The 8th graders had a fabulous time at their Roaring 2022's Promotion Party on Friday, June 3rd. A HUGE shoutout to Kristi Thompson & Casey Schwartz for all of their hard work (many hours) to put together this event. It was a truly wonderful party & memorable send off for our 8th graders. We also want to thank everyone who volunteered, before, during & after, it couldn't have been done without all of you!
Volunteers Needed for 2022-23 School Year:
Guess what? Next school year we will celebrate our Platinum Anniversary. That's right, Parras PTSA is turning 70 years old, and we are going to celebrate big! We need several Chairs and Committee members to help make the 22-23 an epic year full of education, fun, events, and more! If you can help, please complete the google form below.
Diversity & Cultural Celebration~Spirit Wear ~ Silent Auction ~ Parent Social Event ~ Greek Day ~ Canva Designer ~ Videographer ~ Calendar ~ Family Stem Night ~ Mindfulness Fest ~ 7th Grade Science Fair ~ 8th Grade Legacy Project
Is your student heading to RUHS? In order to make the registration process go fast and smooth, RUHS PTSA needs your help!
Please sign up for a timeslot below. Registration times for each day are 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. We will need volunteers to arrive at 7:45 am and stay until 1:00 pm and work the full day.
*As an incentive for volunteering, if you volunteer for TWO DAYS, you will receive one Parent/Community Card ($80 value), which includes FREE admission for 2 people to all Home Varsity games (except CIF).
We are working on a Parras PTSA app that you will be able to download for free. This will be a place where you will be able to go to find all PTSA information, events, resources, links to school information and so much more. We hope you are as excited as we are!
In the meantime, if you know of a business who would like to advertise on our app, please email us at fun@parrasptsa.org.
Ralphs Rewards
Using the Ralphs community reward program is simple:
Search for NICK G. PARRAS MIDDLE SCHOOL PTSA or use our organizations number - SE934
Click Enroll
Linking your card to Nick G. Parras Middle School will help the PTSA with their fundraising efforts. Every time you swipe your card or use the phone number associated with the account, Parras will receive credit for that purchase.
New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card. Reward cards are available at the customer service desk at any Ralphs.
2022-23 Reflections Theme Announcement: Show Your Voice!
The 2022-23 National PTA Reflections theme has been announced: Show You Voice! Watch this short video from National PTA and stay tuned for more on Reflections.
As a member of California State PTA, you advocate for children, promote parent and family involvement in schools, and improve the lives of all children and families. To show our appreciation, we have partnered with several organizations to bring you some extra perks of membership!
Visit our website or download the Member Perks flier in English or Spanish to learn more and take advantage of your exclusive offers!
Parking will be limited to the Lucia lot and street parking, so we encourage families to walk, carpool, and use ride share.
After 3:10pm, you may park in any Redondo Union parking spot that is not occupied.
Student arrival is at 3:15pm on the practice field
Please ensure students do not bring their phone to the field for the ceremony
Plan a meeting spot with students for after Promotion (all students will need to head to the Parras Lucia Lot after ceremony to pick up their Promotion certificate)
Please do not bring or use any noise makers during the ceremony
Please all follow all COVID safety guidelines; most importantly, a person should not come to campus or to an event if they are sick
2021-2022 Yearbooks!
Yearbooks cannot be purchased online but we always purchase extra books just in case parents want to wait until the book is released. Please bring a check or cash to school and students will receive the book on June 2nd or June 3rd if payment is received before then. After Thursday, June 2, students can wait in line to purchase and receive the book.
All checks can be made out to "Parras Middle School – ASB" for $45.
On the memo line, it is best to put "Name of student Yearbook Purchase"
Drop off with Ms. Kanemaru (Hall 1 - Home Ec) to get on the sales report.
Registration 2022-2023 - SAVE THE DATE!
Incoming 8th Grade Registration
Tuesday, August 9th
From 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Incoming 7th Grade Registration
Wednesday, August 10th
From 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Incoming 6th Grade Registration
Thursday, August 11th
From 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Registration will be in the Parras Gymnasium. Individual appointment times based on last name will be emailed.
RUHS - Incoming 9th-12th Graders:
Don't let your student miss out on the opportunity to take a class this summer! Many times we think of summer school as a necessary course of action if you don't get a grade you like in a class, but many of our students take summer school to get ahead and free up space in their class schedule next year. This summer, there are so many great classes like Spanish and French, Art, US and World History or PE, all of which fulfill A-G requirements and will allow students to get ahead as they enter the coming year.
Registration closes Thursday, June 9!
COVID-19 Testing
Beach Cities Health District has regular COVID testing Monday through Friday with expanded hours and is located at 514 N. Prospect Avenue. Please use this link to sign up for a test: BCHD Testing Link.The student ID can be found in PowerSchool. The BCHD School Well-Being Line will open tomorrow at 8:00am if you have any registration or testing questions at 310.374.3426, press option 2.
