August 29, 2025

Dear MBUSD Parents and Community,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. Today’s issue highlights MBMS Back-to-School Night, the District's ongoing e-bike safety courses, and the new student technology use policy.

In observance of Labor Day, all schools and District offices will be closed on Monday, September 1. Schools and offices will resume operations on Tuesday, September 2. 

I had the pleasure of joining families at MBMS for Back-to-School Night yesterday. Alongside members of our Cabinet team, I enjoyed connecting with families during a fantastic evening filled with energy and excitement for the year ahead. Families had the opportunity to walk through their student’s schedule, meet teachers, and learn more about classroom expectations and curriculum. 

Elementary Back-to-School Nights are scheduled for Thursday, September 4. Please check your school’s newsletter for specific details.

As technology plays a larger role in learning, every student and family needs to understand the guidelines for using District devices and personal devices on our network.

We’ve updated the Student Technology Acceptable Use Agreement to ensure that technology is used safely, responsibly, and in support of learning.

Watch the short video above to learn what’s new and review the key points together as a family.

Last week, MBMS students took part in Wave Prep Assemblies, held during each class period. Wave Prep is designed to build school spirit, foster community, and introduce students to the core values that guide MBMS: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Kindness, and Safety.

In addition to the assemblies, students attended grade-level behavior expectations meetings, where the administrative team reviewed schoolwide rules and expectations. Topics included behavioral expectations in classrooms, on campus, and online, as well as positive behavior supports, accountability, restorative practices, and ways students can use their voice to help shape school culture.

Thank you to new MBMS Principal Dr. Matthew Horvath and the entire MBMS administrative team for making these events possible.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of families and community members, the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation (MBEF) is proud to contribute over $7M in directed funding this school year. These funds support impactful programs and essential educator positions. 

Explore the 2024-2025 Annual Report & Honor Roll to see how these contributions are making a difference and to celebrate the donors who make it possible. 

Sixty-one MBUSD students recently participated in an e-bike safety certification course hosted by E-Bike Sense, an organization dedicated to promoting safe and responsible e-bike riding.

With the growing popularity of e-bikes among students, MBUSD continues to prioritize safety education through its E-Bike Safety program. The certification program focused on essential topics, including traffic laws, proper helmet use, safe riding techniques, and the importance of sharing the road responsibly.

Students engaged in both classroom instruction and hands-on practice, learning how to navigate common riding scenarios in a controlled environment. They also received guidance on battery safety, e-bike maintenance, and how to identify potential hazards on the road.

After completing the course, 61 participants received an e-bike safety certificate and a sticker that allows them to park their e-bikes on campus, highlighting their commitment to riding safely in the community.

MBUSD is proud to partner with organizations like E-Bike Sense to ensure students have the knowledge and skills to stay safe while riding an e-bike.

Mira Costa recently received a generous $5,000 grant from Pavilions as part of the grand re-opening celebration of its newly designed store in Hermosa Beach. Mira Costa’s band and cheer team helped kick off the festivities!

Store Director Maggie Estevez and her team selected Mira Costa for this special recognition. The grant will be used to support staff development as well as the school’s band and cheer programs. Thank you to Pavilions for their support!

The Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) is inviting students to apply for its Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), a national program that empowers students in grades 6-12 from the South Bay to turn their business ideas into reality. Over the course of 24 weeks, YEA! provides the guidance and support students need to become confident entrepreneurs. Participants will learn how to develop a business plan, pitch their ideas to a panel of investors, and even launch and manage their own companies. 

We are proud that, over the years, Mira Costa students have gone on to compete in national YEA! competitions such as the Saunders Scholars competition.

The LA Kings 5K will be back on September 13, 2025! Runners and walkers will gather in the picturesque Riviera Village for a morning of fitness, fun, and community.

Former Kings player Daryl Evans will host the event, which brings together players, fans, and residents for an energetic start to the day. Proceeds from the 5K benefit the Kings Care Foundation, supporting programs that make a difference in the South Bay and beyond.

Follow our accounts for the latest MBUSD information, updates, news, and events.

The next Superintendent’s Newsletter will be published on September 5. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Sincerely,

Dr. John Bowes, Superintendent

325 S. Peck Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 318-7345