The Manhattan Wine Auction is a charitable auction benefiting the

School Notes
Manhattan Beach Education Foundation
Winter, 2004
Dear MBUSD Parent,
This letter comes to you at a critical time for the
Manhattan Beach Unified School District. We
have so much to be proud of – student
achievement among the highest in the state, a
world-class faculty, modernized schools – and
so much to be concerned about: an operating
budget with a record high deficit of $5 million.
District, PTAs and MBEF are beginning a new
working relationship. We must pool our
resources to build the MBEF endowment and
fund the programs vital to our children’s
education. The MBUSD will no longer offer
programs that do not have a three-year funding
commitment.
Our district is not alone in this plight. Schools
across California are in serious financial trouble.
But the solution to our problems must be found
here at home.
The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation
is in the middle of its annual fund drive.
State and federal resources provide barely
enough funding for the most basic, mandated
programs. The programs that are a crucial part
of a child’s education, including school libraries,
music, educational counselors and technology
centers, are not, and will not be, fully supported
by public funds.
As a community, we must accept the reality
that only local funds will maintain these
programs, this year and in the years to come.
Under new leadership, Superintendent Gwen
Gross and Assistant Superintendent Steve
McMahon, our District is meeting this challenge
head on. Their plan is to make conservative,
sound fiscal decisions today to insure the
financial stability of our district. They have made
their message clear:
The 2004-2005 budget MUST be balanced.
Working with principals, teachers, staff and
parents to establish budget priorities, the school
board has determined those programs that both
education professionals and parents deem
essential.
To pay for these programs, the Education
Foundation will play an increasingly important
role working together with school PTAs. There
will be no “Vital Funds” campaign this year. To
provide long-term financial stability to our
Some families have told us that they are waiting
to give, to hear the call for funds. This is that
call. The District is structuring a budget for the
2004-05 school year. The time to give is now,
and the need is great.
Please be part of the solution by making a
generous donation to the Manhattan Beach
Education Foundation today.
Carolyn Leserman
MBEF President
Franci Agajanian
Mira Costa PTA
President
Nancy Hersman
MBMS PTA President
Tammy Irvin
Grand View PTA
President
Jean Van Zanten
Meadows PTA President
Linda Harper
Pacific PTA President
Cindy Ellenberg
Pennekamp PTA
Co-President
Diane Levitt
Pennekamp PTA
Co-President
Ellen Rosenberg
Robinson PTA President
Grant Spotlight: A Visit with the Elementary Band and Strings Teachers
"Starting in February or March, nearby teachers can leave their doors open,” says band teacher Dawn Farmer as
she sums up the annual miracle of turning honks and squeaks into music from her enthusiastic beginners.
"We are here to build a passion," adds strings teacher Frances Orvis. "We build basic music technique so children
can find success. We allow students to explore. Do they like this? Do they have a talent?" Even if they don't
become performers, she wants her students "to appreciate music, become life-long music fans."
Manhattan Beach is Dawn Farmer's first teaching job. Frances Orvis has retired and returned. From opposite
ends of their careers, they share a common goal: providing the finest music education to our children.
MBEF and Vital Programs Grant
Almost $2 Million for 2003-04
MBEF - Elementary
Choral Music Instructors
Instrumental Music Instructors
Art Instructor
Young at Art
National Teacher Certification
MBEF - MBMS
Grade Level Counselor
Instrumental Music Assistant
Vocal Music Accompanist
MBEF - Mira Costa
College and Career Counselor
Educational Advisor
Library Media Specialist
Technology Director
Computer Lab Assistant
Strings Instructor
Music Assistant
SUBTOTAL - MBEF
Grant
$125,000
72,700
58,100
4,000
8,000
63,000
10,000
10,000
80,300
58,096
39,318
34,279
22,284
12,600
8,945
$606,622
Vital Programs - Elementary
Education Support Specialists
Physical Education Instructors
Computer Specialists
Library Specialists
356,672
245,318
140,390
65,661
Vital Programs - MBMS
Grade Level Counselors (two)
Library Media Specialist
Office Specialist
136,795
41,246
30,949
Vital Programs - Mira Costa
Educational Advisor
Athletic/Activities Staff Secretary
Office Specialist
ASB Advisor
Test Coordinator Office Specialist
Athletic Trainer
Broadcast/Stage Technician
Computer Lab Assistant
SUBTOTAL - VITAL PROGRAMS
67,309
42,836
42,518
41,062
34,282
30,240
30,229
18,313
$1,323,820
GRAND TOTAL MBEF/Vital Programs
$1,930,442
The two teachers share a surprising background. In
addition to being credentialed music educators, they are
both trained in the sciences. Ms. Farmer began her
college studies as an aerospace engineering major and
Mrs. Orvis has a degree in biology. Teaching music
incorporates math and science, as well as history and
reading, they explain.
