher Experiences from Gala
May 7 Foundation Meeting
May 8 Jersey Mike's Dine-Out
May 10 Panda Prom
May 14 PTA Meeting
May 17 Multicultural Festival
May 20-24 Book Fair
May 21 Equity Team Meeting @6pm room 10
May 24 Run Club Awards Assembly @ 7:45am
May 24 Early Dismissal for Memorial Weekend @ 11:45am
May 27 No School- Memorial Day
Sending Your Students to School On TIme
Please remember BW starts at 7:40am. The LATE bell is at 7:45am. The BACK GATE will be locked at 7:45am when we return from break starting April 8th. You can help your students get ready for the day, right from the the start, so they are ready to learn. Thank you for your continued support.
Don't Forget! Early Dates All Week March 25-29
Please do not forget to pick up your students at 11:45am every day starting March 25th. There will be only YMCA and Boys & Girls Club for after-school options. Spring Break starts Friday at 11:46am -YAY!Thank you for your attention in this matter.
Groovy Gala Coming up in April- Get your tickets on Monday!
Groovy Gala Tickets go on sale THIS MONDAY, March 18th at 9:00 am. Act quickly, as we anticipate selling out. Here is the link. https://bwpta.ejoinme.org/GroovyGala Keep it handy.
Adults Only Event
Standard admission: $85 Per Person
VIP Table (for 10 people): $1250 total
Event Details:
Saturday, April 20th @ 5:00
Location: The Dana on Mission Bay (Discount on rooms here)
Event Proceeds directly support our school by funding campus improvements, technology, music, art, teacher support, educational resources, and much more! Hope to see you there!
Gr. 5 Well Wishes and Baby Photos
Grade 5 still needs to send in their Well Wishes and Baby Photos - please!
Class of 2024 Yearbook Childhood Photos & Well Wishes (google.com)
March 15th & 10th Newsletter
California Schools Parent Survey is Ready for Your Input!
Please help us fill out our yearly California Schools Parent Survey below or click on the picture. The deadline is March 29th. The results of this survey help our Admin team make important decisions about our budget and school goals. We want to hear your voice! CLICK HERE
ASB Store Days for St. Patty's Day
Principal Ahrens Attends SXSWedu
Last week I attended the SXSWedu conference in Austin, TX; a gathering that explores the future of education. As your leader, staying at the forefront of educational trends is crucial. This year's key themes included AI, Equity, and Literacy. In the AI sessions, we discussed the evolving role of AI in education, emphasizing the importance of understanding its limitations and promoting a balance with human experiences. Equity discussions highlighted early intervention's impact on students' success, both academically and emotionally. I attended an inspiring talk by Bettina Love and Jacqueline Woodson on their journey, the danger of book bans, and how they stayed courageous through our current times. Literacy sessions focused on student involvement in data conversations and teaching reading effectively. I was proud that our BW educators have already taken on the challenge of adding phonics instruction to our literacy block. Lastly, a powerful keynote on self-love addressed the well-being of educators, reminding us that self-love enhances our ability to serve others. I'm eager to involve more of our team next year and will be exploring funding options. Your children deserve the investment in our professional growth.
-Mindy
Gr. K - 5 Neighborhood Enrollment Open Now
Come on into BW's front office to fill out Neighborhood Enrollment for 2024-2025! Know any new BW neighborhood families? Spread the word that enrollment for next year starts now.
Current families- If you know you'll be having a school change next year, please make sure Katherine Kilby in the front office knows. This will help us plan appropriately for classrooms next year.
ARTReach Masterpieces for a Good Cause
Please see an opportunity to submit your student's art and it's goes towards a good cause. Please see Flyer below to submit by April 5th.
Yearbook Ordering Time!
Please click the Link below to start ordering your Yearbook for 2023-2024 year. The Passcode is 101601053329134
https://web.treering.com/create-account/101601053329134?PassCode=101601053329134
Messy Science Fun in 3rd Grade Classes
This week in third grade, we learned all about non-Newtonian fluids like Oobleck, butter, jelly, mayo, and ketchup. You're probably wondering what a non-Newtonian fluid is. A non-Newtonian fluid is a mixture between a solid and a liquid that behave in very unique ways. In class today, our teacher made Oobleck for us to play with so we can feel the ooey, gooey, and very sticky properties for ourselves. It was a fun, but very messy, science activity!
