Whale Tales

Dear Webster Community,

What an incredibly spooktacular way to end the week at Webster! 👻 The creativity, energy, and joy across campus were contagious — from clever costumes to smiles and dance moves on the yard. It was wonderful to see students, staff, and families from all generations join in on the fun. A big shoutout to Gus and Joel, our resident DJs, for keeping spirits high with the perfect mix of music and laughter throughout the day! 🎶

Our Boo Grams were also a big hit — it was heartwarming to see so many students sending kind notes to their friends and staff for Halloween. Our Student Leadership team showed incredible responsibility running daily lunchtime sales, with guidance from Ms. Johnson and Mr. K. I can’t wait to see what this amazing group of young leaders does next! 💬🎃

We also held our first School Site Council (SSC) meeting of the year, where members reviewed, revised, and approved both the Family Engagement Policy and School-Parent Compact — linked in the SSC section below. I’m grateful for the thoughtful collaboration and commitment of our SSC members as they help guide Webster’s Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) with community input.

A huge thank you as well to our Kindergarten and 1st Grade families for supporting this week’s Bake Sale fundraiser! 🍪 Our young bakers raised an impressive $400 to support endangered wildlife, with the ultimate goal of helping fund Brooks Kamanakao’s, Director of African Programs for The Botswana Project, return visit to Webster.

As we look ahead to next week’s Parent-Teacher Conferences, please review the reminders below to help the week run smoothly.

🔔 Important Reminders

• Daylight Saving Time Ends: Turn your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 2nd ⏰

• Pupil Free Day: Tuesday, November 5th (no school for students)

• Parent-Teacher Conference Week: Schedule meetings with your child’s teacher to discuss progress and goals. Conferences will take place all week, with minimum days on Monday and Wednesday–Friday to allow for these important conversations.

• California School Parent Survey (2025–26): Your feedback matters! The survey is open November 3–25 and takes about 10–15 minutes. It’s anonymous, and staff will receive their survey link next week.

• Pod Power Problems: This week’s family math challenge is live — have fun solving together!

• Visitor Management: Bring your ID to check in at the office and sign out when you leave.

📅 Save the Dates

📌 November 11: Veterans Day

📌 November 19–21: Malibu Village Book Fair

📌 November 20: Webster Wildlife Wonderland Learning Expo (K–1 families)

📌 November 21: Best on the Beach Assembly

📌 November 26–28: Thanksgiving Break

Finally, thank you to our frightfully fantastic Webster staff — different jerseys, one squad! 🐳 From the soccer field to the basketball court, our spirited team brought their A-game this Halloween week.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

GO WHALES!!

Warmly,
Carina Diana

Check out these wonderful moments featuring our incredible students, staff, and parents! If you have a photo that you’d like to share, please send it to Principal Diana—we’d love to include it on our social media or upcoming newsletters.

Thank you for helping us celebrate our school community!

What a spooktacular time we had celebrating Halloween at Webster! Our entire community came together for an unforgettable day full of creativity and festive spirit. A special thank you to the PTA for organizing an unboolievable Trunk or Treat, complete with impressively decorated cars and creative costumes. The tunnel walk and dance party on the lawn added even more fun, with students smiling from ear to ear and soaking in every moment. It was a day filled with laughter, joy, excitement, and cherished memories that will be remembered fondly by all!

We’re proud to introduce this year’s School Site Council (SSC) — a dedicated team of staff and community representatives working together to ensure that Webster’s goals, resources, and programs align with our students’ needs and our shared vision for excellence. The SSC plays a vital role in developing Webster’s Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA). Throughout the year, the council will review data, assess progress, and help allocate resources to best support student success.

Our staff representatives are:

1. Carina Diana
2. Wendy Berman Baker
3. Kristina London
4. Kelly Morris
5. April Montes

Our community representatives are:

1. Nora Cohen
2. Christina Diament
3. Vicky Farrell
4. Marni Kamins
5. Chad Peters

At our first meeting of the year, the council reviewed and discussed the Family Engagement Policy and the School–Parent Compact — two important documents that outline how Webster and families partner to support student learning and growth. These documents were originally shared during the AERIES Data Confirmation process and have now been revised and approved by the council. View the updated versions by clicking HERE.

Dear Parents/Guardians:

We need your input! SMMUSD is conducting the California School Parent Survey for 2025-2026 to gather your valuable thoughts about our school. Your feedback will guide our efforts to promote a safe environment, improve learning supports, and boost student achievement. The survey takes only 10-15 minutes and is open from November 3 to November 25.

Why Your Participation Matters:

• Your opinions provide vital insights into school safety and student success.
• The survey is anonymous and designed to protect your privacy.
• Completing it helps shape positive changes in our school community.

Important Details:

• You only need to complete one survey, even if you have multiple children at Webster. Please use your oldest child as a reference.
• The survey is accessible in 18 languages.

How to Take the Survey: Access the survey directly at: Webster Parent Survey.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the school office. We greatly appreciate your time and input in helping us create the best possible learning environment for our students.

Thank you for your participation!

Thank you to everyone who has already shared or completed the Multilingual Learner Family Survey! To ensure all families have the chance to participate, the survey window has been extended through Monday, November 4. Every response helps the district better understand and support the needs of our multilingual students.

👉 Take the survey here: CLICK HERE

Thank you for your partnership and for helping ensure every family’s voice is heard!

Beginning November 3, 2025, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District will implement a new “Away for the Day” policy to support student learning, focus, and well-being. This means that during the school day, students must keep all personal mobile communication devices turned off and put away.

• 📵 Elementary (K–5): Devices must be turned off and stored in backpacks.

• 📵 Middle School (6–8): Devices must be turned off and placed in secure pouches.

• 📵 High School (9–12): Devices must be turned off during instructional time, with limited exceptions (e.g., emergencies, medical needs, or with staff permission).

This districtwide effort is designed to minimize distractions, protect student privacy, and create more connected learning environments for all students.

Parents and guardians can now access their child’s CAASPP, ELPAC, and Star Renaissance score reports directly through the Aeries Parent Portal. Please note that hard copy reports are not mailed home.

✅ How to Access

• Parent Portal Login

• Step-by-Step Guide: Locating Test Scores in Aeries

🎥 Helpful Videos:

• How Parents Access the Portal

These resources walk you through exactly how to view your child’s score reports, so you’ll always have the latest information on their progress.

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.

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.

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 and Kim Rivetti (Interim Register) at krivetti@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.

Every dollar given funds the people and programs that make Malibu public schools thrive — from classroom aides and arts programs to athletics and academic support. Our community ask is $750 per student, but every contribution, at any level, makes a meaningful difference.

Your generosity helps fund essential programs across all four Malibu schools and complements the important work of each school’s PTA.

The 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 after-school programs, social-emotional learning, and wellness services, BGCM helps ensure every child feels safe, supported, and connected. Here’s what’s happening:

📚 Academic Year Enrollment is LIVE!

• Dates: August 21 – June 11

• Grades: TK–5th

• Programs include: Kindness Is Free, Manners Matter, social-emotional wellness, STEM projects, arts & crafts, cooking/gardening, and more!
  👉 Enroll today at bgcmalibu.org.

🛹 NEW! Johnny Strange Legacy Inspire Skate Program
Join us for action-packed skateboarding sessions designed to build skills, confidence, and community through athletics, education, and creative skate activities!

• When: Mondays, 4:30–5:30 PM

• Dates: November 3, 10, 17, and 24

• Who: 3rd–5th graders (max. 5 participants per session)

• Where: BGCM Teen Center

• Cost: $100 per 4-week session

Skaters are encouraged to bring their own skateboard, helmet, and safety gear, but BGCM has equipment available to borrow if needed.
👉 To register or learn more, email stephengreene@bgcmalibu.org.

💛 Wellness Center & Social Support
BGCM provides no-cost mental health counseling and social support services both remotely and in-person for students and families.
👉 Learn more or request services here: bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center.

🌟 Disaster Recovery Services
The BGCM Disaster Recovery Center continues to support Palisades Fire survivors with long-term recovery services by appointment only. Our Care Coordination Team is here to partner with families every step of the way to ensure no one navigates this journey alone.

Support includes:

• One-on-one guidance: You’ll be paired with a dedicated Care Coordinator.

• Personalized recovery planning: Together, we’ll identify what you need most now and in the future.

• Resource connection: We’ll help you access the latest available support.

• Advocacy: We’re here to make sure you’re supported at every stage.

• 👉 To schedule, email drc@bgcmalibu.org (expect a response within 2–5 business days).

🏃 Run Malibu Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Race
On November 15th and 16th, wellness, community, and endurance come together at Run Malibu! Runners of all levels will be treated to stunning views along the Pacific Coast Highway. Highlights include:

• The Dolphin Dash Kids Race at California State University Channel Islands campus

• The traditional Half Marathon & 5K along the PCH
  👉 Learn more and register at www.runmalibu.com.

The City of Malibu is offering a fun and creative afterschool opportunity for Webster students in TK–5th grade! Art & Yoga Afterschool Workshop combines artistic expression with the physical and mental benefits of yoga. Students will explore their creativity, improve flexibility, and nurture their artistic talents in a calm and supportive space.

📍 Webster Elementary
📅 Tuesday, November 18
⏰ 3:00–4:30 PM
💲 $25

Yoga mats will be provided, and the workshop will be led by Little Fox Yoga.

👉 Register at MalibuCity.org/Register or call 310.317.1364.

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!

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