Whale Tales

Dear Webster Community,

We made it through our first full week back — YAY!

A big thank you to our TK–2 families for joining us at Back-to-School Night this week. The classrooms were filled with excitement and confidence about the year ahead. The energy was incredibly positive, and it was clear how thoughtfully prepared our teachers were — their efforts truly shone through. We’re now looking forward to welcoming our Grades 3–5 families to their Back-to-School Night next week.

Another huge shout-out goes to our amazing PTA for organizing such a fun Parent Playground before Back-to-School Night. Families had the chance to sign up for Party Book events, pick up new Webster Wear, and connect with wonderful community partners including the City of Malibu, Malibu Library, BGCM, MEF, and Malibu Unification efforts. Don’t miss next week’s Parent Playground if you haven’t experienced it yet!

This morning, we also came together for our Schoolwide Expectations Assembly. I am so grateful for our students’ active listening and participation as we reviewed The Webster Way and our shared commitments to kindness, respect, responsibility, and inclusion. Parents, I encourage you to check out the section below for more details so you can continue to reinforce these expectations at home as partners in your child’s growth. As part of our continued focus on safety, we also welcomed Deputy Carlos Vindell, Malibu’s new School Resource Officer, to campus this week.

🔔 IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• NO SCHOOL: Monday, September 2nd in observance of Labor Day

• Visitor Management: Our new visitor management platform, Verkada, is now up and running in the main office. Whether you are a returning volunteer or new to the school, please bring your ID each time you check in. The system will scan your ID and issue a visitor pass that must be worn while on campus.

📅 SAVE THE DATES

☀️ We’re heading into another hot weekend — please take care, stay hydrated, and keep cool.

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!

We are excited to invite you to our 3-5 Back-to-School Night on Tuesday, September 2nd! This adult-only evening begins at 5:30 PM in the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) with brief presentations from Principal Diana, followed by introductions from our dedicated teachers, PTA, Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, and the Malibu Education Foundation.

The main focus of the night is for you to connect with your child’s teacher and learn about the routines, expectations, and plans that will make this school year amazing. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get a glimpse into your child’s daily experience and see how we can partner to support their success.

✨ New this year — Parent Playground!
Come an hour early for our Parent Playground, starting at 4:30 PM. Parents (no kids, please!) can connect with other families, buy Webster wear, learn about the Party Book, ask PTA questions, and enjoy food, drinks, and games sponsored by the PTA.

This morning, our students took part in a Schoolwide Expectations Assembly where we discussed what it means to be a Webster Whale. Together, we reviewed how to learn, play, and grow in a way that builds a safe, respectful, and welcoming community for everyone.

At the heart of our expectations is The Webster Way — Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Resourceful. These values guide us in every part of the school day:

• Arrival & Dismissal – walking calmly, greeting others kindly, and thanking staff who keep us safe.

• In the Classroom – listening actively, trying our best, and helping classmates.

• On the Yard – including others, playing fairly, and freezing at the whistle.

• In the Bathroom – being quick, clean, and respectful.

• Solving Problems – using words, walking away when needed, apologizing, and telling an adult.

• Being an Upstander – speaking up if you see something wrong and making sure everyone feels they belong .

We also reminded students that when mistakes happen, we own it, make it right, and learn from it.

✨ How Families Can Help
We know that students grow best when school and home partner together. Please take a moment to talk about these expectations at home. Reinforcing these messages helps your child—and all of our Whales—develop the habits of kindness, responsibility, and respect that will serve them for life.

👉 You can view the full Schoolwide Expectations Presentation by clicking the button below.

Together, let’s make this year incredible as we dare, do, and discover!

We are excited to welcome Deputy Carlos Vindell from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as Malibu’s new School Resource Officer (SRO) for the 2025–26 school year.

In June, the Malibu City Council unanimously approved reassigning a sheriff’s deputy to serve in this role, ensuring dedicated support for our schools. Most districts, including Santa Monica, rely on school resource officers from local law enforcement agencies to help strengthen campus safety. Having a dedicated SRO in Malibu will improve emergency response times and provide an extra layer of safety for our students and staff.

“We are thankful for our continued collaboration and partnership with the City of Malibu to assign a School Resource Officer to our Malibu schools, especially Malibu Middle/High Schools,” said Isaac Burgess, Executive Director of Malibu Pathways. “This is an important step toward enhancing safety and emergency preparedness for students and staff.”

Deputy Vindell visited Webster this week to introduce himself to students. He shared that you may see him on campus during recess and lunch as well as at morning drop-off. We’re excited for students and families to get to know him and build a positive connection as he supports our Whale community.

