What's going on around Samo?
Exploration Building and Gold Gym construction update
Construction on the Samo campus has gone to plan since both the Gold Gym and the Exploration Building projects began back last year, with both of the buildings having their interior metal bases finished. The buildings are scheduled to be unveiled for use for the 2024-25 school year. The Gold Gym will carry out and improve Samo’s athletics and physical education, bringing top notch facilities for all sports and activities to the campus. The Exploration Building is meant to modernize the campus with its high-tech and durable build in order to enhance the school’s learning environment.
Mental health awareness fair shows activism based clubs in the Innovation Quad
On Sept. 13, the Student Wellness Advisory Group (SWAG) held a mental wellness fair in the Innovation Quad, raising awareness for students’ mental health. SWAG is a mental health awareness/wellness club at Samohi determined to raise enough money to support organizations that focus on repairing mental health issues. So far, SWAG has presented their mission on various occasions as well as hosted two mental health wellness fairs. The most recent fair, displaying various awareness clubs and even outside sources, was planned by Sadie Gryczman (’26), president of SWAG.
“Samohi students were able to learn about ways they could get involved as well as resources they have access to.”
Climate literacy initiative at Samo
Back in 2021, the Team Marine club at Samo founded the Climate Literacy Project. Currently led by Emery Cunningham (’24), the ambitious project is attempting to bring awareness about ongoing climate issues into classrooms at Samo. The founding of the project was inspired by local educational neighbors. “The Climate Literacy project was inspired by an LAUSD Climate Literacy resolution that is going to reform curriculum throughout the district,” Cunningham said.
Before the club can make more progress they first require approval from district leadership. Although the full curriculum would not be able to be put in place until the next school year, Cunningham is optimistic that the club’s work could begin to pay off in the near future.
“There probably are a few things that could be im plemented this school year. Possibly by next semester teachers will be able to implement the projects in their own adaption.”
Dr. Shelton becomes the new SMMUSD superintendent
The 2023-24 school year accompanies a change in leadership for the SMMUSD school district, with Dr. Antonio Shelton becoming the new superintendent. Prior to our current principal, Marae Cruce, Dr. Shelton served as principal of Samo for 6 years. He has earned his credentials by spending over 20 years working in the field of education, as well as earning a Bachelor of Arts in history, a Master of Arts in social studies, a Master of Arts in educational administration and a doctorate in educational leadership.
SMMUSD recovers money after counterfeit investigation
The 2023-24 school year accompanies a change in leadership for the SMMUSD school district, with Dr. Antonio Shelton becoming the new superintendent. Prior to our current principal, Marae Cruce, Dr. Shelton served as principal of Samo for 6 years. He has earned his credentials by spending over 20 years working in the field of education, as well as earning a Bachelor of Arts in history, a Master of Arts in social studies, a Master of Arts in educational administration and a doctorate in educational leadership.
Voucher for low-income students for e-bikes
The Santa Monica City Govern ment plans to begin an income-verified program for e-bike vouchers in the spring of 2024, if the grant ap plication is approved. Three lotteries would take place, where a total of 75 vouchers would be issued for verified low-income households worth up to $2000 for e-bikes and the necessities that the e-bikes require. As adequate funding is achieved, the program plans to increase the number of issued vouchers.
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