2015 SMMUSD - Great Public Schools

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www.smmusd.org 2015 Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District

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2 2015 Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District www.smmusd.org

www.smmusd.org 2015 Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District 3

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p3 Superintendentwelcome letter.

p5 Meet the board of eduction | PTAs:

Partners for our students.

p6 Building a better district.

p7 Achievement for all students.

p8 SMMEF successbased on partnerships..

p9 Learning outside the classroom

p10-15 Principal messages

SMMUSDSandra Lyon – Superintendent

As we begin another exciting educational year,we welcome you to one of the most engaged,vibrant learning communities anywhere: the

Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Ourdistrict is committed to providing a high quality publiceducation to each and every student in our schoolsand we are so fortunate to have community memberswho are as passionate about the possibilities of publiceducation as we are and who so enthusiasticallysupport all of the students in our school district.

Every day, our staff works to provide a rigorous,creative, supportive learning environment that ensurescollege and career readiness by the time our studentsgraduate. However, we know that while academicsare our focus, achievement can only happen in asetting where the social-emotional and physical well-being of our students is considered every day. We

also know that the work world of the 21st centuryrequires our graduates to be creative, critical thinkerswho communicate effectively and can collaborate wellwith others. We need innovative, adaptive life-longlearners who will strive to make the world in which weall live a better place. For the past three years, wehave been focused on creating a culture ofcollaboration and that work continues this year as weknow that true collaboration between staff, students,parents and community is necessary if we are to fulfillour vision and mission as a learning community.

Our mission statement is: Extraordinaryachievement for all students while simultaneouslyclosing the achievement gap. As we continue towork toward that goal, this year we also dig deeperin our work to eliminate access and equity gapsacross our district. Our work with the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation is essential in achievingthat goal. Their partnership with us ensures that wehave visual and performing arts programs in everyelementary school (TK-5th grade); instructional

assistants in all elementary schools to supportstudent learning; and stretch grants in all schools(TK-12th grade) to allow schools to bolster theirprograms based on their own community needs andinterests, whether it is enhanced STEM offerings,computer coding, intervention or enrichment. Ourcommunity understands that state resources are stillnot enough to offer all the high quality programs wewant for our children and we are so grateful for thelocal support that makes our district even better. Formore information or to donate, please visit theSMMEF website: smmef.org.

It is a thrilling time in education and we are fortunateto have excellent staff, supportive parents and committedcommunity members who are willing to collaborate anddo whatever it takes so that our students have everyopportunity to reach their full potential.

2015-2016: Off to a great start

Table of ContentsSandra Lyon

About this publicationThis publication is a collaboration of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District

and the Santa Monica Daily Press. Santa Monica Daily Press Editor-in-Chief Matthew Hall

served as editor and primary author of the publication along with SMMUSD Community

& Public Relations Officer Gail Pinsker. School site principals, as well as Superintendent

Sandra Lyon, also wrote for this publication. Photos were provided by both the Santa

Monica-Malibu Unified School District and the Santa Monica Daily Press. Santa Monica

Daily Press Production Manager Darren Ouellette designed this publication.

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With nearly 6,000 membersrepresenting all 16 schoolsacross the district, SMMUSD’s

Parent Teacher Associations advocatefor the education, health and welfare ofall children and families. Santa Monica-Malibu PTA Council supports CA PTA’sSchool Smarts Parent Academies --

recently recognized by the White House-- sharing research-based informationon how parents can help their childrenand opening the door for meaningfulinvolvement to even more parents.

PTA facilitates communication betweenschool and home, and organizesinformative parent meetings and fun family

events. PTA builds leadership and mobilizesvolunteers to advocate on policies,legislation and ballot measures that directlyimpact children.

In addition, PTA supports theoperations of schools by raising funds fora variety of needs at each school site,ranging from books and supplies to field

trips and technology. PTA partners withthe Santa Monica-Malibu EducationFoundation to raise funds for programsthat benefit all students in all SMMUSDschools.

“PTA provides parent educationand advocacy on topics such asparenting skills, student health,

education funding and other issues ofconcern to parents,” Rochelle Fanali,SMMPTA Council president, said. “Weare fortunate to have an active andengaged parent community and wewelcome all parents to get involvedwith our work to support all SMMUSDstudents through PTA.”

PTAs: Partners for our students

They are a group of sevencommunity-minded men andwomen who are often seen visiting

school sites, attending studentperformances and events and supportingthe mission of the Santa Monica-MalibuEducation Foundation. They are laser-focused on the goals of the district andthey devote countless hours day andnight to direct policy and oversee thesuccess of the Santa Monica-MalibuUnified School District.

Meet the SMMUSD Board ofEducation. . .

Board members are elected by votersin Santa Monica and Malibu. Currentboard members include: LaurieLieberman, president; Dr. Jose Escarce,vice president; Maria Leon-Vazquez,Ralph Mechur, Oscar de la Torre, CraigFoster and Dr. Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswien. The board includes studentboard members, representing thedistrict’s three high schools. This schoolyear they are Ally Sidley, Malibu HighSchool; Mirai Miura, Santa Monica HighSchool and Revenn Stone, Olympic HighSchool. The student board membersprovide an update of school activities ateach board meeting, can ask questionsand comment during discussions, andhave an advisory vote on most matters.

The district mission statement is thefocus by which the board develops policiesand makes decisions. The statement reads:Extraordinary achievement for all studentswhile simultaneously closing theachievement gap.

The board works with Superintendent

Sandra Lyon to review staff reports andrecommendations, provide direction onpolicies and programs, monitor thedistrict’s budget, approve spending andset goals.

Currently, the board is working onnumerous initiatives, including the recentboard approval to contract with Dr.Pedro Noguera, to review equity andaccess practices across the district andcreate an action plan to close theachievement gap.

Noguera is a noted author, sociologistand educator, who recently joined UCLA’seducation faculty, after 12 years as aprofessor of education at New YorkUniversity.

“We are extremely pleased to beworking with Dr. Noguera,” boardpresident Lieberman said. “He and hisstaff are currently conducting an equityreview by visiting and observingclassrooms and interviewing teachers,parents and students at all 16 schools.”The board will be meeting with Noguerafor advisement, direction and programimplementation to close the opportunityand access gaps, so all students will becollege and career ready when theygraduate from high school.