Mrs. Orvis praises Ms. Farmer's "patience and sensitivity
to children" and her "solid background in music." Ms.
Farmer admires Mrs. Orvis’s knowledge and experience,
saying "she’s been through everything."
The students likewise learn to work as a team. "If you fail
a math test, it affects only you," says Ms. Farmer. "But
with music, you have a group responsibility to 60 others to
practice."
The entire elementary instrumental music program is paid
for by donations to the Ed Foundation. Says Mrs. Orvis,
"We are so fortunate the community supports this.”
Look Where Our Students Got Accepted to College!
Guided by Mira Costa’s college counselors, this year’s graduating seniors were accepted at top colleges all over
America. Your MBEF donations provide one of the two full-time career/college counselors, who help students find
the right school and put their best foot forward in the application process.
Last year’s seniors were accepted at the University of California (all 8 campuses) and the California State
Universities (21 different campuses). They were admitted to 26 California private universities and colleges,
including Cal Tech, Claremont, LMU, Occidental, Pomona, Santa Clara, Stanford, University of San Diego, and
USC.
Out of state schools include Annapolis, Boston University, Brown, Bryn Mawr, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell,
Dartmouth, Duke, Georgetown, George Washington, New York University, Northeastern, Northwestern, Penn
State, Princeton, Purdue, Rutgers, University of Chicago, UC Boulder, University of Massachusetts, University of
Michigan, University of Virginia, Vanderbilt, and Vassar – among a total of 144 out-of-state schools.
For a list of all the schools, see the College and Career Center section of the Mira Costa web site at
www.mchs.manhattan.k12.ca.us.
What If??
What would your elementary student’s school day be like without the programs supported by
parent donations?
•
•
•
•
•
NO story or research time in the library
NO learning to use the internet safely in
computer lab
NO physical education specialist
NO instrumental music AT ALL!
NO break from the classroom routine
What would your middle school student’s day be like?
•
•
•
NO access to the library HALF of each day
Only TWO educational advisors for 1,300
students!!
NO assistants in instrumental and choral music
classes with up to 65 students
How would your high school student’s day change?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
MUCH larger class sizes
NO librarian
ONE college and career counselor for 2,400
students
SIGNIFICANTLY reduced clerical help for
college transcripts, recommendations, etc.
NO Broadcast Studio
NO Marine Science Lab
SIGNIFICANTLY reduced on-campus security
Donations to the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation touch the life of every child in the Manhattan
Beach Unified School District. Thank you for your continued generosity.
OUR SINCERE THANKS
to all of you who made the
2003 Wine Auction
the most successful ever. Our schools,
children and community all recognize
your support and thank you for it.
Manhattan Country Club
Founding Sponsor
Platinum Supporters
Gold Supporters
Belkin Components
Wine Advisory Board
Insync Media
Raytheon
Wells Fargo
Corporate Tables
City National Bank
Continental Development Corp
Everpure Water, Inc.
First Coastal Bank
Flewelling & Moody Architecture
Rob & Danielle Freedman/Chantel
Goldman Sachs
Hawthorne Savings
Houlihan, Lokey, Howard, & Zukin
Lord Abbot & Co.
