Whale Tales

Dear Webster Community,

It's the final countdown—just 4 more days until summer (but who’s counting?) 🎉

🌟 Special Moments Spotlight

🎭 Vacation on Mars: Our talented Room 8 students took us on an intergalactic adventure with their original production Vacation on Mars! With confidence, creativity, and lots of humor, they performed for the entire school, bringing the solar system to life through music and storytelling. A standing ovation to Ms. Stark for her tireless guidance and support—you made the magic happen!

🥞 5th Grade Kidnap Breakfast: Promotion activities are officially underway! This week, our 5th graders were delightfully surprised with a long-standing Webster tradition: the Kidnap Breakfast. Students were “kidnapped” by a group of spirited parents and whisked away to Malibu Farm for a delicious meal overlooking the ocean. Huge thanks to Webster dad and General Manager Eddie Ramirez for organizing this unforgettable morning—and to our chaperones for making it all possible.

🎓 TK Graduation Luncheon: Cue the heartstrings! Ms. Papale and Ms. Maryam honored each TK student with a personalized certificate highlighting their unique spark. The room was filled with joyful cheers, proud families, and lots of hugs. Check out our Weekly Spotlight below for some adorable moments from this special celebration.

💙 Gaga Pit Donation: Staff came together to present a very special gift to honor our beloved Kindergarten teacher, Wendy Berman. A new Gaga Pit was installed in honor of her late father, a lifelong athletic enthusiast. In a beautiful show of unity, Student Leadership also contributed the funds they raised throughout the year to help bring this gift to life—something students across campus can enjoy for years to come. A touching tribute from the heart of our school community.

📝 You can read more about each of these highlights in the detailed sections below!.

If you have an incoming student for the 2026–27 school year, be sure their enrollment is complete to secure their spot. For families outside of SMMUSD, the Interdistrict Permit window is open through June 30. Help us spread the word—Webster is a wonderful place to grow and learn, and we’d love to welcome more families into our community.

As we plan for next year, we’re also gathering family input around looping interest (students remaining with the same teacher across multiple years). Please take a moment to complete our survey—your feedback is greatly appreciated!

🔔 Important Reminders

• Promotion Ceremony Details: Full event details can be found in the section below!

• Field Day Permission Slips: All TK–4th grade students must return their signed field trip forms ASAP to participate in Field Day fun!
• Family Feedback Survey – Looping Interest: Please take a moment to complete our Family Feedback Survey to share your interest in potential looping opportunities (having the same teacher for multiple years). Your input helps us better understand family preferences as we plan for the upcoming school year!

• Lost and Found: Our Lost and Found is still packed with sweatshirts, lunchboxes, water bottles, and more. Please take a moment to check the rack next time you're on campus—your child’s missing items may be waiting there! All unclaimed items will be donated by Wednesday, June 10.

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

• Yearbook Orders: Time is running out to order your 2025–26 yearbook! Customize by June 5 and purchase online using our school passcode. Details below!

• Playground Update: Big changes are coming! Plans to replace our 20-year-old play structure are in motion and we’re getting closer to construction. Scroll down for renderings and project 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.

• Summer Reading Resources: Dive into books all summer long with curated reading lists and library programs! See the Summer Reading section for links and ideas.

Wishing you a restful weekend and a joyful final week of school!

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!

What started as a poetry reading trip to the Malibu Library quickly turned into a magical morning our 5th graders won’t soon forget! As students made their way to the bus, they were met with smiling, enthusiastic parents revealing the big surprise—the beloved Kidnap Breakfast tradition was back on!

Thanks to Malibu Farm and Webster dad Eddie Ramirez, who also serves as General Manager, our students were treated to a delicious breakfast with stunning ocean views. While enjoying their meals, they listened to the waves, watched surfers in action, and soaked in the joy of this special milestone moment.

A heartfelt thank you to our parent chaperones—Mills Goodloe, Shaina Alterman, Zhara Astra, Erin Fotos, Paulina Amrozi, and Jessica Winn—for helping make this surprise celebration so fun and unforgettable. What a beautiful way to kick off their final days at Webster!

This week, Room 8 blasted off on an interplanetary adventure in their musical production of Vacation on Mars — and what a stellar journey it was! Set in a solar system that sings and dances, the play followed a family on the vacation of a lifetime as they toured space, meeting witty and whimsical celestial characters along the way.