Performing Arts Workshops, WINNER, BEST SUMMER CAMP in LA Parent Magazine. For fourteen years, PAW’s Matching Fund Scholarship program has enabled thousands of children throughout Los Angeles to enjoy the benefits of an arts education. We are very excited to announce that our donor has stepped forward for the 14th year to make the matching fund scholarships available once more. It is our wish to make sure all 200 Matching Fund Scholarships are gifted once again.
These special scholarships have been made available for us to give as a matching fund. Our donor believes that an arts education is essential for a child’s growth and development and is sponsoring half the tuition for up to 50 children at each camp site. Each Matching Fund Scholarship provides half of the tuition for our two week MUSICAL THEATER CAMP when the parent matches the remaining $425.
It is our donor’s request that the scholarships have no conditions or prerequisites. We are gifting these scholarships immediately. To receive one of these scholarships please call us at (310) 827-8827 and mention “Matching Fund Scholarships.” For more information about us visit PerformingArtsWorkshops.com. Camp Locations In: West LA, Studio City, Redondo Beach, Pasadena, El Segundo, Northridge, and Rancho Palos Verdes!
Mindful Yoga on the Beach
Mondays, June 6, 13 and 27 at 6:30 p.m.
South of the Manhattan Beach Pier in the sand
In partnership with the City of Manhattan Beach
*No Free Fitness on Monday, June 20
Mondays, August 15, 22, 29 at 6:30 p.m.
In front of Scotty’s Restaurant in the sand
In partnership with the City of Hermosa Beach
Zumba
Mondays, June 27, July 11, 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Julia Field, Alta Vista
In partnership with the City of Redondo Beach
*No Free Fitness on Monday, July 4
Mondays, July 25, August 1, 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Lincoln Elementary
In partnership with Redondo Beach Unified School District (RBUSD)
CAPTA supported SB 93, which prohibits the sale of many flavored tobacco products is in danger of being repealed. Vaping is a national health concern for students, with devastating effects on the mental and physical health of our students. Learn more at an upcoming free virtual conference.
SACRAMENTO, CA – In the wake of recent elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, California State PTA, is asking for more than your thoughts – it’s time to take action.
California State PTA stands with National PTA and Texas PTA as one voice demanding safe schools for every child in our nation. We must put an end to gun violence and provide support for our children and families impacted by this trauma.
We must stand up for the 19 students, two teachers that died and the 17 injured in the Uvalde, Texas tragedy. As the country's largest volunteer led child advocacy association, we must demand that our lawmakers be as brave as the teachers who gave their lives to shield their students from gunfire. As parents and teachers and community members who care about our children we must end this violence.
"For more than a century, California State PTA has advocated for safe schools and for gun laws to protect our children. And now another school shooting is in the news. When will it be enough? How many more children have to die before we do something? Gun violence is a public-health crisis that affects us all – and it is time for action,” said California State PTA President Carol Green. “California State PTA supports state and federal legislation that protect children and youth from gun violence.”
Our position statement on Firearms and Assault Weapons affirms the association’s stance on firearms including minimum age requirements to purchase guns, prohibiting the sale and possession of assault weapons defined as automatic and semi-automatic weapons, and incorporates language from the National PTA position that the safest schools are gun free schools.
California State PTA will be addressing gun violence, school safety and mental health issues with federal lawmakers in Washington D.C. on June 15 during the 2022 National PTA Hill Day – but we are not waiting – we ask our members to take action now and urge congress to protect our children from gun violence.
California State PTA President Carol Green has released the following statement in response to the proposed Governor’s May Budget Revise:
California State PTA is pleased that the Governor’s May budget revision includes many PTA priorities. We are encouraged by the projected increase in Proposition 98 funding and the proposed increase in the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) base grant. Adequate and stable school funding has been a long time PTA priority. Although we appreciate the direction of this proposal, we urge the Governor to embrace the significantly larger LCFF base grant increases proposed by the Legislature and supported by California State PTA. Further, we renew our commitment to seek stable, ongoing funding rather than fluctuating and one-time funding.
PTA Priorities:
Nutrition Adding $611.8 million to the Universal school meals program to ensure reimbursement rates for schools continue when the federal funding ends (current funding ends 6/30/22 unless Congress acts to extend this program).
LCFF Base Funding May Revise proposes an increase of $2.1 billion, about three-percent, to the LCFF base funding. This will impact students in all public schools in California and we encourage the administration to go further to increase the funding closer to what is proposed in the legislature.
K-12 facilities $3.9 billion in facilities over the next three years for modernization and new construction. To address outstanding school maintenance and energy efficient upgrade, the governor is proposing an additional $1.8 billion.
Expanded Learning Opportunities This budget proposal would fully fund the implementation of the Expanded Learning Opportunities per classroom based ADA Program (ELOP) four years ahead of schedule. This proposal would allocate $2500 for every low income student, English language learner and foster youth in grades TK-6 in the state.
Pre-Kindergarten Education
State Preschool Family Fee Waivers – waiving the family share cost for children participating in the State Preschool Program for the 2022-2023 school year
State Preschool Program – increased funding via adjustment factors for students with disabilities and dual language learners in the State Preschool Program
We are hopeful that the proposed Discretionary Block Grant will allow school districts to use one-time funds to address student learning challenges, support the mental health and wellness of students and staff and allow local decision making on how best to use the funds to support our local school communities.
