Thru the Earth at Community Magnet Charter School

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Thru the Earth- Community Magnet Charter School




Dear Community Families,

Our school year is officially underway, and we’re so excited for all that lies ahead! Our first week was as smooth as butter on a hot biscuit, thanks to our amazing students, staff, and families.

Before sharing this week’s updates, I want to take a moment to say goodbye to a very special member of our Community family.

It is especially difficult to say goodbye to our beloved first-grade teacher, Sandra. Over the past few years, Sandra has been a strong, consistent, and deeply valued member of our school community. Her dedication to our students and families has made a lasting impact, and she will be greatly missed.

Thank you to the many parents and staff members who advocated on her behalf. Unfortunately, due to district budget reductions, we were unable to retain her. The good news is that Sandra isn’t going far! She plans to substitute frequently at Community and, as a Community parent, she remains an important part of our school family.

We love you, Sandra, and we’ll see you around!

Our Beginning-of-Year (BOY) assessment window opens this week. Students will complete diagnostic assessments in reading and math. Teachers will use the results to help plan classroom small-group instruction and identify students who may benefit from after-school intervention, tutoring, or advanced math groups.

These Beginning-, Middle-, and End-of-Year assessments will also be the only times our kindergarten and first-grade students use devices at school. Under LAUSD’s new screen-time policy, kindergarten and first-grade students are limited to 0 minutes of daily instructional screen time, with district assessments permitted as an exception.

The new limits for our other grade levels are:

  • Grades 2–3: Up to 20 minutes per day or 100 minutes per week
  • Grades 4–5: Up to 30 minutes per day or 150 minutes per week

The K–1 limits are effective immediately, while the limits for grades 2–5 will take effect in November.

During the first weeks of school, we hold Behavior Expectation Assemblies to introduce and remind students of the expectations that help make Community a safe, welcoming, and respectful place for everyone.

Every member of our Community should know our Five Be’s:

We Are Kind
We Are Respectful
We Are Responsible
We Are Safe
We Are Trustworthy

Behavior expectation posters are displayed throughout campus so students know what these expectations look like in different settings—from the classroom and upper yard to the cafeteria, restrooms, and even the school bus.

Please also take some time to review our Hierarchy of Interventions for School-Wide Positive Behavior Support, which outlines Tier 1, 2, and 3 behaviors along with possible interventions teachers and staff may use to address them.

All parents are invited to join us for our Friday Morning Assemblies at 8:10 a.m. on the upper yard beginning this Friday, August 21. During these assemblies, we reinforce our school expectations and celebrate our Students of the Week, Bus Bosses, Kindness Counts coupon recipients, and Above & Beyond Club members.

Once a month, TeaTime with Toni will take place immediately following the Friday Morning Assembly. We’ll talk about topics such as attendance, assessments, behavior expectations, building community and connections, and other issues important to our families.

Have a topic you’d like us to discuss? Please email me at trk2932@lausd.net with your suggestions.

Our first TeaTime with Toni is Friday, August 21. See the flyer below for more information about it. I hope you’ll join us!

We are excited to offer a variety of after-school opportunities for our students this year and are working to ensure that our programs include the option of late-bus transportation whenever possible. Beginning this year, students participating in the Kids 4 College after-school program will also be able to ride the late bus home. Remember, our late buses only have 3 stops: Chandler, Wilshire Crest, and Windsor Hills.

Here is what we have planned so far, with tentative start dates:

  • After-School Tutoring: Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays beginning September 9
  • Tuesday Enrichment Classes: Beginning September 8
  • Musical Theater: Tuesdays & Thursdays beginning August 18 & 20
  • Math Kangaroo: Mondays beginning October 5
  • After-School Intervention with Teachers: Date TBD

We’re ready, excited, and looking forward to a wonderful year of learning, growing, and building Community together!

Best,
Toni


Thank you, KAPA Families!

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible KAPA for your generosity and continued support of our school! Through your hard work, creativity,
and dedication, you raised funds that have now been presented back to our school as a generous gift. These funds will directly benefit our students by helping us provide programs, resources, and opportunities that enrich their school experience. We are so fortunate to have such a committed PTA and a community of families who continually show up for our students. Thank you for investing in our school and helping make Community such a special place to learn and grow!





