A Message from Tedd
January 20, 2023
WEbster Nation,
I hope your 2023 is in full swing. Here at Webster, things are already heating up. This week's newsletter is filled with exciting student activities, community events, and some hidden gems. I hope you will find the time to read through as there are some really cool things going on here and we want you to be a part of the excitement. Here's a great example...Brody and his buds are building a "Reading House." This uses, design thinking, collaboration, creativity, and a love of reading!!
With gratitude,
Tedd
A Time to Reflect
Across America on Monday, we celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Many federal, state, local, and even tribal governments shut down in observance of his legacy. As the rain let up and the sun began to shine, I hope it became more than just a day off. I hope you took some time to reflect, some time for gratitude, and at least a few minutes to ponder Dr. King's legacy. To this day, discussions about justice and equality are still uncomfortable for many. As an educational leader, it matters to me that we are helping to raise good humans. It matters to me that we learn to listen to and respect each other regardless of our differences. I ask only for your quiet contemplation, reflection, and personal commitment to ensuring an environment of equity and inclusion for all our students.
As always, thanks for your support of our community here at WEbster.
Webster's Enrollment Extravaganza
Next Thursday, January 26, @ 2:00p, we will be hosting prospective families from across the area at our annual enrollment event. While this event is primarily for TK-K families, it is open to ALL students in grades TK-5. This event gives us a chance to highlight the amazing things that make Webster such a great place for thinking and learning. We will discuss the future of education and how we are continuing conversations about how best to meet the needs of students in a connected and evolving world. The Dunn family will be in hype mode, students and parents will lead tours of campus, our incredible teachers will be available to discuss curriculum, and families will get a chance to learn more about the Webster community, PTA, BGCM, and more.
This is an important event for the school and we would love your support in spreading the word to families you may know who are looking for a great school. Here is the link to share:
We are looking to have a "campus beautification" day next week. For details, please contact Rachael Sokoloff!
*A huge thank you to our own Michaele Ward for her tireless work in helping to organize this event and to all of you who have come forward to volunteer and lend a hand.
Thanks for being awesome!!
There is not a school in this country that isn't supported by a whole bunch of unsung heroes. Well, I'd like to take this opportunity to do some singin'. I haven't been here very long, but I've been here long enough to know the staff here at Webster is top notch. Across this campus, you find dedication, passion, kindness, empathy, and a whole lot of love for our students. One group that doesn't get a lot of recognition is our Special Education team. Led by Jacqueline Claudio, this team is all heart. Most of them are balancing challenging student schedules, working part-time here and part-time at other campuses across the district. Their work with our kiddos, educators, and families requires a great deal of empathy and patience. They are knowledgeable about their craft and approach each day with unparalleled professionalism, brightening the lives of the students with which they work. I just wanted to take this moment to give them a well-deserved shout out and a thank you for all they do to make Webster such a magical place.
*They're never all here at once, so we squeezed as many members of this incredible team into the picture as possible.
Pictured: (top row) Jacqueline Claudio, Vince Logreco, Edlin Hernandez, Cosette Case, Maria Brito
(second row) Shawn Krumholz, Rebecca Nelson, Elizabeth Brennan
Not pictured, but equally important parts of this team: Lauren Croft, Maggie Schrantz, Sarah Krenik, Liz Sciutto, Carmen Durand, Deanna Sinfield
We appreciate you all so much!
Teacher Spotlight: Jacqueline Papale, Setting SMMUSD’s TK Students Up for Success
The following article is posted on the District website and a part of this month's WAVE Newsletter. We are thrilled for Webster's own magical TK teacher, Miss Jacqueline Papale!!!
It goes without saying that the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) is home to some of the most amazing teachers, who constantly strive to ensure their students’ success. Jacqueline Papale, a transitional kindergarten (TK) teacher at Webster Elementary School in Malibu, understands the vital role she plays in her very young students’ lives. Her creative classroom environment is infused with projects embracing messages of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), while also targeting the development of social and emotional learning skills, as well as embracing joy.
Papale, who has been with SMMUSD for 18 years, grew up in a family and community of educators and started working with students when she was in high school. Throughout her academic career she held various jobs such as playground supervision, tutor, gifted and talented education (GATE) writing and science teacher, arts and crafts coordinator, resume compilation specialist and campus tour guide.
