Sea Lion Spotlight

Happy Monday MES families,

This past week, all grade levels had a refresher assembly on expectations at school. We discussed the importance of our school rules with being safe and being kind, and talked about the importance of being kind. For all grade levels, they were reminded that we are playing safely on the yard, solving problems by using our voices first, and then getting an adult's help when that doesn't work or it's something serious.

TK & Kinder:

Students were reminded of safe play on the playground and equipment (one student going down the slide at a time, standing on the side of the swings while waiting, and keeping hands to themselves while playing)
Students were also reminded of the importance of seeing the adults. If they can't see the adults, the adults can't see them! They were told to not "hide" behind the block wall behind the TK room, and have so far, been much better already!

Grades 1-5:

We discussed bathrooms, and that students need to "go, flush, wash, and leave" when they use the restrooms, so that it doesn't turn into a place to socialize or play.
We also mentioned the importance of reporting anything that doesn't look clean or stocked in the restrooms. Students know if we have run out of soap, if the paper towels are out/stuck or if the toilet paper is out/stuck, they can let any adult know and we'll get that changed right away. Students were also told that if the restroom or any part of campus feels dirty or messy to report it and we'll address it right away. We stock our restrooms daily, but there are times that supplies run out, and we want to make sure students know they have a voice!
We have limited our "wall ball" game to balls that are softer, and have supported our previous rule of "no tennis balls." Please leave the tennis balls and mitts at home, and we've got some other equipment that the students can use instead.

This is also a great time to bring up two specific things with our dress code. Our dress code is in place to support student safety and set the expectation of dressing for success at school. You can find the details of the full dress code HERE (page 3) but the following are key things that we need your help with right now:

Clothing must cover your body from mid-thigh to shoulder. Private areas must remain private. Shirts with sleeves are preferred.
We prefer tennis shoes for P.E. and recess activities. Uggs/slippers, sandals, flip flops, slides, and heelies are not allowed at school.

If students are sent to school without an opportunity to change their dress code, we will call you to bring a separate pair of shoes or top. Thank you in advance for your cooperation with this.

Just a reminder for everyone - 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

If you know of families that may be sending their students to MES, please invite them to our TK/K Roundup! It's taking place at 1:15 on Thursday, January 22nd. There is a link to it on our webpage under "recent news" so that they can RSVP! You are also welcome to share the direct link HERE with friends you might know!

I'll do an introduction about the school as a whole, and we'll be able to tour and check out the TK & K classrooms, as well as other spots on campus! That same link will work for tours that will take place once a month through the end of the year as well. Spread the word!

JANUARY

1/15 - School Site Council Meeting @ 3:30 - AGENDA
1/16 - Volunteer Training @ 10:30 via Zoom LINK
1/19 - No School (Martin Luther King Jr)
1/20 - PTA Members Meeting
1/22 - TK/K Roundup @ 1:30pm
1/23 - Nutcracker Performance (for those students involved in Zoe's Lunchtime Theater) @ 9:10
1/23 - Wacky Hair Spirit Day
2/16 - No School (Presidents' Day)

25-26 Academic Calendar

25-26 PTA Calendar

NOW: Annual Parent Data Confirmation Open in Aeries (Parents affirm their data). Please make sure this is done for each of your students every year!

This past week, our Character Counts word (RESPONSIBILITY) was introduced to our students by our student council and Ms. Alexis! We also celebrated MANY students who had earned "Sammy Slips" for doing amazing things around campus - demonstrating responsibility, showing kindness, or taking care of our school! Finally, our 5th graders serenaded our office staff with a surprise song! Loving 2026!!!!

SEA LION ACADEMY

It is your LAST CHANCE to sign up for Sea Lion Academy! Don't let your child miss out on an amazing learning opportunity! Many classes still have slots left. Sign your child up for Reading Recess with a certified interventionist! Or, for essential multiplication and division practice in Fun Facts Frenzy! For enrichment, your child can learn to play an instrument with Isabella or Noah from Malibu Music! Or learn to make stop motion movies in Movie Magic or practice real-world Film Production with Malibu film producer, Rebecca Carpenter! There are so many opportunities to learn and grow- and the more students are in the class- the more they can learn from one another! Sign up here: SLA SIGN UP

Parents who have already enrolled, please remember to check the site for your exact class dates. On days when your child has SLA, please pack an extra snack that they can enjoy before class. Also, please come to the main gate at dismissal. To ensure safety, SLA instructors will be asking that you "sign out" your child.

We're so excited for week 2 of Sea Lion Academy! Let's keep swimming!

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!

Please also take a look at an event that is happening, sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu - A Year After the Wildfires: Coping with Persistent Grief and Loss. Information can be found below with the flyers. The webinar is next Tuesday at 6pm (1/20/26) and the in-person opportunity the following Tuesday at 10 am at our Disaster Relief Center in Malibu (1/27/2026).

Jaxx Theater is back! Please see the flyer below for more information on registration and auditions! This is available for students in grades 1-5 and rehearsals are after school on Mondays.

Zoe's Lunchtime Theater

The next lunchtime production will be this month. It's titled "The Land of Sweets Ballet" and the show is planned for January 23rd. This is open to interested students in grades 1st-3rd and rehearsals take place during student lunchtime recess.

PTA News/Events:

We Need You on the PTA Team! 💙Joining the PTA doesn’t mean donating more money or committing to volunteer hours — and you never have to attend a meeting unless you want to. But your membership alone strengthens our school, supports our teachers, and gives you a voice in the decisions that shape MES. Every family that joins helps us do more for our kids. 👉Join the PTA: https://jointotem.com/dashboard/memberships/244d6807-8eb9-4cd5-8143-eea2452b9720

MES Minimum Days Schedule / 12:45 Dismissal

Mar 26
June 10
June 11

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 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!

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.
*Please expect to hear from someone on our team within 2-5 business days*

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.