Whale Tales

Dear Webster Community,

The countdown is officially on—T minus 8 wakeups until summer break! .

A huge shoutout to our 3rd–5th grade students who have been working so diligently on their CAASPP assessments. We are so proud of the focus and perseverance they’ve shown, and we know they gave it their all. A few students will complete make-up testing this week, so if your child missed any days, please make sure they’re present to finish strong.

This week, we had the absolute joy of welcoming two National Crisis Response Canines to Webster. These sweet, calming pups brought smiles and serenity to students and staff alike. After the challenges we’ve faced this year, moments of comfort like this are deeply appreciated. We’re grateful for this continued partnership in our post-wildfire recovery.

One of the most moving moments of my week was the opportunity to honor Mr. Mike Kisskalt—beloved 3rd grade teacher—as Webster’s recipient of the Optimist Club of Malibu’s Ronald E. Merriman Excellence in Education Award.

Mr. K has been part of the Webster family since 2010, when he began as an instructional aide. Since stepping into the role of teacher in 2015, he has shaped the lives of so many students—not just through academics, but by being a steady, joyful, and caring presence in their lives. Whether leading our Math Club, cracking jokes about the imaginary “Timmy in the shed,” or diving into recess soccer matches, Mike brings warmth, humor, and heart to everything he does.

This year, Mike’s resilience was nothing short of inspiring. In the face of personal loss from the Palisades fire, he showed up—every single day—the first one on campus, leading with grace and unwavering commitment. His students felt safe, seen, and supported, and his colleagues felt the strength of his spirit. Mike's impact is lasting and will continue to shine in every corner of our campus.

💙 Webster Wear Winner!
Congratulations to Ms. London’s class for winning this week’s spirit challenge 🏆

🔔 A Few Important Reminders

• Field Day Permission Slips – All TK–4th grade students brought home a slip today. Please return it by Wednesday, June 4th.

• Lost & Found – Our bins are overflowing with jackets, sweaters, water bottles, and even a few stuffed animals. All unclaimed items will be donated after school on Monday, June 2nd—please stop by and reclaim any lost treasures!

• School Portraits – Available for purchase. See below for ordering info.

📅 Save the Dates

• June 9: 🎭 Room 8 Play (8:45 AM)

• June 9: 🎓 5th Grade Promotion Rehearsal (mandatory for all 5th grade students)

• June 10: 🎓 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony (9 AM, upper field)

• June 11: 🏄🏻‍♀️ 5th Grade Beach Day (9AM - 1 PM)

• June 11: 🎯 Field Day for TK - 4th (9 AM - 1 PM)

• June 12: 🎉 Last Day of School

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support in any way.

Here’s to a joyful and strong finish to the school year 🫶🏼

GO WHALES!

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 in upcoming newsletters.

Thank you for helping us celebrate our school community!

Let’s come together to celebrate our incredible students with a joyful morning of gratitude, recognition, and delicious food!

📅 Date: Thursday, June 6
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM
📍 Location: Webster Cafeteria

We're hosting a healthy-ish potluck breakfast and would love your help in making it extra special! Please sign up to bring a dish in one of the following categories:

🍎 Fruits & Natural Sweets – fruit skewers, yogurt parfaits, cut melon, etc.
🍳 Protein Picks – mini egg muffins, hard-boiled eggs, turkey sausage, breakfast burritos
🥣 Whole Grains & Goodness – baked oatmeal, banana bread, whole grain muffins
☕️ Drinks – coffee, tea, green juice
🍩 Light Treats – GoodPops, yogurt popsicles, smoothie shooters

👉 Click here to sign up!

💚 Don’t miss our Gratitude Wall!
During the event, students will be invited to share what they're thankful for this year by adding a note to our special Gratitude Wall. Let’s fill the space with love, appreciation, and positive energy!

For questions, please reach out to Larisa Braun at (747) 222-5803.
Thank you for helping us make this celebration meaningful and memorable!

We are so excited to celebrate our amazing 5th grade students as they get ready to soar into middle school! Our Promotion Ceremony will be a joyful sendoff full of music, memories, and a few magical moments.

📝 RSVP by Wednesday, June 4 at 5PM
Please take a moment to complete the Promotion Ceremony RSVP Form to help us plan accordingly. You’ll be able to let us know how many guests to expect and whether anyone in your group requires ADA-accessible seating.

