The SMMUSD Wave- Dec.2024
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students, and Community Members,
As we approach the winter break and the close of 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable first half of the 2024-25 school year. Together, we’ve celebrated milestones, faced challenges, and worked tirelessly to ensure our students’ success. Their growth, resilience and accomplishments continue to inspire us every day.
This year, our community has shown extraordinary strength and unity, particularly in the wake of the recent Franklin fire in Malibu. Our partner, the Malibu Boys & Girls Club, has identified support services and resources for our students and families that you can find here: Franklin fire support services. This includes mental health services for students and families, social support services, shelter information, and mental health hotlines. We deeply appreciate the outpouring of support for our students and families during this time.
As we look ahead to the new year, I’m filled with excitement about the opportunities that await us. The upcoming months will be dedicated to further empowering our students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. With our collective commitment to fostering curiosity, collaboration, and belonging, we’re creating an environment where every student has the tools and support to succeed.
Long-serving Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mark Kelly bids farewell to SMMUSD this week as he retires from SMMUSD after 25 years of service. He has dedicated 37 years to educating youth in the Los Angeles area, including leadership positions at both Samohi and Malibu High School, before joining district office leadership first as director of students services, then assistant superintendent of human resources and more recently, deputy superintendent. Dr. Kelly's educational leadership, thoughtfulness, ability to connect with adults and youth, problem-solving skills and general knowledge of SMMUSD history, policies and practices have served our communities well. He is an extraordinary educational leader and human and I will miss having him nearby to brainstorm and problem-solve on a daily basis. We wish him all the best in his next chapter. We will share a news release about his career and impact in the coming weeks.
The holiday season is a wonderful time to reflect, recharge and connect with loved ones. While the end of the year can also be busy and overwhelming, I encourage everyone to take a moment to rest and prioritize mental health. If you or someone you know needs support, please refer to our mental health and community resources page.
As we prepare to welcome the new year, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our educators, staff, parents, and community partners for your unwavering dedication to our students. I wish you and your loved ones a joyful, restful and peaceful holiday season.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! We look forward to seeing our elementary students back on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, and our secondary students on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.
Sincerely,
Dr. Antonio Shelton
Superintendent
(Photo: Student board members Haley Castanaza, Samohi and Ella Stabile, Malibu High, joined me and board members at the annual California School Board Association (CSBA) conference in early December.)
You can read prior Superintendent Messages here.
Dr. Douglas Meza Named New Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources
The Santa Monica-Malibu School District Board of Education approved the appointment of Dr. Douglas Meza as the new assistant superintendent, human resources at its Dec. 19, 2024 regular board meeting.
Dr. Meza has worked for SMMUSD as the human resources director since August 2023, and moves into this new role with more than 24 years of education experience. He has extensive training and experience in education administration and leadership, coupled with skills in recruiting, hiring, coaching, mentoring, observation and supervision of education professionals.
(Photo: Dr. Meza, center in blue suit, with school board members and Superintendent Dr. Shelton)
Read more here.
Kam Lui-Carter, Santa Monica Alternative School House Student
Meet Kam Lui-Carter, a Santa Monica Alternative School House (SMASH) eighth grader with a passion for project-based learning (PBL) and a drive to explore the world beyond the classroom. Lui-Carter is a shining example of how PBL can shape the future of young minds. From presenting at a national symposium to applying his research on travel and budgeting during an international trip, Lui-Carter has demonstrated the power of hands-on education in fostering collaboration, critical thinking and personal growth.
Read more here: https://bit.ly/SMASHSpotllight2024PR.
Malibu and Webster Elementary Schools Collaborate Post Franklin Fire
Malibu Elementary and Webster Elementary have demonstrated the power of collaboration and community as they come together during Webster's temporary closure due to fire damage. A special thanks to Malibu Elementary Principal Chris Hertz and his staff for warmly welcoming Webster Principal Carina Diana and her students and staff to their campus. The seamless teamwork and mutual support between the two schools have been truly inspiring and highlight the strength of our district's commitment to supporting one another.