Written by Ariya Bustani
Animal Reports Exhibition in 1st Grade
First graders increased their research, informational writing and communication skills by presenting about an animal of their choice. Throughout the week they presented first to classmates, then to their big buddies and finally to parents. Each time, students received feedback and revised their speeches. Giving, accepting and acting on feedback are crucial skills for the future and we're giving students a strong foundation by starting in the Elementary grades. Even adults can have a hard time with this! Go first grade!
BW Variety Show - Get your Submission Ready!
Get ready to show us your amazing talents, BW Pandas!
The 2024 BW Virtual Variety Show will premiere live on the BW YouTube channel on Friday, March 15th 6:30 PM.
Be sure to submit your videos by March 8, 2024!
Here are the details:
Who can participate?
The Variety Show is open to all grades, UTK-5th! BW students, families, siblings, teachers, staff, and pets are all invited to show off your skills!
What can we film?
You can film your Panda showcasing their musical talents, singing, dance, sports (skateboarding, martial arts, gymnastics, soccer, etc.) skills/tricks, cool science experiments, comedy, magic, cooking, trampoline tricks to name just a few! If your Pandas can dream it and you can film it - we want to see it!
Can I perform with friends?
Individual acts are amazing, but group acts are welcome, too! Grab your friends or even your teacher and your whole class (if they're up for it!) and show us your group performance!
What are the filming guidelines?
· Max length: 1 min 20 sec
· Submit in horizontal format
· Send video to varietyshowbw@gmail.com by Friday, March 8, 2024.
· Email must include:
o student's first/last name, grade, teacher, and performance title
Please contact Ellen and Adam at varietyshowbw@gmail.com with any questions!
February 23, 2024
Upcoming Events
Mar 8 Movie Night- Super Mario Bros.
Mar 12 PTA Meeting
Mar 13 Habit Burger Dine-Out
Mar 15 Variety Show - Online
Did you know that BW has ROCK STAR PRINCIPALS?!?! Mrs. Ahrens and Mr. Wilson channeled their inner rock stars on Wednesday as one of the Fun Run prizes along with a whole school popsicle party. Students are still waiting for the full concert experience...maybe next year 😉
Stories of Learner Agency
Learner agency, the feeling of ownership and control that learners have over their own learning, is a hot topic in education circles right now. Research shows this is a key ingredient in the learning process. It's also a skill students have struggled with since the pandemic. When students believe their actions can make a difference, they become more confident, engaged, and effective learners.
Here are just a few recent examples from across our campus:
In Mrs. R-G's classroom, Oliver was struggling with his desk spot. He couldn't see the board well and wasn't happy with the location. When he spoke up to share his feelings, Mrs. R-G saw this as an opportunity to build learner agency, collaboration and problem solving skills. She tasked him with starting a classroom design committee. At first, he asked permission for each early step, "Can I ask other students to join? Who should I ask? How many?" But soon enough, they took off running and began planning, arranging, talking to other students for feedback and ended up making a completely new desk arrangement that the whole class, and Mrs. R-G were thrilled about! This committee led to other committees and now there is a whole system for student-led ownership in Mrs. R-G's room.
In third grade, a really cool card that Luca made for Mrs. Rye inspired a student-led art lesson. Luca took on the teacher roll as he taught the class how to make the Valentine's card below. Not only was this experience empowering, it also built a lot of empathy for the teaching profession! I suspect this is the start of a student-led teaching revolution! Can't wait to see what is taught next.
In a recent UTK classroom visit I also spotted learner agency come out of some imaginary play that was on the verge of being unsafe. During center time in Ms. Copeland and Mrs. Wendt's classroom, several students were playing in the kitchen area. They started playing "doggies" in a way that appeared too rough. Instead of coming over to stop the play, Mrs. Wendt channeled the play into the creation of a whole new "doggie area" where they group created dog food, found containers to store the dog food in and choose new doggie dishes... complete with student written labels. Ms. Copeland gave positive attention to the group by having them share out the new area during the center time closing circle. By making their idea public, we know that more student-led ideas will come up and learner agency will increase.
