Skechers Friendship 2019 Walk Benefits Peninsula Education Foundation

2 months ago • Children's Events, Community Events, Community Information, School Information

Skechers Friendship 2019 Walk Benefits Peninsula Education Foundation

Palos Verdes homes owners can enjoy and support a friendship walk for the Peninsula Education Foundation, which is seeking donations to support our local Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District. The primary source of income for most public school districts in California, including the PVPUSD, is from the State. However, State support has declined since 2007-08. The most stable and reliable funding source in recent years has been local revenue from the Peninsula Education Foundation. This year the foundation will be celebrating their 40th year anniversary. A lot has changed in the past years, but the income from Peninsula Education Foundation has allowed PVPUSD to continue providing students the programs and services needed for their success in college and/or the workplace.

The Peninsula Education Foundation board of trustees has yet to set its fundraising goal for this year (the fundraising goal for last year was $3,100,000). Currently, a large portion ($1.5 million) of the pledge is allocated to saving teachers’ jobs, with the remaining pledge balance supporting elementary choral and instrumental music; library aides; PE for grades K- 5; STEM for elementary grades 4-5, intermediate & high school safe schools counselors, College Career Center staff and STEM programs for robotics and engineering called PVIT and SMERT. Recently, the PEF Board voted to allocate funding for the development of a digital citizenship program at the intermediate level and the creation of Parent University to provide technology training and resources to access important district and student information/resources.

Palos Verdes homes owners have a wonderful opportunity to support our schools by registering for The Pier To Pier Friendship Walk which will be held Sunday, October 27, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. (check-in is at 8:00 a.m.). Early check in for the walk takes place on Friday, October 25, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 26th, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at any of the local Skechers stores located in Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach South Bay Galleria, Torrance Del Amo Mall or the Promenade on the Peninsula. The cost of the walk is $30 for early check in, or $35 on the day of the walk with the entire fee going directly to our schools. This 3.5 mile walk begins at Manhattan Beach Pier and you can sign up either as walker or “virtual walker” and designate Palos Verdes Education Foundation as your charity of choice. Last year our schools received a check for $247,000 from Skechers and had over 4,000 participants. This year they hope to have more participants and increase the money going to our schools. Every participant receives a tee shirt and gift bag. And if you stay until noon, you can join in the famous pumpkin races. It’s easy to register online at www.skechersfriendshipwalk.com and click on the “register to walk button.”

Please register your entire family to join in the fun and support PEF and our schools. This is a win-win. Our Palos Verdes schools will receive additional funding and you and your family can enjoy a beautiful morning at the beach!

To read my last article on Skechers Friendship Walk click here.

Photo courtesy of Skechers Friendship Walk

Palos Verdes 2019 Summer School Registration Starts Soon!

9 months ago • Children's Events, Community Information, School Information

Palos Verdes 2019 Summer School Registration Starts Soon!

Spring Break is just around the corner for the Palos Verdes Unified School District, but summer school signs ups are quickly approaching and if history repeats itself they will fill up fast.

Registration for Palos Verdes elementary students for summer school will begin on Monday, April 8, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. This year the Summer Break program classes will be held at Soleodo and Dapplegray. The school hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and classes run from Monday, June 17, through Friday, July 12, 2019. There will not be classes on July 4, 2019. They will be offering 4 week programs, and a two week workshop. The cost for the four week program is $620, and the two week workshop is $310. Before and After School Care is being offered at both Soleodo and Dapplegray during the Summer Break. Online signup will start on Monday, April 8, 2019, and will close on May 3, 2019, at 3:00 p.m.

Registration for Palos Verdes intermediate students participating in a Summer PEP Program will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 25, 2019, and will close on May 3, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. This year, classes will be offered at Palos Verdes Intermediate School and Miraleste Intermediate School. Classes begin at 8:15 a.m. and go until 12:30 p.m. Students will be attending classes from Monday, June 17, through Friday, July 12, 2019. There will be no school on July 4, 2018. The cost for intermediate students is $560.

