Whale Tales

Dear Webster Community,

We kicked off this week with one of our favorite traditions — Best on the Beach — celebrating our Leadership Legends! These students were recognized for taking initiative, leading with kindness, and setting a positive example through their everyday actions. Their leadership helps shape our school culture in the best ways, and we are so proud of them! 👏

We were also thrilled to welcome two new faces to the Webster team:

• Laura Collin, who joins us as the long-term substitute in Preschool, brings nearly 25 years of experience supporting preschool students across SMMUSD.
• Pachapor Norodom, our new temporary TK teacher is a familiar face on campus with over two decades of preschool teaching experience and deep ties to the Webster community.

Both bring a strong commitment to joyful, supportive learning environments, and we’re grateful to have them on board. It was also wonderful to welcome back Ms. Neci to our kitchen this week! Her warmth and dedication always make a difference, and we’re so grateful to have her on campus whenever we can.

A big thank you to our 5th grade families who joined the Yosemite Information Session this morning! Your thoughtful questions and engagement will help ensure an unforgettable experience for our students. For those who couldn’t attend, please review the presentation and be on the lookout for an email next week with key information and deadlines — there’s a lot coming up quickly!

Looking ahead, our Student Leadership Team is ready to Spread the Love with a full week of kindness and connection! They’ve planned and organized this spirit week from start to finish — a wonderful example of student voice and ownership in action. We’re excited for a week full of heart and positivity.

WEBSTER WEAR 🐳
Second grade keeps the streak alive! Congratulations to Ms. Stark's class for taking the Webster Wear crown this week. The title stays in 2nd grade — way to go, Whales! 🐳💙

🔔 Important Reminders

• Report Cards: Please review your student’s report card together, sign the envelope, and return it to your student’s teacher next week. Need help understanding the report card? See the explanation below.

• Return Status Form: Please complete the Return Status Form by Friday, March 6 to let us know if your child will be returning to Webster next school year. One form per child (Preschool–4th grade).

• Jog-A-Thon T-Shirt Design Contest: Submissions are due Monday, February 9th — encourage your student to design this year’s tee!

• Spread the Love Spirit Week: Check out the themed days below and join us in celebrating kindness all week long! 💖

• Sustainable Book Fair: Happening next week, Feb. 11–13 during lunch. Gently used books, games, puzzles, and Webster Wear for $1 — plus bookmark decorating! More info below.

• Talent Show Rehearsals: All performers must attend rehearsals on Feb. 9 & 19 and the final dress rehearsal on Feb. 24. See below for full details.

• New Whale Families (2026–27): Please help us spread the word about Webster! Encourage prospective families to sign up for a tour on our website or click HERE.

• Malibu Middle School Transition: 5th grade families are encouraged to attend upcoming MMS transition events. See below for details.

• Math Club Field Day: Our annual event is coming up on Friday, March 13 — a morning full of math challenges, games, and fun (plus pizza!). Volunteers and donations needed.

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

• Visitor Management: Please bring your ID to check in and remember to sign out when you leave campus.

📅 Save the Dates

📌 February 16: No School (President's Day Observance)

📌 February 19: Talent Show Rehearsal

📌 February 19: School Tour

📌 February 24: Talent Show FINAL Dress Rehearsal

📌 February 27: Talent Show

📌 March 4: MMS Student Presentation & School Tour

📌 March 13: Math Field Day

📌 March 17: Pepperdine Science Night

📌 March 20: Jog-a-Thon

📌 March 26: Open House

Wishing you all a restful weekend - whether you're cheering on your team during the Super Bowl, tuning in for the start of the Winter Olympics, or simply enjoying time in the sun!

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!

We’re so excited to welcome Ms. Pachapor Norodom as the TK temporary teacher for the remainder of the year (unless Ms. Papale returns from her leave). Pachapor is no stranger to our Webster family—she’s been a dedicated part of the SMMUSD preschool program for over 20 years and has spent the last three years on the Webster campus in a collaborative preschool setting.

Pachapor holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with an Elementary focus, an ECE credential, and is also the proud parent of a 6-year-old. Her deep understanding of early learners, combined with her warm and collaborative spirit, makes her a wonderful addition to our transitional kindergarten team.

