PBL Weekly Blast

Our 9th and 10th grade students were fully engaged in our Cold Call Event, stepping outside their comfort zones to speak with people they had never met. Students bravely overcame their fears, asked thoughtful questions, and participated in brief yet meaningful conversations that strengthened their communication skills.

A special thank you to Bailey for organizing this experience as well as to the parents who generously volunteered their time to participate. It was one of the rare occasions when we were excited to see students using their cell phones for learning.

Micah L. (class of 2027) spends his Tuesdays interning at McKinley Elementary School. His LTI is truly a hands-on experience allowing Micah to support environmental learning while helping students connect with culture, community, and sustainability through building a Heritage Garden.

This past Friday, McKinley hosted a Multicultural Day event, featuring food and performances that honored the diverse cultures represented within the school community. Micah showcased his culinary creativity and leadership by preparing delicious potato tacos with flavorful fixings using ingredients grown directly from the heritage garden!

Denim Day, an international annual campaign where you are encouraged to wear jeans or other denim to show your support for people who have experienced sexual violence.

Come find the Margaret's Place Peer Leadership table on the grassy quad outside exploration at lunch Wednesday to get information and resources, PLUS decorate a denim keychain that you can take with you to show your solidarity! See Ms Lara in E117 with questions.

Our 12th graders will join this leaving to learn as an extension of their government class. Seniors are learning that government is not only about laws and institutions, but also about how societies choose to remember, reinterpret, and govern their collective past.

As students continue their literary study of apartheid in South Africa, they will have the meaningful opportunity to extend their learning through an upcoming visit to see Master Harold...and the Boys at the Geffen Playhouse. This powerful production offers students a deeper, more personal understanding of the human impact of segregation, prejudice, and systemic injustice. We will also be hosting visiting artists in our English classrooms for Pre and Post Show learning.

The Orchestra Pops Concert on Friday, May 1 at 6:30pm! Students will be playing pieces from your favorite movies while the videos are projected above the stage. Concessions are available starting at 5:30pm. This concert sells out, so reserve your student ticket for $10 at samohiorchestras.org

On Fridays, we are joined by Otis College or Art and Design Art Intern Brian An. He is leading lessons in 20th century art history, contextualizing it in history and analyzing iconography and propaganda. Joyfully, Brain is teaching us how to paint with watercolor and we will be illustrating some of our writing.

Summer Internship Opportunity June 15 -July 2

Los Angeles County Bloomberg Arts Internship Program

The 2026 LA County Bloomberg Arts Internship program is now open! Paid internships and college preparation for rising public high school seniors at arts and culture organizations. Paid internships take place June 15 - August 7, 2026. Eligible and interested students will apply directly to participating internship worksites, click the link above.

Become a volunteer reading tutor.

Spend a little over an hour per week helping students gain lifelong literacy skills that will lay solid foundation for future learning.

- Online and In Person options

- 1 Hour Per week

- Choose a time that works for you

- No Experience required

https://readingpartners.org/volunteer-in-los-angeles/

Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County

Must be 16 years old to apply

ABOUT THE SUMMER JUDICIAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Program Dates: June 8 – July 31

Program Type: Unpaid Internship

Apply by May 3

This eight-week program features virtual educational sessions led by judicial officers, partner agencies, court staff, and other professionals involved in the judicial process, along with daily opportunities to observe courtroom proceedings in person and remotely across a variety of case types, including family law, criminal, probate, traffic, civil, etc...

The program provides structured exposure to courtroom procedures, legal terminology, and courthouse operations through presentations, discussions, and observation. Participants also have opportunities to engage with key court stakeholders, including judicial officers, partner agencies, and courtroom and operations staff.

Note: This is an observational, educational program and does not include hands-on or work-based duties.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

The Court will be hosting a series of information sessions to provide an overview of the program and answer potential applicants' questions. Register for an INFO SESSION https://calendly.com/lacourt/infosessions.

The California Youth Think Tank (CYTT) is a nationally recognized youth leadership training program designed to empower young people to discover their voice, strengthen their leadership abilities, and achieve academic excellence. Through rigorous training, CYTT equips participants with the confidence, moral character, and critical-thinking skills needed to become future leaders who create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

During the program, participants reside in a college dorm, experiencing campus life college culture firsthand. They participate in daily classes and interactive workshops focused on leadership, public speaking, debate, civic engagement, and character development. Participants research important social issues, take part in team debates and panel discussions, and collaborate on group projects

A hallmark of the CYTT experience is the opportunity to learn and grow alongside dynamic youth leaders from diverse backgrounds and communities across the nation—fostering perspective, empathy, and lifelong connections.

