PBL Weekly Blast

Tuesday, April 21: COLD CALL EVENT for 9th and 10th grade

To help our students become more comfortable engaging with possible mentors over the phone, Bailey Field has organized this event to provide students with the opportunity to practice having successful phone conservations with adults.

Friday, April : PEP Rally in the Greek (see schedule for time)

Thank you to those that have already volunteered to be part of this important event. We are still seeking adults willing to answer the phone three times between 10:00 to 11am on Tuesday, April 21th. You do not need to prepare for the phone call in any way other than to block off time in your schedule to have three different five minute phone conversations during that hour-long block. Students will be asking you two to three questions about either your educational path or your career path. We’d love to have a wide variety of career and educational paths represented for our students to choose from, so please especially consider participating if your path was not the traditional four-year college, professional career pathway that many students consider the only post-secondary option available.

If you are willing to participate in this event, please complete the linked Google form which will ask you to provide some very short biographical information so that students can choose people whose backgrounds and/or careers they find interesting in some way.

If you know of someone who you would like to pass this information onto, please also feel free to send the links to friends and family. The greater the diversity of adult participants in this event, the more likely it is that each student will find a person whose background and pathways interest them and mirror their own.

Thank you so much for considering supporting our students by participating in this important event.

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out.

Here again is the google form you can fill out if you are willing to participate in this event.

email followup questions to Bailey Field at bfield@smmusd.org

• Nonprofit working to end family homelessness
• Provides housing and supportive services for families with children
• Expanding programs like the UBH Farm and service-learning opportunities tied to real-world issues

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/

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.

_______________________________________________________________

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:

• 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

Order your Yearbook at the Vikes Inn, with Mr. Saunders in Ex331 or at www.yearbookforever.com

https://samohi.smmusd.org/departments/physical-education/ispe

Independent Study PE Applications are now available.

2026-27 School Year Application Window:

March 12, 2026 through April 24, 2026

2026-27 9th -12th ISPE Application - English

2026-27 9th -12th ISPE Application - Spanish

Email all completed documents to Samohi’s ISPE email by the deadline:

Santa Monica High School: samoispe@smmusd.org

Families will be advised of approval/denial prior to May 15, 2026.

Please note that all applications are due on April 24th 4:00pm via the email address provided on the application: samoispe@smmusd.org

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.

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 💰

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