The Weekly Roar
September 25, 2021
This Week at La Ballona
On Wednesday, September 29, we have a regular Wednesday Minimum Day when students are dismissed at 1:45
On Thursday (9/30) and Friday (10/1), all students will be dismissed at 1:45 so that teachers and caretakers came come together for Parent Conferences. Not all families will meet with teachers. Instead, these conferences are devoted to targeting specific concerns families or teachers may be having.
Covid Testing
Each Thursday, we will have COVID TESTING for students and staff. Testing occurs in the mornings at the outside lunch tables.
Have a great week!
Dr. Godbey & Ms. Nakagawa
Required Covid Testing- Beginning September 30
Dear CCUSD Families:
Starting this Thursday, September 30, weekly COVID testing will be required for all students, regardless of vaccination status. We will use the same weekly schedule going forward as we did this week:
- Weekly on Thursday 8:45am-11:30am La Ballona
*OCD students will be included when we switch to the new provider (see below).
Please make sure your child is registered using the links below. If you already registered your child in the UDL system, you do not need to do so again. Whether you are registering for the first time or already have, please follow the “order a test” process for next week’s testing. That creates an order number that the testers use to identify your child.
La Ballona: https://universal.labsvc.net/patientportal/index.html?LABALLONA
As there have been several unexpected and unacceptable problems with this testing/registration system, we are switching over to a new provider but we need to continue to use this current one until the switch to avoid any additional missed testing time. We will get as many tests done as possible next week with the goal to test every student.
A Message from our District Nurse
Kinsa thermometers are still available for all families and staff that have not received one yet. Please visit your school's health office to pick one up if needed.
Below is the new COVID Isolation and Quarantine Guidelines (flowchart).
Targeting Parent Conferences Thursday (9/30) and Friday (10/1)
Targeted Parent-teacher conference babysitting availability
During any parent teacher conferences, school is dismissed at 1:45pm, even if your child is not scheduled for a conference. The PTA will offer 2 days of after school care during targeted parent teacher conferences (1:45pm-3:30pm). For $10/day ($5/day for each additional sibling) you can be carefree to leave your child(ren) in their own school environment with supervision from parent volunteers. Fill out a form for each child and submit payment online. You will get an email confirmation with payment instructions. If you prefer to pay with cash or check, please fill out this form then contact Laura (fewmets@gmail.com) to arrange payment. Please include comments or questions at the bottom of the form.
La Ballona PTA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee
La Ballona’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is dedicated to supporting our families and community to ensure that all students experience equitable, inclusive, and diverse educational experiences. Our goal is to be reflective, create experiences, share resources, and shape policy that supports the development of students who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and other underrepresented populations as they strive to navigate the surrounding school community.
In an effort to bring more content and exposure to all students about its BIPOC populations, we are seeking motivated and passionate committee members to provide support and tolerance and celebrate diversity and inclusivity at our school.
If you are interested in playing a critical role or providing support, please complete this interest form La Ballona PTAs Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Interest Form. Thank you!
Introducing Ms. Clarice Miyamoto
Hello La Ballona Families,
My name is Clarice Miyamoto-Kim and I am the new second grade teacher at La Ballona. Last year I had the opportunity to sub at La Ballona for most of the school year in various capacities. While it was one of the most challenging years I have experienced in my career as an educator it was also the most rewarding. I had the opportunity to work with an amazing group of caring, talented and supportive teachers, parents, support staff and administrator. I am excited to be a permanent part of this wonderful community!
I was born in Brazil and immigrated to the United States at the age of eleven not knowing one word in English. My first language is Portuguese, my second is Japanese and English my third. Thanks to the patience, support and understanding from my teachers and classmates in public schools I was able to successfully graduate high school, attend UCLA where I obtained my BS and graduate degrees and teaching credential. When I look at the students at La Ballona I am reminded of me, my siblings and classmates as we struggled to do well in school while experiencing poverty, racism, and bullying. I am in awe of the students at La Ballona! Their resilience, inquisitiveness, talents, and unending positive energy inspire me to be a better teacher. Thank you for this amazing opportunity to work with your children!
Sincerely,
Clarice Miyamoto-Kim
2nd grade teacher
Mental Health Workshops for Spanish Speaking Families
Congratulations and Gratitude for new/returning SSC Members
Thank you to the following parents who have volunteered to be on our School Site Council. Because we needed three parents, and three parents volunteered, we do not need to hold elections! Here are the three new/returning parents:
Maggie Peters is an assistant professor of political science at UCLA. Her daughter is in second grade in the dual language Spanish program at La Ballona (and her son will attend TK starting next year). She is passionate about ensuring that all students succeed intellectually and emotionally, especially as we transition back to in-person education and process the trauma of the pandemic. She wants to continue La Ballona's record of academic excellence and providing a space where kids can be kids and explore their world through the arts, physical education, and interacting with their environment.
Felicity Vabulas is the mom of a 4th and 2nd grader in the dual immersion program. Felicity cares deeply about building on La Ballona’s strong sense of community to help all staff and students thrive. She likes to use data-driven processes to help advance our school’s academic achievements. She is also creative and steadfast in seeking enrichment opportunities that leave no-one behind.