🎉 Promotion Day – Tuesday, June 10 – Details

• 8:30 AM – Side gate opens for family entry onto the upper field

  • Need mobility support? The drop-off lane in front of the school will be open to assist guests who are unable to walk long distances. Please be mindful and keep the lane moving.

• 9:00 AM – Side gate closes

  • After this time, all guests must check in through the main office to ensure a smooth ceremony.

🌟 Here’s what’s in store:

• “Walk of Honor” – Our graduates will make a grand entrance from the top of Webster, cheered on by students, staff, and families!

• SMC Musical Theater/Jazz Performance – A high-energy, West Side Story-themed number on the blacktop

• Promotion Ceremony – A heartfelt celebration of each student’s accomplishments

• Breakfast in Poets Park – Hosted with love by our incredible 4th grade families

• And yes… one more surprise is in the works 😉

✅ Reminders for 5th Grade Families

📄 Field Trip Permission Slips – Due Tuesday, June 4th
Students received two permission slips: June 5 – SUPER SPECIAL SECRET event and June 11 – 5th Grade Beach Day. Please return both signed forms by the deadline.

📅 June 9 – Mandatory Promotion Rehearsal
All students must attend the full rehearsal to participate in the ceremony. Please plan accordingly.

📚 Library Books, Devices & Fines
All books, Chromebooks, and fines must be cleared before promotion day. Students with unresolved items will not receive their certificate.

This school year, Malibu schools faced an unprecedented number of electrical power outages, disrupting instruction. To ensure continuity of learning and student safety, the District is implementing both short-term solutions and long-term infrastructure upgrades, funded by Measure MM.

🔌 Short-Term Actions Underway:

• Battery Packs for Immediate Outages: Support critical systems like communication, alarms, and emergency lighting.

• Quick-Connect Generator Stations: Installation begins July 2025 at all Malibu campuses, including Webster.

• On-Call Generator Contract: Ensures 24-hour delivery and maintenance in case of an outage.

☀️ Long-Term Energy Solutions in Progress:

• Solar + Battery Hybrid Systems:

• Webster Elementary already meets 95% of its peak demand via solar.

• Plans include battery storage for full-day backup and supplemental generators for extended outages.

These improvements are designed to minimize disruptions, keep schools safe and operational, and build a resilient future for all Malibu students.

🔗 Learn more in the Spring 2025 Facilities Newsletter

Thank you to everyone who has supported the A Brighter Future Starts Here campaign. Your generosity helps fund vital school staff, ensuring stability and meaningful support for students across all four Malibu public schools. Here’s how your support directly benefits our school:

• Webster Elementary School: MEF funds four instructional aides and our arts program.

The Malibu Education Foundation (MEF) ensures these positions are funded equitably and sustainably, in alignment with the district’s budget, policy, and staffing cycles.

💙 Learn more or donate at: www.MalibuEducationFoundation.org

🗓️ Upcoming Events – Get Involved!

MEF Annual Board Meeting
📍 Malibu High School Parent Center
🗓️ June 2 | ⏰ 10:00–11:30 AM
Come hear about this year’s impact and what’s ahead.

Save the Date: MEF Gala
📍 New Malibu High School
🗓️ October 4, 2025
Join us for a festive evening celebrating community and supporting Malibu students.

Your child's school portrait proofs are now available!

TO VIEW AND ORDER:
📷 Click HERE: Trish Alison Photography
🔑 Enter YOUR CHILD'S LAST NAME as the "keyword" when prompted.

📢 IMPORTANT DETAILS

✨ Customizable Orders: Choose exactly what you want! Order single prints, digital downloads, print packages, or photo gifts. Options are listed on the left side of the ordering screen.
💻 Best Ordering Experience: Use a desktop rather than a phone for easier navigation.
🖼️ Photo Editing Available: Retouching options include teeth whitening, acne removal, and glare reduction (available at checkout).
💾 Digital Files: $39 per image or $46 for a retouched file (includes fine editing). Bulk discounts are available for 8 or 15 images.

📏 Customize Your Crop: Adjust the crop before finalizing your order.

For any ordering questions, please contact Trish Jochen directly at trishajochen@gmail.com. The school is unable to assist with portrait orders.

