WEbster Nation,

Here we go, folks! We've got a big week ahead as school starts on Thursday, Aug. 24!! We've been busy getting our campus ready for your arrival and we're thrilled to have you back. Thanks for your patience with class lists. We will have them out on Tuesday, Aug. 22. Please check out the information below about New Family Orientation, AERIES parent/student portal, first day procedures, drop-off, valet, PTA membership, and so much more. We are super excited to welcome you back on campus for another amazing year of exploration and adventure.

If you haven't already, now is a good time to start having conversations with your kids about what it means to be part of a system this year. I don't mean being a part of "THE system," but rather thinking critically about building relationships, decision making, and readying ourselves to impact others in a way that is respectful, motivating, and kind. Right from the start, I'd like support from our community in creating a culture of thoughtfulness in everything we do. Thanks so much for helping us to make that happen.

Returning to school should be a time of wonder and excitement. Whether you are new to Webster or a returning family, I hope you enjoy a little video of the year gone by and a window into who we are as a community. Please watch with your kids and let's get excited for all that is to come.

With gratitude,

Tedd

twakeman@smmusd.org

I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the grief and trauma that many in Malibu may feel as we watch the devastation unfold in Maui. Our community is no stranger to the life-altering impact of wildfire. It is with great empathy that we extend our support to those in need in Lahaina as they deal with the aftermath of destruction and loss. If you or anyone you know would like to offer support, our own BGCM, in cooperation with the Boys and Girls Club of Maui, has provided the following link. Please do what you can and thanks so much for taking a moment.

https://www.pledge.to/maui-wildfire-relief-effort

(Please read as there are a few updates from last week)

AERIES Parent Portal Tutorial

Here is a fabulous little video made by specifically for elementary parents by Sheri Hynding (AP at Franklin) It's all about the new parent portal in AERIES. Thanks so much, Sheri!!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1echL0WVtk9sTUzpNbWfzW9BhZ9TlEu4U/view?usp=sharing

NEW FAMILY ORIENTATION

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

1:00 – 2:30pm
We’d like to welcome new families to our Webster campus on the day before school starts for a brief orientation and a chance to meet the teachers. During this time, you will get a chance to meet the teachers and hear a bit about who we are and what to expect from the year. There will be a session for TK and K families hosted by the TK/K teachers and a session for families in grades 1st-5th hosted by Tedd and the 1st-5th grade teachers.

TK and K: Rooms 12, 9, & 10 respectively

Grades 1-5: Cafetorium

At 1:30 pm, we will ask all families to join us in Poet’s Park, near our cafeteria, for an informal reception where you can meet other new students and families and some of the fabulous members of our PTA. We will have coffee, drinks, and light snacks. This experience allows our young students to feel comfortable walking in on the first day of school and gives new families a chance to meet and connect. In addition, the playground will be available for exploration.

*If you would like to join us for this event, please RSVP to michaele.ward@smmusd.org before Friday, August 18, 2023, so we can plan refreshments accordingly.

PARKING

Please park in the lower lot on the Webster side of the street. Walk up the street along the field gate and enter campus using the front gate. At no time, and for no events, can we use the parking lot across the street. This lot belongs to OLM, the private school next door. Thanks for your help with this as we continue our efforts to maintain a respectful and friendly relationship with our neighbors.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Thursday, August 24, 2023

8:15am
We are super excited to be back on campus for the first day of school and an exciting beginning to a new school year. This will be a minimum day for all students. Please drop off your child between 8:15 - 8:30am. PreK and TK will enter using the curbside valet adjacent to the PreK/TK yard.

Our Kinder teachers have a special set up planned and will communicate their drop-off procedure in a separate communication just for Kinder families.

Grades 1st- 5th may elect to either
1) Park in our lower lot and walk-up (accompanied by an adult)
2) Use the curbside valet and front gate entrance by moving through the drop-off line. Our PTA coordinates valets who open car doors and welcome your students to campus with a smile.

PLEASE DO NOT PARK OR STOP ABOVE CAMPUS IN THE FIRE LANE!

