Whale Tales

Dear Webster Community,

The storm kept us on our toes this week as we transitioned to remote learning, but we were thrilled to welcome everyone back today to close out the week in person. No amount of rain could dampen our spirits!

One of the highlights of my week was watching our 4th and 5th grade Math Club students participate in their Field Day. They tackled challenging math problems, engineered protective egg-drop structures, and put their critical thinking skills to the test. It was a fantastic day of learning and fun! A huge thank you to our parent volunteers who supported our students in their problem-solving. The perseverance and teamwork on display were truly inspiring!

This Saturday, March 15th, five of our students will proudly represent Webster at the 18th Annual Excellence in Math, Culver City (E = MC²) Tournament at El Rincon Elementary School. We are so proud of our 2025 Math Olympiad Team—good luck to Aurora, Celine, Naomi, Layla, and Penelope!

A special shoutout to Mr. K for his dedication in instructing, preparing, and leading our Mathletes to this exciting competition.

🎉 GOOD LUCK, MATHLETES! 🎉

📢 Planning for 2025-2026

As we begin planning for the next school year, we kindly ask all families to complete the Return Status Form by Friday, March 21st, to confirm your child's enrollment for 2025-2026, which begins on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

🏆 Webster Wear Winner!

Congratulations to Ms. Cooper’s class for winning two weeks in a row! Keep showing that school spirit!

🔔 Important Reminders

✅ Complete the Return Status Form – Due March 21st
✅ Register for the Jog-a-Thon – Details & prizes below!
✅ Yosemite Payment – Due Friday, March 21st

✅ AstroCamp Inquiry Form – Due Friday, March 21st
📸 Webster School Portraits – Now available! See below for ordering details.

📅 Save the Date!

📌 March 27 – 🌌 AstroCamp Parent Meeting (9:15 AM - 10:15 AM via Zoom)

📌 March 28 – 🎭 Talent Show (6 PM - 8 PM)

📌 March 31 – NO SCHOOL (Observance of Cesar Chavez Day)
📌 April 1 – 🔬 Pepperdine Science Night (6 PM - 7:30 PM)

📌 April 3 – 🏫 Open House (6 PM - 7 PM)

📌 April 3 – MINIMUM DAY

📌 May 3 – 🪩 Kidchella (3 PM - 10 PM)

📌 May 5-9 – ⛺ Yosemite Outdoor Education Trip

📌 May 14-16 – 🌌 AstroCamp Outdoor Education Trip

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support in any way.

Together, we will get through this 🫶🏼

GO WHALES!

Carina Diana

Check out these wonderful moments featuring our incredible students, staff, and parents! If you have a photo that you’d like to share, please send it to Principal Diana—we’d love to include it on our social media or in upcoming newsletters.

Thank you for helping us celebrate our school community!

As we prepare for the 2025-2026 school year, we need to know if your child will be returning to Webster Elementary when school resumes on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

Please complete this form by clicking HERE by Friday, March 21, 2025.
Please be sure to complete one form for each child currently enrolled in Preschool and grades TK through 4.

Your prompt response is greatly appreciated and helps us plan for staffing and class placements.

Your child's school portrait proofs are now available!

TO VIEW AND ORDER:
📷 Click HERE: Trish Alison Photography
🔑 Enter YOUR CHILD'S LAST NAME as the "keyword" when prompted.

📢 IMPORTANT DETAILS

✨ Customizable Orders: Choose exactly what you want! Order single prints, digital downloads, print packages, or photo gifts. Options are listed on the left side of the ordering screen.
💻 Best Ordering Experience: Use a desktop rather than a phone for easier navigation.
🖼️ Photo Editing Available: Retouching options include teeth whitening, acne removal, and glare reduction (available at checkout).
💾 Digital Files: $39 per image or $46 for a retouched file (includes fine editing). Bulk discounts are available for 8 or 15 images.