SMMUSD recently held the first jointboard meeting with Santa Monica CollegeBoard of Trustees to strengthen thepartnership as a transitional kindergartento grade 14 community and share dataand ideas to foster student success. Bothboards are working to ensure thatstudents are better prepared for collegeand career by aligning instruction,

ensuring students are able to passcollege placement tests throughinstructional opportunities and offeringdual enrollment to high school students.Recently, they have begun to discuss aplan for overlapping counseling servicesfor SMMUSD students planning onattending SMC.

Successful programs such as theYoung Collegians is an example of thisstrong and growing partnership. “YoungCollegians is a program for high schoolstudents who wish to gain college creditsduring high school within a structured andsupported program,” board memberLeon-Vazquez said. “Many students inthis fantastic program are the first toattend college in their families. We havestudents who have used this opportunityas a launch pad to a four-year universityand have successfully earned abachelor’s degree.”

SMMUSD board members and staffunderstand that academic successstarts with early childhood education, inthe very informative infant andpreschool years. SMMUSD is currentlyworking with the City of Santa Monicaon the Cradle to Career Initiativeincluding how to better prepare childrenfor kindergarten. The mission:Santa Monica Cradle to Career:Working Together to Help Children &Families in Santa Monica Thrive, isextended to our work in the Malibucommunity, as well. The board iscurrently reviewing the prospects ofadding additional pre-school classes tothe successful program offered by

SMMUSD to get even more three- tofive-year-olds off to a good start towarda successful academic future.

The board is tasked with decisionson new facilities and modernization andis currently overseeing several finalMeasure BB projects, whileimplementing Measure ES projects. Oneimportant aspect of this initiative is theinstallation of technology to create 21stcentury classrooms and updatedcomputer and science labs.

“Most of our buildings throughoutour district are a minimum of 50years old and don’t really meet theneeds of future students, plusupgrades were needed with theimplementation of the CaliforniaStandards and new computer testing,”board member Mechur said. “Thanks

to Measure ES and the support oflocal voters, we are in the process ofinstalling state-of-the-art educationaltechnology, infrastructure andequipment at all sites.”

"At the end of the day, the schoolboard is responsible for everything thathappens in the schools,” board memberFoster said. "At the top of that list isstudent achievement and closing ourachievement gap and this year the board,superintendent, and district staff havenew initiatives moving forward to addressthese vital responsibilities.”

The Board welcomes public input andholds regular meetings with theopportunity for public comment. For moreinformation, meeting dates, times,agendas, minutes and location, visit:www.smmusd.org/board.

Meet the board of education

Oscar de la TorreRalph MechurMaria Leon-Vazquez Craig Foster Dr. Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein

Laurie Lieberman Dr. José Escarce

Santa Monica and Malibu voters gave ourchildren enormous gifts in 2006 and 2012with the passage of bond measures BB and

ES. Students across the district are now seeing, usingand experiencing those generous gifts first hand.

The district is currently funding many capitalimprovements thanks to Measure ES, a $385 milliongeneral obligation bond approved by voters in 2012.The money is specifically targeted for new facilitiesand technology upgrades districtwide.

“We couldn’t be more grateful to be in acommunity that is as supportive of local publiceducation as Santa Monica and Malibu have beenover the last several years. It is because of thiscommunity commitment to our students that we canoffer them the very best technology, in safe andnurturing facilities, and a top notch education,” saidSMMUSD superintendent Sandra Lyon.

Under the terms of the measure, Samohi will see$180 million toward the Samohi CampusRedevelopment Plan and at least $77 million (or 20percent of the total) will go to projects in Malibu.

Of the remaining cash, about $34 million hasbeen allocated to technology upgrades throughoutthe district. Those projects include infrastructureupgrades, computers needed for the new state tests,computer lab upgrades and classroomimprovements.

Measure ES provided for new circulationcomputers that were installed over the summer andnow houses new circulation software, includinghandheld scanners. Librarians have undergoneadditional training on the software and the upgrades willstandardize procedures.

As part of the district’s 21st century classroominitiative all classrooms throughout the district will haveSmartboards and interactive boards installed, includingnew ceiling-mounted projectors and mobile devices.

New audio systems with microphones andspeakers to ensure all students can hear the teacherclearly regardless of their seat, and an ELMOdocument camera, which can display paperdocuments or objects, including microscope slides willalso be installed. Upgrades began in the summer andare expected to be complete by next summer.

“We are working hard to create 21st centuryclassrooms in each classroom at every school,”Superintendent Lyon said. “These installations taketime as we must evaluate and update infrastructuresuch as wireless access points and address electricalspecifications, which in many of our aging buildings,are not sufficient for the added burden of technology.”

Measure BB provided funding for new facilitiesand modernization of some older buildings. Recentprojects that have been completed or nearcompletion are the rebuilding of Edison LanguageAcademy, the Lincoln Middle School library andclassroom building, and just opened in August, the

new Samohi Innovation Building with classrooms,science labs, a high-tech auto shop, offices, andother learning spaces.

There have been improvements to safety andsecurity through fire alarm upgrades and gate accessimprovements, as well as building renovation,addition of classrooms and office space, parking andADA improvements throughout the district.

A few projects are still outstanding including adistrict data center and Malibu High School project,which is currently going through Coastal Commissionreview.

Facility improvementprojects take time andit is important forthe district tohave an

ongoing cycle of renewal and renovation to maintainhigh-quality learning environments that will meet theneeds of students now and well into the future.

“We are fortunate to have a community thatunderstands there will never be enough facilityimprovement money provided at the state level tomeet our building needs,” board president LaurieLieberman said. “Yet our aging buildings require wecontinuously plan and fund modernization andrebuilding projects. The continued support andgenerosity of our community in supporting facility

bonds is the only way we will continue toprovide high quality learning

environments for ourstudents now and

in the future.”


Building a better district

Samohi ASB president Dean Chien leads Samohi administration, SMMUSD board members, administrators and Measure BB members in the official ribbon-cutting of the $55 million Samohi Innovation Building in early September.

Lincoln Middle School’s state of the art library, opened in 2014


Extraordinary achievement for all students whilesimultaneously closing the achievement gap,”reads the SMMUSD mission statement. This

core goal motivates and drives all SMMUSDteachers, staff members, administrators and boardmembers every day.

SMMUSD is a high-performing school district withtest scores exceeding those of its peers in Los AngelesCounty and the state of California, but until theachievement gap is closed, the hard work continues.