She shared, “I can’t wait to be back at Webster. I miss the kindness and closeness — we help each other during the good times and the challenging times. We are a family. I’m very excited about this new role and to partner closely with Maryam to support your children.”

Please join us in welcoming her back to Webster 🐳

We’re thrilled to welcome Ms. Laura Collin to the Webster community! Laura will serve as the long-term substitute in our preschool class while Mrs. Fuentes is on leave.

Laura brings nearly 25 years of experience as a special education preschool teacher in SMMUSD. Though she retired a year and a half ago, her love for children brought her back to the classroom—this marks her second long-term assignment since retirement! Known for her warm, inclusive approach and high standards for student growth, Laura is dedicated to creating a joyful and emotionally safe learning environment.

Laura shared, “I am excited to join the Webster team and feel honored to work with your children.”

Please join us in giving her a warm Whale welcome! 🐳

In partnership with Student Leadership, we’re excited to kick off Spread the Love Week from February 9th – 13th — a fun, spirit-filled celebration of kindness, community, and connection. Each day features a themed dress-up opportunity and meaningful activities, including:

• 💖 Show Love Day + Gratitude Wall

• 🤝 Dynamic Duos Day

• 🎨 Cupids Color Day + Fill a Bucket Day

• 😄 Inside Out Day

• 🧸 Cozy Cupid Day + Love Duck Scavenger Hunt

Valentine Grams will be sold during recess throughout the week.
We can’t wait to see our Whales celebrate together — because kindness is always cool!

Wondering how to interpret the marks on your student’s report card? SMMUSD uses California State Standards to assess progress in English language arts, math, and other academic subjects — as well as important skills like work habits and citizenship.

Rather than grading each individual standard, students are assessed on clusters of standards using a 1–4 scale:
4 = Mastery by end of year
3 = Approaching mastery
2 = Making some progress
1 = Minimal progress

It’s common for students to be working toward mastery in the winter; the goal is to reach “4” by the end of the year. You may also see N/A or a blank if certain skills haven’t yet been taught.

📬 What to do next:
Please review the report card with your student, sign the report card envelope, and return it to your student’s teacher next week.

📝 Want to learn more?
Your student’s teacher comments will offer helpful context, and you can also check out the National PTA’s grade-level guides for additional insights.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your student’s teacher!

This week, we proudly continued our Webster tradition — Best on the Beach — celebrating students who embody the character traits that define The Webster Way.

For January, we honored our Leadership Legends — students who lead with courage, kindness, and responsibility. These Whales consistently set a positive example, take initiative, and uplift others through their words and actions. Each honoree received a certificate and a newly designed Best on the Beach patch to add to their Webster collection.

🎉 Congratulations to Our Leadership Legends:

• Teddy Talbot (nominated by Ms. Maryam) — Teddy takes initiative and brings a positive attitude every day. He quietly leads by example through responsibility and kindness.

• Thomas Vanderbilt (nominated by Ms. Diana) — Thomas is brave, just, and kind — a student who stands up for others and does the right thing, even when no one is watching.

• Hank Gardner (nominated by Ms. Kathy) — Hank helps lead lunch with a smile, stepping up to serve classmates without being asked — always putting others first.

• Leo Harandi (nominated by Ms. London) — Leo leads through quiet consistency, effort, and respect, showing integrity in all he does.

• Eleanor Dempsey (nominated by Mr. Blake) — Eleanor is a kind and reliable helper who goes out of her way to support both classmates and staff with a generous spirit.

We are grateful to the families who joined us to celebrate these incredible students. Please join us in giving a round of applause to our Leadership Legends! 👏✨

🎽 Logo Design Contest

Calling all creative Webster Whales! Students are invited to submit a design for this year’s Jog-A-Thon t-shirt. The winning design will be featured on shirts worn by the whole school!

📅 Deadline: Monday, February 9 — It’s a quick turnaround so we can get shirts printed in time for the big day!

🤝 Sponsorship Opportunities
We’re also seeking local businesses and community members to sponsor this exciting event. Sponsorships start at $500 and help us make the Jog-A-Thon a memorable experience for all.
💌 Interested? Contact Emily Gardner at emily.jp.gardner@gmail.com

Get ready for Webster’s annual Sustainable Book Fair! This fun, eco-friendly event offers our students a chance to discover new books and games for just $1 each. During lunch each day of the fair, students will be invited to:

• Shop a wide variety of books – including graphic novels, board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books, and nonfiction.

