JAMS Hall Pass Podcast

Choose Your Own Adventure! The Electives Episode

In today's episode, we're taking a closer look at the elective options available to JAMS students - a topic that can feel mysterious and confusing to parents! We kick things off with an overview of all elective options for each grade level (1:09). Next, you'll hear from four of our electives teachers: Jennifer Joyce who teaches Art and Advanced Art (4:43), Jener Miranda, our Journalism teacher (7:33); Spanish teacher Florencia Lanus (19:05); and Cori Goldberg, our Yearbook teacher (23:16). A big shout-out to the students who shared their thoughts about their elective experiences with us. Whether your student already has their schedule figured out or is still exploring options, this episode is a great resource as class selection season gets underway. Special thanks to Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Monica [https://www.smbgc.org] and Notes for Notes [https://www.notesfornotes.org] for their partnership in the production of this podcast. Also a shout-out to JAMS students and BGCSM members Leif and Oliver for creating our intro and outro music!

Smartphones at School: Understanding SMMUSD’s New Device Policy for Middle School Students

With a new smartphone/device policy [https://www.smmusd.org/departments/student-services/mobile-device-policies] coming to SMMUSD middle schools this year, many families have questions. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Frank Dussan, Director of Student Services for SMMUSD, about the district’s updated approach to managing student smartphone use during the school day. Dr. Dussan shares his perspective on students’ access to smartphones, the goals behind the new policy, and how SMMUSD is thinking long-term about creating learning environments with fewer digital distractions and more opportunities for student connection, engagement, and focus. Special thanks to Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Monica [https://www.smbgc.org] and Notes for Notes [https://www.notesfornotes.org] for their partnership in the production of this podcast. Also a shout-out to JAMS students and BGCSM members Leif and Oliver for creating our intro and outro music!

All About the JAMS PTSA (and how to get involved!)

Curious about the JAMS PTSA? This episode will fill you in on our school’s Parent Teacher Student Association! We talk with JAMS PTSA President Aimee Koeplin (1:27) about the purpose and role of the PTSA and how it supports teachers, students, and families through events, programs, and more. We also chat with Lucy Atwood (13:45), manager of the JAMS Student Store, to learn how parents keep the store running every day at lunchtime throughout the school year. This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in getting involved or discovering how the PTSA makes a difference at JAMS. Special thanks to Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Monica [https://www.smbgc.org] and Notes for Notes [https://www.notesfornotes.org] for their partnership in the production of this podcast. Also a shout-out to JAMS students and BGCSM members Leif and Oliver for creating our intro and outro music!

Middle School Transitions: Entering 6th Grade, Starting 9th Grade, and Navigating Math Pathways

In this episode, we talk with JAMS Assistant Principal Farnoosh Aguilar, who shares insight and advice for students and families entering 6th grade at JAMS (1:36). Next, math teacher Morgan Ruvolo helps demystify the math pathways that begin in middle school (30:42). We explore what math classes are offered at JAMS, how placement decisions are made, and how parents can best support their child for a successful (and less stressful!) math experience. Finally, we hear from Santa Monica High School advisor Amy Golden (42:29) about the transition from 8th to 9th grade and how Samohi guides students and families through this important next step. Please share this episode with any families who might be preparing for one of these big transitions! Special thanks to Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Monica [https://www.smbgc.org] and Notes for Notes [https://www.notesfornotes.org] for their partnership in the production of this podcast. Also a shout-out to JAMS students and BGCSM members Leif and Oliver for creating our intro and outro music!

Spotlight on Instrumental Music and the JAMS/SMASH Theatre Program

In this episode, we spotlight two of our school’s dynamic arts programs: Instrumental Music [https://www.jamsinstrumentalmusic.org] and the JAMS/SMASH Theatre Company [http://www.jamstheatrecompany.com]. First (00:49), you’ll hear from Instrumental Music director Angela Woo, assistant director Sean Garneiter, and several student musicians as they share what makes our music program so exceptional. Then (36:25), we turn to the stage with theatre director Chad Sheppner, producer Amy Beeman-Solano, and cast members from the JAMS 2025 Spring musical, The Wizard of Oz, to learn about the rehearsal process, performance experience, and personal growth that come with being part of the theatre program. Whether your child is already involved or simply curious, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creativity, collaboration, and passion that fuel the arts at JAMS. Special thanks to Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Monica [https://www.smbgc.org] and Notes for Notes [https://www.notesfornotes.org] for their partnership in the production of this podcast. Also a shout-out to JAMS students and BGCSM members Leif and Oliver for creating our intro and outro music!