The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District joined students, staff, families and community partners Oct. 22 to celebrate two facility milestones at Grant Elementary School: the groundbreaking of a new two-story classroom building and the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a completed Transitional Kindergarten building and play yard.
The new classroom building will feature modern learning spaces, an open-air rooftop learning garden and a second-floor Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics deck designed to support collaborative and project-based learning. The building is part of Grant's long-term modernization plan.
"This new space will provide modern, flexible learning environments designed to spark creativity, collaboration and hands-on exploration," said Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton. "This project represents an investment in our students, our educators and the promise of world-class education that defines SMMUSD."
Board of Education President Jennifer Smith highlighted community support for the project.
"This project is possible thanks to the ongoing support of our Santa Monica community through bond measure QS, approved by voters in 2024," Smith said.
The newly completed TK building provides specialized learning spaces for the school's youngest students. Board of Education member Alicia Mignano, whose son attended Grant, called the new spaces deeply meaningful.
"They honor our past, reflect our present and invest in the future of every child who will learn and thrive here," Mignano said.
The celebration featured musical performances by the Gecko Academy singers, conducted by choir teacher Emily Sanders of Angel City Choirs.
More information on facility improvement projects is available at https://ca50000164.schoolwires.net/FIP. Information about Grant's campus plan is available at https://ca50000164.schoolwires.net/Page/5592.
Edited by SMDP Staff