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Sea Lion Spotlight

Malibu Elementary Parent Newsletter #31- March 23, 2026

Sea Lion SpotlightMalibu Elementary Parent Newsletter #31- March 23, 2026

Principal's Wave Principal's Wave

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Happy Monday MES Families,


I would first like to thank our community for their generosity during our recent PTA Gala event! We had a wonderful turnout, not only at the event itself, but through the silent auction participation! All funds raised go towards supporting all of our students at MES! Special thanks to our amazing PTA team who organized and put it all together! AMAZING!!!


This week brings our annual Open House happening this Thursday, March 26th from 5:00-6:00pm. We will have our classrooms open for visiting and your child will have the opportunity to show off all that they've been working on. I'd like to thank (in advance) our amazing teaching staff and IAs who have been working hard along with your students to create something special for you! In the past, we have done this in May, alongside our Art Show. This year, we're doing our Open House earlier, and our Art Show will be happening on May 21st as a culmination of a year in Art. Please note that Thursday will be a MINIMUM DAY and we will be releasing all students at 12:45 (Friday schedule)!!!


3rd-5th Grade Parents - Please note that our state testing window is from May 4-May 22 including make up days. Information is below for a parent meeting to learn more about the state testing. Having your students at school on those days makes a SIGNIFICANT difference! Students tend to test much better when they're in their own classroom with their own teacher than in a make up setting. Thank you for making arrangements so that your children can be present on those days!


Consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in a child’s success at school. When students are present each day, they build strong routines, stay connected with their classmates, and fully engage in learning. Even a few missed days can lead to gaps in understanding and make it harder for children to feel confident in class. Thank you also for helping your child arrive at school on time and ready to learn. Your partnership makes such a meaningful difference in their growth and success!


Ms. Sally Wennes

Principal

Calendar of Events Calendar of Events

MARCH

  • 3/26 - Minimum Day - FRIDAY SCHEDULE - dismiss at 12:45
  • 3/26 - Open House - Celebration of Learning - 5:00-6:00pm
  • 3/30-4/10 - Spring Break


APRIL

  • 4/13 - Back to School following Spring Break!
  • 4/15 - School Tour (future families) @ 9am - SIGN UP HERE
  • 4/17 - Parent Education regarding state testing for 3rd-5th grade parents (about 30-45 min)
    • 8:30am - In person in the cafeteria
    • 10:00am - Via Zoom - LINK HERE
  • 4/17 - Volunteer Training @ 11am - LINK HERE
  • 4/20-4/24 - Autism Awareness and Acceptance Week (more details to follow after Spring Break)
  • 4/24 - PTA Sponsored SELFY Event (see flyer below)

Important Information & Dates Important Information & Dates

25-26 Academic Calendar

25-26 PTA Calendar

Photo Highlights Photo Highlights

This week, our photos highlight life near and around MES! We enjoyed adding a bit of color to our world with Rainbow Day on Friday! We also had a 3rd grade field trip, our Sammy Slip recipients, life at Sea Lion Academy, being serenaded by 5th grade choir, and a visit to Mrs. Whitman's class from Brooks as part of the Botswana School Project!


You'll also see just some of the moments from our incredible Kooy Ponders who presented 13 Colonies last Friday! They taught us all many things about how our country came into being! (Ask your 5th grader about the potato!!!!) Great job 5th graders!

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More Information for Parents More Information for Parents

Sea Lion Academy - Final Session for 25-26 coming soon!!!

Sea Lion Academy is gearing up to launch our SPRING session! We’re offering core remediation classes that are sure to sharpen key skills before state testing and end-of-the-year projects! We’re also pumped to offer exciting enrichment courses like Spanish+, Digital Animation, Film Production, Guitar and more! Be sure to grab a Sea Lion Academy flyer when you visit MES for Open House. Our enrollment site will open this FRIDAY, March 27th and classes will begin after Spring Break. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to end your child year with a BRAIN BOOST before summer! Contact Program Coordinator Robyn Estela at restela@smmusd.org with specific questions about our program.


LCAP SURVEY - For all parents and 4th/5th Grade students

Calling all parents and calling all 4th and 5th grade students! California public schools are required to develop a Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). The LCAP is a comprehensive three-year plan outlining our district's primary goals, actions, anticipated outcomes, and budget allocations. As an educational partner, whether you’re a student, parent, educator, or community member, your perspective is invaluable in evaluating our LCAP.


