Mustang Minute

Spend a Minute to Learn What's Happening at Meadows!
Issue # 31                                                                         April 19, 2016

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Hi Mustangs! Take a minute to find out what's happening at Meadows Elementary!
Week at a Glance
April 5th-19th - YAA @ Johnny Rockets
April 18th - April 22nd - Earth Week 
April 21st - April 29th - Meadows Annual Online Auction
April 21st - Room Parent Mid-Year Meeting
April 21st - 20th Annual Richston Feast @ Pennekamp

Upcoming Events
May 2nd - MBEF Wine Auction Tickets Go On Sale
May 6th - Science Night
May 14th - Spring Pride Day
May 17th - Meadows Strings Music Concert: 3rd Grd @ 5, 4th & 5th Grd @ 6 in Meadows Cafeteria
May 19th - Moms Night Out
May 24th - Meadows Choir Music Concert: 4th & 5th Grd @ 5:30 (4:30 rehearsal) in Meadows Cafeteria
May 31st - Meadows Band Music Concert: 3rd Grd @ 5, 4th & 5th Grd @ 6 in Meadows Cafeteria
June 10th - Kinderthon
June 11th - Manhattan Wine Auction

"The Talk"-Parent Education Night, April 20th @ 7
It is NOT TOO LATE to sign up for "The Talk" with Jen Barber. The PTA is sponsoring a very special educational event on our campus for all Meadows parents.  This Wednesday, April 20th 7-8:30pm, we have asked Jen Barber, the Executive Director of The Talk Institute, to come educate us about how to start the "The Talk" with our children.  We will be hearing about the 5 mistakes many parents make when discussing sex and growing up with our children.  There will be time for discussion and Q & A, so bring your questions. Please see the attached flyer for more information and to RSVP for this special event. This is an adults ONLY event. 
 
You won't want to miss it!
Meadows Annual Online Auction Preview Online!!!
READY...SET...BID!  Get ready for the Meadows Annual Online Auction, going live on April 21st!  Look for links to our Bidding For Good website coming soon! Don't miss this opportunity to shop online for a great cause--our children's education!

Auction will run from April 21st thru April 29th, but you can preview it now. Check it out!
 

We are still accepting donations. Please contact us at [email protected] for donating opportunities.
Spring Pride Day - May 14th - Help Needed!
vector_card_drawn_tulips.jpg
Our Spring Pride Day event coming up on May 14th from 9 am - 1 pm and we would love helping hands to sell food, replant and clean-up our school!  This is a great opportunity for our Cub and Girls Scout Troops to help as a group!
As always, our wonderful PTA will be funding the materials, but it's up to us as a school community to provide the muscle! Please come ready to get down & dirty! Bring your labeled gardening tools and the whole family. We'll have simple weeding & clean-up projects for the little ones.
To volunteer or if you have any questions, please e-mail Becki Winckler.
MAP in May!
The MAP program is offering a "mini" 3 week Spring session May 9-26, 2016.  The flyer went home in your child's April 12 Tuesday envelope.  If your child has attended MAP this 2015-2016 school year, you do not need to fill out an application.  Go to http://www.mbxfoundation.org/ and click on the Make a General Payment option. Each class is $60 for the 3 week session.  If this is the first enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year, please fill out the form on the flyer.  The website has NOT been updated for this session, so please direct any questions to Marina Trachy at [email protected] or (310) 947-2078. 
 
New this sessions:  Yoga with Mrs. Radl - a relaxing way to end a hectic Monday and  Color Me Mine Ceramic painting.
Classes also being offered are Mad Science, Ucode (Gr. 2-5), Animal Invasion, Chess Tournament (Returning and Intermediate/Advanced students only), Basketball with Coach Dimitri, Art with Jake, Lego Building and Tennis.
Earth Week at Meadows
We're celebrating Earth Week this week!  Take the Go Green Challenge (attached)! Turn it in at the office once you earn your 50 points and be entered to win a Yogurtland gift card!
 
TUESDAY 4/19 - Trash Free Lunch Day
Let's reduce the amount of trash we generate during lunch by using reusable containers and recycling.  We try to do this all year but let's make an extra special effort this week!
 
WEDNESDAY 4/20 - Walk or Wheel to School Wednesday
Get your hand stamped when you walk or wheel to school!
 
THURSDAY 4/21 - Pledge Day
Make a pledge to help the earth.  Write your pledge on the Meadows Earth Week Pledge Banner during your lunch time.  The banner will be hung outside of the cafeteria.  (Examples: I will turn off the water when brushing my teeth, I will turn out the light when I leave a room).  
 
