Whale Tales

Dear Webster Community,

What a jam-packed and truly special week it’s been — one that I’ll remember for a long time. From science exploration to global connection, and new beginnings to creative celebrations, our students were immersed in incredible learning experiences both on and off campus.

One of the most moving experiences this week was watching our youngest students engage in a powerful global exchange with students from Motopi Primary School in Botswana. As part of their project-based learning unit, our K–2 Whales discovered all they had in common with their new friends — recess, school snacks, and a shared love for soccer — while also learning about the differences that make each community unique, such as school uniforms, holiday traditions, and even walking 30 minutes just to get to school. The Motopi students shared their hopes for pencils, school supplies, backpacks, and — their biggest wish — a school bus. We’re so grateful to Principal Muthupi, Brooks Kamanakao, and the students teacher Mr. Joel for making this connection possible, and to Ms. Cooper, Ms. Berman, and Ms. Stark for leading our students through such a meaningful learning journey. We were honored to have Superintendent Dr. Shelton and Malibu Pathway Director Isaac Burgess join us that morning. Thank you to the many families who have already donated large suitcases to help us deliver books and supplies back to Botswana — your generosity is making a real impact.

On the science front, I had an absolute blast tagging along with our second graders at UCLA Science Exploration Day. Whether touring quantum physics labs, watching dark matter experiments, or playing with hands-on displays exploring sound waves and static electricity, our students were wide-eyed with curiosity. The highlight? A physics show with Tesla coils and a liquid nitrogen demo that turned peanut butter into astronaut ice cream! A huge thank you to the Hudson family for organizing this phenomenal field trip, to our wonderful parent chaperones, and to Ms. Stark and Ms. Harris for making it all happen.

Our 5th graders also had an exciting milestone this week with a visit to Malibu Middle School. Principal Greg Schellenberg, Counselor Lorene Whitehouse, and Coach Daryl Adams gave students a warm welcome, while ASB students lead them on a tour and answered thoughtful questions about their transition to middle school. The visit started with lively performances by the MMS band, choir, and the talented cast of Shrek Jr.. It was heartwarming to see our students so inspired about their next steps and the new opportunities that await them.

We also hosted our 4th grade AstroCamp parent meeting this week — thank you to all who attended and asked such great questions. We’re counting down the days to this outdoor adventure, and families can expect a follow-up email with next steps soon. For our Yosemite families, a friendly reminder that the NatureBridge Participant Registration Form is due by Friday, March 13th. Please also submit field trip and medication forms to the front office as soon as possible. Moving forward, both Yosemite and AstroCamp will have their own dedicated sections in Whale Tales to help everyone stay on track with important deadlines.

And finally — huge congratulations to 4th grader Telly Hanks, winner of this year’s Jog-a-Thon T-Shirt Design Contest! Telly’s creation, “Webbie,” is a spirited whale mascot who may have a few bumps and bruises, but is always cheering us on. Each student and staff member will receive a Jog-a-Thon shirt featuring Telly’s design the morning of the event. A big thank you to Telly’s parents, Lincoln and Elizabeth, for joining us for the big surprise reveal — we’re so proud of your creativity, Telly!

🚦 SAFETY Reminder
Please help us reinforce safe drop-off procedures. The Pre-K/TK green curb loading area is designated only for families dropping off at the Pre-K/TK gate. If your student enters through the main gate (K–5), please park in the lower lot or use the main valet drop-off line. For Pre-K/TK families, please keep drop-offs quick to ensure smooth turnover. We appreciate your cooperation!

WEBSTER WEAR 🐳

Room 8 in unstoppable! Congratulations to Ms. Stark's class for keeping the Webster Wear crown once again 🐳💙

🔔 Important Reminders

• Daylight Saving Time Begins: Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour tonight (Sunday, March 8th) ⏰

• Yosemite Registration Form: All students and chaperones must complete the NatureBridge Participant Registration Form by Friday, March 13, 2026. Please have your insurance card ready — forms take about 10 minutes to complete. [English Form] | [Spanish Form]

• 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.

