January 2026 – The Penguin Press

The Penguin Press

Week 24 Grading Period February 2, 2026

This week we kicked off Kindness Week and Ms. Raugewitz’ class shared poems and activities for this year’s Kindness Challenge and week of fun. We are so proud of the leadership that Ms. Raugewitz’ class demonstrated in planning and public speaking about this event.

Kindness Week is a special time at school (or in a community) when everyone focuses on being extra kind to others. It’s about noticing how our words and actions affect people—and choosing to make someone’s day better.

That can look like:

Helping a classmate
Including someone who feels left out
Using kind words (even when it’s hard!)
Writing thank-you notes or compliments
Doing small good deeds just because

The big idea: kindness doesn’t have to be big to matter. Little acts can make a school feel safer, happier, and more connected.

These students were caught demonstrating one or more of the SEVEN Habits of leadership and were celebrated during our Monday Morning Huddle last week:

4: Cromar Maju and Joaquin
TK: Alba & Arsoni Sarah and Sebby
2: Taylor Lincoln and Logan
1: Luce Adeline and Alden
2: Atwell Grayson and Emilia
5/4: Reynolds Jett
K: Sette Matias and Crosby
3/4: Raugewitz David and Coral
3: Warner Lena and Carter
1: Denenberg/Marquardt Aubreyrose and Milo
5: Salcido Charley G and Liam
TK: LP and Crawford Pablo and Layla

It’s great to be a Penguin!

With penguin pride,

Dr. Karon Schnitzer

Dates to Remember

February 2nd- No Morning Huddle- Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony- space is limited- reserved seating only- see more details below
February 3rd-5th (after school session on 2/4)- FOPBE Scholastic Book Fair
February 6th- FOPBE Glow Party-5:00-7:30 p.m.
February 13th and 16th- No School- Presidents’ Day Weekend
February 20th- Penguin Dash Jog-a-thon
February 23rd- FOPBE Meeting- 5:30-6:30
February 26th- No School- See details below
March 7th- Gulls Game- Details to Come
March 9th- There will be school on this previously designated non-instructional day due to the closure on 2/26.
March 17th- SSC 2:30-3:30
March 25th- FOPBE Meeting 5:30-6:30
March 26th and 27th- Minimum Days wit dismissal at 12:15 for Spring Conferences
March 30-April 3- SPRING BREAK-
April 6th- School Resumes
April 16th- OPEN HOUSE and PB Town Council Community Expo- 5:00-6:00
April 21st- SSC 2:30-3:30
April 23rd- FOPBE Meeting 5:30-6:30
April 24th- FOPBE Auction- Details to Come
May 25th- No School- Memorial Day
May 27th- Kindergarten Promotion
May 28th- Fifth Grade Promotion- 8:00-9:00 and Last Day of School- Enjoy your Summer!!!

It’s Black History Month!

February is Black History Month, a time when we intentionally honor and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and lasting impact of Black Americans throughout history and today.

Throughout the month, students will engage in age-appropriate lessons, read-alouds, discussions, and activities that highlight influential Black leaders, artists, scientists, authors, and changemakers. Our focus is on celebrating resilience, creativity, leadership, and the many ways Black history is woven into our shared story.

At Pacific Beach Elementary, we believe it is important for students to see themselves reflected in their learning and to grow in understanding and respect for the experiences of others. Black History Month supports our commitment to inclusivity, empathy, and developing thoughtful global citizens.

Project Ujima – Black History Celebration – Feb 5

Please join us for a vibrant and engaging celebration of African American History with district leaders, teachers, students, families, and community partners. This event promises to be a dynamic experience, fostering connection, learning, and celebration for all ages. Let’s celebrate history, culture, and community together!

Games & Trivia
Music & Dance
Arts & Crafts
Local Authors & Artists
Resources & Prizes
When: Thursday, February 5, 2026

Time: 5:00pm – 5:30pm – Light Dinner | 5:30pm – 6:30pm – Black History Celebration

School-Drop off/Pick-Up Safety

In the aftermath of sweet Hudson’s tragic death, I know many of us are feeling a heightened sense of urgency and responsibility when it comes to keeping our children safe. Double-parking during drop-off/pick-up creates dangerous conditions, particularly for students exiting vehicles, cyclists, and families crossing the street.

