November 14, 2025

Dear MBUSD Parents and Community,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. Today’s issue highlights Grand View, Costa's Fall Signing Day, and MBUSD students in the news. 

This fall, Grand View's third graders have been hard at work developing their writing skills through a comprehensive opinion writing unit. Students learned how to generate thoughtful opinion topics connected to making positive changes in their world, expressing their favorites, or sharing something they hope to have or achieve. They also had voice and choice in selecting their own topics, which encouraged authentic writing and personal investment in their ideas. Using the O.R.E.O. graphic organizer (O – Opinion, R – Reasons, E – Explanation with examples, O – Restate opinion and make a plea), students organized their thoughts before drafting.

They expanded on each reason by providing clearly developed explanations supported with real-life examples, demonstrating an understanding of the California Common Core Writing Standards for third grade, which emphasize writing opinion pieces that support a point of view with reasons and information.

Throughout the unit, students practiced expanding each of their three reasons by providing clear, detailed explanations supported with real-life examples. They also learned how to craft attention-grabbing hooks to draw readers in, choosing from strategies such as asking a question, describing a real-life scenario, or presenting an interesting fact.

3rd graders peer conferencing during the opinion writing process

Their final pieces were organized into five well-developed paragraphs, complete with strong topic sentences, supporting details, and conclusions that restated their opinions and reasons while making a final plea to persuade the reader. Students demonstrated perseverance through writer’s block, self-reflection, and peer conferencing, showing impressive growth as confident, expressive young writers.

Some students even challenged themselves to type their masterpieces in Google Docs as a way to practice thoughtful, intentional typing. Now that’s impressive!

This unit directly supports the California Common Core Writing Standards for third grade, which emphasize writing opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons, and using linking words and phrases to connect ideas. Through this process, students strengthened their ability to organize their thoughts clearly, express themselves purposefully, and write with their audience in mind. Way to go, Gators!

This week, we are proud to shine a spotlight on Megan Howard, an inspiring educator who is currently teaching a 4th/5th-grade combination class, a role she describes as being a rewarding experience. She loves watching her 4th graders gain confidence and take on new challenges, while her 5th graders grow into leaders and mentors. “I’m really enjoying teaching 4th-grade curriculum again and collaborating with my 4th-grade colleagues,” she shares.

Now in her fourth year in MBUSD, Megan has already taken on several meaningful roles. For the past three years, she taught 5th grade and led both the 5th Grade Student Council and Student Ambassadors. This year, she continues to expand her leadership by serving on Pennekamp’s Leadership Team in addition to teaching her combo class.

Before joining MBUSD, Megan taught in the Cypress School District, where she also served as an assessment coordinator and student council lead. She began her teaching career in 2014 and has taught Kindergarten, 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades, making this her 12th year in education.

Teaching has always been Megan’s dream. “I’ve wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved helping students and being around them. Throughout my school years and college, I had teachers who inspired me, encouraged me, and showed me the kind of teacher I wanted to be. Their example made me excited to start my own journey in education.”

She loves being a Dragon and truly values the strong connections between families and staff. Megan is inspired and motivated by her colleagues each day and is grateful to be part of such a supportive and dedicated team.

When asked about her favorite part of the job, Megan says, “My students. Their curiosity, humor, and perspectives brighten each day and remind me why I love this work.” She feels fortunate to walk alongside them on their learning journeys, celebrating their successes and helping them build confidence and pride in who they are becoming.

Outside the classroom, Megan is a devoted mom to her two energetic toddlers, Savannah and Beckham. She loves spending time with her family and friends, cheering on the Dodgers, savoring a good cup of coffee, and enjoying walks along The Strand.

Mira Costa High School proudly celebrated Fall Signing Day 2025, honoring an exceptional group of twenty-nine student-athletes who will continue their academic and athletic journeys at colleges and universities across the country. Surrounded by family, coaches, teammates, and staff, these Mustangs signed their letter of intent and were recognized for their hard work and dedication to their sport.

This year’s signees represent a remarkable range of programs, including volleyball, water polo, soccer, baseball, beach volleyball, basketball, track and field, cross country, and football. Coaches proudly recognized each student-athlete, sharing their achievements at Costa and offering heartfelt well-wishes for the journey ahead. Congratulations to the following students!

MBUSD recently participated in CPR sessions offered in partnership with the Manhattan Beach Fire Department (MBFD) in October and November. These interactive, hands-on classes provide an opportunity to rebuild confidence, practice essential skills, and stay prepared to respond in an emergency. MBFD walks participants through hands-only CPR. These voluntary classes did not include CPR certification.

Grand View Elementary is celebrating an exciting milestone: its very first robotics team, the Gator Bytes, has advanced to Regionals after competing in their inaugural FIRST LEGO League tournament this past weekend.

