PBL Weekly Blast

The PBLx Talks 2026 screening was a celebration of student voice, passion, and purpose. We gathered as a community to hear each senior share their own “idea worth spreading.” Topics ranged from the love of sharks, helping others, recidivism, clear communication, mental health, and loneliness, to many other deeply personal and thought-provoking subjects. Each talk reflected the individuality, creativity, and courage of the young scholar who created it. Congratulations to our seniors for sharing their stories and perspectives with authenticity and heart.

In support of a Jack's senior thesis project and as a community-building activity, our students headed to the beach for a Heal the Bay sponsored beach clean-up. Living just blocks away from one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, it is important that we do our part to help keep our beaches clean and litter free. Through this experience, students not only contributed to the health of our local environment, but also strengthened their connection to the community and the natural spaces around us.

This semester, our 9th grade students are continuing to develop their skills using the many tools and resources in the i-studio while also exploring their personal interests through hands-on projects. One of our students has taken on the exciting challenge of restoring a go-kart in the i-studio and is seeking support to help bring the project to completion. Please consider supporting his efforts through his GoFundMe campaign.

Thursday, June 4th - PBL Advisory Olympics

Friday, June 5 at 5pm - PBL Senior Stole Ceremony

Monday, June 8th and 9th - Presentations of Learning (POLs)

Wednesday, June 10th - Graduation

Thursday, June 11th - PBL Community Beach Day

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/

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. 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:

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

JUNIORS—SAT scores are in! Please check your College Board account for scores.

🎮 Sign up below for the eSports Spring 2026 Tournament for Fortnite and Clash Royale Tournament! May 27 @FlexTime!

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.

On the morning of Monday, June 8th, we will celebrate our seniors by holding a class breakfast. During this time, students will also be called alphabetically to get their caps, gowns, and graduation tickets. We definitely need parent volunteers to help! Please sign up here: Sign Up Genius. Thank you!

Graduation is June 10th 5:30 pm. Seniors report at 4:40 pm.

As a reminder, all students will receive THREE complimentary (free) graduation tickets the week before graduation. In addition to this, all families may purchase extra graduation tickets through the website until May.

Note that you must add your senior student to your account to see the option to purchase tickets.

Grad Nite is an all-night party (9:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.) to celebrate graduation with your friends!

The tennis courts are transformed into a cruise ship and the evening includes a DJ, dancing, carnival and casino games, food, lots of prizes and much more! It’s an all-night, all-inclusive extravaganza! More than 90% of the senior class attends. Don't miss the boat!

Click here to buy discounted tickets.

• Grad Nite Scholarships are still available. Visit your house office or Mrs. Orgill is D104 if you need a scholarship form. The deadline for scholarships is May 22nd.

Donate to Samohi Grad Nite

Check to see if you're on the 2026 passenger list.

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 💰

• Rotary Club of Westchester (https://www.rotary-westchester.com/)

• The Rotary Club of Westchester offers scholarships to support graduating seniors who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service, leadership, and giving back. Rooted in Rotary’s mission of “service above self,” these scholarships recognize students who have made a positive impact and plan to continue their education after high school. Some scholarships may require students to reside in the Westchester area. Funds are raised through local community efforts to help students pursue college or career pathways.

• 2026 Rotary Scholarships

• Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship Opportunity

• https://www.netc.navy.mil/nstc/nrotc

• This is a full-ride college scholarship opportunity that offers up to $200,000 in tuition, stipends, and subsistence at over 160 of the top academic institutions across the nation like MIT, UCLA, and many others. We also offer Nurse and Pre-Medical NROTC scholarships for students that have a passion for medicine and want a career in the medical field. All individuals selected who complete the requirements will be placed in an exciting career field with competitive salary and benefits immediately upon graduation. Students interested in pursuing this great opportunity, please contact my NROTC Coordinator Chief Gerardo Calvillo at Gerardo.m.calvillo.mil@us.navy.mil.

• NJROTC FLYER with application details

• Mexican American Bar Association High School Scholarship

• For the 2026 scholarship cycle, MABA will award three scholarships, each with a minimum award of $2,500, to graduating seniors who plan to pursue higher education.

• Application!

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