While this laid a foundation for Papale’s future in education, it was the 9/11 terrorist attacks that led her to abruptly exchange her marketing career path for a teaching career.
“Shortly after the tragedy of 9/11 I saw pictures that elementary school children had drawn, thanking first responders, taped onto buildings in New York City. The sweet pops of color looked like signs of hope,” said Papale. “It was then I decided to leave my marketing job and go back to school to become a teacher and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Papale continues to thoroughly enjoy being a teacher and working with children.
“I think the most rewarding parts of being a teacher are subtle, like holding a child’s hand while walking, being accidentally called mom or dad, seeing my kids run toward me in the morning clad in tutus and a puff of rainbow colors, and telling them I love them when I wave goodbye,” said Papale. “Each day is filled with magical moments. Some of my kids are going to the big school for the very first time and they teach me so much about the best parts of life like kindness, honesty, empathy and exuberance”
Papale’s teaching style is centered around the curiosity and interests of her students. The school year is filled with inquiry-based projects and discussions, manipulatives including natural items to collect and explore, purposeful play, as well as project-based learning.
“I teach and observe the world through a Reggio Emilia Early Childhood lens, embracing nature, inquiry and hands-on experience,” said Papale. “It is based on The 100 Languages of Children by Loris Malaguzzi, in which kids express themselves and learn through painting, dancing, singing, building and constructing, to name a few. Malaguzzi also states, ‘nothing without joy!’ which I try to adhere to with my kids every single day.”
Coupled with being Reggio-Inspired, Papaple’s TK class is also science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) -enhanced and Constructivist-based, which is the learning theory that
children construct knowledge rather than just passively take in information.
“Through these approaches children are not only highly engaged and excited, but they also build confidence and love of school,” said Papale. “Additionally, I try to create a sustainable classroom, with a reduced carbon footprint, and lots of upcycled real materials, including a garden and composting.
”Papale’s favorite project, Spirals, infuses the various approaches. The spiral naturally emerges every year as her students begin to draw and notice the shape in their world.
“When taking a deep look at spirals lots of learning happens,” said Papale. “The shape prompts discussions loaded with vocabulary, number sense, counting, one to one correspondence, science, art, dancing, twirling, noticing shells and animal tails. They are fun to build with loose parts, clay, leaves, sticks and flowers on our playground.”
Papale goes on to explain how her students become inspired to build spirals out of toys at home and discuss them with their families.
“The children then start seeing spirals everywhere. The natural world, architecture, artwork and the universe,” said Papale. “This deep-learning project lays a foundation that leads to a higher understanding of patterns in nature and eventually the greater concepts of The Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Numbers.
”Before beginning her teaching career at SMMUSD, Papale worked as a teacher at Torrance Unified School District for two years. She was brought on in 2005 as a third-grade teacher at Webster Elementary School. After five years there she transferred to Franklin Elementary School to teach kindergarten. When SMMUSD expanded its TK program, Papale was hired to be one of the first TK teachers at Will Rogers Learning Community. She was there for seven years before returning to Webster.
“I am deeply grateful and thankful to work within a District filled with wonderful colleagues, mentors and friends who I love,” said Papale.
Papale attended Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, and obtained a master’s degree in marketing from Boston University. Papale earned her teaching certification from California State University, Long Beach.
When she is not busy setting up her students for success, Papale enjoys painting, beading, weaving, exploring nature, vintage clothes shopping and designing, as well as going on walks under large trees with her puppy and is “always optimistic to spot the surprise heart rock or rainbow,” Papale stated.
Enable Disruptive Thinking Instead of Shutting it Down
I am going to leave this here simply as an FYI so you are all aware of what's happening. It is not intended to be a call to have every Webster student start a business. It's simply a desire for you all to be clear about a really cool opportunity happening here on campus.
