The SMMUSD Wave- June 2024
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students and Community Members,
As we conclude this school year, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduating classes of 2024 at Malibu High School, Olympic High School and Santa Monica High School. Witnessing the joy and pride on the faces of our graduates, their families and our dedicated staff was truly inspiring. Additionally, I had the pleasure of attending several elementary and middle school promotion ceremonies. These celebrations were a testament to the hard work, resilience and achievements of our students at all levels.
Reflecting on my first year as your superintendent, I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together. We have made significant strides in enhancing student achievement and addressing opportunity gaps through innovative programs and dedicated efforts. Our teachers, support staff and administrators have engaged in continuous professional development, and their commitment to excellence has been evident in every classroom. We have also strengthened our community partnerships, ensuring that our schools are not only places of learning but also hubs of support and growth for our students and families. Looking ahead, I am filled with hope and excitement for the future, as we continue to build on these successes and strive towards even greater achievements.
I am pleased to share an exciting update from the Santa Monica Education Foundation (SMEF). Thanks to the generosity of parents, grandparents, community members and local businesses, there will be no cuts or reductions to SMEF programs for the 2024-25 school year. Our Santa Monica schools can expect funding at the same level as they were this past school year for arts, stretch grants and instructional assistants.
We are pleased to see the launch of the Malibu Education Foundation, created as a community-driven fundraising organization dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities and enabling a vibrant academic experience for Malibu public school students. Follow them on Instagram @malibu.edfoundation! Learn more about the Dick and Arlene Van Dyke Endowment benefit event on June 15, 2024 at Malibu High School in partnership with The Shark Fund, Arts Angels and the new Malibu Education Foundation.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our schools and students. Together, you are making a significant difference in the educational experiences of our children. I know we can count on your continued support of SMEF and Malibu Education Foundation when registration opens.
To our recent high school graduates, please read our congratulatory message and enjoy a short video from members of our school board (https://bit.ly/CongratsFromBOE2024) and a congratulatory message from me (https://bit.ly/CongratsFromDrShelton2024).
Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable summer.
Sincerely,
Dr. Antonio Shelton
Superintendent
You can read prior Superintendent Messages here.
Thank you, Retirees!
SMMUSD extends its heartfelt gratitude to the 63 retiring staff members for their unwavering dedication & service. The school board honored their years of hard work, passion & contributions to student success at a recent meeting. See the full list of retirees here and the tributes read during the celebration here.
Thank you, Student Board Members!
Thank you to Mira Wagabaza from Santa Monica High School and Thomas Drummond from Malibu High School, for their exceptional service and dedication as student board members. Your leadership, passionate advocacy, and unwavering commitment to representing your schools alongside the seven elected Board of Education members have profoundly influenced the SMMUSD community. Thank you for making a significant impact through your outstanding contributions.
Congratulations to the Second PBL Graduating Class
Congratulations to the second graduating class of the Samohi Project Based Learning (PBL) pathway! As the second graduating PBL class, you have continued the tradition of excellence and innovation. Your dedication, innovative thinking, and collaborative spirit have not only contributed to your own achievements but have also solidified PBL's place as a cornerstone of experiential learning at Samohi. Celebrate this milestone knowing that your impact will resonate within the school community for years to come. Explore more about PBL! Applications for the 2024-25 school year are now open: www.smmusd.org/pbl. do. learn. thrive.
Young Collegians Celebration
Congratulations to our young collegians from Santa Monica and Malibu High Schools! The partnership between SMMUSD and SMC not only celebrates but also facilitates a crucial bridge to higher education for our first-generation college students. Their dedication and achievements are paving the way for future success and opportunities.
Samohi Immersion Grads Return to Edison Language Academy
The 2024 Samohi Immersion graduates recently returned to Edison Language Academy, where their dual language academic journey began, to celebrate their high school graduation. This event highlighted their significant growth, achievements, and enduring connections formed throughout their educational path. Students who earned the prestigious seal of biliteracy medallions were also recognized.
John Adams Middle School Celebrates Eighth Grade Immersion Students
A special ceremony honored the John Adams Middle School Immersion students who will soon join Samohi, continuing their dual language immersion journey and recognizing their dedication to language proficiency and cultural awareness gained throughout elementary and middle school. This moment celebrated their linguistic skills, cultural understanding, and the enriching experiences that will guide them as they enter high school.
Tradition: Samohi Grads Visit their Elementary School in Caps and Gowns
Santa Monica elementary schools were filled with pride and joy as Samohi students celebrated the annual Senior Clap Out! Teachers, students & staff lined up to give graduating students the loudest send-off ever, filled with smiles.
Watch senior clap out here: https://bit.ly/SMSeniorClapOut2024.
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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