Pacific Pawprints - January 12, 2012

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Dear Panther Families,
 
It is hard to believe it is already 2012!  We are off to a great start to the New Year, and it is great to have all our Panthers back in school. 
 
This month our KSR-HELPR focus is honesty.  As I have done each month I will be visiting each classroom for a lesson.  In Kindergarten through third grade we are doing a “Web of Lies” activity.  Students write questions they would like to ask me.  As I make up silly answers, they use yarn to wrap me in a web of lies.  It becomes clear as the questions increase that choosing not to tell the truth traps me in a web that I can’t get out of.  The only way to undo this web is by telling the truth, so students re-ask their questions and I give the correct answer.  We then have a good conversation about why it is easier to be honest.  So far this lesson has been well-received by classes, and the message is clear – honesty is the best policy! 
 
In fourth and fifth grade we are getting ready to launch our new program for developing positive leaders and being inclusive called Safe School Ambassadors.  This is like no other program we have seen at Pacific before, and is being launched 4 – 12 district-wide.  Selected students will receive two full days of training on February 2nd and 3rd with several of our teacher leaders from the group Community Matters.  The training will consist of intervention and leadership tools students can use to promote a positive inclusive environment at Pacific.  The students will be out among their friends setting a good example and using the tools they have been given.  This is not a program where students wear an orange sash or are set apart in some way.  Instead, it is a program where leaders are trained to use the tools in everyday life within their group of friends. Each year 20 fourth and 10 fifth grade students will be selected to be trained in positive leadership.  While I wish we could choose 120, we are limited to 30 each year.  Students will have opportunities to be a part of this program in future years as they go to MBMS and MCHS even if they are not selected this year.  For more information please watch this short video about Safe School Ambassadors here.   
 
There will also be a parent workshop connected to this training on the evening of February 2nd.  Parents of students in all grade levels are welcome.  This workshop will equip families with knowledge and skills to act effectively when they or their children witness or hear about mistreatment.  Through a series of hands-on activities, parents will learn how to use proven communication skills and strategies to encourage their children to talk with them about mistreatment at school, and respond effectively. Parents will also learn about an effective, youth-centered, school-based program called Safe School Ambassadors® and other ways they can work with school leaders to reduce mistreatment and improve school climate. To attend please sign up here.
 
I enjoy hearing from your families and students the conversations you have at home about our KSR-HELPR focus each month.  It is nice to hear the partnership for good citizenship we have here at Pacific.
 
Thank you,
 
Kim Linz
Principal
Pacific School

 

 

 

An Interview With MBUSD Superintendent, Dr. Michael Matthews
by Natalie F., Samantha M. & Tony A., 4th Grade, and Katie A., 5th Grade
 
Dr. Matthews, our superintendent, is a very important part of our district. We set out to learn more about him recently when he stopped by Pacific School for a visit:
 
Natalie: What is your biggest concern for the district?
Dr. Matthews: My biggest concern is making sure every student can succeed and learn.
 
Sam: When you were a kid, did you want to have a career in education?
Dr. Matthews: No, I wanted to follow my dad and be an attorney.
 
Tony: How did you get to be the superintendent?
Dr. Matthews: I was a principal for thirteen years and assistant superintendent for six years. I was interviewed by the school board and they hired me. The superintendent position is the only one that is hired by the school board. I do the rest of the work.  
 
Katie: What do you do when you first come in the office?
Dr. Matthews: I say hello to my staff, read a list of important things to do that day and then head off!
 
Natalie: What are your plans to improve the writing and language arts programs for the district?
Dr. Matthews: I believe writing is one of the most important skills a student can learn. For writing, personal coaching is better because every writer is different. Personal coaching can take a writer from whatever stage they are on and make them a little better. I hope that in two years we can say “Wow, what a WONDERFUL writing program we have!”
 
Sam: What is your favorite book?
Dr. Matthews: To Kill A Mockingbird. I am from Arkansas so it resonates with me. I like that it shows not to judge people by the color of their skin.
 
Tony: What was your favorite year of school, why?
Dr. Matthews: My junior year of college because I traveled and studied abroad in Germany. I also really enjoyed my senior year of high school.
 
Katie: What is your favorite thing about working in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District?
Dr. Matthews: Being in the schools and watching kids learn.
 
