PBL Weekly Blast
Week of May 4 - 10
Last week...
L2L: MOCA- Geffen Wednesday, 4/29 - 11th and 12th grade
L2L: Geffen Playhouse Thursday, 4/30 - 9th and 10th grade
This Week...
☕ Coffee with the Principal for Parents
Coffee with the Principal is Friday, May 8 at 10:00 AM in the cafeteria.
Join Ms. Cruce for a brief update on the upcoming campus construction project. Coffee and light snacks will be provided by PTSA. Check in at the 7th and Michigan gate; parking validation available for the Civic Center Structure.
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
Summer Internship Opportunity June 15 -July 2
Department of Arts and Culture Announces High School Internship Program at Local Cultural Institutions
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.
Reading Partners
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
Summer Judicial Internship Program
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.
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.
COPE Junior Health Scholars Program
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/
😎 Summer School Options
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
OPTION 1: ACCELERATED/Get Ahead AT SAMO
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
OPTION 2: OUTSIDE SUMMER PROGRAMS
(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
OPTION 3: CREDIT RECOVERY
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
🌟OPTION 4: SANTA MONICA COLLEGE (SMC) / COMMUNITY COLLEGE (CC)
📅 Approval Deadline: May 22, 2026
Steps to Enroll:
Click LINK for SMC Concurrent Enrollment for PBL students
This will lead you to:
Completing CA Community College enrollment
Completing Community College concurrent enrollment application for High School Students
Completing Samohi’s concurrent enrollment form
Being approved by Community College to enroll in your class
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:
Summer Enrollment for high School student begins May 12th!
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
🏫 SCHOOL UPDATES and Information:
Yearbook
Order your Yearbook at the Vikes Inn, with Mr. Saunders in Ex331 or at www.yearbookforever.com
Independent Study PE (ISPE) 26-27 Applications
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
Peer Tutoring
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).
After School Academic Support in Library
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.
🎓College & Career Center 💼
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.
Margaret’s Place
Margaret’s Place in E117.
Email LDeSanto@smmusd.org with any questions!
ATTENDANCE
To report a student’s absence, please send an email to:
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:
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
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
Quick LINKS + Resources
9th + 10th Grade - PBL
11 +12th grade Grade - PBL
Note that evening appointments are via phone or Zoom only.