Pawprints - February 15, 2011

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Dear Pacific Parents and Guardians,

Last Friday night our community cheered the “entertaining” talent of hundreds of Panthers at our annual Pacific Talent Show – it was an amazing evening. Who says kids need electronics and video games to be mesmerized? Cheers to enthusiasm, passion and old school fun! We must offer a Panther “shout-out” to the Talent Show Committee for their ongoing efforts to produce this Pacific tradition. Also, thanks to MCHS for the venue and to the MCHS stage crew for exceptional sound, lights and your behind-the-scene efforts.

Pacific students and families continue to celebrate their love for reading by devoting an entire month to literacy at home. On February 1^st, we launched our R.O.C.K. Into Reading Read-A-Thon and all students should be logging their at-home reading minutes through February 27^th. Please don’t forget to record your reading minutes over the February vacation. This Read-A-Thon is a collaborative partnership between home and school and the reading challenge will have a positive impact on the reading fluency and comprehension of all students.

Another way that we have worked together to make a difference is through our efforts to support 68^th Street School in Los Angeles, Heifer International and the Manhattan Beach Round House Aquarium. Thanks to Pacific’s Helping Hand Committee for supporting countless students at 68^th Street School through the collection of school supplies. Students at 68^th Street know they can count on Panther kindness. Pacific Student Council also had a very successful Valentine Gram project and they surpassed their service learning goals and sales! The joy of giving kind words and thoughtful sentiments has a profound impact on both giver and receiver. Due to their efforts, Heifer International will be receiving a generous donation on behalf of Pacific School. Lastly, at the Talent Show, Pacific students sold pizza and snacks and their proceeds will be lovingly donated to the Round House. Please offer a heart-felt thank you to these Panthers for their generous spirit and compassion.

As a school community, let us strive to continue to be supportive of each child, bring our very best selves to school each day and work together for our collective present and future. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could bring a smile and a second of happiness to an individual that we encounter today and a different person every single day? Coincidentally, it is “Random Acts of Kindness” week so you may begin today! Thank you for reinforcing the KSR-HELPR message with your children. Have a wonderful February vacation.

Warmly,

Debbie Mabry

Principal

MBEF Update

Thank you to the 95% of Pacific families who helped support our schools and our teachers.

We raised $628,624 helping raise $4.4 million for our schools.

Thank you to our teachers, staff and classroom liaisons for making a difference and leading every K-5th class to earning a bonus!

16 Classes earned 100% Bonuses!! Click here to view class listings.

You can still donate! Donations can be made through June 30th 2011 at www.mbef.org.

Talent Show Chairs

An enormous THANK YOU to our fantastic Talent Show Chairs, Elisa Johnson, Sandi Nerad, Jackie Ray and Rachel Reisig and their incredible committee. It takes a lot of coordinating and enthusiasm to put on this wonderful tradition at Pacific! Thank you very much!

Talent Show Committee

Thank you so much to all the wonderful parents who volunteered their time to help make the Pacific Talent Show a success:

Kristin Keifer, Alison Guererro, Sue Childs, Sejal Sood, James Locke, Jacques DuLong, Mickie Kingston, Greta Horowitz, Ellen Chao, John Kunesh, Keri Castronuovo, Kim Petri, Kim Johnson, Donnelle Weaver, Constance Arbab and to the Pacific PTA and Pacific Staff for their support.

A special thanks goes to Andre Affleck for taking pictures of all our talented Panthers on dress rehearsal night.

We would also like to thank Mira Costa’s Cary Jordahl and his hardworking staff of Mira Costa students. Also, a big thanks to the Roundhouse for running the concession stand.

- Elisa Johnson, Sandi Nerad, Jackie Ray and Rachel Reisig.

Pacific School PTA is looking for a few GREAT LEADERS! Do you enjoy working with other parents on a variety of school issues? Do you wish to make a difference by contributing to your child’s school and community? If so, then the Pacific Nominating Committee would like to hear from you! The Nominating Committee will present its recommendations for next year’s PTA Officers at the April 21, 2011 General Meeting for vote by the PTA Members. The Committee warmly welcomes all interested parents for consideration. Remember enthusiasm is the most important qualification to serve as a Pacific PTA officer. Please feel free to email any member of the Nominating Committee to express your interest or to ask questions: Karla Cameron (karla.cameron@dpsg.com), Cathy Hobart (cathyhobart@verizon.net), Shawne Spelke (smspelke@roadrunner.com), Staci Trief (Robert.staci@gte.net); Jeri Vick (jeri_vick@yahoo.com)

The Committee also welcomes your suggestions for nominees to the following positions for the 2011-2012 school year: VPMembership, VP Fundraising, VP Volunteers, VP Communications and Recording Secretary . You may submit your name or suggestions for nominees to any Committee member via email or fill out the form below.

