Whale Tales

Dear Webster Community,

As I drove through Malibu Canyon this week, I was filled with joy seeing tiny blades of grass emerging on the mountainsides—a beautiful reminder of new beginnings.This same spirit of renewal and generosity has been evident throughout our Webster community this week.

We were honored to receive boxes of brand-new books from our friends at the Madroña Academy Community in CVUSD, gifted to students who have been displaced or lost their homes in the fires. This generous act has helped to start rebuilding home libraries and brought countless smiles to our students. A heartfelt thank you to Gina Mandell, Madroña Academy Principal, for organizing this meaningful book drive and fostering a love of reading. Additionally, Malibu Middle School partnered with Calpak to provide new backpacks and water bottle holders as well. We love seeing these fresh, colorful additions lining our halls!

Our own incredible Webster community also came together to stock the Webster Community Library, ensuring students and families have access to books to rebuild their home collections. Students even got to decorate their own bookmarks, adding a personal touch to this special event. A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this happen!

We also want to extend our gratitude to the American Heart Association, which stopped by to donate additional playground balls and jump ropes. These contributions will benefit our students by encouraging active play and fostering healthy habits.

Important Reminders:

📄 Report Cards Sent Home – Students received their report cards today. Please take time to review them together, sign the envelope, and return it to your child’s teacher.

🎒 5th Grade Yosemite Meeting – Attention 5th grade parents! Join us for an essential meeting on Friday, March 7th at 8:45 AM at Webster to go over all the details for our upcoming outdoor education experience. Please ensure at least one parent/guardian attends to help make this trip a successful.

🌟 Talent Show Applications Due – Students interested in participating in the Talent Show must submit their applications by Monday, March 3rd.

📢 SSC Community Representative Position Available – See below for more information.

☀️ Summer School Opportunity – Open to all Malibu TK-8 students. More details can be found below.

🏆 Webster Wear Winner – Congratulations to Ms. Johnson’s class, holding a two-week streak! Way to go!

📅 Save the Date!

📌 March 14 – 🧮 Math Field Day (Math Club Members Only, 9 AM - 12 PM)
📌 March 21 – 🏃‍♂️ Jog-a-Thon (Time TBD)
📌 March 28 – 🎭 Talent Show (6 PM - 8 PM)
📌 April 1 – 🔬 Pepperdine Science Night (6 PM - 7:30 PM)
📌 April 3 – 🏫 Open House (6 PM - 7 PM)

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

Together, we will get through this 🫶🏼

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!

What an incredible week at our Webster Community Library Event! 📚✨ Students, families, and staff came together to celebrate the joy of reading. From browsing the shelves to selecting treasured new books, our students were excited to discover stories that will transport them to new worlds. The energy was contagious as friends shared book recommendations and got creative designing their own bookmarks! 🎨

An effective school thrives on collaboration between parents, students, teachers, administrators, and staff. We invite you to become an integral part of this process by joining the School Site Council (SSC). We unexpectedly have an open parent/guardian position and are seeking a dedicated volunteer to step into this role for the remainder of the 2024-2026 2-year term (August 2024 – August 2026).

What does the SSC do?

• Develops and revises the school’s Bylaws
• Analyzes and evaluates student academic achievement
• Receives recommendations from school advisories and committees
• Develops or revises the school plan and approves expenditures in line with state and federal regulations
• Participates in local, state, and federal program reviews for compliance
• Attends meetings where a quorum is needed for voting decisions

The SSC meets on Thursdays at 3:00 PM for approximately 90 minutes, six times throughout the school year. Meeting dates for the remainder of 2024-2025 are currently posted HERE.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please email a brief statement of interest to Principal Diana at cdiana@smmusd.org by Friday, March 14th. If an election is needed, names and statements will be included on an electronic ballot, and voting will take place the week of March 17th. Additional details regarding the election will be shared closer to that time.

Please include the following in your email:

• Your name, phone number, and email
• Your student’s name and grade
• A three-sentence candidate statement explaining why you would like to serve

We appreciate your support and look forward to your participation in making our school community even stronger!

We are excited to offer Summer School to all TK-8 students in Malibu this year! Unlike previous years, when Summer School was based on teacher recommendations and assessment scores, this special opportunity is open to every student due to school closures.

About the Program

📚 Dates: Monday, June 23 – Friday, July 18 (No school on July 4)
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Locations:

• Malibu Elementary School – For students from Malibu ES & Webster ES

This four-week (19-day) program is designed to engage, enrich, and support students through Project-Based Learning (PBL). With a focus on English Language Arts and Mathematics, students will participate in interactive read-alouds, collaborative math games, hands-on projects, and social-emotional learning activities to develop critical thinking and academic skills in a fun and meaningful way.

Daily attendance is required for students to remain enrolled in the program. Families will also have opportunities to stay engaged through a "Welcome to Summer School" meeting, a culminating "Celebration of Learning" event, and regular communication from teachers.

How to Enroll

🔗 Complete the Enrollment Interest and Commitment Form by March 10 at 6 PM to secure a spot. Late responses will be placed on a waitlist.
📅 Enrollment confirmation will be sent by March 26. Please note that the program depends on sufficient enrollment and staffing.

