The SMMUSD Wave- Feb. 2025
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students, and Community Members,
The start of 2025 has brought unexpected challenges in the form of two wildfires that impacted our communities. In times like these, we are reminded of the strength of our community and the power of coming together to support one another.
During this challenging time our partners have risen to the situation and have provided endless support to those in need. I would like to thank Santa Monica College, YMCA, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Malibu and Santa Monica who all continue to go above and beyond for our communities. We understand that nearly 70 SMMUSD families and staff have lost homes and we continue to have them in our thoughts. We have received more than 300 requests for enrollment from displaced families and more than 135 have accepted and joined our schools. Parents and staff of our four Malibu schools have been patient and supportive as we scontinue to have closures on and off in that community due to extreme weather, evacuations, flood warnings and road closures. We have remote teaching and learning in place during those days when schools are closed and continue to support our Malibu families and staff with support and resources.
At the same time, recent changes in immigration policies have raised concerns for many families. We want to reaffirm that SMMUSD remains a safe and welcoming place for all students, regardless of immigration status. Every child has the right to a quality public education, and our district does not collect citizenship documentation at any time. Our commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive spaces for all remains steadfast. Please take a moment to watch a brief video message from me regarding SMMUSD’s values here. Director of Student Services Dr. Frank Dussan recorded my message in Spanish.
On a positive note, January and February have been full of great celebrations and learning opportunities at our schools including the Lunar New Year and Black History Month. Please continue to read the Wave below to read about the events and programs happening.
Despite some challenges, we look ahead with optimism. Our students continue to thrive, and the months ahead bring exciting opportunities for learning, growth, and community connection. From upcoming performances, such as Stairway of the Stars, and academic achievements, like college acceptances, to school-wide celebrations, we remain focused on creating an environment where every student can succeed.
Through every challenge, we remain united in our dedication to our students and families. Thank you for your ongoing support, generosity, and care for one another.
Sincerely,
Dr. Antonio Shelton
Superintendent
You can read prior Superintendent Messages here.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mark Kelly Retires from SMMUSD After 25 Years
Long-serving Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mark Kelly has retired from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) after 25 years of service, with more than 37 years total dedicated to educating youth in the Los Angeles area. The Board of Education, along with other elected officials recognized his service at its Dec. 19, 2024 regular meeting.
Dr. Kelly held administrator positions at both Santa Monica High School (Samohi) and Malibu High School (MHS), before joining district office leadership first as director of students services, then assistant superintendent of human resources and more recently, deputy superintendent. His educational leadership, thoughtfulness, ability to connect with adults and youth, problem-solving skills and general knowledge of SMMUSD history, policies and practices have served staff, families and students well.
“Dr. Kelly is an extraordinary educational leader and human and I will miss having him nearby to brainstorm, problem-solve and work toward meeting our goals on a daily basis,” said Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton. “There are few people who possess the grace, patience and skill to navigate challenging situations as Dr. Kelly does.”
Read more here.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) / Kindergarten Roundup Planned for February 20, 2025, for Malibu Schools
TK and Kindergarten Roundup will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at your neighborhood Malibu school.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) / Kindergarten Roundup, as the yearly event is called, is an opportunity for children entering TK or Kindergarten in Malibu for the upcoming year to meet the principal and teachers of their neighborhood school and begin the registration process for the 2025-26 school year.
Read more here: https://bit.ly/MalibuRoundup2025PR
Santa Monica elementary schools held TK/K Roundup in January. Enrollment information is available on the www.smmusd.org website and your neighborhood school.
SMMUSD Celebrates Black History Month with JAZZ REACH’s Stolen Moments
In honor of Black History Month, the SMMUSD continued its partnership with JAZZ REACH, a nationally renowned nonprofit music organization from New York, to celebrate the achievements and influence of Black and African American musicians.
Read more here: https://bit.ly/Jazzreach2025.
Santa Monica High School Students Win First Place in NASA JPL Invention Challenge
Students from Santa Monica High School’s (Samohi) Engineering Academy claimed first place at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Invention Challenge on Dec. 6, 2024. Competing against 21 teams from Los Angeles and Orange counties, Samohi students excelled in this year’s “Candy Toss” challenge, which required teams to design a device capable of launching 50 chocolate-coated peanut candies into a target 16 feet away in under 60 seconds.
Read more here: https://bit.ly/SamohiJPLWinners2025.
Courtesy Photo NASA JPL-Caltech
Grant Elementary Celebrates Diversity and Unity Through Cultural Museum Project
Grant Elementary School hosted its Celebration of Learning Cultural Museum Project on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. The Project-Based Learning theme focused on celebrating the diverse cultures within the school community, with second graders taking center stage in a vibrant and educational event.
Read more about Grant students cultural museum here: https://bit.ly/GrantCulturalMuseumPR.