Student safety is our highest priority, and we rely on all adults to model patience and responsible decision-making, even during busy and stressful mornings/afternoons. Double-parking is not permitted during drop-off/pick-up, and we will be continuing our efforts in reinforcing this expectation with our school community through continued student, staff, and Officer supervision during arrival/dismissal. Please help us be diligent in ensuring the safe arrival and departure of every student and adult that we serve.

PBE is Hosting Summer School This Year

PARENTS SUMMER SUPPORT/OFFICE/HOURS:
- Summer 2026 Parent Information Meeting in Partnership with Family Engagement
  - February 4th, 5:30 pm-6:30 pm or February 5, 10:00 am- 11:00 am via Zoom
  - Parent Engagement Flier English
  - Parent Engagement Flier Spanish

Help Us Choose Our New Makerspace Mural!

We are excited to share a special addition coming to our new Makerspace! 🎨

Ms. Kaylie Denenberg, who many of you know and love, is also a talented muralist. She will be beautifying our Makerspace wall with a mural that reflects the heart of our school—our culture of inclusion, creativity, collaboration, and kindness.

We would love your voice in this process! Please take a moment to review the mural design options and vote for your favorite by February 6th. Your feedback will help guide the final design that our students and staff will enjoy for years to come. Please vote using THIS LINK.

Thank you for being such an engaged and supportive community. We can’t wait to bring this beautiful vision to life together!

Option 1 – Garden:

Option 2- Tide Pools:

Important Safety Update: Morning Campus Access for Running Club

On Wednesday, Officer De La Torre was on campus supporting professional learning for our staff and discussing ways we can continue to make PBE as safe as possible.

One area of concern that was identified was the gate attached to the original JUF on Turquoise Street, which has remained unlocked in the mornings to allow easy access for Running Club. While we understand this has been a long-standing request for convenience, Officer De La Torre strongly recommended that this gate remain locked and closed for safety reasons. We will be adhering to this recommendation.

The only way to access campus before 7:40 a.m. will be through the front office door.

We apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause and truly appreciate your understanding. Please know that every decision we make is guided by our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff.

FOPSS Missoula Children’s Theatre is Coming Soon!

The Friends of Pacific Beach Secondary Schools has contracted with Missoula Children’s Theatre to bring Alice in Wonderland to Pacific Beach Middle School February 23-28. Students from the PB cluster schools who are in grades 1-8 are invited to audition.

New Leader in Me Song

As you are aware, if you attended our Morning Huddle on Tuesday, our PBE Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) partnered with students to write a new song that we will begin singing during Morning Huddle.

The song, “This School Is Our School,” reflects who we are at PBE and what we believe in. It highlights our mission of inclusion, belonging, and love for all, and celebrates the voice and leadership of our students.

It has been incredibly meaningful to watch our students collaborate, create, and share a message that truly represents our school community. We are proud of their leadership and can’t wait for this song to become a joyful part of our Morning Huddle routine.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping us nurture a school culture where every child feels seen, valued, and included. Here is a THE VIDEO of some student leaders signing it as well as the lyrics so you too can join in our sing along during our Morning Huddles.

This School is Our School

Chorus

This land is your land,
This school is our school,
From the growing garden,
To the kinder playground.
From the cafeteria
To the green grass field,
This school was made for you and me.

Verse 1

We are all leaders, brave and kind,
We set big goals, and grow our minds.
We solve our problems, we work together,
This school was made for you and me.

Verse 2

So when we’re reading, counting, creating,
Dreaming big and celebrating,
We lift each other, we all belong here,
This school was made for you and me.

Chorus (Repeat)

This land is your land,
This school is our school,
From the growing garden
To the kinder playground.
From the cafeteria
To the green grass field,
This school was made for PBE.