FRIDAY 4/22 - Earth Day!  
Show your support for the Earth by wearing green to school - green will count for Spirit points!
Ice Cream Volunteers Needed
A few more people are needed to sell ice cream on Fridays, specifically on 4/22 and 5/13. This is a fun, easy job and you will make the kids so happy! It's a great way to end the week! 

If you can help, please email Jane at [email protected]
Take the MBEF Parent Survey!
As a community-based foundation, the feedback and priorities of MBUSD parents are critical to MBEF's strategic direction and decision-making. MBEF supports every child, every day and their goal is to reach 100% parent participation in this short survey. 

Please click here and take five minutes to share your thoughts.
YAA @ Johnny Rockets 4/5 - 4/19

johnny rockets
Come and see the fabulous Kinetic Illusions project at the Johnny Rockets on Rosecrans!  Five classrooms from Meadows will have their artwork up at Johnny Rockets from April 5th until April 19th. (Legaspi, Radl, Sokol, Morris & Cubillos).  Please come by, enjoy a meal and a chance to win a party for your child and 8 friends.  All you have to do is write  your name, phone number and school on the back of the receipt and drop it into the YAA box at the restaurant.  One winner will be chosen at random each month.  In return, Johnny Rockets will donate 15% back to the YAA parent organization.
Summer Options
Summer Camp enrollment in full swing!
 
Please consider one or more of the exciting MBX options for summer for students entering grades K-6.  New this year, is the Build-it Workspace full day session  as well as ARC outdoor adventure field trips for grades 6-8 on the Camp VIP schedule.  Plus lots of good stuff for the younger kids at Meadows and Grand View.  

Questions? Contact Nancy at [email protected] or call at (310) 503-1771.

Did you know kids lose approximately two months of math computational skills over summer? UCode has educational summer camps to keep that from happening, from math to memorization to mobile apps and more! Sign up at www.ucode.com before April 22nd and receive 10% OFF for Meadows students. Use code: meadows_10
Grades of Green
Earth Tip
Here's a tip for greener lunches! The best choices for food and drinks are reusable containers or fabric lunch bags that can be used over and over again. If you do use plastic bags, wipe them out when you get home (unless they contain meat or something else that spoils easily), turn them inside out, and use again. You can also look for disposable unbleached paper bags. 

Sorting Stations
The AWESOME Grades of Green lunchtime sorting stations are up and running but could use some adult supervision.  The first lunch period11:50-12:15 consists of 1st and 2nd graders and they need one adult volunteer each day to help with the recycling.  From 12-12:20pm is the key time to direct and remind the kids of what to do with their recyclables.  The other lunch period from 12:15-12:50pm seems to be running much better and the kids are really getting the hang of it.  If you can spare some minutes during your day, please consider helping out in the Meadow cafeteria to make our world better!!  Check out the following Sign Up Genius link to sign up for a slot or two or three! Feel free to even sign up on a recurring basis!
startwithMeadows
High Altitude Weather Balloon launch!
Early Saturday morning our Science Specialist, Mrs. Michael, and lots of Mustangs and guests met at the Carson Air Field--home of the Goodyear Blimp. After months of preparing (and years of dreaming), Mrs. Michael guided our ground crew through the final preparation of our first-ever Meadows High Altitude Weather Balloon Launch. When the balloon took flight, it was spectacular.

Thank you Manhattan Beach Education Foundation (MBEF) for developing the Innovation Grant Program that allows for educators' dreams to come to fruition. Congratulations Mrs. Michael, Meadows parents, and enthusiastic students...you did it! 

The weather balloon and the payload were located yesterday afternoon off the coast near La Jolla!  Mrs. Michael retrieved them yesterday!  If you have not already done so, check out this great video of the launch courtesy of the Cardemas Family.  
Room Parent Mid-Year Meeting - April 21st @ 8:15am
Please join the PTA for a quick room parent meeting in the cafeteria.  We will review guidelines for Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week and our Year End Scrip giving policy for teachers.  Coffee will be provided!  Please RSVP to Stephanie Molter at [email protected].  Thank you!!
Running Club
Over the past two weeks, Mrs. Granberg's class had the highest participation.  Her students ran a total of 233 laps!  Ms. Gregorio and Ms. Kuklinski's classes followed closely behind.  Yahoo, Mustangs!  Come join us on the lower playground Tuesday through Friday from 7:40-8:00.  Everyone is welcome!