We're Gearin' Up for the 12th Annual Pacific Parent Party - Biker Ball 2011

Date: Saturday, March 19, 2011

Time: 7:00pm-11:00pm *VIP Reception Begins at 6:00pm

Location: Velocity Sports Performance

Individual Event Ticket $80 includes Buffet by Memphis Catering & Events, Live Performance by Wayward Sons, Airbrushed Tattoos, Unlimited Event Themed Photos, Candy Buffet by the CandyWarehouse, two beverage tickets...and so much more!

Don't host your own pre-party, join in on the early fun without the extra work by getting your VIP Ticket today! A Individual VIP Ticket ONLY $150 also includes transportation to and from Pacific School, VIP Reception with Hand Passed Appetizers, Auction Preview & Bidding, VIP Seating, VIP Swag Bag...and more. HURRY, less than 50 VIP tickets left!!!

Click here to purchase your tickets now! Also, please consider contributing $20 to offset the cost of a staff member ticket!

PANTHER GEAR SALE!

The Student Store Kiosk will be out in front

of the cafeteria after school on Wednesday, February 16th. Look for $5.00 adult shirts and other discounted items!

Talent Show DVD's still available

The Pacific Talent Show 2011 is available for purchase... while supplies last. This is a great opportunity to see all or just some of the wonderful performers over and over again. The DVD's were filmed and edited by the Mira Costa High film team and cost $30 each. If you are interested, place your order here: http://www.pacificschool.com/content/talent-show-dvd

Vote! Vote! Vote! Special Primary Election Tuesday February 15, 2011 Vote! Vote! Vote!

Your vote counts! This election will determine candidates for our State Senator here in the 28th State Senate District. We are currently unrepresented in the California State Senate due to the passing of Senator Jenny Oropeza last fall. Under the new Open Primary law, if one candidate receives a majority of votes, he or she will become our new State Senator. If not, the two top vote recipients, regardless of political party, will be placed on the ballot in a Special General Election to be held on April 19, 2011.

City Council Candidate Forums

The four candidates for two open seats on the Manhattan Beach City Council, Amy Howorth, David Lesser, Kathleen Paralusz and Viet Ngo, will answer residents' questions and debate city issues at the following forums being held over the next few weeks. The City Council election will take place Tuesday, March 8, 2011.

Tuesday, February 8 at 1:00 p.m. - Neptunian Woman's Club: 920 Highland Avenue in Manhattan Beach.

Thursday, February 10 at 7:00 p.m. - Manhattan Beach Residents Association: City Council Chambers at City Hall located at 1400 Highland Avenue in Manhattan Beach. The forum will be televised and aired at later dates on Channel 8 until Election Day.

Thursday, March 3 at 6:00 p.m. - Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce: O'Donnell Hall located at American Martyrs Church, 1400 Deegan Place in Manhattan Beach.

Neptunian Women’s Art Contest Winners from Pacific!

We would like to congratulate the following artists that are the Neptunian Women’s Art Contest Winners from Pacific:

Grades K and 1: Charlotte K. (1^st place), Cassidy N. (2^nd place)

Grades 4 – 5: Renee B. (1^st place)

We are so proud of all the students that participated in this great event. Congratulations to Charlotte K (1^st place for K-1^st grade) for being entered into the city-wide contest that is now taking place. Charlotte has been invited to a tea with the Neptunian Women’s Club.

Presidential Libraries in California

By Christina L., 5th Grade

Did you know that Los Angeles is a metropolitan area that has two Presidential Libraries? Now I know you're thinking: what is a Presidential Library? A Presidential Library is a place where they keep all the papers, records, etc. about a particular president and usually there is a museum about the president. The two that I am referring to are the Richard Nixon Presidential Library located in Yorba Linda and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library located in Simi Valley.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is a great place to go to with your family. They just finished a major renovation. During the Fourth of July they have a big party with games for kids, bingo for everybody with prizes, and the museum. Visitors can walk inside Air Force One, which is a presidential plane that Ronald Reagan used during his presidency. Some of the new exhibits include being in a movie with Ronald Reagan and a display of a section of the Berlin Wall. On February 6th, it would have been Ronald Reagan's 100th birthday.

The Richard Nixon Library is very entertaining! They display a space suit and the phone that Richard Nixon called Neil Armstrong on when Armstrong was in space. They also have a replica of the room where Richard Nixon made all of his major decisions as well as one of his office in the White House. Another highlight is touring Nixon's original helicopter.

If you would like to find out more visit www.nixonlibrary.gov or www.reaganlibrary.com.

