Calendar and Bell Schedule 2025-2026

Juneteenth on June 19th

In honor of the federal holiday Juneteenth, which marks the effective end of slavery in the United States, I share this Juneteenth Spotify playlist, a potent Langston Hughes poem, and my favorite version of Lift Every Voice and Sing.

Berklee College of Music's rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing:

Happy Juneteenth!

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We Are One - Estamos Unidos

Culmination Remarks

“Belonging” by Rosemary Wahtola Trommer

And if it’s true we are alone,

we are alone together,

the way blades of grass

are alone, but exist as a field.

Sometimes I feel it,

the green fuse that ignites us,

the wild thrum that unites us,

an inner hum that reminds us

of our shared humanity.

Just as thirty-five trillion

red blood cells join in one body

to become one blood.

Just as one hundred thirty-six thousand

notes make up one symphony.

Alone as we are, our small voices

weave into the one big conversation.

Our actions are essential

to the one infinite story of what it is

to be alive. When we feel alone,

we belong to the grand communion

of those who sometimes feel alone—

we are the dust, the dust that hopes,

a rising of dust, a thrill of dust,

the dust that dances in the light

with all other dust, the dust

that makes the world.

I share this poem because I have been thinking about what it means to belong. 

 - To belong to yourself, which requires knowing yourself and giving yourself room to disagree with           yourself. 

 - To belong to others in a way that requires you to consider their penchants and perspectives. 

 - To belong to a place, such as home, even when home is gone and you are displaced. 

 - To belong to a world that sometimes doesn’t seem to know you or even want you. 

As you face the future – the uncertain and beautiful blank canvas that is whatever it is that you and we and the billions of others together create, please know that you do belong. You belong just as much as absolutely anyone else. 

Without you being you, the world and those of us in it cannot truly fulfill our collective purpose. 

Your many facets shed light on all of us. So, be fully you. Wholly you. Growing you. And give others the space and grace to be who they are, too. 

I have loved being your principal for the past seven years – growing alongside you, taking COVID tests alongside you, counting grains of salt alongside you in Advanced Math, singing the Lost and Found Song alongside you. Not running in the Quad alongside you, because I have boundaries. And bad knees. But being with you as you learn who you are, and as you support your friends on their journeys of belonging. 

Please know that you are important. You are loved. And soon, in about 28 hours and 17 minutes, you are sixth graders!

(Lord have mercy upon us!)

Congratulations, Monarchs! 

May all your flights be supported by the wind.

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Walgrove Weekly Message

Dear Walgrove Families and Staff, 

This marks the last Weekly Message (or Sunday Message) of the school year and of my tenure. 

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the last 7 years of ups, downs, highs, lows, and all-arounds as we have worked together toward the shared purpose of, as Zeena would say, "watching children." 

Watching them smile and cry and playfight and push and kick and giggle and sing and think (thank you, teachers!) and write in cursive (thank you, Mr. Merrick!) and run up the slide of life. 

Toward the end of saying "so long," here is Woody Guthrie saying it far better than I ever could:

Here, too, is some of what is coming up this week at Walgrove:

MONDAY

Instruction (or some facsimile thereof) from 8:05am-1:50pm

Culmination 9-10am or thereabouts

Dismissal 1:50pm

TUESDAY

Instruction (or some facsimile thereof) from 8:05am-1:32pm

Complete and total mayhem in several ways because not only is this the last day of school, but there will be a film crew on site taking over the Auditorium, the Cafeteria, and places near and far (most of the far bits will start after school). 

TEAM PRIME TIME WILL USE THE QUAD TABLES IN LIEU OF THE CAFETERIA. THEIR DISMISSAL GATE WILL BE THE WALGROVE GATE NEAR THE PARENT CENTER.

WEDNESDAY

Optional Work Day for some. Hangin' in there like a cat for others. You know who you are. 

The film crew will be everywhere. Thankfully, they will also have Craft Services? One can hope!

Let's have a great week -- AND SUMMER, Walgrove!

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Bus Transport to Paul Revere

Walgrove Weekly Message

Dear Walgrovers, 

There is SO much happening during May and June, almost too much to discuss!

Here are a FEW pics of SOME of the stuff. 

Thankfully, the yearbook is coming out next week with many more pics of much more stuff!