Summer high school for Palos Verdes students in grades nine through twelve, will be offered at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School. Online registration will be activated according to the specific grade. On Tuesday, March 19, 2019, PVPUSD Seniors (Grade 12 in Sept. 2019) will be able to begin registration at 7:00 p.m. On Wednesday, March 20, 2019, PVPUSD Juniors (Grade 11 in Sept 2019) will be activated for registration at 7:00 p.m. On Thursday, March 21, 2019, PVPUSD Sophomores (grade 10 in September 2019) will be activated for registration at 7:00 p.m. On Monday, April 15, 2019, PVPUSD Freshman (Grade 9 in September 2019) will be activated for registration at 7:00 p.m. Open registration for all students (including out of district) will open on Wednesday, April 17, 2019. These classes are offered Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Summer school full session cost will be $660, or tuition for a one semester class is $330. First semester classes (3 weeks) start on Monday, June 17, through July 3, 2019. Second semester classes (3 weeks) start on Monday, July 8, through July 25, 2019.

For more information and description of classes offered, hours and costs, go to www.pvpss.com.

To read my prior article on Palos Verdes Peninsula Summer School click here .

Photo courtesy of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District

Palos Verdes Schools 2019 Spring Break Activities!

9 months ago • Children's Events, Community Events, School Information

Palos Verdes Schools 2019 Spring Break Activities!

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District will be out for their 2019 Spring Break from Monday, April 1 through Friday, April 5, 2019. Below are some ideas for Palos Verdes homes owners who are looking for day camps for their children to enjoy.

AYSO Spring Soccer Camps are being offered from April 1 to April 5, 2019, at Highridge Park. Children 6 to 16 years of age can spend a full day or half day learning and improving their soccer skills. The cost of the Half Day Camp for is $135, and camp session is 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, or $175 for a Full Day Camp from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. AYSO Tiny Tykes camps are for children 3 to 5 years of age, and are held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 non for the price of $100. For more camp information and/or to register click here.

Highridge Park is located at 28220 Highridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes.

Terranea Resort will be sponsoring a Junior Spring Break Golf Camp which is designed to provide beginning and intermediate junior golfers (ages 8 through 14) with a basic foundation and understanding of the game of golf in addition to the fundamentals of putting, chipping, pitching, full swing and on course play. The Links PGS Professional staff also introduces students to proper golf etiquette and rules. Class size is limited, advance registration is required. The camp is Monday, April 1 through Friday, April 5, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at a cost of $599 per child. This fee also includes lunch and snacks. For more information or to sign up call (310) 265-2752. To read more about The Links go to www.terranea.com.

Terranea Resort is located at 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes.

To read my prior article on Spring Break click here.

Photo courtesy of Terranea Resort.

Palos Verdes Unified School District Spring Break Day Camp 2019!

9 months ago • Children's Events, Community Events, Community Information, School Information

Palos Verdes Unified School District Spring Break Day Camp 2019!

Palos Verdes Unified School District students, in grades TK through 8, are welcome to enjoy the full day Spring Break Camp from April 1 to 5, 2019, and hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity for working parents to use a convenient daycare for their school age children. The District will also allow students, who are not currently enrolled in PV Kid’s Corner, to join the program. In order to participate, you must complete a registration packet and return it to the PV Kid’s Corner business office no later than March 22, 2019. The business office is currently located at Rancho Del Mar High School, 38 Crest Road West, Rolling Hills.

The full day camp will take place at Vista Grande Kids Corner and will be a fun experience for children during the Spring week break. The fee for participation is $175 per child for this 5 day week program, and there is a 10% sibling discount. You should provide a sack lunches with a beverage for your child, but morning and afternoon snack will be provided. This program is going to fill up fast, so you should register early.

Vista Grande School is located at 7032 Purpleridge Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes. For more information, and for registration forms click here, or call (310) 541-7626.

