WINTER 2023-24
Neighborhood Newsletter A dynamic, engaging education. A nurturing, inclusive community.
MAR VISTA COMMITTEE COUNCIL AT WINDWARD (ROOM 410)
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www.windwardschool.org
11350 Palms Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90066
PERMIT NO.32365
LOS ANGELES, CA
U.S. POSTAGE PAID ORGANIZATION NON-PROFIT
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMITMENT
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s a school operating in a residential neighborhood, we strive to do our part in remaining a good neighbor. We hope this ongoing commitment to road safety and campus etiquette will further the positive relationship we have with our neighbors. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns regarding traffic, parking, or security. Please contact us with any questions: Dawn Barrett, Associate Head of School for Advancement, Finance & Operations dbarrett@windwardschool.org Direct Line (424) 289-1015
Raul Villa, Facilities Manager rvilla@windwardschool.org Direct Line (424) 289-1018
Greg Moreno, Security Manager gmoreno@windwardschool.org Direct Line (424) 289-1171
Lindsay Gonzales, Director of Infrastructure and Risk Management lgonzales@windwardschool.org Direct Line (424) 289-1004
Uriel Aguirre, Plant and Vendor Manager uaguirre@windwardschool.org Direct Line (424) 289-1171
Hiliana Gomez, Community Engagement and Advancement Liaison hgomez@windwardschool.org Direct Line (424) 289-1000
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Windward is proud to host the Mar Vista Committee Council Meetings. Providing accessible spaces is just one of the many ways in which we can be a benefit to our local community, and we enjoy having the committees utilize our facilities. OUTREACH COMMITTEE (Rm 410)
1st Tuesday of the month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. ELECTIONS AND BYLAWS COMMITTEE (Rm 410)
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: INNOVATION & ARTS CENTER We are pleased to announce the initial phases of the project (excavation and shoring) are well underway. The project is going smoothly with minimal impacts on our campus and the surrounding neighbors. The contractor, Turner Construction, is committed to supporting our local community by:
1st Tuesday of the month, 7:30-8:30 p.m. TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE (Rm 410) 1st Wednesday of
the month, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
PLUM COMMITTEE (Rm 410)
1st Thursday of the month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. EDUCATION ART & CULTURE COMMITTEE (Rm 410)
2nd Tuesday of the month, 6:30-8:00 p.m. PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY & HOMELESS COMMITTEE (Rm 410)
2nd Wednesday of the month, 6-8:30 p.m. EXECUTIVE & FINANCE COMMITTEE (Rm 410) 2nd Thursday of the month,
6:30-8 p.m.
MAR VISTA BOARD MEETING (Rm 20) - (postponed Dec. 2023) 3rd Thursday
of the month, 6:30-9 p.m.
For questions please contact Hiliana Gomez at hgomez@windwardschool.org.
DECEMBER/ JANUARY PROJECT LOOK AHEAD
• Timing truck arrivals and departures during the quieter hours of the school days (after morning drop-off and before afternoon pick-up), minimizing the traffic impact on the surrounding streets. • Routinely watering dirt to reduce dust.
• Monitoring the air quality throughout the day to ensure it is safe for all. • Installing a 12’ sound wall to minimize the noise experienced by the local apartment community.
• Staging of materials and personnel all on campus.
• Utilizing designated offsite parking for the contractor and their subcontractors. Windward’s Security Team will monitor parking, ensuring that individuals only park in approved areas. • Traffic Control flaggers and spotters. • Maintaining good housekeeping (street sweeping and dust control) outside the fencing. • Robust “Active Caring Program” (which rewards exceptional efforts by the Turner team and subs) - Building Life Award, Water Bottle Recycling Program, Respectful & Inclusive Workshop, and Safety Incentive Program. • • • • •
Basement Footing Excavation
Basement Footing Rebar Installation Basement Footing First Pour
Installation of Underground Plumbing Vertical Waterproofing & Drainage
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Second Round of Hauling - You may receive another public notice regarding this. We will manage the haul routes identically to the first round, remaining mindful of local traffic flows and air quality.
If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact Dawn Barrett or Lindsay Gonzales.