We’re excited to announce that the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) is transitioning its communication system to Parent Square, powered by Aeries, starting January 1, 2025. This new platform will replace the current Finalsite (formerly Blackboard) Connect system.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• No Action Required: Parents, guardians, and staff do not need to take any steps to accept this change.
• Features: Parent Square provides emails, voice messages, text messages, teacher emails, and even social media posting options.
• Data Privacy: Parent Square is an Aeries partner, ensuring a smooth transition and secure handling of student information.
• Opting Out: We recommend not opting out of emails, as doing so will unsubscribe you from all communication, including vital updates from both the school and the District.

TIPS FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION:

• Download the Mobile App: Download the Parent Square app from your app store to stay connected and fully engage with the platform. The app allows you to customize preferences and manage notifications easily.
• Check Your Spam/Junk Folder: If you’re not receiving emails after January 1, 2025, check your spam or junk folder. If you still don’t see them, contact your school office to verify your contact information.
• Set Preferences: Through the Parent Square app, you can adjust how and when you receive messages to suit your needs.

If you have questions or comments about Parent Square, please submit them through Let’s Talk under "General Comments."

The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu (BGCM) is proud to offer a fun, safe, and creative space for all Malibu youth to thrive. Through positive mentorship, life-skills development, and social-emotional support, BGCM is here for your family—every step of the way.

☀️ Camp Bu Summer Enrollment is LIVE!

Camp Bu runs June 23 – August 8, 2025, at Malibu Elementary (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM).

• TK Express (half-day): 8:30 AM–1:00 PM (Incoming TK)

• Full Day Camp: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (Incoming K–5th Grade)

Campers will dive into STEM projects, arts & crafts, cooking, gardening, wellness, kindness-based activities, and more! 🔗 Enroll now at bgcmalibu.org

🏊‍♀️ First-Ever Kids Triathlon – Zuma Beach!

BGCM is a proud charity partner of the Zuma Beach Triathlon on Saturday, Sept 13—featuring a Kids Triathlon for ages 9–14!
Young athletes can compete solo or alongside a parent on one of the top courses in the country.
🔗 Learn more and register: zumabeachtriathlon.org

💚 BGCM Wellness Center – Free Mental Health & Social Support

BGCM provides no-cost counseling and social support to youth and families, both in-person and remotely.

🔗 Request services or explore resources: bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center
📺 Missed a parent workshop? Watch recordings at bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center-resources

🐾 Animal Invasion Workshop – Free for BGCM Members!

• Webster Elementary: Tuesday, June 3 | 3:00–4:30 PM

• Malibu Elementary: Wednesday, June 4 | 3:00–4:30 PM
  🎟 To register, complete the attached form and email it to tylerhawkins@bgcmalibu.org.
  🚫 Do not register via the City website
  ✅ Make sure your child’s BGCM membership is active!

🍕 Pizza with a Purpose!

Visit Prince Street Pizza Malibu and try “Princey Pizza’s The Best,” created by BGCM’s own Nico (1st grade!) Topped with marinara, vegan cheese, peppers, olives, and honey drizzle—yum!
🧾 20% of proceeds benefit BGCM’s Disaster Relief & Community Recovery Services!

🆘 BGCM Disaster Relief & Recovery

In response to recent events, BGCM is providing immediate relief and long-term recovery including:

• After-School Care & Mentorship

• Crisis Counseling & Case Management

• School-Day Mental Health Services

• Supply Distribution & Housing Support

📍 Visit the BGCM Disaster Relief Center: 23357 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu (W-F, 10 AM–5 PM)
💌 Donate or learn more: bgcmalibu.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 Vitty McClung at vmcclung@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.

Each new academic school year, all families are required to verify and update their student’s information, including emergency contact details, which are critical for effective communication during urgent situations. We recommend completing this process on a desktop or laptop computer for the best experience.

Please log in to your Aeries Parent Portal, or click the following direct link:

https://santamonicamalibu.aeries.net/

If you did not use the direct link above, please log in to your Aeries Parent Portal and select Student Info, then click on Data Confirmation to access the correct form.

If you have forgotten your Aeries Parent Portal credentials, please use the Forgot Password? link located at the bottom of the website.

Our Student Office Specialist, Vitty McClung, will be reaching out to families who have not yet completed this process to offer any needed assistance.

To enhance student safety, the bottom gate near the Boys & Girls Club will remain closed as we no longer have adult supervision available for that area. Moving forward, there will be one main point of entrance and exit to the campus for grades K-5, which will be the gate by the main office. This change will help us ensure 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. Additionally, please refrain from using the Our Lady of Malibu (OLM) parking lots and only park in the Webster lot.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize the safety of our school community!

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