Photo courtesy of PV Kids Corner.

Palos Verdes High Schools’ 2019 Booster Club Fundraisers

10 months ago • Community Events, Community Information, School Information, Things To Do In Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes High Schools’ 2019 Booster Club Fundraisers

Both Palos Verdes high schools will be sponsoring their annual 2019 Booster Club’s fundraisers during the month of March.

Palos Verdes High School will be sponsoring their 2019 Booster Club’s CATCH THE WAVE fundraiser on Saturday, March 9, 2019. The theme is “Madri Gras” and will feature an amazing night of food, dancing, silent auction, and live auction. Get a group of friends and plan an evening of fun on Saturday, March 9, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for $150.00 per person. This year’s event will be held at the Palos Verdes Golf Club located at 3301 Via Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates.

For more information about this event or to purchase tickets go to http://pvboosterclub.com.

Palos Verdes Peninsula High School will be sponsoring this year’s annual Booster Club BLACK AND GOLD AFFAIR fundraiser on Saturday, March 16, 2019. This event will feature food, dancing, silent auction, and live auctions beginning at 6:00 p.m. for $150.00 per person. This event will be held at the Palos Verdes Golf Club located at 3301 Via Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates.

For more information about the event or to purchase tickets go to http:pvhsabc.com.

You don’t have to be a parent of a school child to enjoy these events. The purpose of these high school fundraisers is to raise money for academics, arts, and athletic programs. These fundraisers provide 33% of the Booster Club’s contribution for the much needed supplemental funding.

Booster Club Supporters take our high schools to a whole new level of excellence. The contributions help to subsidize so much at our local high schools. They help with academics by bringing in Tutors, Link Crew, Technology Upgrades, Digital Database, Speech & Debate Advisories, and Academic Decathlons. In the Arts Department, they help with the drama productions, video production, choral and color guard, musical equipment for the band, and more. The Athletics Department also gets help with turf maintenance, athletic trainers, athletic equipment, and maintenance for the athletic facilities.

They need and appreciate all your support to ensure the success of all Palos Verdes High School students. Historically, our district receives far less money per student due to state funding inequities. Bond initiatives, parcel taxes, PEF, and PTSA have all helped, but the additional funds from the Booster Clubs are necessary for our student needs.

Above photos courtesy of PVUSD

Palos Verdes Cornerstone At Pedrogal School 2019-2020 Lottery

11 months ago • Children's Events, Community Events, Community Information, School Information, Things To Do In Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes Cornerstone At Pedrogal School 2019-2020 Lottery

Applications for the 2019-2020 school year for Palos Verdes homes owners wanting to enroll their children in Cornerstone at Pedregal, will begin a month earlier this year on Friday, February 1, 2019, at 8:30 a.m. This date is also for students to request a transfer to this school. The deadline for these applications is 4:30 p.m. on February 28, 2019. The application system for Cornerstone has a randomized database which provides a lottery system. This school operates differently than the other elementary schools in Palos Verdes because it is a Parent Participation Model (charter school style). Parents commit time, energy, skills and passion to assist and organize supporting activities that expand curriculum and learning.

Cornerstone is solely a choice school, which means it is not a home based school (which is dependent on the student living in the immediate area). To be entered in the lottery, a K-5 Intradistrict Transfer Application and Cornerstone’s Letter of Intent must be signed and submitted for each new, incoming student. Siblings of Cornerstone students who wish to be enrolled for the 2019-2020 school year must also fill out the Intradistrict Transfer Application and return it to the district by February 28, 2019. These documents can be downloaded on the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District website at www.pvpusd.net. Students eligible for Transitional Kindergarten (TK) based on date of birth (September 2-December 2) are not eligible for the transfer process. Notification of placement should take place during the first week of May.

Since 1993, Cornerstone parents and staff have worked to create a dynamic and responsive campus. Parents are supported by in-service training with the child’s teacher throughout the year, multiple parent meetings with the entire parent body, and opportunities with specialized guest speakers.

