The OPEN Daily » School Updates

Beethoven Elementary invites you to a FREE Popsicle Playdate this Saturday, Aug. 21 at 10am

john — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:27:52 +0000

PopsiclePlaydate You’re Invited to the Second Annual Popsicle Playdate at Beethoven Street Elementary School. This free event is open to all and especially welcomes the new incoming kindergarten families. A great way to connect with other Beethoven community families and kids.

Come out this SATURDAY, AUGUST 21 from 10AM to 12Noon to Beethoven Elementary at 3711 Beethoven Street, Mar Vista.

Download the flyer here.

Weingart Foundation Supports Low-Income Westside Youth

james — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:10:42 +0000

The Weingart Foundation awards Neighborhood Youth Association (NYA) a grant of $127,000 over two years, providing critical funding for NYA’s highly successful after-school and preschool programs. These funds will help 136 low-income children and youth in Venice, Mar Vista and nearby Westside communities to succeed in school.

For the third consecutive year in a row, 100% of NYA’s high school seniors graduated on time – more than 48% higher than the on-time graduation rate at nearby Venice High School, and 100% of NYA’s 2010 graduates will enroll in college. This success is all the more astounding considering that all of NYA’s students are low-income and 96% will be among the first in their families to attend college. NYA’s preschool is just as successful, outperforming other preschools in several key measures. NYA’s personalized, comprehensive approach provides students with academic support, counseling, college and career planning, cultural and recreational enrichment activities, as well as leadership skills development activities.

Short Ave Library Receives Neighborhood Council Funding

james — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:24:59 +0000

The Del Rey Neighborhood Council funded almost $1,000 worth of new books for the Short Avenue Elementary Wonder of Reading Library.

Photos from the event: Del Rey NC Board Members Eric DeSobe and Brett Flater joined Nancy Franco, Field Deputy Office for Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, to celebrate literacy and importance of summer reading time.

Did You Know LAUSD Has A Website For Kids?

donna — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:52:30 +0000

Do you ever find yourself looking for good educational websites for your children to use? Well LAUSD has a site that has fun history information, online reading suggestions, just for fun site links, drawing pages, reference guides and more. This summer check it out and see what you can learn.

Broadway Elementary Opens Mandarin Academy

donna — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:27:09 +0000

Broadway Elementary opens a pilot Mandarin Immersion K through 6 program. Students receive Mandarin instruction through hands-on experience and real life application. The curriculum will start with listening and speaking at the early grade levels and develop into reading and writing. Mandarin teachers collaborate in instructional planning with classroom teachers in every grade level to ensure that the Mandarin instruction is relevant to grade level standards and curricular content in various subject areas.

Coeur d’Alene Elementary’s Spring Fling & Silent Auction 6/12

sarah — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:25:25 +0000

Saturday, June 12 it’s the annual Coeur d’Alene Elementary School Spring Fling fair. It’s great family fun with a giant kid zone, toy walk, slot car track, arts & crafts and games. Plus there will be a Silent Auction, Live Auction and raffle.

Coeur d’Alene Elementary, 810 Coeur d’Alene Ave, Venice. 1 pm – 6 pm. Saturday June 12, 2010. Bid on items online at cdaelementary.org

Support Marina del Rey Middle School At Shakey’s Tonight 6/7

sarah — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:43:26 +0000

Tonight, June 7th, from 5 – 8pm, Shakey’s pizza, located at 5064 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Culver City, will donate 25% off all money spent to the Marine Science Academy of Marina del Rey Middle school. Be sure to say you’re there to support the school when you order. And if you’re in a hurry, just order it to go!

Marina del Rey Middle School, 12500 Braddock Drive, LA 90066

WE Garden Work Day June 12th

donna — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:25:34 +0000

Join Westminster Avenue School and Westminster Computer/Math Magnet Saturday June 12 from 9am to 12noon. Help them plant, tend and harvest their WE Garden. Meet your neighbors, have fun with your kids and help your community. Westminster Ave. School is located at 1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA. 90291. Their WE Garden is located on the schools’ big yard at the corner of Westminster Ave. and Main St.

Richland Ave. Elementary School’s International Festival 6/5

sarah — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:40:50 +0000

The Richland Booster club presents the International Festival, Silent Auction and Talent Show this Saturday, June 5th from 11am – 3pm. Please see the Richland Booster website for more details.