Natalie: Do you think the amount of tax money we get is the right amount?
Dr. Matthews: No. Even though all schools get the same amount, the school tax income has been cut by 25%.  We do not get the money we need.
 
Sam: What is your favorite movie?
Dr. Matthews: The Princess Bride.
 
Tony: Do you have any pets?  
Dr. Matthews: I have a Pekinese dog named Penny.
 
Katie: Why do you love being the superintendent?
Dr. Matthews: Well I do love being the superintendent. It has always been a hope to make things better. I like make things even more better. And I like working with the staff.
 
Natalie: What is your best advice for principals and teachers?
Dr. Matthews: To know how much you are appreciated and to keep trying to improve.
 
Sam:What do you think about us fourth graders using the iPads?
Dr. Matthews: I hope that they are a way to bring electronics into the school and I hope that it makes learning fun.
 
Tony: Do you or did you play an instrument? 
Dr. Matthews: I played the oboe in middle school and then I played saxophone and guitar.
 
Katie: If you weren't the superintendent what would you want to be?
Dr. Matthews: A teacher or maybe an attorney.
 
Natalie: What advice would you give a graduating 5th grader?
Dr. Matthews: Figure out something you like about school besides school (music, sports, etc.).
 
Sam: Is there a school activity that you really liked when you were young?
Dr. Matthews: Music was my favorite and the best part of my school days.  
 
Tony: What are the hardest things about your job?  
Dr. Matthews: We can't make everybody happy.
 
Katie: What are your hobbies outside of school?
Dr. Matthews: Biking, both mountain and road. And I like to cook.
 
Sam: What is your favorite sport?
Dr. Matthews: In school, it was swimming and I was the captain of the swim team one year.  Now I like biking.
 
Tony: What do you like best about your job? 
Dr. Matthews: When we can look back at something good and we are done.      
 
As you can see, Dr. Matthews is a very important part of our school district. We were happy we had a chance to get to know him better and learn more about our school district!
 
An Interview With A Wonderful 2nd Grade Teacher, Ms. Lanissa Martinez
by Mary Clare P., Megan S., Rachel C. and Zoe W., 4th Grade
 
On a bright, sunny Monday afternoon, we had the chance to interview the thrilling and exciting 2nd grade teacher, Ms. Martinez! This is what she had to say:
 
Mary Clare: If you were to teach another grade, what would it be?
Ms. Martinez: Kindergarten.
 
Megan: What is your favorite time of year? 
Ms. Martinez: I love the holidays from Halloween to New Year’s because I can decorate!
 
Rachel: What college did you go to?
Ms. Martinez: I graduated from Cal State Fullerton and Loyola Marymount.
 
Zoe: How long have you been a teacher?
Ms. Martinez: I started at Grand View in 1997 as a teacher assistant in Kindergarten, but have been teaching for seven years.
 
Mary Clare: If you were to move, where would it be?
Ms. Martinez: I would move to Seattle, even though I have never been there. Or anywhere in the northwest.
 
Megan: If you could have any other job, what would it be? 
Ms. Martinez: I would want to be an event planner, or work for a non-profit organization like the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
 
Rachel: Who is your most favorite author?
Ms. Martinez: My favorite author is Mo Willems. He writes all the Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! books.
 
Zoe: What’s your favorite school subject to teach?
Ms. Martinez: I love to teach them all! If I had to choose I'd have to say reading and writing.
 
Mary Clare: What is your favorite sports team?
Ms. Martinez: USC!
 
Megan: What is your New Year’s resolution? 
Ms. Martinez: To be healthier and exercise more.
 
Rachel: Is it true that you are getting married?
Ms. Martinez: It’s true! Next October!
 
Zoe: When you were younger did you want to be a teacher?
Ms. Martinez: My friends and I always played “school!” Yes, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher.
 
Mary Clare: Who is your favorite artist? (singer)
Ms. Martinez: I really like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Cure.
 
Megan: If you could have any distinct animal as a pet, what would it be? 
Ms. Martinez: A chinchilla (Mrs. Witlen’s class has one!).
 
Rachel: Was teaching the No. 1 job you’ve wanted to do your whole life?
Ms. Martinez: Yes!!
 
Zoe: What’s your favorite type of animal?
Ms. Martinez: I love dogs! I really love Australian Shepards and Golden Retrievers.
 