Special Message from Webster Principal Carina Diana
With the closure of Webster Elementary School in Malibu due to damage from the Franklin Fire last week, we have moved Webster students to Malibu Elementary School this week, expecting to return following our two-week winter break on Jan. 6, 2025.
Webster Principal Ms. Carina Diana gathered the Webster students for this photo to thank all the firefighters who saved Webster Elementary School from major damage.
The school sustained damage to solar panels, some electrical, and requires professional restoration / cleaning due to smoke.
Ms. Diana stated, “Today (12/17) was an incredibly heartwarming day as we welcomed our Webster students back to school at Malibu Elementary, surrounded by smiles, hugs, and a shared sense of gratitude. Our hearts are with the brave and heroic firefighters and first responders whose courage and dedication saved our beloved school during the Franklin Fire. Just one week ago, our Malibu community faced immense uncertainty, but the unwavering support of our staff, families, community, and district leadership has been nothing short of inspiring. This moment is a powerful testament to the strength, resilience, and unity of our SMMUSD family. Together, we are Malibu Strong.”
TK Teacher Professional Development
Webster Elementary’s Jacqueline Papale hosted an exciting professional development day for SMMUSD's Transitional Kindergarten teachers! Alongside Early Learning Coach Christine Manning, she showcased the power of Reggio-inspired materials to enhance English language arts, math, STEAM, social-emotional learning, and purposeful play. This hands-on training empowers educators to create more engaging and impactful learning experiences for the District's youngest students.
Grant Meshel PBL Celebration of Learning: Museum Project
As part of their Project-Based Learning (PBL) experience, Grant Elementary School second graders explored each other's cultures through research, reading, artifacts, ancestors and food. This immersive journey celebrated the diversity within their community, culminating a unique blend of all cultures coming together as one. A true testament to being Better Together!
SMMUSD Fifth Graders Treated to Westside Ballet's Nutcracker
Nearly 1,000 SMMUSD fifth grade students were treated to the classic Nutcracker by Westside Ballet at the BroadStage in early December. Arranged by school board member and Westside Ballet Managing Director Dr. Tahvildaran-Jesswein and the educational services team, students were enthralled with the performance and enjoyed the Q&A session after hosted by Dr. Tahvildaran-Jesswein. Students were given a small token from the dancers, many of whom are SMMUSD students. A great time was had by all!
Samohi Band Winter Concert
Santa Monica High School Bands invite the SMMUSD community to their Winter Concert on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Barnum Hall. There will be dinner, baked goods and hot drinks for sale starting at 5:30 p.m. Concert starts at 6:30 p.m. On site parking is available. Tickets go on sale in January at https://samohiband.org/.
SMMUSD Parent Project Educates Parents of Teens
The SMMUSD Parent Project helps teach parents the skills necessary to manage behavioral challenges in teens. SMMUSD offers the free program in partnership with mental health providers and the Santa Monica Police Department Youth & Family Services. The program repeats each semester and is designed for parents of children ages12 and up. Congrats to these parent participants! Contact the ed services department for more information.
Samohi Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New Exploration Building and Gold Gymnasium
Santa Monica High School (Samohi) held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Exploration building and Gold gymnasium on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. This event marked the completion of the new state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance student learning, physical fitness, and artistic development. The new buildings reflected the District’s commitment to creating future-ready learning environments that empowered students to reach their full potential, both academically and social-emotionally.
Read more here: https://bit.ly/SamohiRibbonCuttingPRFollow.
Watch photo/video slideshow here.
SMMUSD Appoints Gilles Chiasson as New Facility Use Director
SMMUSD is pleased to announce the appointment of Gilles Chiasson as its new facility use manager, effective Dec. 16, 2024. With extensive experience in program coordination, project design, and team leadership, Chiasson is well-equipped to lead the District’s facility use department, overseeing the efficient and effective use of District facilities, including the issuance of permits to outside entities.
Learn more here.
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