It was a great honor to welcome First Lady, Laura Bush to Balboa Magnet on Wednesday, February 28, 2007. Also in attendance were: The Honorable Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior, Vin Cipolla, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation, Woody Smeck, Superintendent, Santa Monica Mountains and the National Park Service Rangers. LAUSD Superintendent David Brewer III, Local District 1 Superintendent Jean Brown, Director John Bowes, and councilman Greg Smith were present to greet Mrs. Bush.
 
Mrs. Cañas’ class has partnered with the Santa Monica National Recreation Area over several years. The Park Rangers led the class in a program focusing on biodiversity and the history of the Chumash and other Native American cultures that once thrived in the Southern California region. Mrs. Bush, Honorary Chair of the National Park Foundation, discussed the National Parks system, telling students that parks are good ways to learn about science and history. Mrs. Bush, Mr. Kempthorne and Mr. Cipolla participated in the hands on lessons given by the Rangers. Secretary Dirk Kempthorne led the students in the Junior Ranger Pledge.
 
Balboa Magnet was nominated to take part in this event based on our relationship and participation with Santa Monica Mountains national Recreation Area’s Parks-As Classrooms programs.