Week 13 Grading Period 1 November 3, 2025
It was another great week at PBE. Our Student Leadership Team launched this year’s Red Ribbon Week and read the mission statements from third grade classes. Our staff and students have been working on mission statements as part of being a Leader in Me School. This school year, we will working towards becoming a Lighthouse school. At a Leader in Me Lighthouse School, being a leader means that every student, staff member, and community partner sees themselves as capable of leadership and personal growth. The Lighthouse designation is the highest recognition a Leader in Me school can earn, showing excellence in teaching and living out The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and in building a leadership culture throughout the school.
This week, PBE was also recognized on behalf of Senator Blakespear, representing California State Senate District 38. We were recognized by the Educational Results Partnership (ERP) as a 2025 California Honor Roll School!
Our school’s continued growth shows that students are learning, improving, and getting ready for success in college, careers, and life. Educational success is one of the strongest indicators of community well-being and economic growth.
We ended the week with our annual Halloween parade led by our wonderful Student leadership Team. Our PBE staff is the absolute best and they all dressed up for the occasion.
The students who were caught demonstrating leadership last week were also announced. Please join me in celebrating them:
TK: Alba and Arsoni Sebastian, Spencer, Jace
2: Atwell Summer and Esmeralda
4: Cromar Ade and Anthony
1: Denenberg/Marquardt Kate and Milo
3: Warner Ryder and Lena
2: Taylor Nolan and Mila
5/4: Reynolds Kirra and Marcelo
1: Luce Jude and Summer
3/4: Raugewitz Wolfe and Zareen
TK: LP and Crawford Isabelle and Allison
K: Alba Scarlett and Andrew
5: Salcido Carlos and Riley
K: Sette Owen and Gianna
It’s great to be a Penguin!
With penguin pride,
Dr. Karon Schnitzer
Dates to Remember
- November 5th- FOPBE Meeting 5:30-6:30 (virtual and in-person)
- November 10th-11th- No School (Non-instructional Day and Veterans’ Day
- November 17th-21st- Minimum Days for Parent-Teacher Conferences -12:15 Dismissal
- November 24th-28th- Happy Thanksgiving Break! No School
- December 10- FOPBE Meeting 5:30-6:30
- December 16- SSC Meeting 2:30-3:30
- December 19th- Minimum Day- Dismissal at 12:15 and Winter Break Begins!
- December 22-January 5- Winter Break- No School
- January 15th- STEAM Night at PBE- 5:00-6:30
- January 19th- No School in celebration of Martin Luther King
- January 20th- Leader in Me Readiness Check
- January 26th- FPBE Meeting 5:30-6:30
- February 6th- FOPBE Glow Party
We are a Leader in Me School
As mentioned above, we are going to be reviewed for Lighthouse certification this school year- the highest recognition possible. on January 20th, we will have a “Readiness Check” with our Leader in Me (LIM) coach and on May 8th will be our certification visit/Student Leadership Day. If you would like to be on our parent panel to highlight all of the things that PBE does to empower student leadership and voice, please email Dr. Schnitzer at kschnitzer@sandi.net.
🌟 For Students
Being a leader means:
- Living the 7 Habits — taking responsibility for your choices (Habit 1: Be Proactive), setting goals (Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind), and working well with others (Habit 6: Synergize).
- Finding your voice — recognizing your strengths and using them to make a difference at school and in the community.
- Leading by example — showing kindness, respect, and responsibility whether or not anyone is watching.
- Setting and tracking goals — through personal and academic “WIGs” (Wildly Important Goals) and student leadership notebooks.
- Serving others — contributing to class jobs, school-wide leadership roles, or community projects.
🌟 For Staff
Being a leader means:
- Modeling the 7 Habits in daily practice.
- Empowering students to lead their own learning.
- Building a culture where every child knows they have value and a purpose.
- Collaborating and reflecting to continuously improve.
🌟 For the School Community
Being a Leader in Me Lighthouse School means:
- Leadership is not just a program—it’s a way of life.
- The school environment encourages student voice, ownership, and shared responsibility.
- Families and community members are partners in developing leadership and life skills.
- The school consistently demonstrates measurable growth in culture, academics, and leadership.
Art Cards are Due November 10th
Time is ticking! ⏰ The deadline to place your Original Works orders is almost here—final orders are due November 10th.
This special program turns your child’s artwork into personalized keepsakes and gifts (think mugs, magnets, tote bags and more!) It’s creativity with a cause, and a great excuse to brag about your little Picasso.
💡 How to order:
Just follow the easy instructions in the flyer that came home with your child. A few clicks, and their masterpiece becomes a memory that lasts.
Have questions?
Contact: Shirin Naghavi
📧 PBEartcards@gmail.com
Thank you for supporting our fundraiser—and for celebrating the amazing artists in our school!
