Dear MBUSD Parents and Community,

I hope this message finds you well. As we return from the Memorial Day holiday and head into the final weeks of the school year, here’s an overview of what is featured in this week’s newsletter:

Please note that MBUSD schools and District offices were closed yesterday in observance of Memorial Day. We honor and remember the brave individuals who gave their lives in service to our country and reflect on their sacrifice and dedication. We look forward to welcoming students and staff back as school and regular operations resume today, Tuesday, May 26

At Manhattan Beach Middle School, the Physical Education program plays an important role in supporting student health, wellness, and personal growth. Through fitness activities, team sports, cooperative games, and wellness education, students build healthy habits while developing confidence, teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. Led by former MBSUSD Teacher of the Year and Department Chair Sue Steinmetz, alongside educators Doug Branhim, Andy Diver, Robyn Glasgow, and Sam Sybesma, the department creates a positive and inclusive environment where all students are encouraged to stay active, challenge themselves, and support one another. The program continues to help students develop lifelong skills that support healthy, balanced lives both on and off campus. Thank you to the entire MBMS PE team for their continued dedication to student wellness and growth, and a special thank you to Principal Dr. Matt Horvath for contributing this story.

This week’s Staff Spotlight recognizes Andrew Matthew Anton, an Intensive Behavioral Interventionist (IBI) at Mira Costa High School, who is approaching his sixth year with Manhattan Beach Unified School District. In his role, Andrew provides individualized behavioral, academic, and emotional support to students both inside and outside the classroom, helping students build confidence and thrive throughout the school day. Andrew began his journey with MBUSD as a substitute aide shortly after graduating from college and quickly discovered his passion for supporting students in special education. Originally majoring in Music Therapy, he says his experiences working with exceptional children inspired him to pursue a career focused on making a meaningful impact in students’ daily lives. Andrew shared that the most rewarding part of his role is watching students grow and celebrating milestones alongside them throughout the school year. He also expressed gratitude for MBUSD’s close-knit and collaborative community. Outside of school, Andrew is a classically trained operatic singer who has performed with the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Los Angeles Philharmonic, The New York Choral Society, and currently performs with the Angel City Chorale. We thank Andrew for the compassion, dedication, positivity, and care he brings to MBUSD students and families every day!

Manhattan Beach Unified School District is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Director of Fiscal Services. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing the District’s financial operations, including budget development, fiscal planning, accounting, and financial reporting. We encourage interested candidates to learn more and apply through EdJoin. Please help us spread the word to individuals who may be a strong fit for this important role supporting MBUSD students, staff, and schools.

Please note that in order to accommodate more people, the Wednesday, May 27 MBUSD Board of Trustees meeting will begin with Open Session and student/staff recognitions at 5:00 p.m. in the Mira Costa High School Small Theater. Once recognitions conclude, the meeting will recess and attendees who wish to remain for the rest of the Board meeting will transition back to the District Office Board Room, where the meeting will resume at approximately 6:00 p.m. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to celebrating our honorees with the community.

Congratulations to Mira Costa High School Junior, Hao Lin, who earned a 2nd Place Grand Award in the Environmental and Earth Sciences category at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix, Arizona — the world’s largest pre-collegiate science competition. Hao was selected as one of only six students from the California Science & Engineering Fair to advance to ISEF, where he presented research using seismic waveform data and machine learning models to help predict earthquake hazard risk. We congratulate Hao on this outstanding international achievement and for representing Mira Costa and MBUSD on the global stage!

Last week, the Manhattan Beach Rotary Club honored MBUSD’s 2025-26 Teachers of the Year as part of its long-standing annual recognition tradition celebrating excellence in education. During the ceremony, administrators from each MBUSD school site shared heartfelt remarks about the meaningful impact these educators have on their students and school communities. Several Rotarians also shared that some had once been their own teachers or had taught their children. Congratulations to this year’s honorees: Karina Sam (MB Preschool), Joanne Guelff (Grand View), Shari Jones (Meadows), Stephanie Hubbard (Pacific), Mike Warner (Pennekamp), Christina Ibrahim (Robinson), Trisha Gonzalez (MBMS), and Lisa Cook (Mira Costa). Stephanie Hubbard was also recognized as MBUSD’s 2025-26 District Teacher of the Year.