DECEMBER 2023
8/9: Fall Theater Production Dec. 18 - Jan. 1, 2024: Winter Break (School Closed)
JANUARY 2024
CALENDAR
2: School Resumes 12: No School/Office Open
JANUARY 2024 (cont.)
15: MLK Jr. Day (School Closed) 17: 11th Grade College Night, 5:30 p.m. 25: All School Parent Meeting, 6 p.m. 26: Founders Day 29-31: Middle School Playoffs 30: 9th Grade Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
FEBRUARY 2024
1-2: Middle School Playoffs 6: 10th Grade Meeting, 6:30 p.m. 19- President’s Day Break (School/Office 23: Closed)
KEY POINTS OF CONTACT
EXPANDED TRAFFIC MITIGATION EFFORTS 2023/24 SCHOOL YEAR
If at any time you encounter an issue with one of our community members, we encourage you to reach out to us immediately so we can take corrective action. Below are the best points of contact. Please be assured that we have every intention of being a valued community member and we expect the same of all our stakeholders.
The School continues to be mindful of traffic mitigation to support the greater Mar Vista community. We have five distinct bus routes to and from school daily, in addition to our newest off-site shuttle stop. This shuttle stop is conveniently located in an off-site business parking lot. It is available for both morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, reducing the number of cars entering and exiting the School. The School continues to monitor and maintain carpools, especially for its student drivers.
Parking/Security Greg Moreno & Uriel Aguirre Facilities Related Questions Raul Villa
Additionally, the “Airport Style” afternoon pick-up has significantly prevented the backup of vehicles onto the local streets during afternoon pick up. We now require that vehicles entering campus follow a strict loading zone style pick-up (no curbside parking), and we’ve been thrilled by the results to date. We’re excited by the improvements for the neighborhood and our school community!
9TH & 10TH GRADE SERVICE TRIPS
City of Santa Monica Well Work Questions Lindsay Gonzales
Twice a month, our students take time out of their school days to take part in small group service retreats at People Assisting the Homeless’ West LA location, which houses homeless vets, and St. Joseph Center Bread & Roses Cafe, which serves the homeless population in Venice.
Construction Information Lindsay Gonzales & Dawn Barrett Turner Construction Project Supervisor Kevin Golder, kgolder@tcco.com
Our wonderful Faculty and Staff assist as student chaperones, both taking part in hands-on work to help support the organizations and the homeless populations they serve.
Community Engagement and Advancement Liaison Hiliana Gomez
ANNUAL NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
WINTER SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Windward School will host the Mar Vista Neighborhood Meeting on Thursday, December 7, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. via Zoom. RSVPs are required for this event by December 1, so please contact Hiliana Gomez at hgomez@windwardschool.org to confirm your attendance. Please don’t feel you need to wait for this meeting if you have questions or concerns. We are available daily and are happy to meet with you throughout the year. We can connect on the phone, via Zoom, or provide an onsite meeting if preferred.
PATH HALLOWEEN EVENT On Monday, Oct. 23, families gathered for the first Middle School Service Learning event of the year, the “Halloween Spooktacular.” Benefiting PATH, these donations were delivered to one of their family site locations so that the staff could host a Halloween event, bringing families some Halloween cheer. Windward families decorated pumpkins, made Halloween decorations, stuffed treat bags, and organized over 50 donated costumes. The event was a great success, and PATH families and staff were thankful for the generosity of the Windward Community.
FALL FESTIVAL BASKETS & FAIR FOR ALLIES FOR EVERY CHILD This holiday season, Windward families provided 90 Thanksgiving meal baskets, along with gift cards, for families at Allies for Every Child. On November 16, students hosted a small arts and crafts fair for the on-site Allies preschool. Activities included face painting, cookie decorating, holiday decoration making, and ring toss! All in attendance had a wonderful time!
• NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 1: GIVING TUESDAY
WINTER 2023 UPCOMING SERVICE EVENTS
This year, Windward families will be supporting both Hope in a Suitcase and Housing MV by providing new fleece blankets and new Winter clothing.
• DECEMBER 2: MAR VISTA ELEMENTARY BEAUTIFICATION DAY • DECEMBER 3-16: PATH FAMILY HOLIDAY MATCH 75 Windward families will each be matched with a family from PATH to provide with holiday gifts. Middle School students will host an event to make decorations, hot chocolate kits, and gift wrap.