• Browse puzzles and board games – plenty of family-friendly games to choose from.

• Find secondhand Webster Wear – gently used Webster spirit wear and apparel.

• Decorate bookmarks – a creative activity to make reading even more fun.

All items are only $1, making it easy for kids to pick up new treasures without breaking the piggy bank!

TEACHERS: You’re invited to stop by and pick out free books for your classrooms. We have a great selection of picture books, children’s nonfiction, chapter books, and early readers – perfect for enhancing your class library at no cost.

PARENTS: We encourage you to come shop during the fair hours alongside your kids. If you have younger children, there will be a wonderful selection of board books available for your little readers, too. Your presence makes the event even more special, and it’s a great opportunity to stock up on stories the whole family will love.

Join us in celebrating reading and sustainability at Webster’s Sustainable Book Fair. We hope to see you there! Let’s help great books find new homes and inspire our students to love reading.

Calling all Webster Whales — it’s time to shine! ⭐ Our 2026 Talent Show is coming up, and we can’t wait to celebrate the amazing talents in our community.

This year, 27 acts featuring students from TK–5th grade auditioned with talent ranging from dancing and singing to magic and DJ-ing. It’s going to be a fantastic show filled with creativity, courage, and fun!

📅 Important Dates for Performers:
All participating students must attend all rehearsals:

• February 9 & 19 – Rehearsals

• February 24 – Final Dress Rehearsal

We’re so proud of all our performers and can’t wait to see our Webster stars light up the stage! ✨🐳

Parents of incoming 6th graders are invited to a special “5th to 6th” Parent Event hosted by Malibu Middle School. This informative morning is designed to help families better understand the transition to middle school and what life looks like as an MMS student.

📅 Wednesday, February 11
📍 Malibu Middle School — Parent Conference Room

What to Expect:

• 9:30 AM Presentation with Principal Schellenberg, Counselor Whitehouse, and additional MMS staff, sharing insights on academics, student support, and the middle school experience

• 10:30 AM School Tour led by MMS ASB students, offering a student perspective on campus life

This is a great opportunity to ask questions, hear directly from school leadership, and help your child feel confident and excited about the transition ahead. We hope to see our 5th grade families there as you prepare for this exciting next chapter!

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we need your help confirming student enrollment for 2026-2027. Please complete the Return Status form (click HERE) by Friday, March 6, 2026.

✅ One form per student currently enrolled in Preschool through 4th grade
🗓 First day of school: Thursday, August 20, 2026

Your timely response helps us plan for staffing and class placements. We appreciate your partnership in preparing for a great year ahead!

We’re excited to share that our Webster Pollinator Garden team has officially merged with the Santa Monica Mountains Fund, forming a unified team committed to urban greening and environmental education. The Webster Butterfly Garden remains a top priority, with planting scheduled for April!

They've loved working with students in the garden so far and hope your family has enjoyed the take-home activities we’ve sent home. Big thanks to Nicole, Talisa, and Aubrey for their continued partnership and passion. Learn more about their work at samofund.org.

🌸 Wildfire Café Invitation

The Santa Monica Mountains Fire Safe Council invites families to a Wildfire Café, a safe, welcoming space to connect, reflect, and heal—one year after the 2025 fires. These community-centered gatherings, modeled after Climate Cafés, are not lectures or action sessions. They’re spaces for listening, reflection, and emotional support.

📍 In-Person Café: February 7 | 10 AM–1 PM @ The Getty Villa
Light refreshments and complimentary parking provided. Guests are welcome to enjoy the museum and gardens after.

These free events are open to all ages and anyone impacted by wildfire or ecological change.

👉 RSVP and learn more here

Mr. K will be hosting our Math Club Field Day on Friday, March 13 for current 4th and 5th grade Math Club participants. This beloved end-of-year tradition is packed with brain-teasing math challenges, fun games, and community building — plus breakfast treats and a pizza lunch!