Last year, a small group of second graders from Mrs. Bardin's class embarked on a project to create their own graphic novels. You may remember seeing them selling copies at the end of last school year. Since it was so close to the end of the year, they agreed to save the money they made (approx. $50) until this school year. Since the Fall, they have been considering how to make a positive impact on our school with the money. Ta da...They have a brand new recess option to offer our school! We now have an outdoor art area at the back corner of the blacktop (near the tree and adirondack chairs.) Markers and a waterproof container have been purchased and a long roll of paper and table have been provided. The goal is to create collaborative murals to put up around the school. We're excited to see the beautiful impact these creative students have on the school. All students are welcome to contribute their art skills to the murals.
February 15, 2024
Valentine's Day Celebrations
Everyone at BW is showing their Valentine's Spirit! Thanks ASB for planning the fun dress up day.
February 11, 2024
Student Health Protocol
Please review the guidelines below when sending your students to school. Thank you for your attention in this matter.
GATE Testing Information
Gate testing will be completed February 28 through March 1st. Permission slips have gone home to those students who are eligible for testing.
All 2nd graders are tested unless the parents opt out. Grades 3, 4, 5th - Only select students are tested.Internet Safety Sessions Follow Up
The Internet Safety parent session was very well received! If you were not able to attend and would like more information...
- There will be another session at Pershing Middle School on 2/15 at 9am (in-person and online). Click here: https://pershingmiddleschoolfoundation.org/icac for more information and zoom link.
- Download the information packet shared at the Parent Session (click here)
- Find lessons and information for kids: NetSmartz Home (missingkids.org)
- Reach out to Officer Banning or Lisa Ringel (presenters)
UCSD Robotics Art& Crafts Workshop
The Halicioğlu Data Science Institute at UC San Diego is hosting a robotic arts and crafts workshop on campus for 4th and 5th graders and their parents. Kids will work alongside a parent/guardian to learn the basics of electronics, coding, robotics, and data science. They will use these skills to design an art piece that has a moving craft piece on it. Participants will be able to keep their creations (worth ~$50). There is no cost for this workshop because it is being funded by an NSF grant, EnCORE. Here is a link to register. Date and time availability are in the registration link. Limited spots are available and it's on a first come first serve basis. For more information or questions, please contact Saura Naderi at snaderi@ucsd.edu.
Saturday, February 24, 2024: 9am - 12pm
Wednesday, March 13, 2024: 5pm - 8pm
Saturday, April 13, 2024: 9am - 12pm
Wednesday, May 15, 2024: 5pm - 8pm"
Esteemed Visitors
We were happy to invite several visitors to Benchley this week to see the Deeper Learning we're engaged in. Councilperson Raul Campillo and his staff member Anthony Hackett visited to see our 100th Day activities. This was an example of engagement at it's best!
SDUSD School Board President Shana Hazan, Area Superintendent Michel Cazary, Senior Director of Instructional Support Julie Garcia and Ed Tech Project Manager Derek Suzuki visited two classrooms looking for high quality technology implementation. The team was struck by the high levels of student engagement and ownership over their learning journey.
100th Day of School
Oh my, you look so good for 100! Our students and staff had fun dressing up as if they were 100 and practiced math, social studies and literacy skills with 100th day activities.
Real World Learning in 4th grade
Our 4th graders were busy this week learning about forces, chain reactions and ecology cycles.
Fun Run Awards Assembly
Congratulations to our Fun Run award winners for the highest fundraising and most laps. Be on the lookout for a popsicle treat for the whole school on Feb 21st and you might also catch a glimpse of two "Rock Star" Principals that day as well. 😉
Thank you to the Foundation and all the families who donated and raised money for this event. Fundraisers like this help our school send amazing humans out into the world by supporting our Art Reach program, staff professional development, literacy resources and more.
