Sea Lion Spotlight

Hello MES Families,

This week, we celebrate our MES staff members. Staff Appreciation Week is a special time for us to recognize the incredible team that supports our students every day. Our staff brings care, dedication, and energy into everything they do, helping create a positive and supportive learning environment for all of our MES students.

Our staff consistently continues to show flexibility, positivity, and a strong commitment to student success. From engaging lessons to meaningful connections, their impact is felt in so many ways across our school community. We feel incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated staff. If you have a moment this week, we encourage you to join us in thanking them for all they do!

3rd-5th Grade Parents - Please note that our state testing window started today, May 4. Please note the specific days in the dates section of this week's Spotlight. 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. (Those make up dates happen outside of the typical testing dates and times listed below.) 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!

MAY

5/4 - 5/20 - State Testing (CAASPP) for Grades 3-5
5/8 - "Mindfulness & Movement" Family Event @ 1pm
5/14 - School Site Council @ 3:30pm
5/15 - PTA Sponsored Field Day
5/15 - "Total Reset" Sound Bath Family Event @ 1pm
5/18 - School Tour @ 1pm
5/19 - PTA Member Association Meeting @ 8:30
5/21 - Annual Art Show @ 5pm (flyer below)
5/25 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)
5/29 - Talent Show
5/29 - "Healing & Connection for the Inner Child" Family Event @ 1pm
5/29 - Grilled Cheesy Sandwiches! (PTA event)

STATE TESTING DATES (Grades 3-5) - 10:00-11:45am

ELA - May 4-7
MATH - May 11, May 12, May 14
SCIENCE (Grade 5 only) - May 18-20
Make Up testing will happen on alternate days and times as needed through May.

25-26 Academic Calendar

25-26 PTA Calendar

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! Please click HERE for more information regarding auditions and details!

This past week, we had an opportunity to watch our younger students celebrate their May Pole dance! This is a beloved tradition of our students and it was so wonderful to see the pride in their dancing on Friday! Thank you to Ms. Zoe!

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.

When everyone gives just a little, we can make a BIG difference! We're almost to our goal! Let's keep it going MES!!!! The more we give, the more families we impact!

DONATE HERE!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and at MES we’re reminding students and families that mental health is an important part of overall health 😌.

In the elementary years, children are learning to recognize feelings, ask for help, solve problems, and connect with others in healthy ways. When students feel safe, seen, and supported, we help build a foundation for lifelong well-being.

Our Mental Health & Wellness events in May support that growth by helping students and families build skills and connection.

Our next event is Friday, May 8, from 1–2pm:

An interactive workshop for families ~ this week's focus is on practices to help with calming, balance, and regulating! Spaces are still available (as this communication is being typed)!

Please RSVP at bit.ly/MESwellness. These after-school events are free, open to the whole family, and not drop-off events.

Hope to see you there!

MES PTA Wellness Committee

Rebecca Nelson, M.Ed., M.S., LEP, MES School Psychologist

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

Sea Lion Academy has launched our SPRING session and all classes are now happening! 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 run from April 17-May 29th. Contact Program Coordinator Robyn Estela at restela@smmusd.org with specific questions about our program.

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.