The SMMUSD Wave- May 2025
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students, and Community Members,
As we enter the final stretch of the academic year, our campuses are alive with celebration, reflection, and moments of growth. From student showcases and field trips to performances and athletic competitions, I have seen firsthand the joy and pride our students bring to their schools and communities.
This season reminds us of the importance of belonging. When students feel seen, supported, and connected, they thrive. Across our schools, students are demonstrating curiosity as they ask questions, explore new ideas, and take academic risks. With each milestone, from elementary promotion to high school graduation, they are stepping forward with confidence and a sense of empowerment as they shape their futures.
I encourage you to visit your school’s website for information about end-of-year programs, concerts, promotions, and graduation ceremonies. These events offer meaningful opportunities to celebrate the achievements and perseverance that have defined this school year.
Please remember that attendance remains essential, even in these final weeks. Every day is a chance to deepen learning, build friendships, and continue growing both academically and social emotionally.
The last day of school is Thursday, June 12, 2025. I look forward to joining many of you in celebrating the incredible journey of our students. Thank you for your continued support, partnership, and dedication to their success.
Sincerely,
Dr. Antonio Shelton
Superintendent
You can read prior Superintendent Messages here.
Photo: Dr. Shelton visiting Roosevelt Elementary School, playing kickball with students and Principal Dr. Onyendu
SMMUSD’s Music Education Program Receives National Recognition, Santa Monica and Malibu named a Best Community for Music
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District has been honored with the “Best Communities for Music Education” designation from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. This marks the 23rd consecutive year for SMMUSD to earn this honor.
Read more here: https://bit.ly/NAMMaward2025.
Natara Warren Named Assistant Principal of Roosevelt Elementary School
SMMUSD is pleased to announce the appointment of Natara Warren as the new assistant principal of Roosevelt Elementary School. The Board of Education approved the appointment at its May 15, 2025, regular meeting.
Read more here: https://bit.ly/NataraWarrenAnn2025.
Student Stories Shine: Samohi Hosts 22nd Annual Santa Monica Film Festival
Samohi proudly hosted its 22nd Annual Santa Monica Film Festival on Friday, May 23, 2025. The dynamic event showcased original, student-led films and documentaries produced by high school students from around the world including Samohi’s own talented filmmakers. As part of their learning journey, students explored the full filmmaking process, developing storytelling, technical, and production skills while using film as a powerful medium for creative expression. Watch here!
Read more about the film festival here.
Mia Patricio-Ramirez, JAMS ‘25
Meet Mia Patricio-Ramirez, an 8th grader at John Adams Middle School and one of just five students in the region to receive the Marian Huhn Memorial Award. From her leadership in AVID to her award-winning artwork and deep connection to her culture, Mia is a shining example of purpose, creativity, and community.
Read more: https://bit.ly/MiaPatricioRamirez-Spotlight.
Parent Academy: Empowering Parents to Empower Students
The SMMUSD Parent Academy was a fantastic success, bringing families together to learn, connect and grow in support of student success. With engaging workshops, meaningful conversations and helpful resources, parents walked away empowered and informed. Events like this strengthen the home to school connection and reflect our shared commitment to every child’s learning journey. We’re already looking forward to hosting another one soon!
Thank you, SMMUSD Principals!
To our incredible SMMUSD principals: You deserve to be celebrated on National School Principals Day and every day. Thank you for your unwavering dedication, leadership, and the countless ways you support our students and school communities. Our schools wouldn’t be what they are without you.
Congratulations to Malibu High Counselor Linh Snyder!
Congratulations to Malibu High School counselor Linh Snyder on receiving the prestigious Joseph P. Allen Human Relations Award at this year’s Western Association for College Admission Counseling Conference! This honor recognizes her extraordinary dedication to supporting underserved students, especially in the aftermath of the Southern California wildfires. We are grateful for her unwavering commitment to Malibu students.
Samohi Alumnus Dr. Jonathan Kim Connects Live from Space with SMMUSD Students
Students across the SMMUSD connected live with a National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronaut and Santa Monica High School alumnus Dr. Jonathan Kim aboard the International Space Station on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. During the virtual event, Dr. Kim responded to pre-recorded student questions and shared his personal insights and experiences from space. The inspiring exchange motivated students to dream big, explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics pathways, and cultivate a lifelong passion for learning and service.
Watch students ask Dr. Kim questions here.
Watch the photo/video slideshow here.
