Annual Appeal Support Growing...Help Us Meet the Need 
MBEF’s partnership with our community through the Annual Appeal continues to strengthen our public schools. Each year, the Annual Appeal is the primary source of funding for these opportunities, and without generous donations from parents and community members, our schools would look dramatically different.

Thank you to those who have already donated and to those who supported MBEF on Giving Tuesday – the outpouring of support from our parents and Chevron was inspiring! We need the support of every family in our District to join the effort to sustain MBEF’s impact and reach our goal of $5 million – we still have $1.1 million more to go! Please show your support today!

If you are not sure if you have participated this year, please check the complete list of 2019-20 Annual Appeal Donors. A special thanks to our Lead Donors who have donated $5,250 or more. We are stronger because of you!

Making Music in MBUSD for over Twenty-Five Years
MBEF began supporting music in our schools in 1992. When the recession hit in 2008, funding for music education throughout California’s public schools was cut dramatically and MBEF funding increased to fill the gap. Within a year, legislators in Sacramento diverted $100 million slated for music and art programs, forcing half of California's public schools to eliminate their music programs and come up last in the nation in the ratio of music teachers to students.

Here in Manhattan Beach, music in our classrooms continues because of continued funding from our community through MBEF. MBUSD is now one of only a few dozen districts where every elementary student receives standards-based music instruction, including instrumental music, from certificated teachers beginning in first grade. The comprehensive program is the foundation for our students to move on to our award-winning middle and high school programs. Read more here...

Navigating College Admission Tests – Wednesday, January 8th 
The college admission process can be stressful and the role standardized testing plays in it is a large factor. The more information you have, the more equipped you are for successfully navigating the process. MBEF invites you to join us on Wednesday, January 8th in the Mira Costa Auditorium at 7pm for an informative presentation by nationally-recognized speaker, Adam Ingersoll. Adam is a founding partner of Compass Education Group who has helped guide MCHS families through the evolving college admission testing landscape for many years. This is a worthwhile presentation that will give you, and your student, a richer understanding of the college admission process and a framework for maximizing success on standardized tests. All high school students and parents are welcome. 

MBUSD Budget Workshop – Wednesday, January 15th
With significant budget cuts anticipated for the next two years, MBUSD is holding a Budget Workshop on Wednesday, January 15th at the District Office to encourage an open dialogue about priorities and possibilities. A Budget Advisory Committee of board members, district leaders, parent leaders, and employee leaders have been working together to examine the budget and make every effort to continue the current opportunities for MBUSD students. Considering 85% of District funds are spent on people, MBUSD educators may be affected by the projected reductions. To read up on the 2019/20 budget or review the 2018/19 unaudited financial report,  please click here. All interested parents are encouraged to attend – unlike the formality of a Board Meeting, a Board Workshop encourages discussion among parents, teachers and board members.

Dr. Immordino-Yang presents the Adolescent Brain – Thursday, January 23rd 
MBEF is proud to welcome Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, a neuroscientist, human development psychologist, and former public school teacher, to present on the complex connection between emotion and learning. Dr. Immordino-Yang will share her substantial research on social relationships with peers and parents, self-awareness, social media use, culture, and their implications for development and the ultimate impact on the next generation of learners. See her TEDx Talk on Transforming Learning for more background. Join us on Thursday, January 23rd at 7pm in the MCHS Small Theater. Please pre-register here – space is limited.

Reading and Writing Literacy Workshop – Wednesday, January 22nd
Want to learn how to support your child with their reading and writing skills? Join Michelle Syverson, the Literacy and Writing Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), on Wednesday, January 22nd at Pennekamp's cafeteria where she will present information on reading skills, strategies, growth, progress, engagement, motivation, and at-home support. All district parents are welcome to attend.

Workshops are grade-level specific:
Pennekamp Cafeteria
Grades K-2: 6:00-6:45pm  
Grades 3-5: 6:45-7:30pm 

College and Career Center News
The College and Career Center at Mira Costa is funded by MBEF and helps support our students as they navigate their path after graduation. Check out the latest news in the College and Career Center's December Newsletter. 

Here are a few upcoming events by grade level:
9th Grade: Learn about the A – G curriculum that is required by the University of California (UCs) and California State Universities (CSUs) by attending one of the presentations in the College & Career Center. Please sign up by clicking here – space is limited.
10th & 11th Grade: PSAT, Now What? Learn how to interpret your PSAT score and what to do next. SAT/ACT Prep Timeline provides a recommended timeline and resources for test preparation. 
12th Grade: Senior Scholarship Notebook – Students must attend ONE of the five information meetings in the CCC to be eligible to apply.

MBUSD Winter Music Concerts 
Celebrate the holiday season with our talented music students. If you missed the MBMS Band or MCHS Orchestra concerts earlier this month, we encourage you to take the family to one or all of the following:
 
MCHS Winter Band Concert on Wednesday, December 11th at 7pm in the MCHS auditorium.
MBMS Winter Choral Concert on Thursday, December 12th at 6:30pm in the MBMS Gym.
This Shining Night MCHS Choir Concert on Monday, December 16th at 7pm in the MCHS auditorium. The suggested donation at the door is $10. Senior citizens, students, and children are free.

Upcoming MBUSD and Community Events 

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