SMMUSD seeks to hire talented staff, who sharethe core values of the district, then fosters continuousimprovement and leadership while incorporating bestpractices to enhance staff effectiveness.

The goal is for all students to be not only collegeand career ready, but also successfully prepared forlife. SMMUSD graduates will be flexible, adaptive andhave a passion for lifelong learning, have a deepunderstanding and respect for diversity, betechnologically savvy, able to think critically, becreative, analytical and have strong written and verbalskills in English and proficiency in other languages.

How does SMMUSD go about filling this tall order?

Through PERCS goals of course!

PERCS is the acronym that stands for:

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) Equity and Access for Student SuccessResponse to Instruction and Intervention (RTI2)Common Core State Standards (CCSS)Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics(STEM) Curriculum

Each school is guided by these goals and whilethey may all implement in a slightly different manner,all are making a big impact on students inside andoutside the classroom.

Administrators talk about PLCs as a collaborationof teachers, administrators, parents and students,who work together to seek out best practices, testthem in the classroom, continuously improveprocesses and focus on results.

“PLCs take the view of educating and nurturingthe whole child and all partners playing a role instudent outcomes and achievement,” SuperintendentSandra Lyon said. “Our goal is to have everyoneworking together, providing instruction and support toevery child in the way they need, in a safe andnurturing school environment.”

Equity and access for student success focuseson school and district culture; teaching and learning;mentoring and advocacy and policy and practice.The equity review underway by Dr. Pedro Noguerawill inform our future practices to ensure we arereaching this goal.

Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI2) isthe systematic, data driven approach to instructionthat benefits every student. Teachers have embracedthis instructional technique and this is a topic inprofessional development sessions on an ongoingbasis. Additional cohorts of teachers are receivingtraining through the USC Capstone Project on Depthand Complexity. This instructional delivery methodintroduces depth and complexity to students in orderto uncover the full potential of every single learner.

SMMUSD has incorporated Thinking Maps trainingthis year, which is being taught to students to helporganize thinking in a graphic format and has also beenembraced by teachers and administrators as a greatmethod of discussing topics and problem-solving.

SMMUSD teachers embraced the challenge ofadopting new English language arts and mathstandards in the 2013-14 school year, and the resultsof this early adoption show in the first results of theCalifornia Assessment of Student Performance andProgress (CAASPP) new computer testing this year.

"Ongoing teacher training (professionaldevelopment) is key to raising test scores in bothlanguage arts and math,” reported Sarah Braff,President of the Santa Monica / Malibu ClassroomTeachers Association. SMMUSD teachers are doingmore than ever to sharpen their own skills. They areparticipating in local training provided by the district.Some are even traveling 3,000 miles to ColumbiaTeachers College in New York for its renownedreading and writing workshops. “Our teachers areunsurpassed in their dedication to our students,”

Braff said.SMMUSD teachers rose to the occasion, working

hard, often collaborating with each other, to adaptand deliver the new standards focused on problem-solving and critical thinking with real worldapplication.

Teachers are incorporating Cognitively GuidedInstructional (CGI) practices in teaching math startingin preschool. CGI is a professional developmentprogram that increases teachers’ understanding ofthe knowledge that students bring to the mathlearning process and how they connect thatknowledge with formal concepts and operations.

“We are aligning curriculum and instruction frompreschool to fifth grade,” Dr. Terry Deloria,superintendent of educational services said. “We arepleased to have Dr. Megan Franke from UCLA, adeveloper of CGI, working with us on our efforts tofoster collaboration between preschool andkindergarten teachers, which is a very uniquepractice that benefits all children.”

Earlier this year, the SMMUSD Board ofEducation recognized 17 National Board CertifiedTeachers, raising the percentage of NBCT teachers inthe district to 13 percent, greatly exceeding the stateaverage of two percent.

"It is absolutely amazing for a school district ofour size to have so many new and renewed teachersreach certification level," Lyon said. "Our teachers’commitment to continued and higher levellearning advances the quality of instructionour students receive and strengthens ourcommunity as a whole."

The National Board for ProfessionalTeaching Standards is recognized as thegold standard in teacher certification. Itis a voluntary professional developmentopportunity that allows teachers toreflect on their own practice. It wasdeveloped by teachers, with teachers,for teachers, and is a symbol ofprofessional teaching excellence.

The final component to PERCS:science, technology, engineering, andmathematics (STEM) curriculum is a critical

part of the 21st century college and career track.SMMUSD is working to deepen and expand theseinstructional areas with the vision of incorporatingfrom pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

Programs like Project Lead the Way (PLTW) havebeen implemented at all middle and high schoolswith the current emphasis on the engineeringpathway and expansion planned in the future toother programs PLTW offers, including biomedicalscience.

The educational services team, led by Dr. Deloria,stays on the forefront of best practices in curriculum,instruction, research and assessment, includingproviding critical professional developmentthroughout the school year.

“The number one predictor of student success inthe classroom is the teacher. At the school level, it’sthe principal. So investing in teachers and principalsis key to closing achievement gaps while promotinghigh levels of learning for all students. And, thetraining we provide includes opportunities for ourstaff to review student work in a collaborativeenvironment where ‘what works’ is shared by all,”Deloria said. “That is how SMMUSD will move froma great to an amazing school district.”

Achievement for all students

Board of Education recognizes new SMMUSD National Board Certified Teachers.

“


In Santa Monica and Malibu schools, generouscommunities provide financial support forextraordinary staff, programs and equipment above

and beyond what the state provides. Thanks tocritical partnerships between the school district,PTAs, businesses/corporations, foundations,community supporters and the Santa Monica-MalibuEducation Foundation (SMMEF), SMMUSD studentsexperience an excellent education with a rigorousfocus on academics, vibrant arts programs,memorable field trips and experimental learning.

Established in 1982, SMMEF is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization that was founded to raisefunds to enhance and supplement the curriculum in SMMUSD.

The organization has supported programs forstudents for 33 years and officials said the past fewyears have been particularly important.

The 2014-15 school year wasthe inaugural year for a setof new SMMEF-funded programsat every

school in the district. Elementary classroom teachershad instructional assistants to facilitate small-grouplearning, teacher training was improved, literacycoaches worked to advance reading instruction ateach elementary school, elementary studentsbenefitted from comprehensive arts education andeach school received an enrichment grant to fundprograms chosen by their school. Many schoolsused these grants to provide science, technology,engineering and math (STEM) or visual andperforming arts programs. Some schools also usedthese funds to hire additional health clerks, augmenton-site counseling programs, or run other programsfocused on student wellness.