(please see the VALET INFORMATION section below)

*Parents WILL BE permitted on campus in the morning for the first two days of school should you wish to accompany your child to class. ALL PARENTS MUST MOVE OFF CAMPUS no later than 8:30 so teachers can begin the day and establish valuable and engaging morning routines. We appreciate your support with this.

*Dismissal on the first day of school for grades TK and K is at 12:30 p.m. and 1st-5th at 1:15 p.m. *Friday, August 25th is a regular early release day. Grades TK and K are dismissed at 12:30 p.m. and 1st-5th at 1:15 p.m. every Friday.

BACK TO SCHOOL BEACH DAY
Friday, August 25, 2023

1:30pm

This annual Webster event sees our community gather at the beach in Zuma for an afternoon of sea, sun, and sand. Meet new and returning families and build community with those who make Webster such an amazing place for kids and parents. We will be sending more detailed information about this event in the coming weeks.

CLASS LISTS
Class assignments will be emailed Tuesday, August 22nd. Please help us embrace the new year with enthusiasm and positivity. We want your child’s return to school to be met with joy, curiosity, and wonder. Children look to you for guidance and if they see you are excited about the new school year, they too will feel good about the year to come. We believe deeply in all our educators here at Webster. No changes to class assignments will be made during the first month of school and we prefer not to make changes at all. A class change request form can be requested in the office and clearly lays out the process for change should you feel strongly that one is needed after the first month. These forms will be available on October 1, 2023.

BELL SCHEDULE

Please see Webster’s Bell Schedule for 23/24

CAFETERIA

We are pleased to once again offer free meals at Webster this year. Ms. Neci, our exceptional coordinator of all things culinary, will offer breakfast from 8:15-8:30am each morning. In addition, she will provide snacks during recess and lunch during lunchtime. We will continue to infuse our salad bar with fresh fruits and vegetables from our garden whenever possible. You are always welcome to participate in the meal program or send your child with food of their own.

MINIMUM DAYS
Students will be dismissed early on the First Day of School (8/24), and for Back to School Nights (8/29 and 9/5). Additional minimum days are: 11/7, 11/8, 11/9, 11/21, 3/21, and 6/12.

EARLY RELEASE FRIDAYS
Every Friday, beginning August 25th, students in grades TK and K are dismissed at 12:30pm. Students in grades 1st-5th are dismissed at 1:15pm. The remainder of the school day is reserved for teacher and staff development meetings and trainings. (This information is also in our Bell Schedule)

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHTS:

6:00-7:30pm

Tuesday, August 29th - grades TK-2nd

Tuesday September 5th - grades 3rd- 5th.

These events will be held on campus this year. We will provide further details/schedules as the dates approach.

Please join!!!! Click the link for membership information:

https://jointotem.com/ca/malibu/webster/join/register

We are also excited to welcome our new and returning officers to the PTA Leadership Team. Please reach out to the following parents for information and support:

President

Sion Roy

sionroy2002@gmail.com

804-514-8778

Executive Vice President

Cara Wiechnik

contactcara@gmail.com

917-450-7714

Treasurer

Elena Eggers

Elena.eggers@gmail.com

210-394-5881

Recording Secretary

Rachael Sokoloff

rachAelsokoloff@gmail.com

785-554-9207

1st Vice President, Communications

Shannon Dunn (proposed)

shannonlynnedunn@gmail.com

818-518-6201

Financial Secretary

Sarah Ryan

tinbather@me.com

310-913-4927

Parliamentarian

Kate Pritchett-Skene (proposed)

katepritchettskene@gmail.com

310-741-1977

Dear Webster Parents:

We are thrilled to announce this wildly fun opportunity to come together to support our school through the popular PARTY BOOK fundraiser!

What is PARTY BOOK? Party Book is a fundraising opportunity where parents plan and underwrite parties that the rest of us pay to attend. All proceeds go directly to Webster!

What kind of parties would you like to host? What unique hobbies or skills do you have? Kids, families, adults only??!

