Whale Tales

Dear Webster Families,

This has been a challenging and heartbreaking week for our Malibu community. The Franklin Fire has disrupted so many lives, from sudden midnight evacuations to the loss of homes, property damage, and prolonged periods without power or communication. My heart goes out to each and every one of you affected by these events. I want you to know that I stand with you, feeling every emotion.

Although the fire came dangerously close to Webster, we are committed to restoring our campus so that we can come together as a school community again soon.

Gratitude

I want to express my immense gratitude to our brave firefighters and first responders, who worked tirelessly to protect our community and our beloved Webster campus. Their courage and dedication have been nothing short of heroic.

I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Principal Chris Hertz and the entire MES staff and community for graciously welcoming us into their school. Their kindness and collaboration exemplify the spirit of unity that makes Malibu such a special place.

Additionally, I am deeply thankful for the support of our district leadership team, who have prioritized Webster in every way to ensure our school is restored as quickly as possible. Their commitment—and ours—means that Webster will remain the home we all cherish.

Moving Forward

Our staff has been extraordinary in their resilience and dedication. They have come together to create a plan to welcome our students to in-person learning next week at Malibu Elementary School (MES) starting Tuesday, December 17th. The entire Webster team is eager to be with our students again, surrounding them with care, support, and kindness as we begin the healing process together.

If you have not yet completed the In-Person Learning Survey, please do so as soon as possible: In-Person Learning Survey. It is critical that we hear from all families—one form per student, please.

Next week’s focus will be on supporting students’ social and emotional well-being and helping our community heal. We understand that every family is navigating this experience differently, so all absences will be excused next week for those unable or not ready to return to school.

Important MES Information

• Address: 6955 Fernhill Dr, Malibu, CA 90265
• Phone Number: (310) 457-9370

Please take time to read the full newsletter for all in-person learning details, including:

• Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures at MES
• In-Person Learning Bell Schedule
• School Bus Transportation Information
• Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Community Resources

A Symbol of Resilience

This week has been full of challenges, but I was moved to tears when I visited campus today and saw Poets Park’s beautiful tree standing strong—a powerful reminder of resilience. I was also deeply touched by the kindness shown by families who expressed gratitude to firefighters, even in the midst of their own challenges.

Malibu and Webster are truly one-of-a-kind communities. Please know that I am here for you—to provide resources, lend a listening ear, and offer comfort as we navigate this together.

If any updates arise, I will keep you informed every step of the way. I cannot wait to reunite next week and share in the warmth, connection, and care that define our community.

Together, we will get through this 🫶

Carina Diana

Principal

Many Webster families are facing challenges restocking their refrigerators after power outages caused by the Franklin Fire. To assist, we are requesting Ralphs gift cards, as they are the most convenient option for families near Webster. Any amount is greatly appreciated!

Gift Card Drop-Off Locations:

• Malibu Elementary School: 6955 Fernhill Dr., Malibu | (310) 457-9370
• Malibu Middle School: 30215 Morning View Dr., Malibu | (310) 457-6801
• Malibu High School: 30215 Morning View Dr., Malibu | (310) 457-6801
• Malibu Boys & Girls Club (on each campus)
• SMMUSD District Office: 1717 4th St., Santa Monica

If your family is in need of this assistance, please reach out to Principal Diana directly for support.

Your generosity means so much to our families as they recover from this challenging time.

We want to ensure everyone is clear about drop-off and pick-up procedures at Malibu Elementary School (MES) next week. Here’s what you need to know:

Drop-Off:

• Parents who wish to walk their students to the gate should park on Greyfox Dr. (street parking is available) or use the loading zone (drop-off only) in the main lot on Fernhill Dr.
• The City has lifted all parking restrictions on Greyfox Dr. to make this more convenient.

Entry Gate:

• All students will enter MES through the Main Gate.
• Webster staff will welcome students and direct them where to go to meet their teachers on the blacktop, ensuring a smooth and supportive start to the day.

Pick-Up:

• Pre-K, TK, and Kindergarten students will be dismissed through the Main Gate.
• 1st-5th Grade students will be dismissed from the playground through Gate 2, located on the far side of the campus near the back of the playground.

Thank you for your patience and support as we work together to make this transition seamless for everyone!

We are excited to welcome our Webster students to in-person learning at Malibu Elementary School (MES) next week. To help alleviate traffic and congestion at the school and in the surrounding area, Webster and MES will have staggered start and dismissal times.

