The SMMUSD Wave- Feb. 2026

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

As February comes to a close, I am reminded of the many ways our District reflects the richness, diversity and strength of the community we serve. This month offers meaningful opportunities for reflection, celebration and connection.

Lunar New Year recently marked the beginning of a new year for many in our community, and I hope it brought joy, renewal and time with loved ones. As Lent and Ramadan are now underway, I extend my best wishes to those observing these important seasons of reflection, prayer and service. Our District is proud to serve students and families from many cultural and faith traditions, and we remain committed to fostering school environments where every student feels seen, respected and supported.

February is also Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements, contributions and resilience of Black Americans throughout history. Across our schools, students are engaging in learning experiences that highlight voices, stories and perspectives that have shaped our nation and continue to inspire progress. This work reflects our district’s values of belonging, curiosity and empowerment. When students see themselves in the curriculum and learn about the diverse leaders who came before them, they are empowered to envision their own potential and impact.

In addition, we proudly recognize Career and Technical Education Month. Our CTE programs provide students with hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge to real-world skills. Whether exploring pathways in the arts, engineering, health sciences, media or skilled trades, our students are building confidence, creativity and career readiness. These programs embody our mission to prepare every student for success in college, career and life, and they demonstrate the power of education to open doors and expand opportunity. Learn more about our CTE program here.

At SMMUSD, everything we do centers on student success. From celebrating cultural traditions to advancing academic excellence and career pathways, our work is grounded in a shared commitment to ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging and has access to meaningful opportunities to grow and thrive.

Thank you for your continued partnership, engagement and support. Together, we are building schools where all students are empowered to learn, lead and achieve.

Dr. Antonio Shelton
Superintendent

You can read prior Superintendent Messages here.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) Board of Education voted in favor to approve an amended Resolution No. 25-30 related to certificated staffing for the 2026-27 school year during its Feb. 19 regular meeting.

Prior to the vote, the Board amended the resolution to remove proposed reductions to Language and Literacy Interventionist positions. As a result, those positions will remain in place for now.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/Feb19BOEmeeting2026.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District has released a Bond 101 fact sheet to provide a clear overview of how voter-approved school bonds move from the ballot to completed projects. The guide explains how funds support modernized classrooms, upgraded campuses and new science, technology, engineering and mathematics facilities in Santa Monica and Malibu, while outlining the District’s accountability measures. Community members are encouraged to review the fact sheet to learn how local investments help create safe, future-ready learning environments for all students.

Read it here: https://bit.ly/Bonds101Factsheet.

Student musicians from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) were selected to perform in the 2026 All-Southern Honor Groups presented by the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA).

The honor groups are part of the annual SCSBOA Professional Development Music Conference and include more than 1,000 of the top student musicians from across Southern California. Students performed Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at the Riverside Convention Center following a competitive audition process.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/SCSBOA2026.

Hailey Nosho, an eighth-grade student at John Adams Middle School (JAMS), presented her award-winning essay during the Green Schools Conference Opening Plenary Feb. 17 at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Marina and Spa in San Diego after being selected as a winner of the inaugural Students Speak Out for Climate Action essay contest. Her essay addressed the urgency of climate action and the importance of elevating student voice in environmental decision-making.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/HaileyNoshoGreenSchool2026.

Meet Kaitlin Theobald, Transitional Kindergarten (TK) teacher at Malibu Elementary School, who creates an inclusive, collaborative classroom where students of all abilities learn and grow together. In her co-taught, Reggio-inspired TK classroom, Theobald embeds specialized support into daily learning, helping build early foundations of confidence, curiosity, empathy and belonging for every child.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/KaitlinTheobald-Spotlight.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education recognized three National Merit Scholarship Commended Students from Malibu High School during the Feb. 5 regular meeting. The honor reflects exceptional academic achievement and dedication to scholarship. Board members congratulated the students and thanked their families and educators for supporting their success.

Students across the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District marked the 100th day of school, celebrating growth, learning and achievement. Classrooms recognized the milestone with creative projects, math activities and reflections on how much students have accomplished since the first day of school. The celebration highlighted the progress students continue to make each day toward their academic and personal goals.

Nurse Priscilla and Nurse Jackie attended the annual California School Nurses Organization conference in Monterey. The conference provided professional learning focused on best practices in student health, including diabetes management, epilepsy care, food allergies, asthma, chronic absenteeism, emergency response and collaborative mental health support. Their participation supports the district’s continued commitment to student health, safety and well-being.

