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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 updates about the issues impacting our schools and students.

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Check latest episodes from In the Know podcast

Class Size Reduction: What It Represents in Our Classrooms

2025/12/17

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 counseling are easy to recognize, but the impact of smaller class sizes—though less visible—is just as powerful. The data included in the MBUSD Class Size Reduction presentation to the MBEF Board in November tells the compelling story behind MBEF's largest grant. Join us for a deep dive into how lower teacher-to-student ratios directly improve student learning, teacher satisfaction, and long-term outcomes.

The Landscape of Charitable Giving

2025/11/20

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 leveraging Donor Advised Funds can make your giving more efficient and more meaningful. Join us for a clear, timely look at how thoughtful planning can elevate both your impact and your overall giving experience.

Inside Transitional Kindergarten (TK) - Where Curiosity Lays the Foundation for Early Learning

2025/09/25

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 shaping the future of our District with host Ellen Padnos.

Back to Costa with Principal Huynh

2025/08/15

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.

Get In the Know on College Admissions Tests with Adam Ingersoll

2025/04/09

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 to current landscape and make the most of the options.

Navigating Potential Dangers of the Digital World

2025/01/14

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 consider when parenting around social media and preventing harm through online sexual abuse.

At the Heart of Exceptional Education - Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

2024/02/05

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 Erickson, is charged with ensuring that this focus is at the forefront of learning in our District. As his title suggests, Dr. Erickson’s goal is to align the knowledge, skills, and abilities we expect students to acquire or master with the instructional activities and strategies in the classroom, and then assess the ultimate acquisition of that same knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The College and Career Center - the Hub for Navigating the Future for Every Costa Student

2023/11/14

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 development, and over 100 visits from the admissions offices of over 100 colleges and universities worldwide. Through support of MBEF, the CCC is open to all Costa families Monday - Friday from 8am to 4pm, with extended hours to 7pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. Get to know the CCC Counselors and the wealth of knowledge they share in this next episode.

Perspectives on MBEF

2023/10/11

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.

MBEF’s 40th Anniversary -1983 to 2023

2023/05/05

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 Leserman share the history of the foundation from their perspectives and independently bring light to the start of the remarkable effort that continues today. This look at where we came from truly illustrates the importance of MBEF in our schools still today. MBEF has not only brought incredible opportunities to students, but it has also help build this unique community where members have learned that we are stronger together.

Get In the Know on Adversity with MBUSD Counseling Intern Steve Walker

2023/03/20

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 districtwide Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Week. Steve opens up about how his own blindness has taught him several critical lessons that everyone can benefit from to maintain a healthy perspective on life.

Get In The Know on College Admissions Testing with Adam Ingersoll of Compass

2023/03/06

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 Compass Education Group.

Districtwide STEM TOSA Tanya Sanchez

2023/02/06

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 Standards) instruction, facilitating communication, and inspiring a deliberate look at a student's learning path in STEM.

MBMS Music Instructor Denise Haslop

2022/12/12

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 learn more about how the instrumental music program provides middle school students with a sense of belonging, responsibility, and incredible joy.

South Bay Community Coalition Against Hate

2022/11/14

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 Manhattan Beach City Council, the Manhattan Beach Unified School District and many others have taken steps to combat hate. Most recently, under the leadership of Councilmember Hildy Stern, a large spectrum of local community organizations have joined forces as the South Bay Community Coalition Against Hate to decrease the incidents of hate and foster a sense of belonging through programs that educate, raise awareness, and support the apprehension of perpetrators.

Podcast reviews

Read In the Know podcast reviews

5 out of 5

9 reviews

★★★★★

PopularCar 2020/12/11

Can’t imagine a more qualified guest

Dr Kuo’s expertise makes her the perfect guest for talking about balancing ALL factors when deciding when and how to reopen schools: COVID risk, menta...

★★★★★

Liberry user 2020/12/02

Dr Kuo is in the know

Another great episode. Dr. Kuo is engaging and absolutely the best-informed person to discuss COVID-19 as it relates to our schools. Thanks MBEF.

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