September 14, 2012
SCHOOL CLOSED
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 - ADMISSIONS DAY HOLIDAY
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 - LOCAL HOLIDAY
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Dear SMASHing Families,We all know our students need to be in class in order to maximize their school-based academic and social learning. Did you also know our students need to be at school in order to maintain secure school funding? 80% of all school monies come from “Average Daily Attendance” or ADA state funding.
SMMUSD defines “excellent” attendance as being present for 178 of the 180 school days and “severe chronic” attendance as missing more than 36 of the 180 school days. Let’s celebrate the good SMASH attendance news from 2011-12. Last school year, we had at least 7.7% of each grade level make “excellent” attendance in the computerized attendance system and 0% with “severe chronic attendance!”
Here is where we can improve: Take a look at how many students by grade level were “chronically” absent, meaning these students missed at least 18 days of school last year.
K-7.7% 1st-0% 2nd-0% 3rd-4% 4th-8.3%
5th-8% 6th-0% 7th-3.6% 8th-4%
With SMMUSD’s computerized attendance program, some families received the computer-generated “Truancy Letters,” and I wanted to recap the key information so you know what to expect again starting this October.
We are compelled to report all absences as well as tardies. Three tardies of 30 minutes or more is considered truant. Being late because of a doctor or dentist appointment is not a tardy, but is reported as an excused late. As defined by state and District, excused absences are for bereavement, illness, or religious holiday. Unexcused absences are for parent reasons, vacation, or ditching class.
SMASH (which means Wende and Janice need your help having all records ready) is likely to have an attendance audit from the state. In addition to regularly coming to school, there is a second area where we can improve: Please note that parents are responsible to notify SMASH with a written note, email, or voice message when your child is or will be absent. CCR, Title 5, S306 requires families to notify the school within 24 hours of the absence to state the reason for the absence.
Truancy Letter #1
3 unexcused absences or tardies in excess of 30 minutes.
Truancy Letter #2
6 unexcused absences or tardies in excess of 30 minutes
A conference with the principal must be scheduled.
Truancy Letter #3
9 unexcused absences or tardies in excess of 30 minutes
Your child’s name will be submitted to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB). At SARB, you and your child will appear before a panel comprised of representatives from the police department, administrators and support staff from the school district, the District Attorney’s office and community support programs.
EXCESSIVE EXCUSED ABSENCES
This letter is generated after 10 excused absences
If you are having difficulties getting your child to school, the SMASH staff and I are ready to design a support plan to work through this with your family. While the letters are formal and can be off-putting, let’s read past the formal letter language and use these as a reminder that timely and regular school attendance are important goals.
Jessica
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405 FREEWAY CLOSURE SCHEDULE
• From Sept. 15 to Sept. 16, full northbound directional closure from the Getty Center ramps to the U.S. 101 from 11p.m. to 9 a.m. The Mulholland Bridge will also close from that Friday at 10pm. to Sunday 8am• From Sept. 21 through Sept. 24 Mulholland Drive closes from that Friday at 10pm. to Monday at 6am
• Ramps will begin closing as early as 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 28, within the freeway closure limits. Lanes
will begin closing as early as 10 p.m. on Friday.
• Full closure of the I-405 begins Saturday at 12:01 a.m. The northbound I-405 is closed from the I-10 to U.S. 101. The southbound I-405 is closed from the U.S. 101 to the Getty Center Drive ramps. The Mulholland Bridge and Haskell ramps close, as well as northbound U.S. 101 connectors from the I-405.
• The I-405 is scheduled to reopen Monday, Oct. 1, at 5 a.m.
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DATES TO REMEMBER
Fri, Sept 14 - Menchies fundraiser. Flyer must be presented for SMASH to get a donation.
