APRIL 23,2010

STATE TESTING (STAR) Testing for grades 2-8 begins May 4 through May 14

Dear SMASHing Families,
As you are well aware, in response to the overwhelming budget challenges, the SMMUSD Board of Education has placed Measure A on a special May 25, 2010 all-mail election. I have a responsibility to provide you with important information about Measure A. Please watch your mailboxes as Measure A ballots will be mailed to Santa Monica homes on Monday. If you have moved to a new Santa Monica address since the last election, be sure to re-register to
vote at your new address before May 10th so that a ballot will be sent to your correct address in time to vote.

On another note, each year SMASH PTSA grants scholarships to 1-2 alums who are Samohi Seniors. Students must have attended SMASH for a minimum of 3 years and submit a written piece describing how SMASH influenced their lives. This week, I hope you enjoy Tate Tucker’s winning entry about his “inclination to question” and be “an independent thinker” that he attributes to SMASH. Next week, I’ll share with you Laurel Ozersky’s winning entry.

Please see Genie and Tamara’s Core 3 message this week to learn about the staff Learning Walks we did around the influence of student collaboration on deeper level thinking. They have beautifully synthesized the key questions and possible next steps that came out of our whole staff observations of each other Tuesday and Wednesday. The Core 3 message also gives a clear overview of the inspiration we received from the staff’s attendance at the Alfie Kohn seminar.

Truly yours,
Jessica

My parents always knew that I was an exceptional learner. They also knew that I never quite liked to do things the way everyone else did. These two traits made me the perfect candidate for an intimate alternative school. At SMASH, my leadership skills flourished and my interpersonal skills rose to a level that has to this day never dropped. If I had not attended this school, I feel as if I would not stand out. I would be the atypical “book-smart” kid who deep down could
not truly think for himself. Being traditional has never quite appealed to me.

To say that I cherish my developmental years at an alternative school would be a grave understatement. At SMASH I was indoctrinated, not with imposed ideals but rather with the imposed inclination to question. It gives the student the reins, and lets them decide their educational fate. It does not restrain differentiation, but rather engenders it. It was
the school most conducive to my ambiguous and inquisitive nature. They do not believe that ones competency can be translated to a letter grade or a numbered test score. The philosophy there is to be an independent thinker. You are not given topics, you are not given step-by-step instructions, you are given a task and must synthesize your very own plan
of attack. This sense of individuality empowers a student, and makes them independent of a text book by molding their brain into a powerful and industrious tool.

I never got a chance to say thank you. Thank you SMASH. Thank you for melding the uncomfortable entity of institutionalized education with the very comfort of my home. Thank you for making teachers and family members interchangeable roles. Thank you for making me nostalgic for every passing second, minute and hour that I spent there.
But most of all, for allowing me to find myself and take control of my life at such a young age. The skills you instilled within me will make me indebted to you throughout my educational career, but the intangibles make me indebted to you for a lifetime.
Tate Tucker

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DATES TO REMEMBER
Apr 28 - 4:30pm - 8:30pm, SMASH Phone Bank Volunteers Needed
Wed, Apr 28 - 8:45am - Core 1 Assembly
Wed, Apr 28—5:00pm - Site Council Meeting, student planning skills presentation
Tues, May 4-14 - state testing for grades 2-8
Tues, May 4 - 6:00pm - Incoming 6th grade parent mtg in Core 4
Tues, May 4 - 7:15pm - Incoming 8th grade parent mtg in Core 4
Wed, May 5 - 6:00pm - Current 8th grade parent night with Samohi principal and counselor to determine 9th grade schedules
Week of May 10 - 8th grade presentations
Tues, May 11 - 5:00pm - SMASH BINGO night at Spitefire Grill
Wed, May 12 - SMASH Talent show - 6:00-7:30pm
Fri, May 14 - 6:30-9:00pm - SMASH Movie Night—NOTE NEW DATE
SAVE THE DATE - SMASH Annual Camping Trip - Friday and Saturday, June 11 & 12. Details to come!
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WEDNESDAY BAKE SALES
Healthy Treats & Fun Items
Sales start at 2:30 pm (Muir dismissal)
Core 1: April 28 & May 26
Core 2: May 19
Core 3: May 12
Core 4: May 5
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Any SMASH student who would like to attend a different Santa Monica school
MUST APPLY for INTRA-DISTRICT OPEN ENROLLMENT PERMIT.
Deadline for applications is May 31.Families will be notified by June 18
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SMASH TALENT SHOW
Wednesday, May 12
6:00-7:30PM
Talented Students Wanted! NO AUDITIONS (only 20 slots and a 3 MINUTE LIMIT!)
Performers must show up by 5:30 to prepare!
Call Dian Andrews at (310)392-0600 to sign up.
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YEARBOOK PHOTOS NEEDED. Send to Barbara (barbar@earthlink.net) or Kjersti (kjersti@rtd-la.com)
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Upcoming Bike Rodeos
with Officer Edgar Navarro, SMPD school resource officer
3/21/10; grades K-2 at 3pm - Franklin Elementary
3/28/10; grades 3-5 at 2pm - Franklin Elementary
4/12/10; grades K-2 at 2pm - Edison Elementary
4/19/10; grades 3-5 at 2pm - Edison Elementary
4/26/10; grades K-5 at 3:30 - Roosevelt Elementary
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THE GROWING PLACE 20TH ANNUAL
DINO FAIR FESTIVAL
Saturday, April 24 - 11am-4pm
Corner of 4th and Ashland
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The Annual Los Angles Times FESTIVAL OF BOOKS
Saturday, April 24 from 10am to 6pm; Sunday, April 25 from 10am to 5pm
UCLA Campus; 405 Hilgard Avenue, LA
General attendance is free, but tickets are required for all Festival of Books indoor panel and speaker sessions. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com Parking on UCLA campus is $10. Free shuttle bus services will connect the outlying
UCLA lots with the main Festival entrances. For more information go to http://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/
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Don't Miss This Wonderful Choral Concert!
Cathedral Classics-Tuesday April 27th Barnum Hall
This is a unique concert where Samohi Chamber Singers and the Madrigal Ensemble sing from the balcony in the Barnum Hall foyer. There will be two-one hour performances, tickets sold at the door.
6:00 PM ($5 for everyone)
8:00 PM ($10 for everyone)
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CREST Enrichment and Sports
Generous financial assistance available for all CREST programs is available on a sliding scale to qualifying low- to moderate-income families.

