The Weekly Roar
October 30, 2021
A Message from the Principal
Hello all!
Last week, our community came together to enjoy the traditions of Halloween. This upcoming week is rather calm, a perfect respite after a busy one. It begins with El Dia de los Muertos, a special day celebrated by many of us. Because one of the three components of a Dual Immersion program is becoming socio-culturally aware of traditions in Spanish speaking communities, you may see El Dia de los Muertos activities in backpacks that students have enjoyed.
Speaking of seeing activities, It's been brought to my attention that our families are feeling a bit disconnected to their students' classrooms. With Covid numbers decreasing, we do anticipate that parent volunteers may be able to start supporting our school soon. In the meantime, however, our PTA is planning a December outdoor event so that our community can come together again.
Another way to feel more connected to your child's schooling is to start a dialogue with your students. This website provides some good questions. Also, here are some guidelines to help you if you are feeling stuck:
- Instead of yes and no questions, ask open-ended questions that force your child to say more.
- Adults have very busy lives and children are very good at picking up your cues. They will "know" if you don't really want to listen. If you really are interested in learning more about your child's day, look at your child and be attentive to their answers. Ask follow up questions. If they really believe you are interested, they'll open up more.
- If your child is learning English or Spanish, don't force them to speak it with you in that moment. Your goal is connection with your child in this moment, so invite them to speak in the language most comfortable to them.
- Look through your child's backpack and ask about what you find.
- Try to remove your bias when talking about school. For example, you may not have liked math, but that doesn't mean that your child dislikes math. Asking leading questions like "Was math hard" can inadvertently plant ideas that are not there.
- For students who may not want to talk, as them to draw a map of their classroom, library, garden, etc. You can learn a lot this way.
I hope your find these suggestions helpful. May you have a weekend filled with sweetness and a week filled with calm.
Have a PAWSitive week!
Dr. Becky Godbey
La Ballona Principal
Covid Testing Continues each Tuesday
Dear CCUSD staff and families:
We are ready to go with the new COVID testing provider - Living Fit Nation (LFN). Testing will begin next week for all staff and students, with the first week (similar to the last rollout) acting as our pilot to make sure everything runs smoothly. We will monitor the registration status to ensure everyone is registering and contacting those who do not.
To be tested this Tuesday (11/2), you must be registered by Saturday 10/30 at 8:00pm.
Registration for this system is similar to the last one with several improvements:
- One parent email is able to register multiple students
- Once registered, you are set - no need to “order tests”
- Assistance is available directly from LFN
- Step by step instructions are attached here to assist you
You will have to provide insurance information if available, as billing is done the same way. LFN will bill insurance if available and if not will bill the Federal grant program, which is why they need further information if you select “no insurance”. You will never be charged anything for these tests.
With this new provider, we will be able to do all the testing in one day. The schedule for now will be Tuesdays:
- All elementary schools and OCD first thing in the morning until 10:00am
For more information, please go to the district website: 2020-2021 Updates & Communications - ES: COVID-19 / Distance Learning - Culver City Unified School District (ccusd.org)
Click on the video to show your child what to do.
The Month of October and November
Important La Ballona Dates (New Events in Bold)
Nov. 4- PTA "parent community meeting at 6:30pm. Simultáneamente en inglés y español
Nov. 7- Online Auction Ends
Nov. 11- Veterans Day Holiday
Nov. 12- Coffee with the Principal
Nov. 16- SSC Meeting
Nov. 19- Trimester 1 Ends
Nov. 22-26- Thanksgiving Break
Click on the Calendar Below to access many October activities.
What is MTSS?
MTSS stands for Multi-Tiered System of Supports. This is an umbrella term which encompasses academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports to serve the whole child both in and outside of the classroom. By looking at all facets of a child's success at school, we can design the best supports to propel the student forward and achieve their ultimate potential. As a school and team of teachers and staff, we use data to inform instructional decisions and engage in problem-solving strategy sessions to ensure all students are succeeding.
Updates around Campus
Vocal Music News (TK/K/1st/2nd)
Happy Autumn! We have been having so much fun singing our fall-themed songs in Vocal Music Class! Each Kinder student will soon have their “Ask Me” handouts in their backpacks, so be sure to ask your child about it. Our songs this month are “Black Cat” and “Blackbird, Blackbird”.
In addition to being a wonderful musical bonding experience, the “Ask Me” handouts can also provide an insight into your child’s classroom – and it brings so much joy!