An Interview With Our Principal, Mrs. Debbie Mabry

by Olivia W., Ava V. and Sarah T., 4th Grade

One Monday in the office after lunch, we went and interviewed Mrs. Mabry. We were invited into the conference room and this is what we learned about our wonderful principal:

Olivia: How do you keep track of every student at Pacific?

Mrs. Mabry: I don’t sleep a lot. However, I am very lucky that Pacific has so many great teachers/staff and parents to help us out!

Ava: In using the five letters that spell your last name M.A.B.R.Y,

please use an adjective that describes who you are as a person.

Mrs. Mabry:

M - Mom

A - Always ready to help

B - Blue (Pacific Colors)

R - Respectful

Y - Yellow (Pacific Colors)

Sarah: What made you want to become a principal at Pacific School?

Mrs. Mabry: I wanted to be principal because of the kids. Before I was interviewed for this position, I went to the Open House at Pacific School and I was hooked!

Olivia: What’s the hardest thing to do as a principal?

Mrs. Mabry: To not worry about everything!

Ava: When you were in the 4th grade, what was your favorite thing to do

when you could do anything?

Mrs. Mabry: My teacher in the 4th grade was Mrs. White. My

favorite thing to do was to visit the California Missions. Mrs. White had a map posted in her class with the names of all the missions and after you visited a mission you could put your name next to the name of the mission!

Sarah: Were you ever principal anywhere else?

Mrs. Mabry: I was never a principal at another school although I was an assistant principal at two other schools.

Olivia: What’s the best part about your job?

Mrs. Mabry: The people; especially the students at Pacific!

Ava: What was one of the best experiences you have ever had running a

school?

Mrs. Mabry: I love the R.O.C.K. Into Reading party. I love when kids come up to me and say how much they loved it. It makes me feel proud that we have great readers and students at Pacific that like to have fun!

Sarah: When you were younger did you want to be a principal?

Mrs. Mabry: When I was younger, I wanted to be a dentist. I had a job in a dental office and I kept getting sick when I saw blood.

Olivia: Why do you like Pacific over other schools the best?

Mrs. Mabry: It’s fabulous and it’s my heart! Also, it really is the best!

Ava: What was one of the most interesting things a student did to receive

punishment

Mrs. Mabry: At a different school, before Pacific, a student told other students that plastic pellets were candy. This was not a good choice because someone could have been hurt.

Sarah: What type of music do you like?

Mrs. Mabry: I like all types of music! On my iPod I have pop, jazz, 50’s and 60’s and so much more! My younger son likes 80’s music and he shares his songs with me.

Olivia: Why do you think you’re a good principal?

Mrs. Mabry: I think I’m a good listener. I hope that people know that I care about them and about what they are saying.

Ava: If you had a choice to interview anyone in the entire world, who

would it be and why?

Mrs. Mabry: Ernest Hemingway, then Claude Monet.

Sarah: What is your favorite dessert?

Mrs.Mabry: I love carrot cake!

We learned so much about Mrs. Mabry and it was very fun! She was so energetic and ready to answer all the questions we had! Thank you, Mrs. Mabry!

Getting to Know Pacific’s Office Specialist, Mrs. Shirley Rickard

by Katie P., Trever V. and Lauren M., 5th Grade

On a recent day after lunch, we went to the school office with an opportunity to get to know Pacific’s Office Specialist, Mrs. Rickard. Here is what we learned:

Katie: How long have you been at Pacific School?

Mrs. Rickard: I have been here for seven years.

Trever: What job did you have before you worked at Pacific ?

Mrs. Rickard: I worked at Mattel, which was fun because I was able to see all the toys before the general public, and I was a stay-at-home mom.

Lauren: Tell us a bit about yourself and your family.

Mrs. Rickard: I have been married for 26 years - that is a long time! I have a daughter who is 21 years old and is graduating from college this year. I live nearby, and I have 2 dogs and lots of family. Family is very important to me.

Katie: What is your favorite part about your job?

Mrs. Rickard: Being with the kids is my favorite part.

Trever: Where were you born and what was the name of your elementary school?

Mrs. Rickard: I was born in Pasadena and went to Pedregal Elementary in Palos Verdes.

Lauren: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Mrs. Rickard: I would like to see myself on a beach, but I will probably be here at Pacific watching the next group of kids grow up.

Katie: What was the funniest moment you remember at Pacific School?

Mrs. Rickard: My favorite part is the Halloween parades, because the costumes always make me laugh.

Trever: What is your main responsibility in the office at Pacific?

Mrs. Rickard: I do anything that Mrs. Mabry needs done!

Lauren: If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be?

Mrs. Rickard: That's a hard one! I would like to have a faster computer.

Katie: Why did you wish to work at Pacific School?

Mrs. Rickard: I had a part time job first, but I knew the office manager here. I needed a job that would be full time.

Trever: What do you do for fun on the weekends?

