PODCAST · education
In the Know
by MBEF
The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation is a community driven fundraising organization, which supplements state funding for programs that inspire learning, enrich teaching, and promote innovation and academic excellence in the public schools of Manhattan Beach. We partner with MBUSD to ensure that we are meeting the priorities of district leadership, educators and parents to provide students with an excellent education from kindergarten through graduation.The global pandemic has made educating students more challenging – there are concerns about the loss of learning to the social emotional health of our youth. We recognize the entire community, especially parents, are seeking information and we are determined to keep you in the know.Join Dan Hellie, local parent and sports announcer, as he sits down with members of our community who are instrumental in the success of our Manhattan Beach schools and community. In each podcast, Dan will address important information, concerns, and upd
Episodes
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Class Size Reduction: What It Represents in Our Classrooms
In this episode, In the Know podcast host and MBEF Board Member Ellen Padnos learns more about how MBEF's funding to reduce class size impacts teaching and learning from MBUSD's Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Dr. Jonathan Erickson. Programs like MakerSpace, music, and...
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The Landscape of Charitable Giving
In this episode, In the Know podcast host and MBEF Board Member Ellen Padnos breaks down practical strategies to help you maximize your impact in a changing charitable landscape—especially with new tax laws taking effect in 2026. Learn how tools like “bunching,” donating appreciated stock, and...
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Inside Transitional Kindergarten (TK) - Where Curiosity Lays the Foundation for Early Learning
Learn more about the state's investment in Transitional Kindergarten and how the important intersection of play and discovery is laying the foundation for our earliest learners. Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Irene Gonzalez-Castillo shares how the early education program is...
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Back to Costa with Principal Huynh
As students return to campus, there’s a renewed sense of excitement, energy, and possibility in the air. Dr. Jennifer Huynh joins us to share her vision for the year ahead, the priorities for supporting students and staff, and what’s in store for the Mustang community.
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Get In the Know on College Admissions Tests with Adam Ingersoll
The particulars around college admissions tests keep changing – what does it mean for your student? Host Ellen Padnos sits down again with Adam Ingersoll, co-founder of the internationally recognized Compass Education Group, to hear his advice on how students and their families can best navigate…
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Navigating Potential Dangers of the Digital World
In this episode host Ellen Padnos is joined by someone who’s been on the front lines of keeping children safe online: Julie Cordua, CEO of Thorn. Thorn is an innovative technology nonprofit dedicated to products and programs that combat child sexual abuse. Julie shares four key takeaways to...
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At the Heart of Exceptional Education - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
At the center of high-quality education is the focus on student-centered learning – meeting the needs of students where they are in the learning process and cultivating an environment where that process continues to grow. MBUSD’s Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Dr. Jonathan...
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The College and Career Center - the Hub for Navigating the Future for Every Costa Student
All Mira Costa families have access to critical help in navigating the college admissions process and other post-graduation pathways through the College and Career Center (CCC) at Mira Costa High School. The CCC supports students with defining options, admissions testing, funding workshops, essay...
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Perspectives on MBEF
What does the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation mean to our community, our educators, and most importantly, our students? Host Ellen Padnos takes a trip to our neighborhood schools to talk with teachers and students around the district to learn more.
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MBEF’s 40th Anniversary -1983 to 2023
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation - it also marks a total of $100 million of directed funding to enrich our public schools with programs that elevate the education of all students. Past Presidents Bob Weiner, along with his wife Elaine, and Carolyn...
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Get In the Know on Adversity with MBUSD Counseling Intern Steve Walker
Learning to face adversity and transform a challenge into motivation is a lesson that benefits us at any age. In this episode, host Ellen Padnos sits down with MBUSD Counseling Intern, Steve Walker, to hear his personal journey and the inspirational story he shared with MBMS students during the...
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Get In The Know on College Admissions Testing with Adam Ingersoll of Compass
The college admissions process can be daunting – especially with the ever-changing landscape of admissions testing. Host Ellen Padnos learns how students and their families can best navigate college admissions testing from expert Adam Ingersoll, co-founder of the internationally recognized…
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Districtwide STEM TOSA Tanya Sanchez
MBEF supports a position to build connection and synergy in STEM between all TK-12 school programs in the district. Teacher on Special Assignment Tanya Sanchez brings a wealth of teaching experience and knowledge to her role, supporting MBUSD science teachers in NGSS (Next Generation Science...
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MBMS Music Instructor Denise Haslop
Host Ellen Padnos takes a deep dive into the MBUSD music program in a three-part series focused on the band, orchestra and choir during the festive holiday season. In this first episode, she sits down with Denise Haslop, MBMS band and orchestra instructor, and several current music students to...
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South Bay Community Coalition Against Hate
The recent rise in hate crimes and incidents that have posed a threat to the safety and civility of South Bay neighborhoods and beyond is driving our local community to create an open dialogue around the dangers of hate and the need for respect and civil discourse among all residents. The…
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Fentanyl and other Dangerous Drugs with Dr. Alice Kuo and Dr. Ian Kramer
Fentanyl. It's prevalence as the next parental concern has hit us like a ton of bricks. But what is fentanyl? How is it different than any other dangerous substance? And how can we help protect our kids as parents? Learn from In The Know podcast host Ellen Padnos' conversation with Dr. Alice Kuo...