Sat, Sept 15 - 9:00-noon - Coastal Cleanup Day 2012
Mon, Sept 17 - Admissions Day - SCHOOL CLOSED
Wed, Sept 19 - 6:00pm - PTSA Mtg
Fri-Sun, Sept 21-23 - SMASH family camping trip
Tues, Sept 25 - 6:00pm - Paquito Mas/Veggie Grill Restaurant Night
Wed, Sept 26 - Local Holiday - SCHOOL CLOSED
Wed & Thurs, Oct 3 & 4 - Conferences - MINIMUM DAY - 1:30PM DISMISSAL
Fri, Oct 5 - Conferences
Fri, Oct 5 - 1:30pm - SMASH Bash sign ups in the small yard
Note - Oct 8 - Columbus Day is NOT a school holiday
Mon-Wed, Oct 8-10 - 6th grade Catalina Trip
Wed, Oct 10 - 3:30pm - Site Council
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Hello All SMASH Families!
As your SMASH Chorus Director, I am appealing to all adult pianists out there! SMASH Middle School Chorus is looking for a volunteer piano accompanist to assist us in our rehearsals and concerts. We were lucky/blessed to have a parent volunteer last year, and it made all the difference in helping to advance our musicianship during class and provided obvious benefits during performances. If you are an experienced pianist, with solid sight-reading skills, and are available Tuesday and/or Thursday mornings from 9:15-10:10, please contact Jessi Spike Gravelle at buzzjess@earthlink.net. I would love to talk with you about possibly accompanying our 6th,7th and 8th grade singers .
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COASTAL CLEANUP DAY 2012
On Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, from 9 a.m. until noon, tens of thousands of Southern Californians will head to their local beaches and inland waterways on a mission to clear the sand and water of harmful and unsightly pollution. Last year, over 67,000 volunteers from California removed 676,768 pounds of trash and 115,773 pounds of recyclable waste! Be a part of the BIGGEST volunteer day on the planet!
Everybody who joins the Coastal Cleanup Day is required to sign a waiver form. Although there will be waivers at each cleanup location, your check-in will be smoother and faster if you arrive with your signed waiver. All volunteers under the age of 18 must have the appropriate liability waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian before participating in a beach cleanup. Go to healthebay.org/ccd2012 for further information and to download the liability waiver and free parking pass.
Please contact Cara Young with any questions regarding Coastal Cleanup Day in Los Angeles County
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COASTAL CLEANUP DAY 2012 WAIVER OF LIABILITY
AND EXPRESS ASSUMPTION OF RISK
(PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)
I agree as follows: 1. I am volunteering my services for Coastal Cleanup Day 2012 (“the Event”); 2. I will perform assigned tasks that are within my physical capability, and I will not undertake tasks that are beyond my ability; 3. I will not participate if under the influence of alcohol or any drug that could impair my physical or mental abilities; 4. I am familiar with the safe operation and use of machinery, equipment and tools that I may utilize in connection with the Event, and I will not undertake to use any machinery, equipment or tools with which I am unfamiliar or which I do not know how to operate safely; 5. I have received appropriate instruction regarding this Event, including appropriate safety and emergency procedures, I fully understand those instructions, and I agree, after proper inspection, to use only the supplies, tools and equipment provided by Event organizers; 6. I will perform only those tasks assigned, observe all safety rules, and use care in the performance of my assignments; 7. I specifically acknowledge that I am engaging in this activity as a volunteer and not as a State of California employee, agent, official, officer or representative, and further acknowledge that I am not entitled to any compensation, benefit or insurance coverage from the State of California, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the California Coastal Commission, the California State Parks Foundation, or any Event promoter, sponsor, or organizer, nor will I make any such claim.I understand and agree that neither the State of California, California Coastal Commission, California Historical Society, California State Parks Foundation, California Department of Parks & Recreation, California Department of Fish & Game, California State Parks, California Department of Transportation, California Department of Boating & Waterways, Ocean Conservancy, City of Agoura Hills, City of Compton, City of Culver City, City of Downey, City of Hermosa Beach, City