From the dazzling Sun (who loves the spotlight) to Saturn showing off its rings, Jupiter bragging about his 100+ moons, and even Pluto trying to reclaim planet status — every moment was packed with humor, heart, and fun science facts. We are so proud of our incredible Room 8 performers for the bravery, confidence, and joy they brought to the stage. They were adorable, funny, and absolutely captivating. The entire school came to watch, and the applause said it all!

🌟 A HUGE shout out to Ms. Stark for her tireless efforts in guiding and supporting her students through this unforgettable production. Your dedication made the magic possible.

We are so excited to celebrate our incredible 5th grade students as they get ready to soar into middle school! Our Promotion Ceremony will be a joyful celebration of their accomplishments, complete with music, memories, and a few magical moments along the way.

🎉 Promotion Day Details
🕣 8:30 AM – The side gate will open to welcome families onto the upper field.
For guests who need mobility support or cannot walk long distances, the drop-off lane in front of the school will be open to allow for easy drop-off near the gate. Please be mindful of other families and keep the lane moving after drop-offs.
🕘 9:00 AM – The side gate will close to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly. Any guests arriving after 9:00 AM will need to check in through the main office.

🌟 Promotion Events Include:

• “Walk of Honor” – Our graduates will make their grand entrance from the top of Webster, cheered on by students, staff, and families lining the path with music playing in celebration.
• SMC Jazz and Hip-Hop Performance – A lively “Shake the Room” and “Just Got Paid” themed number on the blacktop!
• Promotion Ceremony – A heartfelt sendoff recognizing each student’s achievements.
• Breakfast in Poets Park – Hosted by our amazing 4th grade families.

And…we’re working on one more special surprise for the students 😉

✅ A Few Important Reminders

June 8th – MANDATORY Promotion Rehearsal
Any student who does not participate in rehearsal will not be allowed to take part in the promotion ceremony. Attendance is essential to ensure a smooth and successful event.

Library Books, Instruments, Devices, and Fines
Please ensure all library books, instruments, and Chromebooks are returned and any outstanding fines are paid before promotion day. Students with unresolved items will not receive their promotion certificate until everything is cleared.

Thank you for your partnership and support as we prepare to celebrate this special milestone. We can't wait to see you there!

Capture the memories of an incredible school year with the 2025–26 Webster Yearbook! Each edition includes individual and class photos, snapshots from special events, and a dedicated section honoring our amazing 5th graders.

✨ DON'T FORGET: you can personalize two custom pages for FREE with your own photos—these will only appear in your child’s copy. The deadline to complete custom pages is June 5, so there’s still time to make it extra special!

🎓 5th Grade Families ONLY: Want to celebrate your graduate with a recognition ad? Personalized ads are a great way to honor their growth and achievements. See the info above to get started—ads must be purchased and customized by June 3.

📦 Yearbooks are printed to order. To purchase, scan the QR code above or visit www.treering.com/validate and enter Webster’s passcode: 101568223978555.

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

✅ 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.

📍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

📩 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!

Looking for great ways to keep your child reading and engaged over the summer? We've compiled a list of exciting programs and book recommendations for students of all ages.

Highlights include:

• ALSC Summer Reading Lists — Curated by the Association for Library Service to Children with free, downloadable reading recommendations by grade level.
• Malibu Public Library's Summer Discovery Program — Fun events like making bug hotels, building claw machines, and more!
• LA County & LA Public Library Resources — Explore “Book Bundles To Go,” personalized lists, and reading challenges themed around the Summer of Soccer.

🗂️ Explore all the resources and links in the Summer Reading 2026 packet (click HERE) — there's something for every reader!

A huge shout-out to our newly elected PTA Board — thank you for stepping up to lead and support our school community next year. Your time, heart, and dedication make all the difference!

👏 Meet the Team:
President: Samantha Carpenter
Executive VP: Christine Waljeski
Secretary: Caitlin Talbot
Treasurer: Anya Sobolevska
VP of Communications: Kate Ward
Financial Secretary: Ryan Farina
Parliamentarian: Zhara Astra
Membership Chair: Lewis Talbot
Room Rep Chair: Yvonne Strzechowski
Valet Chair: Kyle Mlodzik
Yearbook Chair: Courtney Walling
Fundraising/Events Chair: Lauren Ifft

We’re so grateful for your leadership and excited for the year ahead! 🐳

With incredible support from SMMUSD, our Webster PTA (led by Lauren Franks Ifft) have spent months working with designers and contractors to propose an inspiring, modern play structure to replace our aging 20-year-old equipment. The new design prioritizes safety, accessibility, and active play—giving our students a space that fosters physical development, creativity, and social connection.