WEMOVES

JACK'S RAP

THE PLETCHER PLAYERS

VOLUNTEER BREAKFAST - THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS! 

I feel a song coming on for the 100+ volunteers who make Walgrove extra-extra Walgrovy!

COUNCILMEMBER TRACI PARK'S PIC WITH THE TOP WINNERS OF THE 

"KIDS ENVISION A HEALTHY LOS ANGELES" ART CONTEST

 

14 of those chosen to exhibit are from Walgrove. A grand showing!

Here are just two:

VISIT THE EXHIBIT AT WEST LA CIVIC CENTER TO SEE THE REST THRU JUNE, 2026

Here is SOME of what is coming up this week (and beyond) at Walgrove:

MON

Inspired instruction 8:05am-2:32pm

Mobile Tar Pits Museum per the schedule

TUE

Inspired instruction 8:05am-1:32pm

Mobile Tar Pits Museum per the schedule

"Wizard of Oz" cast party in the Auditorium 12:00-1:00pm

Staff Meeting and PD Rm 19 1:45pm

WED

Inspired instruction 8:05am-2:32pm

Mobile Tar Pits Museum per the schedule

4th-5th Grade Field Day at Penmar Park 9am-2pm

Chess Tournament per Jonney's schedule (which is a list of people to play by a certain day)

THU

Inspired instruction 8:05am-2:32pm

Chess Tournament per Jonney's schedule (which is a list of people to play by a certain day)

FRI

Semi-inspired instruction 8:05am-2:32pm

Final Friday morning assembly. 5th graders to lead the Pledge. Room 21 Pilots to perform 8:05am

Chess Tournament per Jonney's schedule (which is a list of people to play by a certain day)

GRADE VERIFICATIONS DUE

SAT

Final volunteer day of the 2024-2025 school year. Enter via the Morningside Gate. 9am-1pm

MON

Culmination. Enter on Walgrove. Procession 9am. Doors open at 8:45am

Shortened Day - Dismissal 1:50pm

TUE

Last day of school for the 2024-2025 school year. 8:05am-1:32pm

Banked-time Tuesday - Dismissal 1:32pm

WED

Optional day for teachers

Film crew in the Auditorium, cafeteria, and surrounding areas. Appleton blocked off. Cars and crew in the Upper Yard. This is LA, afterall! Yay for filming in Los Angeles!

______________________________________________________________

SAID ANOTHER WAY:

June 2-4 Mobile Tar Pits Museum in the Upper Yard

June 4 - Field Day - Grades 4-5 to Penmar Park 9am-2pm

June 4-6 - Chess Tournament (in coordination with mobile museum and field trips) details per Jonney

June 7 - Last Volunteer Day of the School Year 9am-1pm

Monday, June 9 - 5th Grade Culmination 9am - Shortened Day: Dismissal 1:50

Tuesday, June 10 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL -  Tuesday: Dismissal 1:32

Let's have a great week, Walgrove!

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Walgrove Weekly Message

Dear Walgrove Families and Staff, 

First, a gargantuan congratulations to the producers, directors, and stars of "The Wizard of Oz!" Three rotating casts of INCREDIBLE artists and performers. Thank you to ALL who made it happen. You know who you are!!!

Second, an emormous congratulations to Madison P on her performance with the Angel City Youth Chorale and Angel City Chorale yesterday at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. While it was a beautiful concert through and through, my favorite moment was watching Maddie downstage center during the closing song "People Get Ready!"

Here is SOME of what is coming up this week at Walgrove:

TUE

Instructional Day 8:05-1:32

Staff v. Students Softball Game in the Upper Yard 10:30am

Staff Meeting and PD 1:45pm

WED

Instructional Day 8:05-2:32

Field Day at Penmar Park for Grades 1-3 9am-2pm

Tutoring for a few in Grades 3-5 in Rm 24 with Ms. Chin and Ms. M 2:45-3:15pm

THU

Instructional Day 8:05-2:32

Tutoring for a few in Grades 3-5 in Rm 24 with Ms. Chin and Ms. M 2:45-3:15pm

Last Day of Violin in prep for Friday's performance

FRI

Instructional Day 8:05-2:32

Morning Assembly in the Quad. 4th Graders to Lead the Pledge. Jack G to perform an original song or rap. Violinists to perform. Other performers TBD. 8:05am

