SMMUSD Announces Support Services and Meals Offered for Families
As of 1:55 p.m., the Santa Monica-Malibu School District has announced that all SMMUSD schools, including all Santa Monica and Malibu schools, will again be closed on Friday, January 10.
Superintendent Antonio Shelton sent an email statement that says, “We continue to face unprecedented challenges as the Palisades fire and other fires across Los Angeles County impact our families and staff. The devastation, displacement, and uncertainty have deeply affected us all. We extend our gratitude to the first responders and emergency crews who are tirelessly working to combat these fires and protect lives, homes, and neighborhoods. Their courage and dedication inspire us during this difficult time.
Due to ongoing safety concerns, evacuations, continued fire threats, and poor air quality, all SMMUSD schools in Santa Monica and Malibu will remain closed on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families remain our highest priority.
Our decision to close our schools is guided by criteria established in collaboration with local and state agencies. These include whether a school is in an evacuation zone, general safety risks, and air quality forecasts exceeding hazardous levels as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SoCal AQMD). Unfortunately, these criteria continue to be met.
We will monitor conditions closely and provide an update on plans for Monday when all factors are considered over the weekend.
Our student services and mental health support teams have prepared a document with resources and community services that may be helpful during this difficult time. This document includes information about food programs, how to talk to children about wildfires, evacuation centers, and other critical services. Childcare services are being offered by the YMCA and the Santa Monica Boys & Girls Club on Friday.
Grab-and-go lunches will be available for SMMUSD students at John Adams Middle School, Lincoln Middle School, Malibu High School, in Administration Parking Area, and Samohi, from 9-11 a.m.
Please stay informed by checking updates from your school principal, district office, and official social media. Additional information can be found through the CalFire Palisades Fire webpage, (includes evacuation centers), Malibu City alerts, Santa Monica City alerts on the Palisades fire, power shutoff info from SCE.com/PSPS, Malibu Radio KBUU, RadioMalibu.net, www.smdp.com, and other local media outlets. These outlets will also share road closures, evacuations, and other information during this advisory.
There are many road closures in and around Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu at this time. Motorists can view current traffic conditions and road closures prior to leaving for their destination via the Caltrans QuickMap. This is subject to change due to weather or other conditions. Please drive carefully, and be patient and alert while on the road.
As this situation evolves, please prioritize your safety and well-being. We will continue to provide updates and support to our community during this challenging time.”
We will continue to update this story as events unfold.
