This Month's Samo Headlines
Ethnic studies
California has recently passed a law that requires all high school students to take a course in ethnic studies in order to graduate, beginning with the class of 2030. While this law is set to take place in advance, many preparations are being made beforehand in order to allow the program to run. One such preparation is getting teachers available to teach the course, and overcoming a debate on whether to require a teaching credential for the part, or if passion for the subject is enough to fill the spots. Ms. Marissa Silvestri, ethnic studies teacher at Samo, has had an instrumental part in setting this up and advocating for this opportunity and continues to work on this course for the entire state.
Star math/reading
Periodically throughout the year Samo students take the star math and star reading exams. These exams are run through Fastbridge, a website students access through Clever, and are adaptive, meaning that questions increase in difficulty upon a correct answer and decrease with incorrect answers. Students are once again participating in these exams which will provide the school with statistics and are used for school evaluations. You may find that your English or Math class is put on pause for a class period this month to complete one of these exams.
Hot chocolate wednesdays
Every wednesday in room ???? students (as well as staff) are able to socialize with one another before school begins. School begins on Wednesday at 8:55 in the morning, 25 minutes later than all other school days, and one hours and 35 minutes later for those with an AM class period. This may leave students with ample time before school, which can be spent at this event each week with free hot chocolate provided and a good time.
Stf event before spring break
In the week leading up to spring break Samo’s Student Task Force (STF) ran another event in the innovation quad. While past events have had focuses such as climate change, this time they focused on immigration policies. Some teachers took their classes to the event during their class periods, however the tents were also available for students and staff alike during lunch to go and learn at. Educating Samo’s students about current and past immigration laws and advocating for change, the STF took the time to help shine a light on these policies and create an awareness on this subject.
JAMS Theatre performs “Grease” (by Kira)
On Friday, April 28, the John Adams Middle School Theatre Company opened their doors to perform the musical “Grease” directed by Chad Scheppner and produced by English teacher Amy Beeman-Solano. 110 JAMS/SMASH students participated in the play in alternating casts throughout the weekend with four shows total, all of which were sold out. “Grease” was the second show that the program performed in their new auditorium after “Annie” last year. For the show, a 1956 Ford Fairlane was completely refurbished and navigated through the auditorium by JAMS geometry students who calculated its path to the stage. Samo’s theater program can expect to see some of the musical’s lead actors as freshmen next year, and Ansel Brodkin (’27) who played Danny Zuko found the experience to be rewarding. “I really loved performing in front of my friends. It’s not easy, but it’s so fun,” Brodkin said. “I’m exhausted.”
Return of the Drone - Ryan Kim
On April 21, 2023, the Smmusd District released drone footage on the upcoming Exploration building at the school. In the drone footage, the building has improved from being a dirt pile. Showing a full 360 view of the building, the gold gymnasium was featured as well. The Gold Gymnasium is massive and appears to hold 3 different rooms. With future expectations being high, the exploration building is approximately dated to be finished in the fall of 2024.
To find out more check out Samo’s district page on exploration building