The SMMUSD Wave- May 2024

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students and Community Members,

With graduation nearing, let's reaffirm our commitment to student success and support them as they prepare for the next phase of their lives. I am excited to share a notable achievement within the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, highlighting our dedication to excellence and providing access and opportunity for all students.

I am pleased to announce that U.S. News & World Report has released their 2024 Best High Schools rankings, placing Malibu and Santa Monica High Schools among the top five percent of nearly 18,000 public schools nationwide. Malibu High achieved an impressive ranking of 573, while Santa Monica High School secured the 850th spot. Additionally, within California's 2,616 high schools, Malibu High ranked 77th and Samohi 120th, with countywide standings at 26th and 48th respectively. Congratulations to both high schools, their staff, and students! More about these rankings can be read below.

As we enter the final stretch before graduation, our schools are bustling with activity. I see joy on the faces of our students wherever I visit. Check out the calendars on our school webpages to learn more about events, concerts, and programs that parents, staff, and the public may attend to celebrate our students’ accomplishments and growth during this school year. I would like to remind you that attendance at this time of the school year is still critical for your students to gain the most academically and social-emotionally through to the end of the school year. The last day of school is June 12, 2024.

Please check our school sites for information about promotions, culminations, and graduations. I’m looking forward to attending all of our high school graduations and as many elementary and middle school promotions as I can. Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to the success of our students.

Sincerely,

Dr. Antonio Shelton
Superintendent

Photo: Franklin TK collaborative class food market and Westside Foodbank donation drive.

You can read prior Superintendent Messages here.

U.S. News and World Report has ranked Malibu and Santa Monica high schools in the top five percent for 2024 out of nearly 18,000 public schools in the nation. Malibu High ranked 573 and Santa Monica High School (Samohi) ranked 850, nationally. Malibu High moved up in the rankings from the prior year reflecting the hard work and efforts of SMMUSD educators and students

Read more about the U.S. News Rankings here: https://bit.ly/USNewsRankings2024.

SMMUSD is proud to announce that four schools have been named to the 2023 Educational Results Partnership (ERP) Honor Roll, recognizing their high achievement and student success.

The honored schools include:

• Edison Language Academy: Star School

• McKinley Elementary School: Star School

• Franklin Elementary School: Scholar School

• John Adams Middle School: Star School (Intermediate/Middle/Junior High category)

Read more here: https://bit.ly/ERPHonorRoll23PR.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) Board of Education approved the appointment of Elizabeth Ipiña as the new Edison Language Academy Principal at its May 16, 2024, regular board meeting.

Read more here.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) Board of Education approved the appointment of Walter Gavidia as the new Santa Monica High School (Samohi) house principal at its regular board meeting on May 16, 2024.

Read more here.

The Santa Monica-Malibu School District Board of Education approved the appointment of Brenda Clarke, Ed.D., M.B.A., as the newest special education coordinator at its May 16, 2024 regular board meeting.

Read more here.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District has been honored with the “Best Communities for Music Education” designation from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. This marks the 22nd consecutive year for SMMUSD to earn these honors. The Board of Education recognized and celebrated music teachers at its April 18, 2024 meeting.

Read more.

From addressing “secret bullies” to welcoming a new era of collaboration, empowerment and inclusivity within the school community, the students of Will Rogers Learning Community are leading the way with the launch of the Peacemakers program. Under the guidance of Principal Lila Daruty and Counselor Khatija Dadabhoy, this innovative initiative equips students with invaluable conflict resolution skills while creating a dynamic school culture of belonging, understanding and respect.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/PeacemakersPR2024-WRLC.

Watch the video to learn more about the Will Rogers Peacemakers: https://bit.ly/Peacemakers2024-WRLC.

Congrats Franklin! SMMUSD is honored to announce Franklin Elementary School as this spring’s winner of the Golden Sneaker award. Franklin had the highest level of participation, at 88%, in the District during the Bike It! Walk It! Bus It! (BIWIBI) campaign, held May 2-6, in partnership with the City of Santa Monica. The school also won the award in fall 2022.

Read more about the campaign here: https://bit.ly/BIWIBIprMay2024.

Santa Monica High School’s (Samohi) jazz ensemble and combos capped off the 2023-2024 school year with outstanding achievements and a remarkable performance. Samohi’s jazz ensembles triumphed at the Super Jazz at the Ranch Festival, bringing home multiple awards. The celebration continued on with the 2024 jazz spring concert at Samohi, featuring four-time Grammy award-winning jazz bassist and composer Stanley Clarke as the special guest.

Read more about Samohi’s jazz ensemble here.

Franklin Elementary School students and parents were invited to travel the world at Franklin’s annual multicultural fair. Attendees smiled from ear to ear as they visited different countries trying unique foods, learning interesting facts and even getting their event passports stamped. This year’s fair included representation of 30 different cultures, as well as a table for the deaf and blind community.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/FranklinMulticulturalFairPR2024.

Did you know SMMUSD is ranked as one of California’s best school Districts, places to teach and best teachers?

Come join the dynamic team at SMMUSD and help make a lasting impact on the lives of students in Santa Monica and Malibu’s coastal communities! The District is currently seeking passionate and dedicated educators to join our team.

As an educator at SMMUSD, you'll have the opportunity to work in a supportive environment where your creativity and expertise are valued. The District is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, belonging, curiosity, inclusion and empowerment, ensuring that every student feels valued and supported in their learning journey.

