The Weekly Roar
February 25, 2023
How can we cultivate and recognize biliteracy in our communities?
In California, there are new options for recognizing the multilingual abilities of our students. In two FREE webinars for families, the California Multilingual Alliance Project (MCAP) team will share information about the State Seal of Biliteracy and other new Pathways to promote multilingualism. We will explore the current options available, and collaborate on a personal plan to advocate for biliteracy in our communities.
These seminars are provided in Spanish with English interpretation.
FREE registration: http://bit.ly/2023MCAPbiliteracidad
Flyer to share: https://bit.ly/2023mcapfamilias
Tuesday, Feb 28, 2023 - 3:30-4:30 pm PST
The State Seal of Biliteracy and other Pathways to promote Bilingualism
Part 1: What are the options in California?
Tuesday, April 11, 2023 - 3:30-4:30 pm PST
The State Seal of Biliteracy and other Pathways to promote Bilingualism
Part 2: How can I advocate for biliteracy in my school?
Together we can advocate for a Multilingual California! Questions? Contact mcapalliance@gocabe.org
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
La Ballona STEM Days with Growing Great
Students in 2nd Grade observed parts of a plant, discovered different ways seeds move, and engineered their own seed as part of the Growing Great program. The focus for the Growing Great program, is to bring these concepts to life by allowing students to explore and engage in STEM activities through hands-on experiments.
This week, 2nd graders at La Ballona explored parts of a plant, explored different methods plants use to disperse their seeds, and engineer their own seed, which travels by flying, floating or sticking, from recycled materials. Below are some pictures of their participation in the lesson.
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
Our Weekly Wednesday Principal Video Assembly
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)
PTA Open Board Positions
Open House is Coming!
2. Counselor's Corner
Updates from Counselor Serrano
I am sharing February's theme, parent information and resources. Encourage your child to share with you what they are learning at school. Finally, I am sharing with you, the mid-year report. 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.
3. Handbook Highlight
Birthday Invitations
School Dismissal
This ensures that the flow of traffic entering is clear and the safety of the students is maintained. In the recent weeks, we've had families entering and exiting through the same Gate causing confrontations and verbal exchanges. Additionally, students who are not picked up by 3:25pm, will be taken to the main office. We appreciate your cooperation, patience and flexibility!
Great News!
4. School Meal Information
What's for Breakfast and/or Lunch?
5. Community & Afterschool Opportunities
Message from CCUSD Nurses
A message from our District nurses:
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
SSC
https://ccusd.zoom.us/s/3753638073?pwd=c0R5S1U3bkJRYVFiMGwwWFlGcWlZQT09#success
Read Across America Week
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.
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.
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 1: Walk to School Day!
- March 3: CC Bus 95th Birthday - Free Fare all day
- 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
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!
Book Fair Flyers
Pictures for the Yearbook
Keep them coming!
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"
WeTip
School Messenger via Text!
6. Information for 5th Grade Families
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, 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 27
- Before/After School Tutoring
- PTA Board Meeting, 6:30-7:30pm
Tuesday, February 28
- Before/After School Tutoring
- SSC Meeting, 3:30-4:30pm
- CCUSD Board Meeting, 6:00pm
Wednesday, March 1
- Walk to School, 8-8:40am
- Lunar New Year Culmination Assembly, 9:00am and 10:00am
- Early Dismissal Every Wednesday at 1:45pm
Thursday, March 2
- Before/After School Tutoring
- Read Across America Week begins
- No Choir
- Vocal Music Classes K-2
- PTA Meeting, 6:30-7:30pm (General)
Friday, March 3
- Before/After School Tutoring
- Read Across America
- Running Club, 8:00am
- End of the 2nd Trimester
Upcoming Dates (New Dates in Bold)
March 1-Walk to School, 8:00-8:40am
March 2-6-Read Across America Week
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 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