The increase to 6.56% to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) from the proposal of 5.33% in January is improving news, although this still puts school districts behind inflation which is just over 8%. This highlights the need to pursue the Legislature’s proposals to further increase LCFF base funding.
PTA is also encouraged to see the Governor’s commitment to invest in special education, community schools, mental health services, early literacy, community engagement, STEM instruction and teacher and staff retention and recruitment.
California State PTA will continue to work with both the administration and Legislature to ensure the needs of California’s children and families are met. As PTA members, this is an opportunity for advocacy both locally and throughout California.
Beginning of the Federal Government’s Appropriations Season
The federal government’s appropriations season for Fiscal Year 2023 has officially begun! As Congress negotiates a spending package, National PTA is part of conversations to increase federal investment in public education and ensure that key programs supporting our nation’s children and youth are sufficiently funded.
LGBTQ+ Pride Month - The LGBTQ+ Pride Month, or just Pride Month for short, is a holiday that is celebrated each year during the month of June. This special time was intentionally set in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1968 in Manhattan, New York. Multiple holidays arose out of the LGBTQ+ movement, and Pride Month has become a big celebration all over the United States. The celebration also occurs in other parts of the world who join in solidarity with the cause of freedom and rights for all.
June 3rd - Dragon Boat Festival - The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday which occurs on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar, which corresponds to late May or June in the Gregorian calendar. Some of the most traditional customs include dragon boat racing and eating sticky rice dumplings (zongzi).
June 5th - World Environment Day – This day was designated by the United Nations as World Environment Day as it marks the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, held in 1972. It is celebrated by millions of people across the world. This year, it is hosted by Sweden. “Only One Earth" is the campaign slogan, with the focus on “Living Sustainably in Harmony with Nature”.
June 4th-6th – Shavuot – This is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai as well as the grain harvest for the summer. In biblical times, Shavuot was one of three pilgrimage festivals (along with Sukkot and Passover). The greeting for someone celebrating Shavuot is simply “Chag Sameach!” (Happy Holiday).
June 12th - Anne Frank Day – This day marks the day Anne Frank was born and, on her 13th birthday, the day she received her now famous diary. Anne Frank spent 761 days in a secret annex until she was discovered by Nazis and sent to a concentration camp, where she died. After her death, her diary was found and published in several different languages.
June 13th - Race Unity Day - Also known as Race Amity Day, is observed the second Sunday in June. The day was started by the Bahá'í National Spiritual Assembly in the United States in 1957. Baha’u’llah, the Founder of the Baha’i Faith, implored people to “close your eyes to racial differences and welcome all with the light of oneness.” The goal is to raise awareness to the importance of racial harmony and understanding.
June 14th - Flag Day – This day, also called National Flag Day, is celebrated to commemorate the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress. On Flag Day, many towns and cities hold parades and events to celebrate the flag, and the colors are flown at all government buildings.
June 19th – Juneteenth – A federal holiday celebrated to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the US. The holiday originated in Galveston, Texas, where on that date in 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, slaves were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth has been celebrated annually on June 19th in various parts of the United States since 1865.
June 19th - Father’s Day
June 20th - World Refuge Day – An annual international day organized by the United Nations to celebrate and honor refugees from around the world.
June 26th - Anniversary of Legislation of Same-Sex Marriage in the U.S.
July~
Disability Pride Month – In 2015, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio declared July Disability Pride Month in celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act signed by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, a landmark law that prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities. In that same year, Boston held the first Disability Pride Day. The month is a chance to honor each person's uniqueness as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity and there are often parades throughout the country during this month to celebrate, support, and raise awareness.
July 4th – Independence Day, this day has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. This holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by delegates from the 13 colonies.
July 9th-10th - Eid-al-Adha – Also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is an Islamic holiday which signifies the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim, known as Abraham in Christianity and Judaism, to sacrifice his son, Ismail as ordered by Allah. It is one of Islam's most important holidays. Food plays a central role in celebrations with the main ingredient often being lamb or goat. Eid Mubbarak (translated to “blessed celebration”) is how you would greet those celebrating this holiday.
July 12th - Guru Purnima - Guru Purnima is a Hindu celebration of the spiritual and academic Gurus or teachers. Guru is a Sanskrit word that refers to the remover of darkness or ignorance.
July 24th - Dharma Day - Buddhists celebrate Dharma Day on the full moon day of July, signaling the beginning of the period of Vassa (rainy season retreat or Buddhist Lent). Dharma Day reminds Buddhists to express their gratitude to the Buddha and his teachings
July 26th - Americans with Disabilities Act Day (ACA) – This day commemorates the landmark law signed by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, that prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities.
July 29th-30th - Islamic Lunar New Year - Also called the Hijri New Year or Arabic New Year, this is the day that marks the beginning of a new lunar year. The first day of the Islamic year is observed by most Muslims on the first day of the month of Muharram.
