In the Know

At the Heart of Exceptional Education - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

At the center of high-quality education is the focus on student-centered learning – meeting the needs of students where they are in the learning process and cultivating an environment where that process continues to grow.

MBUSD’s Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Dr. Jonathan Erickson, is charged with ensuring that this focus is at the forefront of learning in our District. As his title suggests, Dr. Erickson’s goal is to align the knowledge, skills, and abilities we expect students to acquire or master with the instructional activities and strategies in the classroom, and then assess the ultimate acquisition of that same knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The College and Career Center - the Hub for Navigating the Future for Every Costa Student

All Mira Costa families have access to critical help in navigating the college admissions process and other post-graduation pathways through the College and Career Center (CCC) at Mira Costa High School. The CCC supports students with defining options, admissions testing, funding workshops, essay development, and over 100 visits from the admissions offices of over 100 colleges and universities worldwide. Through support of MBEF, the CCC is open to all Costa families Monday - Friday from 8am to 4pm, with extended hours to 7pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. Get to know the CCC Counselors and the wealth of knowledge they share in this next episode. 

Perspectives on MBEF

What does the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation mean to our community, our educators, and most importantly, our students? Host Ellen Padnos takes a trip to our neighborhood schools to talk with teachers and students around the district to learn more.

MBEF’s 40th Anniversary -1983 to 2023

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. 

Get In the Know on Adversity with MBUSD Counseling Intern Steve Walker

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. 

Get In The Know on College Admissions Testing with Adam Ingersoll of Compass

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.

Districtwide STEM TOSA Tanya Sanchez

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. 

MBMS Music Instructor Denise Haslop

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. 

South Bay Community Coalition Against Hate

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. 

The Manhattan Beach City Council, the Manhattan Beach Unified School District and many others have taken steps to combat hate. Most recently, under the leadership of Councilmember Hildy Stern, a large spectrum of local community organizations have joined forces as the South Bay Community Coalition Against Hate to decrease the incidents of hate and foster a sense of belonging through programs that educate, raise awareness, and support the apprehension of perpetrators. 

Fentanyl and other Dangerous Drugs with Dr. Alice Kuo and Dr. Ian Kramer

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.