Superintendent's Newsletter
June 17, 2022
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Dear MBUSD Staff, Students, Families, and Community,
I hope this letter finds you well. Today’s newsletter highlights the 2022 graduation and promotions, our elementary schools receiving special recognition, and Mira Costa Orchestras' upcoming 20th Anniversary celebration at Disney Hall!
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I am extremely proud of the achievements and resilience of our amazing students, particularly our graduating seniors and all of those who were promoted this week. Time and again, our students have demonstrated their exceptional ability to excel academically and shine brilliantly.
Our students received top honors and were recognized nationally for academics, athletics, the arts, music, environmental initiatives, and for going above and beyond in STEM.
This year, once again Mira Costa was recognized among the nation’s best high schools according to the U.S. News and World Report’s 2022 Best High Schools ranking. Mira Costa ranked in the top 2% nationwide of the 23,800 high schools considered.
Our school communities came together to support one another and we were able to bring back traditions once again in creative ways to celebrate our students and staff. Thank you to our Board of Trustees, families, our incredible PTA leaders, MBEF, MBX, and all of our community partners who worked hard to make a difference and impact on our students’ lives this school year.
To the class of 2022, without a doubt, I am confident that you will continue to make a difference in the world and I’m happy to know that our graduates are leaving with the education and skills they need to succeed. I was thrilled and honored to be part of your joyous milestones this week. Although you have faced many challenges over the years, you have proven your strength and resilience. I hope you will follow your dreams and excel in the new opportunities that come your way. I know you will make positive changes and create a brighter future for generations to come.
I am incredibly proud of our community and honored to serve as your superintendent.
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Check out where our graduates are going next!
Click the map below -
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Mira Costa students were cheered on for their accomplishments during the Strand Stroll after graduation! Nearly 600 of our graduates walked from Hermosa Beach to the Manhattan Beach Pier. |
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Thank you to our staff and families who have worked throughout the year to immerse our students in Social and Emotional Learning!
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Senior Recognition of Scholarships & Awards
It was an amazing night watching our seniors receive scholarships and awards for their hard work at Mira Costa.
Families filled up the auditorium Monday night to cheer on the graduating class of 2022. Each scholarship and award was given by the representative of the organization truly showing how close-knit our community is and cares for our students.
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Manhattan Beach Police Department Hosts Special BBQ for Graduates
School Resource Officer Donovan Torres, Captain Christian Eichenlaub, and other members of the Manhattan Beach Police Department celebrated our graduating seniors with a special BBQ on campus.
Officer Torres says it’s a rite of passage and a way to show support as they send the seniors off to begin a new chapter in their lives. This is the first time since the pandemic the BBQ was brought back for students.
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Mira Costa Seniors Provide Lunch to Staff
The Mira Costa ASB seniors catered lunch for District maintenance and security staff! It was a chance to say thank you for their hard work throughout the year.
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Dalia Frias Ends High School Career by Making History!
Dalia broke the National Federation of High Schools record for being the fastest in the nation by a U.S. high school female for the outdoor 2-mile! Dalia has ended her high school career by running the eight laps in 9:50.70 for the 2-mile at the 2022 Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle.
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Photo by Kirby Lee, Image of Sport |
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MBUSD Schools Receive Recognition as No Place for Hate Campuses
We are so proud of our school sites that officially were recognized as No Place for Hate schools for the 2022-23 school year by the Anti-Defamation League. Thanks to our parents and staff, the program was first launched in MBUSD at Robinson Elementary and was soon adopted at other schools. During the school year, students, teachers, and administrators completed a series of school-wide initiatives designed to build more inclusive and equitable communities on campus.
Schools were required to form a committee, host a pledge signing event, and hold various activities that promote respect. Most importantly, this initiative aligns with our District’s Board goal of developing and promoting a culture of care. Each school site made the program its own and committed to addressing bias and bullying over the school year through the student-led climate improvement program. This work wouldn’t have been possible without our parents and PTAs for taking the lead. We are truly appreciative of the partnership!
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The City of Manhattan Beach Unveils Rainbow Crosswalk
The Board of Trustees and I joined MB City Council Members to celebrate diversity and inclusion efforts at the ribbon-cutting of the Rainbow Crosswalk across from the Manhattan Beach Pier. Thank you to the City of Manhattan Beach for welcoming all in our community.
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Nominate an MCHS Graduate into the Distinguished Hall of Fame!
DEADLINE IS TOMORROW!
You can submit a nomination honoring outstanding Mira Costa High School Alumni who have distinguished themselves through their contributions to their careers, life endeavors, and the communities and country they serve.
The deadline to apply is Saturday, June 18!
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On June 30, there will be a special concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall! It will feature Mira Costa Orchestras and guest ensembles from MBMS Orchestras. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our award-winning MBUSD music programs! You can learn more about the concert here.
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Budget Corner
Like all California school districts, MBUSD is developing its 2022-23 budget during the months of May and June.
The annual District budget approval process involves a series of steps and is highly dependent upon the actions of the California State Legislature and Governor.
At our Board Budget Workshop meeting on May 26, staff provided a presentation about recent legislative developments in Sacramento that will inform the development of our 2022-23 MBUSD budget. Parents, staff, and community members were able to provide input on the development of next year’s budget.
Our 2022-23 MBUSD budget is scheduled for review and adoption at our June 22 and June 23 Board meetings - I hope you can tune in to all of these meetings!
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MBUSD’s Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program promotes the joy of learning in a positive and nurturing environment. TK programming creates critical thinkers, effective oral communicators, and life-long learners. The classroom environment includes many opportunities for fine and gross motor activities, oral language development, and social-emotional learning. Our program prioritizes intentional teaching that is hands-on and child-centered, purposeful structured play, and small-group instruction.
All children who will be five years old as of September 1, 2022, are eligible to enroll in Kindergarten, and all children who will be five years old as of February 2, 2023, are eligible to enroll in Transitional Kindergarten.
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Respond to Four MBUSD Questions
I have been asking students, staff, and MBUSD families the four questions below to learn more about our community. Thank you to those who have submitted responses. Your insights and ideas have been very informative!
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Thank you again for your continued support and collaboration. I am honored to work with such a dedicated group of administrators, teachers, staff, students, and families. I wish everyone a safe and relaxing summer and look forward to seeing you in the fall! |
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John Bowes, Ed.D.
MBUSD Superintendent
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Manhattan Beach Unified School District
325 S. Peck Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
310.318.7345
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