You may start to hear rumblings in the next few weeks about Webster businesses popping up on campus. Your children might ask for money to buy things or show an interest in starting a business of their own. Rather than to explain the whole process all over again, I'm including an article I wrote about the experience several years ago when it started at Sycamore. PLEASE READ IT!! It will explain my thinking, the important learning outcomes, and the positive impact of these experiences. I'm super excited to launch this project here at Webster. It occurred naturally when, a few weeks ago, one of our 3rd graders, Aubrey, asked if she could sell handmade bracelets and necklaces on campus. Immediately it reminded me of our Business License Project and it seemed like a great opportunity to get things rolling. So, here we go. There will certainly be problems along the way. But that's the whole point. Students will need to work through those problems and design solutions. If we want to develop thinkers and problem solvers, let's give them real, interest-led opportunities where solutions matter. Here are a few important points involved in the application process:
- Students wishing to start a business must submit a completed application (writing)
- All products must be hand-made (creativity, making, tinkering)
- A description and price list of all products must be presented (communication literacy)
- All profits (minus business expenses) will be donated to the business owner's choice of charity (Webster PTA, Boys and Girls Club of Malibu, or the Botswana School Project) (philanthropy)
- Businesses may not operate during class time in any way (self-discipline)
- Business hours are limited to lunchtime each Thursday (organization, preparedness)
- All businesses must keep a ledger of transactions to be turned in to Tedd each Thursday (math, math, math!)
I'm excited to see how this all unfolds. Thank you in advance for your support and please reach out to me directly if you have any questions/concerns)
K-1 Exploring Physics
As a warm-up to the big penguin sledding adventure, K-1 is exploring science with a super fun and engaging challenge. The Marshmallow Launch led the kids through a study of force, motion, resistance, prediction, reflection, and so much more. After building their launch devices (cardboard rolls, balloons, and cotton balls), the kids were tasked with making predictions about why which items might travel farther than others. With targets in place and a world of wonder around them, it was time to test things out. These types of engaging activities are often the gateway to curiosity and interest in larger concepts. They are essential for deep learning as kids go through the process of trial, error, and reflection.
Happy Lunar New Year!
Today we celebrated Chinese Lunar New Year with a dragon parade around the school! The Pre-K and TK classes each made a fierce dragon, noise makers to scare the lion (Niam), signs, and hats. The children also decorated boxes with little treats that are traditional to the holiday; tangerines, fortune cookies, rice crackers, and ginger candies. We studied the New Year cheer to spread joy and good luck to all! Students in the community wrote positive notes and drawings on red envelopes and Ms. Neci gave tangerines! Parents, staff members, and students joined in on the fun! Kung Hai Fat Choy!
Artificial Intelligence and a New Age of Teaching
This week, I ask that you take 10 minutes to read a fascinating article about how AI might impact the future of how we teach writing. It is not my intention to spark a heated debate about the possible consequences of student access to these types of programs, but rather to build the kind of community willing to engage in the intellectual conversation about the future of education. I do hope that articles like these will make you think, wonder, and reflect. How do we reckon our own school experiences and the state of the world 30-40 years ago with the world our kids are living in currently and the one they will face 20 years into the future? How will the 4th industrial revolution impact education? What to we preserve? What do we eliminate? What new practices and curriculum must be designed to prepare our kids for such an uncertain road ahead? For me, it's less about whether or not you agree or disagree with the author and more about how intriguing the subject matter is. Happy reading! Oh, and I've already got a follow article for next week. Thanks Sara Epstein!
Growing Our Own Salad Bar
We are super excited to have these installed and growing lettuce!! Thanks so Ms. Lockwood, Mrs. Stark, and Mrs. Harris for taking on the responsibility for monitoring our towers and designing meaningful curriculum for our students. Also, a big thanks to Cecilie Stuart and the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu for helping us pilot this program.
Theater on the Rise at Webster
The various plays over the course of the year have inspired a number of students to want to write, direct, and act. In fact, the response has been slightly overwhelming. One of the best ways parents can get involved on campus is to volunteer their interests and expertise in a particular area. Adarsha Benjamin to the rescue. I was beginning to wonder how we could keep these plays going without creating chaos or overwhelming the system. Adarsha and I had already spoken about a theater program so I reached out. She met with about 25 kids this week, with the intention of supporting their creativity and helping us organize the multiple productions that are ready to get started. I'm so excited to see where this leads and grateful to Adarsha for giving of her time to help out.
Kudos Indeed
I am sharing this on behalf of a parent, Jen Hudson. I love that not only kids, but parents as well, are noticing the kinds of student thinking and action adding to a positive school culture here at Webster. Thanks for sharing these moments with our community. Keep em' coming!