For more information check out the CREST website at http://www.crest.smgov.net/

or call the City of Santa Monica Youth Office at (310) 458-8540.
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SANTA MONICA FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, May 8
CLOVER PARK
11am-6:00pm
ENJOY eclectic music and colorful dance, EAT fresh and local food, SHOP for earth-friendly artistic wares and DISCOVER how to live in a greener, healthier and more sustainable way.
On the Ocean Stage: Elementary school youth orchestra (11:15am) and Santa Monica High Jazz Combo (12:10pm)
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ptsa news
Dear SMASH community,
Believe it or not, there are only eight (8) weeks left in this school year. Eight (8) crucial weeks.

Crucial weeks for Measure A. Measure A ballots will be mailed next week. This is a mail-in only ballot. Cast your vote and mail in your green envelope immediately. If you are not registered to vote at your current address, please register NOW so you’ll get your ballot in time.

Measure A needs your help. Participate in a phone bank or a precinct walk. We need to pass this measure. Go to http://savesantamonicamalibuschools.org to volunteer.

Crucial weeks for SMASH.
SuperSMASH is coming up. We need it to be a success, and to make it a success we need your help. Get donations for the Silent Auction (check out the letter to SMASH parents, the donation request letter, the donation form). Volunteer to help prepare and run the Carnival (see the How U can Help flyer). Help publicize the event.

Our Family Donation Drive is about $12,000 short. We can get way closer to our goal. Donate online (http:// ptsasmash.blogspot.com/) or drop off your check in the office. Every dollar counts. Seriously – every single one.
Thanks!
Helga Schier and David Saltzman
Co-Presidents, SMASH PTSA
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SMASHing Fundraisers

SMASH Bingo Night Tuesday, 5/11. Come join us for a game of Bingo and delicious food at the Spitfire Grill. More info to come.

SMASH movie night Friday, 5/14. Drop off your kids at SMASH for a movie and take a night off from parenting. Core 4 students will watch your kids. More info to come.

SuperSMASH, Saturday, 6/5. Time to get donations! See the materials in this week’s Friday Letter (1. letter to SMASH parents, 2. donation request letter, 3. donation form 4. Donation Ideas 5. Save the Date)

Make your Family Donation online (http://ptsasmash.blogspot.com/) or drop off your check in the office.

SMASHing Community Events
Talent Show Wednesday, May 12, 2010. See information in this Friday Letter.
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SMASHing Measure A
SMASH Phone Bank Wednesday 4/28, 6:30 to 8:30PM SMMCTA Headquarters (Teachers' Association) at 1508 18th Street, Santa Monica. Sign up at: http://savesantamonicamalibuschools.org/

Precinct Walk Sunday, 4/25. Sign up at: http://savesantamonicamalibuschools.org
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SMASHing Meetings
Next PTSA meeting Wednesday, 5/12, 8:30AM
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SuperSMASH ‘10
WHEN?
Saturday, June 5, 2010
11:30AM TO 5:00PM
WHERE?
SMASH Campus
WHAT?
Silent Auction, Art Projects, Games, Rides, Live Music, Food and Drink.
WHY?
It’s our # 1 FUN(D)RAISER
WHO?
Everyone… You, your friends, your family, your neighbors!
HOW U CAN HELP
We need volunteers anywhere and anytime!
Get donations for the Silent Auction!
Help prepare the Silent Auction!
Help plan the Carnival!
Design an Activity Booth for the Food Court!
Helga Schier 310-828-8421 or helgaschier@verizon.net