Saturday, April 23th El Segundo Run for Education El Segundo
Sunday, April 24th Bruin Run/Walk at UCLA Westwood
Saturday, May 14th Roundhouse Run for the Oceans Manhattan Beach  
Saturday, June 4th Run to the Hollywood Sign Los Angeles
Saturday, June 4th Camp Pendleton Mud Run 5K/10K Oceanside
Saturday, June 4th Grand View Gator Run/Walk 5K Manhattan Beach
Monday, July 4th Village Runner 4th of July 5K Redondo Beach

Go, Mustangs!!
Moms Night Out - May 19th
When: Thursday, May 19th from 6:30-9pm
Where: Rock N' Brews in El Segundo
Early bird price: $35
After April 30th: $40
 
Ticket price includes:  
*hors d'oeuvres
*a drink
*a Sephora gift bag for the first 60 to arrive
*a complimentary raffle ticket for some great prizes
Purchase your tickets here!
Science Night - Save the Date!
Friday, May 6th, 5-9pm at Meadows

Bring your whole family to this educational and entertaining event! There will be hands-on experiments, incredible animals, amazing science fair projects, computer coding and more. All funded by the PTA, so it's free for you!

Register to Vote
California ranks in the bottom third of voter registration nationally. Los Angeles County made news in the November 2014 election when it recorded the lowest turnout in the state. Consequently, there has been a national effort to modernize the country's voter registration system. 40 new laws on voting and elections take effect in 2016. To find out more click here.  If your child will be 18 years old by Nov 8th he/she can vote. For you or your child to register to vote click here.
Manhattan Wine Auction - June 11th
Manhattan Wine Auction
Saturday, June 11th, 2016 at 4:30pm
Manhattan Country Club
Tickets go on sale for the 22nd Annual Manhattan Wine Auction on Monday, May 2nd at 9AM at www.manhattanwineauction.com. The Wine Auction is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and raise money for our schools, while sampling local cuisine and wines from around the world. You'll also have the opportunity to bid on over 300 items in the Silent and Live Auctions! To purchase a corporate or family table, please contact the MBEF Office at 310-303-3342 or email [email protected]

We hope to see you there!
Volunteer Opportunities - Rowell Drop Off Zone, Science Lab - We Need You!
Rowell Drop Off Zone   Click on the link here and find the assigned week for your class, then choose the morning that works best for your schedule. Next up: Sokol, Radl, & Legaspi. The procedure and rules are listed on the sign up genius site.  Thank you!

Science Lab needs volunteers!  Please sign up to volunteer in the Science Lab for your classroom.  Sign up here!

For more information about how to get involved, please contact the Meadows Volunteer Coordinators -  JJ Corr or Stephanie Molter .
FUN-Raising
Collect Box Tops for Meadows!
10 Box Tops = 1 SKORR card   
box tops for education
 
This school year we've raised $675 from the Box Tops for Education™ program.  Meadows earns 10� for each valid Box Top we collect!  Simply buy products with the pink Box Tops on them (BTFE.com/products), clip the Box Tops, and send the Box Tops to school.  Box Tops can be turned in by:
  • Placing the clipped Box Tops or labeled baggie into the front office collection box or
  • Completing a Box Tops submission form and returning it in a Tuesday envelope or into the front office collection box. 

Don't toss them ...clip them and return them to Meadows.

Earn Points when you shop or dine at Manhattan Village 

Shopping for Students is a program that awards our school with free money. If your family did any shopping at the mall from May 1, 2015 to present your receipts turn into points that in turn get money for Meadows. You may turn in your receipts into the box in the front office, use the e-receipts for receipts you receive via email or bring them to the concierge which is located in the front of Macy's Men store. Please see flyer for details or go to the Shopping for Students website for more information.


Attention Amazon Shoppers!!
Instead of typing amazon.com, type Meadowsschool.org and click on our Amazon banner on the right side of our homepage.  

Most purchases in that shopping session will earn Meadows 6% of your purchase.
Community Corner
Manhattan Beach Earth Month Activities
This Earth Month, the City of Manhattan Beach is excited to partner with several local organizations to bring a series of environmental programs to the community, and we want to make sure you get involved. From the Wyland Foundation's national water challenge to the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden's free classes, we want to help educate the community on water conservation. The Beach Cities Read program will host a discussion with "Plastic Ocean" author Captain Charles Moore on April 18th, followed by a "Book-to-Action" beach cleanup at the Pier with the Surfrider South Bay Chapter on April 23rd. The City will host a community presentation on the Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing policy on April 26th. And Earth Month culminates with the 24th Annual Earth Day Celebration at Polliwog Park on April 30th, so save the date and join us! Please visit www.citymb.info/SustainableMB for details, or contact Sona Coffee at  [email protected]

20th Annual Richstone Feast @ Pennekamp

This is the 20th Year that Pennekamp's Fifth graders are hosting the Richstone Feast! Ticket Sales are going on now and order forms can be found on the website to download and drop off at the office.
Bring the whole family for a great Italian feast and fab raffle items!! Two seating times -  5:15 and 6:30. Get your ticket order in now because seating is limited to 400 and the ticket price will go up by $2 at the door.