This team of 4th and 5th-grade students embraced this year’s competition theme, which focused on archaeology and how we understand the past. They were tasked with identifying a real challenge archaeologists face and designing a solution to help address it. They focused on stratigraphy and the dating of artifacts. To deepen their understanding, students met with archaeologists over Zoom. Their work culminated in an innovation project and robot design aimed at supporting real-world archaeological efforts.

In addition to their research, the Gator Bytes built and programmed LEGO robots to complete a series of tasks on the competition table. Despite being both the youngest and newest team at the tournament, they impressed judges with their creativity, collaboration, and thoughtful approach to problem-solving. Several judges noted that Grand View’s team was among the most memorable of the 24 teams participating.

We are incredibly proud of our students and coaches for their hard work, curiosity, and perseverance. Especially, coaches Alice Liu and Aarthi Rao. Special thanks to the MBX Foundation and the Grand View PTA for supporting this new program. MBX supports Grand View’s Robotics Club and helps students explore and develop their extracurricular passions throughout the academic year.

The robotics team is one example of a program funded through MBX. The foundation supports a wide range of academic, enrichment, visual and performing arts, athletic, and co-curricular opportunities. These programs ensure that all MBUSD students have access to experiences that help them learn, grow, and thrive, from preschool through high school.

Congratulations to the Gator Bytes on an outstanding achievement, and best of luck at Regionals!

The peak of cold and flu season is around the corner. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity peaks between December and February. The best prevention against the flu is still the seasonal flu vaccine, as it lowers the chances of having severe complications from the flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the flu shot for everyone 6 months and older. We want you to protect yourself and your family against the flu. There are simple steps to prevent the illness and take care of your family:

Read the District's Flu Letter here.

On National Kindness Day, Thursday, the MCHS Mustang Mall was alive with students and staff coming together to cultivate a positive, inclusive environment. Hosted by Costa’s H.E.A.R.T. Club, the event welcomed participation from a variety of groups, including the Social Justice Club, Black Scholars’ Union, and the CHOICE program. Students enjoyed engaging activities, such as painting kindness rocks and writing uplifting notes, that encouraged connection and community. Throughout the area, inspiring messages and quotes added to the warm, encouraging atmosphere.

This is the second time Kindness Day has been hosted at Mira Costa. The first event took place in 2016. For the past seven years, Random Acts of Kindness Week has taken place every February. 

Thank you to School Psychologist and H.E.A.R.T Club Advisor Janet Allen for leading this effort!

This week, we had the pleasure of attending Loyola Marymount University’s Children’s Center Annual Kindergarten Fair. The event was a wonderful opportunity to connect with prospective families, answer questions, and highlight all that MBUSD has to offer. From our strong academic programs to our caring school communities, we enjoyed sharing the many reasons families choose MBUSD for their students' educational journey.

Enrollment for Manhattan Beach residents opens Monday, January 12, 2026. For enrollment information, please visit our website!

This past weekend, the community of Manhattan Beach came together in an inspiring new way: students from Mira Costa High School teamed up with the city and local partners to host a large-scale electronics-waste recycling drive.

Through this collaboration, the student-led nonprofit eBridge Recycling collected laptops, televisions, batteries, and cables while raising funds to support digital equity initiatives through Music to the Ears Foundation.

“Purpose-driven. It might sound like something from a self-help book or a description of someone’s spiritual journey. But it’s also become a game-changing business model—one that’s helping firms thrive while making a real impact. Just ask Lila Mokhtari, CEO of soap company Maji.”

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience as Mira Costa High School Drama/Tech presents A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes by Kate Benson. This sharply inventive play transforms a classic American family dinner into a high-stakes sporting event, with all the flair of live commentary and the tension of a championship match.

Hilarious, unsettling, and strikingly original, the production dives into the humor and chaos beneath family traditions and the rituals that bring us together. Audiences will be treated to what might just be the greatest Thanksgiving in sports history!

Showtimes:

Tickets are on sale here. The show is appropriate for students in middle and high schools.

The LA County Library wants to hear from MBUSD students and families as part of a new community needs assessment survey for the Manhattan Beach Library.

Whether you’re a regular visitor, an occasional guest, or simply someone who loves learning, your feedback will help guide the library’s future programs, services, and spaces.

Share your thoughts on:

The goal of the survey is also to seek potential interest for additional library and/or cultural services. The survey takes just 10 minutes to complete. The deadline is tomorrow at 11:59 p.m. Please take a moment to take this brief survey here. 

For questions or comments, please email arroyo@arroyoassociates.com.

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

The next Superintendent’s Newsletter will be published on November 21. Have a wonderful weekend!

Dr. John Bowes, Superintendent

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