Stephanie Phung is the mother of a 3rd grader in the English program and a 6th grader who participated in the Dual Immersion Program. Stephanie is often at the school helping at the Student Supply Store. She is also part of the Chalk Art Duo who creates beautiful chalk murals at the school.
The Exchange Club of Culver City is hosting a great drive-in movie fundraiser in support of Culver City students. The Mach One will be on display! Come join!
After School Enrichment Coming Soon!
We are very excited that we will be bringing after school enrichment opportunities to the La Ballona campus, beginning the week of October 11. While our regular Star Nova after school enrichment classes have been delayed due to covid, we have a group of volunteer parents who have been working on three programs: Garden Classes, Chess Tutors and Coach Derek Sports. All of these programs will be on the La Ballona campus after school, and they are all run by amazing third party organizations who have been able to put together classes on short notice. Classes are fee-based, but we are working on ways to make them accessible to as many families as possible, regardless of financial resources.
You can expect to receive more information mid-week. Space will be limited, and we will be limiting families to sign up for one weekly class in order to accommodate as many families as possible. Thank you for your patience as our volunteer team works out all of the details.
School photo day!
La Ballona Families, School Picture Day is Tuesday, October 5th. Photos will be done at a safe social distance by CFP Studio.
***Photos will be done on a Green Screen- DO NOT SEND STUDENTS TO SCHOOL WEARING GREEN
***extra retouching charges may apply.
You will be emailed 48 hours after photo day with a proof. If you do not receive your proof email CFP Studio cfpstudio@yahoo.com
Orders can then be placed online by visiting CFP Studio Photography - Photography - Los Angeles, California, then selecting online galleries and using your students ID # to gain access.
HELP US RAISE FUNDS for CCCPTA BY ORDERING YOUR STUDENTS PHOTOS
Class photos will be done composite style.
All makeup inquiries should be directed directly to CFP Studio via email. cfpstudio@yahoo.com. Please reference your students first and last name along with grade & teacher in each email.
All orders placed before October 31st will be delivered to school before November 19th. If students do not take a photo by October 15th they will not be in their class composite.
LA County Library's Bookmark Contest
Culver City Julian Dixon Library would like to invite your students to participate in LA County Library’s 42nd Annual Bookmark Contest, an annual program that encourages a love of books and reading while also promoting creativity, artistic expression, and community engagement. Students will have the chance to see their bookmark designs featured at their local library and throughout Los Angeles County. Participants compete in the following age categories:
- Kindergarten – Grade 2
- Grade 3 – Grade 5
- Grade 6 – Grade 8
- Grade 9 – Grade 12
Completed entry forms can be dropped off at individual library locations, sent in by mail, or submitted digitally via a link on the Library’s website. The deadline for entry is October 30, 2021.
The winning bookmarks from each library will be shared with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, who will select winners that reside in their District from each category. Winners selected by the Board of Supervisors will be recognized at a Board Meeting in 2022.
Here’s the Bookmark Contest Entry Form
Our Community Working Together
Annual Fundraising Drive
Hi Parents, With a goal of raising $150K (approx $300/child) for this year's programs and supplies, we're in need of community support. Every donation pushes us closer to our goal; allowing us to create a platform for our students to access educational opportunities, tools and experiences the school might not otherwise be able to afford.
Ways to donate and help out:
- Go to bit.ly/laballona and donate what you can!
- By check, make payable to "La Ballona PTA" and return in an envelope to your classroom teacher.
- Share this flyer with your friends, family, and local businesses!
Restaurant Fundraiser Week
Starting Monday, September 20-Sunday 26th, we are participating in a restaurant fundraiser at Sharky's (In the Marina) where we are competing against "Mark Twain Middle School". 15% of net sales generated by our group will go back to our school (at no extra cost to us)! The school with the most sales advances to the final for a chance to receive an extra $500 bonus. Please see the attached flyer for more information. Thank you so much for your support.
Tickets to CCEF's SIP event are on sale now!
Tickets are on sale now for SIP for our Schools, Culver City Education Foundation's virtual fundraising event on October 16, 2021. Pick up a specially-curated whiskey tasting package in person at the beautiful courtyard of Culver City's Wende Museum, and meet us online that evening for a live streamed event. In addition to the blind whiskey tasting led by Bourbon & Banter, SIP for our Schools features video highlights from programs benefitting all CCUSD students, visits from special celebrity guests, a silent auction, and much more! Guests can also tune in to watch local mixologists demonstrate exciting cocktail recipes to enhance your whiskey tasting experience.
This event helps CCEF raise critical funds to sustain the vital arts and STEM education programs benefiting every student at every CCUSD school. We can't wait to SIP with you!
Purchase tickets today on our website: www.ccef4schools.org/attend-an-event
Online Auction fundraiser is now collecting items!
