The Weekly Roar
February 18, 2023
Happy Presidents' Day!
Wishing families and students a wonderful day off on Monday in honor of Presidents' Day! Although President Washington and President Lincoln still remain the two most recognized presidents, it's a day to recognize the lives and achievements of all presidents to date. Did you know, George Washington was the only president unanimously elected. John Adams passed away on the same day as Thomas Jefferson, July 4th, 1826. Thomas Jefferson was also an accomplished architect. James Madison and George Washington are the only presidents who signed the Constitution. There are other facts about our past and present presidents. Take this day to learn more about them.
Fun fact from the History Discovery channel, Presidents' Day never falls on the actual birthday of any American president. Four chief executives—George Washington, William Henry Harrison, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan—were born in February, but their birthdays all come either too early or late to coincide with Presidents' Day, which is always celebrated on the third Monday of the month.
Stay PAWSitive!
Dr. Becky Godbey & Ms. Brenda 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
4th Graders Field Trip to Leonis Adobe Museum!
Excitement continues to the fill air as 4th Grade students visited Leonis Adobe Museum this week! Part of their History-Social Science Standards, students made connections and reinforced their learning of the period of Mexican rule in California, mission systems, and the economic rise of ranches in California. While touring the museum, students are provided with a glimpse of ranch life in the 1800’s. During the “hands on” part of the tour, students had the opportunity to churn for butter, make tortillas, grind corn, and dabble with roping. Here’s a brief statement from Leonis Adobe Museum on their goal for students touring the museum:
"The Leonis Adobe Museum is a historical monument and living history museum dedicated to restoring, preserving, and sharing California ranch life in the late 1800s." Our goal at the museum is to share a glimpse of what life was like in the late 1800s with our community, and with the numerous students who pass through our gates on a daily basis.
Our Weekly Wednesday Principal Video Assembly
School Song
School-wide Community Assembly and Coffee with the Principal
Families are encouraged to join us in the cafeteria for our monthly Coffee with the Principal at 9:00 am. This month's topics are La Ballona's Positive Behavior and Support System.
Supplies wanted for Arts & Innovation Class
Thanks for all the donations. 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)
American Citizenship Award Recipients
Every month, the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the National Association of Secondary School Principal award students the American Citizenship Award during a Board meeting. With teachers' input, Dr. Godbey selects two students that demonstrate a positive attitude towards classmates and school. Students who actively participate in school activities and exemplifies citizenship, and encourages others to do what is right. It’s a difficult decision because so many of our scholars, demonstrate these qualities every day!
Congratulations to Teagan and Esteban for being January’s recipients of the American Citizenship Award!
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
School Messenger via Text!
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.
Astronomy Night
Do you have a telescope or binoculars you would be willing to bring to campus to help students see the stars? Or would you be up for volunteering? Please email Christine at cmaitkoeh@gmail.com
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
After School Events: (no clearance required)
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!
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"
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 20
- No School-Presidents' Day!
Tuesday, February 21
- Before/After School Tutoring
Wednesday, February 22
- Early Dismissal Every Wednesday at 1:45pm
Thursday, February 23
- Before/After School Tutoring
- Growing Great program for 2nd Grade
- No Choir this week
- Vocal Music Classes K-2
- Tour for Incoming Kindergarten or New Students, 9:00am
- DEI Committee meeting, 6:30-7:30pm (Zoom)
- https://lausd.zoom.us/j/87183893505?pwd=K2dHaGFmeU11WFZUbzIxd25ObzZjZz09
Meeting ID: 871 8389 3505
Passcode: lions
Friday, February 24
- Before/After School Tutoring
- Running Club, 8:00am
- School-wide Community Assembly, 8:45am
- Coffee with the Principal, 9:00am
- Astronomy Night (La Ballona Playground), 6:30-9:00pm
Upcoming Dates (New Dates in Bold)
February 27-PTA Board Meeting, 6:30-7:30pm
February 28-SSC Meeting, 3:30-4:30pm
March 1-Lunar New Year Culmination Assembly, 9:00am and 10:00am
March 2-PTA Meeting, 6:30-7:30pm
March 3-End of the 2nd Trimester
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 TBD
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