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SMASHing Party Week ‘10
WHEN?
Week of 5/10 through 5/14
WHAT?
5/11 Bingo Night at Spitfire Grill
5/12 Talent Show at SMASH
5/14 Movie Night at SMASH
SMASHing Party Week ‘10
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Dear SMASH Family,
SuperSMASH 2010 is approaching and it’s time to gear up. This year’s event, which takes place on Saturday, June 6, promises to be a fun-filled day with carnival rides, entertainment, delicious food and an amazing silent auction.
This year the success of SuperSMASH in general and the Silent Auction in particular is more important than ever as we are working hard to manage a budget crisis. This means we really need your help to make Super SMASH and the Silent Auction the success we need!
Check this letter for some ideas to help you find donations for our silent auction. We are looking for donations from you, the talented SMASH community, as well as from local merchants to bring in as many donations as possible. We’ve also included three white Auction Donor Forms (with a letter to potential donors on the reverse). Take these forms to your favorite stores, restaurants, salons, or any business and ask for an item, gift certificate or service that can be auctioned off to benefit our school.
All donations are tax-deductible. Our tax ID is 95-4439445. The donor needs to fill out the white form, and return it along with the donated item or certificate to Janice in the office. If you run out of forms, as we hope you will, see Janice for more copies.
Please go out and get as many donations as you can. Aim for at least three donations per family.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ofer Grossman at (310) 367-7504 or omglaw@gmail.com with any comments or questions. Thanks for participating in this fantastic community event!
Sincerely,
Ofer Grossman
SuperSMASH Silent Auction Chair

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SuperSMASH 2010
Silent Auction Donation Ideas

Where do you go?
STORES • BOOKS • CLOTHING • TOYS • SHOES • HOUSEWARES • LIQUOR • WINES • MUSIC VIDEO •ART SUPPLIES • ELECTRONICS • STATIONERY • KIDS CLASSES • CAMPS • BIRTHDAY PARTY • HOTELS •RESTAURANTS • BEAUTY • REPAIR SHOP • SALONS • GYMS • SPAS • COUNTRY CLUBS • SUPERMARKETS •DRY CLEANER

Who do you know?
CHEFS • CATERERS • PARTY ENTERTAINERS • PHOTOGRAPHERS • ARTISTS •BOAT/ PLANE OWNERS •VACATION HOME/ TIMESHARE OWNERS •CASTING AGENTS • WALK ONS/CAMEOS • STUDIO TOURS •SPORTS/ TV/ MOVIE MEMORABILIA • BUILDERS • LANDSCAPERS • GARDENERS •MASSAGE THERAPISTS • DERMATOLOGISTS • BEAUTICIANS •NUTRITIONISTS • HEALERS • ACUPUNCTURISTS • YOGA TEACHERS •CLEANING SERVICES • WINDOW WASHERS • DOG WALKERS •COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS •PERSONAL ORGANIZERS •SWIM/TENNIS/GOLF PRO'S • PERSONAL TRAINERS • TICKETS TO: MUSEUMS/THEME PARKS/ CONCERTS/ MOVIES / THEATERS •TICKETS TO: SPORTS/MOVIE PREMIERES/AWARD SHOWS

What do you do?
COMPUTER LESSONS • VIDEOS/ DVDS/ CDS/ SOFTWARE •PHOTOGRAPHY • VIDEOGRAPHY • COMPUTER GRAPHICS • WEB DESIGN •HOLIDAY CARDs • STATIONERY • HOLIDAY DECORATING BABYSITTING • COOKING • BAKING • DOG WALKING • MEDICINE • HOMEOPATHY • NUTRITION •LEGAL SERVICES • ACCOUNTING • ESTATE PLANNING •ORGANIZATION • FILING • EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS •JEWELER • FLORAL DESIGN • INTERIOR DESIGN • ARCHITECTURE •GENERAL CONTRACTING • HANDYPERSON • PAINTING •PARTY PLANNER • ENTERTAINMENT (musician, puppet shows, magic) •SPORTS • COACHING • SAILING • GOLF • TENNIS • DANCING • AEROBICS
Please drop off your donations at the SMASH office by Friday, May 21, 2010
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April 21, 2010

Santa Monica Alternative School House

2525 5th Street - Santa Monica,

CA 90405Phone 310-396-2640 - Fax 310-452-4353

Jessica Rishe, Principal

Dear Sir or Madam,

On Saturday June 5, 2010, SMASH (Santa Monica Alternative School House) will host its annual Super SMASH Silent Auction and Carnival. Celebrating its 35th year, SMASH is a public school serving an ethnically and economically diverse K-8 student population. Our active community of instructors, parents, students and neighborhood members work tirelessly to forge new educational techniques in a non-competitive environment.