Mrs. Rickard: I love to quilt and drive sports cars with my husband.

Lauren: What is the best job you have ever had?

Mrs. Rickard: I think being a mom - it is also the hardest job, but the greatest job ever!

Katie: Did you have any kids that went to Pacific School?

Mrs. Rickard: No, but my daughter went to CDC here.

Trever: If you could give all us fifth graders one piece of advice going into the middle school what would it be?

Mrs. Rickard: Don’t take life too seriously and have fun!

Lauren: Where would you rather be - at the beach or at the mountains?

Mrs. Rickard: The mountains!

Trever: If you were an animal in the zoo, what animal would you be and why?

Mrs. Rickard: I would be a bear so I could kick back and relax!

We hope Mrs. Rickard enjoyed talking with us and much as we enjoyed talking with her! Thank you for your time, Mrs. Rickard!

An Interview with Pacific’s Office Manager, Mrs. Susie Howat

by Lauren D., Alexandra S. and Katie A., 4th Grade

It was a sunny afternoon when we met up with Pacific’s great Office Manager. We have the inside scoop on her day-to-day activities. If you think you know Mrs. Howat, think twice!

Lauren: How long have you worked in the office?

Mrs. Howat: 4 ½ years

Alexandra: What are the most common problems we have at the school?

Mrs. Howat: There is lots of trash all over campus, carried everywhere by birds, wind and others. Another problem is that there are too many lost items that are not claimed in the lost and found.

Katie: What’s a normal day like for you?

Mrs. Howat: I work from 7:30-4:00, I work on attendance, pay roll and I work with the teachers.

Lauren: What was your best day on the job?

Mrs. Howat: Recently one of our teachers was engaged to get married. Her fiancé gave me a card and it says “You are great!” I keep it at my desk to remind me that someone likes me.

Alexandra: What is the most memorable emergency at the school?

Mrs. Howat: People were popping popcorn one day during lunch time. The smoke activated the fire alarm that caused quite a scare.

Katie: Have you had any other occupations in the past?

Mrs. Howat: Yes, at a sporting goods store.

Lauren: What do you like to do in your spare time?

Mrs. Howat: I like to ride bikes and watch movies over and over again, like “You’ve Got Mail,” and I love to read biographies.

Alexandra: What is the most difficult task in the office?

Mrs. Howat: Attendance!

Katie: What is the most exciting thing that happens to you at work?

Mrs. Howat: I think it is watching ’’kinders’’ turn in the lunch count.

Lauren: Have you ever had a day with more than two red cards?

Mrs. Howat: Yes we have. Usually a red card is a warning so it is not hard to deal with.

Alexandra: How do you assure a smooth operation in the school office?

Mrs. Howat: I have to be very organized, keeping all the supplies close at hand.

Katie: What is the first thing you do when you come into work?

Mrs. Howat: When I first come in, I turn everything on and make sure all the teachers are here.

Lauren: What do you hope to do in the future?

Mrs. Howat: I definitely like working here, but someday I think it would be fun to be a workout instructor.

Alexandra: How do you promote good public relations for the school?

Mrs. Howat: I greet people with a smile, always trying my best, and ignoring sometimes not so constructive criticism.

Katie: What is your favorite part of the day?

Mrs. Howat: I LOVE lunch, and Rubio’s is my favorite!

Lauren: What could we do as students to make your job easier?

Mrs. Howat: Oh gosh…you guys are great but if you could just jump in and help without asking and pick up trash like some kids already do, that would be great!

Katie: What do you do with your free time at work?

Mrs. Howat: I have no free time, but if I did I would read.

Katie: Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

Mrs. Howat: In 20 years, I’ll be 67 and I’ll probably be retired and spend a lot of time traveling.

Mrs. Howat is very organized and efficient, and she keeps our school running smoothly. Her effort is much appreciated. We enjoyed getting to know Mrs. Howat a little more and we hope you did, too.

What does President’s Day Really Celebrate?

by Sabrina S., 4th Grade

Some people believe that President’s Day celebrates Abraham Lincoln’s birthday while others think that the celebration is for George Washington. Many people think that all past presidents are honored on President’s Day. So why is there so much confusion? What is President’s Day all about, and when is it anyway?

President’s Day originally began in 1796 as a celebration of George Washington’s actual birthday. Later, many people began celebrating Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Things got complicated when the federal government only made Washington’s birthday a national holiday. Many states didn’t know which president’s birthday to celebrate or when to celebrate it.

To help simplify things, in 1971, the federal government introduced the Uniform Monday Holiday Act that created a new holiday, called President’s Day, designed to celebrate all past presidents of the United States. President’s Day is observed on the third Monday of every February. This year, President’s Day falls on February 21, 2011, and everyone is free to honor any president they want!

Five Fun Facts you want to know about the White House