Mary Clare: Who is your role model?
Ms. Martinez: Martin Luther King, Jr.
 
Megan: What were your childhood hobbies? 
Ms. Martinez: I loved to read!
 
Rachel: When you get married, how many kids do you want?
Ms. Martinez: I would like to have four children.
 
Mary Clare: What is your favorite sort of transportation?
Ms. Martinez: I would have to say a trolley.
 
We had a good time getting to know Ms. Martinez better! She is interesting and fun!
 
An Interview with Ms. Shannon Henderson, 2nd Grade Teacher at Robinson Elementary:
The Third In Our Series Covering The iPad Pilot Program In Our School District
by Abby G., 4th Grade
 
Recently, I was able to interview an amazing 2nd grade teacher at Robinson, Ms. Henderson, about the iPad program at her school.
 
Abby: How have the iPads helped you and your students?
Ms. Henderson: The iPads have helped our class tremendously. The biggest ways they have helped are the differentiated applications. They help students expand their work by challenging themselves with different levels of study. The iPads also make the classroom more engaging. Before, we would have enrichment packets and stories, now we look to the iPads to help extend our lessons.
 
Abby:  Do you think that you can do less or more with the IPads?
Ms. Henderson: We can definitely do more with the iPads. We extend most of our lessons with the iPads.
 
Abby: Is there anything you would change about the iPads?
Ms. Henderson: I would like to see each student have their own iPad. Currently, we are sharing two iPad carts with three different classes. This means we do not use the iPads as a personal device, which is what they are made for. It also means we don’t get to use them every day.
 
Abby: Do you think it is harder to teach with iPads or without?
Ms. Henderson: I would say it is harder to teach without the iPads. Although it may be more time consuming to put together lesson, the iPads give the lessons so much more.
 
Abby: If you were to add an app to the iPads which app would it be?
Ms. Henderson: My favorite apps on the iPad are Math/Word Bingo, WB Animals, Penny Me, Spellosaur, and, of course, Words with Friends.
 
Abby: Do you have your own iPad?
Ms. Henderson: Yes!
 
Abby: What can you do now with the iPads that you couldn't do before?
Ms. Henderson: The biggest difference is that I can make movies very easily and upload them to YouTube. The iPads also keep the attention of our students and make the lessons more engaging.
 
Those are some great answers! The iPads are a wonderful addition to our awesome school district!
 
 
 
 
Hugo Movie Review
by Ben H., Mrs. Witlen, 2nd Grade
 
I think Hugo was a great movie. If you are over 7 or 8, you might like it, too. A boy named Hugo got a machine from his dad that they needed to fix. The dad died, so Hugo had to live in a train station in Paris. A girl gave Hugo a key for the machine. Then, the machine drew a picture of an old fashioned movie that the girl’s dad made and the girl’s mom acted in. Hugo and the girl watched the movie that the machine made. After that, the girl’s family adopted Hugo and they all lived happily ever after. I liked this movie because the writer had to think very deep to make this movie. Also, it has a lot of magic in it, and it showed Paris in the 1920s.   
 
 
Book Review:  Island of the Blue Dolphins, by Scott O'Dell
by Remi P., 4th Grade

Imagine if you were left alone on an island for years and had to keep yourself alive by building shelter, making weapons, finding food, and battling off your enemies. In "Island of the Blue Dolphins," Karana isn't imagining it, she's living it. The story begins when the Aleuts come to the island of the blue dolphins to hunt otter and trade. When the Aleuts finished hunting, they broke their deal and killed several villagers, including the chief. They planned to sail east to Santa Barbara to start a new life there, but Karana was left behind. How will she survive? Will the villagers ever return to rescue Karana? All your questions will be answered, when you read "Island of the Blue Dolphins," by Scott 'O Dell. 
 
 
Movie Review:  'We Bought A Zoo'
by Maya B.-C., 4th Grade

We Bought a Zoo is a real-life, family comedy about a man (Matt Damen) who plays Benjamin Mee whose wife died six months before. He is suffering from the pain, and thinks that if he moves away from the place she died, he will suffer less. When he sees his daughter play so joyfully with the animals in the house, he buys it.  All the kids are so happy except for his son Dylan.  He is sad and thinks his friends will come and visit but when they don't, he is in despair. Luckily, when he moves away to the "zoo," he meets a nice girl named Lily.  But back to Benjamin, when he gets to the zoo, he realizes he is stuck with his wife in his head forever.  But he still has strong hopes and keeps the zoo.  If I were to give 'We Bought a Zoo' a rating out of 10, I would give it a 9.999.  I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!!

