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Sea Lion Spotlight

Malibu Elementary Parent Newsletter #16- November 24, 2025

Sea Lion SpotlightMalibu Elementary Parent Newsletter #16- November 24,2025

Table of Contents

  1. Principal's Wave
  2. Update from the Library for December
  3. Calendar of Events
  4. Important Information and Dates
  5. Photo Highlights
  6. More Information for Parents
  7. Useful Resources & Links

Principal's Wave Principal's Wave

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Happy November MES families,


As we move through this season of gratitude, we’re taking time to help our students notice and appreciate the little things that make each day brighter—kind friends, helpful teachers, and special moments of learning and play. Practicing thankfulness helps children build resilience, empathy, and a positive outlook. We encourage families to share those small “thankful moments” at home, too. Even a quick conversation in the car or at bedtime can help children recognize the good around them and spread that positivity to others.


Let's keep that season of gratitude going far beyond the Thanksgiving holiday! We have so much to be thankful for! Wishing you all a wonderful holiday this week, filled with wonderful memories to come! Know that I am thankful for all of YOU!


Ms. Sally Wennes

Principal

Update from the Library for December Update from the Library for December

Dear MES Families,


This is your reminder that all library books are due by Friday, December 12th. If you think your student may have lost a library book, please email me at glabrador@smmusd.org. Instructions on how to resolve lost or damaged books will be sent to you via email, so please keep an eye out for library notices.


If your student's library books are not returned by Friday, December 12th, they will be marked as OVERDUE and serve as a hold on further check outs. All books must be returned or resolved before check outs can resume in the new year.


Thank you and Happy Holidays!


Ms. Labrador

Calendar of Events Calendar of Events

NOVEMBER

  • 11/26-11/28 - No School (Thanksgiving Holiday)

DECEMBER

  • 12/3 - 5th Grade Parent Meeting with MMS @ 2pm in cafeteria
  • 12/4 - School Site Council
  • 12/5 - Volunteer Training via Zoom - LINK HERE
  • 12/12 - 5th Grade Music Informance @ 9:15am - parents invited
  • 12/12 - Pajama Dress Up Day
  • 12/17 - 4th Grade Music Informance @ 8:40am parents invited
  • 12/19 - MES Holiday Program
    • 8:30-10:00 - TK-2nd Grade Performance
    • 10:15-11:45 - 3rd-5th Grade Performance
  • 12/22-1/2 - Winter Break! ENJOY!

Important Information & Dates Important Information & Dates

25-26 Academic Calendar

25-26 PTA Calendar


NOW: Annual Parent Data Confirmation Open in Aeries (Parents affirm their data). It's important that this gets done every year for every student! Thank you!

Photo Highlights Photo Highlights

Students recognized by the Optimist Club during a wonderful breakfast recognition!

5th Graders in Mrs. Kooy's class presented "Munchkin Mediation" play last week.

BINGO Night was a HUGE success - thank you to everyone!


THANK YOU to our students and parents for all your help and support with last week's events! These events do not happen without our amazing students and volunteers!

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More Information for Parents More Information for Parents

California Healthy Kid Survey - PARENT PORTION - Whenever we do a healthy kid survey, there is an opportunity for parent input as well on the nature and extent of parent involvement in your child's education. You can access the link HERE through Nov. 26th. THANK YOU in advance!


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! One of our photos this week is from an Art Cart activity on Wednesday!


MES WEBSITE CHANGE - Our new school website is now live! You can access it at https://malibues.smmusd.org. Please make any adjustments you have in your own bookmarks! If you have some great horizontal photos that are of high quality, please send those to Ms. Wennes! We may be able to include them in our banner on the new site!


Zoe's Lunchtime Theater

The next lunchtime production starts rehearsals this coming week, and the show will be in January. It's titled "The Land of Sweets Ballet" and the show is planned for January 23rd. This is open to interested students in grades 1st-3rd and rehearsals take place during student lunchtime recess.


PTA News/Events:

We have two exciting things going on in November and flyers are at the end of this communication.


  • We Need You on the PTA Team! 💙Joining the PTA doesn’t mean donating more money or committing to volunteer hours — and you never have to attend a meeting unless you want to. But your membership alone strengthens our school, supports our teachers, and gives you a voice in the decisions that shape MES.Every family that joins helps us do more for our kids. 👉Join the PTA: https://jointotem.com/dashboard/memberships/244d6807-8eb9-4cd5-8143-eea2452b9720

  • Holiday Road at King Gillette Ranch is back (Nov. 29-Dec. 28) — an immersive holiday light experience perfect for families! When you purchase tickets using our PTA/PTSA link, 10% of all sales goes directly back to our schools. Use this LINK to support!

    There is also a special VOUCHER available (4 VIP tickets, valid any night during the 2025 season). If you have a voucher, please email HG@HOLIDAYROADUSA.COM and include your preferred date of attendance. Thank you for supporting our schools during this festive season!


Malibu Education Foundation - Holiday Tree Lot on November 28th!

This year, MHS students will help lead operations as part of a hands-on leadership, business, and philanthropy experience.

We encourage families to:

  • Buy your tree at the MEF Tree Lot if you are purchasing a tree this year.

  • Volunteer at the lot — opportunities are available for students in grades 4–12, as well as parents and community members. Sign up HERE.

  • Join Community Night on 12/12 — food trucks, music by the MHS Choir, DJ, photos with Santa, and more.

  • Stop by on 12/13 to sign Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday card and enjoy cake. Proceeds support the Van Dyke Endowment for the Arts, which helps fund arts education across all four schools.

  • Thank you for helping us make this a strong community season and a meaningful learning experience for our students. Find out more here: https://www.malibueducationfoundation.org/holiday-market-tree-lot


MES Minimum Days Schedule / 12:45 Dismissal

  • Mar 26
  • June 10
  • June 11


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 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!


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.

*Please expect to hear from someone on our team within 2-5 business days*


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.

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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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