January 26th Newsletter
Upcoming Events
Feb 6 Foundation Meeting (6pm)
Feb 7 Black Bear Diner Dine-Out
Feb 13 PTA Meeting (7:45am)
Feb 16-19 Presidents' Weekend - No School
Afternoon Assembly Time for February - Fun Run Award Assembly
Be sure to come early for pick up on Friday, February 2nd for the Fun Run Awards Assembly. Help us cheer for the top runners and earners starting at 2:05pm! Your students will be all packed up and ready to go following the event. Bagged prizes for students will be coming soon...
Teacher of the Year 2023-2024
Announcing our Teacher of the Year - Mrs. RG! She is an amazing teacher of all subjects and builds strong relationships with students. She was voted to this position from her BW Colleagues. Please congratulate Mrs. RG when you see her on our campus.
The Value of Attendance
Please remember to start scheduling your vacations outside of the school days. This greatly impacts your child's learning. Please refer to the our calendar https://benchleyweinberger.sandiegounified.org/calendar_page for our current school year and next year's too.
Recent Storm Assistance Programs
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES IMPACTED BY MONDAY’S SEVERE ATMOSPHERIC RIVER EVENT
We recognize that communities have been severely impacted by the recent storm. Our district's Children & Youth in Transition (CYT) Department developed a list of resources to assist families and students during this difficult time.
- The Red Cross is located at Lincoln High School for families that need immediate support. Families should be directed to the new gym where they can enter off Franklin & Gloria. Red Cross personnel are on campus to assist.
- The Humane Society is set up outside of the gym for pets. The situation will be assessed day by day, but they are currently open.
CYT can also coordinate support with a hotel stay for families in need for up to 10 days. Project Rest assists families in providing temporary housing vouchers who do not have home/renters insurance. Click link for forms needed for Project REST (emergency motel stay): https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1Y_RSwrpIPTBO3DW9DkgTXiPQ6QU7eDJC
- Families may request a referral to the county Office of Homeless for a case manager to assist with finding more stable housing.
Use this link to refer families to CYT for other tangible items (clothes, hygiene items, etc): https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d7fe5aae79dc43a9ae5994248a181149
- Additional resources:
- Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/local/california/southern-california/about-us/news-and-events/news/red-cross-socal-storm-response.html
- Inclement Weather Shelter Program: https://www.sandiego.gov/homelessness-strategies-and-solutions/services/inclement-weather-shelter-program
- CYT Department Contact List: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YZBwZ5pMBFr73y1UkjEoBzJZvplcRnzUzhFsDbFX--Y/edit?usp=sharing
Summer School Update
Summer Session 2024
San Diego Unified School District is currently planning the summer program and will be releasing details soon. Here are a few of the early details below:
- Elementary Students in Grades UTK-5
- Student Hours: 8:00am-12:00pm
- Dates: June 12 - July 12, *No School 6/19, 7/4, 7/5
- Benchley will be one of two summer school host site for schools in our area.
- The ESY/Academic program will be similar to what it was pre-2020. Students in Priority 1 (homeless/foster/migrant, students with disabilities and their siblings) will receive registration access first, date TBD.
- If space is available for general enrollment, registration will open on May 13, 2024.
- Enrichment Programs
- During the past three summer sessions, enrichment programs such as, San Diego Zoo, Junior Theater, Art, Dance, and many other programs, were made available at no cost. Planning stages are under way to continue these programs, but we do not have details at this moment. We will send out more information once we receive it.
- YMCA/PrimeTime after care will also be available. More information coming soon
For a questions, please reach out to Mr. Wilson, ewilson1@sandi.net
Student Wellness Support- Webinars through May
Please Click the Flyer for the date and times
January 19th Newsletter
Upcoming Events
Jan 22 Internet Safety Parent Sessions
Jan 22 Gr 5 Pershing Middle School Tour
Jan 23 SSC-SGT Meeting
Feb 2 AFTERNOON Fun Run Assembly
Feb 6 Foundation Meeting
Feb 7 Black Bear Diner Dine-Out
Feb 13 PTA Meeting
Feb 16-19 Presidents' Weekend - No School
Traffic Safety - Police Presence on Friday, January 19th
UTK 24-25 Registration
The Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) pre-enrollment priority window is just around the corner! Pre-enrollment for the 2024-25 school year will open on Monday, January 22.