If you prefer one-on-one tutoring tailored to your schedule, before/after school tutoring is available from February 17 – March 28 (up to 3 hours per week). Email Jonathan@310tutors.com for more details.

We look forward to a fantastic summer of learning!

Our Annual Math Field Day is happening on Friday, March 14th, hosted by Mr. K! This exciting event is for 4th and 5th grade students currently in Math Club and celebrates their hard work with a fun-filled day of Math Olympiad Problem Solving Activities, a group picture, and a special pizza lunch!

📅 Event Schedule:
🥐 8:30 - 8:45 AM – Continental Breakfast
🧠 8:45 - 11:30 AM – Olympian Math Challenge Activities
📸 🍕 11:30 AM – Group Picture & Pizza Lunch

To make this event a success, we need parent volunteers! Whether your child is in Math Club or you simply want to support our amazing 4th and 5th graders, we’d love your help.

Volunteer Opportunities Include:

• Breakfast setup & cleanup (8:10 - 9:00 AM)
• Paper correcting & assisting with Math Field Day (9:00 - 11:30 AM)
• Pizza lunch setup & cleanup (11:30 AM - 12:15 PM)
• Donating breakfast & lunch items
• Helping cover the cost of Math Club T-shirts ($25 donations can be made via Zelle to websterptamalibu@gmail.com or by dropping off cash/check to Webster PTA in the front office)

This event is a highlight of the year for Math Club participants, and we want to celebrate their hard work! 🎉 Please consider volunteering your time by signing up here: 🔗 Volunteer Sign-Up

Calling all thespians, dancers, singers, magicians, musicians, joke tellers, poetry readers, acrobats, and jugglers! It’s time to get your performance ready and join us for our joyful annual Webster Talent Show!

Applications & Auditions:
🎭 Applications Due: Monday, March 3rd (Forms available in the office or download HERE)
🎭 Audition Options (must attend one):

• Tuesday, March 4th @ 3 PM – until done
• Friday, March 7th @ 1:30 PM – until done

🎭 Rehearsals: (All acts must attend all three)

• Friday, March 14th @ 1:30 PM – until done
• Friday, March 21st @ 1:30 PM – until done
• Wednesday, March 26th @ 3 PM – until done (Dress Rehearsal)

🎭 Talent Show Performances:

1. Friday, March 28th @ 8:45 AM (Student Show)
2. Friday, March 28th @ 6 PM (Parent Show)

Important Guidelines:
✨ Students may perform solo or in a group (max 2 acts; no 2 solo acts).
✨ Costumes, language, and song lyrics must be elementary school-appropriate and approved before dress rehearsal.
✨ Solo acts: max 2 minutes; Group acts: max 2 minutes 30 seconds.
✨ Need help editing music? Email Nikki White at ncwhite11@gmail.com.

🎨 Student Art Program Submissions:
Are you an artist? Submit a drawing to be considered for the Webster Talent Show Program Cover!
📌 Submissions due to Principal Diana by Wednesday, March 12th.

We are SO excited to showcase the talent, creativity, and imagination of our Webster performers!

Get ready for an exciting evening of hands-on science exploration! On April 1 from 6:00-7:30 PM, Assistant Professor of Biology Krista Lucas and 40 of her Pepperdine students will once again bring the wonder of science to Webster!

These future scientists have developed engaging, grade-appropriate lab experiences for our families, covering topics like Natural Selection, The Immune System, Reptile & Amphibian Adaptations, Food Chains, and even SLIME! They’ve put their creativity to the test to create interactive, fun-filled learning experiences for students of all ages.

Families will rotate between classrooms to explore different experiments, and all friends and family are welcome to join in on the fun!

Get ready for an enchanting performance as Malibu Middle School proudly presents Beauty and the Beast! Join them for a magical journey filled with music, adventure, and beloved characters brought to life by our talented students.

📅 Remaining Show Dates & Times:
✨ Saturday, March 1 – 7:00 PM
✨ Sunday, March 2 – 1:00 PM

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."

In the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, the BGCM is providing critical disaster relief services to support families, students, and community members. BGCM aims to be a lifeline to the Malibu community. These free resources are available to anyone impacted—please don’t hesitate to reach out, visit, and share with those in need!

🌟 BGCM Disaster Relief Center

📍 23357 Pacific Coast Hwy
🕙 Wed-Fri: 10 AM – 5 PM | Sat: 11 AM – 4 PM

At the BGCM Disaster Relief Center, those affected by the Palisades Fire can access emergency grants support, essential supplies, mental health services, and resource connections.

💰 BGCM Emergency Relief Fund is made possible by generous donations. This fund provides direct support to families and individuals in greatest need. BGCM is prioritizing those most affected by the fire—please reach out if you or someone you know needs assistance.

🧘‍♀️ Mental Health & Wellness Support

The BGCM Wellness Center continues to offer free mental health and social support services for families, students, seniors, and the local workforce.

📞 Contact for mental health support: 310-457-6801 ext. 74141
📧 Email: wellnessinfo@bgcmalibu.org

🧘‍♂️ Mindfulness Workshops – Every Thursday starting 2/6
📍 BGCM Disaster Relief Center | 12:30 – 1:30 PM
(For adults 18+, no RSVP needed)

A free, drop-in workshop to help navigate stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.

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