The 1st and 2nd Graders are learning and singing so much, too. Ask your students to sing “Dulce, Dulce” for you in Honor of our recent Hispanic Heritage Month celebration! Please also check your student's vocal music Seesaw account via the Clever Portal. There are optional singing activities and games for you to practice and respond to.
If you have any questions about the vocal music program, feel free to reach out directly to the vocal music teacher at: Kimberly Gallagher: kimberlygallagher@ccusd.org
Square Art catalogs!
Double check your child's backpacks next week as the 'Square 1 Art' catalogs will be distributed to all the students on November 2nd. All orders will be due by November 12th (for it to arrive before the holidays).
Our Community Working Together
PTA discounts now from local CC stores.
For all our PTA members at La Ballona, here are even more discounts for you to enjoy with your $8 membership, yayyyyy!!
*** The Council PTA has partnered with local businesses to provide perks with your PTA card. If you signed up through Totem, you can download a digital card and take advantage of the perks right now! If you signed up with cash or Square and you wish to have a digital card, email me and I'll add you to Totem (so you won't be charged the $1 service charge that Totem has). Then you'll need to register an account with Totem. Email me back and I can send more instructions. You can also show your paper membership card to get these perks! Email me to coordinate a pick up or see me at the Membership table on October 29th at the school to pick up your paper membership card. (from Laura....info@laballonapta.org)
Sign up with TOTEM: https://jointotem.com/ca/culver-city/la-ballona-elem/join/register
Sign up with Squareup: https://la-ballona-elementary-pta.square.site/s/shop
Online Auction fundraiser is now open!
La Ballona Elementary Schools online auction (our 2nd biggest fundraiser of the year) is NOW OPEN for bidding! Please check it out, as it has lots of absolutely FANTASTIC items to bid on from restaurant gift cards, tons of toys, teacher treats, gym memberships, clothing and MUCH MUCH more, so don't delay! This fundraiser is from Friday, October 22 until Sunday, Nov 7th at 9pm!
Save the date- NEXT PTA COMMUNITY MEETING
Our next PTA "parent community meeting" is Thursday, November 4th at 6:30pm by zoom and we have a very special guest who will be joining us for it, our very own Superintendent Quoc Tran!! The code and password will be sent out to everyone by Dr.Godbey a few days before and posted on social media as well.
Join the PTA!
School has now started and so does our PTA membership drive! Joining the PTA is a great way to get involved and show your support for La Ballona students. Membership dues are just $8 per person and all dues-paying members can vote at PTA meetings, which are held the first Thursday of each month. Member dues are used for programs, resources, and activities that benefit our students. Click below on the link to pay your membership today, thank you so much for your support
Sign up with TOTEM: https://jointotem.com/ca/culver-city/la-ballona-elem/join/register
Sign up with Squareup: https://la-ballona-elementary-pta.square.site/s/shop
Room Parents STILL Need Your Information ASAP!
The PTA Room Parents need your help. They want your contact information so they can keep you updated on your child's classroom (especially teachers birthday gift, teacher Appreciation Week info etc). The school is not permitted to give out your information, so if you'd like correspondence from your Room Parent, click here.
The Student Store is NOW OPEN to pick up "Spirit Wear" orders!
La Ballona's "Student Store" has brand new facemasks for sale, 1 for $4, or 3 for $10. Stop by the Student Store today (during their new hours listed below) to purchase some and support the PTA. They also still have some "tie-dye" shirts available for purchase and are taking new orders for the sizes that they are currently sold out on, so don't delay in putting in your order for the family. Please email laballonastudentstore@gmail.com to place your order or drop by at the front of the school across from the entrance to the main office to see them in person.
Hours are Monday 8:50-9:30am, Wednesday 1:50pm-2:30pm and Friday 8:50-9:30am, thank you!
Restaurant Fundraiser!
Mental Health Workshops for Spanish Speaking Families
Environmentalists agree that an important action we can take to combat climate change is to adopt a plant-based diet
“Securing a brighter future for our children and future generations requires countries to take urgent action at home and abroad to turn the tide on climate change. It is with ambition, courage and collaboration as we approach the crucial COP26 summit in the UK that we can seize this moment together, so we can recover cleaner, rebuild greener and restore our planet.” Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister.
Here are the goals stated by the COP26:
1. Secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach
2. Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats
3. Mobilize finance ($100bn in climate finance per year)
4. Work together to deliver
Make sure to check it out, and hold your governments accountable for what they agree on! Join the movement now!
THANK YOU for a very successful & safe Halloween event!
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!
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