Sea Lion Spotlight
Malibu Elementary Parent Newsletter #11- October 20, 2025
Table of Contents
- Principal's Wave
- Calendar of Events
- Important Information and Dates
- Photo Highlights
- More Information for Parents
- Useful Resources & Links
- Useful Resources and Links
Principal's Wave
Happy Monday MES Families!
This month, we’re focusing on trustworthiness — being honest, reliable, and keeping promises. Try making a “Trust Challenge Jar” at home: write small challenges on slips of paper (like “tell the truth,” “keep a promise,” or “do a chore without reminders”) and pick one each day to practice building trust together!
This week, students will visit the Marine Science room for their instruction with Mr. Iain Tyson! He's been hard at work, coming up with engaging lessons for the students! Your children will be having Marine Science on either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, so please ask how it went for them and what the very best part was!
Please remember that School starts at 8:15! We continue to have LOTS of students arriving after this time! Work together as a family in the morning to have your child arrive on time in the morning, ready for instruction! Mrs. Calvert and I are out in the morning and we have noticed that there is a huge gap in traffic around 8:05, so arriving a bit earlier makes that car lane even better as well! We can do it Sea Lions!
Here's to a wonderful week ahead!
Ms. Sally Wennes
Principal
Calendar of Events
OCTOBER
10/21 - PTA Members Meeting in Cafeteria @ 8:30am
10/21 - MFDAC Meeting at Malibu High School or via Zoom - LINK here. SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS!!!! This is to learn about the next phase of construction at Malibu schools and upcoming projects funded by Bond Measure MM.
10/31 - Halloween Parade
NOVEMBER
- 11/4 - 11/7 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week (No school for students on 11/4, early release 11/5-11/7)
- 11/7 - Volunteer Training - LINK HERE
Important Information & Dates
25-26 Academic Calendar
25-26 PTA Calendar
NOW: Annual Parent Data Confirmation Open in Aeries (Parents affirm their data). See below for more detailed directions.
Photo Highlights
Our 5th grade students spent 3 days last week at Pali Camp where they explored new ways of learning, bonded together, and tried new things! Thank you to Mrs. Kooy and Mrs. Jennings for supporting our students through this amazing adventure!
Students have also created self portraits for their art portfolios during recent art classes with Ms. Nicole! So wonderful to see their focus and detail!
More Information for Parents
MFDAC Meeting - TUESDAY, OCT 21st @ 4:30pm
Join us to learn about the next phase of construction at Malibu schools and upcoming projects funded by Bond Measure MM. Community members are invited to hear updates, view plans, and discover how these investments continue to shape world-class learning environments for Malibu students. You are able to join in person at the new Malibu High School Makerspace - 1st floor or via Zoom at this LINK. This LINK will give you more details about the proposed projects.
A Note from Malibu Education Foundation:
If you haven't donated yet, our community ask is $750 per student to help fund staff and staffed programs across all four Malibu public schools - including instructional aides, arts, athletics, and academic support. Every gift makes a difference and complements the work of our school PTA.
Volunteer at Malibu Moves! MEF is now focused on Malibu Moves, where we are a primary charity partner and we need ANY AND ALL VOLUNTEERS to sign up and help this weekend (Sat/Sun) at Zuma Beach! Get a free t-shirt and lunch, and help in one of the following spots! Volunteer Link: https://www.malibumoves.com/volunteer - just add MEF in the notes!
Saturday, October 25 — Zuma Beach
Packet Pick-Up Crew (8–12 or 12–4)
Kids’ Run Crew (2–5:30)
Sunday, October 26 — Zuma Beach
VIP Lounge Crew (4:30–9 or 9–1)
Gear Check (4:30–9)
Start/Finish Line (6–10)
Beer Garden (7–12:30, age 21+)
Join the PTA!