Stuck on a party idea? Need a co-host? Have a question? We are here to help you every step of the way. Please reach out! Franks.lauren@gmail.com
Tickets to the first 30 parties submitted will be for sale at Back to School night!

Thanks to our amazing families who have already signed up. You can look forward to Santa photos on the beach, the first annual Webster Color Fun Run, a parent-student dance, and a pizza and pong party! (adults only) Tickets for Party Book events will sell fast.

Got your party figured out? Email franks.lauren@gmail.com with your party title, date, and time.
Party book submissions are due AUGUST 26.

Here’s a list of awesome party opportunities to get your creative juices flowing: Gingerbread house decorating, pickle ball party, ice cream social, crafty carnival, Easter egg hunt extraordinaire, tacos and tequila (21+), silly science, holiday cookie decorating, wine tasting (21+), capture the flag.

Just email franks.lauren@gmail.com to host one of these great community building events!!

Can’t wait to see what you come up with,

Webster PTA Team

*A huge thank you to Lauren Franks Ifft for taking this on and organizing our WEbster Party Book!!

The PTA graciously coordinates volunteers to help us welcome kids to school each day with a smile. In addition, this valuable service keeps the car line moving, gives our students a safe and easy pathway onto campus, and lessens the morning chaos.

Every Tuesday, our valet volunteers, Gus and Joel, raise the bar and bring the hype. These guys have taken it upon themselves to bring signs, music, a bubble machine, and even costumes from time to time. They do it for the simple joy of welcoming our Whales to school. While you don't necessarily need to go to these extremes, they are a great example of taking a little agency and doing cool things for our kids. What might you dream up as a valet volunteer? Sky's the limit.

Great question! We would LOVE to have you join us as a valet volunteer. If you are interested, please sign up at the link below:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4AAFAC2DAAFC1-valet

1. Drop-off etiquette: Mainly for the new families but a reminder for everyone else as well

- Be ready/prepare ahead of time/have bags and lunches ready to go

- Parents do not get out of the cars in drop-off lane

- If more time is needed with your child, consider parking in the lower lot and walking up.

- Do not hold up the line and please do not drive up past the school or park in the fire lane.

- All kids must exit from the right side of the car.

2. Kinder students: After the first few days of school, if your child is still struggling to separate, please park in the lower lot and walk them up to the gate. If they are pumped and ready for school, you are welcome to have them ready for a quick drop-off at the valet line.

3. At the bottom parking lot

- Do not drive through the bus lane.

- Entrance to lower parking lot only from Vista Pacifica.

- If we get enough volunteers, we'd love to post some folks down below to assist.

A word from Webster's new School Psychologist, Zhanna Shekhtmeyster:

I have been working in SMMUSD since 2011 and I am very excited to join the Webster team. I earned my Master’s of Education degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology. I spent my entire career working in the field of educational psychology and behavior intervention. I am passionate about working with diverse learners, transforming the field of education to meet the needs of students today, creating education technology tools, equity, and social justice. I was born in Latvia and moved to the US when I was 8. I am fluent in Russian. I have a sweet little therapy dog named Zoey, who your students may get to meet from time to time. In my free time I enjoy snowboarding, scuba diving, and travel.

AUGUST 2023

8/17 WEBSTER OFFICE OPENS

8/23 New family orientation (all grades) – 1:00-2:30pm

8/24 First Day of School (minimum day)

8/25 Back to School Beach Day (early release day)

8/29 Back to School Night (K-2) – 6:00-7:30pm (minimum day)

8/30 Volunteer Training – 9:00a

SEPTEMBER 2023

9/1 Fridays on Campus begin

9/4 Labor Day Holiday (no school)

9/5 Back to School Night (3-5) - 6:00-7:30pm (minimum day)

9/6 Volunteer Training – 9:00a

9/14 School Site Council Meeting – 3:00-4:00p

9/25 Yom Kippur Holiday (no school)

Parents who want to feel better prepared to speak to our youth about AI relationships unfolding are encouraged to join this free online workshop hosted by the non-profit organization Global Compassion Coalition. Clinical Psychologist, Author, Mindfulness Leader, SMASH Dad Elisha Goldstein is the moderator of the highly knowledgeable panel on August 22, 2023 9am.