Samohi Orchestras Honor First Responders at 20th Annual Spaghetti & Strings Event
The nationally acclaimed, award-winning Santa Monica High School (Samohi) orchestras program hosted its 20th Annual Spaghetti & Strings event on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. In past years, the event has focused on fundraising, generating critical support for program expenses and much more. However, this year’s event took on a new and deeply meaningful purpose, inspired by the students’ compassion and the recent devastating fires that affected the broader community.
Learn more here.
Santa Monica High School Symphony and Chamber Orchestras to Perform at LA Phil’s Mahlerthon
The Santa Monica High School (Samohi) Symphony and Chamber Orchestras will take the stage at Walt Disney Concert Hall as part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association’s Mahlerthon, a daylong celebration of the music of Gustav Mahler. The event, presented in collaboration with Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA), Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA), UCLA Philharmonia, musicians from the USC Thornton Symphony, and the Colburn Orchestra, will take place on March 2, 2025.
Read more here: https://bit.ly/SamohiOrchMahlerthon2025.
Courtesy Photo: White Studios
SMMUSD Financial Oversight Committee Looking For Volunteers
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District’s Financial Oversight Committee (FOC) is seeking qualified candidates who can put their financial and/or management expertise to work in support of the school district. There are three upcoming vacancies with three-year terms beginning July 1, 2025.
Read more here.
Joshua Spiess, MHS ‘26
Meet Joshua Spiess, a junior at Malibu High School. A dedicated student in the Career Technical Education (CTE) Media Arts pathway and a key contributor to The Current, Spiess is honing real-world skills in journalism, leadership, and communication. From reporting on school events to managing newsroom deadlines, his hands-on experience is preparing him for success beyond high school.
Read more about Spiess here: https://bit.ly/JoshuaSpiess-Spotlight.
74th Annual “Stairway to the Stars” Concert Shines a Brilliant Light on the SMMUSD Music Program - Tickets Now on Sale!
SMMUSD will present Stairway of the Stars for the 74th year, a musical extravaganza highlighting the outstanding music education programs, and showcasing the talents of students from every school in the district. Nearly 900 elementary, middle, and high school students will “star” in the “Stairway to the Stars” outdoor concert in the Santa Monica High School Greek Theatre on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 4 p.m. Samohi alum Senator Ben Allen will receive the 2025 Stairway Honor award! Purchase tickets: www.StairwayoftheStars.org
Resource Fair for Special Education Families: Tri-City SELPA
Families of special education students are encouraged to attend the Community Resource Fair hosted by the Tri-City SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area), Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Santa Monica High School Cafeteria. Parking at 600 Olympic Blvd. Families of SMMUSD, Beverly Hills USD and Culver City USD will have the opportunity to visit with more than 30 vendors / resources for students with learning differences.
Photo: 2024 Fair
BAAPAC- Rooted Together
Save the Date! The Black/African-American Parent Advisory Committee (BAAPAC) is holding a communal family gathering honoring the history, legacy and future of families of African descent. This event will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Santa Monica High School.
RSVP today: https://bit.ly/BAAPACBHM2025.
Samohi Basketball Reaches out to Malibu HS Basketball Player with Donation
Boys and girls Samohi Vikings basketball teams learned about a Malibu High School girls basketball player who lost her home in the Palisades fire and decided to create a gift basket that included a basketball, new water bottle, other goodies and a $1,200 check from their concession proceeds. MHS player Casey Ovsiowitz was thrilled and appreciative of this generous donation across the school district. SMMUSD commends the Samohi teams for their thoughtfulness and generosity.
Photo: Casey with MHS administration and coaches.
John Adams Middle School Hall Pass Podcast has Launched
Welcome to Hall Pass Podcast! We are excited to bring you a new way to connect with the John Adams Middle School community and the broader SMMUSD community. Hosted by JAMS parents Erika Bell, Jill Cipresso and Jill Jurenka and produced in partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Monica and Notes for Notes. Also a shout-out to JAMS students and BGCSM members Leif and Oliver for creating our intro and outro music!
Listen to the initial episodes of JAMS Hall Pass on Apple Podcasts.
Your Input is Needed!
SMMUSD has partnered with Hanover Research to conduct a short survey to gather input from all parents and staff about our school district’s climate and culture. We encourage you to share your opinions about your experiences in SMMUSD in order to inform the decisions made by school and district administrators. Please use the following link to take the survey: LINK.
Survey deadline is Friday February 28, 2025.
Lunar New Year at SMMUSD
Happy Lunar New Year to our families and community members who celebrate! This festive holiday, which was observed on Wednesday, January 29, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and symbolizes renewal, prosperity, and the hope for good fortune in the year ahead. Across SMMUSD, schools hosted activities to honor the occasion, including special Lion Dance performances at several elementary schools, bringing energy and tradition to our students.
