Sea Lion Spotlight

Happy Monday MES Families,

Some of you have reached out to ask about student progress and how you can check your child's STAR scores ~ these are available to you on Aeries! Simply go to your student test scores, and you'll be able to see the results here! (If you have a 4th or 5th grader, you'll also be able to see their CAASPP or SBAC scores - these are the state tests they take in May). You may want to look at the percentile rank score. This isn't a percent correct, but is a comparative measure to other students across the nation taking the same test - a 75%ile means that your student is at or above 75% of the students in their grade band. A common thing to look for is how your child is moving over time.

Students in K&1 take the Early Literacy Test, and then transition to the STAR Reading once they hit a scale score of 852, or when they enter 2nd grade. Math starts in 2nd grade. Students listen to the Early Literacy, and the other ones involve the student reading. These assessments are given digitally on an iPad or Chromebook under the direction of the teacher. We take them 3x/year - in the fall, winter, and spring.

Coming up in April will be a parent meeting for any parents who want to know more about our state assessments for Language Arts, Math, and Science. These tests are given to students in grades 3-5 every year. Stay tuned for that information!

Consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in a child’s success at school. When students are present each day, they build strong routines, stay connected with their classmates, and fully engage in learning. Even a few missed days can lead to gaps in understanding and make it harder for children to feel confident in class. Thank you also for helping your child arrive at school on time and ready to learn. Your partnership makes such a meaningful difference in their growth and success!

Ms. Sally Wennes

Principal

FEBRUARY

2/24 - Social Studies Screening and Panel Discussion in Santa Monica (see flyer below)

MARCH

3/4 - 5th Graders visit MMS
3/5 - School Site Council @ 3:30
3/5 - Volunteer Training @ 10:30
3/13 - Peter Pan performance @ 9:10 (Zoe's Lunchtime Theater)
3/17 - PTA Member Meeting @ 8:30
3/19 - PTA Gala Event (See information below!)
3/25 - Talent Show
3/26 - Minimum Day - FRIDAY SCHEDULE
3/26 - Open House - Celebration of Learning - 5:00-6:00pm

SPRING BREAK - March 30-April 10, 2026

25-26 Academic Calendar

25-26 PTA Calendar

NOW: Annual Parent Data Confirmation Open in Aeries (Parents affirm their data). Please make sure this is done for each of your students every year!

Do you see anything that might belong to your child? All items are getting donated at the end of the month (FRIDAY)!

This past week was filled with celebration of our Sammy Slip recipients, as well as LOTS of giggles as we had fun with Freaky Friday! Students loaded on the clothing, wore it backwards, and were mismatched! So much fun! (5th graders - Can you spot Olivia?)

PTA

PTA GALA EVENT is coming soon! (See flyer below) - We are currently seeking tax deductible donations of, event tickets, vacation homes, unique experiences, services, and other auction items. Every contribution—big or small—makes a meaningful impact.
Malibu Elementary School is excited to host our annual Spring Gala on March 19, featuring both a silent and live auction. Proceeds directly benefit our students, teachers, and school programs.
Deadline for auction item donations: March 10
If you are able to donate or have questions, please contact jowhadi@gmail.com .
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

MES Climate Survey - All parents/guardians are encouraged to complete the LCAP Culture and Climate Survey! This runs through February 27th and helps to provide information to MES and to the district at large! Thank you in advance - SURVEY LINK HERE

Malibu Information (Flyers below)

2026 SMMUSD Student Art Exhibition: Next Gen Perspectives: Young artists explore and express the world through their own eyes. On display 1/26 - 3/6 Malibu City Gallery. FLYER BELOW

Jake Kuredjian Citizenship Award Accepting Nominations Feb. 9–March 31Do you know a Malibu local who makes our community shine? The City of Malibu will be accepting nominations for the 2026 Jake Kuredjian Citizenship Award -- an honor recognizing individuals or groups who go above and beyond to support Malibu’s parks, recreation programs, and community well-being.

From coaching and volunteering to quietly showing up for others, this award celebrates those whose dedication brings people together—especially during times of healing and recovery. Nominations open: February 9 - March 31. Submit a nomination HERE.

Named in honor of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Hagop “Jake” Kuredjian, who was killed in the line of duty on August 31,2001. Deputy Kuredjian's courage and service left a lasting legacy and this award recognizes the heart of Malibu: people helping people. Know someone who deserves the spotlight? Nominate them and help us say thank you.

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!

Please also take a look at an event that is happening, sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu - A Year After the Wildfires: Coping with Persistent Grief and Loss. Information can be found below with the flyers. The webinar is next Tuesday at 6pm (1/20/26) and the in-person opportunity the following Tuesday at 10 am at our Disaster Relief Center in Malibu (1/27/2026).

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!

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!

Homework Help

Looking for extra academic support for your child? BGCM provides homework help for all subjects and grade levels on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00–5:00 PM, helping students stay on track and feel confident with their schoolwork.

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.

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.