Whale Tales

Dear Webster Community,

I am so proud of our community’s resilience this week—despite what the storm had in store for us. Our students and staff showed incredible flexibility, positivity, and care, making the most of every learning opportunity. We even wrapped up the week with an impromptu dance party on the yard—a joyful reminder of the spirit of our Whale pod.

This week, students also demonstrated impressive focus during the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill. They practiced Drop, Cover, and Hold On, evacuated calmly, and worked with their teachers to ensure everyone was accounted for. A huge thank-you to our student volunteers—Luna, Ohia, and Paisley—and to Sam Carpenter, Phil and Lauren Buckman, Kristen Dellapace, and Lauren Franks for helping us refine our parent reunification process.

Looking ahead, we're excited to launch the Webster Math Club with Mr. K for our 4th and 5th graders. This club will give students the chance to sharpen their math skills and tackle exciting challenges. In the spirit of Dare. Do. Discover., we’re also introducing a monthly family math challenge in Whale Tales—check out Pod Power Problems below to join the fun!

Finally, a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who contributed to this year’s Whale Fund Drive. Your generosity and enthusiasm made this campaign a huge success.
✅ School-wide participation: 88%
💰 Total raised: $94,000
🥇 100% Participation: Ms. Berman’s, Ms. Cooper’s, and Ms. Johnson’s classes 🍨

And of course, a big shoutout to Ms. Berman’s class for winning the top prize—the honor of silly stringing me!

WEBSTER WEAR 🐳
Congratulations to Ms. Morris’ class for winning their first Webster Wear competition with 100% participation. Way to go, Room 16!

🔔 Important Reminders

• SCC Community Representative Election: Please confirm your vote for this year’s SSC community representatives. One vote per household. 👉 Cast your vote here

• Let’s Have a Spooktacular Halloween: Review costume guidelines and check the Trunk or Treat schedule to make it a fun and safe day for everyone.

• Volunteer Training: All parents attending Trunk or Treat or class parties must be volunteer trained. The final two trainings before Halloween will be held next week (one in-person, one virtual).

• Visitor Management: Bring your ID to check in at the office and sign out when you leave.

📅 Save the Dates

📌 October 31: Trunk-or-Treat

📌 November 3–7: Parent Conferences

📌 November 4: Pupil Free Day

📌 November 11: Veterans Day

📌 November 19–21: Malibu Village Book Fair

📌 November 20: Webster Wildlife Wonderland Learning Expo (K–1 families)

📌 November 21: Environmental Defenders and Best on the Beach Assembly

📌 November 26–28: Thanksgiving Break

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

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!

Even with the storm outside, our Whales made learning shine bright indoors! 🌦️✨

I’m so grateful for the incredible flexibility, positivity, and care our staff showed in making virtual learning such a success. Our online classrooms were buzzing with curiosity, creativity, and connection. From scavenger hunts and math challenges to Halloween-themed science lessons and heartfelt stuffie sharing, students embraced the day with enthusiasm. Lessons included exploring monarch butterfly migration, discovering the purpose of the skull, diving into decimal addition with a sweet candy corn activity, playing word jeopardy, practicing multiplication fluency, and so much more.

What an incredible weekend under the stars at this year’s Great Webster GlampOut! Our community came together for an evening full of connection, laughter, and memory-making. Families from all grades enjoyed crafts with the Boys & Girls Club, games hosted by The Amazing Kid Company, a friendly pickleball tournament, story time with Malibu Library, a delicious BBQ dinner, and a cozy outdoor movie. The festivities wrapped up with warm donuts and coffee on Sunday morning.

But the best part of all? Watching students embrace their independence — exploring, playing, and experiencing the joy of a familiar space in a whole new way.

A huge thank you to Campout Chair Erin Fotos, plus Lauren Franks Ifft, Nora Cohen, Sam Carpenter, Larisa Braun, Mia Skelton, Kyle Mlodzik, and all the incredible parent volunteers who made this special Webster tradition possible.