CYTT alumni have gone on to become distinguished college graduates, educators, entrepreneurs, business and civic leaders, and social advocates—making a positive impact in their professions and serving as agents of positive change in society.

HOW TO APPLY:

Complete Application HERE

Transportation Career Academy Program (TCAP), which is a paid summer internship for current juniors and seniors (Classes of 2025 and 2026). Applications will be open from February 16, 2026 through March 20, 2026.

Benefits of the Program:

• Hands-on experience with one of the nation’s largest public transportation agencies

• Exposure to real-world career pathways in transportation

Who Qualifies?

• Students who rely on transit, live in LA County, and reside near a Metro rail station

• Schools must be located near Metro rail expansion projects

Please feel free to share with your students. For more information and how to apply visit: https://www.metro.net/about/careers/tcap/

An early clinical exposure opportunity designed for high school students ages 16–17 who are interested in exploring healthcare careers.

Program Highlights for Students:

• Firsthand exposure to clinical environments at a hospital in Santa Monica

• Opportunities to learn about patient care in the hospital units

• Insight into healthcare careers, education paths, and day-to-day hospital life

• Mentorship from Health Scholars and hospital staff

• A program completion certificate from UCLA Fielding School of Public Health

• Preferred admission into the Health Scholar Program after high school

*Program does cost money

https://copehealthscholars.org/program/junior-health-scholars-program/

The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program is designed for rising 9th and 10th graders who are interested in developing leadership skills, gaining hands-on experience working with children, and preparing for future employment opportunities. This program is especially well-suited for students who demonstrate responsibility, enthusiasm, and a desire to grow as leaders.

CITs commit to a four-week volunteer session, during which they:

• Actively participate in daily camp activities alongside campers

• Assist with supervision, including on the bus to and from camp

• Take part in leadership meetings, group discussions, journaling, and evaluations with staff and fellow CITs

• Gain valuable training and real-world experience in teamwork, communication, and responsibility

We are looking for CITs who would be able to attend the second session, July 13–August 7.

If students would like to request an application, learn more, or need financial aid, they can contact us directly by emailing our camp director at brooks@tumbleweedcamp.com or by phone at (310) 472-7474.

The Intern Project (TIP) provides outstanding high school students from schools across LA County the opportunity to work in dynamic career areas.

​TIP company partner fields include: Arts, Media & Entertainment, Engineering & Tech, Business, Government/Non-Profit/Philanthropy, Sports, and Healthcare & Medical Technology.

Ideal TIP candidates are responsible young adults who are:

Students in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade who attend a public school in Los Angeles County ​​​

The TIP Summer Program runs for 8 weeks (June-August). Students get paid and receive college credit for completing the program.

www.theinternproject.org

Summer classes are recommended for students who want:

• To “Get Ahead” on required classes

• Resolve schedule conflicts for next year

• Take a class for enrichment or advancement

These classes are best for students who are motivated and ready to work independently.

_______________________________________________________________

IMPORTANT RULES (VERY IMPORTANT)

• All classes required for grade level requirements must be completed by August 7, 2026

• Transcripts MUST be sent directly to SamohiRecords@smmusd.org upon completion of course.

• Students must earn a letter grade (A–F)

• ❌ Pass/No Pass is not accepted

• Final grades or transcripts must be submitted to your Academic Advisor, Nicole Nicodemus.

• Deadlines for course completion are strict – finish by August 7, 2026

• College courses (SMC) have limited space and are not guaranteed

• Always have a backup plan

Classes Offered:

• Art

• Geometry invitations will be coming directly from District Office

• Students selected by lottery

• Deadline to apply is April 24, 2026 at 4pm

• Priority for students with impacted schedules

• Open to current SMMUSD students

• Applying does not guarantee enrollment

• Dates: June 22, 2026 – July 24, 2026

More info: https://samohi.smmusd.org/programs/summer-school/home

(Not SAMO or Community College)

📅 Application Deadline: May 22, 2026

• Students must submit the Concurrent Enrollment Application 2026 to the Advisor by May 22, 2026