Please click the button above to review the following bell schedule with your student to help them familiarize themselves with the new rhythm of their school day:

• Start Time (All Students): 8:45 AM
• Dismissal Times:
  • Seaside SpEd Students: 11:45 AM
  • TK and K: 12:30 PM
  • 1st-5th Grades: 1:15 PM

Other Key Information:

• Bus Departure: 8:20 AM - School bus leaves Webster Elementary for MES.
• Gates Open: 8:30 AM - MES gates open for student arrival.

We encourage families to review this schedule with their students so they feel prepared for the adjusted routine.

We are happy to provide bus transportation for Webster students attending in-person learning at MES next week. Please review the following important information:

• Current Webster Bus Riders: Students who are already bus riders will be picked up and dropped off at their usual location.
• Newly Requested Transportation: If you requested transportation on the in-person learning survey, please arrive at Webster Elementary by 8:10 AM, as the bus will depart promptly for MES at 8:20 AM.

Afternoon Pickup:

• The bus will return to Webster for drop-off at 1:30 PM. Parents must be present to pick up their students, as the bus cannot wait before departing for its next stop.
• If you miss the Webster stop, you will need to meet the bus at a later stop along its route.

Any updates to this preliminary plan will be shared with families on Monday, December 16th.

The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu (BGCM) is dedicated to providing a safe, fun, and creative environment for Malibu youth to thrive through positive mentorship, life skills development, and social-emotional support.

Franklin Fire Response
In response to the Franklin Fire, the BGCM Wellness Center is offering free counseling, case management, and resource referrals to those in need. If you or someone you know requires support, please complete the Franklin Fire Services Intake Form:

• English Form
• Spanish Form

For questions or concerns, contact the Wellness Center at (310) 457-6801 ext. 74141 or email wellnessinfo@bgcmalibu.org.

Wellness Center & Social Support
The BGCM Wellness Center provides no-cost social support and mental health counseling, available both in-person and remotely. There is currently no waitlist for services. To learn more or request support, visit BGCM Wellness Center.

Upcoming Events & Reminders:

• Missed a Parent Workshop? Access recordings here: Wellness Center Resources.
• Holiday Closure: All BGCM sites will be closed from December 23–January 1, 2025.
• Special Open Dates: The Teen Center will be open on January 2 and 3, 2025, from 8:30 AM–5:00 PM. Registration is required by December 19: Register Here

General inquiries:

• Call: (310) 457-1400 (Admin) or (310) 241-3675 (Programs)
• Email: info@bgcmalibu.org
• Subscribe to the BGCM E-Newsletter for updates on news and events.

Together, we’ll navigate these challenges with strength and care.

There are multiple ways to give back to our Malibu schools this season, and MEF has two fantastic opportunities for you to get involved:

🎄 Holiday Market + Tree Lot

From November 29th to December 15th, MEF is hosting the annual Holiday Market + Tree Lot. Fresh Oregon trees will be available, along with a festive Holiday Market featuring local artisans every Saturday from 2-6 PM. All proceeds benefit Malibu public schools!

🌟 How You Can Help:
1️⃣ Volunteer: Sign up to staff the Tree Lot and spread holiday cheer! Volunteer Sign-Up.
2️⃣ Shop Local: Purchase your tree and unique gifts while supporting our schools.

📌 For more details and updates, visit: MEF Holiday Market + Tree Lot.

🎪 Cirque du Soleil KOOZA
Experience the magic of Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA while supporting MEF!

🎟 Save up to 20% on select seats and dates using this link: Cirque de Soleil Tickets.
💝 A portion of every ticket sale will benefit Malibu public schools.

For VIP Packages or groups of 10+, email Sarah.Hudson@cirquedusoleil.com for special offers (mention Malibu Education Foundation for added savings).

Whether you’re shopping local, volunteering, or enjoying a world-class performance, your participation makes a difference for our schools.

Experience the magic of the season at Holiday Road! This larger-than-life holiday display at King Gillette Ranch features thousands of twinkling lights, countless candy canes, and all your favorite holiday cheer. The Holiday Road experience runs through December 28, offering an unforgettable evening of memory-making fun.

Now, you can support Webster while celebrating the season! Ten percent of all tickets purchased through THIS LINK or using the promo code WEBSTER24 will be donated back to our school.

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