Hi Community Families -
We did it! Despite the challenges with Transportation’s new system—and the resulting delays in many families receiving their bus assignments—we successfully managed after-school plans for all of our students and made sure they were properly tagged so they got where they needed to go at the end of the school day. Thank you so much for your patience and help!
We also appreciate your understanding as some of you received multiple phone calls from different staff members asking for clarification about your student’s after-school plans. We know it was a lot of communication, but it helped us make sure every student got home safely and according to their family’s plan.
Now, on to the next step!
Please Check Your Student’s Bus Tag
Please take a moment to check your student’s bus tag and make sure it matches the bus assignment shown in the Parent Portal.
Families with More Than One Bus Stop
If your student requires more than one bus stop and you have not received a Dual Stop Form to complete, please email Kate and she will send one to you.
Irregular After-School Plans or Changes to Your Plan
Lastly, we have some families with irregular after-school plans. Please make sure to complete the Bus Book daily or weekly whenever your student’s after-school plans change.  This helps us eliminate misunderstandings or confusion and ensures that everyone in the main office has the information they need.
Please do not rely on emailing Kate, Lalita, or Stephanie in the main office with your schedule. The Bus Book is the best way to make sure your student’s plan is communicated to everyone who needs to know.
And please remember: if your student’s normal after-school plan changes for any reason, you must complete the Bus Book—even if you have already told your student about the change. The main office needs to have the updated information as well. Otherwise, buses may be delayed while we call parents to confirm student’s plans.
We are managing after-school transportation plans for more than 400 students, so keeping the Bus Book updated helps us tremendously and allows us to make sure your student gets to the right place each day.
Bus Book Link — SUBMIT BY 12:00 PM:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOl_M0cP9XSi-7ZPG8fp_cTiWNhetaRSFSQQw1Q91txd3raw/viewform
Bus Assignment Changes
We know there are still some families who would like to request changes to their bus assignment, but whose requests are not urgent. Please email Kate with your requested changes beginning Wednesday, August 26th, and she will submit them to Transportation.
Temporary Bus Passes
Lastly, Transportation still has not sent out temporary bus passes to all of our families. Please don’t worry! Your student will continue to be able to ride their assigned bus until everyone receives their bus pass.
We have two weeks to make sure all of our students’ bus information matches what is listed in the Parent Portal, so let’s get it done, Community!
Thank you, as always, for your patience, help, and support. We truly appreciate our Community families!




How to Become a Volunteer

We rely on our families' support to make Community such a special place. We encourage you to become an approved LAUSD volunteer so you can:

  • Chaperone field trips
  • Assist teachers in the classroom
  • Help with classroom parties
  • Volunteer for valet so we can continue offering this convenient service to our families
  • Assist Sarah Lilly in the library
  • Help with school and CFF events, including Parade of Masks, Spring Dance, Pump It Up, International Children's Day, and more!
Please click the link below to visit the LAUSD Office of Student, Family, and Community Engagement website. There you'll find everything you need, including the volunteer application, the LAUSD Volunteer Guide, the TB Physician Clearance Form, the TB Risk Assessment, and other important resources.
https://families.lausd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4390902&type=d&pREC_ID=2607910
Tier II vs. Tier III Volunteers
You only need to apply as a Tier III Volunteer if you plan to work one-on-one with students and/or chaperone a 5th-grade overnight field trip. Otherwise, please apply as a Tier II Volunteer.
After submitting your online Tier II application, please email your TB clearance paperwork to Kate Harrington (kate.harrington@lausd.net) if:
  • You are applying to volunteer for the first time, or
  • Your current TB clearance has expired.
Please note that TB clearance is valid for four years.
FREE TB Screening Opportunities
Date and Time
 Region
Location
Tuesday,
August 25, 2026
5:00 – 6:30pm
 West
Location: Webster Middle School – Daniel's Den
Address: 11330 Graham Place, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Tuesday,
September 1, 2026
5:00 - 6:30pm
 North
 Location: Woodland Hills Academy
 Address: 20800 Burbank Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Wednesday,
September 2, 2026
5:00 – 6:30pm
 South
Location: Region South Family Engagement and Professional Development Center
Address: 15805 Budlong Avenue, Gardena, CA 90247 
Wednesday,
September 2, 2026
5:00 – 6:30pm
 East
Location: Benjamin Franklin High School
Address: 820 N Ave 54, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Screenings are available for volunteers who are not considered at risk for TB. Please complete the TB Risk Assessment using the link below. If your assessment indicates that you are not at risk, you may attend one of the free regional screenings, where a medical professional will complete and sign your TB Certificate of Completion. You may also have your personal physician complete and sign the form instead.
If your assessment indicates that you are at risk for TB, you will need to obtain a TB test from your healthcare provider.
TB Risk Assessment:
TB Certificate of Completion:
Additional Requirements for Tier III Volunteers
If you apply as a Tier III Volunteer, please email Kate (kate.harrington@lausd.net) the following information after you have completed your fingerprinting appointment:
  • ATI number
  • Date you were fingerprinted
  • Location where you were fingerprinted
The LAUSD Volunteer Guide includes instructions for scheduling a fingerprinting appointment through LAUSD at no cost.
Volunteer Orientation
Once your application has been approved, you will be required to attend a brief Zoom or In-person orientation for CMCS volunteers before you begin volunteering. Dates and times are below:
Thank you, Community families, for your continued support. Our school would not be able to provide our students with so many enriching activities, memorable events, and wonderful opportunities without YOU!



FREE HIGH-DOSE TUTORING IS AVAILABLE 
TO ALL ELIGIBLE STUDENTS!




