It's Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week!

 





Happy Sunday, Community Families,

During classroom rounds, I had the pleasure of visiting our 2nd grade classrooms—and what an incredible surprise awaited me! It seems the rooms had been completely taken over by insects of every kind. The students have been hard at work creating 3D models of bugs, each accompanied by a written summary about their chosen insect. Their creativity and enthusiasm were on full display!


In addition to their research projects, the students painted large, colorful insects as part of an art project that brightened their classrooms. Each child has also been caring for a mealworm, observing its life cycle firsthand and learning about responsibility and scientific observation in such a fun, hands-on way.


One highlight of my visit was stopping by Terri’s class, where the room was buzzing with excitement as students designed amusement parks for their mealworms. The joy and collaboration were contagious! When one student suggested adding a pool, another quickly reminded the group that mealworms can’t survive in water—so they decided to build boats instead. What a wonderful example of problem-solving and teamwork in action.


Our 2nd graders are truly embodying curiosity, creativity, and care for living things. Thank you Terri, Tracy K., and Ty for inspiring such meaningful learning experiences, and to our students for reminding us all how joyful learning can be.

Congratulations to our Conga Kids dance team, who have been invited to perform live on Fox News 11! Be sure to tune in around 10:45 a.m. this Monday, May 4, to catch their performance. Then, on Thursday, May 7, the team will take the stage at LA LIVE to compete in the Conga Kids Finals. Let’s cheer them on as they dance their way to victory!


This week, we celebrate and appreciate our entire school community. On Tuesday, our teachers and staff will enjoy a delicious lunch lovingly prepared by our Korean PTA families—an annual tradition that everyone looks forward to and one that never disappoints! On Thursday, we will honor our incredible parent volunteers for their dedication and countless contributions throughout the year. And on Friday, our bus drivers will be recognized at the morning assembly and treated to a well-deserved breakfast in their honor.


This week will be filled with gratitude and appreciation for all of the hard work and dedication shown throughout the year.


Best, 

Toni


P.S. Speaking of 2nd grade, I happened to catch Ty playing basketball with the kids at recess and caught it on video! Too cute!





 Click here for more insect pics and a video from 2nd grade!


CINCO DE MAYO



Ever wonder why Cinco de Mayo is so widely celebrated in the United States and not so much in Mexico?

Many people think Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday that was brought to the United States by Mexican immigrants in the early 20th century, but it is not. It is not even celebrated in Mexico. Some people think that Cinco de Mayo is a “fake holiday” invented by beer companies in the 1980s in order to sell beer, but it is not that, either.

Cinco de Mayo is not celebrated as a national holiday in Mexico because it was created and first celebrated by Latinos living in California, in 1862. At that time, the Civil War was going on in the U.S., and the French had just invaded Mexico with the goal of overthrowing the democratically elected government of President Juárez and replacing it with a monarchy. The majority of Latinos in the U.S. believed in the values of freedom and democracy, so they supported the Union side in the Civil War and President Juárez’s government in Mexico.

Learning that the Mexican army at the city of Puebla had defeated invading French troops on May 5, 1862, Latinos in California were overjoyed that freedom and democracy had won a victory over forces of slavery and elite rule in that country. It gave them hope that freedom and democracy would win in the U.S. Civil War as well. Latinos all over the state rejoiced and celebrated with fireworks, parades, speeches, and patriotic songs—and that was the first Cinco de Mayo.  

The Cinco de Mayo Holiday
  • Born in California 164 years ago as a celebration of a victory by forces upholding democratic government and full citizenship for persons of all races/ethnicities — the same values that form the foundation of today’s cry for social justice.
  • Bearing the flags of the U.S. and Mexico, California’s Latinos in 1862 proudly made their voices heard with speeches, parades, and toasts, to let the world know where they stood on the issues of the U.S. Civil War, as well as the French invasion of Mexico:
    • Latinos opposed slavery and supported its abolition.
    • Latinos opposed white supremacy and supported racial equality.
    • Latinos opposed elitist rule and supported democracy.
Learn more in this short video on Cinco de Mayo:

I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to one of our Community parents, Seira G. (Alannah and Kaylee), for sharing such meaningful historical context about Cinco de Mayo. Many of us have grown up hearing about the holiday, but this information offered a deeper understanding of its roots and significance—especially here in California.

~Toni





The newest edition of the student-led CMCS Chronicle is now available—click here to read!




