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. 

In this episode, host Ellen Padnos talks with Mira Costa High School Psychologist, Janet Allen, about her role in supporting the needs of our high school students. Ms. Allen has focused on the well being of students in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District over the past 20 years. Learn more about the process in place to support the emotional health of students, including how student needs are identified, the resources available, and how families and peers can support as well. Her approach is informed, thoughtful and practical for how to embrace the challenges before us and help guide our adolescents to become responsible for their own success and healthy contributors to society.

Ellen talks with MBEF Executive Director Hilary Mahan about the history of MBEF and its impact on Manhattan Beach public schools. Hilary explains why our high property taxes don't fund schools as many think they do, how we compare to other high-performing districts, and her the vision for sustaining our high quality schools long into the future. Plus, learn more about how her own experiences have shaped her role in leading the charge to support and strengthen education in our schools.  

Ellen talks with Cindy Muchnick about following your parenting compass when it comes to being our best selves as parents.  Cindy shares tips from her book, The Parent Compass, with co-author Jenn Curtis, and her own advice on how to navigate through this challenging time with renewed confidence.

Each school has its own unique priorities and culture…and behind them all is the school PTA. This week Ellen sits down with two district PTA leaders, District Advisory Council President Wysh Weinstein and Grand View PTA President Jennifer Cram to better understand how the PTAs function. Learn why join the PTA is important, how teachers are involved, and where PTA funding goes. Plus, get a better understanding of what membership in the PTA means to you and your family.