The District, in collaboration with Principal Diana, has been advancing plans for the replacement of the current playground equipment and surfacing. The proposal includes ADA upgrades as required by the Division of the State Architect (DSA). Here’s what’s coming up:

• At the May 7, 2026 Board Meeting, the Board approved the agreement with Huckabee for design and engineering services.
• At the May 19, 2026 Board Meeting, the Board approved the purchase of new equipment from Dave Bang Associates, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $157,268.10, using the CMAS contract—saving time and cost by avoiding contractor markups.

The demolition, site preparation, equipment installation, and new play surface will be bid through a separate process while we seek DSA approval. Construction is expected to begin August 2026, with completion anticipated by September 30, 2026, followed by a brief closeout period. Final approval from DSA is anticipated in late July or early August.

Below are a few renderings of the new structure—thank you to everyone working hard to bring this dream to life!

At the May 7 Board of Education meeting, the recommended new math curricula for SMMUSD were officially approved and will be implemented districtwide beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.

This decision follows an extensive pilot process led by a dedicated committee of math teachers representing every school site and grade level. Using resources from the California Department of Education and the updated 2023 California Mathematics Framework, the committee evaluated programs for alignment with standards, equity, organization, and support for educators.

🧮 Approved Curriculum:

• K–8 & Algebra I/II, Geometry: enVision, Savvas (2026)
• Pre-Calculus: Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, 8E, Cengage (2023)
• AP Calculus: Calculus for AP: A Complete Course, 1E, Cengage (2019)
• AP Statistics: Math Medic AP Statistics (2026)

This adoption maintains access to advanced coursework while promoting deeper conceptual understanding across all levels. The rollout will include comprehensive teacher training and coaching beginning in Fall 2026.

📌 Families can preview the adopted materials at the District Office and share feedback through the Let’s Talk button on the SMMUSD website.

📺 Watch the full presentation HERE.

SMMUSD wants to share some clarity around Chromebook and digital tool use at Webster and across the district. Technology is never a replacement for great teaching—our educators remain at the heart of every lesson. Digital platforms like YouTube (in Education Restricted Mode), Google Translate, and Maps are thoughtfully integrated to support learning, foster creativity, and prepare students for a tech-driven future.

All students are automatically opted OUT of YouTube and other “Additional Google Services.”

✅ To give permission, log in to the Aeries Parent Portal, go to Student Info > Data Confirmation > Authorizations, and update your selection under “Additional Google Services.”

If permission is not granted, your student will still have access to core tools such as Google Classroom, Docs, Drive, and Gmail, but additional services will be disabled.

The most commonly used “Additional Services” include:

• YouTube (Education Restricted Mode) – Students can view only age-appropriate educational videos.

• Google Maps / Earth – Used in geography, social studies, and science.

• Google Translate / Arts & Culture / Photos – Support for language development, cultural exploration, and multimedia projects.

🔐 Reminder: All student accounts are protected through ContentKeeper, a robust content filter used by SMMUSD to ensure students can access only safe, age-appropriate content while online.

📧 Questions? Contact Bertha Roman, Director of Ed Tech: broman@smmusd.org
📌 For help with Aeries, please contact Stephanie Martinez, Registrar: s.martinez@smmusd.org

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.

💛 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

Looking for fun, inclusive activities this summer? The City of Malibu is offering yoga, coloring, sensory swim, and movie days designed for people of all abilities to enjoy together.

🗓️ Programs run June–August
🎟️ Visit MalibuCity.org/InclusiveRec for full details or check out the flyer above!

Did your child love AstroCamp? Take the adventure to the next level with AstroCamp’s summer program! Campers explore unforgettable hands-on activities that go way beyond the classroom—like rock climbing, mountain biking, welding, rocket launching, and even 3D printing and Dungeons & Dragons! 🎯✨

🧭 Camp options include:

• 1-week for ages 8–13
• Specialty week for ages 10–17
• 2-week sessions for ages 12–17
• Camp CHOP for ages 10–17

💥 Special Offer: First-year campers who attended a school trip get $200 off summer camp with promo code SCHOOLAC. Follow AstroCamp on social media to stay inspired. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind summer experience where curiosity, confidence, and community take center stage!

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.

• Keep Pre-K/TK green curb drop-offs quick to ensure smooth turnover — this area is reserved for families using the Pre-K/TK gate. If your student enters through the main gate (K–5), please use the lower lot or main valet line.

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