Richland Ave. Elementary school, 11562 Richland Ave., LA 90066

Arts Festival to Support Mark Twain Middle School 6/12

donna — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:24:10 +0000

Mark Twain Middle School Arts Festival is scheduled for JUNE 12, 1:00-5:00PM. Mark your calendars for a day celebrating the community. There will be performances, guest artists, academic displays, workshops, raffles, food, games and an antique car show! $3.00 per person and children under 5 are free! The event will be on the school campus located at 2224 Walgrove Ave.

Westminster Kindergartners Perform “The Gingerbread Man” 6/3

donna — Mon, 31 May 2010 14:32:15 +0000

On Thursday June 3 at 9am and 10:30am, Kindergartners from Westminster Ave. Elementary’s Endowment Group will perform “The Gingerbread Man”. This is a great way to see a school and the programs it offers. The performances will be held in the Westminster School Auditorium located at 1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA.

Latest Info on Charter Schools

john — Tue, 25 May 2010 14:22:38 +0000

If you’re on the Westside and have kids, you’re probably have the equivalent of a Ph.D. in navigating schools. If you’re interested in learning about school options and specifically are curious about current and new charter schools, you may want to check out some of the sites that follow this closely. You can go to LAUSD’s Charter site to see the current list of existing Charters and this list of new 2010-2011 Charter Schools.

The OPEN Daily has shared some of this information before, but for a refresher, here are a few other resources. To get a grand scale perspective, remember you can always look up schools at Great Schools and the CDE. Green Dot , KIPP and Magnolia are a few of the charter school groups that are gaining some traction. There are many options out there, public, private, charter, magnet, and other.

Keep your eyes and ears to The OPEN Daily, and we’ll be sure to share any updates as we hear of them, but encourage you to share them as soon as you hear anything. Also, we welcome you to submit your school news, info and events to The OPEN Daily readers. It’s easy and it’s free!

Parent Tours At Mark Twain Middle School 5/25, 5/26 and 5/27

sarah — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:45:54 +0000

Tours for prospective parents will take place at Mark Twain Middle School Tuesday and Thursday, May 25 and 27, from 8:30am – 9:30am, and on Wednesday, May 26th from 9am – 12pm. Come learn about Mark Twain’s new 50-50 Dual Language Spanish Immersion program launching this Fall, as well as all the other programs it has to offer.

Mark Twain Middle School, 2224 Walgrove Avenue, LA 90066 (310) 305-3100

PitFire Pizza Hosts Fundraiser For Beethoven Elementary School 5/12

donna — Wed, 12 May 2010 14:24:52 +0000

All day Wednesday, May 12th, PitFire Pizza, located at 12924 Washington Blvd., will donate a portion of their proceeds to Beethoven Elementary School. Just eat there and put your receipt in the Beethoven Box and Beethoven will benefit.

What a fun way to enjoy a night out with the family and help out one of your local schools.

Don’t Miss Wilshire Boulevard Temple Guest Speakers 5/13

sarah — Wed, 12 May 2010 14:22:13 +0000

Wilshire Boulevard Temple Nursery School’s The Parenting Journey is proud to announce our next two speakers/comediennes Stefanie Wilder-Taylor and Dani Klein for an evening of fun and laughter about the journey of parenthood. Please join us on Thursday, May 13th at 7:00 p.m. at Wilshire Boulevard Temple’s Irmas Campus, located at 11661 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90064 $25 pp/$40 couple.

Private Elementary School Admissions: Panel Discussion With Admissions Directors 5/25

sarah — Tue, 11 May 2010 14:23:47 +0000

Admissions into PRIVATE Elementary Schools – What You Need to Know Tuesday, MAY 25th, 2009 7:30 – 9:00 P.M. Presented by: An Esteemed Panel of Admissions Directors Get insight and advice directly from Admissions Directors to help you calmly navigate your way through the process. SOME TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED: Preparing for the Process (i.e., how to find out what a school is really about, the need to tutor or not, whether there is a “feeder” or “right” preschool, the best way to prepare for the interview, whether or not to hold back a child); During the Process (i.e., the extent of follow up, whether to state a first choice, whether board member assistance or letters of recommendation are essential, whether it is acceptable to apply to both traditional and developmental schools); and After Letters Are Sent (i.e., how a wait list works, what to do or not if on one, process of learning about a decision, what options remain if not accepted). Luxe Hotel, Brentwood (Located at 11461 Sunset Blvd, near 405 freeway) RESERVATIONS REQUIRED – Please reserve early; space is limited. $40 per person person; $75 per couple To reserve a spot, register online. All Proceeds Donated To: Determined To Succeed – Determined to Succeed is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an exceptional group of lower socio-economic children with comprehensive year-round support. Students are guided from the critical middle school years through high school and the college acceptance process.

