The Weekly Roar
March 11, 2023
Reading is Fun!
During Wednesday’s Open House, the book fair will be opened so that families can buy books with their child. Please reach out to PTA if you have any questions regarding Mija Books.
Please contact Christine (cmaitkoeh@gmail.com) or Liz (lizhagen@hotmail.com) with any questions!
We look forward to having your family at the Open House and Book Fair!
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
Field Trips of Week
Artistic Director and co-founder, Debbie Devine, elaborates, “Our logic is that if kids are introduced to cutting-edge theater in childhood, then they’ll become theatergoers as adults…If it bores adults, then it’s not good enough for kids either.”
Kindergarten at Star Eco Station
Our Weekly Wednesday Principal Video Assembly
Bathroom Challenge
We are super excited to report that as of Friday, March 10th, we have reached 8 days without any disorderly reports in the bathrooms. Way to go Lions!
School Song
The rain put a halt on our monthly Community Assembly a couple of weeks ago, but we are crossing our fingers it doesn't rain for the next one. It has been fun watching students come together in pods to practice the school song. Wonderful! Join us for the next Community Assembly on March 24th! Keep on practicing.
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!
School Site Council Meeting (SSC)
There's an SSC Meeting from 3:30-4:30pm this coming Tuesday, March 14th. Here's the Zoom link to the meeting, https://ccusd.zoom.us/s/3753638073?pwd=c0R5S1U3bkJRYVFiMGwwWFlGcWlZQT09#success passcode: Q2jGH9
SSC Agenda attached
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
March Parent Newsletter (in English and Spanish)
Career Fair Flyer (in English and Spanish)
School Counseling Advisory Council Meeting on 03/10/2023 (in English and Spanish)
March Counseling Virtual Library
March Social Justice Presentation on Women's History Month
March Counseling Lesson on Growth Mindset (TK-2nd and 3rd-5th)
Growth Mindset Google Folder - You can find more resources here!
Women's History Month
3. Handbook Highlight
Healthy Snacks and Drinks
Below is the video that Dr. Godbey shared with students during her Wednesday video.
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 S. 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. Please rsvp to attend. Up to 50 students can participate. RSVP Form: https://forms.gle/3vqWxGVj2zpjzy5v8
March is Mobility Month
Below, you'll find events to celebrate Mobility Month!
- 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
Pictures for the Yearbook
Keep them coming!
WeTip
Earth Fest
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
Tournament Support
Hello coaches and principals,
I am delighted that we have 13 CCUSD teams participating in the April 22nd tournament!!!!!
Regrettably, the parent network before the pandemic is broken and we must rebuild as soon as possible. Our tournament success is dependent upon parent volunteers.
Below is the link to a Google form asking parents to indicate their interest. Please send out requests for assistance, with this link, as soon as possible to parents of all potential participants.
https://forms.gle/f9HV2x9yMjb44Sqh6
Since you may not have your final team members selected, we are indicating to the parents that they are not expected to assist if their child is not part of a final team.
Thank you on behalf of all the CCUSD mathletes, the Tournament Committee, and Dr. Jason Frand.
Pantherpalooza at CCMS!
Hello Future Panther Families,
Culver City Middle School looks forward to welcoming La Ballona's 5th graders as incoming 6th graders to CCMS next school year. They will hosting "Pantherpalooza" on April 14th in order to get students excited and learn more the campus. Here is the information shared with us.
Lawn Sign Sale
Signs are great for students, parents, teachers, and staff! Each sign is 24″ by 18″ full color. Metal “H” stake included. Can also be displayed in a window.
LAWN SIGNS ARE IN STOCK NOW! Lawn signs will be available for pick-up or purchase at our open house on Wednesday 3/15 and also Thursday 3/16 from 4pm to 5pm in the parking lot between Farragut Elementary School and Culver City Middle School. Stay tuned for an email notifications with pick up times, dates, and locations.
THE LAWN SIGN SALE WILL END ON June 5 AT 12PM OR WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
This fundraiser is sponsored by the Culver City High School PTSA. All proceeds for each school’s lawn sign sales will go to the CCHS PTSA to be reinvested back into the school and used for scholarships for the senior class.
Signs can also be purchased via this link: http://my.cheddarup.com/c/cchspta-all-school-2023-grad-lawn-signs
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 13
- Before/After School Tutoring
- Book Fair,3:00-5:00 PM (Library)
Tuesday, March 14
- Before/After School Tutoring
- Book Fair, 8:00-9:00am; 3:00-4:00pm (Library)
- SSC Meeting, 3:30-4:30pm (Agenda posted)
- Board Meeting, 6:30pm
Wednesday, March 15
- Early Dismissal Every Wednesday at 1:45pm
- Book Fair,
- Book Fair, 8:00-9:00am; 6:00-8:00pm (Library)
- Open House, 6:00-7:00pm
Thursday, March 16
- Before/After School Tutoring
- No Choir
- Book Fair, 8:00-9:00am; 3:00-4:00pm (Library)
- Vocal Music Classes K-2
Friday, March 17
- Before/After School Tutoring
- Running Club, 8:00am
- Book Fair, 8:00-12:00pm (Library)
- Lion's Pride Jog-a-Thon
- TK Field Trip, Cayton Children's Museum, 9:15-1:45pm
Upcoming Dates (New Dates in Bold)
March 23-LB Spelling Bee
March 23-DEI Art Night Event Sponsored by PTA (RSVP required), 6:30-8:00pm
March 24-LB Community School-wide Assembly, 8:45am
March 24-Coffee with the Principal, 9:00am
March 27-April 7-Spring Recess
April 11-13-Space STEM Program at La Ballona
April 14-Pantherpalooza at CCMS for 5th Grade, 8:45-11:30am
April 14-Black History After School Event Sponsored by PTA (postponed from 3/13)
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