           ENSURING EXCELLENCE:                 AFFILIATED CHARTER OVERSIGHT VISIT

Each year, LAUSD's Charter Division visits Community Magnet CES as part of our affiliated charter school status. Our 2026 visit is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6. This routine oversight visit is an opportunity for district and school leaders to see our charter program in action and ensure we're fulfilling our charter agreement. During the visit, reviewers will observe classrooms, review student work and school records, and meet with staff about curriculum, student supports, safety procedures, and operations. It's a chance to celebrate what we're doing well, identify areas for continued growth, and confirm that we're delivering a high-quality education for every student. We're grateful for our community's ongoing support in this important work.




VISIT THE CMCS SPIRIT STORE!

The Spirit Store is offering zip up hoodies!! We also have the return of our "Sunset" summer favorite and more!! Don't miss your opportunity to stock up before the end of year!!


Many designs are only being offered for a limited time, so act fast!!


Please go to https://www.welovecmcs.org/store to view all available products/place your order, no later than Friday, May 8th at 12pm. 
All orders will be sent home via backpack express, no later than May 29th. 

Should you have any questions, never hesitate to reach us 
at store@welovecmcs.org


SAVE THE DATE

and

Don't forget to RSVP using the QR code below!











CAASPP SCHEDULE - Grades 3-5 only


April 6-17: CAASSP Practice (Gr. 3-4 may continue practice testing through April 22)

April 20-22: CAST (Science Assessment for  Gr. 5 only)

April 27-May 1: CAASPP ELA (Gr. 3-5)

May 4-8: CAASPP Math (Gr. 3-5)





VERY IMPORTANT FOR ALL CMCS FAMILIES: 

BE SURE TO OPT IN FOR 2026-2027 TRANSPORTATION!




Math Family Guide 

                                         (English & Spanish)

Click on the links above for the Math Family Guide. The math family guide provides families with information about what students are learning in mathematics and what to expect at each grade level. It also offers simple ways to support math learning at home and build positive, meaningful math  

                                                     experiences together.




What's the difference between a BII and an IA?

During a recent Council Meeting, the topic of classroom support was discussed. While our goal at Community is to have an instructional aide in every classroom, it is important to note that a Behavior Intervention Implementation Provider serves a different role and does not provide the same type of classroom-wide support, nor are they assigned to every classroom.

 An instructional aide (IA) primarily supports classroom learning by assisting teachers with academic instruction, reinforcing lessons in small groups or one-on-one, helping students stay engaged, and supporting day-to-day classroom activities.

A Behavior Intervention Implementation Provider (BIIP) focuses specifically on supporting students with behavioral and social-emotional needs. They help implement individualized behavior plans, teach
replacement skills, and support regulation strategies, working closely with teachers and specialists to help students access learning successfully in the classroom environment. The BIIP is assigned to support the needs of a specific student rather than the entire class.

While both roles provide direct student support, instructional aides focus on academic learning support, while BIIPs focus on behavioral intervention and skill-building that help students succeed in school routines, relationships, and learning environments.



NEW SCHOOL EXPERIENCE SURVEY

The District is creating a new School Experience Survey! We have created a ThoughtExchange to gather community feedback and recommendations for the new School Experience Survey (“SES 2.0”) and would like everyone in the LAUSD school community to participate.

 

We’re interested in learning what matters most to the community so we can build a better School Experience Survey for school year 2026-2027 and beyond. Everyone’s feedback will help shape the new "SES 2.0" to make it the best it can be!

 



PLAN AHEAD FOR SUMMER!!



There is still time to enroll for our instructional Summer School programs that will be offered to our students from June 22-July 20 including TK-7th grade programs, Dual Enrollment, Enrichment Camps, ESY and  senior high credit recovery and enrichment. For information about summer programs, please visit the website at lausd.org/summeroflearning. Or pick up a paper application at your school.

Warner Elementary School will be hosting Summer School for Community Magnet students, however families can enroll their child(ren) at any site across LAUSD. 





SAVE THESE SUMMER DATES . . .








VERY IMPORTANT AFTER-SCHOOL DISMISSAL UPDATE



Hello Community Families,


We’re excited to have all of our after-school activities resuming this week! To help ensure a smooth and timely departure of buses each afternoon, we need your support.


After several reminders to call before noon, we continue to receive last-minute changes—sometimes right up until and even after dismissal. With the goal of keeping every student safe and ensuring they get to the right place after school, we’re making a small but important change to our process.