Our school depends on the proceeds of the SuperSMASH Silent Auction and Carnival to provide
for teachers’ aides, as well as for programs in art, science and technology, foreign language and physical education for our children.

Severe Budget Cuts Are Directly Affecting Our Classrooms

In this current economic environment, the State of California and the Federal government have made unprecedented budget cuts that are felt directly in our classrooms, and more are expected. SuperSMASH is our chance to help offset some of those losses and provide our children with essential educational programs that are no longer paid for by the state or federal governments. As President Obama noted in his inauguration speech, “the Nation is plagued with a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable and that the next generation must lower its sights.” Nowhere is this felt more keenly than in the public school system. The challenges we face are real, but with your help, they will be met. We ask you to choose hope over fear in these tough economic times and to extend your generosity by contributing an item or gift certificate that can be auctioned at the Silent Auction. In the alternative, please consider making a donation to our school.

In appreciation for your support of our children, we will acknowledge your name and a description of your donation in the SuperSmash Silent Auction Catalog, and on a table poster at
SuperSMASH. Your donation will also be acknowledged in the local daily newspaper, the Santa Monica Daily Press, with a readership of over 33,000. Your contribution is fully tax deductible and greatly appreciated. To ensure that your company and item are included in our catalog, please return the enclosed donation form as soon as possible. Please contact Ofer Grossman at (310) 367-7504 or omglaw@live.com with any comments or questions.

Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,
Ofer Grossman
SuperSMASH Silent Auction Chair


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SUPERSMASH AUCTION DONOR FORM
Saturday June 5, 2010
SMASH
2525 5th Street, Santa Monica CA 90405

NAME:________________________________________________________________________

COMPANY:____________________________________________________________________

TITLE:__________________________ E-MAIL______________________________

ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________________________

CITY/ST/ZIP:___________________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE:___________________________________

FAX:____________________________________

Name of SMASH community Member:______________________________________________________

DONATION DESCRIPTION FOR AUCTION CATALOG (or we will write one)
______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS/RESTRICTIONS
ESTIMATED VALUE: $_______________ EXPIRATION DATE: _________________

SIGNATURE:_______________________________TODAY’S DATE: ______________

PLEASE CHECK ONE:

__ TO BE DELIVERED __ TO BE PICKED UP
__ DONATION ENCLOSED __ CREATE CERTIFICATE

SMASH IS A 501 c (3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION (Tax ID#:95-4439445)
PLEASE ATTACH GIFT CERTIFICATE & MAIL by 05/14/10 TO:

Santa Monica Alternative School House
2525 5th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
PHONE: 310-396-2640 FAX: 310-452-4353

CERTIFICATES need to be received BY MAY 21, 2010

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Remaining SMASH Bash Events
Want to have fun with SMASH friends while raising (MUCH NEEDED) $$ for our school?
Then join us for one (or ALL) of the final SMASH Bash celebrations of the school year. The
following bashes still have spaces available -- but they are filling up fast-- so reserve your
spot now. You can sign up in the front office. REMEMBER: ALL Proceeds go to SMASH.

* Pool, BBQ & Music Bash @ the Williams/Hayden Residence (This Sunday- April 25!)
$25 per family
* Cinco De Mayo Margarita Party (May 1) $25 per adult
* Legos, Late Lunch & Libations (May 2) $20/adult $10/child
* BBQ Pool Party @ the Zexter/ Ginter Residence (June 13) $25/adult $10/child
* End of the Year SMASH Splash Bash w/ the McGee/Lerer Family (June 19) $25/adult
$10/child

All additional upcoming SMASH Bash events are already SOLD OUT. Don't miss your
chance -- sign up soon!

THIS WEEKEND'S SMASH BASH:
Pool, BBQ & Music Bash
Kjersti Thorsen and Barbara Williams are hosting a SMASH bash, pool party, barbecue and
music jam for the whole family. The water will be warm, the food will be great and the music will be whatever we make it because SMASH parents and children are participating.
At the home of
Tom Hayden and Barbara Williams
1939 Westridge Terrace
Los Angeles CA, 90049
Sunday, April 25th, 2 pm.
Adults: $15
Children: $10
Families: $25
Please sign up in the office or email
liamjack1@mac.com to confirm
Questions about SMASH Bash? Email Marni Ayers Brady: marni99@yahoo.com

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RAM Conducts It's 601st FREE Clinic in Los Angeles!
April 27- May 3 at The Los Angeles Sports Arena

This spring, Remote Area Medical (RAM) will conduct its 601st free clinic and its second in Los Angeles. It will be the largest event of its kind ever. RAM/LA will bring medical, dental and vision care to thousands of individuals and families who desperately need it, at no cost to the patient, the taxpayer or the government.