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The Role of the Elected School Board Trustee
Democracy in the United States is largely built upon citizen oversight in local government. Governing a community’s public school system is entrusted to locally elected school board members, who help to ensure that school districts are responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of their...
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MBUSD’s Priority of Maximizing Student Success with Dr. Irene Gonzalez-Castillo
Host Ellen Padnos sits down with the MBUSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Dr. Irene Gonzalez-Castillo, to talk about the district focus on academic excellence. The Board of Trustees Board Goal #1 to maximize academic success is being addressed from a number of directions,...
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MB Citizens for Schools with Hilary Mahan, Michael Sinclair and Wysh Weinstein
In this episode, host Ellen Padnos sits down with three parent advocates - MBEF's Hilary Mahan, Grand View's Legislative Rep Michael Sinclair and DAC President Wysh Weinstein. Last month, a group of local residents, MB Citizens for Schools, mobilized to bring an initiative to the community to...
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Student Wellness with School Psychologist Janet Allen
In this episode, host Ellen Padnos talks with Mira Costa High School Psychologist, Janet Allen, about her role in supporting the needs of our high school students. Ms. Allen has focused on the well being of students in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District over the past 20 years. Learn more...
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How MBEF Serves Our Community with Executive Director Hilary Mahan
Ellen talks with MBEF Executive Director Hilary Mahan about the history of MBEF and its impact on Manhattan Beach public schools. Hilary explains why our high property taxes don't fund schools as many think they do, how we compare to other high-performing districts, and her the vision for...
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The Parent Compass with Cindy Clumeck Muchnick, M.A
Ellen talks with Cindy Muchnick about following your parenting compass when it comes to being our best selves as parents. Cindy shares tips from her book, The Parent Compass, with co-author Jenn Curtis, and her own advice on how to navigate through this challenging time with renewed confidence.
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PTA’s – The Making of the School Communities
Each school has its own unique priorities and culture…and behind them all is the school PTA. This week Ellen sits down with two district PTA leaders, District Advisory Council President Wysh Weinstein and Grand View PTA President Jennifer Cram to better understand how the PTAs function. Learn why...
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The Future of MBUSD with Dr. John Bowes, Superintendent
Today Ellen sits down with Dr. John Bowes, the new Superintendent of MBUSD for our first In the Know Podcast of the new school year. In the conversation, we learn about Dr. Bowes’ experience and interests, how he plans to guide the district, the challenges we are facing, and how the schools are...
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Re-opening of Mira Costa classrooms with Dr. Ben Dale
Costa High School Principal, Dr. Ben Dale, joins Dan Hellie to talk about the re-opening of Mira Costa classrooms in person. Now that the majority of students and teachers have returned in some capacity, the attitude is markedly different than just one month ago. Dr. Dale shares his insights on...
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Overcoming Learning Loss on Our Schools
This week Dan is joined by MBUSD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Dr. Katherine Whittaker Stopp, to discuss learning loss in students due to the pandemic. Learn about the MBUSD’s plans to mitigate loss and ensure our own MBUSD students are on track. Plus, hear about the positive...
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COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and Other BCHD Community Support with Ali Steward
This week In the Know podcast host, Dan Hellie, is joined by Director of Youth Services at Beach Cities Health District (BCHD), Ali Steward. BCHD has been instrumental in supporting the health and wellness of MBUSD students through a variety of significant programs. Now BCHD is leading the effort...
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The Effects of the Pandemic on the Social-Emotional Health of our Students with Leah Niehaus, LCSW
Dan sits down with Leah Niehaus, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, to discuss how the pandemic is impacting the social-emotional health of children. With twenty years in the field Leah brings an experienced perspective on anxiety and depression and how that affects our youth, especially now. Leah...
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COVID-19 and Children with Dr. Alice Kuo
This week Dan is joined by Dr. Alice Kuo, Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and of Health Policy and Management in the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. Learn about the impact of COVID-19 on our children the perspective of a medical...
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Re-opening MBUSD elementary schools with Dr. Mike Matthews
In our first In the Know podcast, Dan Hellie sits down with Dr. Mike Matthews, Superintendent of Schools, to discuss the recent approval of waivers for the district’s five elementary schools. Learn about the plans for students returning to school in the hybrid format, what it took to get here…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation is a community driven fundraising organization, which supplements state funding for programs that inspire learning, enrich teaching, and promote innovation and academic excellence in the public schools of Manhattan Beach. We partner with MBUSD to ensure that we are meeting the priorities of district leadership, educators and parents to provide students with an excellent education from kindergarten through graduation.The global pandemic has made educating students more challenging – there are concerns about the loss of learning to the social emotional health of our youth. We recognize the entire community, especially parents, are seeking information and we are determined to keep you in the know.Join Dan Hellie, local parent and sports announcer, as he sits down with members of our community who are instrumental in the success of our Manhattan Beach schools and community. In each podcast, Dan will address important information, concerns, and upd
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MBEF
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does In the Know have?
In the Know currently has 30 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is In the Know about?
The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation is a community driven fundraising organization, which supplements state funding for programs that inspire learning, enrich teaching, and promote innovation and academic excellence in the public schools of Manhattan Beach. We partner with MBUSD to ensure that...
How often does In the Know release new episodes?
In the Know has 30 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to In the Know?
You can listen to In the Know on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts In the Know?
In the Know is created and hosted by MBEF.
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