The Weekly Wave
Short Avenue Newsletter- Week of December 11, 2023
Short Avenue IB Learners Strive to Be...
Mr. Lamb's Updates
Happy Weekend Short Avenue Families and Friends!
It seems that every week there is another layer of Short Avenue that reveals itself and I am once again treated to yet another example of generosity, creativity, and community. Tuesday our staff had our annual holiday gathering and I was introduced to the glorious cookie exchange. I had heard about it, but words did not do justice to the generosity shown to the staff nor was I prepared for the deliciousness (my family has allowed me a couple of the cookies). Thursday our Musical Theater enrichment group put on their Follies. Largely a scripted improv I was a witness to not only the creativity of our students but the hidden personalities as some quiet extroverts had their moment(s) to shine on stage. Finally, the Holiday Bazaar on Saturday was our community in action - coming together in an event supporting Short Ave but mostly and most importantly giving an opportunity to just be together socially. This is such a special school!
As we move closer to the big holiday season it is inevitable that our children will begin to get the bug (if not already) of want. It is a difficult piece to manage as a parent and as educators because there is really very little way to hold off the tidal wave of desire that is fostered in our society. In my family we struggled with this for years and worked to make sure there were always thank you cards written and appreciation shown. Eventually we focused on giving back to the community as best we could. At some point in our journey we had a one for one goal where for every new toy or new dress or new book we then selected a gently used toy, dress, or book to donate. This was a powerful move that has stayed with each of our daughters and it kept home from being overwhelmed by all the new they were blessed to receive. I must say that it did bring me educator, and parental, pride each year when the book donation elicited the most push back from our daughters.
Finally, a couple of reminders for this coming week. This week is Spirit Week hosted by our Student Council. Details for each day are in the Wave below. Also, please remember that I am hosting a safety meeting on Zoom on Wednesday at 6pm. We have our Winter Program Thursday morning at 8:30am on the main playground. And on Friday we have Minimum Day dismissal at 1:00pm to launch our three-week Winter Break. On behalf of the entire Short Avenue staff please have a safe and joyous holiday season!
As always, please be safe. And please enjoy the rest of your weekend.
See you Monday!
Important Dates- Mark Your Calendars
12/13/23- Every School Safe Presentation @6:00 via Zoom
12/11-12/15- Winter Spirit Week
12/14- Winter Program @ 8:30am, on the playground
12/18-1/05- Winter Vacation
Early Literacy Workshop
FOSA Updates
MIDICI PIZZA RESTAURANT NIGHT 12/11 -12/12
Midici pizza will be hosting our last Short Avenue restaurant nights of 2023!!
From 3 - 8:30pm, dine-in or order online!
Dine-in: say SHORT AVE when ordering
Online: https://www.midicimdr.com / code: sho23 (note - code is case sensitive)
Mididci Neapolitan Pizza Company - 13488 Maxella Ave. Suite #100, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
WINTER BAZAAR ❄️
A huge thank you to everyone on the Winter Bazaar Committee for putting together such an incredible community event! It was so wonderful to see so many Short Ave families, alumni, and our very own Short Ave budding entrepreneurs!!
UPCOMING COMMUNITY DATES & EVENTS 🙌
12/14 - Winter Program @ 8:30am, on the playground
12/18-1/05 - Winter Vacation
1/08 - Second Semester Begins
VOLUNTEER 👷♀️
As a parent, you play a vital role in shaping the education experience for your children, and we invite you to join us in making a difference. We are still looking for Event/Program Committees & Volunteers for YearBook & Hospitality. To sign up, please click here. Remember to see the Volunteer Section at the bottom of this newsletter for all the information to become an approved volunteer!!
BIRTHDAY MESSAGES ON THE MARQUEE 🎉
Do you want to have a birthday message for your child on the Marquee? It costs $25, and you can purchase this on our school store on the website, linked here. Be sure to put the date that you want the message to run, and check to make sure that your date does not fall on a weekend:) We will use first name and the initial of the last name if you would like. We ask that you give at least a full week's notice, but if you want a last minute message, please email Avril, at avrilstyle@gmail.com, and she will do her best to accommodate you.
SPIRIT WEAR RECYCLE/REUSE PROGRAM ♻️
Free, gently used Spirit wear is here!