Merrill Lynch
Millbank, Tweed, Hadley &
McCloy LLP
Northrop Grumman Space
Technology
Parallel Technology
Quiksilver
Serono Laboratories, Inc.
Shorewood Realtors
The Simmons & Ralph Families
Skechers
Andrew & Erin Sloves
South Bay Brokers
Timcor Financial Corporation
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Private Reserve Group of Vineyard
Bank
Wayland & Vukadinovich
1-800 Dentist
Participating Restaurants
Ben & Jerry’s
* Bluewater Grill
Bora Bora
Cafe Pierre
China Grill
Club 705
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse &
Wine Bar
Francesca’s Wine Bistro
Hansen’s Beverage Co.
* Il Boccacio
Il Fornaio
Jackson’s Village Bistro
LA Food Show
* Legacy
Lido
Manhattan Coffee Company
* Manhattan Country Club
McCormick & Schmick’s
Michi Restaurant
Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant
Paradise Creamery
PF Chang’s
Ragin’ Cajun Café
Reed’s
Rock N Fish
* towne
W’s China Bistro
* Host Restaurant to the Wine
Advisory Board
.. And a Special Thanks to all
the Committee Members,
Volunteers & Guests who make
the Manhattan Wine Auction
possible every year!
Photos by Rae Dunitz
Coming June 12, 2004
The 10th Annual
Manhattan Wine Auction
Fifth Annual Golf Tournament
Raises Over $25,000
The Fifth Annual Golf Tournament held at Palos
Verdes Country Club raised over $25,000 for the
MBEF. Following a barbeque lunch sponsored by El
Segundo Power, players tested their skills in the
putting contest
and began with
a shotgun start.
The 124 golfers
enjoyed
a
beautiful day of
sunshine, golf
and
contests,
including four
chances to win a new Mercedes-Benz by making a
hole-in-one. Many thanks to our tournament
Executive Sponsor, Mercedes-Benz of South Bay,
and Charlie Alfano, general manager. After golf,
everyone enjoyed refreshments at the 19th hole
sponsored by O’Melveny & Myers. The evening
ended with a buffet dinner and awards and prizes.
Thanks to all our donors and sponsors, including
program pamphlet sponsor First Coastal Bank, our
volunteers, and our committee members: Randy
Dotemoto, Julian Ryder, Sherry Kramer, Marija
Kosanovich, Stephanie Beverly, Nick Cavallo, Susan
Patterson, Jim Furlan, Dennis Draper, Candy Currie,
Richard Wennekamp, Gary Wayland and David
Sonnenblick.
Please join us for the 6th Annual Golf Tournament on
Monday, August 23.
Tournament co-chair Randy Dotemoto (second from left) and his
team members from longtime sponsors NIX Check Cashing and
Union Bank of California.
New Oktoberfest Nets $44,000
Oktoberfest -- MBEF's new fundraising event last
October -- was a huge success with 500 attendees
at the new Atrium building, owned by Continental
Development Corporation on Rosecrans. The event
raised $44,000.
The weather was balmy and perfect and the
opportunity to eat, drink and be merry in a lovely
setting was appreciated by all who attended.
The idea for an Oktoberfest came from George
Mihlsten, who spearheaded the event with the
assistance of Bob Campbell, Mickey Mellman, Craig
Kline, Orris Cowgill, Sherry Kramer, Susan Patterson
and Pat Parker.
Oktoberfest
committee
members (left to right):
John Karaczynski, Craig
Kline, George Mihlsten,
and Dr. Mickey Mellman.
Special thanks go to Continental Development
Corporation and Madison Marquette, the event's
major sponsors. Advertising was donated by Siltanen
Keehn Advertising who designed the invitations and
posters and Weber Printing who printed them. Daily
Grill, Patman Meats, and King's Seafood supplied
the food, with beverages provided by Anheuser
Busch and Sepulveda Wine Company. Plants and
flowers came from Annie's Nursery and Florist.
Traditional German music by Polka Dudes and
dance music by Dietz Brothers enlivened the event.
Thanks to Universal Protection for their service.