"Hi Tedd,
Hope you’re well. Wanted to share this photo and give props to Leith (3rd grade). Her friend Susannah is on crutches so they opted to play a catch game at recess where each would have a crutch so that Susannah wouldn’t be left out of the recess fun. They were having a blast and Leith’s kindness and creativity struck me so I asked them if I could snap a photo. I wrote her a Best on the Beach and gave it to Michaele. Kudos to our thoughtful Webster students!"
EVENTS and REMINDERS
Ryder B's Show POSTPONED!!!
Just a heads up that they will be rescheduling some time in February
YOSEMITE: Launch Night for 5th grade families
Webster auditorium
Wednesday, January 25
6:00-7:30p
Enrollment Round-Up Extravaganza
This is a chance for us to communicate to new parents how awesome it is to be at Webster
Thursday, January 26
2:00-3:00p
Please share this sign-up link with prospective families:
PTA "Reflections" Ceremony
Friday, January 27
8:30am
Poet's Park
Parents invited to tour Malibu Middle School
Wednesday, February 1
9:30a
*flyer attached
Report Cards come home
Friday, February 3
Valentine's Day Festivities
Tuesday, February 14
*Students dress up their teachers
*Teachers dress up Tedd
PAJAMA DAY 5.0
Wednesday, February 15
(cereal exploration, blanket fort design, stuffy puppet shows, and so much more!!)
* bed head is mandatory
President's Day
Monday, February 20
School Closed
National Read Across America Day
Thursday, March 2
details to come
Exhibition of Student Learning (DO NOT MISS THIS!)
Thursday, March 30
6:00-7:30pm
(There may also be a daytime visitation...we will let you know)
Update
WEBSTER ELEMENTARY WEEK OF JANUARY 23, 2023
The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu aims to provide a fun, safe, and creative environment for all Malibu youth to thrive, find support through positive mentorship, develop important life skills, and receive social and emotional support. We are currently offering:
BGCM After School Programs Academic Year 2022-2023, ENROLL NOW at BGCMALIBU.ORG Programs include: STEM based projects, arts & crafts, cooking/gardening, social emotional wellness, and more! (Enrollment must be completed and verified via our online electronic system before your child attends BGCM Clubhouses, please allow at least 2 business days for this process).
Johnny Strange Legacy Inspire Skate Program (Jan 11-March 30). 12 week session for grades TK-5th, all skill levels are welcome. $100 fee/per family (new families only) + $600, classes take place each week on Wednesday from 3:30-5:30pm. Fees cannot be prorated based upon usage. Register here. For questions, contact skate@bgcmalibu.org Extremely limited spots available. Kindly allow 2 business days for enrollment verification.
Attention Parents of Teens/Tweens! The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Wellness Center, in partnership with SMMUSD, is hosting a virtual parenting group designed for parents of teens. Join us weekly starting Jan 19th at 7pm for 6 weeks to participate in an interactive series designed to help parents navigate many of the challenges we all face during the teen transformative years. To register, go to: https://bit.ly/BGCMParentingGroup-Jan2023
BGCM in Partnership with City of Malibu NEW enrichment classes for Winter 2023. Registration is open at malibucity.org/register. Classes include Mega Machines, Soccer, and Secret Science Agents. Dates are Jan 10-March 23, 2023. Students do not have to be BGCM members to register.
Wellness Center & Social Support Offerings The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Wellness Center operates remotely and also in-person to provide no-cost social support & mental health counseling to all in the community. Visit https://bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center/ to learn more or to request services for you/your child! PSA: Parents! If you've missed any parent workshops, they are available on our website at https://bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center-resources/
Developing character and growth mindsets is invaluable and will be a major focus of ours here at Webster over the years. As we build community here on campus, at home, and across Malibu, we will continue to model the kind of behavior that promotes unity and kindness. In addition, we will notice and value it in each other.
A Tie Presents Great Opportunities for Creative Problem Solving
Mrs. London's class, hoping to steal the Webster Whale from 3-week champion, Ms. Johnson's class, found themselves all knotted up with a tie this week. I told them they would have to brainstorm solutions for sharing the whale. After so great discussions and a bunch of interesting ideas, they settled on the solution that Ms. Johnson would get to keep the whale, but Mrs. London's class would decorate it and dress it up for the week.
I love it!!!!! Great problem solving.