Sea Lion Spotlight
Malibu Elementary Parent Newsletter #7 - September 22, 2025
Table of Contents
- Principal's Wave
- Calendar of Events
- Recent Highlight Photos
- Important Information and Dates
- More Information for Parents
- Useful Resources and Links
Principal's Wave
Happy Monday MES Families!
Please remember that there is NO SCHOOL tomorrow (Tuesday, Sept. 23) due to Rosh Hashana. Shanah tovah to those who celebrate!
THANK YOU to all of our wonderful Book Fair Volunteers who supported our students this past week with the Literati Book Fair! It was a great event and students were very excited with their purchases!
We know that communication is a key issue for us when it comes to our school events and reminders, but it's CRITICAL in the case of emergencies. PLEASE take the time to update your child's Aeries account - this is done annually, and allows us to make sure that everything is up to date and current. We recently had parents who did not receive communication as their emails had changed. More infomation about HOW to do that is listed below in this spotlight.
In addition, Parent Square is our main communication tool. I'll send you some details about that in a separate email but would HIGHLY SUGGEST that you download the app, and check the notification settings so that you can receive information in a way that works for you - email, text, via the app - and at a time that works for you - immediately or in a digest version at 6pm. We want to keep our parents in the know!
Please remember that School starts at 8:15! We continue to have LOTS of students arriving after this time! Work together as a family in the morning to have your child arrive on time in the morning, ready for instruction! Mrs. Calvert and I are out in the morning and we have noticed that there is a huge gap in traffic around 8:05, so arriving a bit earlier makes that car lane even better as well! We can do it Sea LIons!
Here's to a wonderful week ahead!
Ms. Sally Wennes
Principal
Calendar of Events
SEPTEMBER
- Fri 09/26 - International Peace Day - Zoe's Lunchtime Theater (details to follow!)
- 8:15 - Pledge of Allegiance, followed by our school peace picture! (Parents are welcome to join for the drone photo by standing with the children - not on the side - in order to make it more "full"). We will not be holding a "typical" assembly due to Peace Day activities.
- 9:10 - Performance - If your students have been participating in Zoe's lunchtime theater and are presenting, you are welcome to join us in the cafeteria for this performance!
OCTOBER
Thurs 10/2 - NO SCHOOL (Yom Kippur)
Fri 10/3 - Volunteer Training @ 10:30am - JOIN HERE
Thursday 10/9 - School Site Council @ 3:30pm via Zoom
Friday, 10/10 - Dress Like a Book Character Day
10/11-10/12 - MES 2nd Annual Overnight Camp Out
10/15 - Photo retake day
10/15-10/17 - 5th Grade Outdoor School (Pali Camp!)
10/21 - PTA Members Meeting in Cafeteria @ 8:30am
10/30 - Trunk or Treat PTA Event
10/31 - Halloween Parade
NOVEMBER
- Tues 11/4 - Fri 11/7 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week
Recent Highlight Photos
3rd Grade BTSN Presentation by Mrs. Whitman
3rd Grade BTSN Presentation by Ms. Ferguson
2nd Grade BTSN Presentation by Mrs. Tate and Mrs. Kleiser
4th Grade BTSN Presentation by Ms. Estela
4th/5th Grade BTSN Presentation by Mrs. Jennings
5th Grade BTSN Presentation by Mrs. Kooy
Important Information & Dates
25-26 Academic Calendar
25-26 PTA Calendar
NOW: Annual Parent Data Confirmation Open in Aeries (Parents affirm their data). See below for more detailed directions.
More Information for Parents
Annual Parent Data Confirmation or Revision - Aeries Parent Portal
ACTION NEEDED: Malibu Elementary’s annual registration process is completed in the Aeries Parent Portal. You must complete data confirmation for each student.
- Log in to your Aeries Parent Portal: https://santamonicamalibu.aeries.net/
- Be sure to read, review, and discuss all the materials with your student.
- Very Important: We need to gather information from you for emergency contacts. Please add at least two non-parents. While there are many boxes to fill, at minimum include name, relationship, and phone number.
- We also need to gather information from you for health documents.
Note: You may decide to print some of the documents for future reference. For a tutorial on how to complete this process, please click here English
PTA Giving Wave - Going On Now!
Our fabulous PTA supports us in so many ways and we are able to do that through your generosity! We are currently in the middle of our GIVING WAVE in order to raise funds towards things like instructional aide support, music for our K-2, support for our TK-5 art program, Sea Lion Academy, and instructional materials for classrooms! Please CLICK THIS LINK to learn more and to donate today! You can also access via the QR code on the banners around our school! The class with the highest percentage gets some incredible rewards (including silly stringing Ms. Wennes)! Let's put some FUN into raising FUNds!
Join the PTA!
If you haven't already, it's the perfect time to renew or start your PTA membership! Please sign up each school year at this LINK! You can follow us on Instagram as well for another way to be connected at @malibuelementarypta. Your $15 membership does the following:
- Supports National and State PTA advocacy for public education
- Funds MES programs, enrichment, and amazing events
- Gives you a vote in deciding what's offered to our students
Reflections Art Program
The Reflections Art Program is back, and this year’s theme is ‘I Belong!’ 🖌️✨If you love to draw, dance, write, make music, or take photos — this is your chance to show your creativity! 🎶🎨📸 We can’t wait to see the amazing art our MES students create! https://capta.org/resource/participant-forms/
Malibu Education Foundation News:
There are so many fun ways to support the Malibu Education Foundation this fall to ensure all of our Malibu schools have the staff and programs needed this year, and into the future:
- MEF Gala - SAT OCT 4: An unforgettable evening under the stars at the NEW Malibu High School—drinks, dinner, dancing, and supporting the staff and programs that power our schools.