Event Schedule

• 8:30–8:45 AM: Breakfast

• 8:45–11:30 AM: Olympian Math Challenge activities

• 11:30 AM: Group photo & pizza lunch

We are also looking for parent volunteers to help with setup, activities, lunch, and cleanup, as well as optional $25 donations (Zelle: websterptamalibu@gmail.com or cash/check to Webster PTA) to support Math Club T-shirts. Families are welcome to volunteer for any portion of the morning, and we’re also seeking a 4th grade parent co-chair to help lead next year’s event.

👉 Sign up to volunteer here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E044DACA62AA5FF2-61681081-math

This event wraps up Math Club for the year and is always a student favorite — thank you for supporting our young mathematicians!

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 April Montes (amontes@smmusd.org) and Stephanie Martinez (s.martinez@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 Stephanie Martinez (s.martinez@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.

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.

Support looks different for every family — and every bit counts.
Each dollar you give helps fund the people and programs that make Malibu public schools exceptional: from classroom aides and arts instruction to academic support and athletics

.

While the community ask is $750 per student, every contribution, at any level, makes a meaningful impact.

Your generosity directly benefits all four Malibu schools and enhances the work of each school’s PTA — ensuring every student receives the enriching education they deserve.

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 exceptional customer service and impactful after-school programs, BGCM focuses on academic success, character development, and health and wellness—catering to the unique needs of Malibu’s youth and strengthening our school community.

📚 Academic Year Enrollment

BGCM Academic Year Enrollment is live and open to grades TK–5th! BGCM is committed to providing a curriculum full of fun, educational, and social experiences.

• Programs include: Kindness Is Free, Manners Matter, social-emotional wellness, STEM-based projects, arts & crafts, cooking/gardening, and more!
• 👉 Click here to learn more and enroll at bgcmalibu.org

📝 Homework Help

Looking for extra academic support for your child? BGCM provides homework help for all subjects and grade levels on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3:00–5:00 PM. This support helps students stay on track, build confidence, and develop strong study habits.

💛 Wellness Center & Social Support

BGCM’s Wellness Center provides no-cost mental health counseling and social support services to our school community.

• 👉 Learn more: BGCM Wellness Center
• 📧 Request services: wellnessinfo@bgcmalibu.org
• 📞 Call: 310-457-0360 ext. 60146

🌟 Disaster Recovery Services

The BGCM Disaster Recovery Center, in partnership with the Malibu Community Long Term Recovery Group (MCLTRG), continues to support Franklin and Palisades Fire survivors with long-term recovery services. Families who qualify can receive support including:

• Personalized recovery planning to identify urgent and long-term needs

• Resource connection to access available support based on qualifying criteria

• Advocacy to strengthen community-wide recovery efforts and increase financial resources

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

The City of Malibu is offering a variety of fun, hands-on winter afterschool enrichment programs for students in grades TK–5 and we’re excited to share these opportunities with our Webster families! Students can stay active, curious, and creative with engaging programs that blend learning, movement, and exploration, including:

• Ultimate Sports ⚽ – build teamwork, skills, and confidence through active play

• Save Our Oceans 🌊 – explore ocean conservation and environmental stewardship

• Wildlife Biology 🦋 – discover animals, habitats, and the natural world

Programs run January–March, meet after school (3:00–4:00 PM), and are designed to support enrichment in a fun, supportive environment.

🎨 Special Event: Pokémon Art Academy Workshop
Students won’t want to miss this creative workshop where they’ll learn to draw favorite Pokémon characters like Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, while creating Poké Balls, trading cards, Shrinky Dinks, and more using watercolor, clay, and pastels.

• 📍 Webster Elementary

• 🗓 Wednesday, March 25

• 🕒 3:00–4:30 PM

• 💲 $25 per workshop (FREE for BGCM members)

📌 Registration & Info
All programs are run by the City of Malibu and require advance registration.
👉 Register at MalibuCity.org/Register
📞 Questions? Call 310-317-1364

Registration is now open for Malibu Little League Spring 2026 Baseball! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to build skills, teamwork, and confidence in a fun, structured environment. The season runs from late February through early June, with games primarily at Bluffs Park and practices beginning in mid-February.

👉 Register here: https://www.malibulittleleague.org/Default.aspx?tabid=2769357

To help spread the word, students will be going home with flyers when we return to school in January. Spots are limited, so be sure to check out the details and register early if your child is interested!

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