📏 Customize Your Crop: Adjust the crop before finalizing your order.

For any ordering questions, please contact Trish Jochen directly at trishajochen@gmail.com. The school is unable to assist with portrait orders.

Lace up those sneakers and get ready to move! Webster's annual Jog-a-Thon is happening on Friday, March 21st, at 8:30 AM – and we need your support!

📌 Register Here: Webster Jog-a-thon Registration

This year’s Jog-a-Thon is raising funds to support art & technology labs, enriching field trips, exciting school assemblies, a state-of-the-art STEAM lab, specialty supplies, and more!

🏆 Why Participate?

The Jog-a-Thon isn’t just about fundraising – it’s a fun, active, and spirited way for our students to:

• Get moving and have a blast with friends!
• Show their Webster pride and school spirit!
• Help make our school even better!

🎁 Exciting Prizes!

• 🏅 Top Fundraiser – Lunch with Principal Diana, a Webster Whale Plushie, AND a $50 Foot Locker Gift Card for new running shoes, plus additional spirit wear and prizes!
• 🥈 2nd Place Fundraiser – A $25 Foot Locker Gift Card, a Webster Whale Plushie, spirit wear, and more!
• 🎉 Schoolwide Goal – If we raise $30,000, the Kona Ice Truck will visit Webster for a sweet treat for all students after the Jog-a-thon!
• 🍕 Class Participation Challenge – The first class to reach 100% participation wins a Pizza Party!
• 📚 Top Fundraising Class – Earns a comfy Bean Bag Reading Chair for their classroom!

🙌 We Need Volunteers!

Help us make this event a success! If you're interested in volunteering, sign up HERE.

For any questions, please contact Cara Wiechnik at Contactcara@gmail.com.

Thank you to all the parents/guardians who attended this morning’s meeting! We are getting excited for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Below are the next steps to ensure a smooth and successful experience for all students.

📆 IMPORTANT DEADLINES

✅ Payment Due: Friday, March 21, 2025
The total per participant cost of the trip is $1,150. Payments can be made via:

• 💵 Cash
• ✍️ Check (payable to Webster PTA)
• 📲 Zelle (Send to websterptamalibu@gmail.com)

🎒 Packing & Preparation

• Review the Packing List – Ensure your child has all necessary gear, including sturdy hiking shoes and warm layers. View the full packing list HERE.
• Break in Hiking Shoes – To avoid discomfort during long hikes, students should wear and break in their hiking boots before the trip.

🚶‍♂️ Chaperones – Confirm Your Participation!

Thank you to our amazing parent volunteers! If you are chaperoning:

• ✅ Ensure you are cleared to be a Level II Volunteer with SMMUSD.
• ✅ Confirm your participation with Principal Diana by email to cdiana@smmusd.org.
• ✅ Complete the registration form and submit payment by the deadlines listed above.

The countdown is on for our 4th Grade AstroCamp Outdoor Education Experience, an unforgettable adventure that students will cherish for years to come! We want every 4th grader to be part of this incredible journey, filled with exploration, learning, and lifelong memories.

📌 Important! To help us plan effectively, we need all families to complete the AstroCamp Outdoor Education Trip Form by 3:00 PM on Friday, March 21st.

✅ This form helps us:

• Confirm student participation
• Assess financial commitments and fundraising needs
• Gather chaperone interest

Your timely response is essential in finalizing trip logistics and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to attend. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Calling all thespians, dancers, singers, magicians, musicians, joke tellers, poetry readers, acrobats, and jugglers! It’s time to get your performance ready and join us for our joyful annual Webster Talent Show!