of Long Beach, City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation, City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks, City of Los Angeles, City of Malibu, City of Manhattan Beach, City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Redondo Beach, City of Santa Monica, City of Torrance, County of Los Angeles Department of Beaches and Harbors, County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Cornell Preservation Association, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles City Council District 12, Los Angeles City Council District 6, Los Angeles Conservation Corps, Office of Senate District 20, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, American Honda, Arroyo Seco Foundation, Ballona Creek Renaissance, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Cafe Tropical, California Wildlife Center, Clean San Pedro, Crystal Geyser, The Crystal Casino and Hotel, Culver City Bike Coalition, Dive N’ Surf, Document Consulting Services, Eco Dive Center, Earth Protect, El Dorado Nature Center, Friends of the Ballona Wetlands, Greater Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council, Greater Los Angeles Council of Divers, Gruen Associates, Harbor City Neighborhood Council, Heal the Bay, Honda of Torrance, Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park and K.M.H.R.P. Advisory Board and Chadwick School and Palos Verdes/South Bay Audubon Society, Kiwanis Los Angeles and Kiwanis International, KOR Water, KTLA, Local Restaurant, Los Angeles Black Underwater Explorers, Los Angeles Unified School District, Malibu Divers, Malibu Surfing Association, Manhattan Beach Roundhouse Aquarium, Mattel, NAACP, Naam Yoga LA, National Park Service, The Neighborhood Church, Neutrogena, New Hope Missionary Church, New Leaf Landscapes, Otis College of Art & Design, The Pacific American Volunteer Association, Port Royal Yacht Club, Princeton Tec, Ralphs, Redondo Beach SEA Lab, Rise Above Plastics, Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission, Santa Monica Baykeeper, Santa Monica Conservancy, Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club, South Coast Recycling Center, St. Raphael Elementary School, St. Raphael Catholic Church, Sun Lake Drug Store, Surfrider Foundation West L.A./ Malibu Chapter, Tom’s Burger, Union Bank, Wisdom Academy, Veggie Grill, Yoga Trailblazers, REI, Boy Scouts of America, Brownies of America, Cub Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, nor any of their respective employees, officers, agents or assigns, (collectively referred to as “Released Parties”), may be held liable or responsible in any way for any injury, death or other damages to me or my family, heirs, or assigns that may occur as a result of my participation in the Event, or as a result of product liability or the negligence, whether passive or active, of any party, including Released Parties, in connection with the Event. I understand that cleaning up beaches or inland water areas involves certain inherent risks, including but not limited to, the risks of possible injury, infection or loss of life as a result of contact with needles, condoms, metal objects, burning embers or other hazardous materials, wild animals, poisonous plants, snakes, or from over-exertion or environmental conditions, including but not limited to flooding, rockslides, sun exposure, or dangerous terrain. Despite the risks, I still choose to participate in such activity.
No known physical or health limitation prevents me from safely participating in this Event. In Consideration for being allowed to participate, I personally assume all risks, whether foreseen or unforeseen, in connection with the Event of any harm, injury or damage that may befall me as a participant. If I am injured during the Event, I authorize any physician licensed in California to perform such emergency treatment as he or she believes, in his or her sole judgment, may be necessary. I am over the age of eighteen and legally competent to sign this liability release, or I have acquired the written consent of my parent or guardian. I understand that the terms herein are contractual and not a mere recital, this instrument is legally binding, and I have signed this document of my own free act.
I agree to allow my image to be used in published materials and web sites that promote the programs of the California Coastal Commission and Heal the Bay. By including my email address below, I understand that the California Coastal Commission and Heal the Bay may contact me about future Coastal Cleanup Day events and other Public Education programs.
I HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS THE RELEASED PARTIES FROM ANY CLAIM OR LAWSUIT FOR PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR WRONGFUL DEATH, BY ME, MY FAMILY, ESTATE, HEIRS, OR ASSIGNS, ARISING OUT OF PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENT, INCLUDING BOTH CLAIMS ARISING DURING THE ACTIVITY AND AFTER I COMPLETE THE ACTIVITY, AND INCLUDING CLAIMS BASED ON NEGLIGENCE OF OTHER PARTICIPANTS OR THE RELEASED PARTIES, WHETHER PASSIVE OR ACTIVE. I HAVE FULLY INFORMED MYSELF OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS LIABILITY RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK.
___________________________________ ____________
Spelling of Participant’s Name Date
___________________________________ __________________________
Street Address Phone
__________________________________ ____________________________________ Signature of Participant City, State, Zip
_________________________________@ ____________________________________
e-mail address
IF PARTICIPANT IS UNDER 18, THE PARENT (OR GUARDIAN, IF ANY) MUST SIGN.
I am the parent or legal guardian of the above participant and he/she has my permission to participate in Coastal Cleanup Day. I have read and agree to the provisions stated above for myself and the participant. Further, I understand and agree that the sponsors and organizers of the Event are not responsible for supervision of minor participants and that if I allow the above minor to participate without my supervision, I assume all the risks from such participation.
______________________________ _________ ______________________ _____________
Signature of Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s) Date Street Address Phone
_______________________________ ____________________@ ________________________
City, State, Zip E-mail
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CORE 1 NEWS
CommunicationAsk for what you need is one of our Core 1 guidelines. This guideline involves assertion and communication.
Just as we remind children to ask, each other and us, for what they need, we invite you to do the same. To keep communication clear, please share your comments, questions, and concerns with your child’s workshop teacher (Candis for Partners, Chrysta for Bigs, and Graciela for Mentors).
Sharing information - If you have information to share with us that does not involve a discussion, (e.g. I will
pick up my child early to take him/her to an appointment, my child has an enrichment class today, my child has a wiggly tooth) you could tell us, e-mail us, or leave us a written message. If your child will be going home with a different person that day, please post a note on the Family Message Board in Candis’ room.
Sharing a discussion - If you want to discuss your child’s progress or if you have questions, we ask that you
e-mail us or see us to set-up a meeting. Discussions should take place face to face and not via e-mail.
Attendance
We understand that there will be times when your child will be absent from school for a good reason. We ask that you call the school office at 310-396-2640 to share the reason for the absence. If you wish to e-mail your child’s workshop teacher, please cc Janice (jwold@smmud.org) and/or Wende (wmiyamoto@smmusd.org). If you plan to have your child miss 5 days of school or more, please see or e-mail your workshop teacher and Wende to let them that you would like to complete an Independent Study. This involves talking to the teacher well in advance whenever possible, signing a contract, and picking up the work before your child’s absence.
Tardies
We also understand that your child may be late to school on occasion. If your child arrives between 8:30 and
8:45 please direct your child to his/her workshop teacher to greet her and to let her know that s/he has arrived. It is very important that your child does not get marked absent and that your child connects with his or her workshop teacher before going to Morning Meeting. If your child is more than 15 minutes late (arriving after 8:45), we ask that you direct your child to the office to get a late slip. Your child should deliver the late slip (and a greeting) to his/her workshop teacher before catching up with his/her circle group. We are putting in maximum effort to keep attendance records accurate and we need your help to get it right.
Community Walks
We plan to begin community walks in circle groups next week. These happen between 9:00 and 10:00. We have permission slips for most children. We sent home a second notice with the students who are missing forms.
Wish List (a few suggestions if you happen to be at the store):
Band-aids (latex-free)
Hand sanitizer
HAVE A GREAT 3-DAY WEEKEND!!
