The Weekly Roar
March 4, 2023
Lunar New Year Assembly!
The Immortal Lion Dance Group started in Monterey Park and have been around since 1962. The majority of the dancers are former students of Ynez Elementary in Monterey Park, where the Immortal Lion Dance group would practice. Their style is originally based on the Choy Lai Fut system, which stresses a good foundation with strong stance and uses powerful head movements coupled with agility, stamina, and teamwork. Through the years, the Immortals dance team has incorporated their own style and have added an acrobatic flair. Students were engaged throughout the assembly and excited to learn more about traditional lion dances and their significance.
Here is their website and instagram :
http://www.immortalsliondance.com/
https://www.instagram.com/immortalsliondance/
Stay PAWSitive,
Dr. Godbey and Ms. Selva
In this newsletter:
Around the School
Counselor Corner
Handbook Highlight
School Meal Information
Community & Afterschool Opportunities
Information for 5th Grade Families
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/1. Around the School
Read Across America
March 2 is Read Across America, and is widely celebrated throughout the United States as a day of celebrating literature and the love of reading. Students have another opportunity during the week known as Read Across America, to focus on diverse books that make children feel valued and welcome. As we know, Readers who feel included, recognized, and a part of the world are engaged readers.
Library Remodel Update:
Check out our Library's Wishlist!
Our Weekly Wednesday Principal Video Assembly
Lately, we are encountering a similar situation in our bathrooms. Dr. Godbey in last week's Principal's video, challenged students to take the bathroom stand. Additionally, students were asked for ideas on what everyone could earn after 10 consecutive days without issues in the bathrooms. After two weeks into the challenge, we are at 1 day of complaints.
We're asking families to assist us in this effort by reminding your child the importance of working together as a school community to keep our beautiful campus that La Ballona clean! Here is the slide used by Dr. Godbey in this week's video.
School Song
Supplies wanted for Arts & Innovation Class
Ms. Flores is extremely grateful and still accepting donations of items below. Keep them coming!
Drop off any donations in the Principal's Donation Box in the Main Office.
-toilet paper rolls/paper towel rolls
-empty cereal boxes
-tissue boxes (empty and not)
-clean ice cream containers (paper or plastic, preferably with lid)
-lysol wipes
-lysol spray
-alphabet spaghetti (or any shape)
Open House is Coming!
2. Counselor's Corner
Updates from Counselor Serrano
I am sharing March's theme, parent information and resources. It's also Women's History Month. A time to celebrate their contribution to History. Encourage your child to share with you what they are learning at school. As always, I am available to answer any questions you may have. Make sure to visit my Counselor's page on the school's webpage.
Diana Ulloa-Serrano; M.S., PPS
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
K-12 Professional School Counselor
La Ballona Elementary School
Google Voice Phone Number: (424) 281-0209
Office Phone Number: (310) 842-4334
Website: https://tinyurl.com/counselorserrano
Women's History Month
3. Handbook Highlight
When your child is sick
A message from our District nurses:
4. School Meal Information
What's for Breakfast and/or Lunch?
5. Community & Afterschool Opportunities
PTA Open Board Positions
PTA Honorary Service Awards
Is there an extraordinary person or organization that you'd like to thank for their contribution to La Ballona Elementary? The California State PTA Honorary Service Award is a great way to say thank you for their service to our children and community.
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Hay una persona extraordinaria u organizacion a la cual usted quisiera dar gracias por su contribucion a nuestra escuela La Ballona? El Premio de Servicio Honorario de la PTA del estado de California es una gran manera de decir gracias por el servicio que han brindado para nuestros alumnos y comunidad.
Attention Cleared Volunteers!
La Ballona is looking for volunteers willing to help at Recess. We need adults to help organize/referee outside games such as kickball, soccer, etc. If you are interested, please reach out to Dr. Godbey.
Here's how to become a cleared volunteer: https://laballona.ccusd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=2656400&type=d&pREC_ID=2277030
Wanted! Extra Parent Volunteering Opportunities
During School Events: (clearance / background check required)
Wednesday Recess Board Games & Crafts
Sign up to help lead kids in board games and crafts. This happens weekly on Wednesdays, now until May.
March Book Fair
Our spring book fair is Mon Mar 13th to Fri Mar 17th. Partner with a friend to help kids select books and check out.
Without parent support, these events are not possible. We will send volunteer sign ups out monthly - this is your chance to get involved! Volunteering with the La Ballona PTA is a great way to contribute to our community, meet fellow parents, and enrich our kids' school experience. Grab a friend and sign up!
Please contact Christine (cmaitkoeh@gmail.com) or Liz (lizhagen@hotmail.com) with questions!
JOG-A-THON
Last week we kicked off our school's biggest fundraising drive, the Lions' Pride jog-a-thon. Our goal is to raise $55,000 and we know that when we all work together, we can accomplish that goal!
This event is run entirely by volunteers, so all of the money our families raise goes into our classrooms to support our students. We hope you will all participate by sharing your student's fundraising page with your friends and family. It's a super easy way to get the word out and collect donations for our school.
Career Fair
ATTENTION!! Calling all designers!
No Choir Thursday Mornings
Here's a message from Mrs. Gallagher:
Again, many thanks to all who have made this year so wonderful.
Unfortunately we will be pausing the Choir and all rehearsals for the time being as I will be on a leave of absence.
There is, however, another local opportunity, if your child is interested in singing more! Please see below for more information.