Prospective parents should attend the open house event on Saturday, February 2, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

To read my last article on the enrollment process of Cornerstone school click here.

Photo courtesy of Cornerstone Elementary.

Choose Your Palos Verdes High School Now For 2019-2020!

11 months ago • Children's Events, Community Events, Community Information, School Information

Choose Your Palos Verdes High School Now For 2019-2020!

Palos Verdes residents who are parents of eighth grade students, should have received high school information packets as it is time to designate which high school their child will attend in September 2019. To assist in this decision, Palos Verdes High School and Palos Verdes Peninsula High School will be hosting their annual tours at both schools for Palos Verdes homes owners (and tenants) to visit. Any current eighth grade student will have an opportunity to enroll under “open enrollment” which means that the students who will enter 9th grade in September 2019, may choose which Palos Verdes high school to attend. Planning for the 2019-2020 school year is beginning, and enrollment numbers are critical to effectively prepare for this next school year.

Both high schools have scheduled several sessions to assist you and your student in selecting which one of our award winning high schools will be the best fit for them. The parent/student information meetings for Palos Verdes High School are: Tuesday, January 8, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 17, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and Wednesday, February 6, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Palos Verdes High School is located at 600 Cloyden Road, Palos Verdes Estates. Open House will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Palos Verdes Peninsula High School will be holding their parent/student information meeting on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, from 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., Wednesday, January 16, 2019, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 5, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Thursday, February 7, 2019, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Special Education Forum will take place on Thursday, February 7, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Open House will be held on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Palos Verdes Peninsula High School is located at 27118 Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates.

If you are looking for more information or need enrollment forms, go to www.pvpusd.net. For specific high school information – for Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, call Deidre Heimer (310) 377-4888 x 280, or Palos Verdes High School, call Karen Mills (310) 378-8471 x 208.

To read my prior article on the Palos Verdes High Schools, click here.

Photos courtesy of Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District.

Palos Verdes 2019-2020 Kindergarten Registration Open

11 months ago • Community Events, Community Information, School Information

Palos Verdes 2019-2020 Kindergarten Registration Open

Palos Verdes homes owners (and/or tenants) who have children entering Kindergarten in the Fall of 2019, are invited to attend a Kindergarten Registration Information Program. The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District recommends that parents attend even if they have had other children go through the system because the program has changed. This is an important event if you have Kindergarten age children because some Palos Verdes elementary schools are impacted. California Law (SB 1381) regarding the age requirement for Kindergarten enrollment was changed. The new law requires a child be five years old on or before September 1, 2019, to be eligible for Kindergarten. To enroll in Transitional Kindergarten (which is a separate program), children must be five years old before December 2, 2019. Children who will be turning 5 years old on or between September 2 and December 2, 2019 are automatically placed in Transitional Kindergarten at the time of enrollment and will not need Transitional Kindergarten screening.

All interested parents are encouraged to attend one of the scheduled Kindergarten Orientation meetings and learn more about this change, the application process, kindergarten readiness, standards, transitional kindergarten, before and after school child care, fee-based summer programs and the application deadline. The meetings will be held on:

Tuesday, January 15, 2019 (6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) at Vista Grande Elementary School, 7032 Purpleridge Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, (310) 377-6066.

Thursday, January 17, 2019 (6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) at Dapplegray Elementary School, 3011 Palos Verdes Drive North, Rolling Hills Estates, (310) 541-3706.

Each elementary school will host a parent orientation meeting in May, that will include tours, program information and the curriculum information.

The enrollment process for 2019-2020 school registration is on the PVPUSD website at www.pvpusd.net with instructions and enrollment forms.

To read my last article on Palos Verdes Kindergarten Registration click here.

