Whale Tales

Dear Webster Community,

What a whale of a week at Webster!

One of my favorite moments was getting silly stringed by Ms. Berman’s kindergarteners — our top Whale Fund winners who rallied together to support our school. They were so sweet they even helped me clean up afterward, which perfectly captured the heart and spirit of this incredible community.

This week was also filled with discovery, creativity, and growth. We officially launched Tech for Tomorrow, our new K–5 STEM program, giving students hands-on experiences with engineering, robotics, and digital literacy. We celebrated our October Responsibility Rangers during Best on the Beach, recognizing students who lead by example every day. And thanks to a special partnership with the Malibu Foundation, our Butterfly Garden restoration is officially underway — bringing new life to a space that means so much to our school.

👉 Check out the sections below to learn more about these highlights and the many ways our Whales are learning, growing, and shining.

Finally, a shoutout to our 5th graders, the Class of 2026, who participated in a Poetry Slam in partnership with the City of Malibu. With guidance from guest artist Carla Bates, students created ocean-themed collages and performed their original “Advice From…” and “Guess What I Am” poems. A special thank you to Jolynn and Ricardo for helping organize this event alongside Ms. Johnson. It was inspiring to see their growth and bravery as they shared their voices. 🎤✨

WEBSTER WEAR 🐳
Congratulations to Ms. London's class for winning their first Webster Wear competition with 100% participation. Way to go, Room 19!

🔔 Important Reminders

• SCC Community Representative Election: Please confirm your vote for this year’s SSC community representatives. One vote per household. 👉 Cast your vote here

• Let’s Have a Spooktacular Halloween: Review costume guidelines and check the Trunk or Treat schedule to make it a fun and safe day for everyone.

• Boo Grams: Student Leadership is making Halloween extra sweet with Boo Grams on sale during lunch, October 27–30 for $1 each. Please remember — bills over $5 will not be accepted, so send students with small bills.

• Pod Power Problems: This week’s family math challenge is live — have fun solving together!

• Volunteer Training: All parents attending Trunk or Treat or class parties must be volunteer trained. If not trained, you’re welcome to join us starting at 11:30 AM on Halloween.

• Visitor Management: Bring your ID to check in at the office and sign out when you leave.

📅 Save the Dates

📌 November 3–7: Parent Conferences

📌 November 4: Pupil Free Day

📌 November 11: Veterans Day

📌 November 19–21: Malibu Village Book Fair

📌 November 20: Webster Wildlife Wonderland Learning Expo (K–1 families)

📌 November 21: Best on the Beach Assembly

📌 November 26–28: Thanksgiving Break

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

GO WHALES!!

Warmly,
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 upcoming newsletters.

Thank you for helping us celebrate our school community!

This morning, we proudly continued our Webster tradition — Best on the Beach — recognizing students who embody the character traits that define The Webster Way.

For October, we celebrated our Responsibility Rangers — students who demonstrate responsibility through their actions and words, even when no one’s watching. Each honoree received a certificate and a newly designed Best on the Beach patch to add to their Webster collection.

🎉 Congratulations to Our Responsibility Rangers:

• Felix Koch (nominated by Ms. Fuentes) — for offering kindness and calm to support a younger student having a tough morning.

• Harper Greenman (nominated by Ms. Cooper) — for being a model of kindness, responsibility, and leadership among peers.

• Grady Thomas (nominated by Ms. Yolii) — for showing up prepared, using excellent manners, and setting a strong example every day.

• Sutton Winder (nominated by Mr. K) — for demonstrating responsibility in class and leading by example.

• David Farrell (nominated by Ms. April) — for taking initiative at recess and lunch to help out and set a positive tone for others.

We are so thankful that each of their families could join us to celebrate this special moment and share in the joy of honoring their students. Let’s give it up for our Responsibility Rangers 👏✨

Boo Grams are a fun and festive way to send a spooky note to your friends, teachers, or staff this Halloween 🎃

💬 On Sale: October 27–30 during lunch
💲 Cost: $1 per Boo Gram

NOTE: Bills over $5 will not be accepted, so be sure to send your students with small bills if they’d like to purchase Boo Grams next week.

A huge shoutout to our 4th and 5th grade Student Leadership team for spearheading this event and making Halloween a little extra sweet for everyone at Webster. Special thanks to Mr. K and Ms. Johnson for guiding our young leaders as they gain valuable skills in organization, teamwork, and community building.

All proceeds help support our school — and spread some Halloween cheer! 🕸🦇

We’re so excited for Webster’s annual Trunk or Treat celebration! Below is the class visit schedule along with a few important reminders to ensure a fun, safe, and memorable day for everyone.

