Sea Lion Spotlight

Principal's Wave

Hello New & Returning MES Sea Lion Families,

What a wonderful time of year! We welcomed back (at last count) 269 students to MES this year, and have seen so many happy reunions between our students, staff and families! It's always a joy to walk through classrooms and find the many ways that teachers are building their own communities in the first week! You'll see some of those activities below in the photos!

This Tuesday, we start with the first of our Back to School Nights! These are PARENT ONLY nights and are often VERY well attended. They will provide you with an opportunity to meet your child(ren)'s teacher and hear about the year ahead! Please note that Mrs. Thompson's class will be split with the Kinder presentation happening on 8/25 and the First Grade presentation happening on 9/1.

5pm - Report to the cafeteria for an overview of the night and to hear from Ms. Wennes! She will introduce the teachers during this time.
5:15 (right after cafeteria) - You'll head to the rooms to hear more from your child's teacher about the goals and structure for the year ahead!
6:00pm - Time to head home!

STAFF UPDATES - PART 3

Ryan Rowles will be teaching choir for our 4th and 5th grade students and is our 3rd-5th music lead. He has been a part of SMMUSD, but is new to MES! I cannot wait to see him in action as I've only hear RAVE reviews about him! We are gearing up to introduce music choices to our 4th graders (and new 5th graders) on Tuesday!

Data Confirmation details are below and we NEED to get this done for each and every child - even if you JUST registered! If you are experiencing difficulty, please reach out to Diane or Kim in the office - they may be able to help and assist you so that we can get this done!

Ms. Sally Wennes

Principal

Calendar of Events

Flyers for events will always be posted below! Don't forget to check out the details!

AUGUST

8/24, 8/25 - MINIMUM DAYS (12:45 DISMISSAL)
8/24 - 5th Grade Pali Camp Parent Meeting at 12:45 in library! (See information below)
8/25 - Back to School Night at 5pm (TK, Kindergarten, 1st grade - Tate only, 2nd grade)
8/28 - Family Picnic during lunchtime! More information HERE!

SEPTEMBER

9/1 - Minimum Day (due to Back to School Night)
9/1 - Back to School Night at 5pm (Thompson's 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades)
9/7 - No School (Labor Day)
9/14-18 - Book Fair Week!
9/15 - Picture Day! SMILE!
9/21 - No School (Yom Kippur)

Important Information & Dates

26-27 Academic Calendar

26-27 Community Calendar

Data Confirmation - MUST DO!

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 - even if you JUST finished registration!

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

We have worked to digitize the compliance and document portions of the “First Day Packet.” The Data Confirmation process is easy. This includes items like Emergency Cards, Parent Handbooks and Policies and Authorizations. We have many important documents and plenty of information for your family within the online registration site, accessed via your Aeries Parent Portal.

Please spread the word to any other MES families so that we can get this done as soon as possible! You'll see reminders to everyone in the Monday Spotlights for a few weeks until we have our students' records.

Sea Lion Academy - Fall Session Registration Opens Today!

Please be on the lookout for a flyer coming home with your child today that will include all the sign-up information. The digital flyer is listed in the bottom section of the Spotlight as well!

Registration opens today after dismissal. You can use the QR code on the flyer or head HERE for registration!

Sea Lion Academy is Malibu Elementary’s on-campus after-school program, offering educational opportunities that may not be covered during the school day, along with enrichment classes designed to help your child reach their highest potential.

The fall session will feature classes including Intro to Guitar, Maker’s Space with Sycamore Studio, Math, Science, Reading, and Spanish, along with exciting new offerings such as Sewing, Magic, and Cooking!

We’re excited to offer another fun and enriching session of Sea Lion Academy!

Drop Off & Pick Up Routines/Reminders

Here's some helpful safety reminders for our first days as we navigate drop off and pick up routines!

School starts at 8:15 with dropoff starting at 8am, and we want to make sure students are there promptly for instruction. We know that the first few days are a little unusual, but it's a great time to practice!

We have MANY new families - YEAH!!!! Please be patient and understanding and drive SLOWLY!

The FIRST 4 Days (Thursday, Friday, Monday, Tuesday):

For the first days, all parents are welcome on campus in the morning, until the teacher leads the children into the classroom.
Please leave 4 legged family members at home (as much as we love them) as the opening days are busier than usual!
FRIDAY - Our first Friday assembly for the 26/27 school year! Parents are welcome to come as well and stand behind the kids. NEW FAMILIES - KNOW THAT PARKING IS TOUGH ON THESE DAYS! This is usually about 10-15 minutes long - it goes FAST!
Starting Wednesday (right after Back to School Night for TK-2), parents of TK and K only will be allowed to drop off children inside the campus. More information to follow about that next week.
YES - The first days ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS take longer. Plan accordingly and be patient!