ATTENTION LA BALLONA FAMILIES! We are officially starting to collect new items for our online auction (one of our biggest fundraisers of the year). Do you have unused gift cards from restaurants or retail stores you'd like to donate? Are you a photographer, yoga Instructor/Baker or anything else in the service industry who can donate time/session/food? Do you have brand new items you don't need like toys, kitchenware/clothing with tags or jewelry? An old wedding gift still in its packaging? If you don't need them, then please donate them to La Ballona's "Bidding For Good online auction" which starts October 22rd, 2021. All proceeds benefit our school in the form of technology, assemblies and more.. Please contact Nancy at nancybalter@yahoo.com or Michele at michelej75@gmail.com to coordinate drop off. Thank you so much for supporting our school
Spirit Wear T-shirts For sale!
La Ballona's "Student Store" is now taking orders for t-shirts and hats. Please email laballonastudentstore@gmail.com to place your order today.
Still need volunteers!
Please check out our google form below and select anything that seems interesting to you. We will follow up with more information soon by email. This is just an interest sheet, not a commitment.
English - https://forms.gle/SijPWkE9CRuBYyKw8
español - https://forms.gle/T2wzK8TrP22VXaZ98
We are still navigating the unknown and appreciate everyone's patience as we learn the ever-changing pandemic protocols and rebuild our on-campus programs. One thing we're sure of is that we're looking forward to seeing more smiling faces this year.
Reflections Art Contest
It’s Reflection time! This year’s theme is...“I WILL CHANGE THE WORLD BY..”
The Reflections Art Program has been bringing the arts to life for more than 10 million students since 1969. California State PTA and its members, families and kids are on the forefront of this amazing program, which increases community awareness of the importance of arts in education.
All students attending PTA schools sponsoring the program are invited to participate and submit original artwork in one of six areas:
- Dance Choreography
- Literature
- Photography
- Film Production
- Music Composition
- Visual Arts
Artworks are submitted first to school-level PTAs, where they are first recognized, celebrated and judged by five grade-level divisions, while a non-judged Special Artists division celebrates student artists with special needs. School PTAs then choose a selection of entries to be judged by local PTA units, which are then sent on to councils and then districts for consideration. The final artworks submitted to California State PTA by districts are then considered for Outstanding Interpretation, Awards of Excellence or Awards of Merit. Outstanding Interpretation and Award of Excellence entries then go on to represent California in the final National PTA judging round.
Here you’ll find the student entry packets by category:
https://capta.org/resource/participant-forms/
For more information, please contact your school’s Reflections coordinator Traci Wells at wellster@hotmail.com OR Jenniffer Clinton at jennifferh@ca.rr.com thank you.
⛱️ SAVE THE DATE - LA BALLONA BEACH CLEANUP DAY
Join us SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16th 9AM - 12pm for the annual La Ballona Beach Clean Up Day! Check in will be at the Santa Monica South Beach Playground 3400 Barnard Way, 90045. We will have a table set up outside the entrance of the playground. Stop in to get your trash bag and gloves. Everyone who attends will be entered in a raffle for a fun prizes. Additional raffle tickets awarded for every trash bag filled by families. Looking forward to seeing you at this great event! Let’s do our part to keep our coastline beautiful! Bring the whole family to fill a bag and then stay afterwards to play at the beach with your fellow lions.
STUDENTS: Ride The Bus for FREE in Culver City and Beyond!
Culver City Bus has launched a new pilot program for ALL CCUSD students K-12, offering unlimited rides at NO COST on the Culver City Bus, LA Metro bus and rail, and LADOT Dash. Learn more about it here.
All you need to do is:
1. Pick up your Free fare TAP card from your school representative:
- Culver City High School: Oscar Rodriguez, Assistant Principal
- Culver City Middle School: Victoria Zerpoli, Secretary
- Farragut Elementary School: Katie Masterson, Principal
- La Ballona Elementary School: Rosy Reyes, Secretary
- El Rincon Elementary School: Debbie Hamme, Secretary
- Lin Howe Elementary School: Leslie Gardner, Secretary
- El Marino Elementary School: Dorothy Bellante, Secretary
2. Remember to Register Your TAP card online
3. Ride the Transit! You can even plan your trip with the Next CCBus App
Share the news with your friends at CCUSD! Together we can reduce the number of cars on the road, lower our greenhouse gas emissions, improve the quality of the air we breathe and our overall wellbeing!
Join our next CCUSD Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting on Thurs. Oct. 21st, 2021 from 5-6.30pm. Contact: sustainability@ccusd.org for details. Everyone is welcome!
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
Important La Ballona Dates (New Events in Bold)
September 26- Sharky's Fundraiser ends
September 30- COVID Testing for Students and Staff
September 30- Minimum Day, 1:45 Dismissal for Targeted Conferences
October 1- Minimum Day, 1:45 Dismissal for Targeted Conferences
October 5- School Picture Day
October 6- Walk to School Day
October 11- October Enrichment Begins
October 16- La Ballona Beach Cleanup Day, 9a-12pmOctober 16- CCEF's SIP for our Schools Event
October 22- Bidding for Good Auction Begins
October 30- Bookmark Contest ends