Schools across the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District recognized and celebrated the accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans throughout Black History Month. At Grant Elementary School, students participated in a storytelling experience with Baba the Storyteller, who shared powerful narratives that highlighted culture, history and resilience. The presentation fostered meaningful engagement and reflection, reinforcing the district’s commitment to celebrating diversity and cultivating inclusive learning environments.

Students welcomed education partners during the Career Technical Education (CTE) Education Partner VIP Experience Feb. 4. The event brought together representatives from higher education, local industry, community organizations and neighboring K-12 schools to visit pathways, engage with students and teachers and provide feedback to strengthen programs. Partners praised the high quality of instruction, the authenticity of student learning and students’ ability to articulate their skills using industry-aligned tools. CTE continues to play a vital role in preparing students for college, career and life.

Students from Malibu High School competed in the VEX V5 Robotics Tournament, Bots & Bolts, held at La Serna High School. The competition challenged teams to apply engineering, coding and strategic problem-solving skills in a fast-paced robotics game environment. The experience highlighted students’ teamwork, innovation and perseverance in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Second graders at Roosevelt Elementary School transformed their classroom into a Valentine’s Day Marketplace, designing, creating and marketing handmade items as part of a Project Based Learning experience. Working in cooperative groups, students applied math, communication and problem-solving skills as they set prices, created display boards and practiced making change using play money. When adults expressed interest in purchasing items, students chose to donate nearly $200 in proceeds to Breakthrough T1D to support Type 1 diabetes research. The project reflects the District’s ongoing commitment to implementing meaningful, student-driven learning experiences through its multi-year Project Based Learning plan.

Eleventh-grade AP U.S. History students at Santa Monica High School recently transformed their classroom into a Progressive Era job fair, creating interactive booths to showcase research on major reform movements and their long-term impact on American society. Working in teams, students examined the causes, goals, successes and challenges of movements such as labor reform, women’s suffrage and conservation, using primary and secondary sources to build annotated bibliographies in MLA format. Students then presented as historical reformers, inviting peers to engage with creative handouts and activities while reflecting on how these movements continue to shape society today.

Outstanding student leaders were recognized during the Youth of the Year program hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu. Participants shared powerful stories of resilience, leadership and service that reflect the strength and promise of our community’s young people. Congratulations to Diego for being named Youth of the Year, and to all students who participated and inspired those in attendance. Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton had the opportunity to serve as a judge for the event.

Santa Monica High School junior Ansel Brodkin has been named a semifinalist in the Classical Voice category for The Music Center’s 38th annual Spotlight program. Ansel advanced among 1,300 students who auditioned this season, earning recognition in one of Southern California’s most prestigious performing arts competitions. The 14 Grand Prize finalists will be announced March 11. SMMUSD congratulates Ansel and wishes him continued success.

Students at Webster Elementary School participated in “Spread the Love” Spirit Week, a student-led celebration focused on kindness, creativity and community. Organized by the school’s Student Leadership team, the week featured themed dress-up days and activities such as a Gratitude Wall, Fill a Bucket Day and a campus scavenger hunt. The event highlighted student voice and leadership while fostering a positive and inclusive school culture.

Roosevelt Elementary School hosted "Parent Connect" focused on digital wellness, featuring two screenings of “Screenagers: The Elementary Edition” on Feb. 17. The film prompted thoughtful discussion about screen time, social media, gaming and mental health, followed by facilitated conversations centered on practical strategies and healthy boundaries at home. Students also engaged in interactive sustainability lessons with Curby the Recycling Robot. The experience reinforced the commitment to developing thoughtful, globally minded students who understand that their choices matter.

Transitional kindergarten students at McKinley Elementary School are turning simple materials into opportunities for creative exploration. What begins as an ordinary stick quickly becomes a fishing pole, a barbell or a sword, reflecting the power of imaginative play. Through hands-on experiences, students are learning to see the world not only as it is, but as it could be.

Students and families gathered at Lincoln Middle School Feb. 17 for L’Dough v Dough: Kneading Connections, a partnership with Holocaust Museum LA. Participants baked challah while hearing firsthand testimony from twin Holocaust survivors, creating space for reflection, dialogue and intergenerational learning. The experience highlighted the power of resilience and the importance of preserving lived history. The district extends its appreciation to event coordinators and community partners who made the afternoon possible.

Roosevelt Elementary School recently participated in The Great Kindness Challenge, a global initiative that promotes kindness, social-emotional well-being and bullying prevention. In partnership with the California Department of Education, schools across the state took part in Great Kindness Challenge Week, encouraging students to complete acts of kindness both on campus and at home.

