October 24, 2025

Dear MBUSD Families and Community,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. Today’s issue highlights MB Preschool, our elementary staff engaging in Professional Learning Community (PLC) work, and the latest Districtwide safety updates.

Manhattan Beach Preschool is proud to announce the opening of its new STEAM Studio, designed to engage our MB Preschool students in hands-on exploration across Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.

Through weekly, theme-based lessons led by Ms. Iltze Flores, preschool students explore foundational STEAM concepts in a setting that encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Early exposure to STEAM education supports the development of essential skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation that lay a strong foundation for future academic success.

Recently, in STEAM Studio, children explored fire safety and earthquake awareness through interactive play and art experiences. They practiced responding to emergencies by participating in pretend fire and earthquake drills, using water extinguishers to “put out fires,” and building block structures to test with an earthquake simulator. Through these hands-on activities, students developed an understanding of community helpers, safety procedures, and teamwork while strengthening problem-solving, fine motor, and communication skills.

By fostering a love of exploration and discovery from the very start, the STEAM Studio helps prepare children to thrive in an ever-changing, technology-driven world.

For the past 11 years, Shelly Moses has been one of the welcoming faces greeting everyone who walks through the doors of Mira Costa’s front office. In addition to her front-office reception duties and friendly customer service, she wears many hats on campus. She’s also the substitute coordinator, manages payroll for several staff groups, and proudly calls herself the key master and staff parking wrangler.

Shelly says her heart truly belongs at the front desk. After years of volunteering in education, she realized her clerical skills and professional background made the Office Specialist role a perfect fit. A UC San Diego graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biology, Shelly began her career as a process engineer at TRW, now Northrop Grumman, before focusing on raising her children and later joining MBUSD.

When asked about her favorite part of the job, Shelly laughs and admits it might be the food. “I even have a sign by my nameplate that says, 'Here for the FOOD,” she says. “Bagels, donuts, cupcakes, PTSA luncheons, there’s always plenty of treats! But honestly, my coworkers make every day a fun new adventure, and watching our students grow over four years is truly priceless.”

Outside of work, Shelly enjoys cheering on football and UFC fights, attending punk shows with her boyfriend, and spending time with her beloved cat, Cheesecake.

Mira Costa Model UN Chiefs of Staff Calista Chun and Theo Kimble recently shared updates at this week’s Board meeting about the program’s accomplishments from last spring to the present. The team had an impressive year, attending several prestigious travel conferences, including the Ivy League Model United Nations Conference (ILMUNC), the Canadian High Schools Model United Nations (CAHSMUN), and the National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN). At ILMUNC and CAHSMUN, Mira Costa earned Best Large Delegation honors, and at NHSMUN, the team received an Award of Distinction.

Calista and Theo reflected on their experiences traveling and debating at these international events. Calista shared that Model UN has allowed her to form lasting friendships and develop a deeper understanding of global issues. Theo debated the cost of living crisis in the Canadian Senate at CAHSMUN, while Calista discussed environmental protection at ILMUNC, both of which challenged them to think critically and speak confidently on complex issues.

They also spoke about the team’s preparation process, which includes researching and writing detailed position papers, gathering background information, and developing solutions to global challenges.

Looking ahead, Mira Costa’s Model UN program will participate in conferences at Montreal, Harvard University, New York, and Arizona. They will also host LAIMUN, Mira Costa’s signature conference that welcomes more than 1,000 delegates from around the world. On December 6–7, MCHS students will host LAIMUN Tours on campus. Thank you to Calista and Theo for presenting at the meeting! We were so impressed by their public speaking skills and presentation.

Elementary administrators and teacher leadership teams gathered at Grand View this week for a Professional Learning Communities (PLC) session led by education coach and presenter David LaRose. Specializing in PLCs, LaRose guided our staff through the seven stages of PLC teams to self-assess their current stage on the PLC journey. 

The interactive session invited staff to share teamwork samples and resources developed by their site PLCs, while reflecting and sharing where they believe their school currently stands in the process of working collaboratively to plan lessons, develop common assessments, and take action to best support students based on assessment information. Administrators,  grade-level leads, and intervention or special education teachers from each school participated in this full-day session, which provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and showcase work across school sites. The day culminated in planning short term goals for the school, with a focus on evidence of student outcomes.

At this week’s Board meeting, we shared the latest Districtwide safety updates. The District has been focused on reviewing and refining its safety practices and procedures over the past several months. One of our safety consultants, Soraya Sutherlin, the founder and CEO of Emergency Management Safety Partners (EMSP), presented a comprehensive update on our ongoing safety initiatives, reinforcing the District’s commitment to preparedness, prevention, and clear communication.