🎭 Rehearsals: (All acts must attend all three)

• Friday, March 21st @ 1:45 PM – until done
• Wednesday, March 26th @ 3 PM – until done (Dress Rehearsal)

🎭 Talent Show Performances:

1. Friday, March 28th @ 8:45 AM (Student Show)
2. Friday, March 28th @ 6 PM (Parent Show)

Important Guidelines:
✨ Students may perform solo or in a group (max 2 acts; no 2 solo acts).
✨ Costumes, language, and song lyrics must be elementary school-appropriate and approved before dress rehearsal.
✨ Solo acts: max 2 minutes; Group acts: max 2 minutes 30 seconds.
✨ Need help editing music? Email Nikki White at ncwhite11@gmail.com.

🎨 Student Art Program Submissions:
Are you an artist? Submit a drawing to be considered for the Webster Talent Show Program Cover!
📌 Submissions due to Principal Diana by Wednesday, March 18th.

We are SO excited to showcase the talent, creativity, and imagination of our Webster performers!

Get ready for an exciting evening of hands-on science exploration! On April 1 from 6:00-7:30 PM, Assistant Professor of Biology Krista Lucas and 40 of her Pepperdine students will once again bring the wonder of science to Webster!

These future scientists have developed engaging, grade-appropriate lab experiences for our families, covering topics like Natural Selection, The Immune System, Reptile & Amphibian Adaptations, Food Chains, and even SLIME! They’ve put their creativity to the test to create interactive, fun-filled learning experiences for students of all ages.

Families will rotate between classrooms to explore different experiments, and all friends and family are welcome to join in on the fun!

We invite you to join for a special presentation by Dr. Alice Kuo, Chief and Professor at UCLA Medicine – Pediatrics & Mental Health and Director of Neurodevelopmental Disabilities.

📅 Tuesday, March 25th
⏰ 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
📍 Grant Elementary Auditorium (2368 Pearl St., Santa Monica, CA)
💻 Attend in person or via Zoom
👶 Free childcare provided

Dr. Kuo will lead an insightful discussion on Creating Inclusive Classrooms: How Supporting Neurodiversity Benefits All Students. Learn how fostering neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism, etc.) in education empowers neurodivergent students and enhances learning for every child.

This event is sponsored by the Grant Parents of Neurodiverse Students Resource & Support Group, a community initiative dedicated to supporting families and allies of neurodivergent children.

📌 RSVP online to attend!

For questions, please contact swanfarrahs@gmail.com.

We’re excited to announce that the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) is transitioning its communication system to Parent Square, powered by Aeries, starting January 1, 2025. This new platform will replace the current Finalsite (formerly Blackboard) Connect system.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• No Action Required: Parents, guardians, and staff do not need to take any steps to accept this change.
• Features: Parent Square provides emails, voice messages, text messages, teacher emails, and even social media posting options.
• Data Privacy: Parent Square is an Aeries partner, ensuring a smooth transition and secure handling of student information.
• Opting Out: We recommend not opting out of emails, as doing so will unsubscribe you from all communication, including vital updates from both the school and the District.

TIPS FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION:

• Download the Mobile App: Download the Parent Square app from your app store to stay connected and fully engage with the platform. The app allows you to customize preferences and manage notifications easily.
• Check Your Spam/Junk Folder: If you’re not receiving emails after January 1, 2025, check your spam or junk folder. If you still don’t see them, contact your school office to verify your contact information.
• Set Preferences: Through the Parent Square app, you can adjust how and when you receive messages to suit your needs.

If you have questions or comments about Parent Square, please submit them through Let’s Talk under "General Comments."

In the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, the BGCM is providing critical disaster relief services to support families, students, and community members. BGCM aims to be a lifeline to the Malibu community. These free resources are available to anyone impacted—please don’t hesitate to reach out, visit, and share with those in need!

🌟 BGCM Disaster Relief Center

📍 23357 Pacific Coast Hwy
🕙 Wed-Fri: 10 AM – 5 PM | Sat: 11 AM – 4 PM

At the BGCM Disaster Relief Center, those affected by the Palisades Fire can access emergency grants support, essential supplies, mental health services, and resource connections.