We are collecting new and gently used spirit wear items that are still in good condition. Please leave your new or gently used spirit wear items in the spirit wear bin, located in the office. We will have this bin out at all spirit wear sale days for you to look through or have a peek at what’s in it in the office during the week and please feel free to take an item or two!
FOSA COMMUNITY MEETINGS 🙌
FoSA community meetings are held monthly and all are welcome to join!
They take place on the 3rd Thursday of every month, September*- June, and alternate between virtual (6:00 PM on Google Meet) and in-person (8:20 AM on campus). Meeting invites will be sent through FreshSchools.
* January 18th, 8:20 AM is our next FoSA Community meeting. This will be a an in-person meeting in Room 12.
FOSA ANNUAL BUDGET 📈
Are you wondering why FOSA asks for donations and where the funding goes? See FOSA’s updated 2023 Annual Budget here.
Thank you Short Avenue Community for always bringing your love and care to our school. Our children feel it, our teachers and staff feel it, we all feel it. Together, we can achieve anything! Thank you ❤️. For any other questions regarding our school community, or to get in touch with a FOSA board member, please reach out to fosaboard@friendsofshortavenue.org
Community Rep Corner
Spring Semester After School Enrichment Info
I sent this out in an email through FreshSchools on Tuesday, 12/5. If you did NOT get it, first check your spam, and then email me at Avril.lipsky@lausd.net to get you on FreshSchools.
2024 Spring Semester After School Enrichment Info
Hello Short Avenue Families!!!
*After School Enrichments are classes after school for a fee
*This email has DESCRIPTIONS of classes ONLY
*The email with LIVE ENROLLMENT LINKS AND SIGN UPS IS COMING IN JANUARY AFTER WINTER BREAK!!!! ENROLLMENT WILL BE AT THE END OF THE 1ST WEEK BACK AT SCHOOL. (Please do NOT contact vendors to get early enrollment!!)
*All Classes run 12 weeks
*Classes start the week of January 29th, (the 4th week back from break)
*Please note and mark down the start date of classes, no class dates, and the dismissal time
*Please be sure to look at the grade range for each class
*Please reach out to the vendors if you have any questions about a class
See the MASTER SCHEDULE below
MONDAYS
Imagine Project Improv for TK & K ***New Class
Students will create several storylines based on their own ideas put forth in the first few sessions. Their ideas will form a few short plays which they will create, rehearse and ultimately perform with original music before an invited audience. The last class will be the performance.
If you want to sign up for this class, there will be a google doc sign up and you can pay for the class by Zelle, cash or check to FoSA
Mondays in the Auditorium from 2:45 to 4:00
Dates: 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/26, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6
No Class Dates: 2/19, 3/25, 4/1
Grades: TK & Kinder
10 Min/15 Max
Price: $26 per class/ $312 total
Questions about this class email Nikki nikki@atlasgalt.com
Spring in STEM with LEGO® Materials TK & Kinder
Celebrate the coming of Spring with Play-Well and tens of thousands of LEGO® parts! Build chirping birds, design blossoming flowers, and take a ride on a paddle boat. Design and build as never before and explore your craziest ideas.
**Please note on their registration page it will say Pre K and Kinder, they mean TK and Kinder.
Mondays in the Library from 2:45 to 4:00pm
Dates:1/29. 2/5, 2/12, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13
No Class Dates: 2/19, 2/26, ( Book Fair) 3/25, 4/1
Grades: TK and Kinder
Cost: $21 per class/ $252
Min 8/ Max 12
Questions about this class email Edie: edie@play-well.org
Sports Fundamentals with Got Game ***New Class
Welcome to Got Game's Sports Fundamentals class, the ultimate foundation for young athletes! Designed for children of all skill levels, come learn the essentials of various traditional sports and the core skills that go along with them, while playing and having fun! From agility, coordination, balance, footwork, competition, teamwork and more, drill and play the essentials for all athletic endeavors! Join to build that strong athletic foundation, and have fun doing it!