We’re so excited for Webster’s annual Trunk or Treat celebration! Below is the class visit schedule along with a few important reminders to ensure a fun, safe, and memorable day for everyone.

SCHEDULE

• 7:00–9:00 AM: Car entry through the lower gate

• 9:30 AM: Cars decorated and ready to hand out candy/goodies

• 9:30 AM: PreK (Norodom/Fuentes)

• 9:45 AM: TK (Nungaray)

• 10:00 AM: Kindergarten (Berman)

• 10:15 AM: 1st Grade (Cooper)

• 10:30 AM: 2nd Grade (Harris & Stark)

• 10:45 AM: 3rd Grade (Kisskalt)

• 11:00 AM: 4th Grade (London & Morris)

• 11:15 AM: 5th Grade (Johnson)

• 11:30 AM onward: Tunnel Walk by class followed by a Monster Mash Dance Party on the lawn!

COSTUME EXPECTATIONS:

To make sure everyone can enjoy the fun in a safe and welcoming environment, please review our costume guidelines ahead of time. If you’re unsure about a costume, double-check with us — we’re happy to help!

🚨IMPORTANT REMINDER:

All adults on campus during Trunk or Treat or class parties must be volunteer trained.
Not trained yet? You’re still welcome to join us on the lawn starting at 11:30 AM to enjoy the Tunnel Walk, Monster Mash Dance Party, and view the decorated trunks.

We can’t wait to see the creative costumes and spooky-fun trunk designs. Let’s make this a spooktacular event for all 👻

Planning a spooky outing this Halloween season? When you purchase tickets to Nights of the Jack through our Webster-specific link, 10% of your ticket sales will be donated back to Webster — at no extra cost to you!

Nights of the Jack is an immersive Halloween experience for all ages, featuring dazzling jack-o’-lantern installations, seasonal fun, and a magical atmosphere at King Gillette Ranch.

📅 Event Dates: September 26 – November 1
📍 Location: King Gillette Ranch

Tickets are available now! If you, your family, friends, or neighbors are planning to attend this year, please be sure to use and share our Webster link to support our school while celebrating the season.

View your child’s proofs:

1. Click: https://trishalisonphotography.zenfolio.com/f591098416

2. When prompted for a keyword, enter YOUR CHILD’S LAST NAME.

Ordering deadline: November 1
Need more time? Contact Trish directly for an extension.
Need a make-up appointment? Call or text 📱310-749-0410.

Ordering Tips & Options

• Build-your-own packages: order exactly what you want (no preset bundles).

• Choose single prints, digital JPEG downloads, print packages, or photo gifts (see the left side of the ordering screen).

• Best on a desktop (not a phone) for easiest checkout.

• Retouching options (teeth whitening, acne/blemish removal, glasses glare) are available at checkout.

• Digital JPEG pricing: $39 each; retouched JPEG: $46.

• Bulk discounts available online (8 or 15 JPEGs). For other options, contact Trish.

• You can crop photos during checkout.

Questions? Please contact Trish Alison Photography directly (not the school):
📧 trish@trishalisonphotography.com | 📱 310-749-0410

Beginning November 3, 2025, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District will implement a new “Away for the Day” policy to support student learning, focus, and well-being. This means that during the school day, students must keep all personal mobile communication devices turned off and put away.

• 📵 Elementary (K–5): Devices must be turned off and stored in backpacks.

• 📵 Middle School (6–8): Devices must be turned off and placed in secure pouches.

• 📵 High School (9–12): Devices must be turned off during instructional time, with limited exceptions (e.g., emergencies, medical needs, or with staff permission).

This districtwide effort is designed to minimize distractions, protect student privacy, and create more connected learning environments for all students.

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.

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 Carina Diana (cdiana@smmusd.org) and April Montes (amontes@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 Kim Rivetti (Interim Register) at krivetti@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.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the MEF Gala 2025! Together, we raised $150,000 for our schools and shared an incredible evening with our Malibu community.

