SMMUSD elementary schools to begin reopening once vaccine is available to teachers
Feb. 17, 2021 at 6:00 am
Los Angeles County has reached the case count threshold to reopen elementary schools, however Santa Monica-Malibu schools are unlikely to be part of the immediate reopening push.
While some LA schools will bring students on campus next week, SMMUSD is in the same boat as LAUSD and other major districts as it awaits a finalized reopening agreement with the teachers union.
According to SMMUSD, the district has reached a tentative agreement allowing schools to reopen transitional kindergarten through 5th grade for ‘Distance Learning Plus’ activities 15 days after vaccines become available, in Phase 1b, for educators. The district’s safety plan must also be approved by the County.
SMMUSD will open to the “fullest extent possible” under pending union agreements
Feb. 06, 2021 at 6:00 am
As L.A. County approaches the new case count threshold for elementary school reopening, SMMUSD is working with the Santa Monica-Malibu Classroom Teachers Association and SEIU to reach an updated agreement for in-person programming.
Under new regulations from Governor Newsom, schools can reopen TK through Grade 5 when County case counts reach 25 per 100,000 residents with or without a teachers union agreement.
L.A. County is on track to pass this threshold in the coming weeks, however Superintendent Ben Drati does not currently intend to reopen for live instruction without agreements in place. The district currently offers some in-person services to special education, English learners and other groups.
Year in Review Part 4: December
Dec. 30, 2020 at 6:00 am
The Santa Monica Police Department added a new canine to the team that will allow it to conduct sweeps for guns and other explosive devices like never before. Jack, SMPD’s newest canine recruit, can sniff out weapon parts, ammunition, carbon, gun oils, cleaning solvents, fireworks, black powder and several other components related to firearms from nearly 50 yards away.
As daily COVID-19 case rates reached record highs, L.A. County issued new health orders closing playgrounds, limiting business capacities and banning all gatherings between households.
Winterlit returned to Downtown Santa Monica. On Promenade, residents could see tens of thousands of lights illuminating the outdoor retail and dining storefronts. Holiday-inspired art installations came to life in window displays and through the murals that were created by local artists who were asked to interpret what the holiday season means to them during an unprecedented
Samohi students get teachers’ union to pass fossil fuel divestment resolution
Dec. 12, 2020 at 6:00 am
File photo
The California State Teachers’ Retirement System has $6 billion worth of investments in fossil fuels and Samohi’s Team Marine wants every dollar divested.
After making a compelling presentation to the Santa Monica-Malibu Classroom Teachers Association, the student environmental group succeeded in getting their divestment resolution passed with a unanimous vote.
SMMCTA now joins a coalition of 10 other teachers’ unions demanding CalSTRS divest in a movement organized by environmental organization Fossil Free California. The students are proud to contribute a small yet significant step towards achieving divestment and they don’t plan on stopping here.