SCHEDULE

• 7:00–9:00 AM: Car entry through the lower gate

• 9:30 AM: Cars decorated and ready to hand out candy/goodies

• 9:30 AM: PreK (Norodom/Fuentes)

• 9:45 AM: TK (Nungaray)

• 10:00 AM: Kindergarten (Berman)

• 10:15 AM: 1st Grade (Cooper)

• 10:30 AM: 2nd Grade (Harris & Stark)

• 10:45 AM: 3rd Grade (Kisskalt)

• 11:00 AM: 4th Grade (London & Morris)

• 11:15 AM: 5th Grade (Johnson)

• 11:30 AM onward: Tunnel Walk by class followed by a Monster Mash Dance Party on the lawn!

COSTUME EXPECTATIONS:

To make sure everyone can enjoy the fun in a safe and welcoming environment, please review our costume guidelines ahead of time. If you’re unsure about a costume, double-check with us — we’re happy to help!

🚨IMPORTANT REMINDER:

All adults on campus during Trunk or Treat or class parties must be volunteer trained.
Not trained yet? You’re still welcome to join us on the lawn starting at 11:30 AM to enjoy the Tunnel Walk, Monster Mash Dance Party, and view the decorated trunks.

We can’t wait to see the creative costumes and spooky-fun trunk designs. Let’s make this a spooktacular event for all 👻

We’re thrilled to welcome Alex Beatty to Webster as the new Tech for Tomorrow teacher! This exciting K - 5 program marks the launch of Webster’s revamped STEM initiative, designed to give students hands-on experiences that build essential 21st-century skills.

Through a two-part program — Media Literacy and STEM Engineering — students will dive into engineering, robotics, 3D modeling, problem-solving, and develop critical media literacy skills like storytelling, coding, animation, and the responsible use of digital tools such as Scratch and ChatGPT. Our youngest learners have already jumped in by learning basic computer navigation and painting digitally, while our upper grades have started exploring typing skills through Typing Club and learning how to refine their search techniques on Google.

This program will inspire creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration — preparing our Whales to thrive in a digital world. Welcome aboard, Mr. Beatty! 🐳✨

We’re thrilled to share that Webster is partnering with Malibu Foundation to bring back a beloved space on campus — our Butterfly Garden — which was impacted by the Franklin Fire. This exciting restoration project will transform the garden into a vibrant Pollinator Garden, blooming year-round with native plants that attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.

This partnership is about more than just planting flowers. Together with Malibu Foundation, students will have the opportunity to:

• Learn about biodiversity and pollinators

• Explore Malibu and Chumash history

• Participate in hands-on planting and care

• Take climate action through local stewardship

Before the end of the school year, Webster will host a community planting event, inviting families to help plant native species and celebrate the return of this special space. We can’t wait to see the Butterfly Garden buzzing with life once again — a living classroom where students can learn, explore, and grow.

👉 Learn more about Malibu Foundation at themalibufoundation.org

Planning a spooky outing this Halloween season? When you purchase tickets to Nights of the Jack through our Webster-specific link, 10% of your ticket sales will be donated back to Webster — at no extra cost to you!

Nights of the Jack is an immersive Halloween experience for all ages, featuring dazzling jack-o’-lantern installations, seasonal fun, and a magical atmosphere at King Gillette Ranch.

📅 Event Dates: September 26 – November 1
📍 Location: King Gillette Ranch

Tickets are available now! If you, your family, friends, or neighbors are planning to attend this year, please be sure to use and share our Webster link to support our school while celebrating the season.

View your child’s proofs:

1. Click: https://trishalisonphotography.zenfolio.com/f591098416

2. When prompted for a keyword, enter YOUR CHILD’S LAST NAME.

Ordering deadline: November 1
Need more time? Contact Trish directly for an extension.
Need a make-up appointment? Call or text 📱310-749-0410.

Ordering Tips & Options

• Build-your-own packages: order exactly what you want (no preset bundles).

• Choose single prints, digital JPEG downloads, print packages, or photo gifts (see the left side of the ordering screen).

• Best on a desktop (not a phone) for easiest checkout.

• Retouching options (teeth whitening, acne/blemish removal, glasses glare) are available at checkout.

• Digital JPEG pricing: $39 each; retouched JPEG: $46.

• Bulk discounts available online (8 or 15 JPEGs). For other options, contact Trish.

• You can crop photos during checkout.

Questions? Please contact Trish Alison Photography directly (not the school):
📧 trish@trishalisonphotography.com | 📱 310-749-0410

Beginning November 3, 2025, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District will implement a new “Away for the Day” policy to support student learning, focus, and well-being. This means that during the school day, students must keep all personal mobile communication devices turned off and put away.

• 📵 Elementary (K–5): Devices must be turned off and stored in backpacks.

• 📵 Middle School (6–8): Devices must be turned off and placed in secure pouches.

• 📵 High School (9–12): Devices must be turned off during instructional time, with limited exceptions (e.g., emergencies, medical needs, or with staff permission).

This districtwide effort is designed to minimize distractions, protect student privacy, and create more connected learning environments for all students.

Parents and guardians can now access their child’s CAASPP, ELPAC, and Star Renaissance score reports directly through the Aeries Parent Portal. Please note that hard copy reports are not mailed home.

