The SMMUSD Wave- Jan. 2026

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

As we begin a new year, January offers a moment for reflection, renewal and hope. It is a time to look ahead with intention, while also acknowledging the experiences that continue to shape our community.

This month marks the anniversary of the Palisades and Eaton fires, and we continue to reflect on the Franklin fire that occurred in December. These events deeply impacted many of our families, staff and neighbors. While each incident presented significant challenges, they also revealed the resilience, compassion and strength that define our community. In moments of uncertainty, we saw people come together to support one another, extend care and ensure that students and families had what they needed.

We continue to hold those who were affected in our thoughts, and we remain grateful to the first responders, educators, community partners and neighbors who stepped up during these difficult times. The resilience and unity shown during that time continue to guide us today.

The start of a new year also brings new beginnings. Across our schools, students returned from winter break reenergized, classrooms are filled with fresh goals and our educators remain focused on supporting every learner academically, socially and emotionally. January reminds us that growth is ongoing and that each new chapter brings opportunities to learn, connect and thrive.

As we move forward in 2026, our focus remains on creating safe, inclusive and welcoming learning environments where every student feels a sense of belonging and is empowered to reach their full potential. Through learning, school events and strong community partnerships, we remain committed to supporting our students and families in meaningful ways.

Thank you for your continued trust, partnership and care for one another. Together, we begin this new year grounded in resilience and united in our commitment to our students.

Dr. Antonio Shelton
Superintendent

You can read prior Superintendent Messages here.

Students from Santa Monica High School’s (Samohi) Law and Public Policy Academy presented youth-focused policy proposals during the Academy’s Advocacy Showcase held Dec. 16, 2025 in the Exploration Pitch Space on campus.

The event featured five student presentations selected through a peer and teacher voting process. Students presented policy memos and advocacy advertisements addressing issues impacting youth, including water conservation, accessibility, social services for youth, immigration services and education and programming in incarcerated settings.

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

The finalist profiles can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/AdvocacyProfilesSamohi2026.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) hosted its first Malibu Pathway Community Showcase Jan. 24, at Malibu High School, bringing together families, educators and community members to learn more about programs and opportunities across Malibu schools.

The event featured Webster Elementary School, Malibu Elementary School, Malibu Middle School and Malibu High School, offering attendees a comprehensive look at academics, arts, athletics, signature programs and partnerships that support students from elementary school through graduation.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/MalibuPathwayShowcase2026PR.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) recently hosted its annual Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten (K) Roundup at schools across Santa Monica and Malibu, welcoming families to learn more about early learning opportunities for the 2026-27 school year. Families had the opportunity to meet school leaders and teachers, explore before- and after-school care options and begin the enrollment process.

If you missed the event, there is still time to enroll. Families can find enrollment information by visiting the SMMUSD new student enrollment webpage.

Find your home school here.

Read more about TK/K Roundup here: https://bit.ly/Roundup2026PR.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District joined the community for the 41st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, held at John Adams Middle School in partnership with the Martin Luther King Jr. Westside Coalition and the City of Santa Monica. The event honored student award recipients, featured musical performances including “We Shall Overcome” and concluded with a well-attended Community Involvement Fair celebrating unity, service and Dr. King’s enduring legacy.

Earlier this month, The Weather Channel visited Malibu High School to feature the campus and highlight its fire-resilient design, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Palisades Fire. The visit spotlighted how the school’s construction supports safety and resilience while showcasing the Malibu High School community.

Watch the feature here: https://youtu.be/fbRtFAvzPug?si=suKLSMapz9Dt0hY5.

AP Studio 2-D Art students at Malibu High School recently unveiled their first photo installation, featuring 10 layered portraits that transform into new faces as each layer is revealed. The project celebrates identity, creativity and the diverse stories that make up the Malibu High School community.

McKinley Elementary School teachers recently visited High Tech High’s elementary, middle and high schools, learning alongside students, educators and school leaders to see project-based learning in action. The visit offered valuable insight and inspiration as McKinley continues to strengthen its project-based learning journey.

Malibu High School photography students recently had a hands-on learning opportunity as they photographed a Unimog, also known as a Freightliner tractor, parked on campus. The military vehicle, owned by photography teacher Carla Bowman-Smith, was brought to campus to give students an up-close subject for practicing composition, lighting and creative perspective.

P.S. Arts Informance activities recently took place at Franklin Elementary School, inviting students and families to create art together on campus. The experience celebrated this year’s PS Arts theme, “The Freedom to Imagine,” and highlighted creativity, collaboration and joyful learning through the arts.

P.S. Arts is made possible by donations to the Santa Monica Education Foundation.

Student Leadership Tour Ambassadors at Webster Elementary School recently welcomed prospective Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District transitional kindergarten and kindergarten families, offering a true “day in the life” tour of the campus. Student leaders shared what they love most about Webster, from favorite spaces to meaningful memories, highlighting the sense of leadership, belonging and community that makes the school feel like home.

Students in Mr. Corrigan’s physics class at Malibu High School recently participated in a Nerf gun mini-lab, using hands-on experimentation to explore real-world physics concepts. Through structured data collection and analysis, students calculated variables such as spring constant and muzzle velocity, demonstrating critical thinking, collaboration and applied learning in action. The lab highlighted how engaging, creative instruction can make complex concepts both accessible and memorable.

Please join Samohi Bands on Feb. 3, at the John Adams Middle School Performing Arts Center for “Bands on the Road,” an evening of iconic music, an exclusive wine auction, silent auction items and concessions, while showcasing the talents of 100 student musicians under the direction of Kevin McKeown.

This year’s concert, titled Collective Resonance, will feature performances by several small ensembles performing intimate instrumental chamber music, in addition to performances by the Samohi Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble.

Silent auction and concessions open at 5:30 p.m.
Concert begins at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets available here.

Are you a parent or caregiver of a teen (12+)? Join SMMUSD's Parent Project, a FREE program designed to help you:

• Manage challenging teen behaviors
• Strengthen relationships at home and school
• Create structure and support positive change

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica is offering Spring Break Camp for students while school is out from March 30 through April 10. Programming will be available for elementary students at the Main Branch Club and for middle school students at the John Adams Middle School Club, providing a safe, fun and engaging environment during the break. Tuition-free scholarships are available, and families are encouraged to apply for assistance during registration. More information is available at https://www.smbgc.org/programs/spring-break/.

Grant Elementary School recently marked a major milestone in its campus modernization with a building topping-off ceremony, a long-standing tradition celebrating the placement of the final steel beam. Students, staff, district leaders and Board of Education members gathered on campus to sign the beam and watch as it was lifted into place, recognizing the collective effort behind the project. The event highlighted the strong partnership and shared commitment to creating safe, modern learning environments for students.

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District recently celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony at John Adams Middle School to mark the start of construction on a new science lab building. Students, staff, district leaders, Board of Education members and community partners gathered to recognize this important milestone, which will expand hands-on, modern learning opportunities for students through facilities funded by voter-approved bond measures.

MEF’s annual giving campaign is currently underway, and parent participation at any level matters. Whether a family gives $25, $100 or more, community support helps sustain these programs and strengthens MEF’s ability to secure additional grant and corporate funding that benefits students across Malibu.

There are also easy, community-based ways to participate. MEF’s next Food for Thought dine-out fundraiser takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 17, when dining at participating local restaurants helps support Malibu schools. Participating restaurants will be announced soon. Support looks different for every family, and every form of participation makes a difference.

To learn more or to contribute, visit: https://www.malibueducationfoundation.org/donate

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