Sea Lion Spotlight
Malibu Elementary Parent Newsletter #13- November 3, 2025
Table of Contents
- Principal's Wave
- Calendar of Events
- Important Information and Dates
- Photo Highlights
- More Information for Parents
- Useful Resources & Links
Principal's Wave
Happy November MES families,
This month is an opportunity to be grateful for all that we have. I am fortunate to be able to work in a community that is so incredibly supportive of our school in so many ways. I reflected on this as I saw how active our parents were last Friday, giving of their time to enjoy their child's parade and help on campus. I also know that many of you followed up with conversations with your students about how their day went and appreciate that tremendously!
As I mentioned last week, we have been busy working on expectations and adjusting our supervision to support our students. On Friday, I was able to meet with our campus supervision staff to ensure that all staff is on board with the same expectations. After a collaborative discussion, we are moving those expectation talks to TK and Kindergarten to this next week in order to troubleshoot major ideas with one another first, allowing for a consistent message to be shared.
We have seen significant improvements with key parts of our campus. Students are trying to solve problems and reporting concerns as they arise. They are playing in areas where they are visible to the adults, they are eating at the tables and spending time talking to friends and being responsible with their trash. I've also seen students be even more responsive to redirection (knowing that we are practicing to be safe) and responsive to "end of recess" signals by getting to their lines promptly. It's been a group effort, but huge changes have been observed!
We have also shifted our supervision so that we can incorporate any extra staff out on the play area for coverage, allowing students even more choice. Keep those conversations going about what positive choices were made during the day, or how your child solved a problem!
I've had lots of questions about our Positive Behavior Plan, and have done a direct link at the bottom of our Spotlight so that it's easily available whenever you need it. Please know that if you ever have a question or concern, you can reach out to me!
Ms. Sally Wennes
Principal
Calendar of Events
NOVEMBER
- 11/4 - STUDENT FREE DAY - Parent/Teacher Conference Week
- 11/5 - 11/7 - Early release days due to Parent/Teacher Conferences (12:45pm)
- 11/7 - Coco the Musical by Zoe's Lunchtime Theater students - 9:10-9:40am
- 11/7 - Volunteer Training @ 10:30am - LINK HERE
- 11/11 - No School (Veterans Day)
- 11/13 - School Site Council
- 11/14 - Cultural Heritage Dress Up Spirit Day
- 11/18 - PTA Member Meeting
- 11/19 - BINGO Night (watch for more details!)
- 11/21 - PTA Friendsgiving Family Event during lunch
- 11/26-11/28 - No School (Thanksgiving Holiday)
Important Information & Dates
25-26 Academic Calendar
25-26 PTA Calendar
NOW: Annual Parent Data Confirmation Open in Aeries (Parents affirm their data). See below for more detailed directions.
Photo Highlights
More Information for Parents
Student Council Candy Fundraiser
This November, the MES Student Council is leading a school-wide service project called Candy for Kindness! We will be collecting extra Halloween candy to donate to our local firefighters and the Malibu Labor Exchange. Two collection bins will be located in the MES front office for the entire month. If your child would like to participate, please have them place at least 20 pieces of their own candy in a labeled bag with their full name on it. Every donation earns one entry into our Friday raffle each week in November for fun MES spirit wear prizes!
Everybody wins! Parents have less candy at home, kids consider thinking beyond themselves with small acts of kindness and earn raffle chances, and our local heroes and neighbors receive a sweet surprise! Thank you for helping our student practice generosity, community and kindness in action!
Square 1 Art Fundraiser
Just a reminder about our Art Fundraiser! It's an opportunity to get your child's artwork on items and our MES students have participated in this fundraiser for years now! The items all get ordered online and then get shipped to your home in time for holiday gifts! Flyers were sent home with your child and you can also access via this LINK. You'll need your child's specific custom flyer to be able to find YOUR art access code. You can also type in state, school name and your child's name and it should bring it up. If The generic flyer is at the end of this Spotlight as well for your reference. You can also upload other artwork as well using Art Upload!
NOTE: You can order all year, but by ordering prior to 11/5/25, it allows for MES to earn money as well, and it means you'll get your items by the holidays!
PTA News/Events:
Many events are happening around our school and community - check the end of the spotlight for flyers for upcoming events and be on the lookout for more as we approach the holiday season!
We hope you'll be able to help with our Gift Card Drive that will support local families in need through our PTA and our Boys and Girls Club. See the flyer below!
Annual Parent Data Confirmation or Revision - Aeries Parent Portal
ACTION NEEDED: Malibu Elementary’s annual registration process is completed in the Aeries Parent Portal. You must complete data confirmation for each student.
- Log in to your Aeries Parent Portal: https://santamonicamalibu.aeries.net/
- Be sure to read, review, and discuss all the materials with your student.
- Very Important: We need to gather information from you for emergency contacts. Please add at least two non-parents. While there are many boxes to fill, at minimum include name, relationship, and phone number.
- We also need to gather information from you for health documents.
Note: You may decide to print some of the documents for future reference. For a tutorial on how to complete this process, please click here English
MES Minimum Days Schedule / 12:45 Dismissal
- Nov 5
- Nov 6
- Nov 7
- 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!
BGCM Academic Year Enrollment
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!
Programs
Johnny Strange Legacy Inspire Skate Program
Join us for the second session of our skate program: build skills, confidence, and community through athletics, education, and creative skate activities.
Monday from 4:30PM – 5:30PM for 4 weeks (Nov. 3, 10, 17 & 24) at the BGCM Teen Center. Cost: $100. Available to grades 3rd–5th. Spots are limited, so sign up today!
Click here to enroll and see attached flyer for more information.
Wellness
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.
*Please expect to hear from someone on our team within 2-5 business days*
Events
Run Malibu Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Race
Run for a great cause! A portion of every Half Marathon, 5K entry and VIP upgrade will go directly to BGCM to provide no-cost mental health service in all Malibu schools.
Featuring:
The Dolphin Dash Kids Race, set entirely within the beautiful California State University Channel Islands campus
Traditional Half Marathon and 5K along scenic PCH
Learn more and register here: www.runmalibu.com
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.
Useful Resources and Links
Positive Behavior and Discipline Plan
PTA Website and Store
PTA Spirit Wear "Akaway Collection"
Student Services Registration Documents
Volunteering at MES: Information and Signup form
Medications at School Form Send to School Nurse Marion Mayer: mmayer@smmusd.org
Connect with Sally Wennes
Principal at Malibu Elementary
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
Email: swennes@smmusd.org
Website: https://ca50000164.schoolwires.net/malibues
Location: 6955 Fernhill Drive, Malibu, CA, USAPhone: 310-457-9370