Free Registration information here:

https://www.globalcompassioncoalition.org/ai-and-mental-health/

Tedd's Welcome Letter 2023

Tedd's Welcome Back Video 2023

AERIES Parent Portal Tutorial

Student Services Registration Documents 23/24

Family Engagement & School Parent Compact

Webster Bell Schedule

PTA Membership

Class Change Request Form

Webster Information - Week of August 21, 2023

MALIBU CHILI COOK OFF

The annual Malibu Chili Cook Off takes place Sept 1-4! A community inspired event on Labor Day weekend that EVERYONE attends! A weekend full of delicious food, drinks, music, carnival ride amusements, family and friends. All proceeds from the event support the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, helping to sustain year-round youth enrichment programs and community mental health and wellness services. Event admission tickets are available online ONLY and must be purchased in advance (no box office on-site). Carnival ride passes are sold separately...Looking to volunteer? Volunteering at the Cook-Off is an AWESOME opportunity with some pretty great perks! Please email mcco.volunteer@gmail.com for more info.

Visit malibuchilicookoff.org to learn more and purchase event admission tickets!"

The annual Malibu Chili Cook Off is a beloved community tradition. All proceeds support the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, helping to sustain year-round programs and mental health and wellness services. The safety and well-being of all guests are paramount to us.

We aim to provide a safe, fun, family-friendly environment; thus, we have decided to enact a Chaperone Policy. The Chaperone Policy will include the following guidelines:

• Guests under the age of 18 will require a chaperone
• Guests 18 years of age and older do not require a chaperone
• Chaperones must be 21 years of age and older and may chaperone up to five guests
• Guests under 18 will NOT be allowed to enter the venue without a chaperone. No ticket refunds will be accommodated
• ID checks will be enforced upon entry. A valid government-issued ID is required for guests 18 and older (physical ID required, no photos). If you are unable to provide proof of your age, you may be denied admission
• It is HIGHLY recommended ALL tickets for chaperones be pre-purchased before arriving to the event (due to poor cell reception, and no public Wi-Fi, attempting to purchase tickets upon arrival is NOT recommended)
• Chaperones must accompany their party during entry, remain inside the venue during their visit, and be available by phone throughout their stay.
• Guests under the age of 18 who are found inside the venue unaccompanied by a chaperone will be subject to ejection. No refunds will be accommodated. This policy is in effect for all event days and hours, until further notice, and is subject to change
  
  

Event admission tickets are on sale NOW! Carnival tickets/passes are sold separately.

Please visit malibuchilicookoff.org to purchase and learn more.

PRE-PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS!
ADMISSION PRICING IS AS FOLLOWS:
Single-day
Aug 1-Aug 14 $30
Aug 15-Sept 4 $40

4-Day
July 15-Sept 4 $99

Monday, Sept 4 is Family Day!
July 1-Sept 4 $20 (Monday Only)

KEEP IN MIND:
***There are NO REFUNDS. Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and do NOT roll over from day to day***
***Parking is extremely limited & cash only $20-$60 (depending on lot), we recommend rideshare***
***Be sure to review our Prohibited Items list. NO BAGS/BACKPACKS OVER 14x14 ALLOWED. Items that are confiscated at the security checkpoint, will not be returned to you***
***NO smoking/vaping is allowed at the venue or in the parking lots***
***Children under 5 receive free admission***
***Lockers available on-site***

Join us at the annual Malibu Chili Cook Off! Sept 1-4

Admission tickets are on sale NOW!

Developing strong character and valuable mindsets is essential. This remains a major focus at Webster. As we build community here on campus, at home, and across Malibu, we will continue to model the kind of behavior that promotes unity, kindness, and thoughtful problem solving. In addition, we will value these traits in others and recognize outstanding efforts.