• Pepperdine Science Night: Join us on March 17 from 6:00–7:30 PM for a fun, hands-on evening of science with Pepperdine biology and chemistry students! See below for full details.

• 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

📌 March 17: Pepperdine Science Night | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

📌 March 19: SMC World Dance Performance (4th grade | 1:45 PM)

📌 March 20: Jog-a-Thon | 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

📌 March 26: Open House

📌 March 27: Best on the Beach Assembly (MPR | 8:30 AM)

📌 March 28 - April 12: Spring Break (ALL SMMUSD schools closed)

Wishing everyone a restful weekend!

GO WHALES!!

Warmly,
Carina Diana

This week, our K–2 students had the unique opportunity to participate in a global exchange with students from Motopi Primary School in Botswana as part of their Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit. It was a joyful and eye-opening experience as Webster students connected virtually with their peers across the globe — asking questions, learning about each other’s lives, and discovering just how much we have in common, despite the distance.

During the exchange, our students were amazed to learn that their friends in Botswana also enjoy recess, lunchtime, snacks, school, and playing soccer — experiences that felt warmly familiar. At the same time, they noticed a few big differences: Motopi students walk up to 30 minutes to get to school each day, wear school uniforms, celebrate different holidays, and enjoy different types of food.

When our Webster students asked what the Motopi students needed most, their responses were heartfelt: they shared a need for pencils, backpacks, stationery, and general school supplies — and told us their greatest wish is to one day have a school bus.

This beautiful exchange was made possible thanks to Principal Muthupi, Brooks Kamanakao, and the students teacher Mr. Joel, who helped create such a meaningful and personal experience for our youngest learners. We also want to thank Dr. Shelton, our SMMUSD Superintendent, and Isaac Burgess, Director of the Malibu Pathway, for joining us that morning to show their support and celebrate the power of global learning.

A HUGE shout-out to Ms. Cooper, Ms. Berman, and Ms. Stark for guiding our students through this experience with care and purpose. Their leadership made this connection not just possible, but powerful.

To support our friends at Motopi and help fulfill their wishes, we’re planning two upcoming efforts:
🧁 Bake Sale – Tuesday, March 10th
🎒 School Supply Drive – Details coming soon!

And we’re thrilled to share that Brooks from the Botswana School Project will be visiting Webster soon! We can’t wait for all our students to meet him in person and reconnect with our new friends in Botswana.

This experience reminds us that kindness and learning have no borders — and that we are truly a global community 💫🩵

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 thrilled to announce the winner of this year’s Jog-a-Thon T-Shirt Design Contest — 4th grader Telly Hanks! 🐳 A huge thank you to all the creative students who submitted artwork. The PTA had a very tough decision to make with so many amazing entries.

Meet Webbie — a determined, cheerful Whale who may have a few bumps and bruises, but never stops cheering on our Webster community. Telly’s playful and heartfelt design will be featured on every 2026 Jog-a-Thon shirt! This week, we surprised Telly with a mock-up of the final design, and we were so grateful to have Telly’s parents, Lincoln and Elizabeth, join us for the big reveal!

👏 We’re so proud of your creativity, Telly — your design will inspire every runner on the big day!

🎽 Each student and staff member will receive a Jog-a-Thon t-shirt the morning of the event!

Our second graders had an inspiring day of science, discovery, and hands-on learning at UCLA — all thanks to the incredible Hudson family, who generously organized and led this one-of-a-kind experience!

Students rotated in small groups and toured several interactive labs and exhibits across campus. In the Quantum Labs, they explored how artificial atoms behave in space, experimented with vacuum chambers, and investigated dark matter using tools that measure radioactive materials. One of the biggest highlights? A cryogenics demo using liquid nitrogen to turn peanut butter into astronaut-style ice cream — a science surprise that wowed everyone!

Next, students explored the UCLA Exploratorium, filled with hands-on STEM stations where they investigated light refraction, static electricity, magnetism, and sound waves through creative experiments and play. The excitement continued as they stepped into a real college lecture hall for a dynamic physics presentation. Students learned about energy, inertia, and force while watching gummy bears combust, Tesla coils light up bulbs, and other electrifying demonstrations.

