WEbster Nation,

We're back! We missed you last week, but had a great time in the mountains at Astrocamp and Yosemite with our 4th and 5th graders. Check out the pictures below. It's been an eventful week and we finished it off with a little fun in the sun.

There are all kinds of things still on the calendar in these last few weeks. I hope your kids are excitedly finishing up their Caine's Arcade projects. Just like that, it's the final week before the big cardboard carnival. This is where you really have to fight the urge to jump in and finish the project for them. Don't do it...it'll all be fine, I promise. Looking forward to seeing what they've created!

Enjoy this week's newsletter and be good to each other out there. Have a beautiful 3-day weekend.

With gratitude,

- Tedd

twakeman@smmusd.org
(310) 456-6494

MAY 2024

5/27 Memorial Day Holiday (no school)

5/28 4th grade Music presentation at Malibu Elementary - 6:00p

5/28 5th grade Music presentation at Malibu Elementary - 7:00p

5/30 School Tour 9:00a-10:00a

5/31 Caine's Arcade - 9:00a-11:00a

JUNE 2024

6/5 Gratitude Breakfast - 9:00a

6/6 4th Grade Dance Recital - 8:45a

6/7 Promotion Rehearsal – 9:00a

6/10 5th Grade Promotion

6/11 FIELD DAY and BBQ for TK-4th and 5th GRADE BEACH DAY

6/12 Last Day of School (minimum day)

A huge thank you to Laura Angotti for organizing the 5th grade legacy gift to Webster...a BRAND NEW MURAL!! Working with a local muralist, our campus now boasts a beautiful mural next to the lunch area looking out over the yard. YOU BELONG HERE is the message we want our students to see each day, reminding them that they are welcome and loved here at Webster. What a great permanent fixture here on campus and such a beautiful legacy for our outgoing 5th graders, the class of 2024.

Last week, our amazing 4th grade students embarked on the 3-hour journey to the wonderful world of AstroCamp in Idyllwild, California. Once there, they would explore a land of science and nature like no other. Our Whales had a chance to dive deep into lights and lasers, gasses, rocket design, zero gravity, human foosball, team-building, the Mars Rock Wall, and so much more. This 3-day, 2-night outdoor education trip is a staple of the 4th grade Webster curriculum and will prepare them for the 5-day trip to Yosemite next year (see details below). We are so glad to have them back, but know the time spent away was transformative.

In addition to our teacher leaders, Mrs. Morris and Mr. K, let's also take a moment to acknowledge our incredible parent chaperones, Tatiana Jacobs, Saona Jackson, Alex Ensafi, Rachael Sokoloff, Sarah Ryan, and Joel Dunn. It's no easy job to be away from jobs and families, sleep in dorm rooms on paper-thin mattresses, and spend 24 hours a day with kids who aren't your own. We see you! Thank you so much for your incredible service to our students.

Last week, 40 fifth graders and 11 chaperones embarked on the 6.5-hour journey into the Yosemite Valley. Once there, beneath the awe-inspiring granite gods, we hiked, learned, played games, sang, danced, swam in the rivers, developed new skills and mindsets, saw wildlife, feasted, sat beneath waterfalls, shared, supported each other, laughed, and had the best adventure ever! It was truly the trip of a lifetime. We are so lucky to have both Astrocamp and Yosemite as integral parts of our outdoor education program. These trips are an essential part of the elementary experience.

I know the Astrocamp team would agree that chaperoning these trips is incredibly challenging. It's 6am to 10pm on the best day. There are tired feet, homesick tears, missing flashlights, and midnight fears. Our chaperones are care-givers, lending hands, herders, motivators, and so much more. I'd like to take a moment to thank the incredible Yosemite crew for their Herculean efforts during the trip. Christina Priest, Samantha Karsh, Kristi Lake, Brad Dunn, Maurino Castro-Mendoza, Ethan White, Ryan Rocca, Rory McWhinnie, and our educators Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. London...thank you is simply not enough. You made the trip more than special for us all.