Photos by Rae Dunitz
Vineyard Bank Pledges $10,000 for
MBEF Wine Auction
Vineyard Bank is the latest business to join the ranks
of $10,000 Platinum Supporters for our 2004 wine
auction. A Manhattan Beach lender for over 10
years, Vineyard Bank is located at 1230 Rosecrans
Avenue, 6th floor. It specializes in commercial
banking and lending for single-family home
construction.
Jeff Goodrich, center, is pictured with Michael Emmetti, right, and MBEF
board member Gary Wayland, an MBMS team player. Contact Jeff
Goodrich at 420-0441 to be a sponsor next year!
Vineyard Bank believes in giving back to the
community and feels the Ed Foundation is the
perfect way. Thank you, Vineyard Bank, for your
generosity to our schools!
Parent Soccer Tournament
Raises $18,500
Parents from all five elementary schools and MBMS
held a soccer tournament last November that raised
$18,500 for the Ed Foundation. Each school formed
a team of parents and staff and raised funds to
participate.
Parent Jeff Goodrich got the idea from the parents’
basketball tournament for MBEF last spring. “There
was so much interest to support our kids’ education,
it was easy to get parent, community, and business
involvement,” said Jeff.
The many donors included Rich Homes, Inc. at
$1000, and, at the $500-to-$1000 level, First Coastal
Bank, Good Stuff Restaurant, Goodrich Construction,
HMD Group, Inc., Jenkins & Hogin LLP, Lauzon &
Euler, and Stephen Radl Painting.
Team Coordinators were Michael Emmetti (Grand
View), Jeff Goodrich (Pennekamp), Michael Jenkins
(MBMS),
Tim
Kidder
(Robinson),
Bob
Schottenhammer (Meadows), and Dave Taylor
(Pacific).
Pictured are Branch Vice President Glen Gekow, top right, and bank
employees Wilder Foncea, top left, Melinda Morris, bottom left, and
Katherine Berghaus
www.mbef.org
“School Notes” is published by the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, which was founded by parents in
1983 to fund enhancements to the Manhattan Beach public schools. MBEF is a nonprofit organization. All
donations to MBEF are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Manhattan Beach Education Foundation 2003 – 2004
President
Carolyn Leserman
Directors
Business Advisory Board
Office Manager
Debra Bowen
Geoff Bremer
Webster Burns
Wendy Carson
Randy Dotemoto
Mike Dunitz
Linda Figel
Jim Furlan
Ruth Graf-Urasaki
Chuck Kaminski
Craig Kline
Carolyn Leserman
Anne McLaughlin
John Oshiro
Greg Rosen
Carol Rowe
Julian Ryder
Freddi Segal-Gidan
Kim Siehl
Jeff Thaler
Ida VanderPoorte
Gary Wayland
Administrative Directors
Wanda Kaminski
Susan Patterson
MBUSD/MBEF Business
Partnerships
Sherry Kramer
Major Avignon
Carleen Beste
Tim Bruinsma
Webster Burns
Stacy Cavote
Mary Ann Chory
Mike Collins
Sue Derian
Richard Frank
Jack Gillespie
Don Griffith
Margo Heltzel
Jeff Horn
Bob Holmes
Larry Humphrey
Mike Jenkins
Jenna Jota
Michael Keegan
Sherry Kramer
Michael Learned
Russ Lesser
Marcella Low
Tony Lucich
Bill Mason
Richard Montgomery
Vice President
Webster Burns
Secretary
Anne McLaughlin
Treasurer
Ida VanderPoorte
Investment Officer
Geoff Bremer
School Board Representative
Lynette Campbell
MBUSD Representative
Dr. Gwen Gross
Alden Munson
Carol Rowe
Mark Smith
Rod Spackman
Andrew Scott
Bob Weiner
David Weitzel
President’s Advisory Board
Dennis Draper
Brad Jones
Sherry Kramer
Carlos Lopes
Pat Parker
Gary Wayland
Tracey Windes
“School Notes” Co-Editors
Wendy Carson
Anne McLaughlin
Jeanne Oshiro
Special Thanks to Weber Printing.