Malibu High Senior’s Work Featured on Malibu’s Recreation Guide
Congratulations to Malibu High School senior Josh Escobar! His photo is featured on the cover of the city of Malibu’s Summer Recreation Guide as part of a collaboration between Advanced Photography students and the Malibu Recreation Center.
Pennant Day Pride at Malibu High School!
Malibu High School seniors beamed with pride as they celebrated Pennant Day on Monday, May 5, 2025, a major milestone on their path to graduation. Decked out in college gear, students posed for photos with staff and families, proudly sharing where they’ve been accepted for the next chapter of their journeys. Excitement was in the air as students countdown to graduation in June! Watch here.
College Commitment Day at Samohi!
Samohi seniors proudly repped their future schools during College Commitment Day! From local campuses to out-of-state universities, students celebrated their next chapter by wearing gear from the colleges they’ll be attending this fall! Congrats, Class of 2025! Watch their recap video here!
JAMS Kicks off Mental Health Awareness Month
John Adams Middle School students and staff kicked off Mental Health Awareness month with therapy dogs, a drum circle, bracelet making, gardening and other activities, plus info tables by reps of mental health partners. Students learned methods to stay mindful and enjoyed tunes and dancing to a live DJ. The SMMUSD school board approved a resolution for Mental Health Awareness month at their May 1, 2025 meeting. The health and safety of our students is our top priority! If your student needs support, please see a school administrator or counselor.
Will Rogers Comes Alive with Cinco de Mayo Spirit!
Will Rogers Learning Community came together on Friday, May 2, 2025, to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with joy and cultural pride! Students, families, and staff enjoyed traditional Mexican food and snacks, festive music, fun games, colorful cascarones, and meaningful learning about the rich history and cultural significance of the day. Watch the video here.
Malibu Middle School Exit Interviews
Malibu Middle School recently held 8th grade Exit Interviews, offering students a valuable opportunity to reflect on their middle school journey and practice real-world interview skills. With support from their English Language Arts classes and guidance from staff, students gained confidence and insight as they prepared for the next chapter.
SMMUSD and community leaders, including Superintendent Dr. Shelton, former principal Dr. Mike Matthews, current Malibu Middle principal Greg Schellenberg and Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins participated in the event as part of interview panels, providing feedback and encouragement to students.
Franklin Elementary School Celebrates Diversity and Culture with Annual Multicultural Fair
Franklin Elementary School hosted its annual vibrant Multicultural Fair! From music and food to traditions from around the globe, students and families came together to celebrate culture, connection, and community. Events like these spark curiosity, build belonging, and empower every student to be proud of who they are. Watch a quick recap on our Instagram!
Edison Language Academy Hosts First Annual Multicultural Fair
Edison Languages Academy recently hosted its first ever Multicultural Fair, and it was a huge success! Families, students, and staff came together to celebrate the many cultures that make up our community through music, dance, food, and storytelling. Events like this foster belonging, build connections, and empower our students to be proud of who they are and where they come from. Watch the highlight reel here.
Innovation on Display at Roosevelt’s Science & Engineering Fair
Curiosity and innovation were on full display as Roosevelt Elementary students spent a Saturday presenting thoughtful, hands-on projects at the school’s Science & Engineering Fair. Events like this reflect SMMUSD’s mission to foster extraordinary achievement for all students by encouraging critical thinking, exploration, and creativity across all grade levels. Bravo to our young scientists for leading with curiosity and purpose!
Grant Says Goodbye to Library Ahead of Summer Modernization
Grant Elementary School students celebrated their library with a special farewell event on Thursday, May 22, 2025. They enjoyed snacks, created bookmarks, and picked out books to take home. Starting June 2025, construction will begin on the library modernization project, which will include a dedicated reading area, a multipurpose space for all students, and a makerspace classroom. The updated exterior will feature landscaped courtyards designed for outdoor learning, ushering in a new chapter for the Grant library experience.
Learn more about Grant’s updated library here.
Grant Elementary Modernization Projects Underway
Since the passage of Bond Measure QS in November 2024, the SMMUSD has begun exciting modernization efforts at Grant Elementary School. These projects aim to transform the campus into a future-ready learning environment that supports innovation, accessibility, and student success. Key projects include the early learning building modernization, an updated library designed for 21st-century learning, a revitalized historic courtyard that honors the school’s legacy, and the construction of a new classroom building to support growing educational needs. Together, these modern spaces support and represent SMMUSD’s commitment to providing exceptional learning environments for all students.
Watch upcoming modernization projects here.