MBUSD has implemented a series of coordinated actions designed to enhance campus safety and emergency readiness across all schools and facilities. This has involved immense coordination and collaboration between the District and our school sites, as well as redefining and reestablishing partnerships with our local public safety entities. These efforts include Incident Command Systems (ICS) training, Comprehensive Safe School Plan (CSSP) development, and Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) training, all led in partnership with emergency management experts from EMSP, ICS4Schools, and Chameleon Associates. Many of the trainings included large-group sessions and centralized focus trainings at each school site. 

ICS is a standardized national structure used by schools, cities, and emergency agencies to manage emergencies effectively. While the District has always followed an Incident Command System model, the latest safety efforts have truly integrated it throughout our District. ICS training has helped staff understand their roles in emergencies, which were tested during the recent Great CA ShakeOut drill, allowing us to practice real-time response, coordination, and communication across all campuses.

The CSTAG process offers a proactive framework for helping staff members identify behaviors that could indicate a member of the school community presents a potential threat of harm; such behaviors prompt intervention activities, and the CSTAG team tracks CSTAG reports to identify and address any patterns of behavior that may emerge.

Chameleon has led security awareness sessions and has implemented safety exercises to help school sites identify and address any safety vulnerabilities. Site safety committees are reviewing safety plans and identifying schoolwide goals in this area, and the District, in partnership with the Manhattan Beach Fire Department, is hosting CPR refresher training sessions for staff. 

Additional safety and communication highlights include the rollout of the updated Districtwide communication system, Apptegy, which enables faster and more consistent text, email, and phone notifications for families and staff. Further, every school site has updated its emergency maps, safety protocols, and internal communication guide, and the District has established minimum standards to ensure clear, coordinated communication across all platforms based on feedback from community stakeholders. We are working to ensure we communicate with our community in the ways they prefer to receive information. Across all our efforts, we track progress at each campus and make sure families remain informed, engaged, and part of the process.

Each school safety plan will be presented to the school community in a public meeting before being adopted by the School Safety Committee and then presented to the Board; this process will be completed by March 1. We look forward to continuing to refine safety practices through ongoing training, drills, and data review, ensuring students, staff, and families are prepared, informed, and supported. 

The Board previously discussed safety efforts on March 26, 2025, May 7, 2025, and June 18, 2025.

(Safety presentation begins at 46:00)

At MBUSD, the safety of students and staff comes first. In emergencies, schools may use different protocols depending on the situation. Two common ones are shelter-in-place and lockdown. They’re often confused, but they serve different purposes—so it’s important to understand the differences.

A shelter-in-place is initiated when there’s not an urgent concern for harm but a potential or nearby threat or hazard may exist. Its purpose is to reduce movement on campus, keeping people indoors and separated from indirect, environmental, or less-imminent threats. In most cases, classes continue as usual and students remain in their classrooms or other indoor spaces.

A lockdown is used when there is an immediate, urgent threat to the safety of students, staff, or visitors. It may also be ordered when nearby police activity or violence could pose a direct risk to campus. The purpose is to prevent harm by securing everyone indoors. During a lockdown, all classroom and outdoor activities stop at once. Students and staff move to secure locations inside buildings, stay out of sight, remain calm and quiet, and follow protective procedures until the situation is resolved.

To be ready for any situation, we routinely practice these procedures with students and staff. It’s important for everyone to understand when each one is used, how it works, and how they differ.

This week, MBUSD elementary students took a “Journey to the Past” through a special assembly presented by the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The interactive performance used storytelling, song, and dance to introduce students to the rich history and traditions of Native American cultures. The presenter, a former teacher, engaged students by playing traditional instruments, trying on cultural clothing, and learning firsthand about the significance behind each tradition. The assembly encouraged curiosity, empathy, and respect for cultures different from their own.

This enriching experience was made possible through a directed grant to the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation (MBEF) from the Siddhartha family, which will fund a variety of cultural learning opportunities in MBUSD elementary schools over the next four years.

MBUSD Board Vice President Tina Shivpuri and Clerk Jen Dohner, both of whom serve on the South Bay Community Coalition Against Hate (SBCCAH), helped lead the regional week of events focused on unity and kindness. One of the featured initiatives was a Food Drive supporting the Richstone Family Center’s Single Mom Project Nutrition Pantry.

During the City Council meeting, Vice President Shivpuri shared highlights from local United Against Hate Week activities, and Clerk Dohner unveiled an updated poster with new artwork to promote the “211” helpline and support services provided by LA vs. Hate, available to anyone who may experience a hate incident, crime, or bullying.  

The poster was developed in collaboration with L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s office, the City of Los Angeles, and LA vs. Hate, underscoring the shared commitment to building safe and inclusive communities. Tina and Jen joined the chair of the SBCCAH, Hildy Stern, to accept the proclamation.

In recognition of United Against Hate Week in MBUSD, students and staff participated in a series of meaningful campus activities throughout the week to celebrate inclusion, empathy, and respect.

At Meadows Elementary, students read the District’s Stand Up Commitment, reflected on its meaning, and launched their first No Place for Hate^® student meeting of the year. 

Panthers at Pacific Elementary proudly recommitted their pledge as a No Place for Hate^® School. All Panthers signed the NPFH banner during their upcoming library visits and recited the 2025-26 NPFH pledge together at their spirit assembly. The school also promoted MBUSD’s Inclusion STAND UP Commitment, reinforcing the goal of creating a community where every Panther feels welcome and cared for. 

At Robinson, students began the week with a lineup of activities focused on kindness and empathy. The NPFH student committee held its first meeting of the year, and students and staff took the NPFH Pledge together! On Tuesday, students wrote thank-you notes during lunchtime to individuals who promote inclusion, love, or peace, each on a colorful heart. 

At Grand View Elementary, students explored books on diversity and acceptance during their library visits and signed the No Place for Hate^® Pledge. At Pennekamp, students wrote personal messages of kindness on colorful paper strips. These notes will be linked together into a schoolwide kindness chain displayed in the cafeteria.

At MBMS, students reflected on how they can spread kindness and help create a peaceful, supportive Waves community. They learned about the Peace Pole and created chalk art with positive messages. 

They also signed the No Place for Hate pledge and expressed gratitude to someone who is making a positive impact in their life and demonstrating generosity. Mira Costa recognized the week early through its Voices of Unity assembly. 

MBUSD also supported the South Bay Community Coalition Against Hate, week-long events, and the food drive.

MCHS student-athlete Audrey Flanagan has been selected to play in the prestigious Under Armour All-America Game in Orlando! She is one of just 28 of the nation’s top high school volleyball players to receive the honor and her official game jersey.

The week-long experience offers elite athletes the chance to refine their skills through advanced coaching, high-level competition, and national exposure. Audrey, Mira Costa’s standout outside hitter, has committed to continue her academic and athletic journey at the University of Wisconsin. She also represented the U.S. on the 2025 U19/U21 National Team. We also want to congratulate the Mira Costa Girls Volleyball team on advancing to the CIF Quarterfinals!

This week, Manhattan Beach Preschool celebrated its annual Pumpkin Patch! Each class visited with their families, explored the patch, picked out the perfect pumpkin to decorate in class, and then took it home. The day was filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of seasonal fun, a cherished fall tradition for our preschool community.

The TEDxManhattanBeach team is once again inviting everyone to attend its annual event! This year’s event will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Mira Costa High School, and promises an inspiring day centered on the theme “UNSTOPPABLE.”

Attendees will hear from an exciting lineup of speakers. You can find that list here. 

In addition to dynamic talks, the event features an interactive Expo where guests can explore hands-on exhibits, creative installations, and culinary offerings from local Manhattan Beach vendors. The Expo is designed to be inclusive and offers allergy-friendly options, including gluten-free and vegan selections.

Students are also encouraged to attend, with discounted student tickets available. This year’s program even includes Mira Costa’s own Zoe Nicols, who will take the stage to share her perspective on food justice. To learn more about this year’s speakers or to reserve tickets, visit www.tedxmanhattanbeach.org.

Every family’s relationship with technology looks a little different, as it is a personal and family decision! The goal is to find balance and help our children use media in ways that support learning, creativity, and well-being. Here are a few age-appropriate tips to guide healthy digital habits at home.

Grades K–2: Start with Healthy Habits

Grades 3-5: Build Balance and Awareness

Grades 6-8: Stay Curious and Connected

Grades 9-12: Encourage Self-Regulation

Kids and Tech: How Much Is Too Much?

Family Tech Planners

Digital Literacy & Well-Being Activities, Podcasts, and Tips

Thank you to Student Services Director, Dr. Kerry Riccio Aguero, for sharing this story.

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 go on sale October 18 here. The show is appropriate for students in middle and high schools. 

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

The next Superintendent’s Newsletter will be published on October 31. Have a wonderful weekend! Go Dodgers!

Dr. John Bowes, Superintendent

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