✅ How to Access

• Parent Portal Login

• Step-by-Step Guide: Locating Test Scores in Aeries

🎥 Helpful Videos:

• How Parents Access the Portal

These resources walk you through exactly how to view your child’s score reports, so you’ll always have the latest information on their progress.

As we prepare for an exciting new school year, all families are required to verify and update their student’s information through the AERIES Data Confirmation process. This ensures we have the most accurate and up-to-date records for your child.

We recommend completing this process on a desktop or laptop computer for the best experience.

How to Complete Data Confirmation

1. Log in to your Aeries Parent Portal using the link below:
   🔗 AERIES Parent Portal

2. If you do not use the direct link above, log in to your Aeries Parent Portal, select Student Info, and click Data Confirmation to access the form.

3. If you have forgotten your login credentials, click “Forgot Password?” at the bottom of the login screen.

For Prospective or New Families

If you are new to Webster or have not yet enrolled your child, please complete AERIES Online Enrollment as soon as possible to ensure a smooth start to the school year.

🔗SMMUSD Online Enrollment

You will be asked to upload:

• Immunization records

• Parent/guardian photo ID

• Proof of residency

• Birth certificate

Once complete, please email Carina Diana (cdiana@smmusd.org) and April Montes (amontes@smmusd.org) so we can guide you through the next steps.

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 April Montes at amontes@smmusd.org and Kim Rivetti (Interim Register) at krivetti@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.

Every dollar given funds the people and programs that make Malibu public schools thrive — from classroom aides and arts programs to athletics and academic support. Our community ask is $750 per student, but every contribution, at any level, makes a meaningful difference.

Your generosity helps fund essential programs across all four Malibu schools and complements the important work of each school’s PTA.

The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu is committed to youth and community resilience by providing a supportive and inclusive environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through after-school programs, social-emotional learning, and wellness services, BGCM helps ensure every child feels safe, supported, and connected. Here’s what’s happening:

📚 Academic Year Enrollment is LIVE!

• Dates: August 21 – June 11

• Grades: TK–5th

• Programs include: Kindness Is Free, Manners Matter, social-emotional wellness, STEM projects, arts & crafts, cooking/gardening, and more!
  👉 Enroll today at bgcmalibu.org.

🛹 NEW! Johnny Strange Legacy Inspire Skate Program
Join us for action-packed skateboarding sessions designed to build skills, confidence, and community through athletics, education, and creative skate activities!

• When: Mondays, 4:30–5:30 PM

• Dates: Session 1: October 6–October 27 | Session 2: November 3–November 24

• Who: 3rd–5th graders (max. 5 participants per session)

• Where: BGCM Teen Center

• Cost: $100 per 4-week session

Skaters are encouraged to bring their own skateboard, helmet, and safety gear, but BGCM has equipment available to borrow if needed.
👉 To register or learn more, email stephengreene@bgcmalibu.org.

💛 Wellness Center & Social Support
BGCM provides no-cost mental health counseling and social support services both remotely and in-person for students and families.
👉 Learn more or request services here: bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center.

🌟 Disaster Recovery Services
The BGCM Disaster Recovery Center continues to support Palisades Fire survivors with long-term recovery services by appointment only. Our Care Coordination Team is here to partner with families every step of the way to ensure no one navigates this journey alone.

Support includes:

• One-on-one guidance: You’ll be paired with a dedicated Care Coordinator.

• Personalized recovery planning: Together, we’ll identify what you need most now and in the future.

• Resource connection: We’ll help you access the latest available support.

• Advocacy: We’re here to make sure you’re supported at every stage.

• 👉 To schedule, email drc@bgcmalibu.org (expect a response within 2–5 business days).

🏃 Run Malibu Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Race
On November 15th and 16th, wellness, community, and endurance come together at Run Malibu! Runners of all levels will be treated to stunning views along the Pacific Coast Highway. Highlights include:

• The Dolphin Dash Kids Race at California State University Channel Islands campus

• The traditional Half Marathon & 5K along the PCH
  👉 Learn more and register at www.runmalibu.com.

The City of Malibu is offering a fun and creative afterschool opportunity for Webster students in TK–5th grade! Art & Yoga Afterschool Workshop combines artistic expression with the physical and mental benefits of yoga. Students will explore their creativity, improve flexibility, and nurture their artistic talents in a calm and supportive space.

📍 Webster Elementary
📅 Tuesday, November 18
⏰ 3:00–4:30 PM
💲 $25

Yoga mats will be provided, and the workshop will be led by Little Fox Yoga.

👉 Register at MalibuCity.org/Register or call 310.317.1364.

To enhance student safety, all K–5 students will enter and exit through one main gate — located by the main office. This will help us maintain 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.

• Avoid using the Our Lady of Malibu (OLM) parking lots.

• Park only in the Webster lot.

Thank you for helping us ensure smooth arrivals and dismissals each day. Creating a safe and positive learning environment is our top priority — and it starts with all of us working together. We truly appreciate your support!

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