Malibu PTSA Tours New High School Campus Ahead of Early Opening
Members of the Malibu Middle and High School Parent Teacher Student Association had the opportunity to tour the new Malibu High School campus on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The group explored the progress made on the state-of-the-art facility, which is set to open in August 2025, five months ahead of schedule and on budget. Thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the surrounding coastal landscape, the new campus will be a dynamic center for innovation and future-ready learning. With flexible, collaborative spaces that support project-based learning, creativity, and critical thinking. Current juniors will be the first full class to experience the new building for their entire senior year.
Santa Monica High School to Unearth 1975 Time Capsule
Samohi is excited to announce a special event commemorating the unearthing of a time capsule buried 50 years ago in 1975. In celebration of Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary, the SMMUSD would like to invite students, parents, staff, community members and all alumni, including the class of ’75 to celebrate the unearthing of the capsule on Monday, June 2, 2025. Come be a part of a journey back in time.
Read more here.
Samohi Team Marine Inspires Young Environmentalists
In celebration of Earth Day 2025, Santa Monica High School’s Team Marine Club visited Grant Elementary and Will Rogers Learning Community on April 25, 2025. These passionate Samohi students led engaging presentations on plastic reduction, waste sorting, composting, and the importance of recycling, empowering students to take action for a more sustainable future.
Balancing Space, Safety, and Access: Meeting Student and Community Needs at Franklin
The district works to balance all needs when improving school facilities. At Franklin, the goal is to provide a safe, durable sports field for student play. With only 5.6 acres, half the California Department of Education’s recommended size for 600 students, there’s space for just one small field. Grass fields require limited use (4 hours/day) and seasonal rest, but Franklin’s field sees up to 10 hours of daily use and minimal downtime. Additionally, through a Joint Use Agreement with the City of Santa Monica, our campuses serve as public parks after hours.
The Franklin Campus Plan, developed with input from parents, staff, and the community, is set to begin construction in summer 2026, following Board of Education approval on May 15, 2025. It includes a new classroom building for TK expansion and an 8% increase in green space over multiple phases.
The plan also relocates and reduces the athletic field, changing the surface from grass to synthetic turf.
Read more about the proposed Franklin Turf here.
Read more about the field size here.
Watch synthetic turf FAQs here.
Review FAQs here.
Building Tomorrow's Future: Ocean Park neighborhood school
A neighborhood school that previously housed John Muir Elementary School (Muir) and the Santa Monica Alternative School House (SMASH) is being developed for the Ocean Park neighborhood. The neighborhood school will be built on the strengths and values of both (Muir/SMASH). The neighborhood school is evolving and expanding to provide a social-emotionally focused and project-based learning model that has existed at the site for decades. Information and a survey will be shared soon. Read more.
Santa Monica Ed Foundatioon
Santa Monica Wine Auction Raises Over $388,000!
Sold-out event honors community heroes and student talent
We’re thrilled to share that the 10th Annual Santa Monica Wine Auction raised over $388,000 to support vital staff and programs in our public schools!
Held on May 4 at the Fairmont Miramar, the evening featured tastings from beloved local restaurants and acclaimed wineries, student performances by Samohi’s Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Band, as well as a tribute to local heroes - including Santa Monica Fire Chief Matthew Hallock and two deputy chiefs who received a standing ovation. For the first time in Wine Auction history, an anonymous donor offered a $10,000 paddle raise match - galvanizing the room and sparking a wave of generosity.
Each table showcased Samohi student-made ceramics with floral designs by SMMUSD students and Viola Floral. All ceramics were available for purchase to benefit our schools, and we still have a few left on the auction website.
The After Party Auction is still open for bidding!
Auction will close on Friday, May 30 at 6 p.m.
https://SMwine2025.givesmart.com
Thank you for making this night such a success!
Donations for the 2025-26 school year are open through June 30: smedfoundation.org/donate.
Malibu Education Foundation
Malibu Education Foundation – You're Invited!
Join us for the Malibu Education Foundation’s annual board meeting on Monday, June 2, from 10–11:30 a.m. at the Malibu High School Parent Center—open to all members of the Malibu community. Learn how MEF supports vital staffed programs across all four Malibu public schools, hear about our impact, and preview exciting plans for the year ahead.
Save the Date! Our first annual MEF Gala will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the brand-new Malibu High School campus—everyone's invited!
And a huge congratulations to the 92 graduating seniors from Malibu High School’s Class of 2025—with 93% heading to college!
Visit www.MalibuEducationFoundation.org to see where they’re headed next.
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