District-wide fundraising allowed the funds forthese programs to be leveraged by economies ofscale and ensures every student benefits. Last year,31% of the funding was donated by parents in the

district, 19% was donated bycommunity members, and

15% was donated bybusinesses. The

remaining

funds came from foundations, endowments andother managed funds, and events.

This year, donations to SMMEF supportelementary arts programs, elementary instructionalaides, and enrichment grants for each campus.Fundraising this year has continued to improve withdonations currently running about 70 percent higherthan this time last year. Donations have come from1,900 different donors with 23 percent of SMMUSDfamilies donating by the early October.

In addition, SMMEF endowments and earnedincome fund teacher grants for necessary visual artsmaterials and supplies; secondary school theaterprograms and dance classes; semi-private musiclessons and instruments for qualifying students;recorders for all third graders and library supplies.

Executive director Linda Greenberg said she hopesdonations would continue to rise as more familiesgained first-hand experience with the programs.

“We have been working diligently to explain thenew fundraising model to parents,” she said. “Asparents see the impact of the programs on theirchildren, they recognize the value of theirdonations.”

Superintendent Sandra Lyon said the SMMEFfunds are a vital source of revenue for the district.

While state funding is increasing, it’s still far belowpre-recession levels and isn’t projected to return to itsfull amount until 2020. California students receive halfthe money per capita compared to some other statesand Lyon said the SMMEF programs are criticallyimportant to student development.

“Our students learn to express themselvesthrough art and shine in internationally recognizedmusic programs that start in the primary grades,” shesaid. “They reach new frontiers in science,technology, engineering and math programspreparing them to work in an ever-more technicalworld. They are taught and supported by a group ofeducators, parents and community membersdedicated to their advancement.”

SMMEF has made outreach a priority this year.The organization has already stepped up theirpresence at PTA meetings and back-to-schoolnights. SMMEF also raised over $439,000 duringPledge Days, a new fundraising drive in which allgifts were matched by an extremely generous$100,000 anonymous donor. The organization isplanning two large events for the spring: a concerton March 5 and a wine and food tasting and auctionon April 17.

For more information, visit http://smmef.org.

SMMEF success based on partnerships


Atraditional school day is packed with requiredclasses and a variety of electives, but for manystudents, the true connection to school is

involvement in extracurricular activities.Many Santa Monica and Malibu high school

students take part in one or more of the manyopportunities offered including athletics, visual andperforming arts, clubs and community service.

Both schools maintain a commitment to diversity,and equity and access, ensuring that every studenthas ample opportunities to participate.

“We have something for almost every studentbetween sports, performing arts and about 30clubs,” Malibu High Assistant Principal Phil Wenkersaid. “And, students can start a new club, as long asit meets certain criteria and they have a staffmember willing to be the advisor.” Samohi, withnearly 130 clubs, plus athletics and music, has asimilar system for starting a new club on campus.

Many clubs aim to be socially impactful andinclude clubs focused on environmental, religious,political or health issues, as well as, cancerawareness, study groups, recreation activity clubsand career interest clubs.

While many school districts across the state havecut funding for visual and performing arts, it is an

extremely important part of the culture of SMMUSD.The district offers a robust music program where

students in third grade are taught general musiconce a week and all fourth and fifth gradersparticipate in music twice a week with certificatedteachers, choosing a string or wind instrument orchorus. All third graders participate in a danceprogram, Music in Motion, and all fifth gradersparticipate in the ballroom dance program, DancingClassrooms, funded through a grant from the LA ArtsCommission and the SMMEF. Additionally, SMMEFfunds elementary arts with the P.S. Arts program.

Both high schools have award-winning visual andperforming arts programs, including a wide variety ofclasses offered in drawing, painting, digital design,photography, ceramics, film, dance, theatre and largeband, jazz band, orchestra and choir programs. Themusic programs at the middle and high school levelssend more students to All State and National Honorensembles than other districts in the state and nationand they perform locally, nationally andinternationally.

"SMMUSD is fortunate to have an extraordinaryvisual and performing arts program for all studentsthanks to the generous support of our parents,communities, SMMEF and partners,” Tom Whaley,

visual and performing arts coordinator, said. “Theclasses are taught by a team of exceptional teacherswho are extremely passionate about their specificarts discipline and their students.” Some of thespecific areas that are taught through the arts arecreativity, confidence, problem solving, perseverance,focus and teamwork.

Earlier this year, the Malibu High School choirperformed at Carnegie Hall and the Malibu HighSchool orchestra is invited to perform in the summerof 2016. Samohi’s choir performed in Europe duringspring break of 2015, while the wind ensembleplayed at Carnegie Hall. During spring break of 2016,the Samohi Symphony and Chamber will beperforming Paris, Amsterdam and Bruges, Belgium. InFebruary 2016 the district will present the 67th annualStairway of the Stars concerts featuring incrediblytalented students from elementary school, middleschool and high school over three nights inorchestra, choir and band.

Both Samohi andMalibu High Schoolhavecompetitivesports

programs, fielding teams in numerous sports for boysand girls that may include football, basketball, volleyball,baseball, softball, soccer, swimming, lacrosse, tennis,golf, water polo, track and field and more.

“At Malibu High School, a majority of studentsare involved in a sport,” Principal Dr. BrandonGallagher said. “There is also overlap with studentswho are involved in both athletics and arts.”

Both high schools have very active and involvedparent booster organizations helping to maintain thequality of athletic programs, improve athletic facilitiesand coordinate fundraising activities.

“Studies show that the more students are engagedin school activities, along with classes, the moreconnected they feel to the school community and themore likely they will succeed in high school andcontinue on with post-secondary education,”Superintendent Lyon said. “We are proud of our

award-winning extracurricular programsand encourage all students to

participate as part of awell-rounded

educationalexperience.”

Learning outside the classroom


PUZZLE ZOO IS NOT SIMPLY A TOYS STORE;it is a one of a kind experience…a museum of classic, new, and the most unusual toys and collectibles for all ages.