We are excited to announce the return of Best on the Beach, Webster’s monthly student recognition program — now with a fresh twist!

Each month, five students will be honored based on staff nominations. The focus will be on a specific positive characteristic that represents The Webster Way. For September, our theme is Perseverance 💪.

✨ A Special Surprise for Families
If your child is nominated, you will receive a special invitation to the assembly so you can be part of the celebration — and help surprise your student when their name is called. This is one of the many ways we continue to build a culture of kindness, respect, and community at Webster.

We can’t wait to celebrate our students who shine both in character and spirit!

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 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.

The Webster PTA is kicking off the new school year, and we’d love for you to join us! Membership is just $15 for the year, and anyone in our community — parents, teachers, grandparents, and even students — can become a member.

📅 Mark your calendars! Our first General PTA Meeting is on Wednesday, September 10th at 8:30 AM. Come enjoy coffee, pastries, and community while learning how you can get involved.

Why Join the PTA?

• ✅ Stay in the Know – Get firsthand updates about events, decisions, and policies.

• ✅ Have a Voice – Help shape what happens at Webster.

• ✅ Build Relationships – Connect with parents, teachers, and school leadership.

• ✅ Support Webster – PTA funds help provide aides, supplies, field trips, technology, and enrichment.

• ✅ Share Your Talents – From fundraising to photography, there are many ways to contribute.

• ✅ Make School Fun! – The PTA organizes some of Webster’s most-loved traditions like the Campout, Trunk-or-Treat, Talent Show, Jog-a-Thon, Field Day, and more.

💡 Worried about the time commitment? Don’t be! Whether you join a meeting, volunteer once, or take on a project, every bit of support makes a big difference.

📌 PTA Needs a Financial Secretary
We are currently seeking a Financial Secretary to record deposits and support our Treasurer. This easy but important role only takes a small amount of time each month and makes a huge impact. If you’re interested, please reach out to the PTA at websterptamalibu@gmail.com.

Let’s work together to make this year the best one yet for our kids!

As the new school year begins, the Malibu Education Foundation is launching its annual giving campaign to raise $625,000 in support of our four Malibu schools. MEF is the only organization that funds staff through the District, making programs like instructional aides, arts education, math tutors, athletic coaches, and more possible.

This investment is especially critical after students lost 24 school days last year due to fires, power shutoffs, mudslides, and wind. In addition to the annual campaign, MEF also stewards the Van Dyke Endowment for the Arts and is working toward a long-term endowment to secure excellence for future generations.

A $750 per-student donation is suggested, but every gift matters — whether $75, $750, or more. Early donations build momentum, inspire others, and allow us to plan with confidence.

👉 Learn more and donate at www.MalibuEducationFoundation.org.

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!

Breakfast and lunch are free for all students this school year. However, we ask that every family complete the Online Meal Application for 2025–2026, even if your child does not plan to eat school meals. This form impacts funding and programs beyond meals, so widespread participation is essential.

How to Apply:

• Complete one application per household each school year.

• Apply online at www.smmusd.org/foodservices or drop off a completed application at your child’s school office or the District Office any time during the year.
  (Faxed or emailed copies will not be accepted.)

Important Reminders:

• Eligibility from last year expires Thursday, October 2, 2025.

• Processing can take up to 10 business days.

• If your application is not processed by the deadline and you have not received approval, your child must pay full price for meals.

• Incomplete applications will be returned.

• List all adults (employed or not) and all children in your household, including non-students.

• Do not attach income documentation unless specifically requested for verification.

• Sign, date, and include the last 4 digits of your Social Security number (or check the box if you do not have one).

📞 Questions or help? Contact Food & Nutrition Services at (310) 450-8338, ext. 70228.

The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu is committed to supporting youth and families through academic, social, and wellness programs that build resilience and community. 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.

💛 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
Starting Wednesday, August 27th, the BGCM Disaster Recovery Center is supporting Palisades Fire survivors with long-term recovery services by appointment only.
Support includes:

• One-on-one Care Coordinator guidance

• Personalized recovery planning

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

🏊🚴🏃 First-Ever Zuma Beach Kids Triathlon!

• Saturday, September 13th at Zuma Beach

• For ages 9–14 (three divisions available)

• Kids can even complete the course alongside a parent!
  👉 Learn more and register: zumabeachtriathlon.org.

🙌 Volunteers Needed!
BGCM is seeking volunteers to help at the Zuma Beach Triathlon the weekend of September 13–14. 👉 Sign up here: Volunteer Form.

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