 
 
 
 

 

The Bears flag football teams favorite recipes for the super bowl game!

by Tyler S., Dillon K. (Ms. Martinez) and Niko S. (Ms. Wallace), 2nd Grade
 
Bears Burritos
1-      14oz of cooked black beans
2-      1 cup of grated Monterey Jack cheese
3-      ½ head iceberg lettuce
4-      1 Tomato
5-      1 Tablespoon olive oil
6-      1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
7-      4 flour 10”  tortillas
8-      ½ cup of sliced black olives
 
Preheat the oven to 350
Ask an adult to help you cut the iceberg lettuce and tomatoes on a cutting board.
Put oil in a skillet and cook the beef until browned (approx 15 min) then add the beans to the beef and continue to cook for about 2 minutes.
Wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil and place in the oven to heat 5- 10 minutes.
Remove the tortillas from the oven and place them on a plate then spoon one fourth of the beef mixture onto the tortilla.  Then sprinkle one fourth of the cheese.   Finally, Top with one-fourth each of the olives the tomato and the lettuce.  Roll up the tortilla around the filling.  Makes 4 burritos. Enjoy!
 
Drink
Bears Soda
1-      3 limes
2-      3 tablespoons sugar
3-      1 cup sparkling water
4-      1 scoop lime sherbet or sorbet
 
Ask an adult to help you place 1 lime on the cutting board and cut it in half. Squeeze the juice from each half into a measuring cup. Repeat with the remaining limes until you have ¼ cup juice. Put the lime juice and 3 tablespoons sugar in a small pitcher. Stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves. Add the sparkling water and stir until mixed. Taste and add more sugar, if desired. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop up the sherbet and drop it into a tall glass.   Put in the lime water.  Serve immediately. Makes 1 serving.
*you can substitute rainbow sherbet
 
 
What’s Going On In Room 45???
A talk With Mrs. Lautanen
by Julia S. and Natalie L.,, Mrs. Lautanen, 2nd Grade
1) How many kids have finished Book Adventures so far (and how many are in the class)
 Answer: 3 of our 23 students have finished Book Adventures already. 
 
2) Many classes are doing the Richstone Family adoption. It is such a great giving thing to do around the holidays and fits in with the Pacific KSRHelpr motto. We hear that you heard a really funny quote from one kid about the adoption program. Can you tell us what it was?  
Answer: One 2nd grader was looking into the big collection bin and then said, “Where’s the family? I don’t see anyone in the box.”
 
3) What are some of the funniest Symmetrical art/math projects you’ve seen?
Answer: The Owl’s Revenge, by Luke and The Rainbophant, by Ryan
 
4) We hear there is a new math game coming to centers. Can you tell us what it’s called and a little bit about it?
Answer: The game is called 99 and it’s a kind of math poker game for kids.
 
5) Who came up with the idea for the compliment boxes we're making each other?
Answer: Mrs. Stern!
 
6) In 2nd grade we have started doing timed match tests for 100 problems. What is the record time you’ve seen someone do the 100 addition problems in?
Answer: Kyle completed it in 1minute and 25 seconds. Super speedy!
 
7) We’ve done a lot of fun projects this year in 2nd grade. Can you tell us what we have coming up for the rest of the year? 
Answer: Two exciting things coming up before the end of the year are The Chocolate Touch and James and the Giant Peach Party.
 
8) Room 45 has one super cool new pet named Spike – a bearded dragon! How does Spike like his new home?
Answer: Spike likes his new home. He has a hot tub, skateboard, vacation house and a movie theatre. The kids from room 45 made him these things at home and brought them in. He really is spoiled! 
 

 

History of New Year's Resolutions
By Bryce Y., 4th Grade

New Year's resolutions began about 2,000 B.C. It was created by the Babylonians. The Romans continued New Year's resolutions because of Janus, the god of new beginnings. Janus had two faces, so one could look forward and the other could look backward. The month of January was named after Janus. New Year's Eve was a time for Romans to make New Year's resolutions and to forgive enemies for the trouble they caused. Some popular New Year's resolutions are to spend more time with family and friends, stay fit, and to eat healthier. That is why we have New Year's resolutions.   