UTK is open to all students who will turn age 4 by September of this year — children born between September 2, 2019 and September 1, 2020. Beginning January 22, families may contact their neighborhood school directly to complete the UTK enrollment packet. If space at the school of residence becomes full, Neighborhood Schools and Enrollment Options (NSEO) will assist families in enrolling in the next closest school with space available.
Helpful links:
Legoland Marathon Mile Run
Go Pandas!
UTK Winter Performance
The UTK classes impressed us with their singing, dancing and communication skills!
3rd Grade Math
Our third graders learned how to calculate area by becoming architects.
January 12th Newsletter
Upcoming Events
- Jan 13 - Legoland Mile
- Jan 15 - MLK Holiday - No School
- Jan 22 - Internet Safety Sessions AM/PM
- Jan 22 - Gr 5 Pershing Articulation Tour
Legoland Kids Marathon Mile
Hope you'll join us for the Legoland Kids Marathon Mile this coming weekend. Principal Ahrens will be there again cheering everyone on. Sign up (click here) and we'll see ya on Saturday. 🏃♀️🏃♂️🏃
MLK Observance Day January 15, 2024
Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day
No School Monday, January 15
The federal holiday takes place on the third Monday of January each year, marking the birthday of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Resources for students to learn more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are available for educators and families to access on the district’s online Cultural Awareness Center.
Plus, check out these free events happening in San Diego to celebrate:
- 42nd Annual MLK Jr. Day Parade
Sunday, January 14, 10 a.m.
W. Harbor Drive Embarcadero - San Diego MLK Festival
Sunday, January 14, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Ruocco Park, 585 Harbor Lane, 92101 - 35th Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration
Monday, January 15, Noon-6 p.m.
Worldbeat Cultural Center, 2100 Park Blvd, 92101 - 14th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sportsfest and Community Celebration
Parade: Saturday, January 20, 9 a.m.
Valencia Park Elementary School, 5880 Skyline Dr, 92114
Celebration: Saturday, January 20, 11 a.m.
MLK Jr. Recreation Center, 6401 Skyline Dr, 92114
BW Auction Gala April 20th
We're getting stoked for the upcoming BW Gala. Check out the Groovy Gala promo here: CLICK HERE Tickets will go fast so be sure to put the dates on your calendar. Peace out ✌️😉
Noon Duty Positions Still Open
Please email Cameron Bresnick @ cbresnick@sandi.net if you are interested in a BW SDUSD employee Noon Duty Position. Hours are 11:15-12:30pm M, Tu, Th, F (no W) Thank you!
January 5, 2024
Lexia Reading Growth
Check out the huge growth we've made so far this year! Using the Lexia program for 80 minutes a week plus the high quality literacy teaching by BW staff has helped 20% of our students move from working on below grade level material (GLM) in Lexia to grade level or above material. And 10% of students moved into above grade level material. Great job BW staff and students!
Students are given time to use Lexia during the school day but they can also access the program at home by logging into their Clever account. Contact your child's teacher for help accessing Lexia at home.
BW Device Policy
Many students are excited about the new devices they received during the holidays, specifically the smart watches. As a reminder, these devices fall under the cell phone criteria in the Student Policies section of the Benchley-Weinberger Family Handbook. Please take this into consideration before wearing them to school. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact your teacher or Mrs. Ahrens. Thank you.
December 14th Newsletter
Upcoming Events
Early Dismissal Tomorrow and Comfy Clothes Reminder
Please remember to send your students in comfy clothes tomorrow and it's early dismissal day. Also, please pick up your students at 11:45am for us to start our winter breaks!
Don't Forget to Check Lost and Found
Please remember to check the Lost and Found items along the fence and by your student's classrooms. Anything left over and not labeled will be donated during the break. Thanks for your attention in this matter.
Winter Panda and Principal Ahrens
Officer Letty
Learning About Hanukkah Celebrations
Toy Drive Success!
We had so much fun and enjoyed giving toys for our Police Departments to distribute to families in need. Thank you BW for being so thoughtful and generous!