RAM/LA is, above all, a community effort. In this time of urgent healthcare challenge, it is Los Angeles coming together to help its own. Medical and non-medical personnel are volunteering their time; supplies and equipment are being donated; local agencies and organizations are generously providing their resources. For one week, the Los Angeles Sports Arena will become an island of help and hope. Free care will be provided to anyone who needs it – there is no income test, no proof of insurance, no requirement of any kind except to attend.

RAM/LA proved its worth at the Forum last August. More than 14,500 medical, dental and vision services were provided to 6,400 patients. Services included dental cleanings, fillings and extractions; root canals and dentures. Eyeglasses were prescribed, fitted and made on site. There were medical consultations, screenings and inoculations. Free follow-up care was provided for those who needed it, from medical monitoring to cataract surgeries. At the Forum alone, care conservatively valued at $2,820,000 was delivered.

Building On Success This year, RAM/LA will greatly exceed that performance. We hope to see 1,200 or more patients daily. We will expand capacity with more volunteers and resources, and streamline operations with an electronic patient record system and online volunteer registration. Patient flow will be speeded, and we will offer even more services. This year, the event will include the following.

Medical Services 40 medical exam rooms are planned, with a full staff of volunteer doctors, nurses and aids. Specialties will include family practice, internal medicine, cardiology, dermatology, pediatrics, ENT, gynecology and others. Most patients initially request dental or vision services, but all patients go through triage following registration and those who need it are directed to receive medical attention as well. We will have diagnostic equipment on site, and
along with medical consultations, we plan to offer the following screenings.
· Diabetes
· Hypertension
· HIV
· Glaucoma
· Cholesterol
· Renal Function
· Melanoma
· Mammogram
· Pap Smear
· Pregnancy
Volunteer labs will read results, and we will have a secure call-in system for patients to learn their outcomes. In addition, we will provide inoculations for children and adults, as well as acupuncture and chiropractic services for those who wish them.
LOCATION
LA Sports Arena
3939 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90037
April 27-May 3, 2010
ramusa.org

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SMASH Site Council Agenda
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
5:00 PM Core 2
Adopt Agenda
Approve minutes of last meeting
Community participation
Planning and Organizing Skills by Lily Sais
Reports and Announcements (regular agenda items)
Principal’s Report
Student Reports
Community Organization Reports (to include but not limited to the following):
PTSA
Student Council
Other :
Old Business
New Business
Site Council Elections
Community participation (if applicable)
Adjourn
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“GO GREEN. RIDE BLUE. WHAT DOES SUSTAINABLE TRANSIT MEAN TO YOU?”
You are invited to Celebrate the City of Santa Monica’s
2010 EARTH DAY STUDENT POSTER CONTEST CELEBRATE
WHEN: Thursday, May 13
TIME: 3:30-5:30pm, Ceremony 4:15-4:45pm
WHERE: Beach Park #1, 2600 Barnard Way
(where Ocean Park meets the beach)

RSVP required by Friday, April 30
Please e-mail postercelebrationrsvp@hotmail.com with your name and number in your party.
Questions? Contact Samantha Sommer at Samantha.sommer@sustainableworks.org or call 310-458-8716 x 1
CONGRAULATIONS TO SMASH’s GIULIA ‘S TREVELLIN
For HONORABLE MENTION in the K-2 Category
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ALL-MAIL BALLOT ELECTION
IN MAY TO SUPPORT
SANTA MONICA-MALIBU SCHOOLS*
Santa Monica and Malibu students receive an exceptional education that prepares them for the 21st Century and provides the skills needed for college and today’s careers.

State budget cuts impact the quality of our local schools. The State has cut an average of $10 million each year over the last two years from funds owed to Santa Monica and Malibu schools, resulting in extensive cuts to teachers, staff and programs. More State budget cuts are on the way. Additional local funding can prevent a serious decline in the quality of our local schools.
A local funding measure has been placed before voters to provide local funding that the State cannot take away.

This measure will provide funding to:
· Protect instruction in reading, writing, math and science
· Minimize teacher layoffs
· Keep class sizes as small as possible
· Help protect music and arts programs
· Keep school libraries open
· Minimize cuts to counselors, who help students stay on track and prepare for college and careers All funds will remain in our local schools and cannot be taken away by the State. None of the funds can be spent on administrator salaries. An independent citizens’ oversight committee will ensure the funds are spent as promised.
Seniors age 65 or over can apply for an exemption.