Candis, Chrysta, Graciela, Nadja & Laura
Candis: cberens@smmsud.org
Chrysta: cwyse@smmusd.org
Graciela: gbarba-castro@smmusd.org
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CORE 2 NEWS
Last week at the Forum you heard all about your child’s academic life and progress in Core 2. At this age, students are also going through a lot of changes in their social lives and physical beings, as well as their cognitive abilities and interests. These changes in their behavior or mood, interests, and friends may leave you feeling confused. Did you plan a fun trip or activity this summer that received an, “Eh, that sounds boring!” response? Children can have a range of emotions between enthusiastic and hypercritical of themselves and those around them, including friends and adults. Not to worry! All of these attitudes and changes are developmentally appropriate. Below you will find a chart that explains the social, physical, and cognitive
growth that occurs in Core 2.
7 years old
Social Development: Students can be moody and sulky. Friendships can change quickly and students can feel like “nobody likes me.”
Physical Development: Students can do quiet work for longer periods of time, yet can be more worried about tests and assignments.
Cognitive Development Students enjoy working slowly and finishing what they started, but can be bothered by mistakes they make
8 years old
Social Development:Students have a good sense of humor. They adjust well to change and can bounce back from disappointment.
Physical Development:Students like to play hard, but they can tire easily. They can have a limited attention span and may have a growth spurt.
Cognitive DevelopmentStudents are ready to work hard, but they can be impatient and take on more than they can handle. They can listen well, but may forget what they heard.
9 years old
Social Development:Students may complain a lot, often saying “I hate it,” “I can’t,” “It’s boring.” They are competitive and working in groups is hard because of the tendency to argue
Physical Development:Students can complain about aches, pains, and injuries. They are also restless and cannot sit for too long.
Cognitive Development: Students work hard and pay attention to detail, but interest may change quickly. Students begin to see the bigger world and the issues of justice and fairness.
10 years old
Social Development: Students are eager to reach out to others through community service. They listen well and enjoy talking and explaining their ideas.
Physical Development:Students need lots of outdoor play and physical challenges, yet also need lots of snacks and rest time.
Cognitive Development: Students are hard working, take pride in their school work, and are open to learning problem-solving and mediation skills.
Source: Yardsticks: Children in the Classroom Ages 4-14 by Chip Wood, published by Northeast Foundation for Children, Inc.
These stages of development are fairly predictable, yet children will advance at different rates. They do not
suddenly change on their birthday! The most important thing to remember is that you should, “Enjoy your
child at each age. Each age is unique. Each age is a wonder” (Chip Wood).
Enjoy the 3-Day Weekend!
Jayme, Tamara & Karin
Tamara: tmugalian@smmusd.org
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CORE 3 NEWS
It was wonderful seeing many of you at the Core 3 Forum Tuesday evening! We know you have busy lives and appreciate that you took time to come learn more about your child's school life. Enjoy the long weekend! Remember starting the week on a Tuesday can be extra confusing for your child. Please help them prepare Monday for Music on Tuesday and getting their backpacks packed and ready for their school week!
Please sign the 2 permission slips and the Broad Theater Photo Release for our trips. Thanks to all who signed up to chaperone the Homeboy Industries field trip! ($8 bus fee, please) We still need a few more for The Broad Friday 28th.
Visual Arts Parent Volunteers to help cut foam for the puppets are needed ASAP! Juliana can work with you on a Mon or Tues in the Surf Shack. 9/18, 9/24, 9/25, 10/1, 10/2, 10/8, 10/9 are possible dates. We would love JoAnn Fabric gift cards (where we can use coupons and get more for our money) for arts, holiday boutique and SuperSMASH auction item. And if you are a sewer and are free on Weds we would love another volunteering adult 11:00-12:30 and 1:30-3:00. Please contact Genie for any way you can help out our big art project! Thanks to our arts supporters! If you would like to donate specific supplies here are some we need: socks, mittens, gloves, sleeves, stuffing, cushion foam, broom just for the art room.
6th Grade Math with Mimi: This week, we learned different strategies for finding the Prime Factorization of numbers and used them to help us find Least Common Multiples and Greatest Common Factors. HW is due 9/20.
