In the Know

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation - it also marks a total of $100 million of directed funding to enrich our public schools with programs that elevate the education of all students. 

Past Presidents Bob Weiner, along with his wife Elaine, and Carolyn Leserman share the history of the foundation from their perspectives and independently bring light to the start of the remarkable effort that continues today. This look at where we came from truly illustrates the importance of MBEF in our schools still today. MBEF has not only brought incredible opportunities to students, but it has also help build this unique community where members have learned that we are stronger together. 

Learning to face adversity and transform a challenge into motivation is a lesson that benefits us at any age. In this episode, host Ellen Padnos sits down with MBUSD Counseling Intern, Steve Walker, to hear his personal journey and the inspirational story he shared with MBMS students during the districtwide Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Week. Steve opens up about how his own blindness has taught him several critical lessons that everyone can benefit from to maintain a healthy perspective on life. 

The college admissions process can be daunting – especially with the ever-changing landscape of admissions testing. Host Ellen Padnos learns how students and their families can best navigate college admissions testing from expert Adam Ingersoll, co-founder of the internationally recognized Compass Education Group.

MBEF supports a position to build connection and synergy in STEM between all TK-12 school programs in the district. Teacher on Special Assignment Tanya Sanchez brings a wealth of teaching experience and knowledge to her role, supporting MBUSD science teachers in NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) instruction, facilitating communication, and inspiring a deliberate look at a student's learning path in STEM. 

Host Ellen Padnos takes a deep dive into the MBUSD music program in a three-part series focused on the band, orchestra and choir during the festive holiday season. In this first episode, she sits down with Denise Haslop, MBMS band and orchestra instructor, and several current music students to learn more about how the instrumental music program provides middle school students with a sense of belonging, responsibility, and incredible joy. 

The recent rise in hate crimes and incidents that have posed a threat to the safety and civility of South Bay neighborhoods and beyond is driving our local community to create an open dialogue around the dangers of hate and the need for respect and civil discourse among all residents. 

Fentanyl. It's prevalence as the next parental concern has hit us like a ton of bricks. But what is fentanyl? How is it different than any other dangerous substance? And how can we help protect our kids as parents? Learn from In The Know podcast host Ellen Padnos' conversation with Dr. Alice Kuo and Dr. Ian Kramer, both members of the MBUSD Medical Advisory Board. They share details on their experiences with children today and their impressions on the potential impact that fentanyl and other gateway drugs have on growth and mental well-being. 

Democracy in the United States is largely built upon citizen oversight in local government. Governing a community’s public school system is entrusted to locally elected school board members, who help to ensure that school districts are responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of their communities.

There are three seats on the Manhattan Beach Unified School Board on the ballot for the November 8th election. This week, In the Know host Ellen Padnos sits down with past Trustees of the Board, Bill Fournell and Ellen Rosenberg, to learn more about how a school board operates and the parameters in which a board functions in a district. With a combined 20 years of expertise, they reflect on their experiences and the essential qualifications of elected role. 

Every vote is critical – take the time to make an informed choice. Get In The Know here. 

In this episode, host Ellen Padnos sits down with three parent advocates - MBEF's Hilary Mahan, Grand View's Legislative Rep Michael Sinclair and DAC President Wysh Weinstein. Last month, a group of local residents, MB Citizens for Schools, mobilized to bring an initiative to the community to adequately fund our MBUSD schools. Despite its high property values, Manhattan Beach is the second-lowest funded unified school district in the state. This citizen-led measure would aim to bring local control and stability to school funding by creating a 12-year, $1,095 per year ($3-per-day) parcel tax.