Santa MonicaThird Street Promenade1411 3rd Street(310) 393-9201

Santa MonicaMain Street2910 Main Street(310) 396-4331

Pacific Palisades1041 Swarthmore Avenue(310) 454-8648

Melrose7457 Melrose Avenue(323) 782-1020

Costa MesaSouth Coast Plaza3333 Bristol St #1048714-662-1600

Edison Language Academy Lori Orum – PRINCIPAL

¡Bienvenidos al año escolar de 2015-2016 en laAcademia de Idiomas Edison!

This year, Edison Language Academy begins its29th year as SMMUSD’s only dual immersionelementary school. This is my 10th year as Edison’sprincipal and I still count it as such a privilege towatch another cohort of Edison students start theirjourney toward bilingualism and to work with such astrong and dedicated team of dual languageeducators.

We have so much to celebrate this year atEdison! We are nearing the end of an ambitiousmulti-year construction project that produced abrand new school and playfields for Edison. Whilewe loved our little 1940s-era escuelita, the buildingswere old and all the systems were in need of majorrepairs. Today we are nearly at the end of thejourney and, thanks to Measure BB, Edison studentshave an amazing new facility! We have the spacewe need to offer enrichment and after-schoolprograms, an abundance of modern technology toolsto support 21st century learning, and a smallercarbon footprint. Construction is projected to benearly finished by the end of October – just in timefor Edison’s famous Festival de Otoño and Día de losMuertos celebration on November 7.

We’re also celebrating the resources that wehave through SMMUSD, SMMEF, our Title I grant,and our Edison PTA, that provide bilingualinstructional assistants for all classrooms, coachesand intervention teachers, and online programs todifferentiate and extend learning. Thanks to thegenerosity of our parents and hard work of theEdison PTA and SMMEF, we also have a robust arts

program – including theater, visual arts, and music atall grade levels, dance for 3rd and 5th graders, andan after-school Ballet Folklorico class.

Finally, we are celebrating the strong academicprogress our students made again last year, includingour 4th consecutive year as a California Business forEducation Excellence Honor Roll School. Preliminarydata from State achievement tests indicate thatEdison students also did very well on the Stateexams – all while learning in two languages! It’sgoing to be a great year as we set our sights everhigher!

Franklin Elementary School Deanna Sinfield – PRINCIPAL

Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year!Franklin School is a community that prides

itself on being engaged, forward thinking, passionateand generous. We continually work hard to fulfillSMMUSD’s mission of extraordinary achievement forall students while simultaneously closing theachievement gap. At Franklin School we arecommitted to exemplary instruction designed toeducate the whole child so that he or she maybecome a productive and contributing member ofthe global economy. Our devoted staff, supportivePTA, and Site Governance Council are dedicated toproviding an education that readies students for thechallenges they may encounter throughout theirlifetime and encourages lifelong learning. The entireschool community has worked in unison to provide asafe and nurturing environment where students canattain their highest level of achievement whilemeeting the diverse needs of all.

We differentiate instruction in many ways in order

to stretch our students. We use Thinking Maps tohelp students organize their thinking and will beusing part of our stretch grant from SMMEF tocontinue to deepen our use and understanding ofThinking Maps and Write From the Beginning (thewriting program associated with Thinking Maps). Weuse Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) to assist indeepening students’ conceptual understanding ofmathematical concepts. Thanks to SMMEF, we wereable to send 11 staff members to the CGIconference over the summer. We also sent fourteachers to Teacher’s College in New York to train inReader’s Workshop. We are a community of life-longlearners.

I look forward to working with every parentduring my second year as principal of FranklinSchool. I welcome back Dr. Ashley Benjamin asassistant principal. Please join us in making it ourpriority to provide every student with an outstandingeducation while maintaining a safe and supportiveschool community.

Grant Elementary SchoolJezelle Fullwood – PRINCIPAL

Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! I amso excited to join the Grant Elementary family

as the new principal. As we begin another schoolyear, I am reminded of an African proverb; “It takesan entire village to raise a child.” This seems fittingwhen I consider the accomplishments achieved andthose to come! Your commitment to your child’seducation, past and present, are excellent examplesof what is required of that village to achieve success.Therefore, one of the goals of this school year is tohelp build and support an even stronger village by

relying on you the families who are our mostimportant partners to ensure a quality education forevery student!

Everything we do is carefully designed to createthe best learning environment for our students. I amhonored and privileged to work with a dynamiccommunity of teachers and staff that cultivate anenvironment where students achieve and believe inthemselves and their school.

With our school’s aim of having an emphasis onacademic outcomes and high student achievementschool-wide, Grant Elementary will continue toincorporate the core values of Respect,Trustworthiness, Fairness, Responsibility, Citizenship,and Caring. Using these as our guiding principles,each child will be encouraged and supported inworking to his/her full potential academically, socially,and emotionally.

Remember, it does take a village to raise a child;and I add it takes a very special school like GrantElementary to educate them. Please know that Iwelcome your participation, support, and efforts asthey are greatly valued and appreciated. We are inthis together! Wishing you a wonderful upcomingyear of success!

John Adams Middle School Steven Richardson – PRINCIPAL

Welcome to John Adams Middle School (JAMS).We strive to meet the academic and social

emotional needs of every student who walks throughour doors.

We are a diverse community that mirrors our

SEE PRINCIPALS PAGE 11

Deanna Sinfield, Franklin Elementary School Steven Richardson, John Adams Middle SchoolJezelle Fullwood, Grant Elementary SchoolLori Orum, Edison Language Academy


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County in terms of race, ethnicity and socio-economics. This organic diversity benefits allstakeholders by inserting a broad range ofperspectives into the academic and social culture atJAMS. Our academic and social emotionalcurriculum are driven by three core concepts:excellence for all; authentic care for our community;and, a shared destiny among all stakeholders.Through these drivers we look to create a connectedcommunity and a student population who identifyand develop the gifts they possess.

We do this a number of ways. First, we build astrong sense of community through an intentionalemphasis on building relationships. Teachers,counselors, administrators, custodians, secretariesand more come together to ensure that everystudent has a meaningful connection with a peergroup. This sense of community is also supportedthrough our schoolwide mindfulness focus. Ourmindfulness tenets include: make a personalconnection with your teacher; build a sense ofcommunity; and make a new friend every day.

JAMS honors the gifts and passions of itsstudents. We look to nurture these gifts by offering abroad range of academic courses. Our school hasdeveloped exemplary programs across the academicspectrum. They include our science magnet; musicprogram; visual arts studio; engineering courses;mindfulness; coding opportunities and an appacademy among others. By providing multiple entrypoints into our academic program, we are able tosupport student engagement and foster college andcareer readiness.