Tickets/Tables: onecau.se/mefgala
- Malibu Moves - SAT OCT 25 & SUN OCT 26:
The Malibu Education Foundation (MEF) is proud to support essential staff and programs—like arts education, instructional aides, math tutors, and athletics—at all four Malibu public schools. Volunteer at Malibu Moves! We need your energy to help with packet pickup, kids' races, gear check, finish line crew & more. Or run and volunteer—make it a full weekend of giving back. Every shift helps MEF fund what matters most.
Sign up here: malibumoves.com/volunteer
Learn more or donate: www.MalibuEducationFoundation.org
Boys & Girls Club Information:
Boys & Girls Club of Malibu is committed to youth and community resilience by providing a supportive and inclusive environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through exceptional customer service and impactful after-school programs, we focus on academic success, character development, and health and wellness, catering to the unique needs of Malibu's youth. By addressing the needs of families, we foster a sense of safety, support, and community engagement, promoting a brighter future for all!
BGCM Academic Year Enrollment is LIVE! Aug 21-June 11 Visit bgcmalibu.org to learn more and enroll. For grades TK-5th. BGCM is committed to providing a curriculum that will include a variety of activities geared towards fun, educational, and social experiences. Programs include: Kindness Is Free, Manners Matter, social emotional wellness, STEM based projects, arts & crafts, cooking/gardening, and more!
Warrior Academy Bruce Lee Foundation is back at Malibu Elementary every Thursday from 3:00–4:00 PM, September 18th–November 19th. Designed by Shannon Lee, daughter of Bruce Lee, this program shares the wisdom of her father’s teachings through weekly martial arts and mindfulness training. Led by professional martial artist Joey Escobar, sessions challenge students to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. Available to 3rd–5th grade members and included in BGCM membership. For more information, email stephengreene@bgcmalibu.org.
BGCM Wellness Center & Social Support Offerings The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Wellness Center operates remotely and also in-person to provide no-cost mental health counseling and social support services to all in the community. Visit https://bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center/ to learn more or to request services for you/your child.
BGCM Disaster Recovery Services Starting Wednesday, August 27th, the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is supporting Palisades Fire survivors with long-term recovery services by appointment only. Our Care Coordination Team is here for you. Moving forward, think of us as your partners through this journey, we are here to support this process.
Here’s How We Can Help:
One-on-one guidance: You’ll be paired with a dedicated Care Coordinator
Personalized recovery planning: Together, we’ll identify what you need most right now and ongoing
Resource connection: We’ll help you access the latest available support
Advocacy: We’re here to make sure you’re not navigating this alone. To schedule or update an appointment, please email drc@bgcmalibu.org. *Please expect to hear from someone on our team within 2-5 business days*.
Parent Square Communication
Did you know that you can receive information that is on Parent Square at different times? If you go into the Parent Square app or find it on a computer, you can change the settings to determine how you receive school wide information. You can get it on the spot, or can opt for a "digest" version, which comes to you at 6pm. Please note that as a sender, if we feel that a message is time sensitive, we will override the digest choice and send immediately to all.
MES Minimum Days Schedule / 12:45 Dismissal
- Nov 5
- Nov 6
- Nov 7
- Mar 26
- June 10
- June 11
Student Birthday Parties (from the Parent Handbook)
Such observances must be coordinated with the classroom teacher and should occur after lunch or at the end of the day. Food may be distributed at school. Healthier options should be encouraged. Cakes or very sweet treats (Sugar-based foods) are NOT allowed. All-natural popsicles are the ONLY choice for birthday celebrations. Our SMMUSD Food and Nutrition Services Wellness Policy calls for staff to limit student consumption of sugar at school. No nuts, if there is a peanut allergy in the classroom. Party favors are ok to distribute. Birthday invitations for parties away from school may not be distributed unless every student in the class is invited.
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5th Grade Pali Camp Overnight Field Trip - Donations Needed
We are excited for our 2025-2026 5th grade class to again have the opportunity to attend outdoor school in October 2025. Outdoor school is perhaps the greatest highlight of elementary school for many students and is a sort of rite-of-passage. We are asking 5th grade parents to donate now so that we may make our next installment payment.
All or None
If we don’t raise enough funds for ALL students to participate, we will ask the PTA to fund the difference. If there is not enough available funds or support from PTA, then the trip will be canceled; we will refund all donations but lose our original PTA deposit. Also, to help prevent canceling the trip, any families who won’t be able to voluntarily contribute the full $560 will be asked what if anything they can donate. Perhaps $300, $200 or $50? Anything helps. Finally if there are families who would like to cover another student, we will accept donations above and beyond $560.
Trip Date
Trip date: 10/15/25-10/17/25
Informational Websites
Useful Resources and Links
PTA Website and Store
PTA Spirit Wear "Akaway Collection"
Student Services Registration Documents
Volunteering at MES: Information and Signup form
Medications at School Form Send to School Nurse Marion Mayer: mmayer@smmusd.org
Connect with Sally Wennes
Principal at Malibu Elementary
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
Email: swennes@smmusd.org
Website: malibues.smmusd.org
Location: 6955 Fernhill Drive, Malibu, CA, USAPhone: 310-457-9370