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Touring Pali High with Gov. Newsom and Sen. Ben Allen on the one year anniversary of the Palisades Fire

Dear friends and partners,

This week, our school communities returned to the classroom after winter break (and a successful Winter Academy ([link removed]) ) with renewed energy and enthusiasm for learning—reminding us of the joy and promise that each new semester brings. At the same time, the Board convened to review our District Strategic Plan, taking stock of progress and challenges, and using those findings to inform our next steps.

Last week also marked the one-year anniversary of the Palisades fires ([link removed]) , a moment to honor everything this community has lost and the heartbreak that families and students have endured. We held space to remember and grieve, as well as celebrating the strength and resilience that continues to define this remarkable community. I had the privilege of visiting Marquez Elementary, where students have been back on their home campus since the Fall, andjoining Governor Newsom at Palisades Charter High ([link removed]) , a campus that will welcome students back in less than two weeks. It has all been an uplifting reminder of how far we’ve come—and of the unwavering commitment to helping our students learn and thrive.

I was also grateful for the Governor’s recognition of LAUSD’s academic gains during his final State of the State address ([link removed]) , affirming the hard work of our students, educators, and families across the District.

Onward,

In the News: The Latest from LA Unified
LAUSD promises schools burned in Palisades Fire will be rebuilt by 2028 ([link removed])
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LAUSD begins second semester of 2025-26 school year ([link removed])

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Governor Newsom Commends LAUSD in 2026 State of the State Address ([link removed])
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How did students measure up to LAUSD goals? Wins, shortfalls & plan ([link removed])
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In the Community: The Latest from Board District 4

As we said hello to 2026, my team and I spent time across our communities connecting with students, educators, and local leaders. We visited Winter Academy classrooms at SOCES to see learning in action, and marked the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire by visiting Marquez Elementary, Palisades Charter High, and joining families and community members at the American Legion to reflect on the profound loss and heartbreak of last year’s devastating wildfire. We also met with Manhattan Beach civic and education leaders to share best practices, and celebrated Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club's annual teacher grant awards. Finally, we rang in the new school year with a visit to Portola Middle School, celebrating the excitement and promise that a new year brings.
In the Spotlight: Portola girls' basketball shines on and off the court
The Portola Middle School girls' basketball team is already making history In their very first season! These young athletes, under the leadership of Coach Shante Tobin, came together and showed what dedication and teamwork can achieve. Competing for the first time in the district tournament, they rose to the challenge and captured the District's inaugural Girls Middle School Basketball Championship, which was played at the Intuit Dome. Coach Tobin described them as the "little engine that could" team, and with only seven players total, they certainly proved to be small but mighty, beating El Sereno Middle School 34-24 to clinch their title.
ICYMI: Updates, Info, and Resources
Click any photo to visit that resource!
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Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily updates on L.A. Unified, Board District 4, education news, and much more:
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You can also contact our office anytime at (213) 241-6387 or [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

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Office of LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin . 333 S. Beaudry Avenue . 24th Floor . Los Angeles, CA 90017 . USA