Who is eligible?
  • i-Ready Reading or Math: One grade level below or more
  • Report Card Marks: ELA or Math composite of 1 or 2
  • Teacher recommendation
  • SBAC: Standard Nearly Met or Standard Not Met

This year, our after-school high-dose tutoring and intervention will both run for  ten weeks, beginning September 9th, 2:50-3:35, and will be teacher-led. Tutoring will be taught for 45 minutes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Intervention will be taught for one hour and 40 minutes on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Students may be picked up in valet after tutoring sessions, or students may take the late bus which leaves at approximately 5:00pm. Remember, we only have the following late bus stops: Chandler, Wilshire Crest, and Windsor Hills. Students taking the late bus will go to Kids 4 College camp after tutoring until buses arrive for boarding.

If you would like your child to participate, and if they are eligible, please contact me at trk2932@lausd.net.


ANTS IN OUR PANTS!

This early in the school year, ants have not yet become a nuisance. However, we know they will quickly find their way into classrooms when food is left unwrapped or unsealed in backpacks, desks, or other areas.

Please remind your students to keep all food sealed in Ziploc bags, baggies, or storage containers. Students should also take their lunch bags and lunch boxes home every night. Food left behind overnight is an open invitation for ants!

Each teacher has been provided with a safe soap-and-water solution recommended by LAUSD Pest Control. We’ve found that it works well, so please use it as needed to help keep those ants away.

A little prevention now will help us avoid a much bigger ant problem later!








JOIN US FOR TEA TIME with TONI
                                     Friday, August 21, 2026                                                                            Room 23                                                   8:45-9:45
  • Learn information and strategies to help you speak with your child about building community with trusted adults.
  • Receive information about mental health supports, resources, and who to contact when you need assistance.
  • After this LAUSD Safety Module Presentation, you will also have an opportunity to ask questions, share your concerns, and provide suggestions for future Tea Time topics and workshops. 
















Enrollment Packet












WE NEED PARENT REPRESENTATIVES FOR COMMUNITY COUNCIL!

Community Council is the main decision-making body for Community Magnet Charter School. Council has the authority to guide many important aspects of our school, including curriculum, budgeting district funds, personnel, enrichment, and school safety.

Each year, six parent members are elected to represent our six grade levels (K–5). Two parents may share a position if that works best. If you’re elected, your voice will help ensure that the parents in your grade level are informed, heard, and represented.

Grade-level representatives are expected to:

  • Attend all Community Council meetings (held once a month from 1:45–3:00 p.m.)

  • Share important updates with families in your grade level in a timely manner

  • Participate in Town Hall meetings to connect with parents, discuss concerns, and share information

The term for a Grade Level Representative is one year. Parents may nominate themselves to represent only one grade level, and you must not be a regular employee of Community Magnet Charter School or a current board member of CFF (the CFF president appoints their own representative to Council).

If you’d like to nominate yourself:

  1. Return the Council Nomination Form to Toni by Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

  2. Email Toni (trk2932@lausd.net) a 75-word statement introducing yourself and your interest in serving, so families in your grade can get to know you.

  3. Parent elections will take place on Thursday, September 3, 2026 during the grade-level first session of Back to School Night.

Thank you in advance for your commitment to our students and our school community. If you have any questions about Council or the election process, please reach out to me directly.


IMPORTANT SCHOOL POLICIES 

   VALET RULES




BUS BOOK FORM


We 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 IN 2 easy steps:


STEP 1: 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.

STEP 2: 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!





Community Magnet ended the 25-26 school year with a Chronic Attendance Rate below 10%! Let's keep up the good work! Come to school on time every day!











Save the Dates . . .

Recurring Activities
  • Tiny Spotlight Musical Theater: Tuesday cast begins August 18h, Thursday cast begins August 20th.
  • Morning Assembly: Fridays, begins August 22
  • Tuesday Enrichment: Tuesdays, begins September 8
  • Tutoring: M, W, TH, beginning September 9

AUGUST
  • August 17
    • Beginning of Year assessments begin
  • August 18 & 20
    • After-School Musical Theater begins (Tiny Spotlight)
  • August 20
    • Safety Fire Drill
    • Community Council Parent Nominations due
  • August 22
    • Opening Morning Assembly
    • Tea Time with Toni - Introduction to the New School Year
    • Parent Meeting - Creating Welcoming Environments
    • Returning Families back-to-school packets due
  • August 27
    • Safety Earthquake Drill 

SEPTEMBER
  • September 3
    • Back to School Night
  • September 4
    • NO SCHOOL - Admission Day
  • September 7
    • NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
  • September 8
    • After-School Tuesday Enrichment begins
  • September 9
    • After-School Tutoring begins
  • September 10
    • Safety Drill: Lockdown 
  • September 15
    • Council Meeting
  • September 16
    • Picture Day
  • September 17
    • Safety Drills
  • September 18
    • Teatime with Toni

Click here to view the 26-27 School Calendar



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