• Advisor must approve students prior to enrolling

• Not all programs are accepted. Approved schools can be found HERE

• Courses must be completed and proof of grade or transcript sent to Samo by August 7, 2026

Approved schools & policies:https://samohi.smmusd.org/about-us/advisors/concurrent-enrollment

• For students who earned a D or a Fail in a required class

• Advisor will sign you up

• Limited course offerings

• Dates: June 22, 2026 – July 24, 2026

📅 Approval Deadline: May 22, 2026

Steps to Enroll:

1. Click LINK for SMC Concurrent Enrollment for PBL students

1. This will lead you to:

1. Completing CA Community College enrollment

2. Completing Community College concurrent enrollment application for High School Students

3. Completing Samohi’s concurrent enrollment form

4. Being approved by Community College to enroll in your class

2. If taking at a Community College other than SMC, follow their specific steps for concurrent enrollment AND complete the Samohi’s Concurrent Enrollment Form (HERE)

Important Notes:

• Classes are first come, first served

• Enrollment is not guaranteed

• Core classes are recommended to be taken at Santa Monica High School. Student must take required English course at Samohi.

• Samohi does not have any influence on community college offerings, schedule, or space in classes

• Correct SMC course numbers must be entered on Concurrent Enrollment Form

Order your Yearbook at the Vikes Inn, with Mr. Saunders in Ex331 or at www.yearbookforever.com

https://samohi.smmusd.org/departments/physical-education/ispe

Independent Study PE Applications are now available.

2026-27 School Year Application Window:

March 12, 2026 through April 24, 2026

2026-27 9th -12th ISPE Application - English

2026-27 9th -12th ISPE Application - Spanish

Email all completed documents to Samohi’s ISPE email by the deadline:

Santa Monica High School: samoispe@smmusd.org

Families will be advised of approval/denial prior to May 15, 2026.

Please note that all applications are due on April 24th 4:00pm via the email address provided on the application: samoispe@smmusd.org

Need help with your classes? Come to the library at lunch or after school! Monday through Friday Samohi Peer Tutoring offers tutoring to anyone from tutors who are current Samohi students. Tutoring is offered in all subjects and in all levels of courses. Follow the instagram @samohipeertutoring for more specific information(tutors, the subjects they tutor, what days they tutor).

Teachers are available to support students after school in the library!

Mondays- Spanish

Tuesdays- Research

Wednesday- English

Thursday- Chemistry

They are in the library Monday through Thursday 3:30-5 pm.

https://app.smore.com/n/a6pjmy-college-career-center-newsletter

THE COLLEGE and CAREER CENTER provides resources to all Samohi students as they plan for their post-Samohi plans. In addition to SchooLinks, college, career, military and gap year publications are available for student research. Secondary school reports, letters of recommendations, and testing materials are handled by the College/Career Counselors. The College Fair, Samohi Scholarship Program, SAT & ACT, FAFSA/CADAA, CSS Profiles and college, career and military representative visits are all part of the service.

Students are welcome to come in before school, during lunch and after school to research specific colleges and financial aid opportunities - but you need an appointment to meet with one of the College/Career Counselors. Please note that college/career planning meetings are reserved for Seniors only during the fall, and Seniors and Juniors during the spring. Seniors/Juniors, to schedule a meeting with your College/Career Counselor, please click on their "calendly" link to access his/her availability.

💰 Scholarship Opportunities 💰

Margaret’s Place in E117.

Email LDeSanto@smmusd.org with any questions!

To report a student’s absence, please send an email to:

AttendancePBL@smmusd.org

or call Crystal Griffis at 310.395.3204 ext. 71-177

Please include your student’s first and last names, student ID numbers, and the reason they are absent (illness, family matter, medical or dental appointment, etc.).

• Questions about attendance procedures, please go to our website:

Attendance/Tardy Recovery

As a reminder, if your student is not feeling well, they should visit the Health Office to be evaluated. If a student is sent home due to illness by the Health Office, the absence will be marked as excused. If a student contacts you directly to be picked up without first visiting the Health Office, please encourage them to follow the process and visit the Health Office.

Super Saturday is an opportunity for students to sign up and attend school Saturday mornings to help clear their absences. Students are expected to bring homework and Chromebook to complete their necessary assignments and/or study for classes. SIGN UP LINK