John Muir Elementary SchoolPaula Lytz – PRINCIPAL

Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year atJohn Muir Elementary School! I am honored to

be your new principal, and look forward to a greatyear with our wonderful students, staff, and families.Before joining the Muir team, I was assistant principalat Lincoln Middle School for the past two years. Priorto working in SMMUSD, I was assistant principal in aK-8 school, and was a Spanish and ESL teacher tostudents in grades 5-8.

As the Muir vision statement outlines, togetherwith staff and parents I will work to “maintain andnurture a positive, supportive, and respectfulenvironment that promotes powerful learning andexceptional achievement.” I envision a schoolcommunity where all students feel safe andconnected. We will focus on the whole child, andbuild strong relationships with our students andfamilies to pave the way for academic excellence.

I look forward to getting to know the Muir staffand all of our families. I consider it a privilege to beable to lead John Muir and to make it a school thatwe can all be proud of. Please stop by and introduceyourself!

Juan Cabrillo Elementary School Dr. Pam Herkner – PRINCIPAL

Welcome to Juan Cabrillo Elementary School. Ittakes three ingredients to make a successful

school. Cabrillo has skilled, talented and dedicatedstaff as the first ingredient. The staff is committed toproviding ALL students with a positive learningenvironment. The parents and community members

are next. They contribute to the formal education ofthe student by supporting the teachers and the totalschool program. The third and best ingredient is thechild. His or her conduct at the school helps createan environment where learning can best take place.

We are pleased to have you share with us theexcitement of teaching and the joy of learning. Youare invited and strongly encouraged to becomeinvolved and active in the educational program ofyour child and community. Parent and communitymembers’ support, expertise, and commitment areKEY to our strong academic program at JuanCabrillo Elementary School. We look forward toworking with all of you!

Hand-in-Hand, TOGETHER We Can!Filling Buckets and Developing the Future

Together!

Lincoln Middle School Florence Culpepper – PRINCIPAL

It was with great excitement that I took the helm atLincoln Middle School on July 1, 2015. After

spending two years as I House principal at SAMOHI,two years as assistant principal at John AdamsMiddle School, in addition to my years ofadministrative and teaching experience in LAUSD, Ihave multiple perspectives to tap into as I lead atLMS.

The staff at LMS is committed to looking at thewhole child in our approach to educating ourstudents. This means a continued focus on a strongacademic program that challenges and pushes ourstudents’ thinking, coupled with the social-emotionalsupports so necessary in this stage of adolescentdevelopment.

A favorite quote of mine is from James Baldwinwho said, “For these are all our children, we will allprofit by or pay for whatever they become.” I keepthis at my center when making decisions for ourschool community.

As a parent to four children I understand theinstinct that can sometimes lead us to think about“what’s best for my child” as opposed to “what’sbest for all of our kids.” I challenge our entirecommunity to think about the students in otherclasses and schools within our district as we makedecisions. Even if they don’t come home with useach night, it is in our best interest to be concernedabout “other people’s children” and to recognize thatif they aren’t successful, neither are we.

Malibu High School Dr. Brandon Gallagher – PRINCIPAL

This has been the start of a great school year atMalibu High School. As I have settled into a new

position, we are working hard as a staff to develop ashared school vision for MHS that will extend thetradition for success into the future. The foundationof our vision for MHS is rooted in our ExpectedSchool-wide Learning Results (ESLRs), which weredeveloped by a committee of MHS staff during the2014-2015 school year. The end product of thework to help define the underpinning of the work atMHS was an agreement that MHS would uphold andmodel maturity, humanity, and scholarship.

The goal of this year is to continue to build out avision that is connected to maturity, humanity, andscholarship by our mission statement and supported


Dr. Brandon Gallagher, Malibu High School

PRINCIPALSFROM PAGE 10

Paula Lytz, John Muir Elementary School Dr. Pam Herkner, Juan Cabrillo Elementary School Florence Culpepper, Lincoln Middle School


by a strong school plan. While this may otherwise bea daunting task, I have been fortunate to join a teamof professional educators who have students at thecenter of their thinking and a robust system of parentsupport. This being the case, MHS is well positionedto move forward collectively in a positive direction aswe continue to define our collective future.

Aside from planning for the future of MHS, I haveenjoyed being part of the MHS experience oncampus. As the new principal of MHS, I have beenable to watch our students thrive in a number ofareas. This has included working with students toexpand club offerings at the high school, taking partin an outstanding Homecoming, and trying not tomess up very well-prepared Minnow TV interviews.The student experience at Malibu has been onewhere I feel fortunate to be principal and appreciatethat our students challenge us to bring our best tothe table on a daily basis to support their futures.

Moving forward this school year, I wouldencourage parents and the community to becomeinvolved with the continuous improvement of MHSand work together with a “can” attitude. Keepingstudents at the center of the work we are doing willbe important in order to work through personaldifferences and competing interests to ensure we aredoing our best to produce the most positive possibleoutcomes for each student at MHS, as well as all ofour programs. I thank the community, staff, andstudents for the support so far and look forward tocontinuing to work with everyone to bridge transitionand cross over to progress.

McKinley Elementary SchoolSusan Yakich – PRINCIPAL

Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! Asthis is my second year at McKinley, it’s nice to

be able to work once again with staff and parents tosupport our students.

This year we will continue to focus on helpingeach child reach his/her academic and emotionalgoals. We will do this through differentiation,professional development and grade levelcollaboration. We have two AMAZING literacycoaches, Mike Ostrom and Mary Scrifes who will beworking side by side with teachers in the area oflanguage arts. Grade level teams will work togetherto analyze data, create student goals and planlessons to meet the needs of each student. Literacycoaches are one of many SMMEF funded programswe enjoy. We also have two AWESOME mathcoaches, Hayde Cervantes and Sandra Kim who willsupport teachers in the area of math. Teachers willbe collaborating and participating in a book study byreading/discussing, Children’s MathematicsCognitively Guided Instruction.

In an effort to assist students in reading, we willbe launching our RTI program (Response toIntervention) in October for grades 2-5. Grade levelswill have a dedicated RTI time for reading wherestudents will be assessed and grouped accordinglyto differentiated instruction to meet their uniqueneeds. Those students who need extra assistancewill be provided instruction by our reading teacher.Moreover, students who have mastered the CaliforniaStandards will be challenged by a trained staffmember.

