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Happy New Year!
As we begin 2026, we are excited to kick off our annual January Participation Campaign, which is focused on what matters most - everyone in our community coming together in support of our Santa Monica public school students.
Earlier this school year, in anticipation of the January Participation Campaign, we challenged SMEF’s Board of Directors to each make a gift to SMEF’s Annual Fund, with the hope of ultimately inspiring others to join the effort. The response from the Board was overwhelming, with 100% participation resulting in more than $100,000! This bold investment underscores the Board’s shared belief that strong public education is built through partnership, generosity, and community support. It is also the basis for this year’s January Participation Campaign $100,000 Board Challenge, in which we are seeking to match the $100,000 donated by the SMEF Board with gifts of any amount to the Ed Foundation.
This year we are also excited to launch a new Participation Award, the Golden Plane Award, which will recognize the elementary school, middle school and Samohi House with the highest family participation in support of the Ed Foundation. Participation, not the size of the gift, is what matters most for our January Participation Campaign!
We invite you to watch this short video from our Superintendent, Dr. Antonio Shelton, launching the Golden Plane Award. And don’t forget that now through January 31, every gift helps unlock our full potential and amplify the $100,000 Board Challenge!
When our whole community acts, the impact is felt in every classroom. Thank you for being a part of what makes Santa Monica’s public schools exceptional.
With appreciation,
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