MBUSD is sharing important updates regarding the City of Manhattan Beach’s recently updated e-bike safety ordinance. Key provisions include prohibiting cellphone and headphone use while riding, expanding the definition of dangerous riding behavior, requiring riders to obey stop signs, and establishing penalties and a juvenile diversion program for violations. Families are encouraged to review e-bike safety expectations with students, ensure helmets are worn properly, discuss safe routes to school, and remind riders to slow down near campuses, pedestrians, and crosswalks. By working together as schools, families, and a community, we can help promote safer riding for everyone in Manhattan Beach.

During the weekend of May 15–17, Mira Costa High School student-athletes captured four CIF Southern Section championships in boys’ volleyball, boys’ lacrosse, girls’ lacrosse, and boys’ track and field. The historic weekend highlighted the incredible talent, dedication, and teamwork of Mustang athletes and coaches and added to an already outstanding year for Mira Costa athletics. Congratulations to all of our student-athletes, coaches, and supporters on this remarkable accomplishment and for continuing to represent the Mustang community with excellence and pride.

Mira Costa senior Hudson Chen invites the community to experience a dynamic photography exhibition featuring award-winning work recognized by the National Scholastic Art Awards, Freedom 4U Photography Contest, and local showcases. The exhibit highlights Hudson’s AP 2-D Studio Art Sustained Investigation exploring the question: Without using a person’s face, how can you decipher their energy and spirit? Through faceless portraiture, overlays, panoramic photography, and mixed media pieces combining photography, paint, marker, and colored pencil, Hudson captures emotion and identity in unique ways. Featuring both digital and film photography, this inspiring collection celebrates creativity, storytelling, and Hudson’s upcoming journey to NYU as a photography major.

Photo courtesy of Patch / West Basin Municipal Water District

Congratulations to Manhattan Beach Middle School eighth grader Catalina Godard for being named a Grand Prize winner in the annual “Being Water Wise Is…” Student Art Contest. Catalina’s artwork was selected from nearly 400 entries submitted by students across the South Bay and surrounding communities. Catalina completed the project in Mrs. Cavallo’s 8th grade science class and was one of only three students selected as a Grand Prize winner. Her artwork now advances to the regional competition for a chance to be featured in the 2027 Student Art Calendar. Congratulations, Catalina!

Last Wednesday, May 20, Pennekamp hosted an AAPI Heritage Month Celebration featuring cultural tables representing several AAPI countries and a special Hawaiian dance performance by the Mahana Dance Company. Thank you to the Pennekamp PTA and the many parent volunteers who helped make the event such a meaningful celebration of culture, community, and learning. 

Last Thursday, May 21, eight Mira Costa seniors were awarded generous scholarships by the Manhattan Beach Coordinating Council for their achievements throughout their high school careers. 

Our hearty congratulations to this year’s MBCC honorees:

In addition to the scholars’ parents, a number of dignitaries were on hand to fete them and express their gratitude for the education they received in our public school district. Among them were: MB Mayor Joe Franklin, Mayor Pro Tem Nina Tarnay, and Councilmember David Lesser; MBUSD Trustees Jen Dohner, Cathey Graves, and Wysh Weinstein; MCHS Principal Dr. Jennifer Huynh; and MBEF Executive Director Hilary Mahan. I was honored to present the students with Certificates of Recognition for this remarkable achievement!

Summer often brings a little more flexibility — and a little more screen time. Rather than focusing on a perfect screen-time number, families are encouraged to focus on balance and making space for the things kids still need most: sleep, movement, creativity, reading, friendships, family connection, and time to simply be kids. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages families to think about the quality of media use, what screens may be replacing, and how technology fits within overall family routines and values. Summer can be a great opportunity to reset habits and create healthy boundaries together. Families looking for screen-free inspiration might consider outdoor games, bike rides, library visits, cooking, crafts, reading challenges, volunteer opportunities, or simply spending more time together outdoors. For additional guidance on books, movies, apps, and shows, resources such as Common Sense Media, IMDb Parents Guide, Kids-In-Mind, and The StoryGraph can help families make informed choices. A flexible, balanced approach can help students enjoy all that summer has to offer — both online and off.

The next Superintendent’s Newsletter will be published on June 1. Let’s have a great week!

Dr. John Bowes, Superintendent

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