Counselor’s Corner

This month in counseling, lessons will continue to focus on positive self-talk, social awareness, and self-awareness. Students will practice identifying unhelpful thoughts and replacing them with positive ones, while also working through fictional, age-appropriate awkward social situations to explore how they might react and make thoughtful choices. These activities help students build confidence, empathy, and strong problem-solving skills.

No School on February 26, 2026

On January 8th, the teacher’s union announced a one-day strike on February 26, 2026 regarding Special Education staffing issues as part of a statewide California Teacher’s Association initiative to bring educator pay and benefits in alignment with generous school districts like San Diego Unified.

Because it is important for us to maintain a healthy and harmonious learning environment for our students, along with maintaining the amount of instructional minutes, SDUSD will honor the SDEA strike and close schools on February 26, 2026. Closing schools for one day will ensure that students are not placed in situations where adequate supervision, instructional continuity, and campus safety cannot be reliably maintained. The make-up date for classes will be on March 9th to ensure students receive the instructional time and services to support their success.

Resources to answer any questions you may have:

An downloadable informational flyer with important facts – Linked here.
A website with detailed information and frequently asked questions – Linked here.
A link here to our Special Education Press Conference footage with details on our work to improve special education.
A link here to invite families to sign our petition to fully fund special education.

Modernization Update

To mark this milestone, we will be hosting a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Monday, February 2nd. Due to space constraints, this event will be closed to the larger community and attendance will be limited. Please note that there will be no Morning Huddle on Monday, February 2nd as we celebrate this special occasion.

We look forward to sharing photos and highlights from the celebration and thank you for being such an important part of our school community.

Our new Joint-Use Field (JUF) was turned over to our school to use and our students have enjoyed participating in PE and running on the track. The grass will not be ready to be stepped on until late spring, so it will open to the community at that time.

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.

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. Our next meeting is scheduled for March starting at 2:30 p.m. Join us in person in the PD Room or online.

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

On Monday, January 26, all students in grades K–5 began sharing their Leader in Me Leadership Notebooks with classmates as part of our continued growth as a Leader in Me School.

Leadership Notebooks are student-owned tools that help children track goals, reflect on their learning, and build self-confidence. By sharing their notebooks with peers, students have the opportunity to practice important leadership skills in a meaningful and supportive way.

This experience offers many benefits for students, including:

Building confidence and public speaking skills
Practicing reflection and goal-setting
Learning from one another’s strengths and ideas
Strengthening accountability and ownership of learning
Developing empathy, respect, and positive peer connections

We are proud of the leadership growth we are seeing across our school and grateful for your continued partnership in helping every child see themselves as a leader. Here are some questions that you can ask at home to learn more about their Leadership Notebooks:

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

NO Place for Hate

Here is our pledge so that you can practice with your child at home too:

Ally Action is Here!

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.

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.

The Penguin Press

Week 23 Grading Period January 26, 2025

We continued celebrating growth as a Leader in Me School last week. Over the past three years and truly the last few months, our students, staff, and families have been living out the 7 Habits in powerful ways—showing leadership, responsibility, kindness, and collaboration every day.

As part of this journey, our PBE ILT team and students worked together to create a brand-new song that we have begun singing during Morning Huddle. The song, “This School Is Our School,” celebrates our shared mission of inclusion, belonging, and love for all. It has already brought so much joy, unity, and school pride to our mornings, and the students are so proud of their work.

This moment reflects what makes PBE so special: student voice, shared leadership, and a community that believes every child can be a leader. Thank you for partnering with us, reinforcing these habits at home, and supporting our growth as we move closer to Leader in Me Lighthouse recognition.

These students were caught demonstrating one or more of the SEVEN Habits of leadership and were celebrated during our Tuesday Morning Huddle last week:

4: Cromar Sequoia and Sophie
2: Atwell Sophia and Isla
K: Sette Lily and Owen
1: Denenberg/Marquardt Quinn and Soleil
TK: Alba & Arsoni Spencer and Wolfie
2: Taylor Harper and Samina
3/4: Raugewitz Iker and Anna
3: Warner Penelope and Sunny
5/4: Reynolds Kian and Laurel
K: Alba Eve and Liam
1: Luce Hannah and Isla
5: Salcido Tanner and Owen
TK: LP and Crawford Pablo and Azalea

It’s great to be a Penguin!

