Whale Tales

Dear Webster Community,

The 2025–26 school year is almost here! I hope your summer was filled with moments that made you smile — whether that was traveling, enjoying local adventures, relaxing with family and friends, or simply slowing down to soak in the sunshine. I had the joy of recharging on the stunning beaches of Curaçao, and I’m coming back to campus feeling refreshed and ready for another amazing year together.

A big shout-out to our incredible custodial team, Ms. Kathy and Mr. Miguel, and gardener, Sara Soto, who worked to make sure our campus is clean, well-maintained, and welcoming. Our amazing office duo, April Montes and Yolanda Hernandez, have been busy keeping registrations on track and answering questions from families. And I know our dedicated teaching and support staff have been planning engaging lessons and activities to make this year unforgettable for our students. I’m so grateful for this team and the passion they bring to Webster every single day.

Please take a moment to read the rest of this newsletter for important back-to-school reminders, and check out my full welcome letter on our website (click HERE).

Our first day of school is Thursday, August 21st — it’s a minimum day, so plan ahead. Parking will be limited, so leave extra time for photos and goodbyes. Please remember:

• Do not park in spots marked “Webster” at any time, even if they’re empty.

• Accessible parking spots in front of the school require a placard and are not for quick drop-offs.

Thank you for helping us keep our arrival and dismissal times safe and respectful for all.

We can’t wait to welcome you back on August 21st — here’s to a phenomenal year ahead!

GO WHALES!!

Warmly,
Carina Diana

Please join me in welcoming the following staff members to the team this year:

• Zoe Goldman, Occupational Therapist
• Maryam Hajarolasvadi, Registered Nurse
• Karren Harrigan, Speech and Language Pathologist
• Maggie Schrantz, Psychologist

As we prepare for an exciting new school year, all families are required to verify and update their student’s information through the AERIES Data Confirmation process. This ensures we have the most accurate and up-to-date records for your child.

We recommend completing this process on a desktop or laptop computer for the best experience.

How to Complete Data Confirmation

1. Log in to your Aeries Parent Portal using the link below:
   🔗 AERIES Parent Portal

2. If you do not use the direct link above, log in to your Aeries Parent Portal, select Student Info, and click Data Confirmation to access the form.

3. If you have forgotten your login credentials, click “Forgot Password?” at the bottom of the login screen.

IMPORTANT: Your child’s teacher assignment will not be visible in AERIES until the Data Confirmation process is complete. Teacher assignments will be available starting 3:30 PM on Wednesday, August 20th.

For Prospective or New Families

If you are new to Webster or have not yet enrolled your child, please complete AERIES Online Enrollment as soon as possible to ensure a smooth start to the school year.

🔗SMMUSD Online Enrollment

You will be asked to upload:

• Immunization records

• Parent/guardian photo ID

• Proof of residency

• Birth certificate

Once complete, please email Carina Diana (cdiana@smmusd.org) and April Montes (amontes@smmusd.org) so we can guide you through the next steps.

If your family is new to Webster this year — in any grade level — we invite you to join us for our Welcome Bash on Wednesday, August 20th from 1:00–2:30 PM.

This special event is designed to help new families feel at home before the first day of school. Come meet Principal Carina Diana, connect with other new families, explore the campus, find your classroom, and enjoy popsicles and snacks. You’ll also have the chance to learn more about Webster and ask any questions before the school year begins.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Webster family 🐳

We’re excited to share that bus transportation will continue this year for Webster with service to and from designated community stops. This includes continued service from Lincoln Middle School and the Agoura Road area, plus the return of the Las Flores / Rambla Pacifico stop — one of the original stops prior to the fires.

Please note: The Sunset Mesa and Topanga Market stops remain out of service at this time.

Morning Pickup Times (Monday–Friday)

• 7:15 AM – Lincoln Middle School

• 7:40 AM – Las Flores / Rambla Pacifico (U.S. Post Office)

• 8:05–8:10 AM – Agoura Road (Starbucks, 26531 Agoura Rd.)

• 8:25 AM – Arrive at Webster Elementary

Afternoon Drop-off Times (Monday–Thursday)

• 3:00 PM – Depart Webster Elementary

• 3:20 PM – Agoura Road (Starbucks)

• 3:45 PM – Las Flores / Rambla Pacifico (U.S. Post Office)

• 4:20 PM – Lincoln Middle School

Early-Out Fridays

• 1:25 PM – Depart Webster Elementary

• 1:45 PM – Agoura Road (Starbucks)

• 2:10 PM – Las Flores / Rambla Pacifico (U.S. Post Office)

• 2:45 PM – Lincoln Middle School

Please note: Times are based on no traffic and may vary due to weather or other conditions.

🎟 Bus Passes
Webster families may purchase bus passes online only (click HERE). Passes are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For full details and updates, please check the District’s transportation page.

Let’s make it another safe and smooth year for our bus riders!

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 April Montes at amontes@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.

This year, I'm encouraging all families to contribute to both the PTA and the Malibu Education Foundation (MEF). Each plays a vital role in enriching your child’s education.

While PTA supports important school-specific needs like field trips, assemblies, classroom supplies, and enrichment, MEF is the only organization that can fund staff through the school district across all four Malibu schools. Here at Webster, this includes funding for our instructional aides and art teacher.

Your gift to MEF directly supports instructional aides, visual arts teachers, math tutors, athletic coaches, and other staff who are shaping your child’s daily school experience across the full TK–12 pathway.

A $750 per-student donation to MEF is the suggested amount — but every gift matters.

👉 Learn more and donate at www.MalibuEducationFoundation.org

To enhance student safety, all K–5 students will enter and exit through one main gate — located by the main office. This will help us maintain 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.

• Avoid using the Our Lady of Malibu (OLM) parking lots.

• Park only in the Webster lot.

Thank you for helping us ensure smooth arrivals and dismissals each day. Creating a safe and positive learning environment is our top priority — and it starts with all of us working together. We truly appreciate your support!

Breakfast and lunch are free for all students this school year. However, we ask that every family complete the Online Meal Application for 2025–2026, even if your child does not plan to eat school meals. This form impacts funding and programs beyond meals, so widespread participation is essential.

How to Apply:

• Complete one application per household each school year.

• Apply online at www.smmusd.org/foodservices or drop off a completed application at your child’s school office or the District Office any time during the year.
  (Faxed or emailed copies will not be accepted.)

Important Reminders:

• Eligibility from last year expires Thursday, October 2, 2025.

• Processing can take up to 10 business days.

• If your application is not processed by the deadline and you have not received approval, your child must pay full price for meals.

• Incomplete applications will be returned.

• List all adults (employed or not) and all children in your household, including non-students.

• Do not attach income documentation unless specifically requested for verification.

• Sign, date, and include the last 4 digits of your Social Security number (or check the box if you do not have one).

📞 Questions or help? Contact Food & Nutrition Services at (310) 450-8338, ext. 70228.

The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu provides local families and community members with a safe, nurturing environment where children can take part in developmental programs, build positive relationships, and feel supported and accepted. Our Clubhouses offer fun and educational activities, social-emotional learning experiences, and so much more.

Visit bgcmalibu.org to learn more and enroll today!

🚴‍♂️🏊‍♀️🏃 First-Ever Kids Triathlon at the Zuma Beach Triathlon
A unique chance for kids ages 9–14 to be introduced to the sport of triathlon on one of the best courses in the country on Saturday, September 13th! Young athletes can even complete the course alongside a parent. Three divisions are available. Learn more and register at zumabeachtriathlon.org. The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu is proud to be an official charity partner of the Zuma Beach Triathlon.

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