* There will be no polling places open on Election Day. Your ballot will come in the mail, even if you do not normally vote by absentee ballot.
All-Mail Ballot Election in May to
Support Santa Monica-Malibu Schools*

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Help SMASH
Be Green and support all our Cores!
Order your lunch box today!
Each set comes with an insulated fabric carrier, a lead- and leach-free five-compartment food container, and a stainless steel bottle that will hold over nine ounces of water or favorite drink.
Revolutionary turn ‘n lock technology ensures food stays fresh within its compartment.
Unique erasable white board to send a loving note or simple reminder . . . may even get a surprise response!
Food container’s retention clips are easily unfastened, so lid and box can be separated and placed on dishwasher’s top shelf. (For best results, and due to their lightweight, we recommend the lid’s five silicone bands be removed daily and hand-washed.)
Stylish bag, with protective non-toxic coating, is easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
Current Patterns and color photos available in Core 2

Only $30.00 per set!
with proceeds of sales going to
SMASH! You get all of THIS!
Go Green Lunch Box Order Form
Name________________________________ Core___ Phone #_______________

Box Style # $
______________________________ ____ __________

______________________________ ____ __________

______________________________ ____ __________

Please include CASH or Check to “SMASH PTSA” Total __________


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Happy Earth Day from Core 1!!
Dear parents, we ( core1) are having a assembly!
When: April 28 at 8:45 am

PLEASE HELP!! We are planning a slideshow about our Hike to Will Rogers, and we need photos for our slideshow. If you have photos, please put them on a CD-R and give it to Candis. We will use them for the assembly. We need the photos by Tuesday, April 27 so we can finish planning our show.
Thanks!
Core 1 Assembly Crew
Lilly, Erin, Sophia, Samy, Mateo, Ricky, Mari, Sadie, Jadyn, Thea, Keira, Olin, Emie, Liliana

Birthday Bash for April Birthdays: Our April Birthday Bash will be held on Friday, April 30. Our ceremony will begin at 11:45, and we will eat our lunch and birthday snacks around 12:15. If your child is celebrating his/her birthday in April, food/drink sign-ups will be on the Home/School Table in the Magic Garden. Please bring a small, healthy snack for 46 students. Suggestions are posted in the Magic Garden. Family and friends are welcome.

Earth Day Poster Contest - Last month, some of our students submitted their artwork to a Poster Contest sponsored by the City of Santa Monica. The culminating celebration will be at Beach Park #1 on Thursday, May 13th, from 3:30-5:30pm. They will honor and recognize the winning posters and all students who participated in this year's contest will have their art on display, plus food, raffle, prizes, and tons more fun!
Check your email for your invitation and be sure to RSVP ASAP if you wish to attend.

THANK YOU to Oisin’s mom, Kathleen, for leading our Splitter Splatter Painting Project for the SUPER SMASH Auction. Save up your money because the canvases are colorful, fun, and innovative - a perfect addition for your home. Thank you to parents who continue to send their children in “work clothes” that give us the freedom to explore and get a little messy at school.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!
Candis, Chrysta and Jackie
Candis: cberens@smmusd.org Chrysta: cwyse@smmusd.org
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CORE 2 NEWS
Dear Fabulous Core 2 Families and Friends,
It has been an eventful week. The teachers participated in learning walks in search of patterns of
student collaboration across the Cores. The children observed the transplantation of two 20 feet camphor trees to the year in honor of Earth Day. Our Super SMASH art project was “rolled out” by our wonderful parent volunteer. Core 4 students led fun-filled morning meetings. Things couldn’t be more exciting in Core 2.

This week in Reading Workshop, readers formed book clubs around books in a series or in a collection. Book clubs have formed around Nate the Great, Junie B. Jones, Magic Treehouse, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Time Warp Trio, Henry and Mudge, Fudge, Amelia Bedelia, Little House on the Prairie, Judy Moody, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Lightning Thief, and Warriors. Thank you for sending books from home to help complete our series. In Writing Workshop students found ideas for poetry by studying an ordinary object through a poet’s eye and by studying details in photographs. We have noticed that in this poetry unit, we are having celebrations every day.

In Math this week, 3rd graders made skyscrapers with floors. Some floors were positive integers and others were negative, zero represented ground level. Students traveled from floor to floor and figured out the net change. Second graders continued their investigation of measurement. This week they compared lengths with non-standard units of measurement and took on the challenge of measuring the entire classrooms. Students hypothesized about why different teams ended up with different lengths.

We thank Nina, Maya’s mom, for taking on a leadership role in the magnet construction group. If you are interested in making a commitment to a project group and you are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:45 to 2:45, please let us know.

Next week, the Stars of the Week will be Jobim and Avery!

