The Annual Appeal – It Takes All Of Us
Each year MBEF asks the community to stand with us and our commitment to sustain the quality of education in our schools through the Annual Appeal. Year after year, it is up to us – parents and community members – to fill the gap created by inadequate state funding. This year is no different, even if the learning is delivered at home. The MBEF programs offered next year are dependent on the funds raised from the Annual Appeal this year. Continued support of MBEF is critical to ensure the strong foundation we have built for students. Please Give or Pledge to MBEF's Annual Appeal. Our schools need local support now more than ever.

Dedicated Distance Learning Support In Our Schools
Among the many concerns about the impact of prolonged remote learning are the potential achievement gaps it will leave in education. We are fortunate in our district to have access to many of the components that support learning at home, like access to technology, internet connectivity, an abundance of online learning platforms, and of course, a support system to best prepare our teachers for the shift. The Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD) has dedicated significant time developing the MBUSD Distance Learning Objectives to ensure the success of our schools as we start the 2020-21 year. Teachers, parents, and students are encouraged to refer to the MBUSD Distance Learning Resource Portal for help on any challenges they may encounter. Read more about how MBUSD schools are adapting to distance learning here.

MBEF Donations at Work 
This school year MBEF is contributing $7.5M to fund a vast array of academic and enrichment opportunities, including smaller class sizes and distance learning support. Each year MBEF’s Board of Directors works with district leadership, school principals, and teachers to identify programs that are most aligned with parent priorities and MBEF grant guidelines. Despite significant budget cuts in late February and the onset of COVID-19 in late March, MBEF grants continue to reach all K-12 students through Counseling and Student Support, Music and the Arts, Physical Education, Reading, Writing & Libraries, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), and Teacher Innovation. Most significantly, community support through MBEF brings the average class size down by at least 5 students in grades 4-12 for more personalized learning. Learn more about the specific 2019-20 Grants and their impact by grade level. 

Creating an Environment Focused on Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice 
Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD) has re-committed to its goal of making equity, diversity, and social justice priorities in our schools for the 2020-2021 school year. One of the methods for ensuring the goal is implemented across the spectrum is emphasizing MBUSD’s Inclusion Stand Up Commitment. The purpose of the pledge is to encourage safe environments in our schools and community for all stakeholders to engage in discussions about biases and honor everyone’s voice. The Board also intends to strengthen classroom resources throughout the district to make the curriculum and classroom experience more reflective of each student’s background and experience. Read more here...

Social Inclusion Applications Due October 1st 
MBEF is pleased to continue funding programs that will inspire change and nurture a productive and honest dialogue in our schools through the 2020/21 Social Inclusion Grant Program. MBUSD parents, students, and teachers are encouraged to apply for small grants to introduce programs that will focus on celebrating and respecting diversity – racial, ethnic, religious, sexual, economic, and cultural. 2020/21 Social Inclusion Grant Applications will be accepted through October 1st. 

SKECHERS Pier to Pier Friendship Walk – October 25th 
Join us for the virtual SKECHERS Pier to Pier Friendship Walk! The money raised supports both children with special needs through the Friendship Foundation and our local students through MBEF. With celebrity appearances and performances, you're not going to want to miss this live stream event! Please register with one of the MBUSD teams listed below, and designate your contribution to MBEF. All registration fees and donations will be generously matched by SKECHERS and are a significant part of MBEF's annual fundraising efforts. Plus, it might be virtual but registration still comes with a fun-filled Swag Bag and SKECHERS Event T-shirt.

Grand View Elementary School Team
Manhattan Beach Middle School Team 
Meadows Elementary School Team 
Mira Costa High School Team
Pacific Elementary School Team
Pennekamp Elementary School Team
Robinson Elementary School Team

Thank you to MBEF's 2019-20 Donors
Our community came together in unbelievable ways to support our Manhattan Beach public schools last year. Take a look at the 2019-20 MBEF Annual Report and Honor Roll to learn more about MBEF’s impact and those that supported our critical effort. The collective commitment to our schools and community is inspirational! If you did not receive a printed copy of the Annual Report and Honor Roll, please email MBEF to request one.

Frequently Asked Questions 
MBEF often serves as a resource for information about school funding, educational programs, fundraising, and many other complex questions that involve our schools in Manhattan Beach. The answers to many of these important questions can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions section of the MBEF website. If you have a question that is not addressed in the FAQs, please email MBEF and we will do our best to address it.

Proposition 15 – The Impact On Our Schools and Community
To learn more about the potential impact of the November ballot measure, we encourage you to read the Ballotpedia Encyclopedia and watch the recorded session hosted by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC). The proposition proposes to increase funding for public schools, community colleges, and local governments by changing the tax assessment of commercial and industrial property. Doing so would create a split roll property tax system because residential property taxes would not be changed. The links to the non-partisan groups above will provide more understanding of the pros and cons of the measure. 

Keeping Kids Focused – Insights from National Geographic
Now that we are in full swing with distance learning, many parents are finding it hard to keep their kids focused. Constant shifting, eyes glazing over, and an increase in requests for help, are all signs that your child needs to recharge his or her batteries. Maintaining focus requires activities that fire up the neurotransmitters and engages students in learning, something teachers are skilled at in a classroom setting but find more challenging on a zoom call. For tips on ways to keep your child engaged, check out this National Geographic article Zooming in on Keeping Kids Focused. 

MBEF Proud Supporter Yard Signs Available
Share your support of the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation with neighbors and passersby with a new MBEF yard sign. It is your support of MBEF that makes our schools stronger, and in turn, our community stronger as well. Complete the Yard Sign Request to get your yard sign delivered to your doorstep.

South Bay Families Connected Speaker Series – Stress Resilience for Your Family During Covid-19 
In partnership with Beach Cities Health District, South Bay Families Connected is offering support for local families on relieving stress during this challenging time. Dr. Kelly Greco, PsyD, will share her expertise on strength-based practices like positive psychology and solution-focused strategies to build resiliency and help the community thrive. Dr. Greco is the Assistant Director of Outreach and Prevention, and Clinical Associate Professor of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Keck School of Medicine USC. The Zoom event is on Thursday, October 22nd from 6:30 - 8:00pm. Sign up here to register.

Upcoming MBUSD and Community Events 

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.

Help make equity, diversity, and social justice a priority in our schools by supporting Pop the Bubble’s "Read It Like You Mean It" book drive at {pages} a bookstore.

Thank you to our MBUSD teachers who help change the course of our students' future every day. Watch this inspirational video "Be a Mr. Jensen" and see how a teacher's small gesture paved the way to success for a 10-year-old boy. 

Create some fun interactive family time by listening to one of these age-appropriate podcasts that will give you lots of ideas for starting up a conversation with your kids.