We are incredibly grateful to Ms. Stark and Ms. Harris for leading their classes on this adventure, and to all the parent chaperones who helped make the day seamless and special. And once again, thank you to the Hudson family for bringing science to life in such a powerful and memorable way.

Our students returned to campus buzzing with excitement and curiosity — the kind of joy that only real-world learning can spark 🧪💫

Can you believe it’s already time to start planning for next fall? Whether you’re a returning family or new to Webster, here’s everything you need to know to secure your spot.

📌 Important for Current Families

If you have a younger sibling ready to join Webster in Fall 2026, you must complete a new enrollment — even if an older sibling already attends. Don’t delay! Early enrollment helps ensure your family stays together at Webster.

📅 Key Dates & Deadlines

✅ January 26, 2026 – AERIES Online Enrollment is now open!

👉 SMMUSD Enrollment Portal

You’ll need to upload:

• Immunization records

• Parent/guardian photo ID

• Proof of residency

• Birth certificate

Once completed, please email Stephanie Martinez (s.martinez@smmusd.org) so we can guide you through next steps.

📍February 16 – March 16 – Intradistrict Permit Window

• For students who live within SMMUSD boundaries but want to attend a school other than their assigned one

• Enroll at your assigned (home) school first

• Then apply for an intradistrict permit to attend Webster

• Apply for Intra-District Permit

📍May 15 – June 30 – Interdistrict Permit Window

• For students who live outside of SMMUSD but would like to attend Webster

• Requires a release permit from your home district

📌 Returning Interdistrict Families
Already at Webster on an interdistrict permit?
Be sure to submit your Verification of Continuing Enrollment by June 1, 2026 to remain with us next year.
👉 Click HERE to submit your Verification of Continuing Enrollment Form

📩 Permit Questions?

Please direct all permit-related questions to: permits@smmusd.org

Let’s work together to get those applications in early and secure your place in the Whale Pod 🐳 for 2026–27. Help spread the word to friends, neighbors, and anyone interested in joining the Webster family!

Thank you to all the parents and guardians who attended the informational meeting! We’re getting excited for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure and appreciate your support in ensuring a smooth and successful experience for all students.

📽️ Missed the meeting? You can view the presentation [HERE]. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out — I’m happy to jump on a call or Zoom to clarify anything.

📆 Key Deadlines
✅ Registration Forms Due: Friday, March 13, 2026
All students and chaperones must complete the NatureBridge Participant Registration Form (English) or (Spanish). Please have your insurance card ready — forms take about 10 minutes to complete.

✅ Payment Due: Friday, May 1, 2026
Total cost: $1,255 per participant
Accepted payment methods:

• 💵 Cash

• ✍️ Check (payable to Webster PTA)

• 📲 Zelle: websterptamalibu@gmail.com

• 💳 Credit Card: Pay in the Main Office or via [Square LINK] (note: 3% processing fee)

📌 Include your child’s name in the memo/note line for all payments. If paying in installments, please use the same payment method throughout.

🚨 Trip Policies & Logistics

• NatureBridge Agreement: Parents must sign the agreement as part of the registration. You will be contacted to pick up your child in Yosemite if they experience:

  • Persistent fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or positive COVID test

  • A behavior violation requiring dismissal

• 📵 No Electronics Policy: Cell phones, smartwatches, and gaming devices are not allowed.

• 📧 Daily Family Updates: Chaperones/staff will send daily email and text updates, including activity summaries and a few photos.

🎒 Packing & Prep

• View the full Packing List HERE – includes sturdy hiking shoes, warm layers, and more.

• Encourage your child to break in hiking shoes before the trip to avoid discomfort.

🚶‍♂️ Chaperone Reminders

• Confirm your participation with Principal Diana: cdiana@smmusd.org

• Ensure Level II Volunteer clearance with SMMUSD

• Complete registration form and submit payment by the deadlines above

This trip will be filled with incredible experiences — from breathtaking hikes to campfire reflections. Thank you for helping us make Yosemite a memory our students will never forget! 🌲✨

We’re thrilled to welcome Pepperdine science students back to Webster for our annual Science Night on March 17, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 PM! Join us for an evening packed with hands-on activities, fascinating biology demos, and plenty of scientific fun.

