Whale Tales

Dear Webster Community,

It’s hard to believe the final weeks of school are already upon us! As we approach the end of the year, there’s so much to celebrate and look forward to—from student milestones to memorable events that highlight the heart of our Webster community.

Over the past two weeks, our 3rd–5th graders have been working diligently on their CAASPP assessments. We’re in the home stretch, with testing continuing through Friday, May 30th. Your support at home truly makes a difference—thank you for helping your child show up rested, nourished, and ready to do their best. A few helpful reminders:

• 💤 Ensure a good night’s sleep and limit screen time
• 🥣 Provide a hearty breakfast
• 📅 Avoid scheduling appointments before 2:00 PM
• ✏️ Prioritize attendance and homework
• 💬 Keep communication open with your child’s teacher
• 💗 And most importantly, offer encouragement and remind them we believe in them!

We can’t wait to begin honoring our 5th grade students as they prepare for the exciting journey to middle school. Families of 5th graders—keep an eye out for an email early next week with important information about the promotion ceremony to help ensure a smooth and celebratory experience for all.

This past Wednesday, we were proud to see Webster alumni Maya Guzman receive the Michelle Ward Memorial Scholarship, presented by our PTA during the Senior Awards Night at Malibu High. Maya, who will be attending Baylor University in Texas, was introduced by Lauren Frank and Cruz Ifft. We’re so proud of her accomplishments and the continued legacy of Webster students.

🏆 Webster Wear Winner!
Congratulations to Ms. Cooper’s class for winning this week’s Webster Wear Challenge with 100% participation!

🔔 Important Reminders

• NO SCHOOL - Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day
• Lost and Found – Please check. All unclaimed items will be donated after Friday, May 30th.
• Webster School Portraits – Now available! See below for ordering details

📅 Save the Dates

📌 May 12–30: 🧠 Grade 5 CAASPP and CAST Testing Window

📌 May 19–30: 🧠 Grade 4 CAASPP Testing Window

📌 June 3: 🎼 Spring Music Concert (6 PM – 8 PM)
📌 June 5: 🥞 5th Grade Breakfast – SHHH…it’s a surprise! (9 AM – 12 PM)
📌 June 6: 🌻 Gratitude Breakfast & Honorary Service Awards

📌 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)

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

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!

This week, our School Site Council (SSC) officially approved Webster’s Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) for the 2025–2026 school year. This comprehensive plan outlines our schoolwide goals, strategies, and actions designed to support academic growth, student well-being, and a positive school climate for every student.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our SSC members for their time, collaboration, and partnership throughout the year. The important work of this council ensures that we continue making data-driven decisions to best support our students and their success.

🔎 The 2025-2026 SPSA focuses on three key goals:

• Academic Development: Raise student proficiency in ELA, Math, and Science

• Supporting Every Student’s Success: Accelerate growth for Multilingual Learners and close opportunity gaps

• School Climate: Foster student connectedness, participation, and meaningful engagement

Principal Diana and Instructional Coach Maribeth Majewski will be presenting the plan to the SMMUSD Board of Education next week.

🔗 View the SPSA Presentation Here

Our lost and found is overflowing with jackets, hats, sweaters, water bottles, and even a stuffy or two! Please stop by and collect any missing belongings before summer break. Items without names will be donated on Friday, May 30th. Don’t let your treasures get away!

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!

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 dedicated to creating a fun, safe, and enriching environment where Malibu youth can grow, thrive, and build lifelong skills. Read below for current programs, upcoming events, and how your family can get involved!

🌟 BGCM Membership Enrollment is LIVE!

BGCM provides a nurturing space where students can participate in academic, creative, and social-emotional learning activities. Members benefit from:

• Positive mentorship

• Fun, engaging enrichment opportunities

• A supportive community space

Visit bgcmalibu.org to enroll and learn more.

☀️ Camp Bu: BGCM Summer Enrollment is Now Live!

Get ready for an exciting and enriching summer!

Location: Malibu Elementary School
Dates: June 23 – August 8, 2025
Time: Monday–Friday

• TK Express: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Incoming TK students)

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

Camp Bu offers a nurturing environment filled with STEM projects, arts & crafts, cooking, gardening, social-emotional wellness, and kindness-based activities.

🌐 Visit bgcmalibu.org to learn more and enroll today!

🥋 Warrior Academy – Bruce Lee Foundation

Created by Bruce Lee’s daughter, Shannon Lee, this powerful program shares her father’s teachings through weekly martial arts and mindfulness training. Led by professional martial artist Joey Escobar, these fun and engaging sessions challenge students to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Available to BGCM members in grades 3–5 and included with membership. If you have questions, email tylerhawkins@bgcmalibu.org.

💚 Wellness Center & Social Support Services

BGCM’s Wellness Center offers no-cost mental health counseling and social support for youth and families—available both in-person and remotely to serve the entire community.

🔗 Learn more or request services for you or your child: bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center
📺 PSA for Parents! Missed a parent workshop? Access all recordings here: bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center-resources

🐾 City Afterschool Program: Animal Invasion Workshop

Join us for a hands-on, educational adventure with fascinating animals—free for all BGCM members with an active annual membership!

• Webster Elementary: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 | 3:00–4:30 PM
• Malibu Elementary: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 | 3:00–4:30 PM

📩 To register, please complete the attached form and email it directly to tylerhawkins@bgcmalibu.org.
🚫 Do not register via the City website for these workshops.
✅ Make sure your BGCM membership is active to participate!

🍕 Support BGCM with Pizza Night!

Make your next family night out count by visiting Prince Street Pizza Malibu! BGCM teamed up with Prince Street Pizza for a special “Create Your Own Pizza Pie” contest, and the winning creation—“Princey Pizza’s The Best”—was dreamed up by our very own Nico (1st grade!). Featuring marinara, vegan cheese, peppers, olives, and a honey drizzle, this delicious pie is available exclusively at the Malibu location.

💫 20% of proceeds support BGCM’s Disaster Relief & Community Recovery Services—so every bite gives back!

🆘 BGCM Disaster Relief & Community Recovery Services

In the wake of recent events, BGCM is providing immediate and long-term support for families impacted by disaster. Drawing from experience during the Woolsey Fire, BGCM is committed to a 4 to 6+ year recovery plan focused on restoring stability, rebuilding lives, and creating a path to lasting hope. Current services include:

• 🧒 After-School Care & Mentorship Programs

• 💬 Crisis Counseling

• 🧠 School-Day Mental Health & Wellness Services

• 📦 Essential Supply Distribution

• 🧍‍♀️ Whole-Person Trauma-Informed Case Management

  • Public systems navigation

  • Unmet needs assessment & long-term recovery planning

  • Housing stabilization assistance

  • Social support services

Need help? Visit the BGCM Disaster Relief Center:
📍 23357 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265 (around the corner from Wells Fargo)
🕒 Open Wednesday–Friday, 10 AM–5 PM
🌐 Learn more: www.bgcmalibu.org

Together, we can rebuild, restore, and rise—stronger than ever.

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