PBL Weekly Blast

"In 1915, Dr. Carter G. Woodson and four of his contemporaries founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to studying and promoting Black history. Dr. Woodson and the ASNLH founded Negro History Week in 1926, designating its observance in February to honor the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln for their roles in African-American freedom. This commemoration laid the foundation for what would later become Black History Month in 1976."

Our 9th and 10th grade students have been hard at work in the i-studio, using the space and its tools to design and create pieces for their Forget Us Not Memorial Project. Students are bringing meaning and intention to a project that honors memory, reflection, and impact.

We look forward to sharing their work with our community during a Public Exhibition on February 19 and 20. More specific details and an RSVP link will be shared soon.

Last Friday, a team of our PBL students headed to Lincoln Middle School to present to 8th graders about the PBL Pathway and they absolutely shined. Our students represented the program with excellence, sharing how passions and personal interests can be transformed into meaningful projects for school credit. Their authenticity and confidence made a strong impression.

This Friday, another team of PBL students will visit JAMS to continue spreading the word and sharing their experiences in the program.

If you know any 8th graders or current 9th graders who would thrive in our unique, student-driven learning environment, encourage them to attend an Information Session or submit an application before the March 13th deadline.

Scroll to the bottom of the Blast for the pdf.

Monday, February 16th is Presidents' Day - No School

Your generous contributions and donations are always appreciated. Check out our donation wishlist below.

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

A screening and conversation with director and subjects for students, teachers, parents, and caregivers brought to you by SMMPTA.

Date: February 24, 2026

Time: 6:00pm

~50 minute Screening followed by a 30 minute discussion and Q&A //

Location: JAMS Performance Arts Center (Auditorium)

REGISTER HERE

From Emmy® Award winning filmmaker/photographer Lauren Greenfield, Social Studies is a character-driven documentary series that delves into the lives of the first generation raised on social media. Filmed in Los Angeles over a school year, this groundbreaking social experiment features a diverse group of LA teens who open up their lives and phones to offer an intimate glimpse into how social media has reshaped childhood. From battling bullying, grappling with beauty standards, coping with racism, exploring sexuality, navigating the pressures of constant comparison, and making life-altering decisions, their compelling and relatable experiences take us on a raw, visceral and urgent journey through the challenges of growing up in the digital age.

Social Studies is created, directed, and executive produced by Lauren Greenfield (The Queen of Versailles, Generation Wealth, The Kingmaker, THIN) alongside executive producers Frank Evers, Wallis Annenberg, Andrea Van Beuren, Regina K. Scully, and Caryn Capotosto.

Questions? Contact us at: danielle.davies.litak@gmail.com

The Directing Change Film Contest is for young people ages 12 to 25 that want to combine creative expression with making a difference in their communities by creating stories about mental health, suicide prevention, substance use, and other topics that matter.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MARCH 1

GET STARTED

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.

The Los Angeles Pediatric Society (LAPS), a non-profit, would like to invite current 11th and 12 grade students interested in the medical field to apply for the Eve and Gene Black summer medical intern program. LAPS works with various hospitals for a limited number of students to experience the in-person program in the hospitals. We also have two 2-week online sessions in July from 10:00am-12:00pm Monday-Thursday where the students will get to meet and listen to a wide variety of medical professionals explain their careers and how they got to where they are now. There isn't a charge to apply for either of the programs.

Deadline to apply is Friday February 13, 2026 at midnight

Learn More HERE.

Camp Indigo - a summer day camp for transgender and non-binary kids - is opening a location in Long Beach, and we would love your help spreading the word far and wide.

Important Notes:

• We’re a camp for trans youth ages 5-17 (with separate programming for the teen cohort)

• We offer unlimited scholarships. There are no applications needed, just use the discount codes on the website

• Camp runs 9am - 3pm

• We anticipate hosting about 75 trans and non-binary youth at our Long Beach site

• We’re hiring! Applications open in January for PAID summer jobs

• Camp Indigo is trans-led, has been in operation for over a decade, and also runs programs in Oakland, Austin, Minneapolis, Boulder, and Columbus!

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

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/

California Scholarship Federation (CSF) Membership Application Now Open for Fall 2025!

The CSF Membership Application for Fall 2025 is now open!

The application deadline is** Tuesday, February 20, 2026**.

To review eligibility requirements and complete your application, please refer to the Application Steps document. This information will be posted on the Academic Honor Societies page on the Samohi website.

After carefully reading the Application Steps, if you still have questions, please email them to samohiacademichonorsocieties@gmail.com** (from your personal email, not your SMMK12 account).

*CSF membership is based on Fall 2025 grades only

*Students can only access this through their SMMK12 accounts*

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

• Are you interested in purchasing a personalized, laser-engraved Valentine's gram to give to a special someone? The Engineering Academy will be selling Valentine's grams all week before school, after school and during lunch! All Valentine's grams will be delivered on Friday 2/13. Please come support the Engineering Academy!
• The Samohi Business Club is supporting students with applications for The Next Big Thing - a shark tank style business pitch competition with a reward of up to 5000 DOLLARS!!! Applications are open now, so go to D312 on Tuesday's during lunch for more info and assistance

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