PTA-FUNDED FIELD TRIP TO CITY HALL INSPIRES FUTURE LEADERS

Connecting the dots between their "City" project and Santa Monica History unit, Franklin third graders went to City Hall to meet the mayor and learn all about local government.* Mayor Phil Brock and Vice Mayor Lana Negrette addressed students in chambers, answered their thoughtful questions and even let them sit in their chairs. A few fun facts we learned:

- Santa Monica will celebrate its 150th year as a city in 2025!

- Our city motto is: Fortunate people in a fortunate place

- The pond in Douglas Park used to be the city's reservoir for drinking water

- Santa Monica High School used to be a cabbage patch

- There will soon be a Youth City Council to give students a say

- City Council meetings can last until 4am! Luckily they have a "secret refrigerator" in chambers

*Ms. Sharpe and Ms. Broissoit's classes will go later in the month