Throughout the week, Roosevelt students embraced the theme “Kindness Moves,” participating in schoolwide activities and a spirit assembly that celebrated unity, compassion and belonging. The experience reflected Roosevelt’s G.R.I.T. values of growth, respect, integrity and tenacity, and reinforced the district’s commitment to fostering inclusive and welcoming school communities.

Families and students at Edison Language Academy came together for an engaging Math Night filled with games, food and hands-on learning. The event sparked excitement around mathematics while strengthening connections between school and home. The district extends appreciation to staff and volunteers, including Instructional Coach Alma Williams, for organizing a successful evening focused on student learning.

Franklin Elementary School held its annual Move-A-Thon, surpassing its fundraising goal and bringing together students, staff and families for a day of movement and celebration. The event featured music, high energy participation and strong school spirit across campus. The Move-A-Thon highlighted Franklin’s commitment to wellness, community engagement and supporting student programs.

Students in the Santa Monica High School Health and Wellness Career Technical Education Academy concluded an in-depth unit on brain and nervous system anatomy and physiology, examining topics ranging from concussion testing to traumatic brain injuries and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. As part of their studies, students conducted dissections, analyzed research and explored the long-term impact of sports-related head injuries. For their culminating project, teams investigated concussion rates in youth sports and presented research-based proposals to better protect young athletes during a showcase at Santa Monica High School’s Exploration Building. The project highlighted students’ ability to apply scientific learning to real-world health and safety issues.

Lincoln Middle School took part in a high-energy visit from Hoopbus, which brought basketball, music and community spirit to campus. The event gave students an opportunity to connect through sport, teamwork and positive engagement. Smiles filled the court as students built confidence and camaraderie through the game.

Santa Monica High School recognized nine student-athletes on National Signing Day Feb. 4 as they committed to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level. Students will compete in swimming, football, soccer, lacrosse, cross country, beach volleyball, sailing and rowing at institutions including Georgetown University, Dartmouth College and University of California, Berkeley, among others. Signing to compete in college athletics reflects years of dedication, discipline and perseverance, both on the field and in the classroom. The district congratulates these students and thanks the coaches, families and staff who supported their journey.

Freshmen and sophomores in the Project-Based Learning pathway at Santa Monica High School presented their “Forget Us Not” Holocaust memorial exhibition in the Roberts Gallery. The showcase served as the culminating project following their study of Elie Wiesel’s memoir “Night,” with students expressing themes of humanity, survival, compassion and injustice through painting, sculpture, woodwork, poetry and multimedia pieces. The exhibition created space for meaningful dialogue among students, educators and guests while honoring remembrance through art and scholarship.

Malibu High School will host the annual Marie Smith Track and Field Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 28, beginning at 9 a.m. The meet is expected to welcome approximately 900 student-athletes from nearly 30 schools for a full day of competition. The event highlights sportsmanship, athletic excellence and community spirit across the region.

The boys soccer team at Santa Monica High School has advanced to the CIF-Southern Section Division 1 Championship game and will compete for the title on Saturday, Feb. 28. Reaching the Division 1 championship reflects the team’s dedication, resilience and strong performance throughout the season. SMMUSD congratulates the student-athletes and coaching staff on this accomplishment and wishes them success on Saturday.

Roosevelt Elementary School has transformed a campus space into “Camp Roosevelt,” a cozy Reading Lounge created as part of Roosevelt Reads, the school’s monthlong Read-A-Thon celebrating literacy and community. The initiative combines a reading challenge with a PTA fundraiser, encouraging strong reading habits while supporting programs that benefit all students. Throughout the month, students are immersed in joyful reading experiences, with Camp Roosevelt serving as a welcoming hub for reading, connection and schoolwide engagement.

Malibu Middle School will present “Shrek the Musical Jr.” from Feb. 26 through March 1. The family-friendly production follows the adventures of Shrek as he embarks on a quest to rescue a princess and ultimately learns the value of self-acceptance and compassion. Performances highlight the talent and dedication of middle school performers while celebrating themes of inclusion and understanding. Tickets are available for $15 for adults and $12 for students, with a four-show pass offered for $50. Get your tickets now.

Santa Monica High School Performing Arts will present “Hello, Dolly!” from Feb. 27 through March 8 in Barnum Hall. Directed by Jeffery Huls, the production features 66 student performers, a 67-member student pit orchestra and 35 student technicians who bring the classic Broadway musical to life. Evening performances begin at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with 3 p.m. matinees on Sundays. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and seniors and are available at samohitheatre.org.