Special thanks to our hardworking PTA andparent volunteers for all they do for our school

community. Our school community is a special placedue to everyone working together collaboratively.We couldn’t do it without staff and parents so thankyou for your time, dedication and support!

Have a great year!

Olympic High School Anthony Fuller – PRINCIPAL

Olympic High School was honored as a ModelContinuation High School in the State of

California for 2014. This designation is for threeyears and only awarded to some 25 schools ofmore than 500 each year in the entire state.

This is a tremendous accomplishment and I amproud of our teachers, staff and students for makingOlympic the top-notch continuation school programit is today!

The Olympic High School campus offers a varietyof Western Association of Schools and Colleges(WASC) -accredited educational opportunities for thenon-traditional learner: a continuation high school,two opportunity classrooms, an independent studyprogram, and an adult school program.

Our students are a highly diverse populationvisibly engaged in a personalized academicenvironment supported by a highly qualified anddevoted staff of instructors, counselor and supportpersonnel. Our programs build on evident studentstrengths as we assist each learner in achievingacademic success through a structured, respectfuland supportive process.

As a campus, Olympic wholeheartedly embracesand provides guidance to those students who mayhave fallen behind in academic credits as well asthose who may need a more intimate learning

environment to thrive. Students have individualizedinstruction programs with a strong emphasis on aCalifornia Standards based curriculum, intensivesupport/counseling and an ever-expanding project-based focus.

Our campus understands what the authorMalcolm Gladwell is talking about when he uses theterm “outliers.” Our students are non-traditionallearners by nature and thus our task is to promoteemotional growth, responsible behavior and self-awareness. Our absolute belief in the potential of allthose entering our halls goes beyond academicsuccess -- our aim is to help them learn thenecessary skills to become productive members ofthe workforce, participating and involved communitymembers, effective and caring family members,informed consumers and gregarious lifelong learners.

Many Olympic students attend college or otherpost-secondary education after earning their highschool diploma from Olympic High School. Olympicstudents earn thousands of dollars in scholarshipseach year, donated by generous local non-profitsand corporate supporters.

Point Dume Marine Science School Mark Demick – PRINCIPAL

As the principal representing our distinguishedstaff, it is our privilege to guide your child on their

elementary journey at Point Dume Marine ScienceElementary School (PDMSS). Our mission is toempower all students by balancing academicexcellence and the arts to become globallyconscious citizens who shape our world by making



Anthony Fuller, Olympic High School Mark Demick, Point Dume Marine Science SchoolSusan Yakich, McKinley Elementary School Natalie Burton, Roosevelt Elementary School


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positive, innovative and responsible choices.Our K-5 school consists of about 200 students

and is located in beautiful Malibu. PDMSS has beenidentified as a California Distinguished School (2010,2014) and is ranked in the top 5% of schoolsstatewide.

Through attention to rigor, relevance and positiverelationships, we will provide the foundation for staff,parents and community to continue to build a worldclass school for each child who enters our doors.

Roosevelt Elementary SchoolNatalie Burton – PRINCIPAL

Iwould like to welcome everyone to the 2015-2016 school year! We are off to a great start and

the students are thriving in their classrooms with anoutstanding group of professionals at the lead. It iswonderful to see the many people that make theRoosevelt community so special; enthusiastic andcommitted parents, a dedicated staff that goes aboveand beyond, and the children, who make everyone’swork worthwhile. We look forward to a strong home-school partnership, which will make for anoutstanding school year!

Thanks to the Santa Monica-Malibu EducationFoundation, we have a great group of instructionalassistants in all kindergarten – 2nd gradeclassrooms. We look forward to having our studentsbenefit from all that SMMEF is providing forRoosevelt this year; a part-time health clerk, a part-time counselor, and a phenomenal visual, musical,

and performing arts program through P.S. Arts., anda ballroom dancing program for our fifth graders!We are also thrilled that our SMMEF stretch granthas provided us the opportunity to further theprofessional development of our teachers by being aproject school with Columbia University TeachersCollege in New York City, which provides us with 12days of onsite coaching both inside and outside ofour classrooms by the senior staff developers atColumbia University.

Thank you to our Roosevelt PTA for funding ourongoing Character Book of the Month Program atRoosevelt! All K-5th grade teachers read a bookeach month and then discuss the character trait thatis exemplified in the literature: Respect, Cooperation,Responsibility, Courtesy, Kindness, Honesty andCitizenship. We look forward to the great reading andto the meaningful connections and conversationsthat our students will have across all grade levels.We encourage families to make monthly trips to thepublic library to check out the books we are readingand to enjoy reading them at home. The joy andpower of literature is infinite!

Wishing everyone a wonderful 2015–2016school year!

Santa Monica Alternative School House (SMASH) Jessica Rishe – PRINCIPAL

Welcome to the new school year! This fall, weare focusing on two overarching SMASH staff

goals K-8 that directly link to our core-specific focalpoints and curriculum. We are focused on inquiryand project-based learning (PBL) with science andengineering as the drivers, and our social emotional

learning(SEL)curriculum andcultivation ofmindfulness practices areintegrated throughout ourschool.

During professional development time, SMASHteachers and classified staff will focus on developinginquiry-based science lessons that engage students’natural curiosities. With the guidance of threeexperts, we will deepen our understanding of NextGeneration Science Standards (NGSS) which aredesigned to help us solve real world, complexchallenges.

Using the Exploratorium’s Institute for Inquirycurriculum, the staff exploration of NGSS standardswill include process skills, questioning skills,approaches to inquiry-based teaching, andexperiences with scientific concepts.

We invite parents and community partners toserve as guest teachers and mentors duringScience, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math(STEAM)- related projects.

Additionally, I want to focus on our secondschool-wide goal that is a continuation andenhancement of our 2014-15 implementation:integrating our social emotional learning (SEL)curriculum and cultivation of mindfulness practicesthroughout our school.

Our Responsive Classroom/DevelopmentalDesigns social emotional curriculum works from theoutside in. During advisory meetings and communitycircles, students practice skills with each other:communication (“I” messages, needs statements,appreciations), upstander moves (speaking up ortaking action when something unkind is occurring),

or conflictresolution

processes. Wecultivate a community

of children and adults who:cooperate with each other,

respectfully assert themselves, act responsibly,show empathy, exercise self-control, and developindependence.