Photo courtesy of PVPUSD

Skechers Friendship 2018 Walk Benefits Peninsula Education Foundation

1 year ago • Children's Events, Community Events, Community Information, School Information

Skechers Friendship 2018 Walk Benefits Peninsula Education Foundation

The Peninsula Education Foundation is once again seeking donations to support our local Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District. The primary source of income for most public school districts in California, including the PVPUSD, is from the State. However, State support has declined since 2007-08. The most stable and reliable funding source in recent years has been local revenue from the Peninsula Education Foundation. The income from Peninsula Education Foundation has allowed PVPUSD to continue providing students the programs and services needed for their success in college and/or the workplace.

The Peninsula Education Foundation board of trustees has set its fundraising goal as $3,100,000 for the 2018-2019 school year. The school district is using these funds for their new engineering program (STEM) for 4th and 5th graders at all of its 10 elementary schools, for the expansion of P.E. instruction, and to hire an additional counselor at each high school.

Palos Verdes homes owners have a wonderful opportunity to support our schools by registering for The Pier To Pier Friendship Walk which will be held Sunday, October 28, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. (check-in is at 8:00 a.m.). Early check in for the walk takes place on Friday, October 26, 2018, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 27th, 2018, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at any of the local Skechers stores located in Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach South Bay Galleria, Torrance Del Amo Mall or the Promenade on the Peninsula. The cost of the walk is $30 for early check in, or $35 on the day of the walk with the entire fee going directly to our schools. This 3.5 mile walk begins at Manhattan Beach Pier and you can sign up either as walker or “virtual walker” and designate Palos Verdes Education Foundation as your charity of choice. Last year our schools received a check for $240,000 from Skechers, and they had over 4,300 participants. This year they hope to have more participants and increase the money going to our schools. Every participant receives a tee shirt and gift bag. And if you stay until noon, you can join in the famous pumpkin races. It’s easy to register online at www.skechersfriendshipwalk.com and click on the “register to walk button.”

To read my last article on Skechers Friendship Walk click here.

Photo courtesy of Skechers Friendship Walk

Palos Verdes Education Foundation 2018 Main Event

2 years ago • Community Information, School Information, Things To Do In Palos Verdes

Palos Verdes Peninsula Education Foundation 2018 Main Event

Palos Verdes Peninsula Education Foundation (PEF) will be holding its annual “Main Event” fundraiser at Terranea Resort on Saturday, May 12, 2018, to raise additional funds for the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District. This year’s event “Totally 80’s Bash” is meant to be a reminisce about music by Devo, Blondie, Men at Work and Tears for Fears. Remember shoulder pads, Members Only jackets, leg warmers, Pac Man, Rubik’s Cube, everything neon and dot matrix printer paper? You will enjoy cocktails, dinner and dancing at Terranea Resort.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Education Foundation was founded in 1979 to raise much needed money for our schools that the State was not providing. PEF’s first gift to the School District was $250,000. The number of students and amount of government aid has varied tremendously and the school district relies on these donations from PEF for the shortfall. These donated funds are being spent to retain teachers, library aides, keep class sizes smaller, music instruction, academic counselors at high schools, college and career centers, STEM funding, help with science fair funding and teacher grants for innovative classroom projects. Pledged funds for this year will help support the above programs and all support is welcome – big or small. There will also be an opportunity to win a Lexus by purchasing tickets before the event. (Winner does not need to be present.) Tickets can be purchased on line at www.pvpef.org for $50 each or $125 for three tickets.

This year there will be a raffle for a year of dining at Terranea Resort. Four people can dine each month at the Catalina Kitchen for an entire year. The winner of the event will be drawn at the Main Event. Tickets for this raffle are $100 each and can be purchased at www.pvpef.org. The online auction will be open until Sunday, April 22, 2018, at 9:30 p.m. and can be viewed at www.maineventauction.com.

For more information and reservations go to www.pvpef.org/events or call (310) 378-2278.

Click here to read my prior article on Palos Verdes Peninsula Education Foundation’s Main Event.

Photo courtesy of Palos Verdes Unified School District’s Main Event.