DROP OFF (can start as early as 8am)

Car Drop Off - can only be done along the curb:

Pull into the coned off lane along the curb.
Have items ready to go so that your child can hop out along the curb independently.
We will help with opening doors, so you do not need to get out of your vehicle to assist. That will keep the line moving.
Please do NOT drop off students in other parts of the lot.

Parking - limited!

Parking is open to families in NON MARKED SPOTS ONLY. We have reserved spaces for our staff members, some of who are at more than one site. Please do not park in their spots.
Do not park in the handicapped spots unless you have the appropriate placard or plate.
Please use parking spaces only and do not park on crosswalks.
Parking signs on Grayfox were removed - you are welcome to park there, and walk with your child along Fernhill!

PICK UP - For the first 4 days of school, all students get dismissed at 12:45. (See note at end for Boys & Girls Club students). Once this routine is going, it takes us about 15 minutes AT THE ABSOLUTE MOST! :)

Car Pick Up

Pull along the curb and wait in your car. We will come to you, and get your child's name. As soon as your child comes out of their class and hears their name, we'll send them down.
There WILL BE a line, but once the kids come out, it goes quickly! Promise!!!

Parking & Walking Up

Parents can park in a non marked spot (see parking above) and come up to the gate to wait for their child's class to come out. Children can not cross the parking lot without you, so please make sure you walk over to the dismissal gate area to retrieve your child.
If you are waiting for a 1st-5th grader, we ask that you wait in the gated area with the table outside the office. This will allow for the children to see you and walk directly to you. Please also tell your students to watch for you. Communication helps!
TK/K - Your chidren will be dismissed out the gate nearer to the Handicapped spots.
PLEASE DO NOT BLOCK THE PATH FOR CHILDREN DOWN TO THEIR CARS.

Boys & Girls Club - Children will be picked up or will report directly to BGC (depending on grade). It's here on campus, which makes it MUCH easier. Parent pickup from BGC takes place on Grayfox.

Photo Highlights

Please enjoy these photos that capture our first couple of days at school! Teachers have been building communities within their classrooms as we start the year!

It's always wonderful when our students are being celebrated outside of MES as well! Over the summer, 4th grader Lucy won best actor in a feature film under 12 at the Young Entertainer’s Awards in Hollywood! Way to represent!!!

More Information for Parents

Make sure to check this space for all the important things that go on for your child! You'll also find out about things going on in our community!

🌲 An Incredible 5th Grade Adventure Awaits!

We are thrilled to share that our 5th graders are scheduled to experience an unforgettable fall outdoor education science adventure at Pali Camp in Running Springs, California from October 14th - October 16th!

Pali Camp offers an exciting, hands-on experience where students will build independence, strengthen friendships, challenge themselves, and create memories that will last a lifetime—all while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

Families are invited to attend an information meeting on Monday, August 24th at 12:45 p.m. in the library to learn more about the trip, what students can expect, and how to prepare. You can also explore all that Pali Camp has to offer on their website: Pali Institute / Pali Camp

💚 Please Help Make This Experience Happen! We strongly encourage families to make their donation through the school website as soon as possible. Your timely support is essential to helping us ensure that this incredible experience can happen for our 5th graders. Here is the donation link: https://www.mes.org/product-page/5th-grade-field-trip-to-pali-camp

We can't wait to see our students learn, laugh, explore, and grow together on this very special adventure!

Free- and Reduced-Price Meal Form:

While all students will receive snacks and a lunch at no cost, filling out this form helps our district and students with funding based on responses to Free- and Reduced-price Meal forms. The Food Services webpage has a link to apply as well as instructions in English and Spanish.

Malibu Ed Foundation

Happy New School Year!

$1.5 million. That's what MEF has invested in our four schools since our January 2024 launch, thanks to support from Malibu City, SMMUSD, and our community.

As we head into Year 3, we'll need your help keeping our Annual Fund and fall events top of mind with parents. We're working with the PTAs and Shark Fund on a joint-ask flyer for registration packets. A few dates to help us spread the word on:

Annual Fund launches Friday — malibueducationfoundation.org/donate
MEF Gala — Saturday, October 17, tickets on sale soon
Malibu Moves — Oct 24–25, Zuma Beach, code MEF26 (open to all SMMUSD schools — a great way to get your students, staff, or families out for a run, walk, or cheer). Join Team MEF for swag, or create your own “school team.” malibumoves.com
MEF Tree Lot - Nov. 27-Dec. 13

Student Birthday Celebrations

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.

Candy/sheet cakes/cupcakes/cookies at school: Staff, students, and parents may not distribute these at school.