Dr. Aiden Omar had a FULL day in his duties as acting principal. Starting early this morning, he attended the PTA meeting and made a presentation regarding a possible new computer class at Webster. With the help of our amazing Yoliee in the office, he organized all the Best on the Beach certificates in preparation for the afternoon announcement. He spoke with classes about upcoming events and attended the 3rd grade music performance. He talked with members of his staff during lunch in the faculty lounge. As we are gearing up for next year, Dr. Omar even had the opportunity to lead a campus tour for a perspective family. The tour led us to Ms. Lockwood's class, where Aiden spun an ELEVEN on the big wheel. The crowd went nuts as that means a pie to my face today!!! (see story below) Amazing. We rounded out the day with the big Best on the Beach announcement to the whole school over the intercom. I am incredibly thankful to have had Dr. Omar's support here on campus Thursday and would highly recommend him for the job next year. You're a natural, my friend.

Mrs. Cooper's son, Randall, shared with the first and second grade classes this week about what it's like to be an engineer for the Ventura County Fire Department. The students learned about the Fire Triangle (the three elements a fire needs to ignite) and how to put out a fire should they ever find themselves in an emergency. They also learned that the engineer drives the truck and is responsible for making sure the truck has water. They finished up learning about how the fire department helps people when they are in a car accident or have a rattlesnake on their property.

Here at Webster, we are truly thankful for amazing sons!! Thanks, Randall.

What an amazing way to wind down the week. Thanks to Miss Papale and Miss Maryam for sharing a fun Friday with our littles.

By now, I hope your kids, either solo or in their groups, are in some phase of prototyping their game. I would imagine that, as a community, we are in all matter of stages at this point. I love it! That's totally okay. Some are still figuring things out while others may be totally finished. Keep reflecting, tinkering, improving, and finalizing. It's the end of week 3 of our 4-week project. We can't wait to see our students' creativity on display next week at Caine's Arcade. It's going to be something special.

Just wanted to remind you of some details for the big day and post our weekly schedule to help keep you on track. Please let me know if you have any questions about the process. Remember, we want the games to be imagined, designed, and built BY THE KIDS!! Thanks so much for all your support with Webster's final project!!

Friday, May 31, 9:00a-11:00a

8:30 - 9:00 Parents arrive with games and get them set up around the lunch area/auditorium

9:00 - 9:45 Arcade begins as students run their own games and parents move around to play

9:45 -11:00 Parent representatives take over and run the games as students move around to play

So here's the deal...Mrs. Lockwood got this super cool spinner for her classroom this year. She decided that when adults came through Room 2, they would need to spin the wheel. If they landed on the orange star...EXTRA RECESS!!! Early in the fall, I encouraged her to add some other special numbers to increase the excitement and offered that if I rolled an eleven, I would allow someone in the class to throw a pie in my face. I mean, what's better than a pie to the face of your principal, right?!?! For the life of me, I couldn't roll an eleven all year. A few weeks ago, realizing we were nearing the end of the year, I opened things up and told Ms. Lockwood's gang that ANY adult who rolled an eleven would trigger a pie to the face. Sure enough, while I was away in Yosemite with our 5th graders, both Blake AND Mrs. Stark rolled elevens. Then yesterday, Principal Omar, on his first spin ever, nails another eleven. That's right...three pies to the face today. Big thanks to Kate, Greyson, and Parker for being so delicate with their pie smushing today. I appreciate you guys.

Congratulations to Dee Dee Cooper for winning this year's award!! The Optimist Club of Malibu annually solicits from the principals of the five local schools their candidate nominations for this award. Hosted by our board member, Stacy Rouse, the event was held Thursday morning on the campus of Pepperdine University and was attended by local principals and their nominees for the award.

"With the Excellence in Education Award, we hope to honor local teachers who have demonstrated that they are a “special friend of youth,” and who exhibit an exemplary dedication to serving youth and a passion for helping students reach their full potential."

The following was read by Stacy Rouse at the event as we honored Mrs. Cooper for her dedication and passion. Well-earned and well deserved, Mrs. Cooper.