McKinley Elementary Celebrate Culture and Diversity
McKinley Elementary hosted its Multicultural Festival, a vibrant celebration of diversity and unity. The event brought the community together as families shared the richness of their cultures through traditional food, attire, and performances, creating a meaningful opportunity for students to learn, connect, and appreciate the many backgrounds that make up our community.
Holocaust Survivor, Eva Perlman, Visits Samohi
Samohi students had a powerful opportunity to hear from 92-year-old Holocaust survivor Eva Perlman, who shared her story of survival in a packed Barnum Hall for Holocaust Remembrance Day. She recounted her family’s journey from Germany to France and eventually America. Observed on January 27, which is the anniversary of Auschwitz-Birkenau’s liberation, International Holocaust Remembrance Day honors the six million Jewish victims and millions of others persecuted by the Nazis. Remembering these stories helps ensure that history is never forgotten.
Franklin Revolutionary War Walkthrough
Franklin Elementary hosted a Revolutionary War Walkthrough, bringing history to life for students through an interactive experience. They learned about the events leading up to the war while taking on the roles of historical figures in a dynamic mix of game show and play. The event featured mock battles and engaging activities, making history both educational and memorable.
Samohi Celebrates New Exploration Building and Gold Gymnasium with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Santa Monica High School's Exploration building and Gold gymnasium Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Dec. 11, 2024! The heartfelt student speeches moved us all, the tours highlighted the incredible state-of-the-art facilities and the sunset was a memorable touch. Together, let’s continue creating modern spaces that inspire and prepare our students for the future.
Watch highlights from the ceremony here.
Watch staff and guest photo slideshow here.
Samohi Architecture Club Gains Real-World Experience During Phase 4 Construction Interviews of Samohi
The Facility Improvements Department conducted interviews for the construction of Phase 4 of the new student services building at Santa Monica High School (Samohi). Members of the architecture club had the opportunity to attend interviews, gaining valuable insight into the selection process. This experience offered students a firsthand look at how design and construction teams are chosen, deepening their understanding of real-world architectural and construction practices.
Santa Monica Ed Foundation
Show your love and nominate the Ed Foundation as your Most Loved Nonprofit!
Please take a moment to vote in Santa Monica’s Most Loved contest and help the Ed Foundation become Santa Monica’s Most Loved Non-Profit 2025. Vote NOW through March 14 using smdp.com/vote. The Ed Foundation can be found in the Neighborhood Favorites category, under Non-Profit Organization. Friends and family anywhere can also vote, so please share!
Additionally, the Ed Foundation’s 10th Annual Wine Auction will be held on May 4th at the Fairmont Miramar. This beloved event and biggest fundraiser of the year is sure to sell out. Tickets go on sale March 1st, so mark your calendars and show your support for our Santa Monica students.
Malibu Education Foundation
Supporting Malibu’s Students in a Time of Need
The recent wildfire has deeply impacted our Malibu school community, displacing families and staff, and bringing new students into our classrooms. As we focus on helping our community rebuild, the Malibu Education Foundation—which funds essential staff and programs for all four Malibu public schools—is committed to ensuring our students have the academic and emotional support they need.
Wildfires leave lasting effects, and history has shown that learning loss can persist for years. With your support, we can provide the resources our students need to recover and thrive.
As a newly established foundation, our fundraising efforts have been temporarily sidelined, but the need has never been greater. If you are able, please consider donating to help us meet this critical moment. Every contribution makes a difference.
Donate today at www.malibueducationfoundation.org
Boys & Girls Club Malibu Disaster Relief Center and Emergency Relief Fund
BGCM has launched an Emergency Relief Fund and Disaster Relief Center to support families and individuals affected by the recent wildfires. Contributions are appreciated and can make a meaningful difference, as the proceeds will go directly to assist those in need. Donations will help provide essentials like food, water, and clothing, as well as support for finding temporary housing and other critical resources. Donate to the relief fund here. The Emergency Relief Fund is available to those affected by the Palisades Fire visit: https://bgcmalibu.org/emergency-resources/, to learn more. The Disaster Relief Center offers families and individuals affected by the wildfires free resources, including emergency grants support, essential supplies, mental health services and connections to additional support. Donations of new toiletries and other NEW, pre-approved items are greatly needed. For approval on in-kind donations, please email: mollyscott@bgcmalibu.org. Volunteers are also needed. Sign up to volunteer: https://bit.ly/BGCMVolunteer. Visit: BGCM Disaster Relief Center
If You Need Help:
● For Emergency Relief Assistance or General Inquiries, Contact: emergencyrelief@bgcmalibu.org.
● For Mental Health Support & Services, Contact: 310-457-6801 ext. 74141 wellnessinfo@bgcmalibu.org.
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