Mondays Outside on the yard 2:45 - 4:00
Dates: 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/26, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6
No Class Dates: 2/19, 3/25, 4/1
Grades: TK and Kinder
Cost: $18.75 per class/ $225
Min 16 / Max 35
Questions about this class email Got Game: admin@gotgamecamp.com
Short Ave Zine Club #2 with Ms. Levy! ***New Class
Zines (pronounced 'zeens') are small handmade books or mini self-published magazines. There are no set rules for making zines and they are all about self-expression and creativity. They can be about ANYTHING someone is interested in and can come in many different shapes and sizes. We will start out with the mini zine format (folding copy paper into a small 8-page book). We will be drawing, writing, collaging, and using a range of materials to create our very own handmade mini zines that we can publish and give to friends and families. Zine club will end with our very own mini zinefest where participants will publish their best work and trade zines with their club friends. Zine Club #1 Alumni are welcome to sign up again, as well as new students. See our Zine Club #1 Wrap Up for photos. If you have questions, please reach out to Ms. Levy at the email below. If you want to sign up for this class, there will be a google doc sign up and you can pay for the class by Zelle, cash or check to FoSA
Mondays in the Library from 2:45 to 4:00pm
Dates:1/29. 2/5, 2/12, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13
No Class Dates: 2/19 (President’s Day), 2/26 ( Book Fair), 3/25 Spring Break), 4/1( Cesar Chavez)
Grades: 3rd - 5th
Cost: $21 per class/ $252 (includes materials)
Min 8/ Max 11
Questions about this class email Ms. Levy: naama.levy@lausd.net
TUESDAYS:
SHORT BUT SWEET MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP with Santa Monica Playhouse for 1st and 2nd Grade ***New Class
Teaching artists from the Santa Monica Playhouse Diversity-in-Education Conservatory lead once-a-week 75-minute classes for 1st and 2nd graders that combine the fun and excitement of working as a team with the joy and fulfillment of a dynamic, creative, arts-oriented experience structured so that each child can be successful, igniting their passion for arts appreciation and self-expression. Students collaborate with their teachers, creating a play through theatre games, song and movement, writing, and performing. The session culminates in a mini musical performance for family and friends. Class size is limited. Sign ups will be through email to SM Playhouse in January. Find out more about the Playhouse Education Method at https://www.santamonicaplayhouse.com/education-history.html
Tuesdays in the Auditorium 1:45 - 3:00
Dates: 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23
No Class Dates: 3/26 (Spring Break)
Grades: 1st and 2nd
Cost: $26 per class/ $312 total
Min 10 / Max 15
Questions about this class email Evelyn: erudie@santamonicaplayhouse.com
Messy Science with Got Game
Put on your safety goggles and lab coats as we explore the many ways science plays a role in our daily lives. In this hands-on class, students build their creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving skills while discovering how things work. We create daily experiments and explore the fundamentals of science!
Tuesdays Tables Outside Room 17 1:45 - 3:00
Dates: 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23
No Class Dates: 3/26 (Spring Break)
Grades: TK - 5th
Cost: $19.58 per class/ $235 total
Min 16 / Max 35
Questions about this class email Got Game: admin@gotgamecamp.com
Spanish with Jacqueline Fuentes TK & Kinder
This class is an interactive dynamic hands-on Spanish Music workshop. We will use songs, rounds, rhythms, rhymes, art and games to teach Spanish, as well as use call and response patterns from traditional Latin American music and music from around the world.
This will be a safe and creative space, where children of diverse backgrounds can organically discover, learn and develop at their own pace their love for Spanish Culture, the language, as well as their music and singing skills. If you want to sign up for this class, there will be a google doc sign up and you can pay for the class by Zelle, cash or check to FoSA
Tuesdays in the Library 1:45 - 2:45
Dates: 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30
No class: 2/27 (Book Fair) 3/39 (Spring Break)
Grades: TK & Kinder
Cost: $25 per class/ $300
Min 10 / Max 14
Questions about this class email Jacqueline: fourwindsmusica@gmail.com
WEDNESDAYS:
Soccer & Sports with Got Game
Calling all outdoor enthusiasts! Love soccer and sports? Love having fun and being active? Check out this sports class where our team of coaches will spend a considerable amount of time on the great team sport of soccer, but also introduce a variety of other sports and games to engage your child and teach them important sports fundamentals. This class is the perfect combination of important drills and fun gameplay!
Wednesdays Outside on the yard 2:45 - 4:00
Dates: 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 5/1
***Please note that 3/6 class will end early from 1:10 to 2:25 pm because of Parent Conferences
No Class Dates: 3/27 (Spring Break) 4/24 (Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day)
Grades: TK - 5th
Cost: $18.75 per class/ $225 total
Min 16 /Max 35
Questions about this class email Got Game: admin@gotgamecamp.com
Spanish with Jacqueline Fuentes 1st & 2nd Grades
This class is an interactive dynamic hands-on Spanish Music workshop. We will use songs, rounds, rhythms, rhymes, art and games to teach Spanish, as well as use call and response patterns from traditional Latin American music and music from around the world.