In the past Pennekamp 5th Graders have raised around $5,000 for the Richstone Family Center.  Your help and contribution will make a difference in people's lives and will help teach the 5th Graders a lesson on how they can make a difference too!

When: April 21st  5:30pm - 8:00pm
Where:  Pennekamp Cafeteria 

A Musical Comedy for the Whole Family
The talent is just amazing this year. Don't miss out and buy your tickets early. These Mira Costa productions sell out. 

Mira Costa Auditorium
April 22,23,29 & 30 at 7:30
April 27 at 4:00 PM
April 28 at  6:30
April 30 at 2:00 PM  

For tickets, click here.


 
May 14th at 9:30 AM. Join the Pacific School families run/walk from the Manhattan Beach Pier . The cost for the run is $35.00  a person.  The run is a family friendly 5K so the little ones can run or walk at their own pace.  There will be different age divisions as well as fun prizes. Afterwards head on over to the Grand View Fair.


Grand View Spring Fair
May 14th 10:00am - 3:00pm at Grand View

It is an all day fair with slides, games and crafts.  For ticket, click here.


Grand Vew 5K Gator Run/Walk
June 4th 8:00 am. Packet Pick-up at Grand View Elementary on Friday 2:00 PM-4:30 PM or Saturday at 7:00 AM. All proceeds benefit MBEF. More information here.


South Bay United Water Polo
Come learn to play water polo in a fun, team focused environment. South Bay United provides an environment in which youth of all levels may develop to their fullest - in and out of the pool. Build skills, confidence and friendships that will last a lifetime!  See the flyer for more info or visit

Super Sports Discounts for Meadows Families
Next time you shop at Super Sports, be sure to mention that you're a
Meadows Family and you'll receive a 15% discount.


City of Manhattan Beach Summer Camps
The city of Manhattan Beach offers a variety of summer camp options. Check out their new brochure or go to their website for more information.

Presented by Yalda T. Uhls, Director of Creative Community Partnerships, Common Sense Media
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 at 9:00-10:30 AM

Manhattan Beach Middle School, Multi-Purpose Room
1501 North Redondo Avenue, Manhattan Beach

We invite parents of elementary and middle school students to join MBEF for a workshop on Wednesday, April 20th at 9am with Yalda T. Uhls, Director of Creative Community Partnerships at Common Sense Media. Ms. Uhls' recently published book, Media Moms and Digital Dads, provides an overview of the digital media landscape in which our kids live, learn and play. She'll discuss opportunities and challenges presented by digital media, the latest findings from psychological studies on kids and media usage, and how parents can navigate this rapidly evolving landscape with their own children. Ms. Uhls will also provide advice on how parents can guide their kids to make responsible, respectful, and safe media choices, with special attention paid to social media usage. Space is limited, so please secure your spot by clicking here.

On-Site Shredding & 
Free E-Waste Recycling
Get rid of your old electronics & confidential documents the responsible way - and for
FREE!  Simpy drop your e-waste & documents off Saturday, April 30th from 11am-4pm at MB Middle School (1501 N Redondo Ave). For more information, see the flyer online, call 310.830.7100, email [email protected], or visit manhattanbeach.wm.com

Girls soccer camp for Ages 6-12 presented by Mira Costa Girls Soccer Program
The camp will focus on key elements of soccer such as dribbling, shooting, passing and defending.

WHEN: MONDAY, JULY 18 - THURSDAY, JULY 21 from 1:30 to 4:00 pm
WHERE: Manhattan Village Soccer Field, Manhattan Beach
COST: $185 for four days of soccer fun! $165 for siblings

Low player to counselor ratio! Fun Activities! Photographer on site!

Camp directed by Mira Costa Head Coach Patty Perkinson, and Amanda Cross, Varsity Coach. Camp counselors are all Mira Costa Girl's Soccer Team players.

To enroll, please go to www.MiraCostaGirlsSoccer.com and click on the
"Summer Soccer Camp" link.
Direct questions to Leslie Whittet (310) 963-4444 or [email protected]