Winter/Spring Robotics
Attention all parents! We are thrilled to announce that sign-ups for next semester's Robotics Club are now officially open. This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to dive into the world of robotics, learning valuable skills in a fun and interactive environment.
How to Sign Up: Sign-ups are now conveniently online! Please click here to reserve a spot for your child. Remember, if your child was on the waitlist last semester, they will be given first priority this semester.
Important Details:
- Who: Students in 2nd/3rd and 4th/5th grades.
- When:
- 2nd/3rd Grade: Starts Tuesday, January 9th, and continues every Tuesday from 2:30-3:30 PM.
- 4th/5th Grade: Starts Thursday, January 11th, and continues every Thursday from 2:30-3:30 PM.
- Where: Both sessions will be held in Bungalow B.
- Deadline for Sign-Up: January 3rd, Midnight. Be sure to sign up before this date! Enrollment Announcement will be January 5th.
Please complete one form per student to ensure a place in the class. Spots are limited, so don't delay!
Join us for a semester of exploration, creativity, and fun in the world of robotics!
Legoland Mile is coming up January 13th
Saturday, January 13, 2024
The LEGOLAND Kids Marathon Mile will take place on Saturday, January 13, 2024 in Carlsbad, CA. Participants can run, walk, skip or stroll, or even be pushed in a stroller as they wind through the park before it opens. This will be Benchley-Weinberger’s fourth year attending this fun, active, unique spirit-building event!
Upcoming Internet Safety Parent Sessions - January 22, 2024
December 1st Newsletter
A Great Fun Run!
Thank you to Kathy Collins and our hard working BW Foundation for putting on an amazing Fun Run once again. We saw great effort from students of all ages to keep running the whole time. We even spotted Bolt the panda rocking, rolling and running during the event! There were some tired kiddos and sore muscles the next day but fun was had by all.
DJ Dev @ Work
Proud BW Staff
Anthony from Councilman Campillo's office & Principal Ahrens
Happenings around campus this week
Second grade heritage project
November 17th Newsletter
Parent Learning Sessions- coming soon
November 9th Newsletter
Our Thank You's Are Already Starting... Just In Time For Thanksgiving!
Announcing Our New 2023-2024 ASB Officers
President –Kane R.
Vice President –Chloe S.
Playground Commissioners - Bennett K.
Secretary – Soliana A.
Sergeant at Arms –Amina O.
Fire Marshal –River P.
*** Additionally, all running candidates are members of our ASB Council.
Congratulations to all the students!
Friendsgiving Community Event @ Helix Brewery - November 9th
November 14 is Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day!
The annual Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 and we hope you can join us this year! This day is not just about a walk, it’s about inspiring students through a day of dialogue to create positive change in their communities, one step at a time.
Check out the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day website (click here) to find out more.
Henry Cluster Community Meeting November 16th
November 3rd Newsletter
Upcoming Events
- Nov 7 Foundation Meeting
- Nov 9 Friendsgiving @ Helix Brewery
- Nov 10 Veteran's Day-No School
- Nov 13-17 Early Dismissal Days- Teacher Conferences
- Nov 14 Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
- Nov 14 PTA Meeting
- Nov 15 Sombreros Dine-Out
- Nov 16 Henry Cluster Community Meeting
- Nov 20-24 Thanksgiving Break
Essay Contest to Win Mayor for the Day
The “Mayor for a Day” contest aims to foster and encourage leadership in young people living in San Diego. City of San Diego K-12 students are invited to write an essay or submit a video about what San Diego would be like if they were Mayor for a day. The selected winner will be given the opportunity to shadow the Mayor for a day and will be included in the State of the City address in January of 2024.
Fun Run 2023 Information
Our 2023 Fun Run is around the corner
Benchley-Weinberger is excited for our upcoming Fun Run on Wednesday, November 29! This is an annual event and fundraiser that invests in the many critical ongoing projects on campus. Most recently, the money raised by friends and family has funded our campus turf, all buses for field trips, a brand new set of computers for our Media Lab, reading and decoding classroom supplies, and so much more.
Please register your child by November 1st, so we can plan for the correct amount and sizes of T-shirts. BW and The BW Foundation thank you for the continued support!
