The Weekly Roar!

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1. Around the School

What a wonderful first week of school! 💛

We loved welcoming your children back, seeing their smiles, and watching them settle into their new classrooms and routines. We are so grateful for your partnership and are looking forward to another great week together!

🦁 A Few Family Reminders

👟 Dress for school: Students should wear safe shoes every day that cover both toes and heels. With a hot week ahead, hats and sunscreen are also recommended. Please label jackets, sweatshirts, and other clothing items.

💧 Label water bottles: Please make sure your child’s name is clearly written on their water bottle.

🎒 Check backpacks daily: Important papers and information come home in backpacks. A quick daily check also helps us make sure toys and other non-school items stay at home.

🚗 Dismissal forms: Please return your child’s blue dismissal form to the teacher so we know exactly how your child will be leaving school each day.

🚦 Cone Crew needs you! We could really use more family volunteers to help with our morning Cone Crew and keep traffic moving as safely and smoothly as possible.

💬 Questions or concerns? Your child’s teacher is always the best first point of contact for classroom or school-related questions. Working together and communicating early helps us support your child.

Thank you for a fantastic first week. We loved spending the week with your children and can’t wait to see them again for Week 2! 🦁💛

👋 Meet Our New Staff (Continued from last week)

Below are bios of some of our newest La Ballona team members. We’ll highlight a few each week so our families can get to know the wonderful people joining our Lion community! 🦁

1st Grade Dual Alder Resident, Estela Arguera

Hi, my name is Estela Arguera, and I’m from Lynwood, California. I have worked in the field of education for about 10 years, from tutoring and after-school programs to teaching English abroad in Málaga, Spain. I love reading, traveling, and learning about different cultures and traditions, as well as trying new foods. I value quality time with my friends and family and especially enjoy activities that allow me to stay active and move my body. I’m excited to join the La Ballona community and look forward to getting to know everyone!

Kindergarten English, Samantha Scheirman

As a Culver City resident for the past eight years, I am thrilled to be joining the teaching staff at La Ballona Elementary School. Over the past seven years, I have primarily taught third through fifth grade, but I am delighted to return to the Kindergarten classroom this year. I am joining the La Ballona community not only as a teacher but also as a parent. My four-year-old son will be starting TK in August. I can't wait to get to know everyone and partner with all members of this community to create the best learning environment for all students!

Special Education Teacher, Susan Varga

Hello everyone, I'm Susan Varga and am delighted to be joining the La Ballona team. Teaching students with special needs has been my professional passion for the past eight years. Most recently, I taught in the Lennox School District, and I’m excited to bring my experience to La Ballona. I especially enjoy helping students build confidence and discover their strengths. When I'm not teaching, I love traveling with my kids, gardening, and exploring the culinary arts.

Vision and Hearing Screenings

Mandated vision and hearing screenings are happening for La Ballona Elementary School on August 26th 2026 for all Tk, Kinder, 2nd, and 5th graders, during school hours. The screenings are non-invasive using California Department of Education approved equipment and are completed by two CCUSD Credentialed School Nurses with health staff support. Make sure students attend school with their glasses or contacts. Any unsatisfactory results will be shared with parents/guardians. If you have any questions, please contact the schools overseeing credentialed school nurse at sandyaguila@ccusd.org

PTA Afterschool Enrichment classes

Session 1 – 8 week session: 9/8/26-10/30/26

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 5:00pm

See full class descriptions and register at www.laballonapta.org/enrichment OR use QR code. Participants chosen by lottery for many classes.

Financial assistance: contact: laballonaenrichment@gmail.com prior to online enrollment. It is our priority to keep enrichment accessible to all. Your donations to La Ballona PTA will help us continue to sponsor enrichment opportunities!

If requesting multiple classes, please mark 1, 2, 3 etc to indicate your preferences. This is to ensure fairness in the lottery system. Families will be notified by Friday, August 28 for lottery classes.

www.laballonapta.org/enrichment

FREE AFTER-SCHOOL THEATRE FOR CCUSD STUDENTS

Our arts partner The Actors' Gang Theater is offering FREE after-school programming for CCUSD students during the 2026-27 school year!

Their fall program for 4th & 5th graders is a great opportunity for students to build creativity, confidence and connection through theatre.
Apply by: September 4
Roster announced: September 7
Program begins: September 9
We hope you'll take advantage of a great arts opportunity for Culver City students!

2. Counselors' Corner!

Welcome Back, Families! 🦁

Welcome to a new school year! 📚✏️ I am excited to begin another year of learning, growth, and connection with our students and families. As your school counselor, I am here to support students not only academically, but also in their social-emotional development, self-management, mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. 💛🧠🌱

This first newsletter is designed to help families get connected with the resources and support available throughout the school year. In this newsletter, you will find Back-to-School resources 🎒, book recommendations 📖, emotional regulation lessons, self-management and mental health resources 🧠💚, and activities celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 🌎🎉.

I also want families to know when and how school counseling services will begin. Parent collaboration and consultation meetings are available now, and you are welcome to reach out to me to brainstorm strategies, discuss concerns, or explore ways I can support your child. 💬❤️ Classroom counseling lessons will begin in September, along with individual and group counseling services.

As we begin the year, my goal is to build strong partnerships with families and create a supportive environment where every student feels known, valued, safe, and empowered to grow. 🌱✨ I look forward to working together with you and supporting your child throughout the school year! 🦁💪

Wishing you and your family a wonderful start to the 2026–2027 school year! 🎉🏫📚🦁

Warmly,

Mrs. Ulloa-Serrano

Back to School Resources:

2026-2027 Parent Newsletter: La Ballona School Counseling Newsletter for Parents

Counseling Website: Click here

Meet the School Counselor and Zones of Regulation (Emotional Regulation) Lesson:

Self-management Skills and Mental Health:

Hispanic Heritage Resources:

Hispanic Heritage Month Activities and Resources

When do services start?

Parent Collaboration & Consultation Meetings (NOW): You can request to meet with us to brainstorm strategies and ideas. Email me at dianaserrano@ccusd.org to schedule an appointment.
Classroom lessons: September

Lessons start on September 7, 2026

Individual Counseling Sessions:

Follow-ups: First 2 weeks of school
New referrals: It is case by case, but most sessions will start after September 18

Group Counseling:

September 21st or 28th.

Please keep in mind that:

Not all students referred will receive school-based services. Please refer to the referral criteria on the counseling menu.
School counseling is brief and solution-focused, typically lasting 1 to 8 sessions.
Parent permission is required for Tier 2 and 3 counseling services.

3. School Meal Information

4. Did You Know?

Brought to you by a La Ballona Kinder parent - please reach out to Daniela (danielalopezposada07@gmail.com) if you have an interesting fact you’d like her to add.