Santa Monica High School Bands invite the SMMUSD community to their Spring Concert 2026 at beautiful Barnum Hall on Tuesday, March 24, at 6:30 p.m. There will be food and merch for sale before the concert, starting at 5:30 p.m. Free parking is available at the Samohi Olympic lot or across the street at the Civic Center Parking Structure. Parking validation will be provided. Join Samohi Bands for a beautiful night of music. For ticket information, visit www.samohiband.org.

High school and college students are invited to attend the 3rd Annual Gen Z Wellness Summit on Sunday, March 8, at UCLA Covel Commons. The free event, held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature interactive workshops and discussions with leading neuroscience experts and members of the Friends of Semel Teen Advisory Council, covering topics such as neurodiversity, device addiction, AI and mental health, body image and resilience. Live musical performances and wellness activities will also be included. Registration is required, so save your spot here.

The Santa Monica College invites students, families and community members to attend a variety of spring performances and events. Upcoming highlights include Planetarium shows “The Night Sky” and “Deep Sky Deep Dive: Black Holes” on Feb. 27 and March 1, followed by a Jazz Ensemble performance on March 30. Additional events this spring include the annual Family Concert, Mariachi Ensemble performances and a range of art shows, theatre productions and athletic competitions. Visit smc.edu/events for more information and ticket details.

Roosevelt Elementary School recently celebrated a topping off ceremony marking a major milestone in construction of the new library and Transitional Kindergarten building. The event recognized the placement of the final structural beam, symbolizing teamwork and progress toward modernized learning spaces designed to support safety, innovation and student success.

Before the beam was lifted into place, students signed it, quite literally leaving their mark on the future of their school. The signature-covered beam now stands as a snapshot of Roosevelt’s story and a reminder that schools are built not only with materials, but with the voices and dreams of the students who fill them.

Summer Adventure registration opens Monday, March 2

Dates: June 22-July 24, 2026
Location: Roosevelt Elementary School

Scholarships are available for qualifying SMMUSD students. Aftercare is available for an additional fee.

Online registration begins March 2 at 7:30 a.m. at summer-adventure.org.

Need registration support? In-person assistance is available March 3, 7:30 a.m.-12 a.m., at Lincoln Middle School, 1501 California Avenue.

Note: Online registration is the FASTEST option.

Visit us at summer-adventure.org

Wednesday, April 15, 5:30-7 p.m.
Hosted by Santa Monica Brew Works

Join us for flights and fun at Santa Monica Brew Works in support of the Ed Foundation. In addition to the $20 ticket, we ask each attendee to bring a $25 gift card from a local eatery for our silent auction in April. The card not only supports our schools, it helps support our local businesses. Join us. Every sip makes a difference.

Click for tickets.

Vote for the Ed Foundation as your Most Loved Santa Monica nonprofit in the Neighborhood Favorites section.

Santa Monica’s Most Loved contest celebrates the organizations that make our community shine. Local businesses support our public schools all year long through sales tax revenue, so now it’s our turn to return the favor and show up for our community.

Vote now through March 13 at smdp.com/vote.

Help your rising senior get ahead with an online college essay writing workshop led by Samohi English teacher Kyle Koehler. In this small-group setting, 10 students maximum, students will complete the week with a strong working draft of their college admissions essay.

Sessions: Multiple June and July sessions available, all online via Zoom.
Cost: $615, including a fall 30-minute follow-up session.

Scholarships available.

Spots fill quickly. Learn more and register today.

More info here.

Eat. Move. Support Malibu Schools.

Food for Thought returns Monday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, your lucky excuse to skip cooking. Just dine at OLLO, Marmalade Cafe, Howdy’s, Sushi by Howdy’s or Prince Street Pizza, with more being added, and a portion of your meal automatically supports the Malibu Education Foundation, helping fund essential staff and student programs across Malibu schools.

Then mark your calendar for Malibu Moves, Oct. 24-25. Saturday features a 1K and Kid Zone for younger runners, and Sunday brings the 5K and Half Marathon at beautiful Zuma Beach. Run or walk, it’s an incredible weekend focused on wellness, community and strong schools.

Learn more, sign up or make a direct gift at MalibuEducationFoundation.org.

• Feb. 26 - March 1- Malibu Middle School Presents “Shrek the Musical Jr.”
• Feb. 27 - March 8 - Samohi Performing Arts Presents “Hello, Dolly!”
  
• March 30 - April 10 - Spring Break (schools and offices closed)
• March 24 - Samohi Bands Spring Concert
• March 31 - Cesar Chavez Day (schools closed)

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