Get ready to:

• Explore glowing bacteria and squid teamwork

• Discover food chains in the Santa Monica Mountains

• Learn how pollution affects our environment — and how we can help

• Test hypotheses (float or sink?)

• And of course… make SLIME with the Pepperdine Chemistry Club! 🧪

We hope to see you there for an evening that’s educational, engaging, and all about the joy of science!

Get ready to run, cheer, and show your school spirit — the Webster Jog-a-thon is happening on Friday, March 20th!

👉 Register now: websterjogathon.pledgestar.com

This is our second-biggest fundraiser of the year, supporting incredible programs like Media Literacy, STEM Engineering, field trips, school assemblies, gardening, and more!

Why Participate?
The Jog-a-thon isn’t just about raising money — it’s a chance to:

• Get active and have fun with friends

• Show your Webster pride

• Make a real impact on our school community

🏅 Prizes & Incentives

• Register and invite 3 donors: Receive exclusive Jog-a-thon 2026 merchandise!

• Top Fundraiser: Be Principal for a Day + lunch with Principal Diana and a friend (your choice of Irv’s, Bui Sushi, or Howdy’s)!

• 2nd Place: Win a drone with a camera

• 3rd Place: Score Sky Zone passes for you and two friends

• School Goal: Raise $60,000! When we hit $30,000, Kona Ice Truck comes for all! 🍧

• Class Prizes:

• First class to hit 100% participation gets a popsicle party

Shout out to current leader Ms. Harris’s class!

• Class that raises the most money wins Chick-fil-A lunch + popsicle party

Current front-runners: Ms. Harris’s class and Ms. Stark’s class, who keep trading the top spot!

🙋‍♀️ Volunteer Sign-Up Coming Soon!
Save the date if you’d like to help out — we’ll need lots of hands on deck!

💌 Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Sponsorships start at $500 — a great way for local businesses and families to support this high-energy community event.

Interested? Contact Emily Gardner at emily.jp.gardner@gmail.com

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.

🏕️ BGCM Elementary Summer Program – Camp Bu
Enrollment for Camp Bu is now open!

👉 Click here to learn more and enroll and see the attached flyer for details.

Who: Incoming TK–5th grade (Enrollment required to participate)
Where: Webster Elementary (3602 Winter Canyon Rd)
When: June 22–August 7 (Mon–Fri) | Closed July 3 for the holiday

• Incoming K–5th: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

• Incoming TK (Half-Day Program): 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  Weekly calendars highlighting themes and featured activities will be shared in advance.

📚 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.

🛹 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! Skaters are encouraged to bring their own boards, helmets, and safety gear. Equipment is available to borrow if needed.

👉 Click here to enroll and view the flyer for more details!

Who: Available to 3rd–5th grade students
Skill Levels:

• Novice: Still building balance and board awareness; comfortable riding forward.

• Intermediate: Able to coast, turn, and push; ready for basic obstacles.

📆 Dates: Mondays — March 2, 9, 16, 23
🕒 Times:

• Novice: 3:30–4:30 PM

• Intermediate: 4:30–5:30 PM

📍 Location: BGCM Teen Center (30215 Morning View Drive, Malibu, CA 90265)
💲 Cost: $100 per 4-week session

💛 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 new season of fun and creative afterschool enrichment programs for students in grades TK–5 — and we’re excited to share these spring opportunities with our Webster families! Students can keep learning, growing, and moving with engaging, hands-on programs that spark curiosity and creativity, including:

• 🎨 Eco-Art Adventures – blend creativity with environmental awareness through nature-inspired art
• 🎭 Improv Acting – build confidence, expression, and imagination through fun theater games
• ⚽ Soccer – develop coordination, sportsmanship, and skills through active play
• 🧘 Art & Yoga Workshop – enjoy a calming and creative experience in this one-day session

Programs run April–May and meet after school from 3:00–4:00 PM (or until 4:30 PM for the yoga workshop). Each class is designed to foster 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

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