The Weekly Roar
February 11, 2023
We Love School Counselors!
The focus of a School Counseling Program is to assist in a student's academic success, promote their socio-emotional development and provide a pathway for career & college readiness. She spends 80% of her day delivering SEL lessons in classrooms, supporting teachers with targeted lessons students may need to support their needs, working with small groups on specific themes and 1:1 counseling services and hosting student clubs during school hours (e.g., Peacemakers Club, Rainbow Club, Jr. Counselor to name a few). In addition, facilitating and supporting teachers with community circles as part of La Ballona's Restorative approach to discipline. Counselor Ulloa-Serrano allocates 20% supporting the families at La Ballona by organizing and offering Parent Education workshops in both English and Spanish. Lastly, meeting and advocating inclusivity and equity with staff, parents and stakeholders. As you can see, the impact of a full time School Counselor, is unsurpassable!
Counselor Serrano's greatest joy is encouraging students to be the best they can be today and always!
Stay PAWSitive!
Dr. Becky Godbey & Ms. Brenda Selva
1. Around the School
It's the Season for Field Trips!
Excitement is in the air as students kicked off Field Trips after a hiatus due to Covid. This week, 1st Graders had the wonderful opportunity to attend Freckleface Strawberry, the musical at the Morgan Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica. After the performance, students had the privilege to meet the author of the book, Julianne Moore. The excitement before and after the field trip was amazing to capture on the faces. Here's a little synopsis on the storyline.
"Seven-year-old Strawberry feels different. She's bullied, asked embarrassing questions, teased by her schoolmates for her bright red hair and freckles, and given a nickname she hates. Freckleface Strawberry will do anything to get rid of her freckles - from scrubbing them with soap to caking on makeup... and even wearing a ski mask to school! Will her schoolmates realize that it's her under the mask? Will Freckleface be brave enough to finally face her complexion in the mirror? This fun, yet touching family musical takes audiences on the journey of a feisty young girl. With the help of her loveable schoolmates, including an amazingly talented ballerina, a cutie jock, a charming ditz and a totally kooky teacher, Freckleface teaches herself and others to "love the skin they're in." As she learns that everyone is different, she comes to accept herself and how our differences are what make everyone special."
What a powerful message and connection to the Socio-emotional learning that takes place at La Ballona!
Our Weekly Wednesday Principal Video Assembly
Family Culture & Tradition Videos
Keep them coming!
School Song
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)
Dual Immersion Program
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!
4. School Meal Information
What's for Breakfast and/or Lunch?
5. Community & Afterschool Opportunities
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
Wanted! Parent Volunteers
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!
Pictures for the Yearbook
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
5th Grade Parent Night
Calling all 5th Grade Families! Wondering what Culver City Middle has to offer and how to make for a smooth transition for your 5th grader? Join us for a Parent Night!
Thursday, February 16th 5:00- 7:00 pm in the CCMS Back Gym
5:00- 5:45- school tours & gallery walk of departments & electives
5:45- 7:00- presentation by principals & counselors, followed by Q & A
Parents & students are welcome to attend
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, February 17th
- 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 13
- Before/After School Tutoring
Tuesday, February 14
- Before/After School Tutoring
- Valentine's Day!
- 4th Grade Field Trip
Wednesday, February 15
- Early Dismissal Every Wednesday at 1:45pm
- CCUSD All-District Concert, 6:30pm at Robert Frost
Thursday, February 16
- Before/After School Tutoring
- Choir, 8am
- Vocal Music Classes K-2
- Tour for Incoming Kindergarten or New Students, 9:00am
Friday, February 17
- Before/After School Tutoring
- Running Club, 8:00am
- TK/Preschool Dual Immersion Parent Education Outreach in Spanish, 9am
- Tour for Incoming Kindergarten or New Students, 9:30am
Upcoming Dates (New Dates in Bold)
February 22-Growing Great program for 2nd Grade
February 24- School-wide Community Assembly, 8:45am
February 24- Coffee with Principal, 9am
February 27-PTA Board Meeting, 6:30-7:30pm
February 28-SSC Meeting, 3:30-4:30pm
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