"Not only does she spend a great deal of time planning relevant and engaging curriculum for her students, she cares deeply about each child's well-being and works diligently to support their emotional growth and self confidence. Dee Dee believes in each of her students and inspires creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving each day. As a total team player, she has willingly served on both the Site Leadership Team and School Site Council. Mrs. Cooper's love of humanity and dedication to philanthropy drove her to be a co-founder of the Botswana School Project, which provides resources and funding to the Motopi School in Botswana. For many years, she has engaged her students in a thoughtful approach to social issues, bridge building, and sustainability as she has developed a strong relationship with the staff and students of the Motopi School. She has been the link between Malibu and Botswana, creating the Botswana School Project as a platform for our entire community to learn more about themselves and our friends across the planet. In addition to all these amazing accomplishments, Dee Dee remains humble and open to professional growth, always willing to try new things and implement new approaches in her classroom. She involves parents in unprecedented ways, giving them a window into the lives and development of their children at school. In turn, this builds a great sense of community for her families. It is my honor to nominate Dee Dee Cooper for this award."

Dear WEbster Community,

You are invited to the 2nd annual Gratitude Breakfast where we will have a fun awards ceremony to honor this year's:

• Outstanding Teacher
  
• Outstanding Administrator
  
• Honorary Service Award Recipients
  
• Golden Oak Service Award

This will also be our opportunity to thank and celebrate Principal Tedd, to remember and honor our beloved Michaele Ward, and to enjoy a coffee and breakfast together as a community!

We need a lot of food, please bring something yummy to share: sign up here

- The Webster PTA

“Calling all WEbster runners! Join us every Wednesday morning from 7:45-8:15am for Run Groms - a free, open-to-all, kids’ running program led by WEbster parents, supported by Run Malibu and BGCM. This program focuses on introducing kids to running and the many benefits that come with it, all in a supportive, fun and inclusive space. Registration is not required to join Run Groms - you are welcome to drop your child(ren) at 7:45am at the school field gate or join us for the session.

If you have questions or want to get involved, please email Cassidy & Blue Benadum at maliburungroms@gmail.com.

NEW: We are excited to extend an open invitation to the WEbster community to meet up for a few miles after Run Groms / school drop-off on Wednesday mornings at 8:30am. All paces are always welcome - run, walk, run/walk… however you choose to move. We will start & finish at the lower parking lot on campus.”

Attention 3rd – 5th Grade Parents,

We encourage our Webster students grades 3rd – 5th to participate in the Wait Til 8th Pledge. Our goal is to gather more support from the families to wait longer for children to get Smart Phones & Watches, to help minimize tech distractions in the classroom, and allow parents to feel supported in waiting longer before getting their child(ren) access to this technology. You can read more about it at www.waituntil8th.org.

- Pledge forms are coming home for you to sign with your child(ren)

- Return them to school by next week, Wednesday, March 20th.

- Thursday, March 21st, every student who turns in a pledge form will receive a coupon for a FREE

slice at Prince Street Pizza

- If you have any questions, please email Kim at KimEbeling44@gmail.com.

Thank You!

Here at Webster, we're putting out best foot forward and making a case for good education.

Here are our current Board positions for 24/24!!!

Congratulations and THANK YOU to all our PTA representatives.

Co-Presidents*: Bobbi Thomason

Treasurer: Elena Eggers

Secretary: Anya Fernald

Financial Secretary: Sarah Ryan

Volunteer Coordinator: Saona Jackson

Community Liaison: Sion Roy

Communications Chairs: Shannon Dunn and Kate Ward

Student Involvement Chair: Kyle Mlodzik

Room Representative Chair: Anya Fernald

Party Book Chairs: Lauren Ifft & Erin Fotos

Historian: Carley Devlin

Honorary Service Awards: Carley Devlin

Volunteer Bookkeeper: Farah Flores

Reflections Chair: Dana Orescan

Valet Chairs: Tatiana Jacobs and Heidi Saban

Yearbook Co-Chair: VACANT

Fundraising Chair: Yama Lam

Webster Wear Chair: Lauren Ifft

Parliamentarian (to be appointed by the new Board): Kate Pritchett-Skene

* Because the PTA bylaws do not permit Co-Presidencies, technically, their roles will be President and Executive VP, respectively.

Webster Information - Week of May 27, 2024

The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu aims to provide a fun, safe, and creative environment for all Malibu youth to thrive, find support through positive mentorship, develop important life skills, and receive social and emotional support.

• BGCM Camp Bu Enrollment is LIVE! June 24-Aug 9 Visit bgcmalibu.org to learn more and enroll. For grades TK-5th located at Webster Elementary. BGCM is committed to providing a summer curriculum that will include a variety of activities geared towards fun, educational, and social experiences. Programs include: STEM based projects, arts & crafts, cooking/gardening, kindness, social emotional wellness, and more!

