PBL Weekly Blast

"To love ourselves and support each other in the process of becoming real is perhaps the greatest single act of daring greatly."

— Brené Brown, Daring Greatly

If interested, email Nicole.

For our community meeting this week, we will be viewing our seniors’ PBLxTalks. These presentations are as unique as the graduating seniors themselves, highlighting their experiences, passions, growth, and learning journeys throughout their time in the PBL Pathway. Parents and mentors are welcome to attend and celebrate the work and voices of our senior class.

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.

Saturday, May 23rd - Senior Prom

Monday, May 25th - Memorial Day (no school)

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/

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.

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/

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:

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

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

Join us for Manga & Munchies on May 22 during lunch in the library! Students are invited to bring their favorite manga/anime figures, collectibles, fan items, or memorabilia to display and share with fellow fans. Come check out the collection, talk anime and manga, and enjoy some Japanese snacks while you hang out.

Save the Date! Get ready 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.

No more ticket sales

GENERAL INFO:

Location: Avalon Hollywood

Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026 from 7-11pm, last door entrance is 8:30pm. Earliest exit is 10pm.

Theme: Old Hollywood Glamour

Parking: $55 per auto, the lot north of the building. Email will be sent on Monday, prepay by 5/13/26.

CONTRACT

All students (including guests) and parents will need to sign a prom contract PRIOR to buying a ticket.

ATTENDANCE OBLIGATIONS: Seniors must not exceed 60 unrestored absences. If a student wants to attend prom, and is above 60, please speak with your House Principal to set up a plan.

PORTRAIT PACKAGES

You will be able to pay for prom pictures ahead of time. Please see attached flyer for information.

PROM CONTRACT

GUEST APPLICATION

WHITES STUDIOS

PARKING

With prom around the corner, we would like to inform you about parking information for prom. We have secured a limited amount of parking spots for Samohi students. Students are able to prepay for the parking passes ahead of time for $55 in the parking lot directly north of the venue. This lot is next to/attached to the venue, and the entrance is directly north of the venue. The parking lot is not owned by the venue, and the venue has no control of the daily rate on the day of prom. The venue has informed us there are other parking lots near the venue within a short walking distance, if students do not prepay for parking, and the parking lot is full.

Prom Parking Passes can be purchased with cash, money order or credit card at the Vike’s Inn. Parking will be $55 per vehicle. There will be a 4% service charge for credit cards. No checks will be accepted. Please pay in the Vike’s Inn during lunch or after school by Thursday, May 14th.

Students can pick up their parking passes on Thursday, May 21st or Friday, May 22nd from Ms. Garrett in M House, D201.

Party Buses—If you will be arriving in a large party bus, please inform Ms. Bravo at mailto:LBravo@smmusd.org how large your party bus will be and the time of your tentative arrival. The venue is requesting this information from us. Please remember doors open at 7pm, and students must enter by 8:30pm. Loading can be in front of the venue or slightly north of the venue. Unfortunately, the parking lot north of the venue does not offer parking for buses.

If you have any questions, please feel free to stop by M House and speak with Ms. Bravo (lbravo@smmusd.org) or Ms. Garrett (cgarrett@smmusd.org).

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