Hello MBUSD family,
The end of May approaches! We are stable in our in-person schooling, preparing for promotion and graduation ceremonies, celebrating with music concerts, planning a high school prom event, and enjoying amazing success in sports. All this while we continue to work for a better future for our students. Here is what is happening:
GRADUATION/PROMOTION CEREMONIES AND OTHER EVENTS
Preparations for graduation and promotion ceremonies continue. I am working with our principals, who are reviewing all of the steps necessary for these events to occur. My thanks to them, our PTAs, and our teachers who are also working to plan these special celebrations. Nothing is easy during COVID, and this is no exception. Similarly, we are going to have a high school prom-like event. My thanks to Lisa Claypoole, our amazing ASB leader at Mira Costa, the student leaders and the admin team who will be making this event happen.
MUSIC AND ATHLETICS
One more way that things are getting back to normal is the return of music and sports in our schools. Our high school performing arts teachers are planning live events for their students and families, all of which must follow in adherence to LACDPH rules. I also get to hear the Mira Costa bands as they play music outdoors in the stadium every day. I love it. For our students taking music, to be able to once again play music together during the school day makes every day better.
And high school sports are in full swing too. I know it’s not all about winning, as many parents told me how much it helped their children, both socially and emotionally, when practices started again. Being together and playing as a team is huge for our students. But even though it’s not all about winning, Mira Costa athletics has had an unbelievable return to competition. In the shortened season, we won league championships in Girls Cross Country, Boys Volleyball, Boys Water Polo, Girls Golf, Girls Soccer, Girls Beach Volleyball, Boys Swim, Surf, Girls Tennis, and Boys Soccer. Our Track and Baseball teams play for league championships this week as well. And if you haven’t heard, our Boys Soccer Team beat the #1 high school team in the nation, and they play for the CIF championship this Friday Night.
EXPANDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) are coming soon! During summer 2021, MBUSD will offer current TK-11th grade students free access to academic, social and emotional, and exploration opportunities. The ELO program is for MBUSD students enrolled for the 2021-2022 school year. Families will be receiving an email from Dr. Stopp on Wednesday where they can sign up for classes. For information on the courses we plan to offer, please click here.
EDSJI
Finally, I’d like to end with a few thoughts on our district’s initiative to develop a climate of equity, diversity, social justice, and inclusion (EDSJI) in our schools. (Click here to read our 2020-2021 board goals.) While schools, companies, and corporations around the nation have taken a stance on moving towards a world where racism and intolerance no longer exist, I know that many schools and school districts are being criticized for those efforts. Here in MBUSD, several parents and community members have questioned this commitment, while denouncing our efforts. Neighboring districts are also being criticized, so I have a few thoughts and more detailed information for those who are would like more information:
- We are in the midst of conducting a self-study to learn more about staff and student perceptions of EDSJI in our schools. We will be sharing those findings publicly in a board workshop in a few months.
- We have hired UCLA to help us with staff training. Our work with UCLA will be focused on creating a climate of respect that supports open and honest dialogue and listening amongst our staff.
- After examining the self-study, we will be determining the next steps with regards to possible policies, practices, curriculum, and instruction.
While we welcome discussion and dialogue, MBUSD remains committed to this effort. If you would like to read more, including how I address specific questions and concerns that I have heard, please click here.
Have a wonderful three-day weekend. On Monday, please take the time to honor those who have died in military service of our great democracy, protecting the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted.
