PBL Weekly Blast

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Holocaust survivor, Tom Jacobson, spoke to our 10th grade scholars about his experience during the war and his life in the US fighting for civil rights after the war.

Students also learned to braid challah bread and were able to take home to bake and enjoy with their families.

On Wednesday, the 10th grade visited the Museum of Tolerance. While there, they experienced the social lab to confront prejudice and bigotry while considering how they might create spaces for more tolerance. Then they toured the Holocaust exhibit to hear first hand accounts from many who endured the horrors of Nazi Germany and trace the events in Europe from the 1920’s to the end of WWII.

After the tremendous success of their own student art exhibition, "Forget Us Not: Memorials", our 9th and 10th grade students are continuing the conversation beyond campus with a visit to Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA) to experience MONUMENTS at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA this Friday.

No, I am not referring to college basketball tournaments. 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!

This Week's Highlights:

Wednesday, 3/4

• PBL Anthology Kickoff meeting @ Lunch in B202 (see below for more details)

Thursday, 3/5

• Community Meeting : Advisory Challenge!

Friday, 3/6

• L2L: Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) for 9th and 10th grade

Hi PBL community! I am Juliet Herman, an 11th grader in the program and I am super excited to announce that I am starting an exclusive PBL Anthology! I will have a small staff of all PBL students who, collectively, will compile a number of original literature and art works from PBL students--these will come from assignments and personal pieces students develop on their own--which will be featured in a cohesive collection of works for the PBL community to enjoy. The staff will include various roles (copy editors, creative style editors, design editors, as well as a publishing and advertising crew), and we will hold occasional meetings to delegate work and develop the anthology. The first meeting will be held Wednesday, March 4th in John's room (B202) at lunch. This first meeting will mainly be for students interested in being on the staff. I encourage you to come if you want to be a part of a team working together to create an extensive collection of pieces showing off the amazing creativity our community has to offer! Please note that as we want to keep the staff relatively small and intimate, there are a limited number of open positions so showing up to this meeting does not guarantee you a spot on the staff. Nevertheless, I encourage you to come if you have any interest!

If you don't want to be on the staff, there will be plenty of opportunities to submit literature and artwork in the coming weeks and we would love to see as many names in the anthology as possible so keep your eye out!

Want to join the mailing list for the AAPSSSG to learn about monthly General Meetings and other events? Please fill out this form!

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

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

Application for the 2026 Teen Gallery Guides @ Getty internship program will be available from February 9 - March 2, 2026. Please note, Teen Gallery Guides @ Getty will be held at two museum sites, the Getty Center, Los Angeles, and the Getty Villa, Pacific Palisades. Once accepted, the Getty Youth Programs team will match you to a site.

What to know?

All interns receive a stipend upon completion of the program.

The internship will run from Saturday, June 13 - Saturday, August 1, 2026. Over the summer, the program will run 4 days a week, Tuesdays - Fridays, between June 16 - July 31, 2026, 10 am - 3 pm.

Lunch and transportation to and from the Getty Museum will be provided.

Who is eligible?

• Sophomores (rising juniors) and juniors (rising seniors) currently enrolled in high school in Los Angeles County.
• All interns must be 16 years old by the start of the program in June 2026.
• Applicants must reside within 25 miles from the Getty Center, Los Angeles.

Apply Now to Teen Gallery Guides @ Getty!

Applications are due March 2, 2026, 7:00 pm.

Teen Gallery Guides @ Getty is in part supported by the Vera R. Campbell Foundation.

Questions? Please email us at gettyteens@getty.edu

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/

We are excited to announce that the 3rd Annual Gen Z Wellness Summit will be held on Sunday, March 8th at UCLA. For our special friends who attended and supported last year's summit, we are offering early registration for you and your students!

Get ready for a full day of inspiration, connection, and hands-on experiences! Featuring voices from our very own Teen Advisory Council. Explore workshops and activities that celebrate wellness, curiosity, and being your best self.

REGISTER HERE.

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.

_______________________________________________________________

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

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

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.

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/

Student tickets are just $10 click on the link below.

INDEPENDENT STUDY PROGRAM INFORMATIONAL MEETING: If you are interested in learning more about ISP for the 2026-27 school year, join us at the ISP Program Interest Session on March 3, 2026 at 6:00pm, via Zoom, https://smmk12.zoom.us/j/87298482292. 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.

REUNIÓN INFORMATIVA DEL PROGRAMA DE ESTUDIO INDEPENDIENTE: Si le interesa aprender más sobre el ISP para el año escolar 2026-27, únase a nosotros durante la Sesión de Interés del ISP el 3 de marzo, 2026 a las 6:00 pm, por Zoom, https://smmk12.zoom.us/j/87298482292. El SMMUSD continuará ofreciendo el Programa EDUCATIVO de Estudios Independientes durante el año escolar 2026-2027 para los grados de 9 al 12. El ISP es un modelo de enseñanza alternativo y voluntario para estudiantes cuyas necesidades pueden satisfacerse mejor a través del estudio fuera del entorno tradicional del aula.

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

• Cheer and Dance tryouts are right around the corner! Po parent meeting is Monday March 2 and Cheer is Tuesday March 3. 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