Reminder: Spring Shoe Sale May 16 To Benefit Ocean Charter School

sarah — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:25:31 +0000

A women’s spring shoe sale to benefit Ocean Charter School will be held Sunday May 16, 2010 from 10 am until 3 pm in the Fashion District of Downtown LA. Prices are 65% off of retail on brands including Donald Pliner, Claudia Ciuti, Sigerson Morrison, Cole Haan, Anne Klein and more. NEW spring & summer styles are arriving everyday!

Sample prices: $60 retail = $21 or $200 retail = $70. Visa and Master Card accepted. Sorry, NO personal checks. 20% of all sales that day go to Ocean Charter School!

Address:
1039 South Olive Avenue (near Olympic)
213-749-9964

Beethoven Elementary’s Auction Fiesta This Saturday 5/1 Is NOT Going To Be Silent!

john — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:30:56 +0000

Want some great offers? This auction is gonna be amazing! Want to get a night out? Well, don’t miss the party Saturday, May 1st. Admission is Free – and the auction is OPEN to the Public!

Win a Surf Camp, or a Cali Camp or more. How about a Bubba Gump Shrimp gift card or a Curious Palate gift certificate. Aquarium of the Pacific TIX, Sony Studios tour for four, Burke Williams gift card… To see the whole list of amazing auction items go to www.friendsofbeethoven.org
With the drinks, dinner and music, this is going to be one heck of a bash! Yeah, the bidding on Auction items may be silent… but the rest will be a blast!
Hope you can make it to the Silent Auction this Saturday night! It is for adults only.
You can bid on items, play Bingo, eat dinner and enjoy the company of friends with proceeds going back to students.
So how much is this gonna run you? WELL – as I said… admission is free and parking is next door in the public parking structure.

Here are the details:
Beethoven Street Elementary Silent Auction–MAY 1, 2010, 6:00PM-10:00PM, – Silent Auction/Fiesta/Raffle/Bingo/Food/Drinks/Music evening at the Santa Monica Women’s Club. No children at this event so please make plans with a sitter. Bring your friends!

And what kind of action items are there? Check some of em out here: http://www.friendsofbeethoven.org/article.php?story=20100426000228860

Absentee bidding forms are in the school office or get a friend to bid for you but we really hope you and your friends can make it! Auction items include lots of games, services, outings, baskets, and lots of surprises!

For head count purposes, send a quick RSVP (katkitti@aol.com)
Share with your family and friends… many thanks for spreading the word and I hope to see you on Saturday!

Save The Date: Spring Shoe Sale May 16 To Benefit Ocean Charter School

james — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:35:30 +0000

Sample prices: $60 retail = $21 or $200 retail = $70. Visa and Master Card accepted. Sorry, NO personal checks. 20% of all sales that day go to Ocean Charter School!

Address:
1039 South Olive Avenue (near Olympic)
213-749-9964

Town Hall Meeting Regarding The LAUSD Budget 4/27

sarah — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:35:02 +0000

Calling all parents, staff and community members to join School Board Member Steve Zimmer in a discussion about the 2010-2011 budget and what it means fro LAUSD students and families. Questions? Please contact Celia Lopez at (213) 241-6387.

Tuesday, April 27th, 6:30 -8:00pm at the Webster Middle school Auditorium, 11330 Graham Place, LA 90064.

Marina Del Rey Middle School Parent Tour 4/21

sarah — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:40:29 +0000

Wednesday, April 21st, at 1:30pm, prospective parents may tour the Marina Del Rey middle school campus. Come and learn about their performing arts magnet, their marine science academy, and their GATE program. Tours begin in the Parent Center.

