MBEF Newsletter
       
    January 28, 2021  
 
 




Historial Grants to MBUSD

MBEF Programs at Risk for Students in 2021/22 
Contributions to MBEF's Annual Appeal make up the majority of the large grant to MBUSD that supports the programs and educators our school community has come to depend on for over three decades. Without funding from MBEF, these unique opportunities simply are not sustainable. This year, contributions to the Annual Appeal are significantly down, resulting in a major shortfall of funding support for programs like physical education teachers in our elementary schools or zero period for Mira Costa students. As of today, MBEF is projecting a $2 million decline in its grant for the 2021-22 school year due to decreased donations. Last week at the MBUSD Budget Workshop, MBEF presented an initial analysis of which MBEF-funded programs are being considered for significant reductions or cuts based on the limited funding dollars:

  • Class Size Reduction Directed Grant (6-9)
  • Secondary Music Supplement
  • Elementary PE Teachers
  • Elementary Reading Specialists
  • Assistant Principals
  • Elective Enhancement/Zero Period

This is the reality of limited funding. It takes the commitment of the entire community every year to fund the quality education that parents have come to expect, and this year is no different. Without it, our students will suffer the loss in our schools next year. We are grateful to those families who have joined our effort to support our students with opportunities. Please share out your commitment and invite your fellow parents and neighbors to join you.  

The time to give is now. Thank you!

 
 
 

Get In The Know with MBEF's Podcast Series
MBEF has introduced a new podcast series to keep you in the know about the issues you care about. Join Dan Hellie, local parent and sports announcer, as he sits down with members of our community who are instrumental in the success of our Manhattan Beach schools and community. In each podcast, Dan will address important information, concerns, and updates about the issues impacting our schools and students. 

Podcast #4 This week Dan is joined by the Director of Youth Services at Beach Cities Health District (BCHD), Ali Steward. BCHD has been instrumental in supporting the health and wellness of MBUSD students through a variety of significant programs. Now BCHD is leading the effort to bring the COVID-19 vaccine to South Bay residents, including our MBUSD teachers. Learn about the process and what’s in store for the coming months. Check out the In the Know podcast series or on iTunes.

 
 
 

The Manhattan Wine Auction is happening on Saturday, June 12th!
Mark your calendars now for the 27th Annual Manhattan Wine Auction to be held virtually on Saturday, June 12th. The 2021 Wine Auction will feature a livestream show, along with unique virtual experiences, including corporate and family in-home event packages that showcase exquisite wine and food from our local restaurants to be shared among family and friends. You will not want to miss the virtual tastings featuring distinguished wines, spirits, and craft beers, musical entertainment, and of course the online silent and live auctions. Look for more details released soon!

 
 
 

Virtual Safe in the South Bay Series
Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) is working hard to keep South Bay residents, organizations, businesses, and schools healthy and safe during this pandemic by hosting a series of events that keep our community informed of the latest Covid-19 updates and how to live-well during these challenging times. BCHD Director of Youth Services, Ali Steward, shared insights as a guest on MBEF's In The Know Podcast earlier this week. BCHD is also hosting a live-streamed event on February 4th from 5:00 – 6:30pm to focus on Covid-19 vaccinations and ways residents can stay resilient. To learn more about this series and to register, click here.

 
 
 

UNITY – The Movement of Change in Our Community
Our small Manhattan Beach community strives to provide an inclusive and diverse environment that embraces residents and visitors of any race, gender, or ethnicity. Now more than ever, conversations that are centered on this effort are essential to build awareness and growth. To continue the community’s focus on social equality, The Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce is hosting, UNITY – The Movement of Change in Our Community, on Thursday, February 4th from 1:00 – 2:30pm. The diverse panel of speakers will open the conversation on the importance of unity and share their perspectives on diversity, equity and inclusion here in Manhattan Beach. For more information and how to register, please click here.

 
 
 

Kindergarten Information for 2021/22 School Year 
Kinder registration is just around the corner and MBUSD wants to make sure all Kinder parents are well informed, particularly about what to expect for the Kinder classrooms in 2021/22. Join MBUSD Superintendent, Dr. Mike Matthews, elementary principals, teachers, and parents on Thursday, February 4th at 5:00pm to learn about important registration dates, the high-quality programs offered in our schools, and what makes public education so successful in Manhattan Beach. This is a great opportunity to get all of your questions answered for your child’s transition into elementary school. Click here to register. 

 
 
 

College Admissions Discussion Panel 
In a year where college admissions tests have gone from being an essential part of the process to optional, and in some cases not accepted at all, aspiring college students are seeking answers to what the college admissions highway will look like next year. MBEF, the MCHS College & Career Center, and the Compass Education Group are pleased to partner on bringing together an expert panel to share their different  perspectives:

  • Adam Ingersoll, Compass Education Group founding partner
  • Laurie Callaway, University of Colorado - Boulder
  • Steven Koo, Boston College
  • Ffiona Rees, University of California - Los Angeles
  • Lisa Rhone, University of Southern California

This worthwhile presentation will be on Thursday, March 11th at 5:00pm and gives students and parents a richer understanding of the college admission process and a framework for maximizing success on standardized tests. More details about the Zoom event and registration to follow.