6th Grade Math with Erin: This week in math we continued our study of various shapes and their properties. On Wednesday students took an assessment to gauge their understanding of symmetry and polygons.
5th grade Math Workshop with Genie: We have been looking at factors of numbers and their relationship. If we know the factors of 18 we know the factors of 180. We also have started multiplication war, which you could play with a standard deck of cards. Each player flips 2 cards and multiplies them, the larger number is the winner. For a challenge you can flip 2 cards and make it a double digit and then 2 more cards, estimate and then multiply. Since the answer is in the thousands it's okay to check on a calculator to see if your estimate was close. You can easily play this with a regular deck of cards (Jacks=10, Queens=11, Kings=12).
Science with Mimi: This week, we continued researching our specialties using kid friendly internet websites. We discussed internet guidelines and helpful strategies. Suggested homework: Do some more internet research on your body system. Focus on diseases, ailments, and their treatments.
Social Studies and Geography with Erin: This week in Social Studies we had a talk about the education issues facing our country. Students came up with a lot of "wonderings" in anticipation of our guest speaker: Why can't kids who go to "poor" schools just change schools? Why can't they just homeschool? Why do some people think it is OK for schools to be so unequal? Our guest speaker, Liza Bearman, helped guide the students in discussing these issues and also talking about how they relate to Proposition 13 and voting. Students who choose education as their deeper research project can further work with Dr. Bearman as a mentor, and perhaps set up a small group peer visit to speak with the students she works with at Gompers Middle School in Watts. Next week we will talk about issues to do with the environment.
Reading and Writing Workshop with Genie: We have revised our drafts by adding in more thinking and feeling, looking at a mentor text to see how those authors create such great stories, and changed words to more interesting words using a thesaurus. Next week we will edit and publish our pieces. We also started some word study thinking about all we know about phonics and our names by trying to find all the different ways our names can be spelled noticing that there are lots of vowel combinations that can make the same sound. Share how you chose the spelling of your child's name with them. Tues 25th Writing Celebration: Blue-11:30-12:30 and Orange-2:00-3:00. Please come join us if you can and bring your memoir to share with your child.
Homework:
6G math: sheet due Thurs 9/20/12
5G math: packet #4. Due 9/21/12
RW: read every day for 30-40 minutes (around 100 pages a week)
WW: revise and begin to edit your draft so it is ready to publish in your best handwriting.
Reminder: Conference sign-up sheets are in the SMASH office
Enjoy the 3-Day Weekend!
Genie: ghwang@smmusd.org Erin:ehaendel@smmusd.org Mimi: mimilichterman@yahoo.com
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CORE 4 NEWS
Parent Partners,
7th Grade Conferences have started! Please sign up directly with ONE of the two advisors by email.
8th grade conferences are complete.
To help with our conference process, I would like parents to perform two small tasks that are normally a lot of fun. First: write an essay about your child and your hopes and dreams for them. Please, keep this under
ten thousand words. My second mini-homework for you is to answer the question: What is the most important thing my child should be doing now? This question is intentionally open because what is most important may not be academic or even school related. Include it in the essay or separate it as you please. Thanks in advance for sharing this important information with me. Many past essays have been touching, inspirational, and fun to read; all will help me serve you and your child better. Have fun and please drop around to see us!
8th Grade Notes and Reminders: If you are considering private high schools it is absolutely imperative that
we talk soon. There is a long critical pathway and several specific steps we need to take as a team to insure
your child’s acceptance to these demanding schools. The leadership training course with Fulcrum Adventures
trip scheduled for Nov, 7-9th this year. Please be sure you have paid us as we are obligated to pay vendors. We are also attempting to get our graduation trip deposits paid so we may enjoy a celebratory event in SF.
Forum: Our just completed forum was great fun! Thanks to all who made the time to join us as we explored
how to care for our young adolescents, our learning plans, and a variety of trip matters. Biggest crowd ever.