Our mindfulness practices work from the inside-out. Breathing techniques, movement, or guidedmeditation help us notice our physical sensations,and our thoughts and emotions. We “name it to tameit,” meaning we notice where we are at and then arebetter able to find homeostasis. We create acommunity of children and adults who tune into whatis happening inside their bodies and minds and usethe tools to then: communicate thoughts and needsclearly, self-regulate emotionally, maintain focus andattention, and manage anxiety or stress.

In order to help connect these experiencesbetween home and school, please watch for theschedule of family (parent-child) education sessionson Monday mornings and parent education eveningevents throughout the year.

Santa Monica High SchoolEva Mayoral – PRINCIPAL

Welcome to one of America’s top 500 highschools! That’s right, out of 30,000 high

schools across our great nation, Santa Monica HighSchool outcompeted 29,528 other schools to ringin at a stellar number 472 (Newsweek Ranking).



Eva Mayoral, Santa Monica High SchoolJessica Rishe, Santa Monica Alternative School House (SMASH)

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How do we here at Samohi interpret this? Just 471to go! What’s the plan? Improve the way in whichwe support one another and work together to investin, inspire, ignite, and support growth and learning inevery single student, every single hour, of everysingle day. To inspire, cultivate, and support studentsin engaging in behaviors that support their own, aswell as one another’s, best learning interests. Thepractices and mindsets Samohi will use to achievethese are our continued commitments, and growingsophistication, in functioning as a truly RestorativeProfessional Learning Community.

Our course-alike collaborative groups within eachdepartment will continue to develop techniques andstrategies to support high achievement for all withinthe California State Standards.

Through the addition of a full time RestorativeJustice (RJ) Coordinator, Samohi gains phenomenaland experienced daily support in moving full steamahead toward full realization of our goal of building atruly restorative community, climate, and cultureamongst and between students, staff, and parentsalike. Our work will center around building capacityamongst student, staff, and parent leaders infacilitating this growth, as well as in supporting ourcommunity in developing awareness of, andsensitivity to, the full extent of the ripple impact(whether positive or negative) of their behaviors onindividuals, as well as on the community at large. Asa Samohi community, we listen, and we are heard.We care, and we are cared for. And, importantly, wedo what it takes to build and restore faith and trust inone another. In short, we hold one anotheraccountable in ways that grow and strengthen the

fabric of our community, and thereby strengthen thebonds that nurture, connect, and support each of usas individuals.

The Samohi PTSA is committed to parenteducation and communication throughout the year.Check out the Viking Voice reference issue orwebsite for important events, college planningguidance and access to other communication tools.

This is an exciting time to be a part of theSamohi community! We welcome and embrace allyou are, and all you bring! Come be a part!

Webster Elementary SchoolDr. Susan Samarge-Powell – PRINCIPAL

At Webster School, staff, parents, and communitymembers work together ...Our Vision Statement begins with these words and

there is no better way to begin to describe ourschool. Webster’s 300 students take great pride intheir school, in their learning, and in themselvesbecause they are immersed in an environment whereit is abundantly clear that everyone around themcares very deeply about their happiness and success.

Our teachers welcome each child into theirclassrooms and provide a stimulating andchallenging curriculum as they strive to ignite thepassion for learning that lives within their students.

The children see their parents volunteeringregularly and students also interact consistently withcommunity members who contribute theirknowledge, energy, and talents to the students’educational experiences. Our teaching staff has alsodelved deeply in to the California Standards, so theyare able to academically prepare students to faceany future of their choice.

This year we are continuing to develop our

Character Counts Traits! We are working to beRespectful, Responsible, Caring, Trustworthy, Fair andGood Citizens! We will also start our work with theOlweus Bully Prevention Program so we continue toraise students who are conscientious citizens whostand up for those around them and care for thegreater community. As 21st century learners wehave Chromebooks in all of our first through fifthgrade classrooms and all of our students alsoparticipate in P.S. Arts, a SMMEF-funded program,where they have opportunities to learn about music,visual art and theater arts. Many additional programsare funded either through the Santa Monica-MalibuEducation Foundation or through the hard work ofour Webster School PTA. As this is my 20th year inthe school district and my third year at Webster, Iknow it is thanks to the caring adults in our worldthat our students are having a “Whale of a Time” atWebster School. Come by and visit!

Will Rogers Learning Community Elizabeth Cochran – PRINCIPAL

Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! Welook forward working with parents to ensure a

successful school year for all students. Weappreciate our collaborative community and aregrateful for your efforts to support our school.

At Will Rogers Learning Community, we believe thatsocial development is as important as academicdevelopment. Our social curriculum is ResponsiveClassroom, an approach to teaching that improvesteaching practices, student achievement, and schoolclimate. We have been using this approach for manyyears, and as part of our continued learning this year,we are participating in ongoing professional

development in Responsive Classroom. We useResponsive Classroom strategies to develop acommunity of learners in the classrooms and in theschool as a whole. The staple of ResponsiveClassroom is morning meeting, and we encourageparents to volunteer in the classrooms during this timeso that they become part of our community of learnersas well.

We are continuing our work with Science,Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) this year.As a STEM school, we create opportunities forstudents to act as scientists, engineers, andmathematicians. Teachers facilitate inquiry-basedlearning that emphasizes critical thinking, problemsolving, and effective communication skills. Studentsconduct experiments, build and program robots,design and build structures, and apply real-worldmath skills. We thank our parent community foroutfitting our STEM lab, and for volunteering duringSTEM learning activities and events.

Thanks to support from the Santa Monica-MalibuEducation Foundation, we have two literacy coacheswho work with teachers to design and deliver literacyinstruction that meets the needs of all learners. Withinthe Response to Intervention (RTI) framework,teachers provide high quality standards-basedinstruction to all students and provide additionaltargeted instruction based on what each studentneeds, whether the student is working far above gradelevel or below. We appreciate this support fromSMMEF because it enables us to continually refine ourpractices and ensure that we are providing the bestinstruction possible for each student.

We know that our school is strongest when wepartner with families. We hope to see parentsvolunteering in classrooms and at our manycommunity events.


Elizabeth Cochran, Wil Rogers Learning CommunityDr. Susan Sumarage-Powell, Webster Elementary School

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2015 SMMUSD - Great Public Schools