 

A Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Vincent R., 4th Grade
  
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is celebrated because of the great deeds he performed that helped the world get to a better place.  He campaigned for civil rights for African-Americans, such as organizing a boycott against bus segregation.  He helped pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by traveling over six million miles and speaking over 2500 times.  He won the Nobel Peace Prize at age 35.  He is also famous for his “I Have a Dream” speech.  Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968 from a gunshot wound.  We celebrate his life every year because he was a great man.  This year, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day falls on January 16.  
 

 

KSR-HELPR Trait of the Month:  Honest
by Sophia V., 4th Grade
 
Honesty can be a huge responsibility, so today I am going to introduce some ways to handle this responsibility. 
 
One example is if you are in a scenario where you have hurt someone or caused trouble and an adult asks you: “Did you do this?”  If you did, do not respond “No.”  Instead, tell the truth.  You may be trying to get out of trouble, but in the end it just causes even more trouble. 
 
Another example is to not talk about someone behind their back.  Just because a person is mean to you or a friend is participating doesn’t mean that you should do this.  Honestly, you know this is not cool, so before you act, ask yourself, “Honestly, should I be doing this?” 
 
These aren’t the only honesty problems out there in this world,  but they are a couple of examples.  So, as you can see honesty is a huge responsibility.     
 
 
Green Tip - Safe Disposal of Medication
by Pacific parent, Janet Anderson

Is one of your New Year's Resolutions to clean out the medicine cabinet? You may find that you have unused pharmaceuticals that have expired. These items should be disposed of in an environmentally-safe manner, preferably through a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program. Manhattan Beach offers residents a convenient option for disposing of unwanted controlled substances. You may take expired or unwanted prescription medications and over-the-counter remedies to the Manhattan Beach Police Department's Drug Disposal Drop box, located in the Manhattan Beach Civic Center parking lot.

Scientists are finding traces of prescription drugs in our ground water, soil, waterways and even our drinking water! You have the power to reduce pharmaceutical pollution by purchasing as few medications as possible and by disposing of expired medications properly.

 

 

Paw Poll
What are this year's most popular New Year's resolutions with our Pacific Panthers?  We asked and the top five are:
 

1.  Be nicer to siblings.
2.  Eat healthier.
3.  Be a better student.
4.  Exercise more.
5.  Get organized.

For information on the history of New Year's resolutions, check out the article by staffer Bryce Y. in this issue of Pawprints!

 

 

 

Scrip
 
Thank you to our wonderful Scrip chairs, Stacey Clarke and Mary Ann Burns for organizing the wonderful "gift of thanks" for our teachers and staff. Those Scrip gifts were a great opportunity for us to collectively show how much we appreciate them. And thank you for making themselves available EVERY Friday from 2pm-3pm for drop in Scrip sales. You ladies ROCK!
 
~ PTA Board
 
 
Toy Drive
 
Thank you Karla Cameron, Toy Drive Chair and Phyllis Calza, Helping Hands Chair for your incredible efforts in making this years toy drive a huge success. It is because of great volunteers like you that allow our students and families an opportunity to give a gift or two that will brighten up a kids day. Thank you!

~PTA Board
 
Thank you to Karla Cameron for the hours collecting and organizing all the toys for our annual Toy Drive to Ronald McDonald House/Children's Hospital LA. As ususal, our Pacific Families were very generous and Karla was able to deliver the toys to make the holidays special for many childrn this holiday season.
 
~ Phyllis Calza, Helping Hands Chair
 
 

Adopt-a-Family

 

Thank you to Shawne Spelke, Adopt-a-Family Chair and Phyllis Calza, Adopt-a Family & Helping Hands Chair for organizing the opportunity for our community to reach out and help those in need for the holidays through the Adopt-a-Family program. It was great to see the baskets filled with gifts and essentials in all our classrooms. Thank you both for helping us give so much to so many in need.

~ PTA Board

 

Thank you to all the classes for participating in the Adopt-a-Family program! Because of the generous Pacific community, 28 families had an extra special holiday season. 

~ Phyllis Calza & Shawne Spelke, Adopt-a-Family Chairs