The Weekly Roar
February 4, 2023
Black History Month
Our wonderful PTA kicked off the month of February known as Black History Month with an interactive assembly for the students this past Wednesday. They had an opportunity to discover the many contributions African Americans have made on society.
Throughout the month of February, students will learn about different inventions and accomplishments made in Science, Math, Literature, Music, Art, Theater Arts, and Sports.
With Lion Pride,
Dr. Godbey and Ms. Selva
1. Around the School
We Love Celebrations at La Ballona!
One of the biggest celebration in elementary schools is celebrating the 100th Day of School! On Wednesday, February 1st, students engaged in various activities ranging from counting to 100 by 10's to guessing what grade they would be in on the 1,000 day of school. All around campus, you can see all the excitement as students rotated from activity to the next. Our 5th graders had to figure out why they were celebrating 1,000 days in school versus 100 days of school. If you have a 5th grader, ask them to share what they learned.
Check these pictures out!
Our Weekly Wednesday Principal Video Assembly
Family Culture & Tradition Videos
Keep them coming!
School Song
Supplies wanted for Arts & Innovation Class
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)
Summative ELPAC Testing
Come learn more about this assessment at our next ELAC meeting on Thursday, February 9th at 9:00am in the Cafeteria.
Dual Immersion Program
2. Counselor's Corner
Updates from Counselor Serrano
3. Handbook Highlight
LOST AND FOUND!
Our Lost and Found is overflowing!
Missing a sweater, jacket, water bottle, or even Pokeman cards?
All these are actual items currently in our school's Lost and Found. Please remind your children to go by and search for missing items.
Parents are also welcome on campus before school or after school.
Please label any lunch boxes, sweaters, jacks or water bottles for easy identification. We will return to student along with a PAWS/PATA ticket for showing responsibility.
4. School Meal Information
What's for Breakfast and/or Lunch?
5. Community & Afterschool Opportunities
La Ballona Equal Access and PTA Inclusion Groups
Please join us for the following two events from the La Ballona Access Committee and local PTA Inclusion groups:
Wednesday, February 8 @ 9:15am
IN-PERSON: 3848 Girard Avenue
ON ZOOM: 878 4227 7492 (Passcode: 186615)
Inclusion Valentine Party + Dance
Saturday, February 18 @ 2pm-4pm
El Marino Building (5301 Berryman Ave.)
Please RSVP: Megan.Oddsen@icloud.com
Please feel free to email us with any questions!
Patty Diego: patriciadiego87@gmail.com
Megan Oddsen Goodwin: Megan.Oddsen@icloud.com
Wanted! Parent Volunteers
After School Events: (no clearance required)
Fri Feb 10th - Family Valentine's Dance
This year marks the return of our Family Valentine's Dance! We need help with set up, clean up, and selling treats at the dessert table. Time slots are broken up into smaller chunks so you can still get your groove on with the fam!
Fri Feb 24th - Family Astronomy Night
We're looking for people to help coordinate telescope set up, a science show, arrange food trucks, and sell snacks. Many of these can be done from home, and would require you to be onsite to point the vendors in the right direction for set up. Snack sales are also set up in smaller windows so you can enjoy the evening with friends and family.
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!
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"
Pictures for the Yearbook
6. Information for 5th Grade Families
5th Grade Parent Night
Calling all 5th Grade Families! Wondering what Culver City Middle has to offer and how to make for a smooth transition for your 5th grader? Join us for a Parent Night!
Thursday, February 16th 5:00- 7:00 pm in the CCMS Back Gym
5:00- 5:45- school tours & gallery walk of departments & electives
5:45- 7:00- presentation by principals & counselors, followed by Q & A
Parents & students are welcome to attend
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, February 17th
- Friday, March 17th
- 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, February 6
- Before/After School Tutoring
- National School Counseling Week
- Pedestrian Safety Assembly
Tuesday, February 7
- Before/After School Tutoring
- National School Counseling Week
Wednesday, February 8
- National School Counseling Week
- Dental Screening
- Early Dismissal Every Wednesday at 1:45pm
Thursday, February 9
- Before/After School Tutoring
- National School Counseling Week
- Choir, 8am
- Vocal Music Classes K-2
- ELAC Meeting, 9am
- 1st Grade Field Trip, 10:30
Friday, February 10
- Before/After School Tutoring
- National School Counseling Week
- Running Club, 8:00am
- TK/Preschool Dual Immersion Parent Education Outreach in Spanish, 9am
- Tour for Incoming Kindergarten or New Students, 9:30am
- PTA Valentine's Dance, 6:30pm
Upcoming Dates (New Dates in Bold)
February 16-Tour for Incoming Kindergarten or New Students, 9am
February 17-TK/Preschool Dual Immersion Parent Education Outreach, 9am
February 17-Kinder Tour in Spanish, 9:30am
February 22-Growing Great program for 2nd Grade
February 24- School-wide Community Assembly, 8:45am
February 24- Coffee with Principal, 9am
February 27-PTA Board Meeting, 6:30-7:30pm
February 28-SSC Meeting, 3:30-4:30pm
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