With penguin pride,

Dr. Karon Schnitzer

Dates to Remember

January 24th- CORE Academy- See Below
January 23rd- FOPBE family night out at the Plunge from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.- Details below
January 26th- FOPBE Meeting 5:30-6:30
January 27th- SSC 2:30-3:30
January 26-30th- Kindness Challenge Week
February 2nd- No Morning Huddle
February 6th- FOPBE Glow Party-5:00-7:30 p.m.
February 13th and 16th- No School- Presidents’ Day Weekend
February 17th SSC 2:30-3:30
February 23rd- FOPBE Meeting- 5:30-6:30
February 26th- No School- See details below
March 7th- Gulls Game- Details to Come
March 9th- There will be school on this previously designated non-instructional day due to the closure on 2/26.
March 17th- SSC 2:30-3:30
March 25th- FOPBE Meeting 5:30-6:30
March 26th and 27th- Minimum Days wit dismissal at 12:15 for Spring Conferences
March 30-April 3- SPRING BREAK-
April 6th- School Resumes
April 16th- OPEN HOUSE and PB Town Council Community Expo- 5:00-6:00
April 21st- SSC 2:30-3:30
April 23rd- FOPBE Meeting 5:30-6:30
April 24th- FOPBE Auction- Details to Come
May 25th- No School- Memorial Day
May 27th- Kindergarten Promotion
May 28th- Fifth Grade Promotion- 8:00-9:00 and Last Day of School- Enjoy your Summer!!!

School-Drop off/Pick-Up Safety

Our Leader in Me Readiness Check was a SUCCESS!

I am thrilled to share some exciting news! After spending the day with Coach Kelly, our student leaders, and members of our community on Tuesday, 1/20, we have officially been deemed READY for Leader in Me Lighthouse status.

This is a powerful affirmation of the work we do every day to build leadership, culture, and belonging for our students. The consistency, intentionality, and heart behind our practices were clearly evident.

We will now move forward with our Leader in Me Lighthouse Certification Check in the spring. More details will be shared as we prepare together, but for now, please take a moment to celebrate this milestone and feel proud of what we have accomplished as a team.

Thank you for your commitment to our students and to one another. This recognition truly reflects who we are.

We are looking to HIRE ONE Noon Duty

We’re looking to hire a Noon Duty Assistant ($17.39/hour), working Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Basic Function

Assist the school staff by supervising pupils in cafeteria areas and on playgrounds during lunch and recess period.

Representative Duties

E = Essential Functions

Provide continuous supervision to pupils in the cafeteria, lunch arbor, and on playgrounds as assigned. E

Maintain order in serving lines and at eating areas. E

Guide pupils in maintaining clean eating and play areas. E

Lead or supervise organized and unorganized recreation. E

Enforce school rules concerning the health, safety, and proper behavior of pupils. E

Correct or report conditions hazardous to the health and safety of children. E

Report all accidents involving actual or suspected pupil injury to the principal or designated staff. E

Perform related duties as assigned.

ABILITY TO:

Follow verbal and written instructions and to effectively supervise children.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Hearing and speaking to exchange information; seeing to perform assigned duties; standing for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers; kneeling, bending at the waist, and reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to perform assigned duties; lifting light objects. Indoor and/or outdoor settings.

If you are interested in working at PBE, please email Jennifer Toledo: jtoledo@sandi.net

Important Safety Update: Morning Campus Access for Running Club

On Wednesday, Officer De La Torre was on campus supporting professional learning for our staff and discussing ways we can continue to make PBE as safe as possible.

Beginning Tuesday, January 20th, the only way to access campus before 7:40 a.m. will be through the front office door.

FOPSS Missoula Children’s Theatre is Coming Soon!

New Leader in Me Song