Sea Lion Spotlight

Welcome Back MES Families,

This week, we focus our efforts on practicing inclusion, belonging, caring, and kindness! We are rolling out our first ever Autism Awareness Week this week. We have lots of activities happening where students can celebrate minds of all kinds! A specific communication was sent out mid-week for our families with more information about the events happening, and I've put our flyer below!

Please note that this week's Friday assembly will be held in the cafeteria, instead of outside! We will have several special guests attending as we wrap up the week so please plan on more Friday traffic than usual! It's also a chance to WEAR BLUE to recognize Autism Awareness. :)

3rd-5th Grade Parents - Please note that our state testing window is from May 4-May 20, not including make up days. Having your students at school on those days makes a SIGNIFICANT difference! Students tend to test much better when they're in their own classroom with their own teacher than in a make up setting. Thank you for making arrangements so that your children can be present on those days!

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

Flyers for events are always posted below! Don't forget to check out the details!

APRIL

4/20-4/24 - Autism Awareness and Acceptance Week (more details to follow during the week!)
4/22 - EARTH DAY!
4/24 - PTA Sponsored SELFY Event (see flyer below)
4/30 - Talent Show Auditions during lunchtime recess (information below)

MAY

5/1 - May Pole Performance at morning assembly (Ms. Zoe's lunchtime group)
5/1 - Volunteer Training - FINAL ONE FOR 25-26
5/4 - 5/20 - State Testing (CAASPP) for Grades 3-5
5/14 - School Site Council @ 3:30pm
5/15 - HOLD for PTA Sponsored Field Day!
5/18 - School Tour
5/19 - PTA Member Meeting @ 8:30
5/21 - Art Show
5/25 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)
5/29 - Talent Show
5/29 - Grilled Cheesy Sandwiches! (PTA event)

STATE TESTING DATES (Grades 3-5)

ELA - May 4-7
MATH - May 11, May 12, May 14
SCIENCE (Grade 5) - May 18-20

25-26 Academic Calendar

25-26 PTA Calendar

Our school community has a wonderful opportunity to make a meaningful difference through the Waves 4 Water Read-a-Thon fundraiser. Participation is completely optional, but it’s a fun and meaningful way to encourage a love of reading while supporting a great cause. Families can “sponsor” their child by pledging a donation based on the number of pages, minutes, and/or books they read throughout the month-long event.

Every page turned helps bring clean water to communities in need around the world. Just $50 can provide a water filter for a family, giving them access to clean, safe water for up to 10 years. It’s a powerful reminder that when each of us does one small thing, together we can create a truly lasting impact. By participating, we also continue to teach our students the importance of empathy—helping them understand how their actions, big or small, can positively affect the lives of others.

We encourage families to consider joining this effort—supporting their child’s reading goals while also showing the value of compassion, community, and giving back. Donations can be made easily through the link available on our school website. Thank you for your consideration, generosity, and continued support of our school community. For any questions, please contact Ms. Kooy (5th grade teacher) at tkooy@smmusd.org.

DONATE HERE!

Get ready for our exciting upcoming annual Talent Show filled with creativity, and fun! It will be held on May 29th at 8:50am in the MES Theater!

The Talent Show is open to all students who want to share their unique skills on stage—no experience necessary. Whether it’s comedy sketches, improv, singing, dancing, playing an instrument, or something totally original, everyone is encouraged to participate and have fun! Auditions will be held on April 30th at lunchtime in room 25. (Flyer below for future reference!)

Sea Lion Academy - Final Session for 25-26 - Register NOW!!!

Sea Lion Academy has launched our SPRING session and all classes are now starting! Our MES teachers are offering core remediation classes that are sure to sharpen key skills before state testing and end-of-the-year projects! We’re also pumped to bring you exciting enrichment courses taught by local professionals like, Let’s Speak Spanish, Digital Animation, Film Production, Guitar and more! Classes will run from April 17-May 29th. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to end your child’s year with a BRAIN BOOST before summer!Contact Program Coordinator Robyn Estela at restela@smmusd.org with specific questions about our program.

Malibu Events:

COMEDY WORKSHOP AGES 18+ MONDAY, APRIL 20 5 - 6:30 p.m. MALIBU BLUFFS PARK, MICHAEL LANDON CENTER - COMPLIMENTARY. 310.317.1364. MalibuCity.org/Register. This workshop introduces participants to basic joke structure through writing and performance exercises. Learn how to write and perform your own jokes. Instructors create a fun atmosphere, build confidence and explore comedic voice.

Roaring 20’s Senior Luncheon: The Malibu Senior Center welcomes you to the Roaring ‘20’s themed luncheon, Lunch and entertainment will be provided.Maximum 70 participants.. $5 per person, pre-registration required. Thursday, April 23,12 - 1:30 p.m.

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!

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 Elementary Camp Bu Summer Camp Enrollment

Click here and see the attached flyer to learn more and enroll in our upcoming BGCM Elementary Summer Program – Camp Bu! (Flyer also shown below for your reference)

Available to incoming TK–5th grade. Enrollment is required to participate.
Where: Webster Elementary (3602 Winter Canyon Rd)
When:

June 22nd through August 7th (Monday - Friday) - Closed July 3rd for holiday

Incoming K-5th: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Incoming TK (Half-Day Program): 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Weekly calendars highlighting our themes and featured activities will be shared in advance.

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:

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.

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.

MES Minimum Days Schedule / 12:45 Dismissal

June 10
June 11

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.