Angel City Youth Chorale is accepting new young singers! (http://angelcitychorale.org/acyc/)
ACYC is part of Angel City Chorale and offers FREE music education and performance lessons.
We rehearse on Saturdays from 9:30-11:30am @ 3400 Sawtelle Boulevard in Mar Vista. Come join us on March 4th to learn more and meet the teachers!
This fun-filled season will culminate in a fantastic concert with Angel City Chorale on June 10th and 11th at UCLA's historic Royce Hall.
We will be celebrating 30 years of Angel City Chorale!
Here is the criteria for participating:
* singers must be at least 8 years old
* singers must be able to attend our weekly Saturday sessions
* singers must commit to our performances on June 10th and 11th
DEI Art Night
La Ballona families join us for an evening of fun and creativity led by Studio Artist, Kayla A and La Ballona's PTA Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Food will be served and students and families will have an opportunity to create and take home artwork. All students and families are welcome to join us for this creative and interactive experience.
March is Mobility Month
To kick start Mobility Month, La Ballona's monthly Walk to School Day is scheduled for Wednesday, March 1st. Below, you'll find other events to celebrate Mobility Month!
- March 5: Bike Safety Class at the YMCA
- March 12: Second Sunday Group Ride to Ballona Wetlands
- March 18: Walk 'n Rollers 11th Anniversary Celebration w/bike skills, free bike helmets, group ride and Historical Walking Tour of Downtown CC
Book Fair
Our spring book fair is Mon Mar 13th to Fri Mar 17th. Partner with a friend to help kids select books and check out.
Without parent support, these events are not possible. We will send volunteer sign ups out monthly - this is your chance to get involved! Volunteering with the La Ballona PTA is a great way to contribute to our community, meet fellow parents, and enrich our kids' school experience. Grab a friend and sign up!
Please contact Christine (cmaitkoeh@gmail.com) or Liz (lizhagen@hotmail.com) with questions!
Pictures for the Yearbook
Keep them coming!
WeTip
CCEF Needs Volunteers
Hi Ambassadors, you may have seen the article in Culver Pride and CCEF's newsletter featuring our request for event committee members. Here's a copy of the information if you can share it on your school's Facebook pages. I'll also be posting the blurb to our social media on Thursday if you want to re-share once that's live.
Thank you for helping to spread the word!
"Is your New Year’s Resolution to volunteer in 2023? We’ve got an incredible opportunity for you! CCEF is seeking committee members for their BIGGEST fundraiser to date – A Taste of Culver City! Be a part of this culinary event hosted on the Amazon Studios lot on Sunday, May 7th, where the entire community will come together to celebrate Culver City’s diverse food scene while raising vital resources for CCEF-funded programs. Roles are available to support event planning, marketing, sponsorship coordination, silent auction, entertainment, and volunteer coordination.
Can’t help with the event preparation? Sign up to volunteer on the day of the event, or engage your workplace/community organizations to volunteer as a group. Join the party and email the CCEF team for more information on how you can get involved: ccef@ccusd.org"
School Messenger via Text!
6. Information for 5th Grade Families
Campus Visit from CCMS!
Hello Future Panther Families,
CCMS school counselors, principals, and WEB leaders visited your 5th grader and went over exciting information regarding CCMS and electives.
Please find attached the 6th Grade Packet with instructions for you and your student to complete important Google Forms by March 1st.
6th Grade Electives Preferences Sign Up Instructions- Complete by March 1st
6th Grade Math Preference Sign Up Instructions- Complete by March 1st
CCMS School Tour Information
Monthly school tours are for new families to CCUSD and incoming 6th-grade families.
Please sign up on the Google Form to reserve your spot.
Tours are on the 3rd Friday of the month from 9:00- 10:00 am.
- Friday, April 21st
- Friday, May 19th
The 1 hour will include a presentation overview of CCMS followed by a walking school tour.
All tours are capped at 100 people. Every individual attending MUST sign up.
Please meet at the front blue gate by the CCMS main office.
Parking is limited, please be aware of street parking restrictions.
A reminder email will be sent the day before the tour.
Questions? Email Ms. Flores at leonorflores@ccusd.org.
SIGN UP HERE: https://forms.gle/79XWy5pAmaGYGjrY8
7. Our Calendar
This Week at La Ballona
One-time events in italics
Monday, March 6
- Before/After School Tutoring
- Last day of Read Across America Week
Tuesday, March 7
- Before/After School Tutoring
Wednesday, March 8
- Early Dismissal Every Wednesday at 1:45pm
- Women's Day
Thursday, March 9
- Before/After School Tutoring
- No Choir
- 5th Grade Field Trip to 24th Street Theater
- Vocal Music Classes K-2
Friday, March 10
- Before/After School Tutoring
- Running Club, 8:00am
- Kindergarten Field Trip at the EcoStation
Upcoming Dates (New Dates in Bold)
March 9- Fifth Grade Field Trip
March 10- Kinder Field Trip
March 13-17 Mija Books Book Fair
March 13- Black History After School Event Sponsored by PTA
March 14- School Board Meeting, 6:30-7:30pm
March 15- Open House-Time 6:00-7:00pm
March 17- Lion’s Pride Jog-a-thon
March 17- TK Field Trip
March 24-LB Community School-wide Assembly, 8:45am
March 24-Coffee with the Principal, 9:00am
March 27-April 7-Spring Recess
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