Marina Del rey middle school, 12500 Braddock Drive, Marina del Rey 90066 (310) 578-2700

Beethoven Elementary New Parent Orientation 4/20

john — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:30:50 +0000

BEETHOVEN STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Invites you to New Parent Orientation, Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 9:00am, 3711 Beethoven Street Los Angeles, CA 90066.

NEW PARENT ORIENTATION is a great opportunity to meet Beethoven’s wonderful kindergarten teachers, principal Dr. Althea Ford, members of the Friends of Beethoven booster club as well as parents and students of what is recognized as one of the best schools in Los Angeles – Beethoven Street Elementary School – A California Distinguished School, a Title I High Academic Achievement School, and a California Business For Excellence Honor Roll School.

Come see for yourself what makes Beethoven stand out. Hear a short presentation of the programs offered, take a tour of the amazing campus and step inside the kindergarten classes to see for yourself what children are learning.

Nutrition Network
Playwriting – funded by Young Storytellers Foundation
API score of 878
Art, music, drama and chorus – provided by APS and PS Arts
Physical Education
“Share and Care” (therapy through art) – funded by Cedar Sinai
Learning Gardens for each classroom
Harvest of the Month program
GATE; Gifted and Talented Education program
Experienced and engaging teachers
A “LEARN” School: teachers, parents, students and staff work together to advance the performance of the individual student
Instrumental Groups
Field Trips
Wonder of Reading Library with a full-time librarian
One on one reading programs from Reading by 9, Koreh LA, Windward, RIF and Wonder of Reading Volunteers
Language Arts and Math Tutoring from Harvard Westlake and Venice High School
Homework Lab – Optional homework support. 2:40 – 4:00pm Monday-Thursday in the school library
Parent Leadership Councils
Cultural diversity
Free After School – Youth Development Program (YDP) and Beyond the Bell
After school Enrichment Classes such as: Mandarin, soccer, gymnastics, clay, drama, sign language, golf, art, chess and more
Opportunities for parents to volunteer inside and outside of the classroom
Private kindergarten yard

Beethoven continues to grow as a thriving environment of both nurturing families and instructional talent that together provide a well-rounded education and we look forward to you joining the NEW PARENT ORIENTATION on Tuesday, April 20, at 9:00am.

For further information visit:

Cesar Chavez Community Day at Grand View El. School 4/18

sarah — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:21:40 +0000

Sunday, April 18th, 9am – 11am. Volunteers needed to help clean, touch-up paint, garden and beautify the campus in honor of Cesar Chavez Day. Please contact Melissa Davis to sign up and for more information: jadenluna (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Grand View Blvd. Elementary School, 3951 Grand View Blvd., Mar Vista 90066

Beethoven Elementary Car Show This Saturday, April 17th

sarah — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:27:13 +0000

Second Annual Car Show open to all makes, models and years. Coming April 17th, 2010 10am-3pm. Registration $25 to benefit friendsofbeethoven.org. Contact mark_4683@msn.com for more information.

[Breaking News] LAUSD/UTLA Agreement to Maintain Class Sizes, Save Jobs

john — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:50:37 +0000

UTLA members voted to approve the tentative agreement reached last month with LAUSD, with 79.27% of the members voting yes on the agreement and 20.73% voting no. A total of 27,486 ballots were cast. Votes were counted at UTLA headquarters and posted on the website today, April 10. The School Board will vote on the agreement on Tuesday, April 13. The savings generated by the furlough days in the agreement will maintain class sizes and save more than 2,100 jobs for the 2010-11 school year without a permanent pay cut. This agreement is a short-term, two-year agreement. UTLA’s bargaining team successfully fought off LAUSD’s proposal for up to a 12% permanent salary cut. UTLA and our members must continue to work for permanent, long-term solutions to education funding. If the state funding situation improves, UTLA will have the option of reopening on all economic issues. UTLA will send a fax to schools on Monday with information on how RIFs will be rescinded and how the agreement affects the matrix process. MAY 5 PAYCHECK AFFECTED Even though furlough days have not been taken yet, most employees will have from one to three days’ pay (depending on your school calendar and track) deducted from the May 5 paycheck. This is being done so that the impact of the furlough days is spread over multiple paychecks, instead of hitting all on one. See the “furlough day implementation” chart on utla.net for details for your calendar/track. You may also want to read this article from the LATimes.