• BGCM & Prince Street Pizza For your next family night out, please consider supporting BGCM! BGCM & Prince Street Pizza teamed up on a pizza design contest. Order the Spring Fling featuring spicy marinara, smoked mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, and olive oil drizzle. The specially-designed pizza is available at Prince Street Pizza (Malibu location only) 20% of the proceeds benefiting BGCM’s mental health services and educational initiatives for youth.
  
  

• 1 in 5 Youth-Led Suicide Prevention Clothing Line The 1 in 5 project is a youth-led suicide prevention clothing line created by members of the BGCM. 100% of proceeds benefit BGCM Wellness Center mental health and wellness services. Shop to support by visiting us in store or shopping online! To learn more and purchase, visit thirdspacemalibu.org/products/1-in-5-crewneck-sweater

• Family Friendly Jewelry Making Experience - Join us at Third Space for Kidd's Jewelry Heist, a family-friendly jewelry-making experience unlike any other! Every Sunday, from 12 to 5pm, come and create your own necklaces, bracelets, keychains, and earrings with the help of our expert team.Explore a curated selection of beads, charms, and chains, and let your creativity run wild. Kidd's Jewelry Heist is renowned for merging entertainment with the art of jewelry making. Enjoy an hour-long session and take home two unique pieces of jewelry for $45 per person. No reservation needed.
  
  

• Wellness Center & Social Support Offerings The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Wellness Center operates remotely and also in-person to provide no-cost social support & mental health counseling to all in the community. Visit https://bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center/ to learn more or to request services for you/your child! There is currently NO WAITLIST for services. PSA: Parents! If you've missed any parent workshops, they are available on our website at https://bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center-resources/
  
  *To contact the Club please call 310-457-1400 (Admin) or 310-241-3675 (Programs) Email info@bgcmalibu.org For updates on Club news & events, subscribe to BGCM E-Newsletter Here

Third Space is OPEN at Malibu Village! Third Space is a storefront, gallery and an innovation space for youth to be mentored and inspired. A project of the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, made possible by many generous community contributors. A percentage of all store purchases benefit BGCM:

• Safe spaces after-school
• Mental health services for youth, families and aging population
• Drug and alcohol prevention programming
• Innovative and inspiring opportunities for youth
• Regenerative systems and educational initiatives

Here, in our vibrant community, we value care, connection, and creativity. We offer youth, families, and visitors of all ages the chance to explore products from local, sustainable and social entrepreneurs. To learn more, visit thirdspacemalibu.org Follow us on IG/FB: @thirdspacemalibu

"We are so thrilled to welcome the community to Third Space. We love being able to highlight products and art created by local, young entrepreneurs including Malibu High and BGCM alumni! This is a very special space made possible by amazing community contributors and we just can't wait for everyone to experience Third Space and all that it has to offer". Kasey Earnest, Boys & Girls Club of Malibu CEO

Third Space is made possible by the following contributors: Blue Star Painting • Bold LA • Devon Meyers Photography • JL Designs • 129 Builders Inc. • Jones Builders Group • Koum Family Foundation • The Little Market • The Dorn Family • Peak Power Electric • Quality Indoor Air - Heating and Air Conditioning • Venue Creation Resources

Developing strong character and valuable mindsets is essential. This remains a major focus at Webster. As we build community here on campus, at home, and across Malibu, we will continue to model the kind of behavior that promotes unity, kindness, and thoughtful problem solving. In addition, we will value these traits in others and recognize outstanding efforts.

Every Friday we sport our Webster Wear to show school spirit and celebrate the coming weekend. Classes with the highest percentage of Webster Wear win the whale for the week. Be sure to show your spirit and pick up some Webster Wear in the main office when you stop in to say hello.

The AERIES Parent Portal

Tedd's Welcome Letter 2023

Tedd's Welcome Back Video 2023

AERIES Parent Portal Tutorial

Student Services Registration Documents 23/24

Family Engagement & School Parent Compact

Webster Bell Schedule

PTA Membership

PTA Volunteer Opportunities

Class Change Request Form

Hour of Code