Questions? Please contact friendsofbenchley@gmail.com
Online Family Home Cooking/Prep Classes
Award-winning chefs Justin Pichetrungsi and Chef Lovely joined Kohl’s Healthy at Home and Wellness Programs and Food Services at Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) for a new video series, "Healthy at Home." In four 15-minute episodes, they teach families how to prepare some of their favorite time-saving recipes at home. Tune in for family meal ideas and tips!
Panda Pages Update
If your panda(s) are participating in Panda Pages, our schoolwide reading incentive program, please make sure you have their minutes up to date in Beanstack by Friday evening, 11/3. The first prize distribution will be next week.
Please don't worry if you are unable to get to this in time - there will be monthly distributions, and your child can get their awards at the beginning of December.
For information about Panda Pages and how to enter minutes, please visit https://www.friendsofbenchley.org/panda-pages.
October 27th Newsletter
Upcoming Events
- 10/31 No costumes allowed at school (since we already dressed up on Friday) Wearing BW gear is encouraged- BW gear, "retro" jogathon shirts, BW Boo shirts, etc.
- Nov 7 Foundation Meeting
- Nov 9 Friendsgiving @ Helix Brewery
- Nov 13-17 Early Dismissal Days- Teacher Conferences
- Nov 14 Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
- Nov 14 PTA Meeting
- Nov 15 Sombreros Dine-Out
- Nov 20-24 Thanksgiving Break
Halloween Happening- A huge Success!
Second Grade Fall Performance
Happenings around campus this week
Traffic Safety Update
- No U-Turns on Gloria Lake or Twin Lake
- Use the Cone Zone to drop off
- Please use the crosswalk to cross the street
- Do not stop or park in a red zone
- Do not park in white zones
- Do not block drive ways
- Please be patient
SARC Report
Good afternoon Benchley/Weinberger Elementary families,
Public schools throughout California are required to provide information about themselves to the community in the form of an annual School Accountability Report Card (SARC). These report cards provide a variety of data to allow the public to evaluate and compare schools in several important areas:
● demographic information
● school safety and climate for learning
● academic data
● class size
● teacher and staff information
● professional development
● fiscal and expenditure data
The SARC, which follows the state's guidelines and document template, are issued each spring and focus on the previous academic year. A SARC is typically 12- 14 pages long. I have attached an electronic copy of our site’s SARC for the 2021-22 school year. Hard copies of our SARC are also available in the main office. The 2021-22 SARC is available at https://www.sarconline.org/. You can also access our current SARC electronically at:
https://sarconline.org/public/print/37683386040299/2021-2022
If you have any questions about our school’s SARC, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Respectfully,
Principal Mindy Ahrens
LCFF and Federal Impact Forms
Ready to Hire 2 Noon Duty Positions
Noon Duty Descriptions:
· Provide continuous supervision to pupils in the cafeteria, lunch arbor, and on playgrounds as assigned.
· Maintain order in serving lines and at eating areas.
· Guide pupils in maintaining clean eating and play areas.
· Lead or supervise organized and unorganized recreation.
· Enforce school rules concerning the health, safety, and proper behavior of pupils.
· Correct or report conditions hazardous to the health and safety of children.
· Report all accidents involving actual or suspected pupil injury to the principal or designated staff.
· Perform related duties as assigned.
Salary would be approximately $15.35 per hour+
Hours are M,Tu,Th,F – 4 days weekly @ 1.25 hours a day
Please contact Cameron Bresnick for an application cbresnick@sandi.net
October 13th Newsletter
Please Send your Pandas On Time!
Missed Make-Up Pictures?
If you missed our make-up picture day on Monday. Please contact Sumner Photography in San Marcos and you can take your student there to re-take the photo.
Panda Pages has Launched
CLICK HERE to get your student set up for Reading Logs!
What is Panda Pages?
Panda Pages is a fun reading challenge sponsored by your Benchley-Weinberger PTA. The goal of Panda Pages is to make reading fun and to help foster a lifelong love of reading.
Panda Pages is not mandatory, but all pandas are encouraged to read a certain number of minutes per day. This is a challenges so you will earn awesome prizes for your reading!
