The PBL Pathway kicks off each school year in a unique way focused on building relationships and fostering a sense of community. The first few days were dedicated to helping students get acquainted with our new home on the Samohi campus and with each other. Through thoughtfully planned activities like Nature Journaling, Building Bridges, Connections, and Inverse Kerplunk, students engaged in fun and meaningful ways.

Our journey continues as we deepen these connections during our three-day camping retreat in Big Bear, starting tomorrow, Monday, August 26th. For returning PBL students, this start feels familiar, but if you're new to the PBL Pathway, you might be wondering, “When will our “real” classes begin?”. Have no fear—starting Thursday, August 29th, we’ll dive into our core PBL classes, where you’ll discover the exciting learning experiences our PBL teachers have been ideating.

Launch of School Year Schedule.

As we gear up for our exciting camping retreat tomorrow, Monday, August 26th, here are a few important reminders to ensure a smooth start to our trip:

• Please make sure your child arrives at school early, by 8:00 AM, so we can pack up the charter buses and be ready to leave between 8:30 and 9:00 AM. Upon arrival to Samohi, students should bring their bag (suitcase) to the fake lawn area just outside the Business building at Samohi, where security and administration will conduct a bag check.
• It's essential that students pack only the items listed on the Fulcrum packing list. A refillable water bottle, towel, and sleeping bag are must-haves. For extra comfort, students might also want to bring a plain sheet or blanket for the twin-size mattresses on the bunk beds.
• While we’re calling this a “camping” trip, we’ll be staying in a lodge with single-use bathrooms in each room (5-6 students per room) with bunk beds. As there will be water activities, please make sure to pack swimming attire.
• Students may bring their cellphones, but please note that the Wi-Fi password will not be distributed, and cell coverage may be spotty. Cellphones will only be permitted for use in their rooms during designated times. If students want to capture their experiences with photos, we encourage them to bring a camera.
• If your child takes any prescription medication, please ensure that you have communicated with Nurse Bernadette, bodonnell@smmusd.org, and that we have the proper paperwork completed. Students will not be permitted to carry their own medication with the exception of an inhaler. Place all medication in a ziplock bag and write your child’s name on the outside.
• Non-prescribed/ over the counter medication including vitamins, aspirin or Ibuprofen will also need to be collected and distributed by staff. Pack all items in a ziplock bag and write your child’s name on the outside.
• We have alerted the Cedar Camp staff of specific food allergies and preferences to ensure our Vegan, Vegetarian, and Glutton free students will have plenty of options.

We are looking forward to creating a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience for your child.

With Excitement,

Nicole

nnicodemus@smmusd.org

📷 If you do not have a Samohi school ID, you will need to have your picture taken on Friday in Barnum Hall. We will have you take your picture during advisory. Check the LAUNCH schedule to learn when this is!

Hopefully, all PBL students have already made any necessary switches of electives to their schedule. If there are any schedule errors or conflicts, please alert Nicole via email. We want to ensure our PBL student schedules are set for the school year.

Textbooks will be picked up during students' schedule class with their teachers over the next two weeks. All 9th grade students and new to Samohi students should have received a chromebook on Friday, August 23rd.

SMMUSD continues to provide free TAP cards to all of our students. For our PBL students this is important that each student have an active TAP card as this is our main mode of travel for many of our Leaving 2 Learn experiences (ie: field trips).

If your child did not receive a TAP card or activation code in advisory last week, please have them come to the PBL House Office (B111).

For those students who have been approved and have enrolled in Fall SMC classes, please ensure that you have emailed your professor alerting them to your high school obligation to attend a three day camping trip. If you are taking an online SMC course, you should bring your computer to our camping trip as we will provide time and wi-fi access for you to begin your class on the trip.

Please join us on Thursday, August 29th from 6-7pm on the Samohi campus in the Business building (room B100) for a PBL Parent Mix & Mingle. We welcome all PBL Parents and Guardians to attend. It is an opportunity to build relationships, share ideas for our Pathway, and tour our new classrooms. Parking will be available on campus (off Olympic Blvd). It is first come, first serve.

A special Thank YOU 🙏 to the PBL parents hosting this event for us: Michon, Claire, Molly, Tova, and Erika.