STEAM at PBE with SDYS
We hope you and your students enjoyed our Kelp Forest Ecology and Stewardship sessions! Everyone’s enthusiasm was amazing. We appreciate your participation and engagement as well. It’s so nice having you join in the exploration!
Your student scientists asked such interesting questions, really connecting prior knowledge from science experiences with us, as well as with teachers and their families. We were so impressed with the way they cared for the live animals, and their engagement around how we create life support for the marine invertebrates — through constant monitoring of temperature (water below 57°F with ice packs), providing algae every other day for herbivores, and feeding frozen squid and shrimp to the carnivores.
Here is more to explore…
Polychaete Worms (Ophiodromus puggettensis)
Some of our student groups made an exciting discovery—polychaete worms hiding on the underside of a live bat star! These commensal worms aren’t something we often find, making this a truly special observation. (I’ve attached a picture.) These polychaete worms make their home between the bat star’s tube feet, feeding on tiny food particles left behind. In return, the bat star protects the worms by sheltering them within the grooves of its arms. So far, research hasn’t found any negative effects on the bat stars, making this a fascinating example of a symbiotic relationship. Here is a link from Monterey Bay, discover more! I hope your students realize what a rare and exciting find this was!
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
California Fish and Wildlife manages the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). One of these MPAs is right in Pacific Beach, where we took students tidepooling last year!
In 1999, California passed the Marine Life Protection Act, requiring a science-based network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Planned over 13 years with input from diverse stakeholders, the network was completed in 2012, becoming the nation’s first statewide system and the largest ecologically connected MPA network in the world. The research from one of our collaborators, Dr. Ed Parnell, was instrumental in the creation of these networks that protect these natural habitats by limiting human disturbance.
Our local MPA begins at Diamond Street and encompasses more than five square miles of dense kelp forest, rocky and sandy intertidal areas, and rocky reefs. This is named the South La Jolla Southern Marine Reserve/State Marine Conservation Area, and this is where we took Kate Sessions students tidepooling last year. You can view the different MPAs and find out how they protect each area with this MPA map link. Within this area, we cannot injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marne resource. This is why we instruct our students that we can only take photos and human trash when leaving the habitat.
Dr. Ed Parnell’s Kelp Forest Videos
PBE is Looking for PALS
PBE is looking for PALS! Pals is Parents at Lunch Support. Are you available to volunteer Mondays, Tuesday, Thursday, and/or Fridays from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.?
Being a PBE PAL is a great way to support our school and also see your child during the school day. If you are available and willing, even if it is just one or two days a week, please email Dr. Schnitzer at kschnitzer@sandi.net.
Being a PBE volunteer is easy, you just need to complete a volunteer application, provide a copy of TB (tuberculosis) clearance – these are good for 4 years, and provide a copy of your driver’s license.
New Volunteer Information from SDUSD
This messaging was received from SDUSD and sent out from our PBE office last week.
Here is the breakdown of volunteer levels:
Modernization Update
Thank you for sharing your feedback as to which image you prefer and which location. We had an overwhelming response and option number 1 has won!
Option 1- outside of MPR:
Media Release Form
During the school year, schools host events where representatives of the news media may be on campus to gather photographs and/or video footage.
In addition, parents and students may take photos of events in classrooms or around schools. These photos may be posted on the Internet, on social media, on your child’s classroom site, or otherwise distributed without the permission of the school. Your child’s participation in these events is valued, and parent permission is needed to include him or her in events where photography may take place.
Parents/Guardians who prefer that their child not be photographed or video recorded must notify the school. Schools make every effort to ensure the wishes of the parent/guardian. Please be aware that photographing and video recording by devices such as a mobile phones may take place without the knowledge of the teacher, principal or district staff.
(Please complete THIS FORM form for EACH individual child).
After-School Programs
If you have any questions about our after-school programs for next school year, please reach out to one of our following contacts:
Klassic Kids 619-534-2846
Prime Time 858-282-7537
Whole Child 619-791-6611
We encourage you to visit and explore the 2025-26 PrimeTime website (https://www.sdusdelo.com/academic-year-primetime) for additional information about the application timeline, process and student eligibility.
For questions, please contact Extended Learning Opportunities, PrimeTime Office at (858) 503-1870 or email primetime@sandi.net.!
PBE School Site Council (SSC)
Our amazing SSC met on October 21st.. They approved the 2025-2026 Site Emergency Response Plan (SERP) which can be found here.
During our meeting, we discussed the importance of communication should any type of emergency arise. We will be conducting drills of our communication system on Monday, October 27th at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, October 29th at 10:00 a.m., and on Monday, November 3rd at 10:00 a.m. Please contact Mrs. Reyna at greyna@sandi.net if you DO NOT receive these DRILL communications. Please note that this is the primary way that we communicate with you so your receipt of messages is very important.