New Day OFF of School - October 6
After School
BW Wins Healthiest School!
It's official: BW is one of America's #HealthiestSchools again! 🎉 We're so proud to share our success and celebrate alongside our fellow awardees! Learn more and view all of @HealthierGen's awardees at healthiestschools.org.
BW Volunteer Information
Are you interested in volunteering on BW campus? Please CLICK HERE for the information you need to help our students on campus.
September 15th Newsletter
Upcoming Events
- 9/18 Magnet Monday New Student 2024-2025 Tour CLICK HERE to RSVP
- 9/19 Equity Meeting 6-7:30pm room 10
- 9/20 Dine Out- Mountain Mike's
- 9/21 Picture Day
- 10/3 SSC/SGT Meeting
- 10/3 Foundation Meeting
- 10/6 NO School - Non Instructional Day
- 10/9 Make-Up Picture Day
Picture Day is happening this week!
Raise Craze Kindness Challenge
After School Activities
Parking and Safety
We've had some scary close calls at the front of the school area. Please always use crosswalks when crossing the street to keep everyone safe. Be a Panda Parent with Heart and lead by example by following crossing, parking, and traffic safety to make drop-offs and pick-ups safe for all of Benchley’s children. Please remember that there is no supervision before 7:30am.
1) Please do not park or pull over in red zones during drop-off or pick-up. This is illegal. Parking in red zones blocks the safe line-of-sight for other drivers and pedestrians.
2) Please do not park in the drop off zones / white curbs
3) Please do not block driveways. We want BW to be loved and respected by our neighbors.
4) Please model safe pedestrian behaviors and only cross the streets in designated crosswalks. Having parents and students cross the street mid-block is dangerous.
5) Please drive slowly in the School Zone, even if you are running late! Be careful and patient!
6) Please do not make U-turns on Twin Lake or Gloria Lake.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping to provide our students and families with a safe entry and departure from school.
Yearbook Pre-Sales
Please use the Passcode below for the Early Bird 10% deal
https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=101601053329134
101601053329134 - is the passcode!
Choice Enrollment 2024-2025
Who needs to apply for choice enrollment:
- Current UTK students who live outside the current Benchley neighborhood boundaries
- Siblings of current BW students who have enrolled through choice.
- Current BW students who have moved and are now outside the current Benchley neighborhood boundaries
- Anyone who does not live in the current Benchley neighborhood boundaries and would like to attend BW.
Who does NOT need to apply for choice enrollment:
- Current BW students who enrolled through choice in previous years. Once you're in, you're good to go! No need to re-apply every year.
Lost & Found
Dear Parents,
In our school, were been seeing multiple lunchboxes and jackets left behind by some of the kids. At the end of the school year, if your kids are not taking their materials, they would be going to Mexico for donations. For example, this week, Mr. Willson and a student were carrying a tremendous amount of lunch boxes that were left by some of the children. So, I ask that if you can please write your childs name on any materials that belong to them.
Our staff will really appreciate it!
Sincerely,
Soliana A.
BW student
Kindness Challenge Spotlight
Our class decided for Raise Craze we would donate to the San Diego Humane Society. For the past three weeks, we have been bringing in supplies that we will be dropping off at the end of the month. Some students made blankets and beds! Other items included: Dog and Cat toys, pet food, towels, collars, and leashes. We hope that the Humane Society will enjoy our gifts!
Sincerely,
Neva & B2International Dot Day
National Hispanic Heritage Month starts today!
September 1st Newsletter
Lunchtime Volunteers Needed
- UTK-11:15 - 11:55
- K- 11:40-12:20
Please contact Ms. Cameron in the office for more information if you would like to help. Volunteers must have Volunteer Packets completed and be approved.
Menus from BW Cafeteria
August 28th Newsletter
23-24 School Calendar
First Week of School!
Starting the year off right- Focusing on Growth Mindset and Identity
Back to School BBQ!
About Us
Email: cbresnick@sandi.net
Website: https://benchleyweinberger.sandiegounified.org/
Location: 6269 Twin Lake Drive, San Diego, CA, USA
Phone: (619) 344-4000
Twitter: @BenchleyElem