Beginning Monday, February 9, 2026, we will no longer accept phone calls for Bus Book changes.
If your student’s after-school plans change, please complete this Bus Book Form before 12:00 p.m.

Our goal is to get students safely and efficiently to their buses, valet, or after-school activities—and your help truly makes a difference.


Here’s how you can help:

  • Remind your student in the morning if they are staying after school for an activity. Students sometimes forget, and when that happens, they may get on the bus or go to valet instead of heading to their activity. This can delay bus departure as staff work to locate and redirect them.
  • Submit the Bus Book Form before 12:00 p.m. if there are any changes to your student’s usual after-school plans. Telling your student alone isn’t enough—we must confirm changes directly with you. When changes come in late, it can cause confusion and delay buses waiting to depart.

By following these steps, you’re helping us keep dismissal safe, organized, and on time—so students get home sooner and buses can return for late pickup more quickly.


Thank you for your continued support and partnership in keeping our students safe and our afternoons running smoothly!


Best,

Toni





      Save the Dates . . .

      Recurring Activities
      • Morning Assembly: Fridays

MAY
  • May 13-15
    • 5th Grade CIMI Camp
  • May 19
    • Asian American/Pacific Islander Grades 1 & 2 presentations
  • May 21
    • Safety Drills
    • Talent Show
  • May 22
    • Asian American/Pacific Islander Assemblies
    • Tea Time with Toni: Read-Alouds
  • May 25
    • NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
  • May 26
    • Community Council Meeting
  • May 27
    • Second Grade Arts Field Trip
  • May 29
    • No Morning Assembly
    • Children's Day

JUNE
  • June 1
    • 5th Grade Ice Cream Social
  • June 4
    • Pride Assembly
  • June 5
    • 5th Grade Culmination
    • Minimum Day, 12:50 Dismissal
  • June 9
    • Community Council Meeting
  • June 10
    • Last Day of School
    • Minimum Day, 12:50 Dismissal




    SCHOOL IS COMPULSORY!

    Students need to come to school every day. When possible, please schedule your child’s medical appointments outside of school hours. (See the bell schedule for our school hours.) If you must schedule an appointment during school hours, please check in at the main office to pick up/drop off your child.

    The following types of absences are excused: illness, doctor’s appointments, funerals, family emergencies, court dates, religious observances, etc. Examples of unexcused absences include: vacations, “we slept in,” “we took a family day,” “we went to Disneyland for her birthday,” "we visited relatives out of state/country," etc. Even if you send in a note to explain the absence, those examples would be designated as unexcused. For more information, please refer to LAUSD’s Attendance Guide.

    You may know that LAUSD has an Independent Study program. This program is intended to provide make-up classwork for students who must miss school for legitimate long-term absences (for example, needing to go out of town for a death in the family, quarantine/lengthy stay at home for serious illness, or needing to make a visa appointment in a home country). Independent Study is NOT for “we are taking 2 weeks off and going abroad,” or “we are starting our Winter Break 10 days early.” For Independent Study in excess of 15 days, you must enroll in the online City of Angels program.




















    VALET RULES
      For the SAFETY of your child and ALL children and parents at CMCS, if you are driving your child to school you MUST follow these valet rules. 
      • Arrive at CMCS between 7:30 and 8:00
      • Enter through the gate on the EAST side of the school.
      • Drive along the left curb.  The right curb is a bus lane whether or not the buses have arrived.
      • Wait patiently in a single file line along the left curb of the driveway.
      • When a valet volunteer or LAUSD staff directs you, turn right at the parking lot and pull up to the Valet Curb.  There can be a maximum of 3 cars at the Valet Curb.  
      • Under no circumstances can you park with your child and walk them through the parking lot. If, especially during these first weeks of school, you want to walk your child to the front gate, you MUST drop your child at the Valet Curb and then park your car.  Your child can wait for you near the valet volunteers on the bench by the Valet Curb.
      • When you arrive at the Valet Curb, your child should be ready to exit the car from the passenger side of the vehicle.  IF a passenger side exit from your vehicle is unavailable, your child must wait until a valet volunteer opens the driver side door and escorts them in front of your car onto the curb.
      • Under no circumstances should the driver exit the vehicle.
      • Do not pull around cars in the valet line including at the Valet Curb.  The line is single file from the east gate entrance  through to the west gate exit.  Please wait your turn to drop off your child and to exit campus.
      • FINALLY, be patient and kind.  The valet volunteers and LAUSD staff are there for the safety of your children.  Please treat them, the children, and the other drivers with respect.



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