If you haven’t donated yet, our community ask is $750 per student to help fund staff and staffed programs across all four Malibu public schools — including instructional aides, arts, athletics, and academic support. Every gift makes a difference and complements the work of your school PTA.

We also need your volunteer support!

🏃‍♀️ Malibu Moves

Saturday, October 25 & Sunday, October 26 | Zuma Beach

All ages are welcome to join this family-friendly weekend of wellness and community while supporting the Malibu Education Foundation. Run, walk, or cheer on participants at the Kids Run, Beer Garden (21+), or VIP Charity Lounge—all while helping MEF fund what matters most for our schools.

🙌 Volunteer at Malibu Moves!
We need your energy to help with packet pickup, kids’ races, gear check, finish line crew, and more. You can even run and volunteer—make it a full weekend of giving back! Every shift makes a difference.

👉 Register to participate: malibumoves.com
👉 Sign up to volunteer: malibumoves.com/volunteer

🔅 Learn more & get involved: www.MalibuEducationFoundation.org

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!

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 after-school programs, social-emotional learning, and wellness services, BGCM helps ensure every child feels safe, supported, and connected. Here’s what’s happening:

📚 Academic Year Enrollment is LIVE!

• Dates: August 21 – June 11

• Grades: TK–5th

• Programs include: Kindness Is Free, Manners Matter, social-emotional wellness, STEM projects, arts & crafts, cooking/gardening, and more!
  👉 Enroll today at bgcmalibu.org.

🥋 Warrior Academy with the Bruce Lee Foundation
Back at Webster Elementary this fall! Designed by Shannon Lee, daughter of Bruce Lee, this program blends martial arts and mindfulness to help students grow physically, mentally, and emotionally.

• When: Wednesdays, 3:00–4:00 PM

• Dates: September 17 – November 19

• Who: 3rd–5th grade BGCM members

• Led by professional martial artist Joey Escobar and included in BGCM membership.
  👉 For more information, email stephengreene@bgcmalibu.org.

🛹 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!

• When: Mondays, 4:30–5:30 PM

• Dates: Session 1: October 6–October 27 | Session 2: November 3–November 24

• Who: 3rd–5th graders (max. 5 participants per session)

• Where: BGCM Teen Center

• Cost: $100 per 4-week session

Skaters are encouraged to bring their own skateboard, helmet, and safety gear, but BGCM has equipment available to borrow if needed.
👉 To register or learn more, email stephengreene@bgcmalibu.org.

💛 Wellness Center & Social Support
BGCM provides no-cost mental health counseling and social support services both remotely and in-person for students and families.
👉 Learn more or request services here: bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center.

🌟 Disaster Recovery Services
The BGCM Disaster Recovery Center continues to support Palisades Fire survivors with long-term recovery services by appointment only. Our Care Coordination Team is here to partner with families every step of the way to ensure no one navigates this journey alone.

Support includes:

• One-on-one guidance: You’ll be paired with a dedicated Care Coordinator.

• Personalized recovery planning: Together, we’ll identify what you need most now and in the future.

• Resource connection: We’ll help you access the latest available support.

• Advocacy: We’re here to make sure you’re supported at every stage.

• 👉 To schedule, email drc@bgcmalibu.org (expect a response within 2–5 business days).

🎃 St. Mel Halloween Carnival
Get ready for a frightfully fun time with rides, giant inflatables, delicious food, and carnival games for all ages! Dress up, bring the family, and enjoy a night full of thrills, treats, and Halloween magic.
📅 October 24–26
📍 St. Mel School, 20870 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills
👉 Purchase tickets here

🏃 Run Malibu Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Race
On November 15th and 16th, wellness, community, and endurance come together at Run Malibu! Runners of all levels will be treated to stunning views along the Pacific Coast Highway. Highlights include:

• The Dolphin Dash Kids Race at California State University Channel Islands campus

• The traditional Half Marathon & 5K along the PCH
  👉 Learn more and register at www.runmalibu.com.

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