This will be a safe and creative space, where children of diverse backgrounds can organically discover, learn and develop at their own pace their love for Spanish Culture, the language, as well as their music and singing skills. If you want to sign up for this class, there will be a google doc sign up and you can pay for the class by Zelle, cash or check to FoSA
Wednesdays in the Library 2:45 - 3:45
Dates: 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 5/1, 5/8
No class: 2/28 ( Book Fair), 3/27 (Spring Break) 4/24 (Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day)
***Please note that 3/6 class will end early from 1:10 to 2:10 pm because of Parent Conferences
Grades: 1st and 2nd
Cost: $25 per class /$300 total
Min 10/ Max 14
Questions about this class email Jacqueline: fourwindsmusica@gmail.com
THURSDAYS:
Arty Party with Got Game
Art is one of the greatest forms of expression! Join Arty Party and discover and explore many different mediums to express yourself! Students learn and use clay, paints, paper mache, mosaics and much more! Oh, and it may get a little messy! All New Projects for Spring!!!
Thursdays Tables outside Room 17 2:45 - 4:00 pm
Dates: 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 2/29, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25
***Please note that 3/7 class will end early from 1:10 to 2:25 pm because of Parent Conferences
No Class Dates: 3/28 (Spring Break)
Grades: TK-5
Cost: $18.58 per class/ $235 total
Min16 / Max 35
Questions about this class email Got Game: admin@gotgamecamp.com
Chess Wizards!
Join Chess Wizards this year for challenging chess lessons, exciting tournaments, fun, team activities, and more! If you’re brand-new to chess, we’ll teach you the basics and get you playing right away. If you’re a seasoned checkmate artist, we’ll show you new ways to let your creativity show on the chess board.
Thursday in the Auditorium 2:45-3:45 pm
Dates: 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 2/29, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25
***Please note that 3/7 class will end early from 1:10 to 2:10pm because of Parent Conferences
No Class: 3/28 (Spring Break)
Location: Auditorium
Grades: 1st -5th
Price: $23 per class/ $276 total
Min 10 /Max 14
Questions about this class email Henry: henryr@chesswizards.com
Spring in STEM with LEGO® Materials 1st and 2nd Grades
Celebrate the coming of Spring with Play-Well and tens of thousands of LEGO® parts! Build chirping birds, design blossoming flowers, and take a ride on a paddle boat. Design and build as never before and explore your craziest ideas.
Thursdays in the Library 2:45 - 4:00
Dates: 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/14, 3/21, 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9
No Class Dates: 2/29 (Book Fair), 3/7 (Conferences)
Grades: 1st - 3rd Grades
Cost: $21 per class/ $252
Min 8/ Max 16
Questions about this class email Edie: edie@play-well.org
Fridays:
reDiscover's Cardboard Art and Engineering
Build amazing eco-friendly creations! At Cardboard Art and Engineering, children learn the skills they need to turn their wildest imaginings into real world items made from all sorts of accessible materials. Tool training and skill building leads into creative prompts like costuming, engineering challenges, puppets, and tiny houses. Activities encourage socialization and cooperation while prompting individual and group projects. Learn advanced cardboard construction techniques that can be brought home to generate hours of hands-on STEAM fun with just the content of your recycling bin.
Fridays in the Auditorium 2:45-3:45
Dates: 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3 Please note*** 3/8 will be conferences, class will be from 1:10 to 2:10
No class: 3/1 ( Book Fair) 3/29 (Spring Break)
Grades: 2nd - 5th
Cost: $21 per class/ $252 total
Min / Max 24
Questions about this class email Jay: jay@rediscovercenter.org
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LAUSD's Family Academy
The Family Academy is designed to leverage families’ assets to be empowered as they support their child from the early primary years to college and career success. This effort will complement family knowledge by connecting them to actionable learning focused on their child’s development, as well as opportunities to accelerate their own careers and quality of livelihood.
View the course catalogue for Family Academy central course offerings in December 2023: English | Spanish
View the course catalogue for Virtual Academy course offerings in December 2023: English | Spanish
For Regional Ambassador offerings, including LCAP, English Learner and Special Education, visit lausd.org/ambassadors.