Once again, I want to encourage every parent to walk through the classroom door whenever the opportunity
presents itself. Even when we appear busy to you, most of the time, we are able to find three minutes to
check-in with. If we truly cannot spare a moment, very rare, we will quietly signal that to you. Establishing a
steady steam of parent visitors is important for adolescent brain development, their sense of safety, and to provide multiple perspectives during learning discussions. Please join us! Your physical presence is, after your child, the most valuable thing you can contribute to our school community.
I know they will initially resist your presence, you might even get some serious “stink eye,” when you first
start visiting, but soon a new normal will exist and we can enter the sylvan fields of true partnership.
Enjoy the 3-day weekend!
Kurt: kholland@smmusd.orgDarwin: dmendinueto@smmusd.org
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JOIN SMASH PTSA
Parent Teacher Student Association
Have you joined the SMASH PTSA yet? Complete the white PTSA
membership envelope that came home with your child in the First Day
Packet. Drop the completed envelope and check (payable to SMASH PTSA)
at the office. Extra envelopes are there too.
It costs only $8 per membership to join. We recommend that you
purchase a membership for every member of your family. 4 family
members --> 4 memberships --> 4 SMASH Phone Books --> $32.
Don’t be afraid that if you become a member, something will be
expected of you. While we welcome anyone who wants to volunteer
or come to meetings, we don't require our members to volunteer or
attend meetings. Your membership simply shows that you support
what we are doing for the teachers, the kids and the school. The extent
of your commitment to us is your $8 dues. When you join, WE make a
commitment to YOU.
And if you do want to get more involved, awesome! Baby steps are fine.
You’re welcome to come to one of our monthly meetings and just
listen. Get to know who’s working on what. Maybe find something
you’re interested in and get involved. Your involvement in PTSA will
build skills in leadership, communication and advocacy.
Any questions, email Snow Lam-Hansen (mother of Tia/Core 1 and
Kim Hansen/Core 2) at snowwht@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Snow Lam-Hansen Jamee Tenzer Jessica Rishe
PTSA Membership V.P. PTSA President Principal
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Santa Monica WPF
Splashball/10u Water Polo
FALL 2012
2012 Spring Session: August 29-November 17
Practices: Wednesdays 6-7 PM and/or Saturdays 10-11 AM
Place: Samohi’s Drake Pool (Indoor, heated)
Splashball is designed to encourage elementary school boys and
girls, to play water polo in a fun relaxing environment. Splashball
is an introduction to the sport of water polo. The water polo
rules have been modified to allow the young athletes to develop
the water polo skills, games concepts, and teamwork. It is played
in the shallow end of the pool, the kids can touch the bottom.
We will be working of swim skills as well.
Matt Flanders, coach of the championship Samohi water polo teams, and a teacher at Samohi, will coach
the team. The girls and boys of the Samohi teams will assist him.
For more info call 310-266-0864 or logo on to www.samohiaquatics.com
Children should be water safe before they come to practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need to know how to play water polo?
Splashball has been setup specifically for those children that are beginners to water polo and the want to learn. We will have water polo trained coaches that will do the teaching and explain all aspects of water polo and some swim stroke techniques.
Is Water Polo a rough sport to play; especially for young children?
The Splashball program has been designed and structured as a NO CONTACT program. This will allow new athletes to experience a new sport and learn to have fun playing water polo.
What is the cost and what do we get?
The cost is $135 (plus USWP Membership for new players, $30). That will cover pool rental, coaching and a Splashball T Shirt.
What should I bring to practice?
Please bring a great enthusiasm and excitement along with a swimsuit and towel. A speedo type swim suit
or jam swim suit would be best for boys; and a full piece swim suit for girls.
Do you have a child in middle school who is interested in water polo? Try our sister program Santa
Monica Water Polo at www.santamonicawater.com.
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