Dates to remember:
Wednesday, April 14 – Drama began with Kristy
Tuesday, May 4 – STAR testing begins
Tuesday, May 11 –Bingo Night at the Spitfire Grill
Wednesday, May 12 –Talent Show
Friday, May 14 – Birthday Bash for April, May, and June Birthdays, more info next week
Friday, May 28 – Core 1 & Core 2 BBQ
Friday, June 4- 3rd Grade Music Presentation 11:15 in Core 2
Wednesday, June 9- Open House and Art Sharing

Laura (lsherman@smmusd.org)
Graciela (gbarba-castro@smmusd.org)

CORE 3 NEWS
Along with your children, we SMASH teachers are always learning, growing, changing, and reflecting. Last week, teachers from every core went to Occidental College to participate in a lecture, Performance vs. Learning: The Costs of Overemphasizing Achievement, given by Alfie Kohn to help us shift our focus from HOW kids are doing to WHAT kids are doing. One of our goals is to promote intrinsic motivation within the students to learn about things they genuinely care about—to “engage deeply with ideas, to explore, and discover.” This lecture gave a lot of food for thought.

Alfie Kohn is an educator and writer who speaks widely on human behavior, education, and parenting. He consistently challenges current notions of education, from his view of homework as a “second shift” for students to the over-emphasis of testing and grades leading to decreased interest in learning to the ill-effects of saying 'good job' and using external rewards and punishments as motivators. Educational research has discovered that there is a significant difference between getting students to think about their performance (how well they are doing) and getting them to think about the learning itself (what they are doing). Research has also shown that children avoid challenging tasks and actually lose interest in learning when their emphasis is on how well they are doing—working for the grade (even if ‘the grade’ is on a rubric scale from ‘Needs Support’ to ‘Independent’). This information gave the staff a lot to think and talk about as we continue to develop the most ideal, progressive forums for learning, sharing, assessing, and reflecting. So many of our curricular areas ask the students to “challenge themselves” that we’d be negligent if we didn’t try to understand what motivates students to do that (and what structures actually encourage just the opposite).
In Core 3, we will be looking at: how to engage students in learning activities that encourage learning out of curiosity and interest; ways to encourage homework that’s full of things they want to do/learn/practice/figure out; projects to get kids doing things, rather than simply learning about things; how to create assessments that keep the focus on the learning, and ways to help kids reflect on their strengths, interests, and areas of challenge productively. And how do we do all of this in a way that raises accountability and motivation? If this information is of great interest to you(as it is to us!), please check out our SMASH website (Core 3/Genie) and/or www.alfiekohn.org for additional articles.

This week, the entire staff participated in a school-wide Learning Walk. Our guiding question was: How does student collaboration build and deepen understanding? We set out as a group of researchers to look for evidence of student collaboration across cores and disciplines. We witnessed students sharing ideas, clarifying understanding, helping each other, and working together as mathematicians, readers, writers, artists, and researchers. These walks also raised questions for the staff: Are all forms of collaboration beneficial or do some forms deepen understanding better than others? Is hands-on collaboration more valuable than passive participation? What is the ideal balance between explicit directions and open-ended activities with room for making mistakes and lots of questions? What is the role of the teacher in modeling, questioning, guiding, etc? And, again, how do we raise accountability, motivation, and depth of understanding?

While we’re on the subject of reflecting and changing to meet the needs of our group—we have a few Friday Letter questions for you: Who is the Friday Letter for? What is the purpose of the Friday Letter? What info would you like to see in the Core 3 letter? What format is most useful for your family? How can we help our families become intrinsically motivated to read it each week?!

Dates to Remember:
May 4 - 6:00 pm - Incoming 6th grade parent night, in Core 4

We welcome your feedback! Have a great weekend!
Tamara, Genie, and Malaika
tmugalian@smmusd.org ; ghwang@smmusd.org
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CORE 4 NEWS

Science News from Kurt: Our last thematic project of the year is beginning to flow. Your core four team will be looking at a theme of California Water. The project should prove both engaging and fun and the kids have made significant contributions to the teaching plan during our joint planning process. Students will learn California geography, natural history, and ecology even as they practice deploying technology, performing statistical analysis, and creating splashy verbal presentations as they divide California’s water resource at a contentious water resource convention.

Methods: Kids will be forming regional Interest groups composed of hydro-geologists, conservation biologists, geographers, statisticians, artists, first people’s representatives and political analysts. Using data-bases and mapping software students will develop a digital atlas complete with graphs and supporting statistics. Other student investigators will construct a three-dimensional representation model of each bioregion. Included will be keystone species, native plant communities, and representations of the region’s water resources.

Parent Considerations: Parents will be asked to provide inexpensive materials for building the three dimensional model of the bioregion and provide opportunities for children to type up the writing pieces that students will be drafting at school. We will be assigning very little homework; instead, help us evolve our culture of constant improvement here at school.

