School’s back in session, and the PTA at Point Dume Marine Science School kicked off the year with a picturesque picnic and party last week, ready to take on a slew of new activities and innovative educational programs.
With a snow-cone truck parked on site, kids running around playing flag football and parents socializing on picnic blankets strewn throughout the school lawn, Friday offered a chance to get back into the swing of things and relish in what lies ahead for PDMSS.
Principal Mark Demick, who is in his first year at the school, pleasantly made the rounds during the picnic-style party as parents and kids sat on blankets and benches throughout the school’s lawn.
Demick, who has a daughter attending Pepperdine University, worked as a principal in the Seattle area before deciding to apply for the PDMSS job earlier this year.
“I didn’t think I had a chance!” he said. “But fast-forward a few months later and here I am.”
Once he’s fully settled in, he plans on helping parents, students and staff fully advance their goals as they implement new programs.
“[Parents and staff] really want to put Point Dume [Marine Science School] on the map,” he said.
PTA President Roui Israel agreed. As an environmental science school, the campus neighbors one of the world’s best resources — the Malibu coast.
“The school is in such a world-class area and we have so much opportunity for these kids,” said Israel, the mother of a second-grader who is helping spearhead a number of new educational endeavors at the marine science school.
During the school year, students normally go on weekly tidepool walks, but the PTA wants to take it to a new level.
One promising prospect is a partnership with USC’s Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, housed on Catalina Island. PTA reps are set to meet with the Wrigley Institute’s outreach coordinator in the coming days to explore the possibility of having PDMSS students visit the island as one of their field trips where they could go snorkeling and explore much of Catalina’s marine life.
Even if a field trip doesn’t happen, Israel has alternative ideas.
“I’d like to get [Wrigley Institute scientists] in here and at least have them advise our students on career opportunities in environmental science,” she said.
This year, the PTA is also joining forces with the Malibu Boys and Girls Youth Club to launch new after-school programs focusing on topics like sports and science.
“We only used to have Homework Club after school for an hour,” said PTA Vice President Michele Turturici. This year, the new programs will extend until 5 p.m. so parents can leave their kids at school until they get off work.
Students can expect more wildlife interaction, too, as assembly coordinator Barbie Herron already has a number of fun presentations in the works.
Groups such as Wildlife International, the Chumash Indians and Eco Heroes are slated to visit the school this year. The California Wildlife Center will stage a presentation focusing on its elephant seal rehabilitation program as well, Herron said.
Parents and teachers are looking to expand the school’s gardening program and, on top of all this, the City of Malibu’s Parks and Recreation Department is slated to come to PDMSS and offer classes on chess, cartooning and science exploration.
What a time to be PDMSS student! And for those of us past that age, what a time to consider going back to school!
“I didn’t think I had a chance!” he said. “But fast-forward a few months later and here I am.”
Once he’s fully settled in, he plans on helping parents, students and staff fully advance their goals as they implement new programs.
“[Parents and staff] really want to put Point Dume [Marine Science School] on the map,” he said.
PTA President Roui Israel agreed. As an environmental science school, the campus neighbors one of the world’s best resources — the Malibu coast.
“The school is in such a world-class area and we have so much opportunity for these kids,” said Israel, the mother of a second-grader who is helping spearhead a number of new educational endeavors at the marine science school.
During the school year, students normally