The LCAP is a three-year plan that outlines the District's main goals, actions, outcomes, and expenditures. We have just finished year 2 and will be entering year 3 of our LCAP cycle.

Our LCAP goals serve as a guiding frame for what is needed to foster student success and readiness for college and career. We invite you to share your insights through the following questions, tailored to each LCAP goal, which include open-ended prompts. Your feedback on what is currently effective and areas for improvement is crucial for advancing our district’s progress. All questions are optional and may be left blank if you decline to answer. Your responses will remain anonymous.


The results of this year's survey will aid in the revisions of this three-year plan

Surveys are due by Monday, March 27, 2026. 4th and 5th Graders can take this from home by the due date to provide their input as well!

LINK TO SURVEY HERE!


MES Minimum Days Schedule / 12:45 Dismissal

  • Mar 26 - THIS WEEK!!!!
  • June 10
  • June 11


Wednesdays are for Wellness! Every Wednesday, students are invited to visit our STEAM Cart at recess time for hands-on activities that support creativity, problem-solving, and emotional wellness. Each activity aligns directly with the Character Counts pillar of the month — Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship — helping students practice positive character traits through fun, engaging activities. These activities take place either outside at the STEAM Cart or if you don't see us outside - inside the Wellness Center!


Boys & Girls Club

Boys & Girls Club of Malibu (BGCM) 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 Elementary Camp Bu Summer Camp Enrollment

Click here and see the attached flyer to learn more and enroll in our upcoming BGCM Elementary Summer Program – Camp Bu! (Flyer also shown below for your reference)

  • Available to incoming TK–5th grade. Enrollment is required to participate.

  • Where: Webster Elementary (3602 Winter Canyon Rd)

  • When:

    • June 22nd through August 7th (Monday - Friday) - Closed July 3rd for holiday

      • Incoming K-5th: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

      • Incoming TK (Half-Day Program): 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM

    • Weekly calendars highlighting our themes and featured activities will be shared in advance.


BGCM Academic Year Enrollment

Click here to learn more and enroll! BGCM is committed to providing a curriculum that will include a variety of activities geared towards fun, educational, and social experiences.

  • Available to grades TK–5th.

  • Programs include: Kindness Is Free, Manners Matter, social emotional wellness, STEM based projects, arts & crafts, cooking/gardening, and more!


Programs:

Homework Help

Looking for extra academic support for your child? BGCM provides homework help for all subjects and grade levels on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00–5:00 PM, helping students stay on track and feel confident with their schoolwork.


Wellness

BGCM Wellness Center provides no-cost mental health counseling and social support services to our school community. Click here to learn more and email wellnessinfo@bgcmalibu.org or call 310-457-0360 ext 60146 to request services for you/your child.


BGCM Long Term Disaster Recovery Services The BGCM Disaster Recovery Center in partnership with The Malibu Community Long Term Recovery Group (MCLTRG) is here to support Franklin and Palisades Fire survivors with long-term recovery services. Our dedicated Care Coordination Team is ready to assist those who qualify with:

  • Personalized recovery planning: We will collaborate to identify your most pressing current and ongoing needs, creating a recovery plan tailored to your individual situation.

  • Resource connection: We will help you access the latest available support and resources by assessing your individual needs and connecting you to available resources based on qualifying criteria.

  • Advocacy: You won't navigate this alone. By understanding community needs, we can advocate for increased financial resources for the community.

To be connected with a Care Coordinator, please email drc@bgcmalibu.org.


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.

Flyers Flyers

Flyers represent information from SMMUSD, our MES PTA and/or our Boys and Girls Club. They also include events and activities from the City of Malibu.

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Useful Resources and Links Useful Resources and Links

Past Newsletters

MES Parent Handbook

Positive Behavior and Discipline Plan

PTA Website and Store

PTA Spirit Wear "Akaway Collection"

PTA Membership

PTA Calendar

AERIES Parent Portal Tutorial

Student Services Registration Documents

Bell Schedule

Volunteering at MES: Information and Signup form

Medications at School Form Send to School Nurse Marion Mayer: mmayer@smmusd.org

Connect with Sally Wennes Connect with Sally Wennes

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Principal at Malibu Elementary

Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District


Email: swennes@smmusd.org

Website: https://ca50000164.schoolwires.net/malibues

Location: 6955 Fernhill Drive, Malibu, CA, USA
Phone: 310-457-9370
Sally Wennes
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