It Takes Us All to Sustain MBEF Programs 
The state structural deficit in education funding has made MBEF's fundraising efforts an essential part of quality education in our district. MBEF raises critical funds each year through parent donations to the Annual Appeal. This year, because of the increased costs of providing a well-rounded education districtwide, MBEF has encouraged parents to contribute $2,000 per student to the Appeal. We recognize that this amount does not fit everyone's budget and participation at any level that is meaningful to your family is appreciated. It takes our entire community to ensure that we raise the funds necessary to support the grants for educators and programs for the 2021-22 school year. If participation and donations are significantly reduced, programs will have to be reduced or eliminated next year. Please consider a donation today to MBEF's 2020-21 Annual Appeal to provide the enriched opportunities we have come to expect and our students deserve. It takes us all!

MBEF Grants in Distance Learning 
There are many challenges that distance learning presents to MBUSD teachers, parents, and students. And while our students may not be on campus, it is important to understand that remote learning still requires adequate funding. MBEF was able to allocate funding for both professional development support at the district and school site level, as well as access to online curriculum to ensure consistent and productive distance learning across all grade levels. However, the funding that MBEF provides our district goes much deeper than just distance learning support. Our schools depend on the MBEF grants each year to keep class size in grades 4-12 an average of five fewer students, as well as support many additional academic and enrichment programs, like at-risk counselors or library resource specialists. Read on for details about MBEF funded programs and how teachers are finding innovative ways to make learning from afar fun and engaging.

Support Downtown MB and Our Schools Next Week
Enjoy the day off on Wednesday, November 11th to shop and dine at your favorite Downtown Manhattan Beach businesses for A DAY TO GIVE BACK. Spearheaded by the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business + Professional Association, over 30 businesses are partnering to support our schools with a portion of the sales donated to the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation. For more information and a list of participating businesses, please visit Downtown Manhattan Beach Gives Back to map out your shopping and dining plan for the day. Thank you Downtown Manhattan Beach for your support of our schools!

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Yard Signs?
Celebrate our school communities and MBEF next week! Thanks to our Community Partner, Kinecta Federal Credit Union, MBEF will be passing out ice cream and the new yard signs in your neighborhood. The truck will make 40-minute stops at each location before traveling to the next. We ask all families to arrive by car and remain in the vehicle while proceeding through the traffic circle. See below for the schedule! 

• Monday, November 9th
  Grand View: 2pm - 2:40pm
  Robinson: 3pm - 3:40pm
  Pacific: 4pm - 4:40pm
  
  
• Tuesday, November 10th
  Pennekamp: 2pm - 2:40pm
  Meadows: 3pm - 3:40pm
  MBMS: 4pm - 4:40pm

Annual Appeal donations and pledges are also being accepted on-site if you have not had the opportunity to support MBEF yet this year. If you are unable to stop by a location, please click here to have a yard sign delivered to your home. 

Important LA County Parent Town Hall on COVID-19 and Schools
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Office of Education is hosting an LA County Parent Town Hall Event on Monday, November 9th from 6-7pm. Hear about the steps being taken to protect children returning to school, the reopening process, and school waivers directly from Los Angeles County officials, including Director of Public Health Dr. Barbara Ferrer and other key education and medical experts. Get informed at the Virtual Town Hall and Submit a Question in advance.

A Big Thank You to SKECHERS and Manhattan Beach! 
Thanks to so many for taking part in this first-ever virtual SKECHERS Pier to Pier Friendship Walk. We are so grateful for SKECHERS President Michael Greenberg, Executive Director Robin Curren, Director of Development & Events Anne Kelly, and everyone at SKECHERS and the Friendship Foundation. A special thanks to all the students and parents who registered to walk and fundraise. And a big shout out to our Team Captains at each school site – Mariana Enson, Carly Feingold, Haruko Froeb, Denise Kwok, Jen Linney, Melissa Overholt, Geraldine Pepemehmetoglu, and Jessica Shepard. SKECHERS, The Friendship Foundation and MBEF, thank you for your support!

TK-2 Waivers Approved for MBUSD Elementary Schools
The Manhattan Beach school community learned yesterday that LA County approved the waivers for all five MBUSD elementary schools submitted on October 23rd. The waiver applications included a letter of support from the city, parent organizations, and the teacher and classified unions – despite the latter requirement being lifted the day prior and thought to be the reason for the lack of applications from public school districts. MBUSD is focused on finalizing the protocols for returning to the elementary campus with a 3-phase schedule. Read more here about the next steps…. 

A Well-Being Resource Just for South Bay Families
Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) has partnered with several South Bay school districts to design a website and a well-being line to call for help with mental health issues that have developed during the pandemic. The goal is to create an environment that supports the mental health of students, staff, and parents through programs and services that increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and promote social-emotional well-being. The new website also helps navigate questions related to health and safety at school with resources for almost everything related to Covid-19. Visit BCHD or call Beach Cities Health District’s School Well-Being Line for School Families at 310-374-3426, ext. 256 and press option 1 on school days between 7:30 am - 4pm. 

Addiction and the Road to Recovery
Stephen Hill had suffered addiction for over a decade to prescription pain killers, going in and out of detox treatment programs with no success. Not until he truly hit rock bottom in 2012 did he slowly begin to put his life together and find his true calling by sharing his personal experience and encouraging young adults to avoid drug addiction. On Tuesday, November 17th at 6pm, Beach Cities Health District will host a virtual Town Hall where Stephen will speak about his struggles with addiction and his inspiring story of recovery. This presentation is free and open to students (grades 7-12), parents and, community members. Please click here for event details and to register. For more information about Stephen Hill’s story check out Speak Sobriety.

According to MBEF...the Most 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.

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.

Need a balance between parenting, work, and your own sanity? Take a tip from National Geographic and start delegating more responsibility to your kids.