It’s hard to believe that fall is right around the corner and school will be back in session. Even though my favorite season will be missed, there are many things to look forward to in the fall – including pumpkin lattes.
For our “Spotlight on Education” issue, we highlight local schools and programs that offer creative and impactful approaches to education. Santa Monica’s Pluralistic School 1 (PS1) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this fall, and for the past half century has nurtured children’s socioemotional development, creativity and interconnectedness using pluralism as both their goal and method.
Sycamore Community School is a new K-8 school opening in Santa Monica this fall that will have a curriculum that, while recognizing the importance of technology, will emphasize reading, outdoor classes, field trips and more recess to get kids outside and foster more independence, resilience and creativity.
Happy Camper Hangouts is a program dedicated to bringing camping, connections and confidence into the lives of kids who do not have access to the same extracurricular activities that most get to experience. In addition to in-person events and year-round engagements, kids can also participate in other activities via a portal to the program that is open 24/7 so the fun, learning and support never stops.
We also highlight several Playa Vista residents and businesses that were inspired to create solutions and help others by thinking outside of the box. Tired of being sleep deprived when her son was waking up every night due to his bedsheets, Stefanie Huber created Tucked + Covered, a patented bed sheet system that keeps kids covered and promotes better sleep for the entire family.
After being bullied when she was younger, Marissa DiSimone later penned a novel that mixes magic and self-discovery to teach kids to rise above it. Friends and entrepreneurs Michael Fishman, Christian Straka and Steve LePore joined forces to start Maverick Community, a new fitness and wellness business that provides professionals with sophisticated and fully equipped studios to grow and expand their personal businesses.
We hope that these personal stories will inspire and encourage you to dream big, innovate and pursue your goals. All it takes is one idea to make a difference in your life and the lives of others.
Kamala Kirk
Editor • kkirk@timespublications.com
Leave a Reply