If you haven't already, it's the perfect time to renew or start your PTA membership! Please sign up each school year at this LINK! You can follow us on Instagram as well for another way to be connected at @malibuelementarypta. Your $15 membership does the following:
- Supports National and State PTA advocacy for public education
- Funds MES programs, enrichment, and amazing events
- Gives you a vote in deciding what's offered to our students
If you HAVE joined, but aren't getting emails, please make sure that you've added PTA@MalibuElementary.org to your address book/contacts! If you're on gmail, drag & drop or move any PTA emails from your Promotions tab into your Primary inbox. Gmail will ask if you’d like this done for future emails — click Yes.
Annual Parent Data Confirmation or Revision - Aeries Parent Portal
ACTION NEEDED: Malibu Elementary’s annual registration process is completed in the Aeries Parent Portal. You must complete data confirmation for each student.
- Log in to your Aeries Parent Portal: https://santamonicamalibu.aeries.net/
- Be sure to read, review, and discuss all the materials with your student.
- Very Important: We need to gather information from you for emergency contacts. Please add at least two non-parents. While there are many boxes to fill, at minimum include name, relationship, and phone number.
- We also need to gather information from you for health documents.
Note: You may decide to print some of the documents for future reference. For a tutorial on how to complete this process, please click here English
MES Minimum Days Schedule / 12:45 Dismissal
- Nov 5
- Nov 6
- Nov 7
- Mar 26
- June 10
- June 11
Boys & Girls Club
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 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!
Programs
Warrior Academy with the Bruce Lee Foundation Warrior Academy is back at Malibu Elementary this fall! Designed by Shannon Lee, daughter of Bruce Lee, this program shares the wisdom of her father’s teachings through weekly martial arts and mindfulness training. Led by professional martial artist Joey Escobar, sessions challenge students to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally.
When: Thursdays from 3:00–4:00 PM, running through November 20th
Included in BGCM membership, available to 3rd–5th grade members.
For more information, email stephengreene@bgcmalibu.org.
Johnny Strange Legacy Inspire Skate Program There is still time to join us for action-packed skateboarding sessions designed to build skills, confidence, and community through athletics, education, and creative skate activities! Click here to enroll and see the attached flyer for more information.
When: Mondays from 4:30–5:30 PM
Dates: Session 1: October 6–October 27 | Session 2: November 3–November 24
Who: Available to grades 3rd–5th
Where: BGCM Teen Center (30215 Morning View Drive, Malibu, CA 90265)
Cost: $100 per 4-week session
Skaters are encouraged to provide their own skateboards, helmets and safety equipment, however, BGCM has equipment to lend, if needed.
Wellness
BGCM Wellness Center & Social Support Offerings The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Wellness Center provides no-cost mental health counseling and social support services to all in the community. Click here to learn more or to request services for you/your child. You can also email wellnessinfo@bgcmalibu.org or call 310-457-0360 ext 60146.
BGCM Long Term Disaster Recovery Services The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in partnership with The Malibu Community Long Term Recovery Group (MCLTRG) is here to support Palisades and Franklin Fire survivors with long-term recovery services. We understand that this journey can be overwhelming, and we want you to think of us as your partners every step of the way.
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. Some common goals for residents we currently support include rebuilding of homes, securing permanent housing after displacement, regaining financial stability after wage loss, and replacing furniture, appliances, and family vehicles.
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. We have been able to help families and individuals receive cash assistance.
Advocacy: You won't navigate this alone. By understanding community needs, we can advocate for increased financial resources for the community.
Personalized recovery planning: Together, we’ll identify what you need most right now and ongoing
If you haven’t met with us in a while or would like to know what services you qualify for; now is a great time to reconnect as new resources are being made available to Palisades Fire survivors, and we want to make sure you’re able to access them. 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.
Flyers for Parents
Useful Resources and Links
PTA Website and Store
PTA Spirit Wear "Akaway Collection"
Student Services Registration Documents
Volunteering at MES: Information and Signup form
Medications at School Form Send to School Nurse Marion Mayer: mmayer@smmusd.org
Connect with Sally Wennes
Principal at Malibu Elementary
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
Email: swennes@smmusd.org
Website: https://ca50000164.schoolwires.net/malibues
Location: 6955 Fernhill Drive, Malibu, CA, USAPhone: 310-457-9370