Volunteer Breakfast in the Parent Center 8:30am

WEMoves in the Upper Yard 1pm

NO VOLUNTEER DAY SATURDAY

ADDITIONAL UPCOMING EVENTS:

June 2-4 Mobile Tar Pits Museum in the Upper Yard

June 4 - Field Day - Grades 4-5 to Penmar Park 9am-2pm

June 4-6 - Chess Tournament (in coordination with mobile museum and field trips) details per Jonney

June 7 - Last Volunteer Day of the School Year 9am-1pm

Monday, June 9 - 5th Grade Culmination 9am - Shortened Day: Dismissal 1:50

Tuesday, June 10 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL -  Tuesday: Dismissal 1:32

Let's have a great week, Walgrove!

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Walgrove Weekly Message

Dear Walgrove Families and Staff, 

If you haven't yet seen this year's Spring musical "The Wizard of Oz," preferably all three lead casts and four ensembles involving over 100 kiddos in grades TK-5, then you haven't been living fully!

Luckily, you have four more chances!

Monday's school show at 1pm followed by evening shows on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday!

To attend, reach out to the directing team Danielle Barto, Sharon Beam, Lisa Margeson and Cass Young. 

(Also, feel free to send me better pics. I am a self-proclaimed yet obviously terrible photographer.)

Here is more of what is coming up this week at Walgrove:

MON

School 8:05am-2:32pm

Wizard of Oz School Show - Mayer Cast, Emerald and Green Ensembles 1pm

Cast Call 11:30 in the Cafeteria for Lunch followed by Wardrobe, Makeup, Warm-Up at noon

Tutoring for a few in Grades 3-5 in Rm 24 with Ms. Chin and Ms. M 2:45-3:15pm

TUE

School 8:05am-1:32pm

All-day ILT meeting 8:30-1:15 in Rm 28

Staff Meeting and PD 1:45pm

WED

School 8:05am-2:32pm

ELPAC FOR A FEW IN GRADES 3-4

Tutoring for a few in Grades 3-5 in Rm 24 with Ms. Chin and Ms. M 2:45-3:15pm

Musical Theater Production of "The Wizard of Oz" - Goldwyn Cast, Ruby and Pink Ensembles

Cast Call 3:30pm

Show 6:00pm

THU 

School 8:05am-2:32pm

ELPAC FOR A FEW IN GRADES 3-4

Tutoring for a few in Grades 3-5 in Rm 24 with Ms. Chin and Ms. M 2:45-3:15pm

LSLC Meeting -- ASYNCHRONOUS -- CHECK EMAIL FOR INFO AND SURVEY(S)

Musical Theater Production of "The Wizard of Oz" - Metro Cast, Emerald and Green Ensembles

Cast Call 4:30pm

Show 6:00pm

FRI

School 8:05am-2:32pm

Morning assembly in the Quad. Classes to lead the Pledge: Mr. Fernandez, Ms. Lima, and Mr. De Leon's classes. Student performers: Isla O. and Jack G. (in that order). 8:05am

Musical Theater Production of "The Wizard of Oz" - Mayer Cast, Ruby and Pink Ensembles

Cast Call 4:30pm

Show 6:00pm

SAT

Penultimate Volunteer Day in the Wildlands, Edible Garden and Beyond 9-1

ADDITIONAL UPCOMING DATES:

May 25 - Angel City Chorale concert (with some kiddos from Angel City Youth Chorale) at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center - 4pm 

May 26 - MEMORIAL DAY - NO SCHOOL

May 28 - Field Day - Grades 1-3 to Penmar Park 9am-2pm

May 30 - Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast in the Parent Center 8:30am

May 30 - WEMoves 1:00-2:30pm

May 30 - ELPAC and ALT ELPAC window closes

June 3-5 Mobile Tar Pits Museum in the Upper Yard

June 4 - Field Day - Grades 4-5 to Penmar Park 9am-2pm

June 4-6 - Chess Tournaments (in coordination with mobile museum and field trips) details TBD

June 7 - Last Volunteer Day of the School Year 9am-1pm

Monday, June 9 - 5th Grade Culmination 9am

Tuesday, June 10 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Let's have a great week, Walgrove!

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New Principal Selection Survey

Dear Walgrove Families and Staff, 

Regional Director Agnes Kamau has asked me to share with you all an important message and invitation to provide valuable input on the principal selection process. As you know, I am moving into a Director position near the Central Coast. Thank you in advance for providing your valuable perspectives!