PBE Mission and Vision Statements
Last year, we took our then current school mission and vision statements and sought and embraced feedback and input from our staff, community, and especially our students. Our mission and vision statements were slightly revised this year.
Our classes have been working on mission statements too. Ask your child what their mission statement is.
Communication
We believe that strong communication between home and school is vital for student success. We will continue to use our school website, school Messenger, weekly emails of our Penguin Press, and our mobile app, Konstella, to keep you informed about important events, updates, and classroom activities. Konstella: https://www.konstella.com/cd/FYA4UQ).Please ensure that your contact information is up to date in our system so that you receive all communications in a timely manner. Be sure to follow FOPBE on social media (https://www.instagram.com/fopbe and www.facebook.com/FOPBE)
PBE is Leader in Me
A Leader in Me School is a school that helps students discover and develop the leader within themselves. It’s based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey and focuses on teaching leadership, responsibility, and life skills—not just academics.
Core Idea: Every student has the ability to lead — to make good choices, set goals, and help others.
A Leader in Me School helps students learn how to do that every day, both in and out of the classroom.
What You’ll See in a Leader in Me School
- Students leading assemblies, helping in the community, or welcoming visitors
- Leadership roles in classrooms (like greeters, tech helpers, or kindness leaders)
- Students tracking their goals in “Leadership Notebooks”
- A positive, respectful school culture where everyone contributes
School-Wide Expectations
As we strive to cultivate a positive and supportive learning environment at PBE, I wanted to take a moment to remind you of our school-wide expectations, which are:
Be Safe
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Kind
These expectations are not only integral to creating a conducive atmosphere for learning within the school premises but are also fundamental principles that contribute to the overall well-being and development of our students.
In line with our commitment to fostering these values, I encourage you to reinforce these expectations at home as well. By practicing safety, respect, and responsibility in your daily interactions and activities with your child, you not only support their growth and character development but also reinforce the importance of these principles beyond the classroom.
MTSS at PBE
What is MTSS?
MTSS is a proactive, data-driven framework used in elementary schools to support the academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and attendance needs of all students. It provides layered support through increasing levels of intervention based on each student’s individual needs.
Please find our MTSS Handbook HERE
Please find our Restorative Discipline Policy Here
Counselor’s Corner- An Note From Mr. Kamansky- PBE’s Amazing School Counselor
We’re excited to share that our school is transitioning from learning about each other to taking action together! Our 5th-grade No Place For Hate leaders have begun visiting individual classrooms to present anti-bullying techniquesand share ways we can all help make PBE a kind, respectful, and inclusive place for everyone. We’re so proud of our student leaders for taking on this important role! 💛
🌟 PBE Attendance Update! 🌟
Way to go, PBE families! We love seeing our students show up ready to learn every day. Remember—every day counts when it comes to learning, friendships, and fun!
If your child will be out three days or more for illness, bereavement, vacation, or injury, please contact the office to request an Independent Study Contract. This allows your child to stay caught up on schoolwork, not be counted absent, and helps PBE maintain important school funding.
Let’s keep aiming high, PBE! Consistent attendance helps our students grow, learn, and thrive—together we can make everyday count! 💙🐬
Students are finishing up their Zones of Regulation unit and will soon be transitioning into Anti-bullying lessons, led by our 5th grade “No Place For Hate” Group. Congratulations to Mrs. Atwell’s class for winning our first attendance competition and earning a popcorn and movie party! In October, we’ll be kicking off another attendance challenge—this time, the winning class will get to wear pajamas for the day and enjoy popsicles and a movie. Lastly, Core Academy will be starting on October 25th. Please be on the lookout in the upcoming weeks for sign up opportunities. Thank you for your support.
NO Place for Hate
Here is our pledge so that you can practice with your child at home too:
Ally Action is Coming to PBE
Ally Action bullying intervention program is a program designed to promote positive school climate, bystander intervention options with a priority for de-escalation, and facilitating a school-wide conversation around what bullying IS and what it is NOT as well as the many strategies for addressing it. Ally Action seeks to move the climate needle from a culture of bystanders to a culture of upstanders and we are committed to student empowerment as a vehicle to help fulfill that goal. Additional details coming soon.
Friends of Pacific Beach Elementary (FOPBE)
FOPBE is on Instagram and Facebook! Follow FOPBE to stay up to date about PBE events, announcements, and reminders, plus fun facts and highlights about our wonderful school! Follow FOPBE at https://www.instagram.com/fopbe/ and/or https://www.facebook.com/FOPBE/
Please connect with our parent partners at: pacificbeachelementary@gmail.com
Parent/Family Handbook
Did you know that our handbook answers many questions that you may have. Please refer to our 2025-2026 Parent/family handbook here.
