The following is a submission from SMMUSD
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) celebrated the ribbon cutting of Ocean Park School House (OPSH), marking the completion of a major transformation of the campus and the opening of a new school serving students from Transitional Kindergarten through eighth grade.
The ribbon cutting was part of Ocean Park School House’s Fall Festival, hosted by the school’s PTSA. The community celebration included live music, art activities and opportunities for students, families and staff to come together and enjoy the newly transformed campus.
“This is a special time for the Ocean Park neighborhood as the campus reopens,” said Principal Jessica Rishe. “We are excited to see our students, staff and family members thrive in these fresh, inspiring spaces.”
The transformed campus features new and updated classrooms and instructional spaces, areas for project-based learning, arts and innovation spaces, updated student support and administration areas, and improved outdoor spaces for learning and recreation. The project also included improvements to building systems, infrastructure, circulation, parking and drop-off areas.
SMMUSD Chief Operating Officer Carey Upton said the project was about creating a campus that brings together the history of the site while giving students a new place to learn and grow.
“The campus now brings together the strengths of the communities that have called this site home while creating a new identity for Ocean Park School House,” Upton said.
“Today is a celebration of what is possible when we invest in our students and our schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton. “This transformation honors the history of this community while creating new opportunities for students to learn, create, explore and grow.”
Following the remarks, Principal Rishe, District leadership, Board members and students officially cut the ribbon, marking the opening of Ocean Park School House.
“The construction may be finished, but the story of Ocean Park School House is just beginning,” Dr. Shelton said