***

Dear Walgrove Elementary School Community,

Dr. Kittelson is leaving the district. We appreciate her dedicated service and positive contributions to Walgrove School. We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Principal Kittelson for her years of service and the positive impact she has made on our school community.

We are now embarking on the important process of selecting the next principal. Your input is vital in ensuring we find a leader who will continue to build upon the strong foundation that has been established.

LAUSD recalibrated the processes for selecting principals for non-pilot and non-affiliated charter schools. The Region West Superintendent, Dr. Collier, will leverage our experienced and talented workforce to select a principal for Walgrove School.

 

We have created a brief survey to gather your valuable stakeholder perspectives. This survey will allow you to share your thoughts on the qualities and characteristics essential for our next principal. 

Your feedback will play a crucial role in the selection process. 

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey here: survey

We understand that Dr. Kittelson’s departure marks a significant transition for our school. We are committed to ensuring a smooth and successful transition, and your participation in this survey is a key part of that process.

Thank you to our entire school community for participating in shaping Walgrove School's future. 

Thank you once again, Dr. Kittelson, for your dedication and service!

Sincerely,

Agnes Kamau

Regional Director

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Walgrove Weekly Message

Dear Walgrove Families and Staff, 

A toasty toast and heart full of words to you on Mother's Day!

I hope your Mother's Day is full of fun and flair -- and a bit easier than this:

Though, if you are on "The Wizard of Oz" production team, it may not be...???

Here is some of what is coming up this week at Walgrove:

MON

School 8:05am-2:32pm

CAASPP Testing Make-ups All Week Until Complete 8:30-10

Wizard of Oz School Show - Mayer Cast, Ruby and Pink Ensembles 1pm

Cast Call 11:45 in the Cafeteria for Lunch followed by Wardrobe, Makeup, Warm-Up at noon

Tutoring for a few in Grades 3-5 in Rm 24 with Ms. Chin and Ms. M 2:45-3:15pm

After School Activities 2:32-6pm

TUE

Dr. K off-site, Dr. Flanagan Admin in Charge

School 8:05am-2:32pm

After School Activities 1:32-6pm

Staff Meeting and PD 1:45pm

WED

Dr. K off-site, Dr. Flanagan Admin in Charge

School 8:05am-2:32pm

Wizard of Oz School Show - Goldwyn Cast, Emerald and Green Ensembles 1pm

Cast Call 11:45 in the Cafeteria for Lunch followed by Wardrobe, Makeup, Warm-Up at noon

Tutoring for a few in Grades 3-5 in Rm 24 with Ms. Chin and Ms. M 2:45-3:15pm

After School Activities 2:32-6pm

THU 

School 8:05am-2:32pm

Wizard of Oz School Show - Metro Cast, Ruby and Pink Ensembles 1pm

Cast Call 11:45 in the Cafeteria for Lunch followed by Wardrobe, Makeup, Warm-Up at noon

Tutoring for a few in Grades 3-5 in Rm 24 with Ms. Chin and Ms. M 2:45-3:15pm

After School Activities 2:32-6pm

Musical Theater Production of "The Wizard of Oz" - Mayer Cast, Emerald and Green Ensembles

Cast Call 3:30pm

RED CARPET 5:15pm

Show 6:00pm

FRI

School 8:05am-2:32pm

Morning assembly in the Quad. Ms. Biolatto and Mr. Stansbury's classes to lead the Pledge. Coco Mapes and Co. to perform. 8:05am

Coffee and Ginger Ale with the Principal for a Day, Red Choate in the Library 8:30am

Fire Drill 12:50pm

After School Activities 2:32-6pm

Musical Theater Production of "The Wizard of Oz" - Metro Cast, Ruby and Pink Ensembles

Cast Call 3:30pm

Show 6:00pm

SAT

NO VOLUNTEER DAY

School Open for Theater Peeps 1pm

Musical Theater Production of The Wizard of Oz - Goldwyn Cast, Emerald and Green Ensembles

Cast Call 2:30pm

Show 5pm

ADDITIONAL UPCOMING DATES:

May 12 - 23 - Walgrove Spring musical theater production of "The Wizard of Oz"

