July 14, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica-Malibu ‘Informances’ Provide Interactive Learning:

After weeks of learning rhythm and movement, acting and singing, and several mediums of visual arts, students in transitional kindergarten through second grade at five Santa Monica-Malibu Unified elementary schools will showcase what they’ve learned in a special “informance,” an integrative learning experience for both parents and their children.

SMMUSD Superintendent Sandra Lyon said studies have shown that student success not only increases dramatically with parent engagement, but also when a student can comfortably and effectively demonstrate what’s been taught.

“Instead of a typical performance or recital for the final class, these events bring parents into the classroom, while allowing the student to teach and practice what he or she has learned throughout the course,” Lyon said.

This new comprehensive visual and performing arts program is part of SMMUSD’s Vision for Student Success – a District-wide initiative launched this year primarily funded by the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation (SMMEF), the District’s non-profit partner.

Students participate in either a rotational model of 10 or 15 weeks of visual arts, theater or music class or 30 weeks of a single discipline arts instruction each year, with individual school sites having the discretion to implement the programming, model and discipline.

The arts program, now active at all eleven elementary schools, builds students’ advanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills, while sparking imagination, creative potential and emphasizing the value of teamwork.

With the support of the District, SMMEF partnered with P.S. ARTS on the expansion to ensure all students receive high-quality performing and/or visual arts instruction each year from transitional kindergarten through the fifth-grade.

The Foundation is also funding cutting-edge professional development, student enrichment and academic support programs for all SMMUSD schools.

Executive Director of SMMEF, Linda Greenberg Gross, said the Foundation was so grateful for the community’s donations to support P.S. ARTS education for all elementary schools in Santa Monica and Malibu.

“We truly believe these art programs provide for educational equality, leveling the educational playing field by teaching creative and cognitive skills to students of all backgrounds,” Greenberg Gross said.

With the conclusion of the first rotation of classes, students at Point Dume, Webster, Roosevelt, Grant and Franklin elementary schools who have completed visual arts, theater and music classes will be showing their parents rhythms, songs, theater scenes or artwork they’ve learned or created. Parents will then join their children in the classroom to participate and experience the arts together.

P.S. ARTS Executive Director of Education & Programs Kristen Paglia said the organization was thrilled to be active at all elementary schools in the District.

“Teaching our students, parents, and community about the value of art programs, especially at a young age, ensures we equip all students with the capacity to be successful in the future,” Paglia said

P.S. ARTS is a local organization, serving more than 20,000 students in 10 school districts throughout Central and Southern California, employs qualified and professional teaching artists who visit each school site, teaching and adapting their own curriculum to the artistic model and discipline selected by the principal and faculty.

After culmination of the program, the teaching artists moves to another site, ensuring that all students receive high-quality art instruction.

in News
<>Related Posts

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“The story is simplistic and predictive, and that’s all it needs to be, because the age-old battle to survive the...

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

SM.a.r.t.Column: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica?

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

“Although no one said it outright, it is clear to all that RAND is feeling—and will continue to feel—the impact...

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica Pier Arson Incidents

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The suspect, matching video footage from an arcade, was taken into custody Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect...