Whale Tales

Dear Webster Community,

It has been a truly magical week at Malibu Elementary School, where our Webster family has come together in the most extraordinary way. Despite the challenges and uncertainty, we were able to welcome students back for in-person learning with joy and connection.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK

• A Warm Welcome from MES: This week has been an incredible adventure as we transitioned to a new campus. I am deeply grateful for the seamless support and warm hospitality from the MES students and staff. The joy on our students’ faces was truly unforgettable, and this week will always hold a special place in our hearts, no matter what lies ahead.

• Thanking Our Brave Firefighters: We had the privilege of personally thanking our local firefighters for their heroic efforts to save our school. Students presented them with heartfelt, handwritten cards, and the moment was filled with enormous gratitude for their courage and dedication. It was truly special to express our appreciation directly to these heroes.

RESTORATION UPDATES

• I completed a walkthrough this week with the team responsible for the cleaning and restoration process at Webster.

• We remain hopeful for a January 6th return to Webster, even if some spaces may not yet be ready.

• As the cleaning process progresses, we will have a more realistic determination of whether this goal can be met. We will keep you updated and share a definitive timeline as soon as it is available.

• Classrooms, HVAC systems, and electronics will be cleaned to the highest industry standards to ensure a safe and ready environment for students and staff. The health and safety of our students and staff remain the highest priority throughout to restoration process.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Winter Break: School will be closed from Saturday, December 21st through Sunday, January 5th.

• Whale Tales: This will be the final edition until Friday, January 10th.

• Download the Parent Square app to stay connected and informed.

SAVE THE DATE

• Picture Day: January 15th

• Class Photos: January 16th

• Kindergarten/New Family Round-Up: January 23rd

• No School: January 20th (Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday)

• Holiday Show: TBD

As we approach the new year, it’s a time to reflect on fresh starts and new opportunities. I am filled with gratitude for this incredible community and deeply moved by the resilience and care we have shared during this challenging time. Malibu and Webster are truly one-of-a-kind, and I am here to provide resources, offer a listening ear, and support you in any way I can.

We will keep you informed every step of the way. Once plans for the first week after Winter Break are finalized, we will share them with you immediately.

Wishing you all a joyful and restful holiday season filled with cherished moments with loved ones. May the new year bring health, happiness, and continued resilience as we move forward together. Thank you for your ongoing patience, flexibility, and support as we navigate these next steps.

Together, we will get through this. 🫶

Carina Diana

Principal

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 in upcoming newsletters.

Thank you for helping us celebrate our school community!

Many Webster families are facing challenges restocking their refrigerators after power outages caused by the Franklin Fire. To assist, we are requesting Ralphs gift cards, as they are the most convenient option for families near Webster. Any amount is greatly appreciated!

Gift Card Drop-Off Locations:

• Malibu Elementary School: 6955 Fernhill Dr., Malibu | (310) 457-9370
• Malibu Middle School: 30215 Morning View Dr., Malibu | (310) 457-6801
• Malibu High School: 30215 Morning View Dr., Malibu | (310) 457-6801
• Malibu Boys & Girls Club (on each campus)
• SMMUSD District Office: 1717 4th St., Santa Monica

If your family is in need of this assistance, please reach out to Principal Diana directly for support.

Your generosity means so much to our families as they recover from this challenging time.

We’re excited to announce that the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) is transitioning its communication system to Parent Square, powered by Aeries, starting January 1, 2025. This new platform will replace the current Finalsite (formerly Blackboard) Connect system.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• No Action Required: Parents, guardians, and staff do not need to take any steps to accept this change.
• Features: Parent Square provides emails, voice messages, text messages, teacher emails, and even social media posting options.
• Data Privacy: Parent Square is an Aeries partner, ensuring a smooth transition and secure handling of student information.
• Opting Out: We recommend not opting out of emails, as doing so will unsubscribe you from all communication, including vital updates from both the school and the District.

TIPS FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION:

• Download the Mobile App: Download the Parent Square app from your app store to stay connected and fully engage with the platform. The app allows you to customize preferences and manage notifications easily.
• Check Your Spam/Junk Folder: If you’re not receiving emails after January 1, 2025, check your spam or junk folder. If you still don’t see them, contact your school office to verify your contact information.
• Set Preferences: Through the Parent Square app, you can adjust how and when you receive messages to suit your needs.

If you have questions or comments about Parent Square, please submit them through Let’s Talk under "General Comments."

A HUGE thank you to our amazing Room Sponsors for helping make Webster sparkle with festive cheer! Your generous donations not only deck the halls but also provide vital support for our classrooms—funding extra supplies, field trips, and more.

This season, we’re transforming our windows and hallways into a magical holiday scene upon our return to Webster, thanks to the support of families like:

• Ms. Harris’s Class – Sponsored by the Bell Family
• Mrs. Berman’s Class – Sponsored by the El Sawy Family

Want to join the magic? Sponsor a room and help us create beautiful spaces for our students this holiday season and beyond. Sponsorships are still available for the rooms below:

• Room 3: Dux
• Room 8: Stark
• Room 9: Murdock
• Room 11: Fuentes-Pineda/Norodom
• Room 12: Papale
• Room 14: Art Studio
• Room 15: Morris
• Room 16: Cooper
• Room 17: Kisskalt
• Room 19: London
• Room 20: Johnson
• Other Rooms / Areas: Garden, Kitchen, Library, Teacher & Staff Lounge, STEAM Lab, Speech Room, OT Room, Computer Lab, Music, Lunch Patio, PE/Field, Teacher Workroom, Front Office, and Nurses Office.

To sponsor a room, click here, drop off a check in the front office, or send your donation via Zelle to websterptamalibu@gmail.com (please include a note with the classroom you wish to sponsor).

Thank you for helping us create a magical experience for our students and staff! 🎁

The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu (BGCM) continues to support our community during this challenging time, providing a safe, fun, and creative environment for Malibu youth.

Franklin Fire Response
In response to the Franklin Fire, the BGCM Wellness Center is offering free counseling, case management, and resource referrals to those in need. If you or someone you know requires support, please complete the Franklin Fire Services Intake Form:

• English Form
• Spanish Form

For questions or concerns, contact the Wellness Center at (310) 457-6801 ext. 74141 or email wellnessinfo@bgcmalibu.org.

Wellness Center & Social Support
The BGCM Wellness Center provides no-cost social support and mental health counseling, available both in-person and remotely. There is currently no waitlist for services. To learn more or request support, visit BGCM Wellness Center.

Holiday Closure & Winter Hours

• BGCM Closed: December 23 – January 1, 2025
• BGCM Open: January 2 & 3, 2025 (Teen Center) | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Registration Required by December 19th. Register Here.

General inquiries:

• Call: (310) 457-1400 (Admin) or (310) 241-3675 (Programs)
• Email: info@bgcmalibu.org
• Subscribe to the BGCM E-Newsletter for updates on news and events.

Together, we’ll navigate these challenges with strength and care.

Looking for a way to give back to Malibu schools this holiday season? The Malibu Education Foundation (MEF) has a fantastic opportunity for you to make an impact:

🎪 Cirque du Soleil KOOZA
Experience the magic of Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA while supporting MEF!

• 🎟 Save up to 20% on select seats and dates. Get Tickets Here.
• 💝 A portion of every ticket sale benefits Malibu public schools.
• For VIP packages or groups of 10+, email Sarah.Hudson@cirquedusoleil.com for exclusive offers. Mention Malibu Education Foundation for added savings!

Your participation directly supports Malibu schools. Together, we make a difference!

Experience the magic of the season at Holiday Road! This larger-than-life holiday display at King Gillette Ranch features thousands of twinkling lights, countless candy canes, and all your favorite holiday cheer. The Holiday Road experience runs through December 28, offering an unforgettable evening of memory-making fun.

Now, you can support Webster while celebrating the season! Ten percent of all tickets purchased through THIS LINK or using the promo code WEBSTER24 will be donated back to our school.

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