May 16 - Red Choate is Principal for the Day 

May 20- All-Day Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) Meeting

May 22-LSLC Meeting 3:15 in Dr. K's Zoom room

May 24 - Penultimate Volunteer Day of the Year 9am-1pm

May 26 - MEMORIAL DAY - NO SCHOOL

May 28 - Field Day - Grades 1-3 to Penmar Park 9am-2pm

May 30 - WEMoves 1:00-2:30pm

May 30 - ELPAC and ALT ELPAC window closes

June 3-5 Mobile Tar Pits Museum in the Upper Yard

June 4 - Field Day - Grades 4-5 to Penmar Park 9am-2pm

June 4-6 - Chess Tournaments (in coordination with mobile museum and field trips) details TBD

June 7 - Last Volunteer Day of the School Year 9am-1pm

Monday, June 9 - 5th Grade Culmination 9am

Tuesday, June 10 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Let's have a great week, Walgrove!

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Register for Summer School!

You may also apply for the after-school program Team Prime Time here:

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Walgrove Weekly Message

Dear Walgrove Families and Staff, 

I trust and hope you have had a positively forceful May the 4th.

A gigantic shout-out to the 4-5 team for putting on a bountiful first biennial STEAM Fair this last Friday. So many kiddos were excitedly (and extemporaneously!) speaking about their very cool projects.

Here is some of what is coming up this week at Walgrove:

MON - CINCO DE MAYO

Staff Appreciation Breakfast courtesy of Dr. K - Parent Center 7:30am+

School 8:05am-2:32pm

Tutoring for a few in Grades 3-5 in Rm 24 with Ms. Chin and Ms. M 2:45-3:15pm

After School Activities 2:32-6pm

TUE

School 8:05am-2:32pm

CAASPP testing continues - Please rest and be on time. Let's give our kiddos the best opportunity to shine 

After School Activities 1:32-6pm

Staff Meeting and PD 1:45pm

Coffee and Diet Coke with the Principal in Dr. K's Zoom Room TOPIC: CHILDREN AND TEEN CYBER SECURITY 7pm

WED

School 8:05am-2:32pm

Staff Appreciation Lunch courtesy of FOW - Parent Center 12:00pm

Tutoring for a few in Grades 3-5 in Rm 24 with Ms. Chin and Ms. M 2:45-3:15pm

After School Activities 2:32-6pm

THU 

School 8:05am-2:32pm

5th Grade Panoramic Picture Day

Tutoring for a few in Grades 3-5 in Rm 24 with Ms. Chin and Ms. M 2:45-3:15pm

After School Activities 2:32-6pm

Venice Chamber of Conference Education Committee WAVE Awards - Ms. Chin honoroee 6pm

FRI

Morning assembly in the Quad. Ms. Mazariegos's class to lead the Pledge. Angel City Youth Chorale to perform. 8:05am

School 8:05am-2:32pm

Staff Appreciation Desserts courtesy of FOW - Parent Center 12:00pm

After School Activities 2:32-6pm

SAT

Volunteer Day in the Garden and beyond 9am-1pm

ADDITIONAL UPCOMING DATES:

May 5-9 - Staff Appreciation Week

May 9 - Extended SAS Application Deadline

May 9 - Teacher Final Evaluation Deadline

Tuesday, May 6 - Coffee and Diet Coke with the Principal in Dr. K's Zoom Room 7pm

Wednesday, May 7 - Math Lab Day with Diana Albanez (K-2)

Thursday, May 8 - Panoramic Picture Day

Thursday, May 8 - Venice Chamber of Commerce WAVE Awards -- Ms. Chin the 2025 recipient 6pm

Friday, May 9 - Angel City Chorale and Violin Kiddos perform 8am

May 12 - 23 - Walgrove Spring musical theater production of "The Wizard of Oz"

May 16 - Red Choate is Principal for the Day 

May 20- All-Day Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) Meeting

May 26 - MEMORIAL DAY - NO SCHOOL

May 28 - Field Day - Grades 1-3 to Penmar Park 9am-2pm

May 30 - WEMoves 1:00-2:30pm

May 30 - ELPAC and ALT ELPAC window closes

June 3-5 Mobile Tar Pits Museum in the Upper Yard

June 4-6 - Chess Tournaments (in coordination with mobile museum and field trips) details TBD

Monday, June 10 - 5th Grade Culmination 9am

Tuesday, June 11 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Let's have a great week, Walgrove!

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