Sea Lion Spotlight
Malibu Elementary Parent Newsletter #12- October 27, 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 Halloween Week MES Families!
On Friday, we will be celebrating Halloween at MES! We will be starting the day right after arrival with our annual Halloween Parade! Parents are welcome to come and join us for this event, which will take place out on the blacktop. Students will parade around by class, and other students and our parent "fan club" will be able to cheer them on! We'll then have a special performance by our 5th grade students before students head off to class. Many of our classes are also doing special events throughout the day.
I have been doing grade level assemblies with students to go over expectations at MES. We've reviewed the importance of treating others with respect, being an "upstander" instead of a bystander if they see something concerning, and how we will be adjusting play areas on the playground. We also reviewed key rules and the importance of a "hands free" school experience - including eliminating tag and play fighting/wrestling as those activities often lead to more aggressive behavior. Please ask your student what they remember from these talks. 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders talked with me on Friday, 1st and 2nd will take place Monday, and TK and K will follow later this week.
In addition to the students, we have had staff discussions about monitoring closely and responding to aggressive activities. We are zoning areas of the big playground to allow for even better supervision, and we have had bushes removed so that visibility is greatly increased - THANK YOU to our volunteers for helping with that! We are also honing in on our Social Emotional curriculum in classrooms that will focus on problem solving, building positive friendships, and anti-bullying. This is not only intentionally taught but reinforced during morning meeting discussions.
Many parents ask what they can do to help and having conversations about what positive choices were made during the day, or how your child solved a problem during the day are helpful!
Let's make this week a BOOtiful week ahead!
Ms. Sally Wennes
Principal
Calendar of Events
OCTOBER
10/31 - Halloween Parade (after arrival, hoping for a start time of 8:20)
NOVEMBER
- 11/4 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week (No school for students)
- 11/5 - 11/7 - Early release days due to Parent/Teacher Conferences
- 11/7 - Volunteer Trainingj @ 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!)
- 11/26-11/28 - 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
It's time for ceramics during art time!
More Information for Parents
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!
Join the PTA!
If you haven't already, it's the perfect time to renew or start your PTA membership! Please sign up each school year at this LINK! You can follow us on Instagram as well for another way to be connected at @malibuelementarypta. Your $15 membership does the following:
- Supports National and State PTA advocacy for public education
- Funds MES programs, enrichment, and amazing events
- Gives you a vote in deciding what's offered to our students
If you HAVE joined, but aren't getting emails, please make sure that you've added PTA@MalibuElementary.org to your address book/contacts! If you're on gmail, drag & drop or move any PTA emails from your Promotions tab into your Primary inbox. Gmail will ask if you’d like this done for future emails — click Yes.
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
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