LAUSD's Winter Academy on December 18, 19, & 20:
Website: https://www.lausd.org/winteracademy
Information regarding registration, sites, and a FAQ are available on the website. The host site for this year's academy will be Walgrove Elementary School.
Winter Academy enrollment portal link: https://enroll.lausd.net/winter-academy. Portal will close on November 13, 2023 to begin processing transportation requests and site assignments.
See the flyer below!!
Got Game Winter Holiday Camps:
Click this link for more info and to register
Social Media: Last week I posted on our Instagram and Facebook : Holiday decor in our office, Congrats to Short Ave All Stars Rugby Team who took 2nd place, pics from our Holiday Party, a Winter Bazaar reminder!!!
Cookie Exchange!
Rugby Team!
Holiday Party!
Previously Published...
Are You Registered On the Parent Portal?
Please make sure that you have registered for an account on the Parent Portal. The Parent Portal is is an online system that connects parents and guardians to their child's information. The website to register is: http://parentportal.lausd.net. Make sure to link your student(s) to your account. Please call the office if you need any help in obtaining your child's student ID # or any other assistance registering on the portal.
Sibling Enrollment for 2024/25 School Year:
Do you have a younger sibling at home who you would love to come to Short Ave next school year? We are starting a SIBLING LIST, and ask that you please fill out this Google Doc, so that we have you all in one place! This list is for both our current neighborhood families with younger siblings, and our families on permit with younger siblings. To be eligible for TK/UTK, children need to have birthdays between September 2, 2019 and September 1st, 2020.
https://forms.gle/rUtjhx7CCyd1tbMS8
Please know that we have become VERY popular with our resident neighborhood families, and expect that Kindergarten for 24/25 will be very full. Resident neighborhood families are guaranteed a spot. But we do not know if we will have spots in Kindergarten for siblings on permit. We do anticipate being able to take siblings for TK from our current families on permit, but will most likely delay enrolling siblings until later in the spring when we have a better sense of our numbers. This is a change from last year, when we enrolled siblings in March with our neighborhood families.
Current Short Ave families do not need to take a tour, and we kindly ask that you leave tour spaces for new families. All enrollment and tour info is now on our website. For those families with friends who want to tour Short Ave, the tour RSVP will open November 1st, when a google doc to sign up will be on our school website. Families on permit with younger siblings will be at the top of the waitlist and will have priority over new families trying to enroll to Short for the first time.
If you have questions about this, please reach out to me at avril.lipsky@lausd.net
Attendance
Health Updates
- Individuals who test positive must stay home and follow isolation instructions for 5 days (Day 0 is the day an individual tests positive).
- Parents of a student who tests positive are strongly recommended to upload their test result to the Daily Pass.
- Individuals who test positive may be released from isolation on or after Day 6, provided any symptoms are improving, and they are fever-free for the past 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
- Students returning between day 6-10 may unmask if they have two sequential negative tests taken at least a day apart.
If you need any Covid tests, you can pick them up in the main office or request them from your child's teacher.
Additionally, there have been a few cases of lice this week. Please check your child's head regularly and notify the school if your child has lice. It is best to keep hair pulled back to avoid any spread.
Volunteering
ALL Volunteers must watch this MANDATORY VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION, BEFORE volunteering on campus!!
https://bit.ly/ShortVolunteers
1. Please sign up through this LAUSD VOLUNTEER LINK!
2. Volunteers must have a negative TB test. New volunteers must have a recent negative test within 60 days of application. You must email your negative result to avril.lipsky@lausd.net so that they can be inputted into your application. You can get your TB test at CVS. TB tests for returning volunteers are good for 4 years.
3. Volunteers need to sign a Liability Waiver and the Commitment Form electronicallyin the application.
4. Please see the LAUSD Volunteer Page for answers to questions.
https://www.lausd.org/volunteer
If you are a RETURNING VOLUNTEER from last year, you still need to fill out the LAUSD Volunteer Application online at LAUSD VOLUNTEER LINK! We should already have your negative TB test. TB test's for returning volunteers are good for 4 years.
Becoming a volunteer can take a little time, but we promise you it is worth it!
Short Avenue Elementary
Email: wlamb@lausd.net
Website: shortavenueelementary.org
Location: 12814 Maxella Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Phone: 310 397-4234