 
 
 

Emotional Support Workshops – "Technology & Social Media" 
The Manhattan Beach Unified School District PTA Council and Social-Emotional Learning Committee have collaborated to bring a four-part series on “Emotional Support During Distance Learning” for all parents. Olivia Tiffany, Family Counselor, Life Coach, and doctoral student of Child Psychology, will provide insight and tools to support your child’s social-emotional well-being during this pandemic. The third of four webinars titled “Technology & Social Media” is on February 5th at 9:30am where Tiffany will discuss how to set up parameters and rules around screen time and social media. Please RSVP to attend and click here for more information on Teen Souls, Tiffany's resource for adolescent girls.

 
 
 

South Bay Families Connected Keeps Our Community Connected in Difficult Times
South Bay Families Connected (SBFC) offers a wealth of free and accessible social-emotional wellness resources to local students and their families. Let's Learn and Grow Together/Apart is a three-part series hosted by SBFC and the Hermosa Beach City School District providing useful tips on how to help our youth thrive during these challenging times. Building Resilience and Paving a Path to Success: Tips for Elementary Parents is the last event of the series presented by Moe Gelbart, PhD., Executive Director at the Thelma McMillen Recovery Center and Director of Behavioral Health at Torrance Memorial Medical Center. The Zoom event is on Tuesday, February 9th at 9:00am. Find the Zoom information here.

 
 
 

Join MBEF's Community Partner Program
MBEF’s Community Partner Program provides a way for businesses to contribute to the Manhattan Beach community and its schools in a meaningful and lasting way. The remarkable support of our local businesses, corporations, and real estate agents is one of the reasons why Manhattan Beach is among the best places in the country to live, work, and learn. Check out MBEF’s Community Partner Program to review the extensive sponsor benefits a company will receive and how the investment in our schools is shared with our community. Thank you to all of our current Community Partners whose support directly impact the grants MBEF provides to the Manhattan Beach public schools each year.

 
 
 

Follow Us! MBEF is Now on Instagram 
Calling all parents, students, teachers, businesses, and community leaders to join us on social media. Stay informed on MBEF’s impact on our students of all ages and see your support in action in our schools. Click here to follow. #MBEF

 
 
 

Upcoming MBUSD and Community Events 

2/4/21
2/4/21
2/4/21
BCHD's virtual Safe in the South Bay series @ 5:00pm
2/4/21
MCHS 12th Grade Parent Night @ 6:00pm
2/5/21
Emotional Support During Distance Learning "Technology & Social Media" Workshop - Part 3 of 4 Webinars @ 9:30am
2/5/21
Annual Appeal Ends
2/9/21
2/11/21
MCHS 11th Grade Parent Night @ 6:00pm
2/15/21 - 2/19/21
No School - Mid-Winter Break
2/24/21
MCHS 10th Grade Parent Night @ 6:00pm
3/4/21
MCHS 9th Grade Parent Night @ 6:00pm
3/11/21
College Admissions Dicussion Panel @ 5:00pm
6/12/21
Manhattan Beach Wine Auction
 
 
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In the News and Parent Resources 
Please find below a round-up of the most widely read and shared articles from MBEF’s Facebook Page. MBEF is proud to be a resource for our families to interact and learn from experts and each other. Join our Facebook Community and join the conversation.

California Assembly leaders push to make in-school instruction a priority by proposing Assembly Bill 10. Get the entire story from this EdSource article.

This Common Sense Media article shares ways to talk to your children about the disturbing events they may have seen in the media over the past year.

 
 
MBEF would like to recognize the following Community Partners
for their outstanding commitment to our schools:

Benefactors $10,000 Level

Leaders $5,000 Level

           

 

Thank you to all of our Community Partners!

Click here for a full list and to learn more about MBEF's Community Partner Program.

Manhattan Beach Education Foundation

About MBEF:  Manhattan Beach Education Foundation is an independent non-profit established by parents and community leaders to financially support the seven public schools of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District. Since 1983, MBEF has granted much-needed funds to supplement state funding and has helped MBUSD continually rank in the top 1% of school districts in California. With over 5,000 donors and annual grants exceeding $6 million, MBEF is one of the oldest and most successful educational foundations in the state.  Any questions or concerns about this communication should be sent to communications@mbef.org.

Manhattan Beach Education Foundation P.O. Box 1110 Manhattan Beach, CA 90267
Phone: 310-303-3342  |  Email: communications@mbef.org

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