Dear MBUSD Parents and Community,

I hope this message finds you well. As we move through another busy and exciting week across our schools, we’re pleased to share a few highlights and updates with our community. With that update, here’s an overview of what is featured in this week’s newsletter:

Pacific Elementary’s No Place for Hate Committee is preparing for a multicultural fair that will take students “around the world” in 20 minutes a day, with the goal of building awareness and appreciation for the diverse cultures represented on campus. The initiative kicked off with a schoolwide assembly on diversity, where a student leader introduced the “Many Cultures, One School” activity. Students and staff placed stickers on a world map to represent their family origins and engaged in meaningful discussions, with some sharing cultural facts about language, food, and traditions. This work highlights the importance of inclusion, helping students better understand and appreciate one another while reinforcing Pacific’s commitment to kindness, respect, and belonging. Next, the weeklong multicultural fair will feature student- and family-led booths with food, music, and cultural learning experiences from around the world. Through these activities, students will reflect on what they’ve learned and celebrate both their differences and shared connections—continuing to build a more inclusive and welcoming school community. Thank you to Principal Vavao for contributing this story and for her leadership in supporting this important work!

This week, we are excited to spotlight Chris Chao, 6th-grade math teacher at Manhattan Beach Middle School. With over 20 years in MBUSD, Chris brings experience, creativity, and a passion for teaching to his classroom. In addition to math, he teaches the  “Math Art” STEAM elective that blends hands-on learning with artistic expression. Chris values the connections he builds with students each day, calling them the heart of his work. Outside the classroom, he runs Camp RAD and enjoys walking his dogs in Palos Verdes. Thank you for all you do for our students, Chris!

MBUSD educators participated in impactful professional learning last week, including a multi-session GATE training focused on applying Depth & Complexity tools to plan for differentiated learning experiences, a TK–K “Small Changes, Big Impacts” training (with participation from 1st grade and Special Education teachers) centered on practical  inclusive strategies to support student behavior and engagement, and a dedicated session for 3rd and 4th grade teachers introducing the upcoming Eureka² math curriculum. These sessions reflect the District’s continued commitment to supporting all learners.

MBUSD schools celebrated Green Week last week with a series of themed days and hands-on activities focused on sustainability. Districtwide themes included Transportation Tuesday, Waste-Free Wednesday, Thank the Earth Thursday where students made environmental pledges—and Plastic Film Friday in partnership with Ridwell. Each school site brought these themes to life in unique ways. Thank you to our Green Committee and site representatives for leading a successful week that inspired students to take meaningful environmental action!

Congratulations to the Mira Costa Symphony Band, Wind Symphony, and Jazz I Band on an outstanding four-day trip to Washington, D.C., where students performed at the prestigious National Concert Band Invitational hosted by Pershing’s Own. In addition to their exceptional performances and clinics, students explored many of our nation’s most historic sites and met with U.S. Representative Ted Lieu. It was a pleasure to attend and chaperone this trip alongside such an incredible group of students and the dedicated support of Mr. Hughes, Mr. Tran, and our amazing chaperones. A special thank you to Director of Bands Joel Carlson for his leadership and for all that he and his team do to support our students.

MB Preschool hosted its annual Spring Concert last Friday in partnership with Music Rhapsody, featuring three performances throughout the morning. Dressed in denim and white, our youngest students showcased their musical learning through singing, movement, and instrument play. Thank you to the Music Rhapsody team and MB Preschool staff for creating such a joyful and memorable event!

Six Mira Costa students—Dameon Hitnariansingh, Eve Prodromides, Riley Jolls, Lily Crook, Nina Modugno, and Nika Tabrizi have been named Circle Award winners for Excellence in Poetry Composition by the Manhattan Beach Poetry Circle. As part of a 15-year partnership with Mira Costa’s Creative Writing programs, students collaborate with community members through writing, feedback, and public readings. In honor of National Poetry Month, these students were recognized at the Manhattan Beach City Council meeting on April 21.

Join us for a fun, family-friendly evening filled with food, music, art, and traditions from around the globe. This special event is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, learn from one another, and showcase the unique cultures that make MBUSD so vibrant. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an unforgettable celebration. Friendly reminder that this event is open to all MBUSD students, staff, and their families. Thank you to MBEF for sponsoring this event!

Costachella returned to Mira Costa with a Wild West theme, bringing students and staff together for games, live music, great food, and community-building activities. Organized by Link Crew and led by Ms. Hutchinson, the event featured highlights like a rib-eating contest, pie-in-the-face moments, and even therapy dogs. Thank you to all who made this memorable day possible!

MBMS came alive last week during the annual Scholar Quiz, a beloved tradition that brings teams of students together to compete across subjects like science, history, literature, and more. The event showcased impressive knowledge, teamwork, and quick thinking, with exciting rounds that kept spectators engaged. More than a competition, Scholar Quiz celebrates the joy of learning and the school community. Stay tuned for the final rounds later this week!

The recent Earth Day tree planting event brought together students, families, and community partners for a meaningful morning of environmental action and community connection.

A special highlight was the participation of MBUSD Tree Ambassadors, including Knox C. (Pacific, 1st), Cora F. (Meadows, 2nd), Will M. (AMS, 3rd), Eleanor F. (Pennekamp, 3rd), Ella S. (Robinson, 5th), Drake L. and Paisley K. (Grand View, 5th), Audrey D. (MBMS, 6th), Finn W. (AMS, 7th), and Alison K. (Mira Costa, 12th), who helped lead the effort and represent schools across the District.

Their involvement reflected MBUSD’s commitment to student leadership, environmental stewardship, and strong community partnerships.

Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, in partnership with El Camino College, invites MBUSD students and families to attend a Dual Enrollment Workshop on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at El Camino College (East Dining Room, second floor of the Bookstore, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance; parking available via the Manhattan Beach Boulevard entrance). This informative session will provide an overview of how students can earn both high school and college credit at the same time—helping them save time and money while getting an early start on their college journey. Attendees will learn about eligibility requirements, enrollment steps, and how to take advantage of dual enrollment opportunities. While the program is primarily designed for students in grades 9–12, younger students may qualify under certain circumstances, and participants will also have the opportunity to begin the application process following the presentation. 

The next Superintendent’s Newsletter will be published on May 4. Let’s have a great week!

Dr. John Bowes, Superintendent

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