Apply here: https://bit.ly/JoinOurSMMUSDTeam.

Watch Dr. Antonio Shelton, superintendent of SMMUSD, as he discusses the core values that drive our District forward here: https://bit.ly/SMMUSDRecruitmentVideo2024.

Photo: SMMUSD team at recent Los Angeles County Office of Education job fair.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education is currently accepting applications for openings on some of it district advisory committees (DACs). Applications can be found online. Completed applications are due to the district office no later than June 14, 2024. Members of the public are encouraged to apply to serve on one of the following committees: Early Learning, Health and Safety, Special Education, and Visual and Performing Arts. More info.

SMMUSD Child Development Services (CDS) staff participated in the annual City of Santa Monica Art + Literacy Festival in April. Young learners had the opportunity to explore and build, all in the theme of "The Robots are Here." It was a great day for the hundreds of families who attended! SMMUSD preschools are now enrolling for the fall. Learn more: www.smmusd.org/cds

SMMUSD celebrated its transition to 100% renewable energy at the "Plugging In" celebration on the Discovery rooftop. Special thanks to Samohi Team Marine, SMMUSD leadership, Climate Action Santa Monica, and city of Santa Monica council members, for their dedication. We are proud to be a Clean Power Alliance Green Leader and to continue our sustainability journey.

Malibu High School held its annual History Day event on Friday, May 24! Eleventh graders diligently researched significant turning points in U.S. history. Each student presented a tri-fold display on their historic moment of interest. Students also engaged in discussion with parents and attendees as they explored various perspectives on their chosen topics.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee of the Santa Monica-Malibu PTA Council and the Santa Monica-Malibu Classroom Teachers Association recently hosted "Sticks and Stones: Getting Real about the Power of Words and Symbols." With 62 participants filling the space beyond its 50-person capacity, the event drew parents, caregivers, students, teachers, and staff members, highlighting the profound impact of the words and symbols we encounter daily. The powerful discussion underscored the importance of mindful communication within our community.

Roosevelt Elementary School hosted its annual Science and Engineering Fair on Saturday, April 27. The auditorium was buzzing with creativity and innovation as Roosevelt students showcased their scientific discoveries. Students from transitional kindergarten through fifth grade engaged in experiments, crafting intricate contraptions that showcased their enthusiasm for science, engineering and STEM subjects. Adding to the excitement, the Santa Monica High School Science Olympiad team joined them, enriching the event with their expertise and enthusiasm. It was a celebration of curiosity, ingenuity and the boundless possibilities of science.

McKinley Elementary School hosted its 8th annual STEM Fair on Friday, April 26. The auditorium was alive with creativity and innovation. From transitional kindergarten to fifth grade, students enthusiastically presented their scientific findings and creations. The event was a vibrant celebration of imagination, exploration and the limitless potential of STEM fields.

Meet Mary Tafi, a dedicated and passionate kindergarten teacher who is shaping the young minds of tomorrow with kindness and wonder.

Read more about Tafi here: https://bit.ly/MaryTafi-Spotlight.

Santa Monica and Malibu voters generously approved facility bonds in 2018 to improve, repair and modernize outdated classrooms, labs and facilities. Thanks to community members, many critical projects have been completed and local students are thriving in new or improved facilities. More projects have broken ground and more upgrades are planned to ensure all students have equal access to programs and state-of-the-art facilities. Progress is detailed in the recent newsletter and survey for Santa Monica schools and Malibu schools: www.smmusd.org/Bonds. If you have not yet taken the survey, please do. We appreciate your input!

Get an exclusive sneak peek! Witness the remarkable progress of Santa Monica High School's upcoming Exploration Building and Gold Gymnasium through stunning drone footage. Anticipated opening summer 2024.

Watch drone video here.

Take a seat at the table as McKinley Elementary School's Principal, Daniela Weiner, engages in a captivating Q&A session with Carey Upton, SMMUSD’s Chief Operations Officer. Together, they delve into the exciting changes coming to McKinley and how the state-of-the-art new administration and classroom building will have a profound impact on student learning experiences.

Watch the interview here.

Originally constructed in 1958 as an industrial shop building at Lincoln Middle School, building 500 needs a complete renovation. The building lacks air conditioning, appropriate ventilation and the classrooms no longer serve student learning needs. Phase 1 of the proposed renovation aims to rejuvenate and convert building 500 into an eighth-grade hub with a curriculum centered on project-based learning and preparing students for the future. While there are no plans to expand the building envelope, the interiors will be re-imagined to engage and challenge students.

Learn more about building 500 here.

• June 5, 2024 - Olympic Graduation at 5:30 p.m., Virginia Avenue Park
• June 7, 2024 - Project Based Learning (PBL) Pathway Graduation at 5:30 p.m.
• June 11, 2024 - Malibu High Graduation at 2 p.m. & Samohi Graduation at 5:30 p.m.

• June 12, 2024 - Last Day of Classes

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The SMMUSD Wave is published monthly by the SMMUSD communications team: Gail Pinsker, Community & Public Relations Officer; Diana Bouchaaya and Esmi Careaga, Communication Specialists. Do you have news or interest stories about our students, programs or staff? Please share through Let's Talk.

The SMMUSD Wave:

2023 Winner of the Award of Excellence by the California School Public Relations Association