PBL Weekly Blast

Women Shaping a Sustainable Future

“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” – Marie Curie

9th and 10th grade students culminated their study of the hard history of the Holocaust, reading Night and making their own memorials by visiting Moca- Geffen's Monuments exhibit on Friday. They grappled with the questions of how does a society tell history and revise narratives through the public form of monuments. The exhibit, MONUMENTS marks the recent wave of monument removals as an important historic moment. "The exhibition reflects upon the histories and legacies of post-Civil War America as they continue to resonate today. It brings together a selection of decommissioned Confederate statues, shown with contemporary artworks borrowed and commissioned for the occasion." Students engaged with the juxtaposition of art representing current issues and a complicated history.

PBL 11th and 12th graders will also visit this exhibit on May 1st.

Bailey Field

The month of March is our CAASPP testing month. Only 11th grader students will test for CAASPP, however, the schedule for Samohi and PBL is impacted. Please review and print the schedule to know which days of the week periods meet!

SENIOR Families—Please save the date for a Senior Parent Informational Meeting. This meeting will include the presentation given to seniors last week.

Zoom meeting will be held on March 11th at 7pm.

Link to come.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Sarah Orgill, Senior Class Advisor, sorgill@smmusd.org or Lissette Bravo, M House Principal, lbravo@smmusd.org

Thank you for your continued contributions and donations to the i-studio. We are definitely putting the donations to use!

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.

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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. See attached instructions for SMC Concurrent Enrollment your advisor sent you

1. This will lead you to:

1. Completing 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 (attached)

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

INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAM APPLICATION WINDOW: SMMUSD will continue to offer the Independent Study EDUCATIONAL Program during the 2026-2027 school year for Grades 9 to 12. ISP is a voluntary, alternative instructional model for students whose needs may be best met through study outside of the traditional classroom setting. Applications for the ISP Program for the 2026-2027 school year must be received before the application deadline, March 27, 2026 at 6:00pm. Completed applications must be emailed to ISPapplication@smmusd.org. For more information and to access the application, visit the ISP Webpage.

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.

The SAT will be given to all 11th graders on Wednesday, April 15th. The SAT will be administered digitally. This exam is free and students do NOT need to sign up. All students will need to bring their SMMUSD-issued Chromebooks. Students need to check in to their assigned classroom by 8:30 am. No one will be admitted to a room once testing has begun.

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 💰

• Horatio Alger Association Scholarship Program - due Mar. 1, 2026, 12pm EST

• Foundation for Fraternal Excellence Men's College Scholarship - due Apr. 1, 2026, 11:59pm EST

• Niche Scholarships- due March 31

• Wilfandel Scholarship- due April 5

• Come dance and cheer with Pep Squad! Pom prep workshops are Monday March 11 and Wednesday March 11 from 4-5 pm. Cheer open gyms are Tuesday March 10th and Thursday March 12th. Bring a $5 donation and get ready for tryouts!
• Cheer and Dance tryouts are right around the corner! Follow @samohicheer and @samohipom for more info! Reach out to Coach Lily at lsheahan@smmusd.org if you have questions. LET'S GO VIKINGS!

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: https://www.smmusd.org/domain/3026

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