REMINDER:
Friday mornings - Karate and Hip Hop Dance electives have begun
Tues, May 4 - 6:00pm - Incoming 6th grade parent meeting in Core 4
Tues, May 4 - 7:15pm - Incoming 8th grade parent meeting in Core 4

8th GRADERS
Sat, Apr 24 - 8:30am Incoming freshman tour - Santa Monica High School.
Wed, Apr 28 - Samohi ASB applications due to Jessica
Wed, Apr 28 - Yearbook pages are due to Jessica
Wed, May 5 - 6:00pm -Parent Night with Samohi principal & counselor to set 9th grade schedules in Core 4
Week of May 10 - 8th grade project presentations. As your child for his/her scheduled time.
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MAGNOLIA SCIENCE ACADEMY-4 OPEN HOUSE
A tuition free public charter school in Venice. This small school is growing and is looking for 8th grade families interested in enrolling for 9th grade in the fall. Former SMASH students Emily Rossi and Lea Waller currently attend.
Tuition Free Public Charter School - Venice
Magnolia Science Academy-4
Webster Middle School Campus (Sawtelle Blvd entrance)
11330 W. Graham Place; Los Angeles 90064
310-473-2464
www.magnoliacharterschools.org

OPEN HOUSE DATES Sat, Apr 24, 10-noon; Sat, May 21, 4-6pm; Sat, Jun 19, 10-noon
apply online at venice.magnoliascience.org

Kurt: kholland@smmusd.org
Kelly: kkulsrud@smmusd.org
Bailey: baileyfield@smmusd.org

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SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT MAY 2010 LUNCH MENU

Important Note: The morning of Thursday, May 20, 2010 will be the last day office staff will be accepting prepayments for the Meal Deal-20 lunches-$50.00 at the elementary sites. Negative balances must be paid in full in order to qualify for the Meal Deal. Please take into account that some classes will be having end of year parties. FOOD & NUTRITION SERVICES DOES NOT GIVE REFUNDS. Meal credits and cash balances can only be transferred between siblings. NO EXCEPTIONS. Meal credits cannot be used to pay negative balances. Please check your child’sbalance prior to making a prepayment. Menu is subject o Change Students may choose the featured hot lunch, or salad bar, or the Vegetarian option.

M O N D A Y 3 CHEESEBURGER w/CRINKLE CUT FRIES, FRESH FRUIT

T U E S D A Y 4 SALAD BAR w/GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

WE D N E S D A Y 5 CHICKEN FAJITAS w/CORN, TORTILLA,CINNAMON CHURRO, FRUIT

T H U R S D A Y 6 SALAD BAR w/CORN DOG, SUN CHIPS

F R I D A Y 7 SLICE OF CHEESE OR PEPPERONI PIZZA w/BABY CARROTS, FRUIT

M O N D A Y 10 CHICKEN CHUNKS w/BAKED POTATO SMILES, ROLL, FRUIT STRIP

T U E S D A Y 11 SALAD BAR w/HOME STYLE MAC & CHEESE

WE D N E S D A Y 12 FRENCH TOAST STIX w/SAUSAGE PATTY,HASH BROWNS, JUICE

T H U R S D A Y 13 SALAD BAR w/TACO BAR

F R I D A Y 14 CLASSIC WEDGE CHEESE OR PEPPERONI PIZZA, w/GREEN SALAD ,FRUIT

M O N D A Y 17 BAKED CHICKEN ROUNDUPSw/BAKED POTATO ROUNDS, ROLL, FRUIT

T U E S D A Y 18 SALAD BAR w/CHEESY GARLIC, FRENCH BREAD PIZZA

WE D N E S D A Y 19 TERIYAKI CHICKEN BOWL w/CHOW MEIN, STEAMED MIXED VEGIES, FORTUNE COOKIE, FRESH FRUIT

T H U R S D A Y 20 SALAD BAR w/BAKED POPCORN CHICKEN

F R I D A Y 21 THIN CRUST CHEESE OR PEPPERONI PIZZA, w/CELERY, ICEE JUICEE

M O N D A Y 24 BAKED CHICKEN STARS w/BAKED POTATO STARS, VANILLA FROZEN YOGURT CUP,WHOLE WHEAT ROLL, FRUIT

T U E S D A Y 25 SALAD BAR ***HONEY RIB SANDWICH w/VEGGIE BEANS

WE D N E S D A Y 26 HOT DOG w/BAKED SEASONED POTATO WEDGES, FRESH FRUIT

T H U R S D A Y 27 SALAD BAR w/TACO BAR CINNAMON CHURRO

F R I D A Y 28 CHEESE OR PEPPERONI PIZZA w/MIXED GREEN SALAD,FRUIT STRIP

M O N D A Y 31—HOLIDAY

Vegetarian Menu:5/3-5/7 - Bean Burrito; 5/10-5/14 - Quesadilla;

5/17-5/21 - Yogurt & Pretzel; 5/24-5/28 - Cheese Sticks w/Marinara Sauce