💰 BGCM Emergency Relief Fund is made possible by generous donations. This fund provides direct support to families and individuals in greatest need. BGCM is prioritizing those most affected by the fire—please reach out if you or someone you know needs assistance.

🧘‍♀️ Mental Health & Wellness Support

The BGCM Wellness Center continues to offer free mental health and social support services for families, students, seniors, and the local workforce.

📞 Contact for mental health support: 310-457-6801 ext. 74141
📧 Email: wellnessinfo@bgcmalibu.org

🧘‍♂️ Mindfulness Workshops – Every Thursday starting 2/6
📍 BGCM Disaster Relief Center | 12:30 – 1:30 PM
(For adults 18+, no RSVP needed)

A free, drop-in workshop to help navigate stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.

Looking for fun and engaging activities for your child during Spring Break? The City of Malibu Community Services Department is offering Youth Spring Break Camps for kids ages 6-11 from April 8th - 17th (Tuesday-Thursday).

🏀⚽🏄 Choose from exciting camp options, including:
✔ Baseball
✔ LEGO® Amusement Parks
✔ Soccer
✔ Skateboarding
✔ Tennis

📞 Info & Registration: 310.317.1364 or visit MalibuCity.org/Register

Spots fill up fast—sign up today for an action-packed spring break! 🌞🎉

Consistent attendance is crucial for your student's academic success. It ensures that every student stays on track with learning, builds positive relationships, and contributes to a robust school community. Strong attendance goes beyond just being present; it involves being actively engaged and involved in the educational process.

Encouraging Regular Attendance:

• Make Attendance a Priority: Ensure your student doesn't miss out on crucial learning opportunities.
• Set a Positive Example: Motivate consistent attendance with your involvement.
• Establish a Routine: Help your student set daily routines for a smooth transition to school.
• Open Communication: Reach out to us if there are challenges affecting your student’s attendance.
• Celebrate Success: Acknowledge and celebrate your student's attendance milestones.

Absence Reporting Procedures:

If your student is absent, please report the absence by emailing Vitty McClung at vmcclung@smmusd.org with your student's name, grade, date, and reason for the absence. Absences must be cleared within 5 days. For more detailed information, please review the SMMUSD attendance policies by clicking HERE.

Each new academic school year, all families are required to verify and update their student’s information, including emergency contact details, which are critical for effective communication during urgent situations. We recommend completing this process on a desktop or laptop computer for the best experience.

Please log in to your Aeries Parent Portal, or click the following direct link:

https://santamonicamalibu.aeries.net/

If you did not use the direct link above, please log in to your Aeries Parent Portal and select Student Info, then click on Data Confirmation to access the correct form.

If you have forgotten your Aeries Parent Portal credentials, please use the Forgot Password? link located at the bottom of the website.

Our Student Office Specialist, Vitty McClung, will be reaching out to families who have not yet completed this process to offer any needed assistance.

To enhance student safety, the bottom gate near the Boys & Girls Club will remain closed as we no longer have adult supervision available for that area. Moving forward, there will be one main point of entrance and exit to the campus for grades K-5, which will be the gate by the main office. This change will help us ensure a secure and supervised environment for all students.

As part of our commitment to safety and being good neighbors, we kindly ask that you use the designated pick-up and drop-off lane each day. Additionally, please refrain from using the Our Lady of Malibu (OLM) parking lots and only park in the Webster lot.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize the safety of our school community!

We’re excited to announce our new Instagram account! Follow us @websterwhales for all the latest school news, events, and fun happenings around campus. Stay in the know and connect with our vibrant school community, one post at a time!.

Carina Diana, Principal

Webster Elementary School

3602 Winter Canyon Rd

Malibu, CA 90265

Email: cdiana@smmusd.org
Website: www.smmusd.org/webster
Phone: (310) 456-6494
Instagram: www.instagram.com/websterwhales
Twitter: @webstermalibu